May
4
Publisher’s Synopsis: “Marriage is the union of two people who arrive at the altar toting some surprisingly large luggage. Often it gets opened right there on the honeymoon, sometimes it waits for the week after. The Bible calls it sin and understanding its influence can make all the difference for a man and woman who are building a life together. When Sinners Say “I Do” is about encountering the life-transforming power of the gospel in the unpredictable journey of marriage.
Dave’s writing style embraces the reader as he speaks honestly, and sometimes humorously, about sin and the power of the gospel to overcome it. He opens the delightful truth of God s word and encourages the reader to see more clearly the glorious picture of what God does when sinners say ‘I do.'”
Nerd Factor: Low
Emmaus Staff Comments: I (Joe) would recommend this book to couples who are working through a marriage situation where one, or both, of the spouses have sinned against the other. In a way, this applies to all married couples, doesn’t it? And for that reason, I would encourage all married couples to read it. But in my opinion, the book would most beneficial to couples in crises – to couples who need to extend grace and mercy to one another in their marriage relationship. The subtitle of the book is, “Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage”, and this indeed is the thrust of the book. We, as Christians, have been forgiven much. Are we not also to extend mercy and grace to one another, especially to our spouses, with whom we have entered in to covenant? The chapter heading are as follows: 1. What Really Matters in Marriage, 2. Waking Up With the Worst of Sinners, 3. The Fog of War and the Law of Sin, 4. Taking it Our for a Spin, 5. Mercy Triumphs over Judgement, 6. Forgiveness, Full and Free, 7. The Surgeon, the Scalpel, and the Spouse in Sin, 8. Stubborn Grace, 9. Concerning Sex, and 10. When Sinners Say Goodbye. The chapter on sex was solid. The chapter on the death of a spouse was a great conclusion to the book. It put everything in to perspective, and was rather moving.
Purchasing Options: Amazon, Monergism Books
Posted in Books Family Marriage Joe Anady
Posted by Joe
May
4
Publisher’s Synopsis: “Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child’s heart into the paths of life. Shepherding a Child’s Heart gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing.”
Nerd Factor: Low
Emmaus Staff Comments: If I could recomend only one book to parents, this would be it.
Purchasing Options: Amazon, Monergism Books
Posted in Books Family Parenting Joe Anady
Posted by Joe
Apr
22
Episode 25 of Emmaus Essentials is ready for you! This episode covers chapter 18 of the confession – Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation. The question under consideration is, can and should a Christian have a sense of assurance (or confidence) concerning their right standing before God?
The confessions summarizes the truth of scripture beautifully noting that a Christian can and should have a sense of assurance. That said, the confession is also sensitive to the fact that, one, some possess a sense assurance though they should not (given that they are not truly trusting in Christ). And two, it is possible for someone who is truly saved to lack a sense of assurance.
The scripture do exhort us to lay hold of this confidence if we are in Christ, and they also instruct us as to how to lay hold of it. Have a listen to learn more!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Joe
Access on:
emmauscf.org/essentials
iTunes
Posted in Study Guides
Posted by Joe
Apr
15
Episode 24 of Emmaus Essentials is up! This episode covers chapter 17 of the confession – Of the Perseverance of the Saints. The question under consideration is, can a Christian be truly saved, and then loose their salvation due to unbelief or sin? Many have struggled with this question. I believe that the confession summarizes the teaching of scripture beautifully.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Joe
Access on:
emmauscf.org/essentials
iTunes
Posted in Emmaus Essentials Doctrine of Salvation Perseverance of the Saints Joe Anady
Posted by Joe
Apr
14
Text: Matt 21:1-11
Sermon notes: emmauscf.org/sermons
1. What is the overarching biblical message of “Passover”? Explain in detail, both the Old Testament practice and Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament.
2. How do you acknowledge and observe Holy Week each year? Share with one another ways to engage oneself and/or ones family during this special and symbolic week.
3. What is the primary purpose and message of the Bible? State in one sentence and discuss.
4. What does “the kingdom inaugurated but not yet consummated” mean and how does it apply to the church? Explain.
5. How are you doing with your struggle with pride? Are you acting in a state of humility as Christ has called us to? Share and pray.
Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Russell Schmidt
Posted by Joe
Mar
25
Episode 21 of Emmaus Essentials is up and ready for you perusal! This episode covers chapter 14 of the Confession on the topic of saving faith. Three truths are explored: The origin and development of faith, the basis and definition of faith, and the nature of true faith.
Enjoy!
Pastor Joe
Access on:
emmauscf.org/essentials
iTunes
Posted in Emmaus Essentials Doctrine of Salvation Faith
Posted by Joe
Mar
24
Bible Text: Psalm 51
1. When you sin, have you learned to repent and run to God? Or do you struggle with shame and hiding from God as Adam and Eve did? Share and explain.
2. In the case of David, one sin leads to a series of other sins, as he attempted to cover his sins rather than repent and confess. Have you seen this progression in your life? Why do we often try to cover our sins rather than confess and repent?
3. According to Psalm 51, what are the appropriate biblical steps to proper repentance? Discuss. See sermon notes at emmauscf.org/sermons
4. Have you recently reflected on what Christ has truly done for us on the cross? Or have you grown slack in daily confessing, repenting, and trusting? Share.
5. What is the most profound thing you learn in Psalm 51 when looking at David’s repentance? Why? Share.
Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Russell Schmidt
Posted by Joe
Mar
17
Episode 20 of Emmaus Essentials is up! This episode covers chapters 12 & 13 of the Confession on the topics of adoption and sanctification. The doctrine of adoption is indeed a beautiful one! Here we explore the fact of our adoption in Christ, along with the blessings and result of it. Understanding sanctification is helpful in a practical way. Here we answer the question, what is sanctification? and also discuss the difference between positional and personal sanctification. I hope you are strengthened and encouraged by the teaching!
Pastor Joe
Access on:
emmauscf.org/essentials
iTunes
Posted in Emmaus Essentials Confession of Faith Salvation Joe Anady
Posted by Joe
