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Week 44 : Imitate Christ, Christian Mens Breakfast

Week 44 Discussion Notes:1

  1. Week 44 begins with Book Four of The Imitation of Christ: “An Invitation to Holy Communion.” Some readers may be surprised that Goodwin (a nineteenth century Bishop in the Church of England) could not find very much to offend Protestants in the treatment which Thomas à Kempis (a medieval Roman Catholic monk) gives the subject of the Eucharist. (Day 301)
  2. The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church provides guidance for preparation for Communion. How do you prepare to receive Holy Communion? (Day 302)
  3. In chapter 1, Kempis argues that many people take Communion lightly, because it is offered so often. Do you agree? Is the solution to offer Holy Communion less frequently? (Day 304)
  4. Rev. Dibdin preached that the act of Holy Communion is primarily about our communion with Jesus Christ. All other trappings of the sacrament–the clergy, the bread, and the wine–are really of secondary importance. (Day 305).

The Christian Mens Breakfast group meets this Saturday and (almost) every other Saturday at a local restaurant in Davie, FL. Call Tom Truex, or use the CONTACT tab at K-Line.ORG to get more information.

Our discussion will focus on the Chapters listed below, from The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis.2

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Book 4 , Chapter 1 : The Great Reverence With Which We Should Receive Christ (October 30, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Challoner’s Reflections3 on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

  1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide ↩
  2. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide. ↩
  3. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ↩

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New book: IMITATE CHRIST, by Tom Truex

(Davie, Florida)

In about the year 1418 AD, a humble monk named Thomas à Kempis wrote a book called, The Imitation of Christ. In the 600 years since then, that book has been the second most widely read religious book in the world – second only to the Bible.

Every week the discussion questions for the Davie Christian Mens’ Breakfast are posted on this blOg. Tom Truex and the Saturday morning Bible study group are finishing a one year study of Thomas à Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ. All of the study notes, including the complete text of The Imitation of Christ, are arranged in a study guide and daily devotional, and renamed, Imitate Christ. It is now available, in print and ebook version. Follow the link at ImitateChrist.ORG.

Imitate Christ is a daily devotional, including the complete text of The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, and many selections drawn from his lessor known writings, such as Instructions for Religious; Moments with the Consoling Christ; Prayers and Meditations; and “The Little Kempis.”

Special features ONLY in this edition:

  • Complete text of Bible references.
  • Commentary–helps in personal devotion and group study.
  • Comprehensive text and heavily annotated—578 pages and over 1150 references and footnotes
  • Expanded index–useful in selecting a devotion for a particular topic or Bible verse
  • Weekly summaries and reviews
  • Large, easy to read print
  • FREE additional resources and information at ImitateChrist.ORG
If you’ve never heard of or read The Imitation of Christ, don’t feel bad. The book has fallen out of favor in recent years because the values it promotes are on the decline as well: honor, humility, sacrifice, and service to others (to name just a few).

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Week 43 : Imitate Christ, Christian Mens Breakfast

Week 43 Discussion Notes:1

  1. Kempis wrote in INSTRUCTIONS FOR RELIGIOUS, “When you become too curious, or covet what you do not possess, you risk your soul. For the sake of Christ, be satisfied with plain clothing and simple food. Don’t chase after the shiny new things this world offers. Christ loves a pure heart, not what fancy or expensive clothes you wear.” But, isn’t this just the kind of talk that scares people away from wanting to be Christian? (Day 295)
  2. In chapter 58, Kempis cautioned us to not over-analyze those things which are known only to the God of the Universe. How do you reconcile this advice with the natural desire to discover what is unknown? (Days 295 through 297)
  3. One of Satan’s tricks to to try to make us question God’s judgment. Should we follow God, even when we do not understand Him. (Days 296 & 297)
  4. Kempis wrote in Chapter 59 that we can trust ALL of our hopes and troubles to God. Would you rather substitue the word “MOST” for “ALL?” (Day 299)

The Christian Mens Breakfast group meets this Saturday and (almost) every other Saturday at a local restaurant in Davie, FL. Call Tom Truex, or use the CONTACT tab at K-Line.ORG to get more information.

Our discussion will focus on the Chapters listed below, from The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis.2

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Book 3 , Chapter 58 : High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized (October 23, 2012)
  2. Book 3 , Chapter 59 : All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed In God Alone (October 26, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Challoner’s Reflections3 on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

  1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide ↩
  2. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide. ↩
  3. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ↩

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