Week 37 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

1. Kempis writes in chapter 46, that we can take criticism too seriously if we care too much what other people think of us. We need to carefully examine our reaction, to make sure that we are not so deeply offended because of our own vain desire to please other people. (Day 254)
2. Kempis wrote that when we bad mouth other, we “imitate the devil.” Yet he advises us in chapter 46 to “not be disturbed,” when others direct this behavior to you–even if the charges are “unjust.” Is this fair? (Day 255)
3. Are you seeking Christ from the comfort of your easy lifestyle? If your lifestyle is too easy, it may obscure the path to follow Christ. (Day 256 and 257)
4. Rev. Dibdin’s assured us that God will ease our distress in this life. Have you found this assurance to be true in your experiences? (Day 258)

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.[1. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide.]

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Book 3 , Chapter 46 : Trust in God Against Slander (September 11, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 47 : Every Trial Must Be Borne for the Sake of Eternal Life (September 14, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Challoner’s Reflections[2. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ] on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

Week 36 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

1. In chapter 44, Kempis writes, “Behold, we bewail a temporal loss. We labor and fret for a small gain, while loss of the soul is forgotten and scarcely ever returns to mind.” Do you spend more time chasing the temporary things of this world (including life in your earthly body) than you do on your eternal soul? Why? (Day 247)
2. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” Do you agree? (Day 248)
3. In chapter 45, Kempis writes, “Rare is the friend who remains faithful through all his friend’s distress. But You, Lord, and You alone, are entirely faithful in all things; other than You, there is none so faithful.” Who is your most faithful friend or relative? How does this person’s reliability compare to the faithfulness of God? (Day 250)
4. Do you agree with Kempis, where he wrote in chapter 45, “Every man, on the other hand, is a liar, weak, unstable, and likely to err…” See Romans 3:4 (WEB). “Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar.” (Day 250)

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.[1. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide.]

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Book 3 , Chapter 44 : Do Not Be Concerned About Outward Things (September 4, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 45 : All Men Are Not to Be Believed, for It Is Easy to Err in Speech (September 7, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Challoner’s Reflections[2. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ] on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

Week 26 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

1. This week’s Latin lesson is “Elige paupertatem” (Prefer Poverty). Kemplis wrote in THE LITTLE KEMPIS, “Prefer poverty and simplicity; then you will be content with a little, and not so easily complain.” Can you think of any instance in modern society in which this saying woud have meaning? (Day 176)
2. In Chapter 22, Kempis urges contentment with what God has provided, however meager. Speaking of God, Kempis wrote, “You are to be praised in all things. You know what is good for each of us; and why one should receive less and another more is not for us to judge, but for You Who have marked every man’s merits.” (Day 177)
3. More Latin from THE LITTLE KEMPIS: “Magnus qui minimus. (Great is He That is Least). It is a great gift of God to be poor in this world for Christ, and to hold the lowest seat. Swelling pride seeks the highest seat. The devil always entices to the highest seats, to pursue honors, and to hold others in contempt but the devil soon retreats after his brief season of authority. Consider the smallest favors of great worth, and you will be worthy to receive the greatest.” (Day 178)
4. Kempis wrote in chapter 23, their are four things that bring great peace:
   (i) Do the will of others rather than your own.
   (ii) Always choose to have less rather than more.
   (iii) Look always for the last place and seek to be beneath all others.
   (vi) Always wish and pray that the will of God be fully carried out in you.
   How many items on this list do you agree with? (Day 180)

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.[1. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide.]

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Book 3 , Chapter 22 : Remember the Innumerable Gifts of God (June 26, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 23 : Four Things Which Bring Great Peace (June 29, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Challoner’s Reflections[2. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ] on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes: