Week 52 : Imitate Christ, Christian Mens Breakfast

Week 52 Discussion Notes:1

  1. In Chapter 16, Kempis reminds us that God knows everything about us. We come to him in prayer for comfort and relief. Does the fact that God knows everything about you give you comfort or cause you concern? (Day 358 & 363)
  2. The Roman Catholic Church and many other denominations and church groups specify that fermented (alcoholic) wine be used in Holy Communion. However, many churches either permit or require the use of non-alcoholic wine–grape juice. (Day 361)
  3. In Chapter 17, Kempis proclaims the importance of our giving God all of our praise. Is this approach practical or appropriate in today’s society? (Day 362 & 363)
  4. In the final chapter of the Imitation of Christ, Kempis wrote, it is a mistake to assume a human mind will be able to fully understand God, or the Holy Communion. Scrutinizing the sacrament too closely inevitably leads to doubt, rather than a greater understanding. (Day 365)

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 16 : We Should Show Our Needs to Christ and Ask His Grace (December 24, 2012)
  2. Book 4 , Chapter 17 : The Burning Love and Strong Desire to Receive Christ (December 27, 2012)
  3. Book 4 , Chapter 18 : Man Should Not Scrutinize This Sacrament in Curiosity, But Humbly Imitate Christ and Submit Reason to Holy Faith (December 31, 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

Week 51: Christian Mens Breakfast: Imitate Christ

Birth Of Jesus
Gustave Doré: The Birth Of Jesus (1866)

Week 51 Discussion Notes:1

  1. Some churches and denominations have historically celebrated “the Lords Supper” or “Agape Meal” as a related, but separate event from the Eucharist. Do you find any compelling Biblical reason for this practice? (Day 351)
  2. In Chapter 15, Kempis further recommends the importance of devotion to Christ. What are are some Biblical examples of devotion? How does your personal devotion to God compare? (Day 353 & 355)
  3. Some communion “bread” bears little resemblance to what we usually think of as “bread.” What type of bread is appropriate for the Eucharist? Does the Bible give us any direction? (Day 356)
  4. People have argued for centuries about the origins of our Christmas holiday and it’s customs. It’s been said that Christians ought not be faulted so much for stealing the pagans’ holiday, as for letting the pagans steal their holiday back. In fact, atheists and pop culture have managed to create a “winter holiday,” formerly known as Christmas, that is completely independent of any real reference to the birth of Jesus Christ. (Day 359)

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 14 : The Ardent Longing of Devout Men for the Body of Christ (December 18, 2012)
  2. Book 4 , Chapter 15 : The Grace of Devotion is Acquired Through Humility and Self-Denial (December 21, 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

Christian Mens Breakfast: Imitate Christ

Week 50 Discussion Notes:1

  1. Should we construe Christ’s Words in John 13:14-15 as instructions to wash one another’s feet, in as similar manner as we partake of Holy Communion? (Day 344)
    If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.   [15]  For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you
  2. Kempis wrote in Chapter 12 of Book 4 of The Imitation of Christ that one must prepare one’s heart for Christ, as one would prepare one’s home for an honored guest. How do you prepare for guests? How do you prepare your heart for Communion? (Day 345 & 346)
  3. What role, if any, should the church take in determining who is permitted to partake of Holy Communion? (Day 347)
  4. Have you ever refrained from assisting another person on the grounds that you did not want to get involved, or were afraid of possible negative consequences
    arising from your assistance? If so, were you justified, in view of the the parable of the good Samaritan? Are you ever justified in refraining from rendering assistance, when doing so seems dangerous or foolish? (Day 350)

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 12 : The Communicant Should Prepare Himself for Christ with Great Care (December 11, 2012)
  2. Book 4 , Chapter 13 : With All Her Heart the Devout Soul Should Desire Union with Christ in the Sacrement (December 14, 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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