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New book: IMITATE CHRIST, by Tom Truex

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(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).


Week 43 : Imitate Christ, Christian Mens Breakfast

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Week 43 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

  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.[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 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 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 42 : Imitate Christ, Christian Mens Breakfast

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Week 42 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

  1. In Chapter 56, Kempis discusses Jesus’ promise, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) Many people who don’t follow Jesus Christ will tell you THEY know the way, the truth — and even have a life — without Christ. What’s our response to be? (Days 288 & 289)
  2. Kempis wrote in Chapter 56, from Christ’s point of view, “If you wish to reign with Me, carry the Cross with Me. For only the servants of the Cross find the life of blessedness and of true light.” Does Kempis mean there is value in suffering? If so, do you agree? (Day 290)
  3. Are you a fair weather Christian? That is, do you remain firm in your walk with Christ during good times; but fall into doubt and despair when the trouble is unexpected or lasts for a long time? (Day 291)
  4. In the God ordained institution of marriage, a man and a woman grow closer in their relationship by both the good things and the bad things in this life. How is our relationship with God the same? (Day 293)

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 56 : We Ought to Deny Ourselves and Imitate Christ Through Bearing the Cross (October 16, 2012)
  2. Book 3 , Chapter 57 : A Man Should Not Be Too Downcast When He Falls Into Defects (October 19, 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: