Mary Harwell Sayler's Blog: In a Christian Writer's Life, page 22
May 5, 2017
The New City Catechism Devotional
What do Christians truly believe and why? Do those beliefs differ as much as we suppose? The New City Catechism Devotional book, which Crossway kindly sent me to review, reminds us that we’re in agreement more often than we might think.
Edited by Collin Hansen, the book's Introduction by Timothy Keller laments the loss of catechesis in most churches, many of whom outline their beliefs in “statements of faith.” But is this enough? As the intro explains:
“Catechisms were written with at least three purposes. The first was to set forth a comprehensive exposition of the gospel – not only in order to explain clearly what the gospel is, but also to lay out the building blocks on which the gospel is based, such as the biblical doctrines of God, of human nature, of sin, and so forth. The second purpose was to do this exposition in such a way that the heresies, errors, and false beliefs of the time and culture were addressed and counteracted. The third and more pastoral purpose was to form a distinct people, a counterculture that reflected the likeness of Christ not only in individual character but also in the church’s communal life.”
In presenting a new catechism, “The New City Catechism is based on and adapted from Calvin’s Geneva Catechism, the Westminster Shorter and Larger catechisms, and especially the Heidelberg Catechism.”
This book differs, however, in that “The New City Catechism consists of fifty-two questions and answers, so the easiest way to use it is to memorize one question and answer each week of the year.”
Although you can do this alone, you’re encouraged to work with another Christian, your family, or a church group as you discuss the questions, quiz one another, and apply to your life these three areas of faith :
Part 1: God, Creation and Fall, Law (Questions 1-20)
Part 2. Christ, Redemption, Grace ( Questions 21-35)
Part 3: Spirit, Restoration, Growing in Grace (Questions 36-52)
In each section, pages begin with a question, relevant scripture, and commentary by contemporary and classic writers ranging from John Piper and Timothy Keller to Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and more with the back of the book providing brief bios on each.
Since I’m an ecumenical Christian who often thinks, “Can’t we all just get along?” the idea of this book greatly appealed to me. As I read the questions and answers, I saw that most Christians will likely agree with the responses to all but a very few.
For instance, Question 27 may leave some uncertain about their salvation, whereas Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and some Protestants will take issue with Question 43, “What are the sacraments or ordinances?” and Question 47, “What is the Lord’s Supper?”
I mention these differences in perspectives, not to point out what divides us, but to show how very few things do! The more we know this, the more apt we’ll be to show respect to other sincere Christians who have a different understanding than ours of what certain scriptures mean. The more we listen to each other, the more accepting we’ll be. The more accepting, the greater the strength and love in us becomes visible and winsome to the whole world.
Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2017, reviewer and poet-writer of the new book PRAISE!
The New City Catechism Devotional, hardback
…
Edited by Collin Hansen, the book's Introduction by Timothy Keller laments the loss of catechesis in most churches, many of whom outline their beliefs in “statements of faith.” But is this enough? As the intro explains:
“Catechisms were written with at least three purposes. The first was to set forth a comprehensive exposition of the gospel – not only in order to explain clearly what the gospel is, but also to lay out the building blocks on which the gospel is based, such as the biblical doctrines of God, of human nature, of sin, and so forth. The second purpose was to do this exposition in such a way that the heresies, errors, and false beliefs of the time and culture were addressed and counteracted. The third and more pastoral purpose was to form a distinct people, a counterculture that reflected the likeness of Christ not only in individual character but also in the church’s communal life.”
In presenting a new catechism, “The New City Catechism is based on and adapted from Calvin’s Geneva Catechism, the Westminster Shorter and Larger catechisms, and especially the Heidelberg Catechism.”
This book differs, however, in that “The New City Catechism consists of fifty-two questions and answers, so the easiest way to use it is to memorize one question and answer each week of the year.”
Although you can do this alone, you’re encouraged to work with another Christian, your family, or a church group as you discuss the questions, quiz one another, and apply to your life these three areas of faith :
Part 1: God, Creation and Fall, Law (Questions 1-20)
Part 2. Christ, Redemption, Grace ( Questions 21-35)
Part 3: Spirit, Restoration, Growing in Grace (Questions 36-52)
In each section, pages begin with a question, relevant scripture, and commentary by contemporary and classic writers ranging from John Piper and Timothy Keller to Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and more with the back of the book providing brief bios on each.
Since I’m an ecumenical Christian who often thinks, “Can’t we all just get along?” the idea of this book greatly appealed to me. As I read the questions and answers, I saw that most Christians will likely agree with the responses to all but a very few.
For instance, Question 27 may leave some uncertain about their salvation, whereas Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and some Protestants will take issue with Question 43, “What are the sacraments or ordinances?” and Question 47, “What is the Lord’s Supper?”
I mention these differences in perspectives, not to point out what divides us, but to show how very few things do! The more we know this, the more apt we’ll be to show respect to other sincere Christians who have a different understanding than ours of what certain scriptures mean. The more we listen to each other, the more accepting we’ll be. The more accepting, the greater the strength and love in us becomes visible and winsome to the whole world.
Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2017, reviewer and poet-writer of the new book PRAISE!
The New City Catechism Devotional, hardback
…
April 17, 2017
Jesus Christ is Risen indeed!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Christ our Lord
is risen
in each of us each day,
and neither gravity
nor a cruel grave
can keep us down.
by Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2017, from her book of prayers, poems, and contemporary psalms, PRAISE! published by Cladach Publishing
…
Christ our Lord
is risen
in each of us each day,
and neither gravity
nor a cruel grave
can keep us down.
by Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2017, from her book of prayers, poems, and contemporary psalms, PRAISE! published by Cladach Publishing
…
April 15, 2017
Blog - Mary Harwell Sayler
Blog - Mary Harwell Sayler:
May God bless your Easter worship, and may this poem bring joy and unity in Christ Jesus.
'via Blog this'
May God bless your Easter worship, and may this poem bring joy and unity in Christ Jesus.
'via Blog this'
April 12, 2017
Why I murdered Jesus - Mary Harwell Sayler
Why I murdered Jesus - Mary Harwell Sayler:
I woke up with the title of an unwritten poem in my head: "Why I murdered Jesus." After writing that down, other lines followed into a prose poem for the last days of Lent, the week of Christ's passion. May God bless your reading.
'via Blog this'
I woke up with the title of an unwritten poem in my head: "Why I murdered Jesus." After writing that down, other lines followed into a prose poem for the last days of Lent, the week of Christ's passion. May God bless your reading.
'via Blog this'
April 10, 2017
Jesus Journey
With the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary as His parents, Jesus became a unique person – fully human and fully God. In the Jesus Journey, which Zondervan kindly sent me to review, pastor-author Trent Sheppard presents the human side of Jesus in a reader-friendly, conversational way that helps us relate to Jesus by demonstrating how much and how often Jesus relates to us, particularly in these five areas:
“Part 1, ‘Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,’ focuses on Jesus’ family life with special attention given to the unique relationship he had with his mother.
Part 2, ‘Jesus and Abba,” looks at the remarkable way Jesus interacted with God – intimate, compelling, and controversial all at once.
Part 3, ‘Jesus and His Friends,’ explores the journey of discipleship that Jesus shared with those who knew him best, his friends and followers.
Part 4, ‘Blood, Sweat, and Tears,’ considers the crucifixion, reflecting on Jesus’ trust and determination in the face of confusion, fear, and pain.
Part 5, ‘Breakfast on the Beach,’ is all about the bodily resurrection of Jesus, what it means for us now and for the future.”
Beginning with scripture, each chapter has a reflection followed by a call to “Ponder, Pray, Practice.”
The idea to keep in mind and spirit, however, is this: “we can come to Jesus with our messy, broken, sinful lives because Jesus knows how hard it is to be human, because he knows obedience is a battle.”
If this is news to you and, especially, good news for you, the Jesus Journey will take you on a journey you’ll want to explore.
Mary Harwell Sayler, reviewer
Jesus Journey, paperback
…
“Part 1, ‘Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,’ focuses on Jesus’ family life with special attention given to the unique relationship he had with his mother.
Part 2, ‘Jesus and Abba,” looks at the remarkable way Jesus interacted with God – intimate, compelling, and controversial all at once.
Part 3, ‘Jesus and His Friends,’ explores the journey of discipleship that Jesus shared with those who knew him best, his friends and followers.
Part 4, ‘Blood, Sweat, and Tears,’ considers the crucifixion, reflecting on Jesus’ trust and determination in the face of confusion, fear, and pain.
Part 5, ‘Breakfast on the Beach,’ is all about the bodily resurrection of Jesus, what it means for us now and for the future.”
Beginning with scripture, each chapter has a reflection followed by a call to “Ponder, Pray, Practice.”
The idea to keep in mind and spirit, however, is this: “we can come to Jesus with our messy, broken, sinful lives because Jesus knows how hard it is to be human, because he knows obedience is a battle.”
If this is news to you and, especially, good news for you, the Jesus Journey will take you on a journey you’ll want to explore.
Mary Harwell Sayler, reviewer
Jesus Journey, paperback
…
April 3, 2017
Trying to keep my eyes on Jesus - with or without clouds
The life of a Christian poet-writer is often clouded with interruptions and disturbances – some desirable, some not!
After a wonderful sisters’ cruise to the Bahamas in mid-March, I came home with a head cold aka sinus infection, both of which kept my eyes looking behind me as I tried to move forward and catch up.
Then, the very day my book of contemporary psalms and free verse poems PRAISE! was to be released by Cladach Publishing, my computer refused to work in total disregard of my plans for promotionals.
As soon as a new keyboard solved my pc problem, I resolved to blab about my book all over the Internet – a smart marketing approach for Christian poets and writers who hope people will actually read what they have written.
New book….
Fun time with siblings….
Head cold….
Fritzed keyboard….
Each caught my attention. Each clouded my focus, and yet each drew me back to prayer and a greater appreciation of the Lord in my life.
Praise the Lord for keeping life lively!
Praise the Lord for scriptures that draw us closer to Christ.
Praise God for speaking to and through us in what we’ve been given to write:
Cloud bank
Around us a cloud –
witnesses
of the faith –
and our faith rising
like cloud wisps
forming Jesus’ face –
a reminder of The One
toward Whom we run
as we leave behind
all hindrances –
obstructions, interruptions –
and open our own
luggage
to be searched by none
but Christ on the throne.
by Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2017, poet-writer who based the above on Hebrews 12:1-2, today’s Bible verse in a variety of translations from Bible Gateway
…
March 6, 2017
The Poetry Editor and Poetry: Communion of Saints: poems by Susan L. Miller
The Poetry Editor and Poetry: Communion of Saints: poems by Susan L. Miller:
In Communion of Saints from Paraclete Press, who kindly sent me a copy to review, poet Susan L. Miller writes of present-day people who reflect saintly individuals of the past.
'via Blog this'
In Communion of Saints from Paraclete Press, who kindly sent me a copy to review, poet Susan L. Miller writes of present-day people who reflect saintly individuals of the past.
'via Blog this'
January 30, 2017
January 25, 2017
Relearning how to think
The Bible encourages us to have the mind of Christ, but how does that happen? How do we trade dark thoughts for light or exchange ill thoughts for good?
Effective change comes about through the grace of God, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless our own choices and actions have a part in this too. For example, Philippians 4:8 tells us what we can do to reshape and reform our thinking as this prayer-a-phrase will hopefully show:
From now on,
think about
what’s actually true –
which may require research,
study, and an open mind –
free of prejudice to find out.
From now on, notice
whatever is honorable –
and honestly worthy
of time and attention.
From now on, think about
whatever is just –
right, fair, equal, unbiased.
From now on, be attentive
to whatever is pure –
as shown by pure motives,
selflessness, and empathy
toward others.
From now on, contemplate
whatever is lovely –
beautiful sounds in psalms,
poetry, prayer, music –
beautiful art and religious icons
with which to meditate –
beautiful variety in God's creation.
From now on, put your thoughts on
whatever is commendable –
of good repute, of good report –
of Good News.
Finally, if you see any
excellence anywhere,
anything worthy of praise,
think about those things –
dwell on the excellent,
inhabit the virtuous,
live in God’s praise.
Philippians 4:8 prayer-a-phrased by Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2017, using translations found on Bible Gateway
…
Effective change comes about through the grace of God, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless our own choices and actions have a part in this too. For example, Philippians 4:8 tells us what we can do to reshape and reform our thinking as this prayer-a-phrase will hopefully show:
From now on,
think about
what’s actually true –
which may require research,
study, and an open mind –
free of prejudice to find out.
From now on, notice
whatever is honorable –
and honestly worthy
of time and attention.
From now on, think about
whatever is just –
right, fair, equal, unbiased.
From now on, be attentive
to whatever is pure –
as shown by pure motives,
selflessness, and empathy
toward others.
From now on, contemplate
whatever is lovely –
beautiful sounds in psalms,
poetry, prayer, music –
beautiful art and religious icons
with which to meditate –
beautiful variety in God's creation.
From now on, put your thoughts on
whatever is commendable –
of good repute, of good report –
of Good News.
Finally, if you see any
excellence anywhere,
anything worthy of praise,
think about those things –
dwell on the excellent,
inhabit the virtuous,
live in God’s praise.
Philippians 4:8 prayer-a-phrased by Mary Harwell Sayler, © 2017, using translations found on Bible Gateway
…
January 23, 2017
Guidelines for WEN/FFWA Writing Competition
Guidelines for WEN/FFWA Writing Competition:
I've chaired the poetry category for many years and am honored to work with Writers-Editors.com, who sponsors this well-run writing contest.
'via Blog this'
I've chaired the poetry category for many years and am honored to work with Writers-Editors.com, who sponsors this well-run writing contest.
'via Blog this'
In a Christian Writer's Life
Discusses the Bible, Christianity, the church in all of its parts as the Body of Christ, and the work and play of a Christian writer. For discussions on poetry, see my blog the Poetry Editor & Poetry
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