What are others saying about the class?
The readings during the class, the presentation of the material by Alex, Brian and Michael, and the discussions added new twists and fresh thoughts to consider. I think one of the best indicators of the fruitfulness of this course was that, together, we witnessed change in our thought-life and behavior. Often at the beginning of class, one or several people would share a circumstance from the week that highlighted what was discussed during a previous session, and how he or she responded differently (or recognized that he or she should have responded differently!). I definitely saw a change in myself, and I highly recommend the course.
What is Jessie Cisewski talking about?
The Gospel-Centered Life class taught by Alex Kirk and Brian Wilcox, with assistance by Randy Russell and Michael Gaffigan. Beginning Sunday, January 29, at 11:05 in room 255, Alex Kirk and Brian Wilcox will lead a class using the curriculum, The Gospel-Centered Life.
Who is the class for? Those who want to better understand what a relationship with Christ Jesus means, as well as those who want a greater depth to their daily relationship with Christ Jesus. The class focuses on three main questions:
What is the gospel?
What does the gospel do in us?
How does the gospel work through us?
What can you expect from the class?
For Paul Gramann, it was the connection with the worship service teaching, and a genuineness of discussion in the class. The Gospel Centered Life class was a great compliment to Jay's gospel centered preaching. It was taught by real people with real stories to real people with real stories, all of us processing how the gospel works out in our daily lives. Brian and Alex were fun to listen to and the class discussions and small group times were all helpful to me as I wrestle to personalize the gospel in my own life.
Expect to be challenged; expect struggle as everyone in the class learns more clearly how to depend on Christ Jesus each and every day; expect lively discussion, expect group leaders who need Jesus, and will share their struggles, sins and weaknesses; and finally, expect the Holy Spirit to be the one ultimately responsible for the growth of participants and the dynamics of the class itself. Valarie Zeithaml notes that the class gave us an opportunity to explore life's challenges in a Christian way. Each week, we tackled a topic--forgiveness, repentance, conflict--first within the context of scripture and then within the context of our daily lives. We shared openly, allowing me to express myself and also to learn other's views.
The Gospel-Centered Life is a class designed to help you understand what the gospel is and how it shapes every aspect of your life. Through scripture, articles, prayer, thoughtful questions and discussion, a gospel-centered life is revealed to be about more than recruiting people to come to church. It is about learning how to be transformed each and every day by Christ Jesus. As Lisa Gramann notes, One of the most interesting results of this study is that I am paying more attention to the "conversations in my head," (a phrase I love and have now stolen from Alex), and am more freely able to invite the Lord into them and deal with my own sin and selfishness, and more easily (not perfectly) extend grace and forgiveness to those with whom I'm having these "conversations." The topics in The Gospel Centered Life have gently yet firmly encouraged me to address, understand, and allow the Lord to work in my shortcomings (OK- sin) out of His love for me, not out of the condemnation I deserve. To be in conversation about the discussion topics with others just like me from all ages and ethnicities within the class was an unexpected, pleasant benefit. I feel more connected to the church family, because I know a few more people that I may not have met otherwise.
The Gospel-Centered Life helps you better understand the gospel and apply it to your life. Discipleship is discussed as more than a theoretical construct. The Gospel-Centered Life is a good beginning for understanding what it means to be a Christian leader. The curriculum aids you in exploring whether the gospel’s DNA is evident in your day to day interactions. This curriculum gives you the tools to discern whether it is the gospel or the swirling winds of the world that is forming you as a person. The Gospel-Centered Life will leave you with the means to follow Christ not only inside the church but outside, too. Like Jessie and Valarie and many others, Mike Tripp found the class to be a help in his walk. I am HUGELY thankful for the power punch of the “I cannot forgive as Christ has already forgiven everyone", and it is everyone’s when they believe. It is great to have a curriculum that is powerful in the discussions it has provoked, and encouraging in how it can spur on such transparency. Brian Wilcox's transparency was HUGE. Alex's powerful truths on forgiveness and our place IN CHRIST was the most TRANSFORMING. This class was a great place to have a transformation in the mind-both in the thought life, and in the emotional life.
Regardless of where you are in your journey, we believe you will find opportunity to grow in faith in Christ by participating in The Gospel-Centered Life class.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12