From One Degree to Another

I’m very grateful for the work and ministry of Elyse Fitzpatrick.  Our Elders have been helped as she encourages readers to Counsel From The Cross.  As I’m preaching through Romans, her devotional book has brought great Gospel vision to my understanding of God’s heart.  Her latest book Good News for Weary Women helps women find hope in the liberating message of the Gospel.  I had the chance to ask Elyse three questions about her latest book and here’s how she answered…

1) When you are writing for weary women, who are the women you anticipate serving through this particular project?

“In writing to weary women I primarily anticipate serving women who are serious about their faith and who listen very carefully when they hear messages about what they should be doing to fulfill what they believe is their calling. Of course, women who are not terribly concerned about what God wants them to do are weary also, but they aren’t my primary audience. And yes, of course, they need to know about the good news of God’s love for them in Christ, but they aren’t my principle audience.”

2) How can even good, religious activity slowly drive women into a state of weariness (why do church-going women need the Gospel message)?

“Women who go to church are inundated with the message of “do more, try harder,” and although there are commands they should heed in the Bible, what they are to do is not the foremost message of the Bible. The foremost message of the Bible is what Jesus has already done for them. Unfortunately, many women have been taught (and we all by nature believe) that what we need are the three secret steps to happiness, so we listen carefully hoping to find the secret keys that will unlock a life of contented bliss. We know and acknowledge the gospel, but we think it’s for unsaved folks and beginners. We think we’ve matured past it…and it’s that deception that wears us out.”

3) What is the good news for weary women?

“The good news for weary women is that Jesus, in His incarnation, sinless life, shameful death, bodily resurrection and ascension has done everything that needed to be done for his daughters, and that we can rest in this work He’s done and serve our neighbor out of the love that has already been bestowed on us. The good news is that we can finally stop looking at ourselves, seeing if we measure up, and begin to look at Him, knowing that He measured up in our place.”

So, I hope this post and these questions help to deepen your longing for the message of first importance – the glorious Gospel.  And, I hope you’ll take advantage of this amazing resource, Good News for Weary Women, and find encouragement through Elyse’s message.