Living The Cross Centered Life
There may be no greater honor for a minister of the Word than this: his ministry has become nearly synonymous with the cross of Jesus Christ. His ministry has led people to the cross not just once, but time and again as they have come to reflect on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ death. They have been led to see that “the cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled, but we have to get near enough for its sparks to fall on us.” Such has been the case with C.J. Mahaney. When I post a reflection on the cross it is not unusual for people to tell me or to comment on this site that they are now going to go and re-read The Cross Centered Life or listen to some of the cross-focused songs on the album Songs for the Cross Centered Life. His ministry is marked by a passion for leading people near enough to the cross that its sparks can fall on us.
I recently received an email from a person claiming to be a Christian, yet one who does not believe in Jesus. I was shocked. How could a person call himself by the name of Christ, yet not believe in Him? This person wanted to help me experience the power of God in my life, yet without Jesus Christ. That is impossible! Without the cross there is no Christianity. Without the cross we have no hope, no salvation. The cross stands at the very center of our faith and even at the very center of human history. We would be nothing without it.
The focus of those who love the Lord should be constantly upon the cross. Living the Cross Centered Life combines two of Mahaney’s books (The Cross Centered Life and Christ Our Mediator) with new material. This book provides a passionate, biblical reflection upon the cross and encouragement for living a life that will be centered upon the gospel, for this is what we all need to regard as the main thing.
Mahaney delights in the cross. The reader will only be able to conclude that the cross is what motivates his life and his ministry. His enthusiasm, his desire, his love for the gospel message in infectious. Always focused on the truths of Scripture, Mahaney draws the reader back to the very center and focus of the Christian faith. The reader will be given much grounds for rejoicing and much grounds for deeper, prayerful reflection. The reader will be led near to the cross where he can experience the power of the Son of God. He will learn the need for the cross, the power of the cross and the wonderful benefits that have been extended to us because of the cross. He will learn why this cross stands at the center of our faith and why we must always hold it there.
And so I commend this book to you. If you have not yet read The Cross Centered Life this is your opportunity to read it blended with Christ Our Mediator. Mahaney recommends that each Christian read at least one book about the cross each year. This is your opportunity to read that book while the year is still young. Read it, learn the message and worship at the foot of the cross. Your life may never be the same.
Comments (13) »
1. Ochuk
February 8, 2006
10:43 AM
I’ve given this book to the guys who graduate from our treatment center and have been told that it was very refreshing.
It helps people get a proper balance of God’s love, our sin, His grace, and our status before God.
I still find myself often thinking of its themes long after I read it.
2. Chris Giammona
February 8, 2006
11:00 AM
Tim
I would also highly recommend this book. Here is a thought that some of my friends & i have been discussing. Where does the resurrection fit into all of the discussion around the “cross”.
I remember that John MacArthur wrote a paper many years ago titled “Don’t forget the Resurrection”.
The thought being that the “gospel” takes into account the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. While the cross only focuses on his death - though many would say that the cross is symbolic of his entire life and death. Paul, in Philippians, says that he wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and in other passages he references the cross.
We are not really going anywhere with this discussion other than to think through how to best convey the whole message of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Maybe the “gospel” is a better term to encompass the whole picture.
Chris
3. Andrew Moody
February 8, 2006
12:31 PM
Chris has a good point, but it needs to be taken a step further. We must focus on the cross, the resurrection, and the ascension. All these (including an entire life of active obedience) come together to form one work of salvation.
Colossians 1:19-23 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Grace and Peace, Andrew
4. KB
February 8, 2006
1:19 PM
The first time I ready Mahaney’s book was a pivotal time for me when I was developing the faith of an adult and learning not to rely on a parent’s faith for strength.
The Cross Centered Life clearly pointed out to me how much I’d viewed the gospel and salvation as a one time event that afterwards becomes applicable only to unbelievers in my sphere. Understanding the role of the gospel in daily life should have been obvious for a kid who was saved at an early age and grew up in church, but it wasn’t.
I’m eternally thankful for that wakeup call.
5. mike garnerr
February 8, 2006
6:50 PM
This isn’t related at all but I just saw it on your site:
“Quote: “Daddy, God speaks to us through the Bible because He don’t got a mouth, right?” (Quote attributed to my three year-old daughter, a future cessationist).”
LOL - Now that is great stuff. I’m going to need to remember that one.
In Christ alone, mik
6. mike garnerr
February 8, 2006
6:51 PM
and just to prove that I actually do know how to spell my name:
mike
7. jonathan erdman
February 8, 2006
8:25 PM
Your post here got me thinking a little bit. I don’t think you should be all that surprised that someone would want to experience the power of the Christian faith, without really having to buy into it. I think that’s the common way to view religion and spirituality for most Gen-Xers, like myself - I can understand where your emailer was coming from. (I wrote a bit about it at my blog: “Pass the Jesus, please” http://theosproject.blogspot.com/2006/02/pass-jesus-please.html)
Hence, I think one of the greatest challenges of Christians today is to communicate the Jesus of John 14:6.
Blessings, jon
8. Gideon
February 9, 2006
12:15 AM
Tim,
I found this blog through “A Practice in Belief.” Thank you very much for the book recommendation. In my experience throughout youth groups, etc., the common tendency is to spend very little time reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. It is wonderful to see a book that refocuses our attention on the foundation of our faith.
SDG,
Gideon
9. Joe
February 9, 2006
9:23 AM
I have never read The Cross Centered Life, but I think I will do so.
Thanks for the recommendation.
10. Scott W. Somerville
February 10, 2006
2:37 PM
I have the enormous privilege of attending Covenant Life Church, where CJ Mahaney preached most of the messages that made up “The Cross-Centered Life.” If you like the “Cross,” you’ll love his newest book, “Humility.”
My one sorrow was that CJ’s wife Carolyn failed to title HER book “The Cross-Centered Wife.” Instead, she wrote “Feminine Appeal,” which is quite good.
11. Lindsey
February 10, 2006
4:47 PM
I read The Cross-Centered LIfe- it was wonderful! Absolutely wonderful. But I haven’t read Christ Our Mediator yet. Thanks for mentioning it! :)
12. Kirk
February 11, 2006
6:21 PM
I attend another Sovereign Grace church in the DC area, and I heard CJ address the questions about the resurrection. He includes the resurrection as part of the message of the cross, for without the resurrection there would be no hope for us to be raised. But it is his sacrifice as our substitute by which we stand before God as righteous and acceptable, and this is the message that legalism — and thus all of us — seem to forget. That is why I believe it is wholly appropriate for CJ to focus on the cross in this book, as it in no way marginalizes the resurrection.
13. Tim Challies
February 11, 2006
6:30 PM
Kirk - I quite agree. One can discuss the cross in particular without diminishing the value and importance of the resurrection. The reader certainly won’t be left with the impression that the resurrection is in any way unimportant or unworthy of attention.
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