Cross Centered Life: Chapter 6

In chapter six of The Cross Centered Life, C.J Mahaney gives 5 practical and simple ways to draw us near to the cross each day. Because as he said, "A cross centered life is made up of cross centered days."

1. Memorize the Gospel. We cannot preach the gospel to ourselves everyday if we do not know the gospel well. To do this, we can simply meditate on and memorize passage that speak the gospel plainly, such as: Romans 831-34, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:3-6, and Romans 8:32-39. Those are just a few that Mahaney lists, and it is a good place to start.

2.Pray the Gospel. We come boldly to the throne room of God because of the cross. The cross is what drives our praise, and our petitions and dependence upon God in prayer.

3. Sing the Gospel. There are so many resources out there for us. Many scripture saturated, God-centered songs. I love singing the old hymns because of the richness of the words. Some of the newer music from the Getty's and from Sovereign Grace are helpful gospel centered songs. This has helped me tremendously in keeping the gospel before as I can sing throughout the day.

4. Review How The Gospel Has Changed You. Take time to remember who you were apart from Christ, and all that He has done on your behalf. I know that my heart soars with thanksgiving and am moved to obedience and worship when I do this. There is no room for pride when I think on how God has changed me.

5. Study The Gospel. We must remember that we cannot be satisfied with our knowledge of the gospel. It is as Mahaney puts it: "a life-permeating, world-altering, universe-changing truth." We should be always grasp the depth of the gospel and grow in our passion about the gospel. Mahaney gave some practical suggestions, including some good books to read:

The Cross of Christ by John Stott

The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges

The Power of the Cross of Christ by Charles Spurgeon

The Cross and Christian Ministry by D.A. Carson

I would also add C.J. Mahaney's book, Cross Centered Life (of course)
The Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent

and God is The Gospel by John Piper

There are commentaries by godly men to use as you read through the Bible that will help you better understand the gospel.
He also recommends listening to sermons if commuting that are about the cross of Christ. And of course, he says that as we do our daily reading, to keep your eyes peeled to seeing the gospel.

May we build a cross centered life one day at a time.