One of the most often asked for books in the ministry of the church is a good book on parenting. At the top of the list, I recommend Fitzpatrick’s book “Give Them Grace”. With that in mind I wanted to highlight two books by Elyse Fitzpatrick who writes to underscore the centrality of the gospel for women who desire to grow in the grace of Christ (in Because He Loves Me) and for parents who desire to train their children in the disciplines of grace (in Give Them Grace).

Fitzpatrick acknowledges that she was guilty of assuming the gospel in many of her previous counseling and parenting books. That is, she acknowledged the gospel in salvation, but assumed the gospel in Christian living. The author admits that she had defaulted into a moralistic, performance-based legalism devoid of the power of the cross. Yet, it is this reality of personal conviction that sets a beautiful context for the material for these books.

Alive with vivid and colorful examples, both books contest that the gospel message, particularly Jesus’ incarnation, sinless life, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, meet the saving and sanctifying needs of believers.

Elyse Fitzpatrick in her introduction writes, “What I am saying is that once we’ve been saved, once we’ve understood and accepted the message of the gospel, the person and work of the Redeemer becomes secondary to what we’re focused on - living the Christian life. …our attention is primarily focused on us, on our performance, on our spiritual growth. We know that the incarnation and resurrection are important truths to our initial salvation, but that’s pretty much where their impact ends. Let me illustrate what I mean. If I asked you, “Where did the ongoing incarnation of Jesus Christ intersect with your life yesterday?” Would you have an answer? We all know that the crucifixion is important for our initial salvation, but what did it mean to you this morning? Does Calvary inform and warm your heart when you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or hearing bad news from your doctor? Does his sinless life comfort you when you realize that you just sinned in that same way again? In other words, is he significantly relevant to you in your daily walk with him? … Are you more focused on your performance for him or his for you? At the end of the day is there a rest in your soul because of him, or is there guilt and a determination that tomorrow you’re going to “do better?” You know that Jesus is the Door. Do you see how he is your life?” (Because He Loves Me, 18-20).

These books have been and are continuing to serve as an encouragement to my family and I as we have been reminded of the power of the gospel in everything. I pray that they encourage you to “remember Jesus Christ” in your personal life, parenting, school, work, in short, in all things.