If you're interested in learning a bit about this month's author, Carolyn Mahaney, here is an interview in which she discusses Feminine Appeal.And of course, you can also read girltalk, (which is a blog she writes with her three daughters).
Photo (from girltalk) is of Carolyn (Right) with daughters Kristin, Janelle and Nicole (L to R).
1 comment:
Thanks for this post, Nicole. I think it’s a great idea to do one chapter at a time. I like what you say about necessity, authority and sufficiency, that’s really helpful.
I want to comment about the quote from Elisabeth Elliot on page 22. The quote goes,
“It is doubtful that the Apostle Paul had in mind Bible classes or seminars or books when he spoke of teaching younger women. He meant the simple things…”
While I agree with what she says, I just want to suggest that such more formal bible teaching is not inappropriate. If we look at the whole book of Titus we find an interesting and necessary correlation between the teaching of godliness (like Titus 2:3-5) and the teaching of doctrine. For example,
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-” (Titus 1:1)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” (Titus 2:11-12)
In 3:3-5 Paul explains the gospel and then says, “And I want you to stress these things [that is, 3:3-5], so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” (Titus 3:8)
And when Paul instructs Titus to ”teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” he goes on to talk about teaching godliness. (Titus 2:1-10)
So, what is that teaches us to be godly? What produces good in us? It is not just having a godly mentor who will tell us the right things to do and model these things for us (although this is right and good), but it is also being taught the gospel, sound doctrine, the truth that leads to godliness. So perhaps there is a place for more formal bible teaching… what do you think?
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