Hospitality

R.C. Chapman was well known for his hospitality.  He regularly opened his home to missionaries and people in need of a haven.  Those who spent just a couple of days in his home would talk for the rest of their lives about their stay and the impact Chapman had on them.  These are a couple quotes from the chapter on hospitality in "Agape Leadership".

"All who labour for Christ shall receive great wages for little toil."

"What is most precious in the sight of God is often least noticed by men."

Forgiving & Blessing Others

"To forgive without upbraiding, even by manner or look, is a high exercise of grace - it is imitation of Christ".

"The best testimony that Stephen bore was his last: not when preaching and working miracles, but when he pleaded for his persecutors; for then he most resembled the Lord Jesus in patience, forgiveness and love."

"If I have been injured by another, let me think [to] myself - How much better to be the sufferer than the wrongdoer!"

R.C. Chapman, taken from "Agape Leadership"

What Does the Bible Say About That?

With 340 topics, "What Does the Bible Say About That?" has a lot to say about a lot! Each topic fits on one page with a brief commentary, a Scripture reference or two, an admonition and a practical application. Obviously, one page is not enough to say all there is to say about the topic, but it is a good start. My oldest daughter was intrigued when she first looked over the Table of Contents, and I have found her looking at the book a couple of times. One word of warning: This book is aimed at kids aged 8-12. There are a few topics that I have come across for which the younger ones may not quite be ready. As with any book like this, read it for yourself before reading it to your kids. This book could be a valuable addition to the supper table or any other devotional time, or could serve as a reference when a child asks "What does the Bible say about ____________?"

Chapman on Humility & Unity

"Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of division"

"Pride nourishes the rememberance of injuries: humility forgets as well as forgives them."

"When mutual intercession takes the place of mutual accusation, then will the differences and difficulties of brethren be overcome."

Rebuking Like God

"In reproving sin in others, we should remember the ways of the Holy Spirit of God towards us.  He comes as the Spirit of Love; and whatever He rebukes, He wins the heart by mercy and forgiveness through Christ."  RC Chapman

A Delivery System for Grace

1.  The freedom to be different

2.  The freedom to be vulnerable

3.  The freedom to be candid

4.  The freedom to make mistakes

When these four freedoms are weaved together with love, purpose and hope they form the matrix for Grace-Based Parenting.

Kids' Needs That Grace Can Meet

Kimmel writes that children have "three driving inner needs":

1.  A need for security

2.  A need for significance

3.  A need for strength

These needs are met by giving your children love, purpose and hope.  "If we've done our job adequately, our children should leave our homes with a love that is secure, a purpose that is significant, and a hope that is strong."