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Holding Fast The Doctrines of Grace

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Total depravity, chocolate-chip banana bread, a book giveaway contest, and other miscellany

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Hello everyone!

I thought I’d take a moment and provide an update on a few personal items.

First of all, as some of you are already aware, I will be teaching a series on the Doctrines of Grace to the women at our church. Kim, wife of Pastor John Verdi, who also leads the Women’s Bible Study presented the idea to me early this year.  Kim has definitely set a very high biblical standard.  In the first place, Kim studies diligently.  Those of us who attend her Bible Study know full well that when we go to Kim’s house we do not eat fluffernutter sandwiches.  We eat the solid meat of God’s Word. In the second place, she treats her commission to instruct the women at our church with the utmost reverence.  I want to follow her as she follows Christ.

The plan is to start in March with the doctrine of Total Depravity and, God willing, work our way through TULIP.  Would you please pray that I study well?  This will be a first for me and it is truly my hearts desire to communicate effectively these beautiful doctrines that changed my life and put me on solid theological ground.

In the interim, I considered following Diane’s lead and shutting down my blog.  Ultimately I decided against that.  As I work through my studies on the Doctrines of Grace, I think it will be good to post.  However, my on-line activity will definitely be less in the near future. I hope you will forgive me if I don’t get to your blog as regularly as I’d like to.

Incidentally, my friend Hollie who blogs at Freckles and Faith is also blogging through The Doctrines of Grace. She posted early this week on Total Depravity.   I absolutely encourage — no, I insist that you visit her blog. I so love this sister and have been inspired by the grace of God that is so clearly at work in her!   Also, Hollie is currently having a book giveaway contest. If you have a heart for the great Reformer, Martin Luther, you will not want to miss this. She is giving away, “Through the Year with Martin Luther: A Selection of Sermons Celebrating the Feasts and Seasons of the Christian Year.”

The next item that I would like to share is a recipe! It is for an outrageous (and I do mean outrageous) chocolate-chip banana bread! This recipe was passed on to me by the wife of a former co-worker who, if I told you the kinds of  things that came out of this woman’s kitchen you would not believe me! This recipe is ridiculously easy and I have yet to meet someone who didn’t rave about it! Trust me on this one!  I am telling you, it’s good!

Christina’s SUPER Top Secret Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp oil
2 eggs
1 cup banana (2 med. ripe)
Cream all together

2 cups of flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
Mix in separate bowl. Gradually add to wet mixture above.

1/2 cup of chocolate chips — fold in last.

Bake in loaf pan at 350 degrees for 50-60 mins or until toothpick comes out clean.

Lastly, my husband and I will be on vacation February 11th – 21st.  During this time we will be attending the True Church Conference in Muscle Shoals, AL. This will be our first conference since coming to embrace Reformed theology!  The theme this year is: striving to avoid extra-biblical excess in the local church. As an added bonus, we will be spending some time with brother Jon Cardwell and his family who, as most of you already know for yourselves, are a true gift to the body of Christ!

So, that’s my little update! Oh, and one more thing. If you come across anything that you think would benefit me as I prepare — sermons, essays, quotes, etc., please do send.  It will be most welcome! Send it to my email at christinalangella@me.com.

May you have a beautiful and blessed weekend in the Lord!

Your sister in Christ!

Comments

  1. “fluffernutter” I’ve learned a new word! Wow, what exiting news (not the word, the opportunity you’ve been given!). I will pray for you, and I will miss, miss, miss having you around all the time!!! Love and hugs!

  2. Well, first, Oh, Yea! that you will post some of the fruits of your study of the doctrines of grace! I do look forward to reading them

    Second, while I’m not in the habit of submitting to the will of bossy women, for you I’ll make an exception and visit Hollie’s blog. ;o)

    Finally, your vacation sounds wonderful. Please bring back some treasures from the ministry for us, and have a thoroughly blest time.

    Yours coram Deo,
    al

  3. I am so excited you’ll be posting some about your study! I was hoping you would!! 🙂

    That’s awesome about going to the conference. Josh and I have talked about how much we’d love to attend Bible conferences together once we’re married.

    Thank you for such kind words and sharing my link! I am nothing apart from our great Lord and Savior though! All the glory to Him 🙂

    I love regular banana bread so adding chocolate chips in sounds a-may-zing! Can’t wait to try it, thanks for sharing.

    Love you Christina!

  4. Have a blessed time at the conference. Please pass on greetings to Brother Jon and his family.

    I’ll miss your regular posts. I pray that you will be blessed as you dig into TULIP. Hope you’ll share some of the fruits of your labor with us.

    Thanks for the yummy recipe. I just purchased some bananas this afternoon, so I must try this.

    Love and prayers.

  6. Thank you everyone for your blessings and encouragement — but most all, your prayers. It means a great deal to me.

    @ Al H. – C’mon!…I live in Brooklyn! A girl’s gotta have a little chutzpah!

  7. Great stuff, as always! I don’t appreciate you maligning fluffernutter sandwiches, but I guess within the context I’ll forgive you 🙂

    Congrats on teaching the class! I have no doubt you will do well. You always have excellent resources in your posts–stick with those and you’ll do fine!

    Looking forward to reading what the Lord gives you. Save your notes–never know when you might want to write a book!!

    • Thanks, Anthony! And, thank you for extending forgiveness to me for using the “fluffernutter” parallel. Lord knows, I loved a good “fluffernutter” sandwich growing up! I just thought fluffy & nutty were good ways to describe much of what passes off as “evangelical” teaching today! LOL!

      As always, thank you for your blessing and encouragement. It goes a long way my brother!

  8. I will definitely miss your posts…. so I guess I will have to call you!

    The recipe sound perfect; almost as perfect as mine 🙂 (es una broma) I will have to try it soon!

    Enjoy every moment, every word you read, every moment you love under His sun and by His grace.

    Much love!

    • Thank you, my friend!

      Yes, we will have to talk on the phone!! BUT, I am NOT shutting down altogether! I do still plan to post as I work through these beautiful doctrines! I just won’t get to everyone as faithfully as I have in the past.

      And thank you for the blessing — I will, by His grace, enjoy every moment and every word!

      I love you dearly my sister! Thanking God for YOU!

  11. Hey Chris, I am going to be missing your devotions but will be praying for you. You are going to do great and its a huge discipline to shut the noise off around us and tune in and listen to Jesus. Prayers to you.

    I am pretty excited to hear you bring the word of God. maybe I can sneak in a tape recorder. jk. I will see you later sis.

  12. So much going on for you, Christina! I’m looking forward to your posts as you study and learn, and may you have a wonderful trip, too! Can’t wait to try your recipe! Love and hugs!

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