Radical Renovation: Living the Cross-Shaped Life
A Lenten Study for Adults
James A. Harnish
Radical Renovation is a powerful image of what can happen in our lives during the season of Lent. Just as a house can be rebuilt after it has fallen into disrepair or devastation, author James A. Harnish says, so God can enter in to our brokenness and completely rebuild our lives, so that we can become the kind of people in whom the living Christ can take up residence, and through whom the loving purpose of God can become a tangible reality in this world.
As the great cathedrals were built in the shape of a cross, the author tells us, the traditional Lenten disciplines invite us to allow the Spirit of God to reshape the way we think, act, and live into the likeness of Jesus on his way to the cross.
This seven-session study, appropriate for both group and individual use, will provide one lesson for each week in Lent. Each lesson includes a Scripture reference, a brief reflection, questions for discussion or reflection, a brief prayer, and a focus for the coming week.
JAMES A. HARNISH is senior pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. He is the author of Journey to the Center of the Faith: An Explorer’s Guide to Christian Living; Passion, Power & Praise: A Model for Men’s Spirituality from the Life of David; and You Only Have to Die: Leading Your Congregation to New Life, and he served as a contributor to both 365 Meditations for Young Adults and 365 Meditations for Men.
Chapter titles and key Scripture verses:
“Discipleship: Living the Cross-Shaped Life” Mark 8:27-38
“Servanthood: A Peculiar Way to Greatness” Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45
“Surrender: Nothing Short of Everything” Mark 10:17-34
“Forgiveness: Rebuilding Damaged Relationships” Mark 11:25-26; Luke 23:32-34
“Love: The Radical Center” Mark 12:28-34
“Sacrifice: It’s Nothing if It Costs Nothing” Mark 14:1-19
“Hope: He Goes Before You!” Mark 16:1-8
