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The Gospel Centered Woman: Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel
Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
43 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Alsup
12 books72 followersWendy Horger Alsup (MEd, Clemson University) enjoys teaching theology to women and is the author of Practical Theology for Women, The Gospel-Centered Woman, and By His Wounds You are Healed. Alsup writes from her family farm and teaches math at the local community college.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 10, 2013
Usually when I begin a book like this I do so tentatively, so as not to get my hopes up – because most of the time I find books like Wendy’s to be filled with ‘Christian’ feminism and other un-biblical views. However, this was not the case with Wendy’s book as it spoke to me, like I haven’t been spoken to in a long time through a book that is written by a woman for women who want to know how the Gospel applies to them, not just some feel-good-Sunday-School-Gospel. I must say one should not read it at night before bed because there was some things I missed because of reading at night, while the chapters are short and easy to read this isn’t an easy read – it’s one with depth and lots of Scripture that you’re going to want to look up to test her words against Scripture.
There was so much in this book that I never about the Gospel and how it relates to me such as the Gospel provides sanctuary, equips us to forgive and be forgiven, the Bible is It’s own best commentary and more, including Proverbs 31 thoughts (this is the one I’ll have to re-read as having read it before falling asleep wasn’t a good idea). This book may be just what you’re looking for if you want to rest in the Lord, to know that whether your single or married, with or without children, widowed, divorced – that there is a purpose for you in the Gospel and as women we need to know more than just “Jesus died for us” as women there are days we need to feel it.
**I was provided a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for posting my own opinion.
There was so much in this book that I never about the Gospel and how it relates to me such as the Gospel provides sanctuary, equips us to forgive and be forgiven, the Bible is It’s own best commentary and more, including Proverbs 31 thoughts (this is the one I’ll have to re-read as having read it before falling asleep wasn’t a good idea). This book may be just what you’re looking for if you want to rest in the Lord, to know that whether your single or married, with or without children, widowed, divorced – that there is a purpose for you in the Gospel and as women we need to know more than just “Jesus died for us” as women there are days we need to feel it.
**I was provided a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for posting my own opinion.
June 16, 2016
Women centered gospel hangs on a curse. Understand the curse and there is freedom; misunderstood, it leads to destruction. When we grasp the real problem we will be equipped to reclaim our image as His daughters.
Genesis 3:16 states, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."
"The woman's root problem is that, even though child birth is painful and the man rules her, she still has a morbid craving for him, looking to him in completely unhealthy ways that do not reflect her status as image bearer of God. The woman wants something from the man that he was never intended to provide her, that he even on his best day is not equipped to provide. He becomes her idol." When we finally understand that our desire should rest in God and not our husband or someone else, we will finally be the strong helper that we are called to be.
Wendy Alsup does a top notch job of driving women back to the gospel, "The gospel is the bridge to this confidence in God's sufficient supply for us in this very moment, though there is a grand void between the perfection of the Garden of Eden and the brokeness in our lives right now."
Wendy Alsup hits the nail on the head- she shows us how to be women who are called by God to be in submission to husbands- Christlike- not passively accepting our role, but as strong contented helpers fully equipped by God. This would very easily make a terrific book study for a group.
Genesis 3:16 states, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."
"The woman's root problem is that, even though child birth is painful and the man rules her, she still has a morbid craving for him, looking to him in completely unhealthy ways that do not reflect her status as image bearer of God. The woman wants something from the man that he was never intended to provide her, that he even on his best day is not equipped to provide. He becomes her idol." When we finally understand that our desire should rest in God and not our husband or someone else, we will finally be the strong helper that we are called to be.
Wendy Alsup does a top notch job of driving women back to the gospel, "The gospel is the bridge to this confidence in God's sufficient supply for us in this very moment, though there is a grand void between the perfection of the Garden of Eden and the brokeness in our lives right now."
Wendy Alsup hits the nail on the head- she shows us how to be women who are called by God to be in submission to husbands- Christlike- not passively accepting our role, but as strong contented helpers fully equipped by God. This would very easily make a terrific book study for a group.
June 3, 2013
If you are willing to admit it, some of us, our pain and struggles are tied to our own failures. Because we have sought our identity in something else rather than who God is. If this describes you, this short study will be most helpful to draw you back to the gospel. We need to understand the gospel and how to apply it those pain and struggles that we face. Without proper understanding of the grace of the gospel, we will continue our pattern of self-destruction. Looking at Psalm 74 and Proverbs, we are given direction in God's word to apply the grace of the gospel. When jealousy strikes, when hurt feelings come, misundertanding, we can apply the gospel. Our justification in what Christ has done instead of making excuses for the choices we make or anyone else for that matter. Justification is the finished work of Christ, not my what if's or could haves, or should haves, or why me. It is a perservance on our part not a self protection, a willings to face the truth of those deep rooted feelings that trip us each time.
We are reminded that we are children of God who are both passively connected to God and actively encouraged to seek His presence. God does the work, however, it takes great effort to seek and be mindful of his character.
We are reminded that we are children of God who are both passively connected to God and actively encouraged to seek His presence. God does the work, however, it takes great effort to seek and be mindful of his character.
Read
February 28, 2014Wendy is one of my favorite authors/bloggers/thinkers. I appreciated this book and its consistent, deliberate focus on Christ. I thought the chapters "Godliness with Contentment" and "The Gospel in Your Context" to be especially strong.
February 6, 2024
This was the third time I've read this. My favorite chapter is the one of godliness with contenment, and it has been somewhat of a theme I want to explore this year. How the gospel applies to our current (and sometimes disappointing) circumstances.
March 28, 2021
This book was too short to effectively communicate what it means to be gospel-centered. I appreciated Alsup’s point about how the goal of women is to be like Christ, not Ruth, Esther or other women in the Bible. I appreciate Alsup’s writing but this book left me wishing there was more to it.
June 29, 2024
Many Biblical books written for women cover the topics of being a mom and wife and focus on passages of the Bible like Proverbs 31 and Ephesians 5. In The The Gospel-Centered Woman
Wendy focuses on these topics and passages, but brings a fresh perspective on these well known passages by viewing them through the lense of the Gospel.
What she does is explain how Jesus should be the person we try most to emulate through our lives--even as women! His life, death, and resurrection is the foundation of our faith and our lives should be lived as such. Her writing is easy and practical while pointing out many hang ups that we as Christians tend to stumble on in our lives. A great example of this is the passage below:
"Instead of seeing myself as connected to Christ at all time, I used to view my relationship with God in terms of intersecting moments during the day. The more times my life intersected with God in a given week, the more "spiritual" I thought I was. In that paradigm, God went on His way and I went on my way until we intersected at some corner on some future day. Instead I have learned to think of myself walking with Jesus continually, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Our daily walk together is not just parallel but actually intertwined....the more I am aware of it, the more stable I am emotionally and spiritually."
She also delves into our self image and the fact that we desperately need to learn to find our fulfillment to our longings and needs in God, yet we so often turn to others-especially men, in particular our spouses, to fill a void that they cannot fill.
From women who are struggling in their marriages to women who are struggling with being single, for Moms who are exhausted with young children to women whose arms are achingly empty--The Gospel Centered Woman explains why, and how, the gospel is relevant to you in your life, all of the time and I'd highly recommend it!!! It was huge a blessing to me and helped reinforce many things that God has been working on my heart about, I will be buying this as a gift for friends in the future, and it would make a wonderful Bible study alone or with friends as there are discussion questions in the back!
Wendy focuses on these topics and passages, but brings a fresh perspective on these well known passages by viewing them through the lense of the Gospel.
What she does is explain how Jesus should be the person we try most to emulate through our lives--even as women! His life, death, and resurrection is the foundation of our faith and our lives should be lived as such. Her writing is easy and practical while pointing out many hang ups that we as Christians tend to stumble on in our lives. A great example of this is the passage below:
"Instead of seeing myself as connected to Christ at all time, I used to view my relationship with God in terms of intersecting moments during the day. The more times my life intersected with God in a given week, the more "spiritual" I thought I was. In that paradigm, God went on His way and I went on my way until we intersected at some corner on some future day. Instead I have learned to think of myself walking with Jesus continually, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Our daily walk together is not just parallel but actually intertwined....the more I am aware of it, the more stable I am emotionally and spiritually."
She also delves into our self image and the fact that we desperately need to learn to find our fulfillment to our longings and needs in God, yet we so often turn to others-especially men, in particular our spouses, to fill a void that they cannot fill.
From women who are struggling in their marriages to women who are struggling with being single, for Moms who are exhausted with young children to women whose arms are achingly empty--The Gospel Centered Woman explains why, and how, the gospel is relevant to you in your life, all of the time and I'd highly recommend it!!! It was huge a blessing to me and helped reinforce many things that God has been working on my heart about, I will be buying this as a gift for friends in the future, and it would make a wonderful Bible study alone or with friends as there are discussion questions in the back!
March 29, 2013
What are our roles as women – in our homes, in our churches, in our lives? Who did God create us to be?
If you find yourself grappling with these questions – if you feel that there’s more to these topics than most books address – than I highly recommend The Gospel Centered Woman by Wendy Alsup!
The Gospel Centered Woman – Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel is an intelligently written book that helps us to understand God's plan for our lives from a theological perspective.
The book is based on Wendy’s belief that no matter who you are – no matter what stage you are at in your life – no matter what you have done – the gospel was written for you.
Wendy believes "There is something in the gospel that meets wounded women in their brokenness. There is also a particular balm to women that meets us in the woundings tied specifically to our gender."
Wendy also provides a page of Reflection at the end of each chapter where you can record your personal notes and questions, and Discussion Questions at the end of the book for those who would like to study this book in a group setting.
Biblical womanhood can be a touchy topic to navigate, but The Gospel Centered Woman exceeds all expectations. This theologically sound book is foundational reading for anyone who wants to more accurately understand and interpret the passages on women in Scripture.
If you're looking for a writer who will make you think deeply - Wendy's your woman. I highly recommend this book.
Note: This is an excerpt from a longer review. To read this review in its entirety, please visit The Gospel Centered Woman at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
If you find yourself grappling with these questions – if you feel that there’s more to these topics than most books address – than I highly recommend The Gospel Centered Woman by Wendy Alsup!
The Gospel Centered Woman – Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel is an intelligently written book that helps us to understand God's plan for our lives from a theological perspective.
The book is based on Wendy’s belief that no matter who you are – no matter what stage you are at in your life – no matter what you have done – the gospel was written for you.
Wendy believes "There is something in the gospel that meets wounded women in their brokenness. There is also a particular balm to women that meets us in the woundings tied specifically to our gender."
Wendy also provides a page of Reflection at the end of each chapter where you can record your personal notes and questions, and Discussion Questions at the end of the book for those who would like to study this book in a group setting.
Biblical womanhood can be a touchy topic to navigate, but The Gospel Centered Woman exceeds all expectations. This theologically sound book is foundational reading for anyone who wants to more accurately understand and interpret the passages on women in Scripture.
If you're looking for a writer who will make you think deeply - Wendy's your woman. I highly recommend this book.
Note: This is an excerpt from a longer review. To read this review in its entirety, please visit The Gospel Centered Woman at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 11, 2014
Most books about biblical womanhood make me cringe a little, but this one sounds like a gem. Read the review at gospel coalition: http://thegospelcoalition.org/book-re...
May 2, 2021
This book certainly lives up to what one would expect based on the title. Alsup begins with the Fall, and its impact on our image bearing, and then spends the rest of the book showing how we can live in this fallen world with contentment, hope, endurance, and faith when we are grounded in the gospel, and how the Holy Spirit empowers us and enlightens us with wisdom for this journey. She really hits the nail on the head in each chapter with each issue, focusing on not what we need to do, but what Christ has done and is doing now in our hearts. I really loved this book. It would make a good group study.
January 5, 2019
Well written.
As a bride to be in a few weeks, I really appreciate the insight of being a Gospel-centered wife. I love how the Scriptures were written out in this book as well.
As a bride to be in a few weeks, I really appreciate the insight of being a Gospel-centered wife. I love how the Scriptures were written out in this book as well.
December 31, 2023
Wanting to read more by Alsup!
March 27, 2013
Many women who are looking for a Godly example of Biblical womanhood search through the Bible for a role model. Often, the person they look at as the guide for setting goals in their lives is nothing other than the woman found in Proverbs 31. Personally, I've always been terrified by this woman. She's like the all-star of amazingness, and something I see and completely unattainable. She leaves me feeling inadequate and like I'll never achieve anything worthy enough.
When I got a copy of The Gospel Centered Woman, I admit that although I was looking for guidance on how to be a better Christian woman - I was worried that I would be told to work harder on how to become like the Proverbs 31 role model.
Instead, Wendy leads us into the revelation that instead of looking to other women in either the Bible or real-life for role models, that we should solely use Jesus as our guide.
For the first time, I've felt relieved by the author's explanation of the word: Helper, as found in Genesis when God created Eve. Up until now I've felt very conflicted on the discussion of this simple word. A Helper, or helpmeet, has often been given a negative connotation, oppressive and doormat-like - at least from the circles I've been in. Having Wendy share the Hebrew roots of the word (ezer) and explain that it is the same word used throughout many places in the Bible in reference to God himself! Now THAT kind of helper is one that I want to be - not the oppressed housewife/babymaking image that has been presented to me in the past.
The first half of the book is written to develop our understanding of how the gospel affects us as women and how we can look to it as the base roots of our roles as women, wives, and/or mothers. The second half then tackles the imagery of the Proverbs 31st woman with the revelations we just studied in the first half of the book - a gospel filter.
Each chapter and introduction is followed with space to write your reflections and responses, as well as a section in the back of the book with some great discussion and thinking questions.
One other thing that impressed me was that Wendy carefully and considerately tackles the sensitive topic of what this whole idea of a helper and examples of womanhood we find throughout the Bible in relation to the women who don't have a spouse, or children, or have brokenness in their lives.
The book was refreshing to read. It's been a long time since I've pulled out a highlighter to use while reading a book. Thank you to Wendy Alsup for taking a new look at verses that have caused a lot of deep thoughts and wondering for me.
When I got a copy of The Gospel Centered Woman, I admit that although I was looking for guidance on how to be a better Christian woman - I was worried that I would be told to work harder on how to become like the Proverbs 31 role model.
Instead, Wendy leads us into the revelation that instead of looking to other women in either the Bible or real-life for role models, that we should solely use Jesus as our guide.
"Whether we are struggling with PMS, nasty coworkers, a wayward husband, pregnancy fatigue, or disobedient children, Jesus is our example." p. 9.
For the first time, I've felt relieved by the author's explanation of the word: Helper, as found in Genesis when God created Eve. Up until now I've felt very conflicted on the discussion of this simple word. A Helper, or helpmeet, has often been given a negative connotation, oppressive and doormat-like - at least from the circles I've been in. Having Wendy share the Hebrew roots of the word (ezer) and explain that it is the same word used throughout many places in the Bible in reference to God himself! Now THAT kind of helper is one that I want to be - not the oppressed housewife/babymaking image that has been presented to me in the past.
The first half of the book is written to develop our understanding of how the gospel affects us as women and how we can look to it as the base roots of our roles as women, wives, and/or mothers. The second half then tackles the imagery of the Proverbs 31st woman with the revelations we just studied in the first half of the book - a gospel filter.
Each chapter and introduction is followed with space to write your reflections and responses, as well as a section in the back of the book with some great discussion and thinking questions.
One other thing that impressed me was that Wendy carefully and considerately tackles the sensitive topic of what this whole idea of a helper and examples of womanhood we find throughout the Bible in relation to the women who don't have a spouse, or children, or have brokenness in their lives.
The book was refreshing to read. It's been a long time since I've pulled out a highlighter to use while reading a book. Thank you to Wendy Alsup for taking a new look at verses that have caused a lot of deep thoughts and wondering for me.
"Christian women are not glorified maids, butlers, or cooks waiting on an order to perform for a master. This is not God's example of help at all! We are called to show compassion, to support, defend and protect those in our care, to deliver from distress and to comfort. We are called to be conduits of God's grace in our homes. We are called to be like Christ." p. 13
March 31, 2013
Wendy Alsup in her new book, “The Gospel Centered Woman” published by the author gives us Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel
From the back cover: Many Christian books written to women claim to present God’s good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective.
The most important part of the Bible’s instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.
You are invited to explore with the author what God created women to be as image bearers of Himself and how Christ has made a way for us to embrace anew our legacy as daughters of God.
Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom, and math teacher. She is the author of Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives and By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman’s Identity.
Learn more at http://www.theologyforwomen.org/
God made woman in His image and likeness. You know, I think, sometimes, we forget this. We all know man was made in God’s image but woman is made in His image as well. I say this to build upon the idea that women are just as wounded and scarred as men and need just as much healing from God. Wendy Alsup knows this, she has met quite a few wounded women so Ms. Alsup has given us this book. In three sections, “Created In God’s Image”, “Redeemed To Reflect God Once More”, and “Wisdom In The Tension”. Ms. Alsup addresses issues of contentment, forgiveness, respecting your husband, waiting on God, and the Proverbs 32 woman. Married women, single women, doesn’t matter, this is the book for you. This book will help ground you in how God really made you. It is also a great gift for our friends and family.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Many Christian books written to women claim to present God’s good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective.
The most important part of the Bible’s instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.
You are invited to explore with the author what God created women to be as image bearers of Himself and how Christ has made a way for us to embrace anew our legacy as daughters of God.
Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom, and math teacher. She is the author of Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives and By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman’s Identity.
Learn more at http://www.theologyforwomen.org/
God made woman in His image and likeness. You know, I think, sometimes, we forget this. We all know man was made in God’s image but woman is made in His image as well. I say this to build upon the idea that women are just as wounded and scarred as men and need just as much healing from God. Wendy Alsup knows this, she has met quite a few wounded women so Ms. Alsup has given us this book. In three sections, “Created In God’s Image”, “Redeemed To Reflect God Once More”, and “Wisdom In The Tension”. Ms. Alsup addresses issues of contentment, forgiveness, respecting your husband, waiting on God, and the Proverbs 32 woman. Married women, single women, doesn’t matter, this is the book for you. This book will help ground you in how God really made you. It is also a great gift for our friends and family.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 11, 2013
Title: THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN
Author: Wendy Alsup
Publisher: self
January 2013
ISBN: 978-1451574821
Genre: Bible study
Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.
To be honest, I’m not real sure what I feel about THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN. It seems very concise, backed with scripture, and well thought out. It is written by a very conservative Christian woman, one of which I am. So, theologically I agree. Mostly. She is a bit contradictive, but maybe not – maybe it was the only way she could think to word things, such as “in Heaven we won’t be married. Well, we will, but Jesus will be our groom.” (Not an exact quote, but close enough.) Seems, contradictory at first, but I know what she means. We will be the bride of Christ, not the bride of our Earthly husband.
All in all, I recommend this book as a Bible study for a women’s Sunday school class or a women’s small group, or discussion group. There are pages ready for note taking on each chapter. This is not a casual devotion for women. It isn’t a book that can be read one short section at a time. Actually, it requires a lot of thought, interaction, and study. Which is good.
I’m going to recommend THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN for women’s groups, or if you are looking for a deeper Bible study about God’s purpose for women. 4 stars. 154 pages. $8.99.
Author: Wendy Alsup
Publisher: self
January 2013
ISBN: 978-1451574821
Genre: Bible study
Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.
To be honest, I’m not real sure what I feel about THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN. It seems very concise, backed with scripture, and well thought out. It is written by a very conservative Christian woman, one of which I am. So, theologically I agree. Mostly. She is a bit contradictive, but maybe not – maybe it was the only way she could think to word things, such as “in Heaven we won’t be married. Well, we will, but Jesus will be our groom.” (Not an exact quote, but close enough.) Seems, contradictory at first, but I know what she means. We will be the bride of Christ, not the bride of our Earthly husband.
All in all, I recommend this book as a Bible study for a women’s Sunday school class or a women’s small group, or discussion group. There are pages ready for note taking on each chapter. This is not a casual devotion for women. It isn’t a book that can be read one short section at a time. Actually, it requires a lot of thought, interaction, and study. Which is good.
I’m going to recommend THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN for women’s groups, or if you are looking for a deeper Bible study about God’s purpose for women. 4 stars. 154 pages. $8.99.
April 18, 2013
From the moment I started reading the introduction to this study, I knew that I was going to like this book. The writing was easy to read and seemed to come straight from the heart of the author. It also met me right where I was - and this was only the intro.
As I kept reading, I enjoyed it more and more. I didn't read it every day, but the days I did found me digging deeper into my Bible than I have in quite a while.
One thing that I liked so much about this study was that it was so refreshing. I have read many devotional or study books that are written for women. Many are good, but sometimes I would feel that there was something missing from them. At times I would almost feel worse when I finished the book (I felt as if there was no way to live up to the expectations presented, i.e. - the Proverbs 31 wife) instead of encouraged.
After reading this book, I realize that what was missing was the Gospel. Now, I am not saying that previous books I have read completely left out the Gospel, but many of them did maybe gloss over it more than they should have. While this book points out that the Proverbs 31 wife is a great example from the Bible, she should not be the ideal - Christ is. My identity does not revolve around how well my life as a wife and mother measures up to her example - my identity is found in Christ alone and what He did for me. How freeing!
See my complete review and the blog tour information here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
As I kept reading, I enjoyed it more and more. I didn't read it every day, but the days I did found me digging deeper into my Bible than I have in quite a while.
One thing that I liked so much about this study was that it was so refreshing. I have read many devotional or study books that are written for women. Many are good, but sometimes I would feel that there was something missing from them. At times I would almost feel worse when I finished the book (I felt as if there was no way to live up to the expectations presented, i.e. - the Proverbs 31 wife) instead of encouraged.
After reading this book, I realize that what was missing was the Gospel. Now, I am not saying that previous books I have read completely left out the Gospel, but many of them did maybe gloss over it more than they should have. While this book points out that the Proverbs 31 wife is a great example from the Bible, she should not be the ideal - Christ is. My identity does not revolve around how well my life as a wife and mother measures up to her example - my identity is found in Christ alone and what He did for me. How freeing!
See my complete review and the blog tour information here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
March 25, 2013
Wendy Alsup offers a deeper understanding of what it means for women to be daughters of God in her book, “The Gospel Centered Woman”. Women have been taught the example of perfect womanhood through the eyes of the Proverbs 31 Woman and the value of love, respect and submission, but what does it really mean to conformed to the image of Christ as a woman?
By examining our womanhood through the gospels, Alsup is able to bring about a deeper understanding of what it means to be a godly woman. Women are not just defined as wives, mothers and daughters. We were created for a purpose beyond our earthly roles. How refreshing that my spiritual growth does not hinge on what kind of wife and mother I am although these are important. I appreciated Alsup’s approach and especially how she kept her words lined up with Scripture and quoted it often.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Group as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 8, 2013
God created us to be image bearers of Himself! I loved how Wendy took a different angle to writing this book. Instead of sharing with us the perfection of the Proverbs 31 woman, whom we this side of heaven will not attain, she shares our need to reflect Jesus in what we do. We are meant to be a helper, and God is our perfect example to follow. Wendy gives us great scripture to reflect on that encourages our walk with Christ and shows why that intimacy is so important. After each chapter there is a lined page for your own reflections to be tucked away. The gospel message gives us security and unity with Christ. I find that this book will resonate with women in broken relationships or who come from a family with them. I found this book to be unique in it's look at the word, and it is will be edifying in building up both young and seasoned believers.
April 11, 2013
Dear Hubby and I have also been looking for an at home bible study we can do together. We are enjoying our evening walks and wish to add an nighttime study before bedtime. Just as we have been talking about this I received the book "The Gospel Centered Woman". This is a study guide for myself, yet I feel that I can share it with Dear Hubby. There is so much here we both can claim for ourselves. I feel that a guided study that helps me focus on how to be the best I can be will help our marriage. It will also help that I can have Dear Hubby by my side as I look for the way to stand up for our beliefs. Each chapter has a place for me to write my reflections as well as a chapter by chapter study guide in the back of this book. I know that it is on my bed stand now. I can't wait to dig into it with my partner.
October 17, 2013
Wendy realized when attending women's retreats that all the women looked like they had it all together but she knew they didn't. She wrote this study to help women see how the gospel meets them in their brokenness. I liked especially her teaching on single women and women with no children. She helps them see God's plan in their lives and that they are not second class citizens in God's kingdom. This would make a good eleven week study for a women;s group. See my full review at http://bit.ly/H3gpyL.
May 6, 2013
Short, very readable book with a lot of wisdom.
Particularly instructed by this - our interactions with Him should not be viewed as a few intersections a day, but a continual walk. I guess that's what abiding means.
Helpful sections for women in all relational situations, whether single or married, with kids or without. Lots to ponder and apply.
Particularly instructed by this - our interactions with Him should not be viewed as a few intersections a day, but a continual walk. I guess that's what abiding means.
Helpful sections for women in all relational situations, whether single or married, with kids or without. Lots to ponder and apply.
July 23, 2014
I love this book. Wendy leads us to find our identity in Christ rather than in gender roles or relationships.
August 12, 2013
While a little repetitive (and very short- so it was kind of strange to be so repetitive) it was an extremely biblical look at being a woman, and you can't shake a stick at that! :)
March 26, 2014
Great book!
June 1, 2014
A thorough treatment of what the Gospel means. There were many little gems throughout.
January 14, 2016
#vtreadingchallenge - Good book. Excellent perspective on Eve's curse.
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