Grace Under Pressure: Responding Faithfully to Stress

by Christopher M. Kennedy

Christian life always leads back to the cross. His resurrection is a cornerstone of faith that you can cling to during times of great stress and pressure, for even as Christ was going through His death, he remained full of grace. Pastor Christopher Kennedy invites you to learn about the necessity of grace and how to find it through the words Jesus says from the cross.

Work through the different types of grace that God shows us and how each and every person needs both sanctifying or sustaining grace in their lives. Each chapter includes discussion questions to ponder as you learn more about how to follow Christ’s example in dealing with pressures and stressors in your life.

144 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Rev. Dr. Christopher M. Kennedy

Reviews

[Heidi Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of Lutheran theology is how Christocentric it is: not what we do to be saved, but what God in Christ has fully done already to save us. Beautiful. But we live in a fallen world, one that is often ugly and full of pain, and we say “but my marriage is struggling; my relationship with my kids is strained; I didn’t get promoted; I’m in legal trouble; I worry about the economy and world events; I just found a suspicious lump….how do I handle all of this?”

In his usual conversational, simple yet profound and memorable way, Pastor Kennedy invites us to consider how Jesus handled stress. He structures this book around Jesus’ last words from the cross, helping the reader meditate on the words of Christ, what they meant in context of His death and how they teach us how to respond to stress.

I’m always suspicious of sermon series and books approaching modern problems with neat little packages of Jesus’ words: they tend to be shallow, self-help style and not very gospel centered. Not here. These chapters carefully tie the experience and words of Jesus from scripture with His saving work, loop in important lessons we can learn from our Savior’s final hours, and encourages us to prayerfully and repentantly seek to live like Christ. The intensity of the crucifixion, the plan of salvation lived out by Jesus the messiah, the humanity of his final words, are all clearly and thought-provokingly portrayed.

This book invites you to be part of a small group to discuss; there are questions at the end of each chapter. The chapters are short enough to fit into a busy week but long enough to be meaty and generate thought and conversation. In a time where we are all feeling overwhelmed by stress, this book is a good reminder to look to Jesus in all of our troubles.

[Caroline Melcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Christian life always leads back to the cross.” -from Christopher Kennedy’s “Grace Under Pressure”
Rev. Dr. Kennedy has a comforting, grace-filled tone in his writing on the topic of extending grace under tough circumstances. He boldly and beautifully points back to Jesus’ ultimate example of extending grace when Jesus extended His arms on the cross.
Rev. Dr. Kennedy’s masterful words are both honest and raw, and gentle and shepherding. It feels like he’s speaking right to you.
This book is a must-have in everyone’s coping toolbox for reference on those rainy days when you need refreshment in the midst of trials. I know I will be keeping a copy handy!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We'll fix our eyes on Jesus by beholding Him on the cross, where He exhibited grace beyond our comprehension. Daily, we face situations that challenge our spiritual composure. You will make it to the other side of your trials. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you can get there gracefully." —Christopher M. Kennedy

[Brian Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe Chris does an excellent job addressing the reality of pressures and stress that we all face in this world, but also how, as disciples of Jesus, we can follow His example and respond with grace. This is a great encouragement as we continue forward in the 21st Century!

[Beka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for individual growth and for use with a group for honest discussion and deep Bible study. Stress and hardship are a huge part of our world, and through the Word and the perfect example of Christ, we learn the tools to handle our challenges with God-given grace.

[James Ebersole · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are far too familiar with the word "pressure". There's pressure for homework, pressure to get somewhere on time, pressure with parenting, pressure at work, pressure for deadlines, pressure if things don't work out, financial pressures, pressure of dreams being crushed, pressure of life ending too quickly. Dr. Kennedy's book addresses the pressures of life. Real pressures that real people are going through and daily fighting with. This book brings up real intentionality with how to take on the pressures of life. The tips and wisdom from the book don't turn a person in on self, or to an awesome strategy, or the latest method. The book turns all of us to gaze upon our Savior, Jesus, who suffered the greatest pressure of the world, that is, dying on the cross for the broken world and her sins. Where do we go to get grace for life's greatest pressures? From the one who was gracious to each one of us. This book also provides awesome questions at the end of each chapter that are engaging to reflect on by yourself, or with a group. Highly recommend. Start intentionally attacking life's greatest pressures by reading this book.

[Paul Krentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Chris Kennedy has written a wonderful new book using Jesus' 7 Words from the Cross to help individuals as well as small and large groups to deal with stress and pressure. The release from Concordia Publishing House features excellent discussion questions on each of the 11 chapters with some excellent leader notes at the end of the book for each chapter. Order at https://books.cph.org/grace-under-pre... I have been blessed to serve as a reviewer for this book and I would highly commend its use for Small Groups and large Bible study groups as well as for your own edification.

Thee stories introducing each chapter drew me into the deep lessons from the suffering and death of Jesus at a time when stress has been a challenge for me personally.

[Mark Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live at a time when grace is in short supply. Any mistake made by someone is fair game for criticism. For Christians seeking to faithfully follow Jesus, simple decisions can feel like walking a tight wire knowing that just one misstep could be disastrous.

Speaking to the kind of pressure we all face, Chris does a wonderful job of reminding us that our value in God's eyes comes from what Jesus has done for us. He encourages Christians to let Jesus - who responded graciously under pressure - work through us to help us faithfully respond to the stresses we all face.

Wonderfully written and easy-to-read, this book is a wonderful reminder of the place from which our help always comes!

[Chad Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Week is my favorite time of the year (especially Good Friday) when we often hear the seven words from the cross. In Grace Under Pressure, Pastor Kennedy brings these words to life - which they are life! Pastor Kennedy does a great job of writing for all - those who are new to the faith and those who are mature Christians. This book will be a great comfort for those who are grieving and an encouragement to those who celebrate their faith in Christ. Pastor Kennedy includes powerful stories and respectable humor – something we need on a regular basis! Don’t miss the opportunity to read this book!

[Judith Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his engaging, conversational style, Pastor Chris Kennedy first explores four dimensions of God's grace. He then offers a fresh perspective into Jesus' familiar seven last words on the cross, offering the reader a perfect example of grace-filled responses to extreme stress, as well as ways to respond grace-fully to everyday stressful situations.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading GRACE UNDER PRESSURE. The author also includes a leader's guide and great questions for personal reflection. The book is ideal for individual or group study.

[Denise Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Kennedy quotes Romans 8:4 in his book, “walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” This book is perfect to read as we navigate through the stress of our daily lives. It gives encouragement as you read and relate to Pastor’s words and examples. It illustrates God’s love for us and what he endured for us. Personally, I reflected on myself and how I can be better equipped to handle future stressful situations. This is a great book for discussion in a bible study or group setting.

[Margaret Black]

Pastor Cris Kennedy is an exceptional author. His newest book, Grace Under Pressure is outstanding. His explanation of Jesus' last statements on the Good Friday cross are so powerful. I haven't ever really taken time to think about being ungraceful and truly knowing the definition. I have exhibited ungraceful behavior without realizing my behavior. Thank God for the Holy Spirit enabling me to fix my eyes on Jesus and learning to have grace under pressure.

Ann Black

[Jackie Kottwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grace under pressure sounds simple, but can be one of the most difficult challenges due to our human nature. Pastor Chris does a great job reviewing Biblical examples of Jesus' grace and applies real life scenarios. I appreciate his writing which is applicable, informative, and intuitive!

[Jack Goldberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever felt after an encounter of some kind that your response did not exhibit Christ-like love? Do you wish you had responded in a different manner, a more gracious manner? I have just finished reading "Grace Under Pressure" by Pastor Chris Kennedy. This new book can help you to develop a more gracious attitude and way of looking at things. Pastor Chris writes in easy-to-understand language with abundant everyday illustrations of both non-gracious and gracious responses to the pressures we all feel in this life. While the book is easy to read, there is a lot of meat to chew on as you contemplate Christ on the cross and how He shows the grace of God to those who don't deserve it (and that includes us), and how His grace enables us to be gracious toward others. This book is also excellent for use in small group settings where the participants can openly talk about how they can be more gracious especially when it is difficult and how they have been the recipients of a gracious response from others when they had caused stress or pressure in the life of someone else. I highly recommend this book as we can all be more gracious in our living in a pressure-packed world.

[Jess D · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first time father of a 2 yr old, I found this to be a welcomed inspiration for how Grace helps us through challenging times! Pastor Chris Kennedy expertly weaves the daily need for Grace into our everyday lives by examination of the actions and words of the ultimate guide, Jesus. I came to learn about varying dimensions of grace and how that is applied to everyday living by looking to the cross. This is a fantastic read for the person looking to be 'better' under the toughest of conditions. It has many thought provoking questions and statements that left this reader captivated and encouraged (e.g. True reconciliation is a transaction of sorrow and grace). I recommend this to anyone whose ever been through those stressful moments where emotions have led them to say, "I know I can do better". It's wonderfully written direction for the demanding challenges of life!

[Bill Hinz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Kennedy at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio in his new book, Grace Under Pressure, “God promises grace that is sufficient for us even in weakness. He provides sustaining grace. He sustains us through every stress, whether it’s caused by our own foolishness, personal circumstances not of our choosing, or the broken world around us.”

Thanks, Chris, for this great reminder that no matter what we are facing God is for us, walks with us, and HIS grace is enough even when, especially when, ours is not.

[Karen Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother of four, I constantly find myself asking God for "Grace" (frequently under "Pressure"). Thus, the title of this book instantly appealed to me. I was pleased to find a relatable path for living gracefully in an easy-to-read, conversational nature. We all face different pressures in our lives, but Pastor Chris Kennedy's tools are easy to follow and I look forward to using them on a daily basis!

[Monica Farias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating, comforting, and thought provoking. It reminds us to "seek more uplifting content" in our lives, which by itself has stress-relieving consequences. It is a reflection of how Jesus responded to stress, along with questions that help us evaluate how "gracefully" we respond to tough situations. Pastor Chris, in my opinion has a very calming and reassuring writing style, with questions that stir us towards positive changes that honor our Savior.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting little treatise, used for our Sunday adult study, that gives some pretty good guidance on relating to our stress. It was undoubtedly helped by the fact that the facilitator was a trained counselor who does this stuff all the time. An enjoyable experience.

[Mat Rueter · Rating 4 out of 5]

God does not expect us to remain in a dangerous situation.

[Andrea Vrtikapa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bible study book for the Lenten season.

[Nancy Pretty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading for our Stephen Ministry Continuing Ed. Will make for good discussion.