When we mistake spiritual disciplines for to-dos, time slots on our schedule, or Instagram-able moments, we miss the benefits of Christ’s continual and constant work for us. We begin to feel weary and disappointed in ourselves, and we begin to believe we are bad Christians.
In Ragged, Gretchen Ronnevik aims to reclaim spiritual disciplines as good gifts given by our good Father instead of heavy burdens of performance carried by the Christian. Only when we recognize our failure to maintain God’s commands do we also realize the benefit of our dependence on his promises. Gretchen uses this distinction of law and gospel, presented throughout Scripture, to guide readers through spiritual disciplines including prayer, meditation, Scripture reading, and discipleship among others. Despite our best efforts, the good news is that spiritual disciplines have less to do with what we bring before God and more about who Christ is for us, not only as the author but also as the perfector of our faith.
Strong-willed, courageous, and faithful—Katharina Von Bora, later known as Katie Luther, was a nun striving for perfection and favor from God. But after hearing the ideas of the Reformation circulating around Europe, she boldly stepped into true freedom given through Jesus Christ.
This short and lively biography takes middle-grade readers on a journey through Katie Luther’s life, highlighting her difficult escape from the convent, her unique and rewarding marriage to Martin Luther, and her experiences with family, love, and loss. The Story of Katie Luther emphasizes the difference between legalism and good works done in freedom which demonstrates gospel power and produces love for one another. Featuring illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions, this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series engages kids ages 8–13 in the drama of history, showing how God worked in the past through ordinary people like them.
- Lively Biography: Explores the life of Katie Luther—her escape from the convent, her marriage to Martin Luther, and her freedom through Christ
- Written for Kids Ages 8–13: This short format includes illustrations, maps, timelines, and bonus sidebars, to help young readers to stay engaged
- Part of the Lives of Faith and Grace Series: Engages kids with the real-life stories of Christian men and women from history