Exciting Holiness

Synopsis

Exciting Holiness is a convenient companion to the Calendar for Anglicans throughout Britain and Ireland. A complete resource for Eucharistic worship on all festivals and feast days, it remains the only volume of its kind, providing prayers and Scripture readings for each day of the Calendars of the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, the Episcopal Church of Scotland and the Church in Wales. For each figure Commemorated, Exciting Holiness offers a short biography explaining how the individual inspires us to holy living. For those celebrated with a Festival or Lesser Festival, it also offers a Collect, Bible readings written out in full, Responsorial Psalm and a Post Communion prayer. Now updated to include five additional commemorations added to the Church of England's calendar.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Nature of Exciting Holiness

* Summary: Holiness is not about following a set of rules but about living a life that reflects God's character. This holiness is not boring or dull but rather exciting and fulfilling. It connects us with God and gives us purpose.
* Example: Mother Teresa, who spent her life serving the poor and sick in Calcutta, India, was a model of exciting holiness. She said, "Holiness is not about being perfect, but about being open to God."

Chapter 2: The Foundation of Exciting Holiness

* Summary: The foundation of exciting holiness is our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. When we surrender our lives to Him, He transforms us and sets us apart for His purposes.
* Example: Billy Graham, the renowned evangelist, experienced a profound conversion and became passionate about sharing the Gospel with others. He said, "The only way to experience exciting holiness is to be born again."

Chapter 3: The Fruit of Exciting Holiness

* Summary: Exciting holiness produces tangible fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities make us a beacon of light to others and draw them to God.
* Example: The early Christians were known for their love and compassion, which attracted many to their faith. They lived out the words of Jesus, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Chapter 4: The Pursuit of Exciting Holiness

* Summary: The pursuit of exciting holiness is a lifelong journey. It requires daily dedication, prayer, and the study of God's Word. We must also be willing to crucify our flesh and deny ourselves to live according to God's will.
* Example: Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader, said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Chapter 5: The Rewards of Exciting Holiness

* Summary: The rewards of exciting holiness are immense. We experience intimacy with God, a sense of fulfillment, and everlasting life. We also become instruments of transformation in the lives of others.
* Example: Amy Carmichael, the missionary to India who worked among orphans and the poor, said, "The reward of being a saint is not sainthood, but the opportunity to love God more and serve others more."