The Christ-Centered Home: Inviting Jesus In by Emily Belle Freeman

The Christ-Centered Home: Inviting Jesus In by Emily Belle Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Christian/ Inspirational

Book Description:  In the hectic scramble of a world that asks us to do everything, be everyone, and make it all look easy, we often lose track of the experiences that really matter most—quiet moments in our homes with our families when we feel the peace of Jesus Christ.

The lessons Jesus taught in the homes of His followers were simple. They were basic. And they were—and are—essential. In The Christ-Centered Home, you will discover how to fill your family’s hearts with the principles Jesus taught in the most sacred of classrooms: the home.

There is a humility that comes when we invite the Lord into our most private spaces. Within the hush we hear the gentle whisper of His voice, we experience the touch of His hand, and we feel the prompting to rise. Invite Him in, and experience the added measure of peace, strength, courage, and hope that comes when Jesus Christ becomes the central focus of your home.


My thoughts: The gospel in action is how I would describe this book. Emily Belle Freeman takes stories of the Savior in the New Testament and illustrates how we can use them in our lives.

The book is set up in 12 sections. Each chapter is meant to become a conversation for the family for a month. This book is meant to be taught in the home for a year.

I loved that the book takes the gospel and expounds it in a simple manner. Each chapter has a picture of an old door. I pondered the pictures and realized that it could be a door to our homes and hearts. Are we opening them to Jesus Christ.

Each chapter is excellent. I appreciated the stories and the insight into the Savior's life. The chapter that meant the most to me was month 6, Be Nice. Be Sweet. The reason's behind this is probably the spirit of contention that is often in my home. My kids often do not get along. (I imagine that this is the case in many homes.) At the end of each chapter is a lesson that can be shared with the family. They have a Conversation and a Connection. The Connection is a practical application or activity for the family to do together. In this chapter it is to write each person's name at the top with the words "I love you because..." The papers are displayed for family members to write why they love the person as they pass by. Because I received this book to review, I didn't have a month to put up papers. We did this activity tonight while everyone was gathered for Memorial Day Dinner. I told them the day before to be thinking about reasons that they loved each member of the family. There were some great things that came from this activity and laughter at the table. My kids weren't trying to put each other down and there was a feeling of unity. It was great!

I marked up my book and tagged several pages. This is a book that would be great to read again and again. The lessons strengthen not only families but individuals. A quote that I shared with my family that spoke to me is "It is true that Satan is intent on destroying each of us; it is also true that the greatest desire of the Lord is that our faith will not fail. We live in a world fraught with spiritual peril. Our beliefs are being tested on every side. Daily we have moments in which we must choose whether we will stand true to our beliefs or deny the faith."

This book will appeal to Christians of different denominations. The lessons that Christ taught are priceless and I appreciate the insight that Emily Belle Freeman shares with her readers.

Here is a description that was sent to me by the publisher:

The Christ-Centered Home is more than a book about faith. It teaches 12 practical Biblical lessons that will fortify your reader’s homesand empower their children to resist the unsteadiness of the world. 

This book can help families by offering valuable lessons such as:

·         How to empower your children to resist peer pressure by weaving uplifting conversations into your family’s everyday routine.

·         How to stop seeing the messy reality of your life as a roadblock by allowing the teaching of Jesus to fill the intimate spaces of your home.

·         How to find grace in the ordinary.

·         How to, with intention, create a home where He would choose to abide.

Here are some Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Deseret Book

The book can be purchased wherever books are sold.

About the Author:  EMILY BELLE FREEMAN is a coach's wife, a mother to four children and a few others who have found refuge in her home, author of several bestselling books, and sought-after inspirational speaker. Her days are spent watching over teenagers, her flock of pampered chickens, and a rabbit that she adores. She finds great joy in studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. For a few minutes every day Emily forgets about the laundry, leaves the dishes in the sink, and writes. She coauthors a blog that is a stopping place for hearts seeking all that is good: www. multiplygoodness.com.