The Bookends of the Christian Life (Hardcover)
Read inside (PDFs): Sample Pages
Publisher: Crossway/Good News Publishers
Author: Bridges, Jerry; Bevington, Bob
ISBN-10: 1433503190 | ISBN-13: 9781433503191
Binding: Hardcover
List Price: $14.99
Westminster Bookstore: $10.04
- 33% Off
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"Forgiveness of sin and power to change -- I can think of no more
essential topics for a Christian to study than these twin blessings of
the gospel. And I can think of no one better to write on these topics "
than Jerry Bridges. Jerry has provided for me over the years a constant
diet of gospel-saturated writing, and here is a fresh feast. I trust you
will enjoy it as much as I have."
- C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries
Publisher's Description: The authors use an extended metaphor to serve up a little book with a big message about two essentials of the Christian life.
What do bookends have to do with the Christian life? They are a metaphor that Jerry Bridges has developed over the years, and which he and coauthor Bob Bevington flesh out in this small volume. The two “bookends” explain not only how we as sinners can be made acceptable to a holy God but also we can find the power to change. They are thus essential for the Christian life.
In a unique book that should garner the attention of a wide range of readers, the authors use their extended metaphor to help readers answer questions like:
- How can I overcome persistent guilt?
- How can I deal with the pressure to measure up?
- Where can I find the motivation it takes to grow?
- How can I live the Christian life with both my head and my heart?
-
How can I be sure God loves
me
?
- How can I change in an authentic and lasting way?
160 Pages
Published March 2009
So what are the bookends of the Christian life? Christ’s righteousness as it is transferred to dependent believers, and the Holy Spirit’s power as it enables their transformation. In continuing their goal to re-center the church at large onto the historic gospel of Jesus Christ, Bridges and Bevington have served up this little book with a big message so that believers and seekers alike can understand these two keys to a genuine Christian life.
About the Authors:
Jerry Bridges is an author and conference speaker. His most popular book, The Pursuit of Holiness, has sold over one million copies. Jerry has been on the staff of The Navigators for over fifty years, and currently serves in the Collegiate Mission where he is involved primarily in staff development, but also serves as a speaker resource to the campus ministries.
Bob Bevington has practiced optometry since 1980 and cofounded several companies. His passion, however, is the message of the cross.
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"Through his many books, Jerry Bridges has been shepherding my soul
since I first became a Christian sixteen years ago. He has done it again.
As I have come to expect, he has provided a sea of theological matter
in a drop of devotional language. Here you will find God-centered
doctrine that is delectably deep and down to earth at the same time. I
promise that if you read this book carefully and prayerfully, you will
gain both an informed mind and an enlarged heart."
- Tullian Tchividjian, Pastor, New City Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; author, Unfashionable: Making a Difference in this World by Being Different
"Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington have provided another marvelous
instrument for guiding believers to the provisions of a gospel-blessed
and gospel-driven life. In this volume the surpassing righteousness
of Christ joined with the power of the Holy Spirit is clearly displayed
from God's Word. Thanks from all of us who desire to make disciples
that will follow Christ purposefully and passionately."
- Harry L. Reeder III, Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama
"Forgiveness of sin and power to change -- I can think of no more
essential topics for a Christian to study than these twin blessings of
the gospel. And I can think of no one better to write on these topics "
than Jerry Bridges. Jerry has provided for me over the years a constant
diet of gospel-saturated writing, and here is a fresh feast. I trust you
will enjoy it as much as I have."
- C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries
"Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington look at the Christian life through
a wide-angle lens, examining the framework that supports, stabilizes
and secures the believer's life in Christ. They teach elements of a dis-
tinctly biblical worldview, leaning upon the righteousness of Christ
on one hand and upon the power of the Holy Spirit on the other. A
wise and powerful book, one I heartily recommend."
- Tim Challies, author, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
"Thinking you understand the gospel but applying it only to salva-
tion is like barely releasing your sail and slogging through the waves.
Bookends will equip you to release that sail, catch the mighty wind of
God, and see every 'book' in your life transformed."
- Dee Brestin, author, Falling in Love with Jesus
"With their latest publication, the authors display how sound theology
is transformational and how understanding enhances true piety and
produces profound worship."
- Robert M. Norris, Pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church,
Bethesda, Maryland
"Martin Luther said, 'Man in his search for truth is like a drunken
peasant. You help him up on one side of his horse and he falls over
the other side.' This book, perhaps more than any other, is designed
to keep you on the horse living in the truth of the gospel. There are
few books you will find more valuable on your shelf."
- Joe Coffey, Lead Pastor, Hudson Community Chapel,
Hudson, Ohio
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Average Customer Review
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 (2 customer reviews)
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By G. Dutcher [blog] on June 22, 2009
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(Christ Fellowship Church [website] / Senior Pastor / MD) [all reviews] [subscribe]
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A common occurrence in my pastoral ministry is reading a great book then immediately 'pushing' it on my congregation. Often such an approach has resulted badly. Either the book is too long, too academic, too much effort for my people to digest. I read The Bookends, however, and had a hunch that my church would feel differently this time. I was right! (That happens every once in a while)
Bridges and Bevington teamed up last year to write The Great Exchange- another wonderful book, but one of those books that many busy lay people will find a bit too much to bite off. But bookends is a succinct, wonderfully written little book that my church has just loved.
Their premise is simple- The Christian life must be balanced by two critical truths: 1) The Righteousness of Jesus Christ and 2) The Power Of The Holy Spirit. To put it simply: Who We Are in Christ and What We Do For Christ.
The first half of the book is devoted to the wonderful truth that Christians stand on the imputed righteousness (the right standing with God) of Jesus. This section is crystal clear and practically applied.
The second section carefully unpacks the Bible's teaching on our responsibility as believers to live out the truths of the first section- how we live in light of our right standing with God. As always, Bridges and Bevington do a wonderful job of walking the tight rope between legalism and license as they highlight the Holy Spirit's enabling power in the Christian's everyday life.
I have always appreciated Bridges' clear and thorough approach to applying doctrine to daily living. This book is a must read anyone who wants to understand the foundational truths of the Christian life. It is clear, accessible and exceptionally practical.
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By J. Childers [blog] on May 21, 2009
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(Christ Baptist Church [website] / Senior Pastor / NC) [all reviews] [subscribe]
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Anything by Jerry Bridges is worth reading. This is a fantastic book. The "bookends" illustration is brilliant. This book has the potential to build a framework in our minds that will help us believe the Gospel and rely on the Spirit's power. I highly recommend it. |
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