Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.Jerry Bridges likes to keep the main thing the main thing, and to keep that main thing simple. In The Gospel for Real Life Bridges keeps his focus on communicating the theology of the gospel in laymen’s language. He explores all the power, nuances, metaphors, and application that make up the gospel of Christ. Through his 16 chapters, Bridges discusses the meaning of the cross, the history of redemptive images, and helpfully explains the theological terms associated with the atonement. Consider The Gospel for Real Life to be both a primer on the cross and a handbook of applied theology.
Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
In typical Bridges style, The Gospel for Real Life is solidly written in plain language. Though some theologues might long for something weightier (like Stott’s The Cross of Christ, or Morris’s The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross), most readers will find plenty to chew on in Bridges volume. If any weakness can be found it would be that the book is not practical enough. I found myself looking for examples and illustrations of how to apply the gospel to everyday issues such as anger, lust, or relational conflicts. Still, The Gospel for Real Life remains one of the most helpful and accessible books I have come across.
Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
If someone came to me wrestling with guilt, shame, acceptance, assurance, or indwelling sin, The Gospel for Real Life would be one of first sources I would turn to. Whereas some would be put off with a traditional systematic theology, Bridges’ work would come as a welcome and helpful companion. In counseling relationships, Bridges would serve to build a healthy foundation for any spiritual (and emotional) struggle. Small groups as well as one-on-one relationships would benefit from reading and discussing The Gospel for Real Life.
Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
p.182 “To stay with the tug-of-war analogy, although the Spirit who dwells within us is stronger than the sinful nature, that nature continues to “dig in its heels” every step of the way. And sometimes it will pull the rope in the wrong direction.
What is it then that will keep us going in the face of this internal conflict” The answer is: the gospel. It is the assurance in the gospel that we have indeed died to the guilt of sin; that there is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus; that the Lord will never count our sins against us; and that we are truly delivered from the reigning power of sin, that will motivate us and keep us going even in the midst of the tension between the Spirit and the sinful nature”
Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
In typical Bridges style, The Gospel for Real Life is solidly written in plain language. Though some theologues might long for something weightier (like Stott’s The Cross of Christ, or Morris’s The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross), most readers will find plenty to chew on in Bridges volume. If any weakness can be found it would be that the book is not practical enough. I found myself looking for examples and illustrations of how to apply the gospel to everyday issues such as anger, lust, or relational conflicts. Still, The Gospel for Real Life remains one of the most helpful and accessible books I have come across.
Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
If someone came to me wrestling with guilt, shame, acceptance, assurance, or indwelling sin, The Gospel for Real Life would be one of first sources I would turn to. Whereas some would be put off with a traditional systematic theology, Bridges’ work would come as a welcome and helpful companion. In counseling relationships, Bridges would serve to build a healthy foundation for any spiritual (and emotional) struggle. Small groups as well as one-on-one relationships would benefit from reading and discussing The Gospel for Real Life.
Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
p.182 “To stay with the tug-of-war analogy, although the Spirit who dwells within us is stronger than the sinful nature, that nature continues to “dig in its heels” every step of the way. And sometimes it will pull the rope in the wrong direction.
What is it then that will keep us going in the face of this internal conflict” The answer is: the gospel. It is the assurance in the gospel that we have indeed died to the guilt of sin; that there is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus; that the Lord will never count our sins against us; and that we are truly delivered from the reigning power of sin, that will motivate us and keep us going even in the midst of the tension between the Spirit and the sinful nature”
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