Book Giveaway: The Bookends of the Christian Life

It has been a while since we have offered a book giveaway at TheoSource and we are very glad to be able to do this once again. Crossway Books has kindly supplied us with two extra copies of of the book reviewed by Tim in the previous post.

Jerry Bridges & Bob Bevington, The Bookends of the Christian Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2009. Hardcover, 160 pages.

ISBNs: 1433503190 / 9781433503191

Excerpts (PDF): Introduction & Chapter 3 - Gospel Enemy #1: Self-Righteousness

Jerry Bridges is a longtime staff member of the Navigators and currently serves with their collegiate ministry. In addition to his international speaking ministry, he has authored ten books and three devotionals; among them The Pursuit of Holiness, which has sold well over a million copies, and the award-winning The Discipline of Grace and I Will Follow You, O God.

Bob Bevington has practiced optometry since 1980 and cofounded several companies. His passion, however, is the message of the cross.

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?

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.

Endorsements

“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; 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

“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 distinctly 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 salvation 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

“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

Giveaway Instructions

For a chance to receive a free copy of The Bookends of the Christian Life, please submit your name by leaving a comment to either this post or to the book review post indicating your interest in entering this drawing.

For an extra chance to win a copy, post a link to Tim's review from your own blog, Facebook or Twitter. Send me an email letting me know where to find your link.

As we have done in the past, two winners will be randomly drawn using Random.org's List Randomizer. The names will be announced on Friday evening, May 15.

Please leave a comment and pass the word around.

Book Giveaway: The Bookends of the Christian Life