As we become serious followers of Christ, we want to live loving, joyful, anxiety-free lives. Yet loving our enemies seems impossible. Even being patient with our family is often difficult. How can we put on the gentle garments of grace when we're so busy battling our old behavior patterns?
In The Fruitful Life, beloved author Jerry Bridges explores the nine aspects of the "fruit of the Spirit" described in Galatians 5:22–23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He clarifies the cultivation process by showing us how to practice the fruit in real life. Bridges says these qualities of character can truly mark our lives if we devote ourselves to a twofold pursuit: God-centeredness and God-likeness. This book will guide you on that quest by focusing on God's nature as revealed in scripture and by helping you cultivate the beautiful fruit given by the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Jerry Bridges (1929–2016) was an evangelical Christian author, speaker, and staff member of The Navigators, an international, interdenominational Christian ministry focusing on mentoring, discipling, and building relationships. Bridges earned his undergraduate degree in engineering at the University of Oklahoma before serving as an officer in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He joined the Christian discipleship organization The Navigators in 1955, where he served as an administrative assistant to the Europe Director, office manager for the headquarters office, Secretary-Treasurer of the organization, and as Vice President for Corporate Affairs before moving to a staff development position with the Collegiate Mission.
“is, Devotion to God is the only acceptable motive for actions that are pleasing to God.” (Page 13)
“The second principle of godly character is, The power or enablement for a godly life comes from the risen Christ.” (Page 15)
“The third principle of godly character is, Though the power for Christlike character comes from Christ, the responsibility for developing and displaying that character is ours.” (Page 17)
“Every day we are training ourselves in one direction or the other by the thoughts we think, the words we say, the actions we take, and the deeds we do.” (Page 24)
“We need to learn that the Bible teaches both total responsibility and total dependence in all aspects of the Christian life.” (Page 17)
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Kevin Bratcher
6/12/2018
V.C. Davis
9/25/2013