Jerry Bridges uniquely joins together the seemingly opposing forces of grace and discipline in this classic book on spiritual formation.  The Discipline of Grace is just one of many books by Bridges, but I believe it is by far his most convicting and piercing work.

The premise of the book connects our role with God’s role in the pursuit of holiness.  Bridges unapologetically promotes grace as the ultimate catalyst for righteous living; and the very grace that saves should cause us to live yielded lives under the direction of the Spirit.   Therefore, there is a great union, as Bridges puts …

The Need of Repentance

The word repentance has become misplaced in the modern church.  Because of its unpopular tone, many have discharged it from their preaching; and those who do preach it perhaps do so with negativity and uncertainty.  We must know that repentance is not only a biblical concept; it is an essential truth for the regenerative life.

John the Baptist preached repentance to the religious crowd of his day.  Jesus preached repentance as the means of entrance into the kingdom.  Peter preached repentance on the day of Pentecost as the church was birthed.  It is the remedy against …

Philippians 4:4-9

Introduction:

The entire thrust and theme of Philippians is joy.  It is fitting that Paul would conclude this epistle with the subject of contentment.  He gives four basic elements of finding contentment regardless of our circumstance.

1. Contentment and Praise (v4-5)

A. The Command of Praise- “Rejoice in the Lord”

B. The Condition of Praise- “Rejoice in the Lord alway:”

C. The Continuation of Praise- “and again I say, Rejoice.”

2. Contentment and Prayer (v6)

A. The Anxiety of a Believer– “Be careful for nothing;”

B. The Approach of a Believer- “but …

The great tragedy of trials is not going through them, but rather going through them and not learning anything from them.  God permits, and sometimes even sends, trials our way so that we can steward those trials for the benefit of others.  The apostle Paul alludes to this truth in 2 Corinthians 1:4.  He said,

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 

Notice three principles from this verse:

The Principle of Suffering

Paul used the word …

Bill Hull is one of today’s leading aficionados when it comes to discipleship.  His literary contributions to the subject has awakened and reignited a passion among many believers in this generation.  Some of his other works include The Disciple-Making Pastor, The Disciple-Making Church, The Complete Book of Discipleship, Choosing the Life: Exploring a Faith That Embraces Discipleship, and Jesus Christ Disciplemaker.  He has given much of his life to the development and training of authentic followers of Jesus Christ.

In his most recent book, Christlike: The Pursuit of Uncomplicated Obedience, Hull challenges the church to lay aside …