If you are discouraged about the progress you are making in the Christian life, consider reading Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace
. . . how you can sail forward with the wind at your back . . .
“We try to change ourselves. We take what we think are the tools of spiritual transformation into our own hands and try to sculpt ourselves into robust Christlike specimens. But spiritual transformation is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the Master Sculptor . . . Grace and the personal discipline required to pursue holiness, however, are not opposed to one another. In fact, they go hand in hand. An understanding of how grace and personal, vigorous effort work together is essential for a life-long pursuit of holiness.” (Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace: God’s Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness, Colorado Springs (NavPress, 1994), 11,13).
Hey bro.
I loved the Pursuit of Holiness, but I have enjoyed The Discipline of Grace more than any other Bridges work.
You probably knew this, but he’s got a new book entitled, “Respectable Sins.” Challies had such a good review that I went out and bought it. Not bad.
Bridges reminds me of Puritan writings (of which I’ve only scratched the surface), only far more readable.
Enjoying interactions with you. Godspeed as you lead your flock in this season of Incarnation.