Friday, June 12, 2009

Book Review: The Bookends of the Christian Life

Looking for a quick summer read to refresh your spiritual life? The Bookends of the Christian Life just may be what you need. This is a great little book.

Two biblical themes give shape to this 154-page book. They are two great gifts from God to everyone who turns from living their own way and trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior:
Gift #1 - The Righteousness of Jesus Christ
Gift #2 - The Empowering Work of the Holy Spirit

These two grace gifts from God are absolutely essential in the life every Christian. God's gift of Jesus' righteousness is right at the heart of the gospel of our salvation. God's gift of the Holy Spirit is the only way for Christians to live the life God has called us to live.

Reading this book is like re-telling the gospel to yourself in each short chapter. And that's good for the soul.

The bookends metaphor is helpful, and it makes for a cool cover (I like books). But the appeal of this metaphor may be limited to bookish types like me. Maybe Crossway Books should consider republishing this great little book with some different metaphors that would appeal to different audiences like:

Street Car Racers: The Guardrails of the Christian Life
Rock Climbers: The Rope and Belay of the Christian Life
Downhill Skiers: The Inside and Outside Edges of the Christian Life

Then again, maybe the title they chose is good enough.

Happy summer reading, blog-readers!

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