Jerry Bridges
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jerry Bridges was a renowned Christian author and speaker, widely recognized for his profound insights into spiritual growth and Christian living. His full name was Jerry Louis Bridges, but he was commonly referred to simply as Jerry Bridges.
Birth and Death Dates
Jerry Bridges was born on December 4, 1929, and he passed away on March 6, 2016. His life spanned a period of significant cultural and religious change, during which he made a lasting impact on the Christian community.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Jerry Bridges was an American by nationality. He dedicated his life to serving as a Christian author, speaker, and staff member of The Navigators, a worldwide Christian para-church organization. His work primarily focused on discipleship and spiritual formation.
Early Life and Background
Jerry Bridges was born in Tyler, Texas, during the Great Depression, a time that shaped his values and worldview. Raised in a Christian home, he developed a strong faith foundation early in life. After high school, he attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in engineering. His career path took a significant turn when he joined the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. It was during his time in the Navy that Bridges felt a calling to ministry, leading him to join The Navigators in 1955.
Major Accomplishments
Jerry Bridges is best known for his contributions to Christian literature, particularly in the realm of personal holiness and spiritual growth. His most significant accomplishment was his ability to communicate complex theological concepts in a way that was accessible and practical for everyday Christians. Over his lifetime, he authored more than a dozen books, many of which became bestsellers and have been translated into multiple languages.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Jerry Bridges' most notable works is "The Pursuit of Holiness," published in 1978. This book has sold over a million copies and remains a staple in Christian literature, encouraging believers to live lives of holiness and obedience to God. Another significant work is "The Discipline of Grace," which explores the balance between grace and personal effort in the Christian life. Bridges' writings often emphasized the importance of understanding God's grace and its transformative power in the believer's life.
In addition to his writing, Bridges was a sought-after speaker, known for his humble demeanor and deep wisdom. He traveled extensively, teaching and mentoring Christians around the world. His involvement with The Navigators allowed him to influence countless individuals through discipleship and leadership training.
Impact and Legacy
Jerry Bridges' impact on the Christian community is profound and enduring. His teachings on holiness, grace, and spiritual discipline have shaped the lives of many believers, encouraging them to pursue a deeper relationship with God. His books continue to be used in Bible studies, small groups, and personal devotions, providing guidance and inspiration to new generations of Christians.
Bridges' legacy is also evident in the way he modeled a life of integrity and humility. He was known for his authenticity and transparency, qualities that endeared him to those who knew him personally and those who only knew him through his writings. His commitment to living out the principles he taught has left a lasting impression on the Christian community.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jerry Bridges is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to distill complex theological truths into practical, actionable insights. His quotes often reflect a deep understanding of God's grace and the Christian's call to holiness, resonating with believers seeking to grow in their faith. Phrases like "Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace" encapsulate his balanced approach to grace and discipline.
Bridges' writings and teachings continue to be a source of encouragement and challenge, prompting Christians to examine their lives and pursue a closer walk with God. His legacy lives on through the countless individuals who have been transformed by his words and the enduring influence of his work in the realm of Christian discipleship and spiritual growth.
Quotes by Jerry Bridges
Jerry Bridges's insights on:
God never pursues His glory at the expense of the good of His people, nor does He ever seek our good t the expense of His glory. He has designed His eternal purpose so that His glory and our good are inextricably bound together. What comfort and encouragement this should be to us.
Nothing is so small or trivial as to escape the attention of God’s sovereign control; nothing is so great as to be beyond His power to control it.
Run, John, run. The law commands But gives neither feet nor hands. Better news the gospel brings; It bids me fly and gives me wings.
We honor God by choosing to trust Him when we don’t understand what He is doing or why He has allowed some adverse circumstance to occur.
We do not know why God allowed the enemies of His people to prevail at one time and restrained them at another. It is enough to know that God can and does restrain the harmful acts of others toward us when that is His sovereign will. Furthermore, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, intends that good ultimately comes from those harmful acts. The.
It is relatively easy to serve those above us – even the world expects this – but Jesus served downward.
Christ’s death was the result of God’s grace; grace is not the result of Christ’s death.
Grace is not a matter of God’s making up the difference, but of God’s providing all the “cost” of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
If you are going to experience the joy of your freedom in Christ, you have to decide whether you will please God or people.
Many Christians have what we might call a “cultural holiness”. They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.