Book Review: "True Community" by Jerry Bridges

A few months ago I finished reading "True Community, the practice of biblical koinonia". This was the first Jerry Bridges book I've read, and before I had finished the first chapter I was thinking "where has this author been my whole life?". Jerry Bridges is a prolific author and a frequent visitor at the Sovereign Grace Pastors College, so naturally, I've heard many of his quotes in sermons and raves about his books by friends and pastors. After having read this short (150 pages) book I can attest to this, that he is both authoritative and humble is his writing style. Unlike many other popular authors, he does not go off on a tangent, but adheres closely to scripture. This is what makes his writing style so objective. He is a faithful exegete, with a pastoral tone, writing in simple language.

In this book, Bridges wants to restore the biblical meaning of fellowship (koinonia) to his readers. He challenges the modern definition of fellowship as mere social practices, and replaces it with this definition: Sharing of a common life in Christ. This common life which is granted to every believer is a result of the saving work of the death of Christ. This means that you and I are called into the same faith, and relate to one another on the basis of the work of Christ.
   He also makes the distinction between the objective reality of being in fellowship with one another and the experiential aspect of having fellowship with one another. As a result of our union, we can experience communion.

After laying the groundwork for what it means to be united with Christ, and to share in his life with other believers, Bridges begins to show us what this common life looks like from a biblical perspective. With many helpful examples he shows us biblical koinonia as it applies to evangelism, prayer, finances, suffering, spiritual gifts, and more.

The moment of inspiration for me was to see how God designed biblical fellowship as both a means of grace, and a necessity for our spiritual growth. God did not intend for his people to live outside of the canopy of daily prayer, encouragement, and accountability.
   Furthermore this idea of fellowship changes the way we see a brother or sister who has fallen away from the faith. It changes how we view the suffering of a fellow believer. And because we are united with fellow believers in a special way, we have a greater reason than the world does to celebrate the achievements of other christians. When one is hurting, we all hurt. When one rejoices, we all rejoice.

True Community is an easy read, yet nonetheless profound. I've highlighted or marked up about half of the book so far. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. I can't wait to get to the other Jerry Bridges books waiting patiently on my bookshelf.

Shoulder to Shoulder

Not too long ago I overheard a conversation between two men in my church. They were talking about parenting and the attitudes of their teenage boys, and one man said something that really stuck with me. Though I cannot remember the entire conversation, I pondered the truth of what he said for a long time afterward. And as I pondered, a more complete thought started to take shape. This is my rendition of what that wise father said about parenting, but it really applies to all relationships. I chose to write it down because I wanted to never forget it.

"You can't get anything accomplished standing 'toe to toe' with someone, yelling in their face, and jabbing your finger in their shoulder. When your kids are young, you can tell them how to behave and if they don't do it, you can make them do it. But there comes a point when they grow to be as big, or bigger than you are, and standing 'toe to toe' just doesn't work no matter how you try it. They end up feeling like you think they're stupid, and they feel like you're bossing them around (because you are).  

But if you stand shoulder to shoulder... well, that's when you can really begin to influence someone. When you say 'Hey, I've been through this before. I know what you're feeling. This is what God has taught me...' it has a greater effect than getting in their face about their attitudes. When you're standing shoulder to shoulder with someone you're in the best position to wrap your arm around them and let them feel cared for. You're in the best position to point toward the horizon and show them where you're going. And because you're not standing in front of them, they can usually see clearer. They can see what they need most in that moment... what you've been pointing at all along... The Cross of Jesus Christ."