The Beautiful Fight: Surrendering to the Transforming Presence of God Every Day of Your Life [Hardcover]

Gary Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2007

In a groundbreaking book that rethinks spiritual formation, Gary Thomas argues that the contemporary church is in danger of accepting Christianity as a historical reality but not as a present power. Is the grace that pardons powerful enough to transform? Answering with a resounding yes, Thomas presents a compelling picture of what it means to be a 'God oasis' in a God-forgetting world. 'The first chapter alone is worth reading many times. This is beauty and struggle. This is the death that leads to life.' John Ortberg, Pastor and Author, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church 'Set this book down ... slowly ... turn around ... and run away ... unless you hunger for a deeper vision of faith and thirst for genuine life transformation ... if you do, read on.' Kevin Harney, Pastor and Author 'Once again, Gary Thomas challenges me to live passionately for God and to apply his transforming power to my daily decisions.' Kay Warren, Executive Director, HIV/AIDS Initiative, Saddleback Church The Beautiful Fight will energize your life and your church. It will inspire you, equip you, and challenge you to delve ever deeper into what it means to be a truly holy believer, transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. Discover just how radical Christian transformation can be, as you learn to see with new eyes, think with a new mind, and feel with a new heart. Thomas rallies you to the Beautiful Fight---the struggle to fully express the wonder and life-changing power of Christ in this world through every aspect of who you are.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bestselling author Thomas (Sacred Marriage) based the title for this book on the way Orthodox Christian fathers translated Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the Beautiful Fight. Thomas is concerned that Christians often focus on mere morality and wants to introduce readers to a more experiential, compelling Christianity that focuses on transformation, not simply conduct. This Christianity emphasizes the ascension of Christ, the presence of Christ with us, the need to listen to God daily and the fact that God is already on our side—we do not need to earn his favor, although our actions can please him. Walking through this spiritual primer, Thomas addresses a range of attitudes and actions that contribute to Christ-like living. He draws on the stories and teachings of Christians past and present, including St. Francis, Teresa of Ávila, John Calvin, C.S. Lewis and J.I. Packer. Well written, this is largely very familiar evangelical teaching with a subtle shift. Thomas may have done better to focus more on his distinctions with traditional evangelical thought, though readers will likely welcome his valuable perspective on living the Christian life. (Nov.)
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Review

Bestselling author Thomas (Sacred Marriage) based the title for this book on the way Orthodox Christian fathers translated Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4:7: 'I have fought the Beautiful Fight.' Thomas is concerned that Christians often focus on 'mere morality' and wants to introduce readers to a more experiential, compelling Christianity that focuses on transformation, not simply conduct. This Christianity emphasizes the ascension of Christ, the presence of Christ with us, the need to listen to God daily and the fact that God is already on our side---we do not need to earn his favor, although our actions can please him. Walking through this spiritual primer, Thomas addresses a range of attitudes and actions that contribute to Christ-like living. He draws on the stories and teachings of Christians past and present, including St. Francis, Teresa of avila, John Calvin, C.S. Lewis and J.I. Packer. Well written, this is largely very familiar evangelical teaching with a subtle shift. Thomas may have done better to focus more on his distinctions with traditional evangelical thought, though readers will likely welcome his valuable perspective on living the Christian life. (Nov.) -- Publisher's Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310272734
• ISBN-13: 978-0310272731
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #659,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper relationships. Gary's unique message will help you:

* Embrace the unique way that you interact with God.
* Partner in the spiritual growth and character formation of your spouse.
* Build a closer, grace-based family.
* Enjoy God with a new sense of freedom and delight.

Find out more at: www.GaryThomas.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Substantive to the End!, December 11, 2007

By 

LaPine Pastor (LaPine, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beautiful Fight: Surrendering to the Transforming Presence of God Every Day of Your Life (Hardcover)

Although this book has a common theme (our constant struggle for personal holiness), every page contains book-dropping principles that I wanted to stop and ponder at the implications for my life. Unlike so many popular Christian books that have only one or two great precepts surounded by a tremendous amount of page-filling fluff, "The Beautiful Fight" is substantive to the end. It will challenge new Christians in their faith and also awaken those believers who consider their faith to be strong, to shake off any further sluggishness. I am no "Oprah", but as a pastor, I am looking for ways that I can get our congregation to read it. Next month, I plan to lead our elders through a study of it together, using the questions for discussion and reflection that are found in the appendix at the end of the book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This new book should become a classic, but don't wait to read it!, December 20, 2007

By 

Been there - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beautiful Fight: Surrendering to the Transforming Presence of God Every Day of Your Life (Hardcover)

I've been reading The Beautiful Fight in pieces every night. It is too good to read quickly. The book is packed with wisdom from numerous spiritual leaders of old, as well as the author's own compelling insights from his life and passion for running "the only race worth running" or in this case, fighting "the beautiful fight".

The author is well-studied, real and vulnerable. Everything in this book rings true and yet there are wonderful interpretations of scripture I've never come across before--even in my many years of practicing my faith. I suspect The Beautiful Fight will become a classic. It is deep but it also contains practical details that have already helped me make a few decisions and be more compassionate to a neighbor. When I finish reading it, I plan on rereading it!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Spirituality, April 4, 2008

By 

Brian G Hedges (South Bend, Indiana) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Beautiful Fight: Surrendering to the Transforming Presence of God Every Day of Your Life (Hardcover)

This newest book from one of Evangelicalism's finest authors on spiritual formation, Gary Thomas, is excellent - one of the best books I've read this year. Thomas takes a fresh look at living a God-empowered life that is grounded in the doctrine of Christ's bodily ascension. Drawing on insights from Evangelical, Reformed, Orthodox, and Catholic traditions, Thomas shows how God's presence can change the way we use our eyes and ears, hands and feet, minds and hearts. The Beautiful Fight is a beautiful book about a beautiful spirituality of "full-bodied faith." I could barely put this book down and walked away freshly convicted, challenged, and encouraged. Having now read several of Thomas's books, I think this is my favorite to date. Treat yourself to a banquet of spiritual delights and get this book!