Synopsis

A Bridge for Troubled Souls

Christian Principles to Alleviate Despair

By D. Franklin Bradley

May 18, 2021

147 pages of text including author bio, end notes, references, resources, etc.

22 chapters

Approximately 45,000 words

Disclaimer: This is an evangelical work of Christian principles from a conservative perspective. The Bible is put forth as the inspired Word GOD and as such is treated as being without error or faults other than typographical issues. The personal belief of the author is the Bible is the final authority in matters of faith and practice. As such he request the review be submitted to others of like faith and belief.

Concerning salvation: There is only one way to find forgiveness of sin and that is through faith in the atoning work of the Son of GOD, Jesus, accomplished when He died on the cross, was buried and rose again on the 3rd day.

Security of the Christian: Upon expression of faith and prayer to GOD for forgiveness of sin anyone may become born again spiritually. At that point the Christian is safe from condemnation from any cause and will upon death enter Heaven into the presence of GOD, for eternity.

Worship: This is a personal action between each Christian and GOD. It may or may not involve attendance to any organized worship activity.

Relevance to the book being presented for review: Christians are subject to suffering as much as other’s who doesn’t hold like beliefs. This book offers Biblical principles as a means for finding hope and encouragement and presents actions to consider as ways to implement Biblical truths. Implementation of the Bible’s teachings is taken for granted as the way to obtain relief from the distress of multiple causes common to the human race.

Overview: This book is written as if building a spiritual bridge by placing structure into each individual life and is divided into three parts containing corresponding images of progress.

Part One contains foundational declarations from Jesus as to why He came and what He intended to accomplish. Luke 4:18 contains five tasks Jesus proclaimed as the basis for His commission. These require faith to believe on the Christian’s part and are the foundations to the bridge.

1.      To preach the Gospel

2.      To heal the brokenhearted

3.      To preach deliverance to captives

4.      To restore sight to the blind

5.      To set at liberty the oppressed.

Part Two contains the seven basic commands of Christ. It is implementation of these by which the Christian instills spiritual structure into their beliefs and practices of daily life and provide the supporting structure of the bridge.

1.      Repent

2.      Be baptized

3.      Take Communion

4.      Love GOD and others

5.      Pray

6.      Give

7.      Teach

Part Three lists the Fruit of the Spirit as nine evidences of having implemented the commands/teachings of Jesus. They are examined individually by chapter and reveal progress. They are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These form the overarching span and deck of the bridge upon which a Christian walks above the tormenting issues addressed with the overall scope of the book.

This is a simple premise but one the author has experienced when going through and surviving suicidal depression. He also maintains the book’s principles as a daily means of managing PTSD, residual treatment-resistant depression and chronic acute anxiety, all stemming from violence during childhood. He is 66 years old, has been a Christian since 1977, and can testify to the power of applying the Bible’s teachings, apart from any religious organization or its rituals.

(He is not anti-religion and attends weekly worship services at his home church. He simply wants to reach anyone who feels shut out of formal religious exercises.)