Book Recommendation from a Pastor
A Bright Tomorrow: Facing the Future without Fear by Jared Mellinger
Recommendation by Pastor Eufemio Magsombol Jr.
Jared Mellinger, author of “A Bright Tomorrow,” puts it well: “The future of every Christian is incredibly bright… Our future is more glorious than we know.” The problem is that we often fail to set our hearts on this truth. And so our hope falters, and our hearts fill with fear and anxiety when we consider the trials and uncertainties that we face.
“A Bright Tomorrow” is a book that reminds us to look to Christ. It begins by exploring the difficulty of facing our future with confidence. The author shares from his own experience and acknowledges that, without exception, trials will come for all of us, and many will struggle to face the future with confidence. And so we must allow Christ to speak to our fears.
The first section focuses on biblical hope: God’s grace, our guaranteed future, God’s unchanging promises, and His unfailing love. The second section explores how we can connect and apply biblical hope to specific areas of life: future trials, parental fears, cultural decline, aging, and dying. And it fittingly ends on a reflection on our greatest hope: when Christ will make all things new. This is our bright tomorrow!
I encourage you to check out “A Bright Tomorrow” if you’re looking for a concise and accessible resource on how to battle anxieties through the greater hope we have in Christ. Here are a few highlights:
- “This book is not just for those who look to the future and are troubled. It is also for those who don’t tend to think much about the future… All Christians need to think rightly about the future. Christ sustains us, satisfies us, and changes us by the power of a forward-looking hope.”
- “the way to live a fruitful life in the present is to embrace all that God has spoken about that bright future… When our thoughts of the future are ill-informed or full of doubt, it drains our joy and peace. But when our thoughts are biblically informed and full of faith, we flourish.”
- “True Christianity is a life of hopeful expectation, resolute confidence, and absolute joy regarding the future… The Bible is utterly realistic about the brokenness and pain of this world and, at the same time, it is full of hope regarding the future because of Christ. And this hope is what sustains us through grief and trials of many kinds.”
- “Do you believe that God will give you the grace you need for everything he calls you to and everything He brings your way? It is not a question concerning your faithfulness, but God’s faithfulness to His promises concerning you.”
Articles
What Is God Up To?: The Temptation to Overinterpret Suffering
In our curiosity and desire for answers, we may be missing the point. God doesn’t owe us an exhaustive response to all of our “whys,” but He has provided enough for us to trust Him and obey. As pastor Kim preached this past Sunday, let us draw near to know Christ better.
So Very Weak, Yet So Very Proud
One of the lessons God may be trying to teach us during this pandemic is how limited we are. COVID-19 has humbled us. But therein lies a precious truth. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Could a Recession Serve Our Joy?
Recession is a serious thing that will touch our lives. While this draws from a sermon John Piper preached over a decade ago, the introduction puts the snippet in our context today and shows us what God may be doing in the midst of a recession.
How Should College Students Engage With Their Families During This Season of Staying at Home?
This article is not only applicable to college students, but any who’ve had to make some living adjustments. Lots of wisdom and insights to consider.
Coronavirus as Dress Rehearsal
Many of us are longing for the day when this pandemic will all be over and we can return to some semblance of normalcy. But perhaps we would be served well to remember the Christian race is not a sprint, but a marathon.
Loneliness Has Been My Faithful Friend
As shelter-in-place drags on, the struggle with loneliness becomes more prevalent. Even our loneliness can be redeemed as a teaching instrument to grow us in our faith. Whether you’re single or married, young or old, there’s something for everyone in this article.
Music
Song of the Day: “The Blessing”
Straight Scripture from the Aaronic benediction, may this song propel your heart to God’s faithfulness. He will not forsake His people. He will build His church.
In times where we are physically apart, we need to remember that we are one in Christ. We celebrate our bonds in Him as the body of Christ. As we draw closer to Him, we find ourselves drawn closer to each other.
Though You Slay Me – Shane & Shane featuring John Piper
And oldie but so good and appropriate today. In our suffering, we can still sing. Jesus is still precious and glorious.
Misc
Panel Discussion: Comfort in Times of Crisis
In this panel discussion, Drs Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, Stephen Nichols, Burk Parsons, and Derek Thomas discuss how we can draw strength and comfort from Christ during this season of panic and pandemic.
Trillia Newbell on Children and Idolatry
Short and sweet, this video clip is an encouragement to parents on how to love children without idolizing them.
The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Guided Tour
Now’s the perfect time to read the Christian classic, “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” This free teaching series provides a deeper look into Bunyan’s masterpiece.
Introducing a New Podcast for Families
Rejoice parents. Here’s a short family podcast that goes through the popular book, “The Big Picture Bible Story Bible,” by David R. Helm.
