The Journey Home: Finishing With Joy

by Bill Bright, James C. Dobson, Vonette Bright (Afterword)

"I have been asked if I have any last words before God calls me to a new assignment, and I do" Bill Bright said months before his death. At the time, facing an incurable disease, pulmonary fibrosis, his initial response was, "Thank you, Lord." His doctor believed he was in denial, but Bright's determination to declare the faithfulness and sovereignty of God for the rest of his days remained firm. His preparation for leaving this earth is chronicled in this surprisingly optimistic, encouraging book. Despite great suffering, Dr. Bright displayed unflinching courage and wrestled along with readers over troubling questions and intensifying his gaze on eternity. And as he experienced the nearness of death, Bright was able to write with unswerving confidence, "Four realities are more clear than God is real, His promises are true, life is an exciting though brief adventure, and heaven is our home."

Genres: Biography, Christian

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

William R. Bright was an American evangelist. In 1951 at the University of California, Los Angeles, he founded Campus Crusade for Christ as a ministry for university students. In 1952 he wrote The Four Spiritual Laws. In 1979 he produced the film Jesus.
In 1996 Bill Bright was awarded the $1.1 million Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, and donated the money to promote the spiritual benefits of fasting and prayer. In 2001 he stepped down as leader of the organization and Steve Douglass became president.

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister loaned me this book after learning I had Stage IV cancer. I wasn't thrilled about the thought of reading a book about dying, not in my fifties. I decided I would likely skim the book and return it to my well-meaning sister. But as I started reading, I soon found myself engrossed in its message of finding joy in one's final days. While it is not a book to devour, I ingested it little by little, finding upliftment on every page. Instead of dreading the topic of death, I looked forward to my daily dose of encouragement grounded in God's Word. Author Bill Bright does a wonderful job of focusing on the joy of Heaven awaiting us.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept expecting more as I read this book. This was a meandering account of Bill Bright's last days before he died. I did not see the purpose of this book except to tell us that he died a very painful death (pulmonary fibrosis) which is death by chocking to death. Bright does tell us that this is the way Jesus died when He was on the cross. Futher more Bight does remind us that if we are born we die. There is a one to one relationship between birth and death.

[Joshua Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it was all good, I found the glimpses into Bill Brights final years/weeks/days/hours the most personally interesting. A remarkable example of fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith even unto the last.

[Patricia OConnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. I reccommend it to anyone who is really ready to examine themself and truly begin living for God. I do not believe one can read this book and NOT make changes in their life.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all-time favorite book.

[Jill Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a man that was a game changer for Christianity. So many have come to faith because of Bill Bright. what an awesome man.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts as author was dying.

[Rose]

267.6 Bri