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Bright Hope for Tomorrow: How Anticipating Jesus’ Return Gives Strength for Today
This is no ordinary hope. This hope can transform us fully when we learn to see it correctly. Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. That is the hope that fueled the lives of Jesus' disciples and the momentum of the early church. The hope of seeing their risen Lord face-to-face powered their endurance through persecution, their patience in discipling new believers, and their courage to renounce injustice and sinful passions. Learning to renew our hope in Jesus' actual, promised return trains us to live differently and see the world with different eyes. What if we could hold that hope closer to us intellectually and emotionally? In Bright Hope for Tomorrow , pastor Chris Davis will help you see the Second Coming in a fresh way that recaptures your spiritual imagination, strengthens your discipleship, and recovers your theology from the confusion and controversy caused by end-times studies. This book is a journey into the heart of Christianity's eschatological anticipation that will help Rediscover the true heights of the hope we have in Christ—a fresh hope that can drive our daily responses to temptation, affliction, discouragement, and life in a broken world.
222 pages, Hardcover
Published October 25, 2022
27 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Chris Davis
1 book10 followersChris Davis is the pastor of Groveton Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, where he lives with his wife and four children. You can find his articles at TheRodAndStaff.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 16, 2025
Flott bok som handler om noe av det aller vakreste ved kristen tro - håpet vi har i Jesus. Fokuset er spesifikt på håpet vi har i lys av Jesu gjenkomst, et tema som jeg ikke har hørt for mye om før. Boken har sine styrker i at den sier mye om hva håpet har å si for livet her og nå, bredden i beskrivelser av hvordan Jesus skal komme tilbake og at den bruker liten tid på å debattere detaljer rundt gjenkomsten.
August 22, 2022
4.5. A wonderful book.
January 31, 2023
I've never seen this topic approached in this manner. I love that this book is devoid of all zany End of Days theories, and any popular religious theory. This book isn't about picking apart the Bible to figure out how and when Jesus will return. It's about the attitude of our hearts and the direction of our lives, in light of our hope and expectation that Jesus will return.
I love that topics such as shame and addiction are addressed.
I love that modern issues like racism and social justice issues are addressed.
I love that the author focuses on the fact that the price for our sin has already been paid, and so we have no fear of the future. Instead we have the joy of living our lives in the glorious freedom of pleasing God. I love it.
I love that topics such as shame and addiction are addressed.
I love that modern issues like racism and social justice issues are addressed.
I love that the author focuses on the fact that the price for our sin has already been paid, and so we have no fear of the future. Instead we have the joy of living our lives in the glorious freedom of pleasing God. I love it.
October 21, 2025
This book goes through how to live in light of our hope of the second coming of Christ. Starting with how to view Christ coming back as the bridegroom, warrior, judge, etc, you begin to get exciting of how Christ coming will truly meet every need and longing we have.
Something new I enjoyed was learning how to fast in hopes of Christ’s return and how to feast (through Sabbath) in anticipation for eternal rest we will have as we enjoy God forever.
Overall a great book on preserving with eternal hope set on Christ’s second coming.
Something new I enjoyed was learning how to fast in hopes of Christ’s return and how to feast (through Sabbath) in anticipation for eternal rest we will have as we enjoy God forever.
Overall a great book on preserving with eternal hope set on Christ’s second coming.
February 14, 2025
I'm adding this to my list of books-I-think-every-Christian-should-read! Whether you're deep in a trial that seems neverending, so happy you wish nothing would change, or somewhere in between, this in-depth reminder of what the return of Jesus will bring is an excellent perspective shift. Mr. Davis doesn't speculate about end-times theology but rather draws from Scripture to point out ways our lives can and should be shaped by the promise of Jesus's second coming.
August 25, 2024
Full disclosure, Chris Davis is my friend.
Regardless, Chris paints the beauty of hope as we wait for Christ’s coming — the day when perfect justice will be realized. That is a healing message for those who have been crushed by wicked people in the name of Christ. This book will urge you to long for that day, and help you worship Him until that day comes.
Regardless, Chris paints the beauty of hope as we wait for Christ’s coming — the day when perfect justice will be realized. That is a healing message for those who have been crushed by wicked people in the name of Christ. This book will urge you to long for that day, and help you worship Him until that day comes.
April 30, 2023
Loved this book! An excellent presentation of Jesus’ return and why we should care about it in our day to day. There’s so much hope and encouragement packed in this little volume.
August 2, 2023
Especially liked the section on rhythms we can practice to stay faithful and to take on a posture of anticipation for Christ’s return. We are numbed too easily.
May 5, 2024
Highly recommend.
May 13, 2023
This is a book on eschatology, that is the doctrine of the end times. Normally, I avoid most books on End Times matters because they are either sensationalist, unbiblical (like the heaven tourism books of a few years ago), or doctrinally suspect. However, 'Bright Hope for Tomorrow: How Anticipating Jesus' Return Gives Strength for Today’ is a book worth reading. Rather than spend pages arguing for a certain view of the millennium of Revelation 20, or of trying to match current events with descriptions of Revelation, or of the tiresome attempts of trying to predict the exact date of the Second Coming, Davis takes a much more helpful approach and seeks to show the ways that the Bible's description of the return of Christ is designed to instill hope in us. I mean, do you really think that it would encourage the 7 churches of Revelation merely by having a proper understanding of the millenium? Or that identifying the 'antichrist' does much for their day to day struggles of faith and enduring persecution? Chris Davis, Senior Pastor of Groveton Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, approaches it with a pastor's heart, recognizing that the Scriptures are designed for application, encouragement and edification. He divides the book into four sections, I. The Story of Hope; II. Portraits of Jesus' Return, III. Rhythms of Anticipation, and IV. The Transforming Power of Hope. In the second section, where he has already discussed Christ's coming as a Warrior King and as the Bridegroom coming for His bride,I was encouraged by the chapter "The Judge", and wanted to share a taste of it with you:
"More than any of the other portraits of Jesus' return that we will ponder, this vision of Jesus as Judge is the most susceptible to being hijacked by our preconceived notions of judgment day or the shame we have internalized from previous experiences of exposure. So we are going to allow Paul's three treatments of judgment to guide us toward his disposition of loving this day of Jesus' appearing. Like a child taking her cures from her parents in a new and potentially frightening situation, we will learn from Paul how pondering this future judgment can positively shape how we live today.
Before You Panic
Let me share two preliminary words of encouragement, especially for those already feeling a degree of panic over this topic.
First, if you are truly in Christ, then judgment is nothing to fear. Before Paul wrote to the Corinthians about what Jesus would judge at his return, he instilled in them a confidence that Jesus himself would 'sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Chirst' (1 Cor. 1:8). He did not teach them about coming assessments to cause them to doubt their salvation or to suggest that they had better work harder if they wanted to pass the test. Their hope of salvation lay in Christ from beginning to end. Paul's confidence was not in the Corinthians' efforts but in God's power: 'God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord' (1 Cor. 1:9). If you trust in Christ alone to save you, then you have nothing to fear. 'There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus' (Rom. 8:1).
Second, focusing on Jesus as Judge could actually set you free. If you are anything like me, you already allow yourself, sometimes unconsciously, to live under the judgment of others every day. Whether you are a young mother scrolling through the Instagram feed of picture-perfect moms, a pastor looking at the growing ministry of others, or a homeowner who can't stop noticing how much nicer your neighbors' landscaping is than yours, we all allow ourselves to be judged through constant comparison. Let's be honest, we have nightmares about hearing the ridicule of our peers, not standing before the judgment throne of God.
What if a focus on Jesus' return as Judge could set us free from that? What if dialing up our concern about his assessment would dial down our obsession over the assessment of others? As we launch into Paul's writing on this, let us receive the Judge's coming as a gift that can set us free from others' critiques and motivate us to live in congruence with our trust in him." (pgs. 82-84).
Again, what is so helpful about this book, is that Davis uses a focus on Jesus’ second coming, as the New Testament itself uses it, as a doctrine with specific application for our lives today. It motivates our faithfulness, orients our perspective, gives us a source of joy amidst trials, and a real confidence in the fulfillment of God’s promises and plan. This is a great book for any genuine believer in Christ, regardless of your view of the millennium! Grab it and read it!
"More than any of the other portraits of Jesus' return that we will ponder, this vision of Jesus as Judge is the most susceptible to being hijacked by our preconceived notions of judgment day or the shame we have internalized from previous experiences of exposure. So we are going to allow Paul's three treatments of judgment to guide us toward his disposition of loving this day of Jesus' appearing. Like a child taking her cures from her parents in a new and potentially frightening situation, we will learn from Paul how pondering this future judgment can positively shape how we live today.
Before You Panic
Let me share two preliminary words of encouragement, especially for those already feeling a degree of panic over this topic.
First, if you are truly in Christ, then judgment is nothing to fear. Before Paul wrote to the Corinthians about what Jesus would judge at his return, he instilled in them a confidence that Jesus himself would 'sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Chirst' (1 Cor. 1:8). He did not teach them about coming assessments to cause them to doubt their salvation or to suggest that they had better work harder if they wanted to pass the test. Their hope of salvation lay in Christ from beginning to end. Paul's confidence was not in the Corinthians' efforts but in God's power: 'God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord' (1 Cor. 1:9). If you trust in Christ alone to save you, then you have nothing to fear. 'There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus' (Rom. 8:1).
Second, focusing on Jesus as Judge could actually set you free. If you are anything like me, you already allow yourself, sometimes unconsciously, to live under the judgment of others every day. Whether you are a young mother scrolling through the Instagram feed of picture-perfect moms, a pastor looking at the growing ministry of others, or a homeowner who can't stop noticing how much nicer your neighbors' landscaping is than yours, we all allow ourselves to be judged through constant comparison. Let's be honest, we have nightmares about hearing the ridicule of our peers, not standing before the judgment throne of God.
What if a focus on Jesus' return as Judge could set us free from that? What if dialing up our concern about his assessment would dial down our obsession over the assessment of others? As we launch into Paul's writing on this, let us receive the Judge's coming as a gift that can set us free from others' critiques and motivate us to live in congruence with our trust in him." (pgs. 82-84).
Again, what is so helpful about this book, is that Davis uses a focus on Jesus’ second coming, as the New Testament itself uses it, as a doctrine with specific application for our lives today. It motivates our faithfulness, orients our perspective, gives us a source of joy amidst trials, and a real confidence in the fulfillment of God’s promises and plan. This is a great book for any genuine believer in Christ, regardless of your view of the millennium! Grab it and read it!
October 27, 2022
What's the big idea and/or unique approach of this book?
The return of Jesus is at the core of the Christian story. But since we don’t know when and it’s been a long time this often fades into the background for modern, western Christians. But when we see it clearly it changes everything, from our internal experience to how we show up in relationship with each other.
How am I smarter, better, or wiser because of it?
I have read a lot on similar topics, but haven’t ever heard this approach. Usually, the focus has been on what Heaven will be like. But this book helped me apply that future promise to my daily reality.
Was I entertained/did it keep my attention?
Very much. The author has a unique ability to say deep things in an easy to grasp way, with choice words and funny stories.
Would I recommend it to others?
Highly. If you’re a Christian this is a must read. If you’re not, you might understand what it’s supposed to be like from this book, so you still light want to read it.
The return of Jesus is at the core of the Christian story. But since we don’t know when and it’s been a long time this often fades into the background for modern, western Christians. But when we see it clearly it changes everything, from our internal experience to how we show up in relationship with each other.
How am I smarter, better, or wiser because of it?
I have read a lot on similar topics, but haven’t ever heard this approach. Usually, the focus has been on what Heaven will be like. But this book helped me apply that future promise to my daily reality.
Was I entertained/did it keep my attention?
Very much. The author has a unique ability to say deep things in an easy to grasp way, with choice words and funny stories.
Would I recommend it to others?
Highly. If you’re a Christian this is a must read. If you’re not, you might understand what it’s supposed to be like from this book, so you still light want to read it.
February 6, 2023
A good little book on the hope we have to live now and for the future because of the sure and certain return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This book should cause us to lift our eyes off ourselves and our daily circumstances and see them in the light of the Lord's return.
Author Davis concludes with 1 Thessalonians 4: 18, "Encourage one another with these words". He sure did!
Author Davis concludes with 1 Thessalonians 4: 18, "Encourage one another with these words". He sure did!
February 3, 2024
A thoughtful treatise of the theological and formational implications of Christ’s return. Staying away from end times speculations, it redirects the reader towards hopeful anticipation of our future in Christ with practical guidance for living out that hope in our daily lives.
October 27, 2022
Great take on a topic that has been hijacked by all kinds of obscure arguments and speculations. You'll want to read this and have your heart re-focused on the return of Christ. Tim Keller's endorsement says it all: "The best practical pastoral book on the doctrine of the second coming written in years."
March 31, 2024
The end times. A difficult topic for sure. This book does not take sides instead it points to what all the views have in common. Not quite as good as a few others I have read, like Jesus Wins, but still encouraging
Want to read
June 2, 2023Tim Keller says it is “The best practical pastoral book on the doctrine of the second coming written in years.”
January 11, 2023
Beautiful and encouraging book!
January 1, 2023
At the heart of Sabbath practice is enjoying God and his good gifts.”
“Bright Hope for Tomorrow”, by Chris Davis, is a magnificent little book. Davis unpacks key biblical passages pertaining to Christ and his 2nd coming. This is not a book of prognostications but one of biblical facts. What does the Bible actually say about Jesus’ return to earth for his bride and how are we to watch and wait? What are we to do while waiting and how shall we do it?
Davis writes an engaging book in a style that will welcome both the seasoned and sophomore to this subject that has drawn the masses for centuries. Questions at the end of each chapter are compelling and help to make the study personal for each reader.
All things considered, not a one and done, this book can be read and the principles applied for a lifetime📚
“Bright Hope for Tomorrow”, by Chris Davis, is a magnificent little book. Davis unpacks key biblical passages pertaining to Christ and his 2nd coming. This is not a book of prognostications but one of biblical facts. What does the Bible actually say about Jesus’ return to earth for his bride and how are we to watch and wait? What are we to do while waiting and how shall we do it?
Davis writes an engaging book in a style that will welcome both the seasoned and sophomore to this subject that has drawn the masses for centuries. Questions at the end of each chapter are compelling and help to make the study personal for each reader.
All things considered, not a one and done, this book can be read and the principles applied for a lifetime📚
August 9, 2023
Not your usual book about Jesus’ coming but thoroughly biblical and encouraging. It took me a bit to find my stride but once the author began to unpack portraits of Jesus’ return I couldn’t put it down. My favorite sections were rhythms of anticipation through the weekly gathering of the church (how we stir each other up to recognize the deceitfulness of sin and the lures of the world and resist with the love and accountability of other saints), fasting, and rest. I also appreciated the chapter on doing the master’s work and imagining presenting other believers before Jesus who have been encouraged in Him and filled with faith. What a vision of living in light of the day I see Jesus’ face, alongside all who call Him Savior and Lord!
One downfall was a couple of times when the author seemed to avoid bringing up controversial scripture and even admitted to largely avoiding the book of Revelation due to differing end times interpretations. While I understand the heart behind navigating these challenges and know that was not the purpose or scope of this book, I hope we never avoid or shy away from any part of scripture due to the challenges it may pose.
One downfall was a couple of times when the author seemed to avoid bringing up controversial scripture and even admitted to largely avoiding the book of Revelation due to differing end times interpretations. While I understand the heart behind navigating these challenges and know that was not the purpose or scope of this book, I hope we never avoid or shy away from any part of scripture due to the challenges it may pose.
January 31, 2024
In the Bright Hope for Tomorrow Chris Davis draws out the hope to which Christians look to and hang on to. the return of Jesus. Davis outlines this hope through Scripture as well as the main ways in which this return is described; the returning king, bridegroom, the judge, and the resurrecting one. Davis also gives "rhythms" which help the Christian anticipate the return of Jesus and then finally what our response should be.
Overall, a well written work which encourages the reader to wait with hope.
Overall, a well written work which encourages the reader to wait with hope.
December 14, 2024
The ‘day of the Lord’ is coming (1 Thessalonians 5:2), bringing an end to the darkness of the world and restoring all things - led by the risen Jesus Christ himself. So what?
This book gives some really helpful application to what difference this truth can and should make to our lives. It can affect how we live now, what priorities we give to different things, how we deal with suffering and death, and how we can have true hope even in the darkest of times. Including golden chapters on fasting and resting. Loved it.
This book gives some really helpful application to what difference this truth can and should make to our lives. It can affect how we live now, what priorities we give to different things, how we deal with suffering and death, and how we can have true hope even in the darkest of times. Including golden chapters on fasting and resting. Loved it.
April 5, 2023
Absolutely fabulous! Such beautiful and understandable writing on the second coming of Jesus. 100% recommended!
April 14, 2023
Excellent! Davis does such a wonderful job exploring a topic so few would. But, oh, what a gift he has given us. Definitely worth the read!
June 13, 2023
A gem that will leave you longing for the return of our Lord Jesus and encouraged until that day comes.
November 9, 2024
It‘s a pretty good one. 4.5!
Especially, part 3 about forming rhythms of anticipation, and part 4 of transforming power of Hope are helpful for me!
The best part for me is Chapter 10&Chapter11. I’ll re-read.
Chapter 10 Rest
Chapter 11 Purifying Ourselves
Especially, part 3 about forming rhythms of anticipation, and part 4 of transforming power of Hope are helpful for me!
The best part for me is Chapter 10&Chapter11. I’ll re-read.
Chapter 10 Rest
Chapter 11 Purifying Ourselves
November 29, 2022
I am so thankful for this book. Chris Davis has put together a fantastic book on how important Jesus and his second coming really should be in our daily lives. I think he succeeds at his core goal in the book, but it did several other things for me as well.
- I came away more appropriately in awe of Jesus as God and I have a higher view of Him now.
- I am treating the way that I live more seriously as I anticipate the second coming.
- Davis takes a lot of time reiterating Jesus’s commands and getting around the callused ways of thinking about them. Super challenging look at what Jesus calls us to.
I would recommend this book to all of my Christian friends. It’s a fantastic read.
- I came away more appropriately in awe of Jesus as God and I have a higher view of Him now.
- I am treating the way that I live more seriously as I anticipate the second coming.
- Davis takes a lot of time reiterating Jesus’s commands and getting around the callused ways of thinking about them. Super challenging look at what Jesus calls us to.
I would recommend this book to all of my Christian friends. It’s a fantastic read.
March 31, 2025
Pastor Chris Davis has written a captivating book on the second coming of Christ. Rather than hypothesizing about when that will happen or what it could look like, Davis focuses on how we as believers should prepare ourselves as we hope for the future. His theology is deeply rooted in scripture, and his anecdotes are personal and meaningful. I found so much encouragement in his writing of hope in times of trouble. I believe this is one I will come back to again and again.
February 4, 2023
This book offers readers a biblical perspective and practical encouragement about the return of Christ, speaking to all Christians regardless of their specific interpretations of Revelation and other apocalyptic texts. Instead of focusing on the biblical passages that most End Times books base theories on, this author covers various teachings about the return of Christ from throughout the New Testament, highlighting how these passages portray Christ as the warrior king, the judge, the bridegroom, and the resurrecting one.
As he explores this theological foundation, the author shares practical applications for how a right understanding of "That Day" should affect our daily lives. The second half of the book focuses on practical life applications and ways that we can live in light of Christ's return through our everyday rhythms. There is nothing new and innovative in this book, but that is part of its power. It explores often under-emphasized parts of Scripture in a clear and helpful way, and shows how we can live the Christian life in light of these realities. This book is well-organized, faithful to Scripture, and very thoughtful, and I found it encouraging.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
As he explores this theological foundation, the author shares practical applications for how a right understanding of "That Day" should affect our daily lives. The second half of the book focuses on practical life applications and ways that we can live in light of Christ's return through our everyday rhythms. There is nothing new and innovative in this book, but that is part of its power. It explores often under-emphasized parts of Scripture in a clear and helpful way, and shows how we can live the Christian life in light of these realities. This book is well-organized, faithful to Scripture, and very thoughtful, and I found it encouraging.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2023
Most books about eschatology tend to treat it at a distance as if it is a mere intellectual exercise or piece of entertainment. This book does something different. The book examines the passages in Scripture that describe the return of Christ. Instead of trying to decipher all of their mysteries, it asks what difference it makes in our lives. It is the kind of book only a pastor could write. It accomplishes what books about Jesus are meant to. This book will revive your heart and remind you why the return of Jesus is such wonderful news. I wish there were more books written like this.
March 13, 2024
I wish that I read this book long ago. He skips silly timelines and interpretation of exactly what Christ's return might look like. Instead he focused on what the Bible shows it looks like for believers in their current situations, good and bad. He then looks at rhythms to keep that hope top of mind as we live our life. Finally, he ends with ways that we should live because of the "bright hope for tomorrow" that we now have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews