Wait and Hope: Puritan Wisdom for Joyful Suffering (Tanner)

Description

Suffering is as old as the fall. We may experience its dread in new settings, yet the human predicament has not changed. Thus, we can draw wisdom from those who have endured suffering and hoped in the triumph of Christ; perhaps there is no better place to turn to in church history than the lives and teachings of the Puritans. Jacob Tanner reminds us of how the Puritans suffered immensely for Christ and yet hoped for the triumphant victory that they had been promised through faith in Him. By looking at the lessons they learned, suffering pilgrims today are invited to join the tradition of waiting in hope.

Contents

Introduction

1. The Trial and Triumph of Mortifying the Flesh
2. Fighting for Faith and Assurance When Battling Unbelief
3. Remembering God’s Sovereignty When the World Spins Out of Control
4. Following the One Who Endured the Cross, Despising Its Shame
5. Passionately Living for Christ under Persecution
6. Living as Outcasts, Vagabonds, and Pilgrims with Joy
7. Clinging to God’s Promises in Sickness
8. When Death Calls Us Home
9. When Weeping Tarries for the Night
10. Joy Comes in the Morning

Conclusion: The Puritan Hope of Triumph in the Midst of Suffering

Bibliography

Endorsements

“Jacob Tanner has given God’s people a valuable gift in this book. All the followers of our crucified Lord will suffer. We will not all, however, suffer well all the time. Seasons of trials and difficulties are fraught with temptations, and giving in to them inevitably robs us of the comforts and encouragements that are found in Christ. This book, as the title exhorts, is an aid to resist such temptations by reminding us of all that God has given His people in Christ. Enriched with insights from Puritan writers and borne out of his own considerable trials, Tanner expounds key passages of God’s Word with pastoral wisdom and sensitivity. The result is a book that can be placed in the hands of anyone who is suffering. To read it carefully is to be led to Christ and by Christ through trials of every kind.”

—Tom Ascol, pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, Florida

“The reality of suffering, trials, and tribulation is at the very heart of the gospel. Not only did Christ suffer for His people, but He has promised us that we will suffer many trials as we prepare to enter into our final rest in Jesus Christ. This book by Jacob Tanner will help you think rightly about the Christian life, and it will bring you encouragement as you face various trials in the faith. Read and rejoice, for one day our Savior will wipe away every tear from our eyes as we enter into His eternal kingdom.”

—Josh Buice, pastor, Pray’s Mill Baptist Church, Douglasville, Georgia

About the Author

Jacob Tanner is pastor of Christ Keystone Church in Middleburg, Pennsylvania.