Truly Positive

I have published my third book through Armour Publishing in Singapore. It is entitled ‘Truly Positive: Seeing the world differently because of Jesus’. You can buy it here. The cover looks like this:

 

What is this book about?

Christians can often be very negative. While there are many things broken with our world due to sin, a pattern of negativity and complaining is at odds with the good news we have in Jesus Christ. How do we go about dealing with this negativity without simply pretending that everything is perfect?

This book unpacks some wonderful Bible passages that explain how the good news of Jesus Christ can transform our worldview into a truly positive one. No matter where you are in your faith journey, we can be reminded of the joy of knowing Jesus, and the opportunities to serve God amidst the negativity in this world.

 

Has anyone I know read it and reviewed it?

There are a few early recommendations from experienced pastors and church leaders:

 

Simon van Bruchem has identified a major affliction of our time: relentless negativity. This book is a superb diagnosis of the problem but more importantly it provides a solution. Van Bruchem does not present superficial answers but rich biblical insight that is both clear and practical. It is a much needed balm for believers.

Marty Foord

Principal, Evangelical Theological College of Asia (ECTAsia)

 

This book from a wise and experienced pastor is a tonic of joy in a world of gloom. Simon van Bruchem has very important and realistic things to say to the new (and old) Christian, which will not only improve our mood but light the world. If you don’t know—or have forgotten—the privileges of knowing Jesus, let this little book re-light your lamp.

Simon Manchester

Retired Pastor, St Thomas North Sydney

 

Who is this book for?

I think this book will be helpful for most Christians. It is so easy to slip into complaining mode, only seeing what is wrong with the world instead of all the blessings we have in Jesus. The book is not overlong, and it doesn’t assume you know anything about the Bible already.

Of course, if you’re not a Christian, you might also find it helpful! Why are Christians generally positive people in the middle of a world full of pain? This book will help you find out.

 

Why should you read Truly Positive?

When people first come to know Jesus, they are often so positive and optimistic, as they should be! After all, Jesus has saved them, and they know they are deeply loved and their sins are forgiven! Yet, over time, it is so easy to become cynical. We see all the things wrong with our world. We see the problems in our churches. We get frustrated at our own lack of progress in holiness. We need to be reminded that the gospel is good news, Jesus is really the King, and our eternal future is secure. Christians should be people who are salt and light, a positive influence on the world around them. My prayer is that this book helps with this to a small degree for those who read it.

 

What does Truly Positive cover?

The book has three sections. It starts by looking at the blessings Christians already have because of Jesus, along with those we are promised in the future. With this foundation established, it moves on to explore how this makes us confident instead of fearful, seeing joy and opportunity instead of only fear and pain. The final section then unpacks how this new way of seeing the world has all kinds of practical implications. What about those who struggle with mourning or mental illness? Is the past really better than what we have now? How can we live for Jesus in the ordinary parts of life? What does it look like to grow in contentment and encouragement? This is, at its heart, a practical and encouraging book.

 

Why did I write this book?

The themes in this book have been things I have thought about for many years. I have often been frustrated at the tone of Christian writing, whether online or in sermons or in print, where so much is negative. I fear that many Christians spend time pointing out what is wrong with the world, and with Christians of other traditions, than talking about the joy and blessing that we have in Jesus. This negativity is bad for us and a poor witness to those watching us who are not Christians. Surely we, of all people, should be the most positive in our outlook?

I have also struggled with this personally. I have had periods in my life in the past few years where I have fallen into negativity and introspection rather than reflecting on God’s goodness to me. I know what it feels like to dwell on the negative instead of feeling the positives that I should. I need to reflect on the contents of this book just as much as anyone else reading it.

 

Where can I buy it?

It is available in many places. Here are the key ones:

ebook

You can buy it from Amazon wherever you are in the world, including the Australian site here and the US site here.

Print book

This is available on Amazon wherever you are in the world, including the Australian site here and the US site here.

Reformers Bookshop usually have it in stock here.

Koorong will be stocking it soon, and you can order it here.

If you’re in Singapore, you can order it from Armour Publishing here.