Piper
How to Read John Piper
Not to minimize the influence of other pastors, but John Piper single-handedly altered my vision from a man-centered gospel to a God-centered one…
And he did this by grabbing my jaw and whipping my head around.
How’d he do that when I never met the man?
That’s the beauty of the written word.
And the beauty of John Piper’s books are that they are easy to read, thought-provoking and…
Free. [Well, most are free.]
There is one problem with John Piper as a writer, though. He’s a madman. Prolific to a fault in the sense you will need to block off at least 42 days to read all 42 books. [That's if you read one book a day.]
Don’t have 42 days? You’re not alone. Fortunately you can get a bead on the man Piper and his theology in about four books. Here are the must-reads:
Desiring God
Hedonism is a dirty word. But not to Piper. Especially when our pleasure and it’s near-savage pursuit is found in God. In fact, Piper argues this is exactly what the Bible teaches as our duty: Maximum delight in glorifying God. He pulls it off, folks.
Finally Alive
A relentless, systematic explanation of what it means to be born again. It’s worth having a copy of this book for the commentary about classic biblical texts on regeneration alone.
God Is the Gospel
When we share the gospel with someone how do we present it? Do we focus on the person or God? And when you think of your own salvation and the gospel…does it motivate you to make much of yourself or God? Getting that answer right is crucial.
Don’t Waste Your Life
Work. Retirement. Health. Sickness. What do these opposing conditions of our lives have in common? They are all opportunities to glorify God. Sound unbelievable? Again, Piper pulls it off.
Disclaimer: I’ve not read all Piper’s books. Just eight. But it doesn’t take long before you see four common themes that run through his books. Here they are:
1. Delight in worshiping God is the highest pleasure we pursue. Desiring God
2. Dependence on Christ alone for salvation. Finally Alive
3. Determined aim to hold God far above all creation–including man. God Is the Gospel
4. Deliberate use of every sphere of our lives–including our suffering–to glorify God. Don’t Waste Your Life
So, what do you think? Am I dead on? Are you a Piper aficionado and find this list wanting? My interpretation lacking?
How many Piper books have you read?
Would you add any books to this list? Take any out? Let me know. I look forward to your thoughts.
Introducing Daniel Wilson–Blogging DG National Conference
One of the perks of running this blog is the people I meet.
People like Al Hartman who consistently, gently, wisely and patiently taught me how to speak to unbelievers.
Richard DeVeau and his creative, Christ-like spirit that I cherish.
John Payne and his perennial encouragement on Facebook that kept me out of the pits when I thought no one else was listening.
Don Dudley and his quick-draw comment slinging and unwavering endorsement of my blog on his blog.
And then there’s Daniel Wilson.
Daniel is a young college student who I first met while he was struggling to keep his head above the secular waters. We talked through a handful of emails, but it wasn’t long before he impressed me deeply with his maturity, wisdom and humility.
So, when I heard that Daniel was going to the Desiring God National Conference I asked him if he’d blog it for me.
He graciously accepted.
For those of us who can’t go, that means Daniel will keep the pulse for us throughout the weekend.
We’ll hear summaries on sessions by Julius Kim. Doug Wilson. Marvin Olasky. Mark Talbot. Sam Storms. And of course, John Piper.
A few other things not to be missed is the movie Collision summary, the follow-up discussion between Piper and Doug Wilson and the panel session.
I look forward to Daniel’s commentary.
Daniel, can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. You rock. Relax. Be yourself. And, most importantly, have fun.
One more thing: Share this blog with people you know who can’t make it to the conference. Let’s support Daniel, DG, Calvin and Christ.
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