The author of Desiring God reveals the biblical evidence to help us see and savor what the pleasures of God show us about Him. Includes a study guide for individual and small-group use. Isn’t it true—we really don’t know someone until we understand what makes that person happy? And so it is with God! What does bring delight to the happiest Being in the universe? John Piper writes, that it’s only when we know what makes God glad that we’ll know the greatness of His glory. Therefore, we must comprehend “the pleasures of God.” Unlike so much of what is written today, this is not a book about us. It is about the One we were made for—God Himself. In this theological masterpiece—chosen by World Magazine as one of the 20th Century’s top 100 books, John Piper reveals the biblical evidence to help us see and savor what the pleasures of God show us about Him. Then we will be able to drink deeply—and satisfyingly—from the only well that offers living water. What followers of Jesus need now, more than anything else, is to know and love—behold and embrace—the great, glorious, sovereign, happy God of the Bible. “This is a unique and precious book that everybody should read more than once.” —J.I. PACKER, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia
Despair is epidemic today, even among many believers. Why do the peace and joy that the Bible describes seem like an impossible dream? In this sequel to his popular book Changed Into His Image, Jim Berg paints an exhilarating picture of the contentment that comes from seeing God's purpose for redeeming your life. See how being aware of God's purpose for your life can lead you or someone else to restoration. Study the same truths that thrilled the hearts of first-century saints as they lived and suffered for Christ in a pagan, affluent culture -- truths that will replace despair with unspeakable joy. - Back cover.
A theological framework for the liturgical arts rooted in John Calvin Both detractors and supporters of John Calvin have deemed him an enemy of the physical body, a pessimist toward creation, and a negative influence on the liturgical arts. But, says W. David O. Taylor, that only tells half of the story. Taylor examines Calvin's trinitarian theology as it intersects his doctrine of the physical creation in order to argue for a positive theological account of the liturgical arts. He does so believing that Calvin's theology can serve, perhaps surprisingly, as a rich resource for understanding the theological purposes of the arts in corporate worship. Drawing on Calvin's Institutes, biblical commentaries, sermons, catechisms, treatises, and worship orders, this book represents one of the most thorough investigations available of John Calvin's theology of the physical creation—and the promising possibilities it opens up for the formative role of the arts in worship.
God's Glorious Creation: Vibrant Views is essentially an accumulation of vibrant photographs taken predominantly in the flower gardens and farmyard of the Zach family. Originally, it was never intended that these photographs would ever be published. Roy simply decided to go out one day and test out the camera on his Motorola Moto G smartphone. He was pleasantly surprised at the sharpness, quality, and brilliant color of the pictures. Eventually, he printed some of the pictures off on HP Premium Plus photo paper and was even further astounded at the print quality. When he showed some of these pictures to family, relatives, and friends, it was occasionally suggested that some of these pictures should be printed, published, or framed. The vast majority of the photographs in Vibrant Views were taken on the family farm owned by Erwin and Margaret Zach. Many of these photographs concentrate on the beauty of God's creation as witnessed in the structural design and vibrancy of flowers. One may notice that many flowers (such as clover leaves, irises, violets, tulips, and others) have very distinctive "Trinity" structures within them. Perhaps God was indicating the Triune nature of His Being""Father, Son, and Holy Spirit""in the extraordinary design of these flowers. Remember, when God originally created everything, it was "good." Clearly, God is recognizable in the beauty of His creation. Nature is full of God's blessings.
The biblical story is about more than sin and salvation. It is about the creator's purposes and the fulfillment of those purposes in the climactic revelation of God's glory in Sabbath with creation. Christ Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the one through whom all things are created and all things are fulfilled. We are creatures made in God's image, called to develop and govern the earth in service to God. The exercise of human responsibility in this age plays a major part in the revelation of God's glory. Every vocation matters for creation's seventh-day fulfillment: family, friendships, worship, civic responsibility, and our work in every sphere of life. The Son of God became one with us. He died for sinners while they still rebelled, and he was raised to life as the last Adam--the life-giving Spirit of the age to come. Christ is reconciling all things to God, including all that belongs to the responsibility of God's sixth-day royal priesthood. That is why God's promise in Christ is that those who die in the Lord will rest from their labors and their deeds will follow them.
God has written a story. Ponder that thought for a moment. That is a startling statement. The God of the universe, the only one true God, has written a story, a comprehensive narrative of what has been, what is, and what will be. And not only has God written a story, but he wrote it to be read and understood by the highest form of his creation, his magnum opus--humans. He wrote his story so that every person he has made, every person on whom he has stamped His image, might comprehend and embrace it. That means he wrote his story with you in mind. “If you ever wished for a single work whose design is to bring you up to speed in your understanding of Scripture...this is the book.” John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church and Grace to You "...a rich resource providing the Christian with a thorough knowledge of the narrative of Scripture...I highly commend this book.” Stephen J. Lawson, President, OnePassion Ministries “this book...begins with a study of the Bible, then takes us through its key events: Creation, Fall, Israel, Christ, Church and Glory...with good depth that will assist anyone, from a young believer to the oldest pastor. I heartily recommend it to everyone.” Dr. Tom Halstead, Dean, School of Biblical Studies, The Masters University
"This book is meant to be an introduction only - a starting point to a biblical view of the universe. . . . Who knows what amazing truths are waiting to be discovered if only the shackles of secular thinking are removed. Now is the time of discovery..." Take a breathtaking look at the universe that is comprehensive guide to the heavens! Sit back and explore the world at your fingertips in this book which: Explains the scale and size of the universe that is hard for our minds to imagine - yet can only indicate the Master's hand at work. Over 50 full-color, rarely seen photos of stars, nebulas, and galaxies. Filled with facts that challenge secular theories and models of the universe - how it began and how it continues to amaze the scientific community. Explores numerous evidences that point to a young universe: magnetic poles of planets, the spiral shape of galaxies, comets and how long scientists think they can last, and much more. With a doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Colorado, Dr. Jason Lisle is your guide to the universe beyond our world in this remarkable book. Step out among the stars and experience the truly awesome power of God through this glimpse of His vast creation.
Do you desire to overcome lust, porn, masturbation, and all other forms of sexual temptation? Do you value the power of God's Word? Redeemed Like David offers a Christ-centered, Bible-based blueprint for overcoming all forms of sexual sin.Perhaps the most notorious sexual failure in the whole Bible was King David's affair with Bathsheba. And yet, even with this massive sexual blemish in David's past, God still called King David "a man after my own heart" (Acts 13:22). How can this be?The key to understanding David's redemption is Psalm 51. In Redeemed Like David you will find that Psalm 51 is a roadmap on how to break free from the addictive sexual sins that have consistently plagued you.While there are plenty of very helpful Christian books on the topic of overcoming sexual temptation, Redeemed Like David is unique in that it takes one specific passage of Scripture and applies it directly to the question, "How can I overcome sexual temptation?" If you are looking for a practical, powerful, expositional, verse-by-verse Bible study that will give you direction on how to overcome sexual sin, this book was made for you.Redeemed Like David is designed for individual use, accountability partners, or small group Bible studies. Study questions are included for each chapter along with an in-depth leader's guide.If you are looking for a proven path to sexual freedom, Psalm 51 is the answer. It worked for King David. It can work for you too.By purchasing Redeemed Like David, you will:* Learn how to overcome specific sins like lust, masturbation, uncontrolled thoughts, premarital sex, and porn.* Learn that freedom always starts with God's power, not with human tips and techniques.* Enjoy 10 chapters that are easy to read, packed with practical application, rooted in the Word of God, and completely Christ-centered.* Learn how the power of Jesus' cross and resurrection have already given you all that you need for freedom if you have put your faith in Christ.* Discover that who you are in Christ will determine how you live for Christ.* Learn how the presence of God is the cause of your purity, not the result.* Discover how pivotal rest is to your redemption and continued restoration.* Discover what King David learned from God on how to overcome sexual sin and temptation by studying Psalm 51 verse by verse.* Receive all the questions, answers, notes, and additional resources needed to lead a small group Bible study. You can also use the Leader's Guide with your accountability partner or to go deeper in your personal study time. It's all included.Table of Contents:PrefaceIntroduction: Scandalous Sin Needs Scandalous GraceChapter 1: Freedom Always Starts With GodChapter 2: Convicted But Not CondemnedChapter 3: Those Who Are Forgiven Much, Love MuchChapter 4: Understanding Our Real Problem (And How It Relates to Porn)Chapter 5: The Power of the Cross Is RealChapter 6: The Power of the Resurrection Is RealChapter 7: Purity Is the Result of God's Presence, Not the CauseChapter 8: Power Through RestChapter 9: Redeemed Transgressors Make the Best TeachersChapter 10: Helping Heal Those You've HurtConclusion: Never Give UPRedeemed Like David Leader's GuideIntroductionGoing Deeper Chapter 1Going Deeper Chapter 2Going Deeper Chapter 3Going Deeper Chapter 4Going Deeper Chapter 5Going Deeper Chapter 6Going Deeper Chapter 7Going Deeper Chapter 8Going Deeper Chapter 9Going Deeper Chapter 10Extra Resources
The wonder of poetry can be found in its simplicity. Each phrase is easy for the reader to comprehend. Words are properly selected and then composed in a rhythmic manner to convey a special meaning. In God's Glorious Design, the emphasis is placed on God's miracle of creation. Scenes from nature are depicted to secure the attention of the reader, and then the author closes with a verse that brings everything into perspective. We are reminded that God is in control of every aspect of our lives. The world has changed in so many ways since the day Christ died on the cross for our sins, but the truth found in the resurrection story will never change. For those who believe and accept Christ as their Savior, there is the promise of everlasting life and peace. For those who continue to search for the truth, there is still hope. If you are lost, as I was thirty years ago, surrender your life to God, just as you are; He is waiting for you, with open arms, to bring you into His fold.
Why is God's beauty often absent from our theology? Rarely do theologians take up the theme of God's beauty—even more rarely do they consider how God's beauty should shape the task of theology itself. But the psalmist says that the heart of the believer's desire is to behold the beauty of the Lord. In The Beauty of the Lord, Jonathan King restores aesthetics as not merely a valid lens for theological reflection, but an essential one. Jesus, our incarnate Redeemer, displays the Triune God's beauty in his actions and person, from creation to final consummation. How can and should theology better reflect this unveiled beauty? The Beauty of the Lord is a renewal of a truly aesthetic theology and a properly theological aesthetics.
