Book Review: The Pleasures of God

     John Piper is one of my favorite authors.  I have now read a couple of his books and am growing in the grace of God more and more because of the way God is using Him.  I'm thankful for his pursuit of pleasure in God in all things that has driven his ministry.  

     The "Pleasures of God" along with "Desiring God" and perhaps his new book "Finally Alive" will be hard to beat as far as challenging a person to view God in the highest.  These three will all be books that I will read and reread.  This will be the criteria for book review: Readability, Scriptural depth and explanation, Practicality, Content, and Recommendation.

Readability: A

     This is a book that is easily read, but will take some sorting through at times.  A new Christian will be able to follow along and gain valuable insight for foundations of their faith.  The occasional word may have to be looked up, but for the most part it is a straight forward read.  A mature Christian will be refreshed by the truths inside.  

Scriptural Depth and Explanation: A+

     One of the reasons I enjoy Piper's writings and sermons is that they are not focused on the culture or our surroundings.  They are focused on the most important thing, God.  Piper bases all his stances and major points around scripture for every chapter.  

Practicality: B

     I read books that are mostly filled with depth of scripture.  I learn from these depths and know to put them into practice.  I don't typically read books that have ten steps on how to do something.  God has given me a mind for a reason, so I will use it.  I give this book a "B" because it does not have those step by step ways to enjoy the Pleasures of God, but what it does do is give discussion questions to every chapter in the back.  This would be a great way to use this book in a small group setting!  The other thing I like about this book as well as every Piper book is that He has a Scripture index.  In essence every book he writes is a commentary on many scriptures and his insight is very helpful in clarifying and understanding God's Word.

Content: A+

     The essence of this book is "The Pleasure of God in Himself".  I will not summarize the entire book, but give you a few key points.  Piper lists out the Pleasure of God in: His Son, in all He does, in His creation, in His fame, in Election, in Bruising the Son, in doing good to all who hope in Him, in the prayers of the upright, in personal obedience and public justice, and in concealing Himself from the wise and revealing Himself to infants.  There is also an appendix that is incredible "Are there two wills in God? Divine Election and God's desire for all to be saved".  This is a must read!!!

     The chapters that meant the most to me were "The Pleasure of God in His Creation" and "The Pleasure of God in Election".  Piper points out that even the smallest thing that was created and is not yet discovered God made so that He could take pleasure in it, and it has to be this way, because we haven't found it yet.  The opposite is true, the largest stars, billions of light years away have always been there, and for who and what?  They have been there for God and for His pleasure in them.  The Pleasure of God in Election is the starting point for the Appendix on the two wills of God.  This chapter is a must read for anyone wondering the process of regeneration or salvation.  In today's church man has been given a higher role than scripture depicts in regards to salvation.  Piper shows the Biblical aspect of God's election of men to Himself, and it is absolutely beautiful.  

Recommendation:

      If you want to grow deeper this is a book you need to pick up.  There are few books I will re-read in my life, but this is one of them.  Buy this book!