Here is a book that does not tell us what we must do to be God-centered; it simply is God-centered. Intoxicating.
-- D. A. Carson (Emeritus Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois)
If I were on a desert island and could have only three books, in addition to the Bible, I'd choose Desiring God and The Pleasures of God by John Piper.
-- Sam Storms (Lead Pastor, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Books have profound potential - particularly the one you hold in your hand.
-- C J Mahaney (Senior Pastor, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky)
Run, don't walk, to buy this remarkable work.
-- Joni Eareckson Tada, Activist for the disabled and author of Joni, the award-winning Tell Me the Promises and Tell Me the Truth, and other classics (Activist for the disabled and author of Joni, the award-winning Tell Me the Promises, and other classics)
Of all of Pastor John's books, this is the most radical. Get this vision of God, and begin to see.
-- Mark Dever (Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church and President, 9Marks.org, Washington, DC)
Again John Piper has provided a rich feast for the serious believer.
-- John MacArthur (Chancellor Emeritus, The Master's University and Seminary and Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California)
In Desiring God, John Piper introduced us to the idea that the pursuit of God's glory and the pursuit of our joy are not at odds, for the pursuit of God's glory is our joy. In The Pleasures of God, Piper helps us to see that God's glory is revealed in great part in what makes Him happy. The Pleasures of God is an invitation to meditate on what makes God happy. If what makes God happy reveals His glory, and if we become like Him as we behold His glory (2 Cor. 3:18), then meditating on the pleasures of God will be a means for increased joy in God and gradual conformity into His likeness. If that is your desire, then take up this new edition and read it over and over again.
-- Juan R. Sanchez Jr., Preaching Pastor, High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin, Texas
This is fine Reformed study, that can sometimes stretch the general reader who may not be aware of some of the finer points of the debate. There is throughout constant reference to other Scriptures. It is a big book, but so is the theme. A rich and worthy study for those who seek a closer walk with God and desire to know His grace. A variety of Bible versions is used.
-- English Churchman
I encourage you to read The Pleasures of God twice; once to see the portrait as a whole, a second time to savor the sheer delight of loving a God so magnificent, so excellent, so holy.
-- Erwin Lutzer
... it is theology of the best and deepest sort.
-- Jim Boice
I wavered between smiling gratefully and sobbing unashamedly.
-- Book Nook Review
This is a unique and precious book.
-- J. I. Packer
This book is breathtaking in both its scope and its focus and constitutes a joyful yet prophetic call to adore and worship God - whose infinite worth and excellence is revealed in what he loves and delights in. It is at once beautiful and moving, serious, stretching and profound. The Pleasures of God surely ranks with J I Packer's Knowing God as one of the most profoundly moving and world-view forming Christian books of modern times.
-- Richard Cunningham
... ranks as one of the top three books written this century on the being of God.
-- L R Shelton Jr.
Piper is an excellent communicator, presenting deep theology in an accessible and readable way, always rooted in careful examination of the biblical text... This is a rich book which deserves more than one reading for maximum benefit.
-- The Covenanter Witness
There are quite a few books every Christian should read. And there are some that need to be read a second time to really digest them. but then there are a select few that should be read and reread and reread . . . perhaps every year. John Piper's The Pleasures of God belongs on that 'to be reread every year' list.
-- Randy Newman
The heart of the book is the first six chapters, dealing with the pleasures of God in his Son, in all he does, in creation, in his fame, in election and in bruising the Son. The next three chapters set forth his delight in doing believers good, listening to their prayers and in their personal obedience.
The subject matter is not light, but it is presented in a most readable and attractive way. it gives access to Puritan reflection on the passionate, pure and perfect heart of God. This book is recommended reading for all.
-- Evangelical Times
John Piper takes ten of God's expressed 'delights' and searches their significance and implications with rare zeal. What a privilege to have someone think through these biblical realities so lovingly and seek out our biblical reasons so keenly. If all Christian books were offerings on an Australian barbecue, this would be one of the juiciest steaks around - hot, healthy and wonderful.
-- Simon Manchester
