Desiring God by John Piper (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 2.
Now Piper turns to look at how a Christian hedonist is created.
Firstly Piper works through six crucial truths that summarise our need and God's provision - these points end with a call to repentance and faith.
Then Piper proves God's sovereignty in conversion.
The chapter then closes with a description the joy of a Christian.
No doubt it will be a recurring point in the book, but I did enjoy the emphasis placed on the importance of Christian joy: 'The pursuit of joy in God is not optional. It is not an "extra" that a person might grow into after he comes to faith. Until your heart has hit upon this pursuit your "faith" cannot please God. It is not saving faith. Saving faith is the confidence that if you sell all you have, and forsake all sinful pleasures, the hidden treasure of holy joy will satisfy your deepest desires. Saving faith is the heartfelt conviction not only that Christ is reliable, but also that he is desirable. It is the confidence that he will come through with his promises and that what he promises is more to be desired than all the world.'
A lack of joy in the Christian indicates serious spiritual problems - even that they may not be a Christian.
Read Chapter 3.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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