Astonished by God: Ten Truths to Turn the World Upside Down Kindle Edition

Christ-exalting, Life-changing, Heart-warming, Soul-satisfying, Passionate, Compassionate, Sound. Cruciform Press said that the author described this book as the closest thing to a systematic theology that he will ever produce. For more than thirty years, the author pastored in downtown Minneapolis. This book is a result of his final sermon series there. Here is just one sample of why I recommend it:“Just as God is, he is alive. Uzziah is dead, but God lives on. “From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God” (Psalm 90:2). God was the living God when this universe banged into existence. He was the living God when Socrates drank his poison. He was the living God when William Bradford governed Plymouth Colony. He was the living God in 1966 when Thomas Altizer proclaimed him dead and Time magazine put it on the front cover. And he will be the living God ten trillion ages from now when all the puny potshots against his reality will have sunk into oblivion like BBs at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the LORD.” There is not a single head of state in all the world who will be there in fifty years. The turnover in world leadership is 100 percent. But not God. He never had a beginning and therefore depends on nothing for his existence. He always has been and always will be alive.”

This book is a deep dive into scripture and thankfully absent the glibness and platitudes found in so much Christian literature and sermons these days. I especially liked the reminders of the appropriate roles of men and women (so vital now!) and the chapter on suffering. May God be our stronghold and greatest treasure in these ominous times.

This book is a summary of the major themes of Piper's ministry at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. Each chapter was originally a sermon preached at the end of his time as pastor at the church. Those who have read Piper's other books and heard his sermons have been exposed to deeper, more thorough treatments of these themes, but they are good refreshers nonetheless. This book is particularly good for those who aren't familiar with Piper's work and want to get an idea of his thinking and style. Each chapter will whet one's appetite to go deeper into the subject. As with all of Piper's writing and teaching, this book points us to The Book and encourages us to apply what we learn there.

The simple yet powerful truths found here permeate God's Word and are presented clearly and persuasively by the author. The sense of passion for these life transforming truths is evident in the way writes; not just words but a heart that has enjoyed a growing love and intimacy with the personification of these truths: Jesus Christ.

This book is a must read for all believers especially folks like me who have “tried” to walk in the Joy of the Lord for 40 years! This book will give you the needed shot in your spirit to awaken your intimacy with Jesus like never before. Buy it! You will be challenged and you’ll love it & love Him more!

I have only read one chapter and have recommended this book to several family members/friends.

Thankful for Piper's love for God and care for his readers. The final chapter was wonderful pointing to a good balance of joy through trials and sorrow over the lost.

I am a Piper fan enjoyed the book

Excellent book for knowing more about God's love among the people.

Full of theological truth and foundations for the beginner and mature. Truly something special that will build and shape your life.