| Category: | Theology |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Page Count: | 272 |
| Size: | 6.0 in x 9.0 in |
| Weight: | 13.46 ounces |
| ISBN-10: | 1-4335-4473-3 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1-4335-4473-6 |
| ISBN-UPC: | 9781433544736 |
| Case Quantity: | 40 |
| Published: | December 31, 2014 |
Co-Winner of the 2016 Christianity Today Book Award in the Christian Living & Discipleship Category
The world is full of good things.
Ice-cold lemonade. The laughter of children. College football. Scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. But what happens to these earthly pleasures when Jesus shows up? Do the things of earth grow strangely dim? Or does he shine in all that’s fair?
In this book, Joe Rigney offers a breath of fresh air to Christians who are burdened by false standards, impossible expectations, and misguided notions of holiness. Steering a middle course between idolatry on the one hand and ingratitude on the other, this much-needed book reminds us that every good gift comes from the Father’s hand, that God’s blessings should drive us to worship and generosity, and that a passion for God’s glory is as wide as the world.
Author:
Joe Rigney (PhD, University of Chester) serves as a fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College. He is a husband, a father of three, and the author of a number of books, including The Things of Earth; Strangely Bright; and More Than a Battle: How to Experience Victory, Freedom, and Healing from Lust.
Product Details
Table of Contents
- The Glory of the Triune God
- The Author and His Story
- Creation as Communication
- Created to Be a Creature
- The Gospel Solution to Idolatry
- Rhythms of Godwardness
- Naming the World
- Desiring Not-God
- Sacrifice, Self-Denial, and Generosity
- When Wartime Goes Wrong
- Suffering, Death, and the Loss of Good Gifts
- Embrace Your Creatureliness
Endorsements
"If there is an evangelical Christian alive today who has thought and written more biblically, more deeply, more creatively, or more practically about the proper enjoyment of creation and culture, I don’t know who it is . . . This book has been very helpful to me. I mean that personally. I think I will be a better father and husband and friend and leader because of it.”
John Piper, Founder and Teacher, desiringGod.org; Chancellor, Bethlehem College & Seminary; author, Desiring God
“Reading this will be a sweet moment of profound liberation for many. With wisdom and verve, Rigney shows how we can worship our creator through the enjoyment of his creation. This is going to make a lot of Christians happier in Christ—and more attractively Christlike.”
Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, Union School of Theology, United Kingdom
“This book makes me want to watch the Olympics while eating a pumpkin crunch cake, rejoicing in the God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. But part of me is a little wary of the indulgent pecan crunchiness and astonishing athletic feats. What if my heart gets lost in these things? If you’re familiar with that hesitation, this book is for you. We were made to take in all the fullness of the intergalactic glory of the triune God. This book is a trustworthy guide to help your gaze follow along the scattered beams up to the sun.”
Gloria Furman, author, Labor with Hope and Missional Motherhood
“I am always amazed at how God reveals his character to his children. This book has radically changed the way I view the Giver of every good and perfect gift. What’s more, it has helped me to really enjoy him through the many blessings he has lavished on me.”
Shane Everett, singer/songwriter, Shane and Shane
“It is not easy to understand how I can love God with all my heart, but also love the world he has made. God’s Word encourages us to love the creation (Psalm 19), but also to love not the world (1 John 2:15–17). Rigney is really helpful to those wrestling with this kind of question, and he helps us with a lively and engaging style. This book clarifies and builds upon John Piper’s Christian Hedonism. I heartily recommend it.”
John M. Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary