Piper’s purpose for this book is to break our concept of insulated Western Christianity which gives the façade of being Christian as normal and safe. The fact of the matter is that we are not normal, and we certainly are not safe from attacks. We became more vulnerable the day
we accepted Christ as our personal Lord and Savior than any other day that preceded it. This book was primarily written for pastors and those possessing leadership positions within the church.
Throughout the entire text, there was only one chapter that I had problems with and that was chapter 15. In this chapter Piper proposes that the Sunday sermon or teaching is what saves people. He states, “Our salvation and the salvation of those who hear us week after week depend in large measure on our faithful attention to personal holiness and sound teaching.” I am not in disagreement with being a positive example, but I am in disagreement with the statement that ours and our listener’s salvation depends on our resentation. Salvation does not depend on our actions. This puts us in control which in turn puts God as a spectator. This
can not be so, ever. We are responsible for our actions, but it is ultimately God’s decision as to who is elect and who is not. “The salvation of our believing hearers is on the line.” I most definitely disagree.
John Piper is an “easy reading” author. His insights are thoughtful and well spoken. Although I do not agree with all of his opinions, his works are certainly worth reading. ( )

http://www.wordandspirit.co.uk/blog/i... ( )

Definitely pastor-oriented. But, I gained much insight out of this book. One of my fave chapters is that of reading and reading Christian biographies. Short chapters so one isn't bogged down in reading lengthy works. ( )

Few rival Piper's ability to challenge all pastors to greatness which may only be measured to their faithfulness to the Word and the Church. Here, he once again exhorts pastors and laymen to return to a biblical basis for ministry. ( )