Interested in reading more? This book is currently available as a free download on our website – just click here to redeem. 

Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 1 to give you a taster…

This book is my invitation for you to join me on the solid Rock, Jesus Christ. What that means will, I hope, become clear. My aim is to show why God in Christ is the Rock at this moment in history—in this pandemic of the coronavirus—and what it is like to stand on his mighty love.

It matters little what I think about the coronavirus—or about anything else, for that matter. But it matters forever what God thinks. He is not silent about what he thinks. Scarcely a page in the Bible is irrelevant for this crisis. SOLID AND SWEET My voice is grass. God’s voice is granite. “The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever” (1 Pet. 1:24–25). Jesus said that God’s words in Scripture “cannot be broken” (John 10:35). What God says is “true, and righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:9). His word is, The God Who Reigns over the Coronavirus therefore, a firm foundation for life. “You have founded [your testimonies] forever” (Ps. 119:152). Listening to God, and believing him, is like building your house on a rock, not on sand (Matt. 7:24). His word is the kind of counsel you want to heed. “He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom” (Isa. 28:29). “His understanding is beyond measure” (Ps. 147:5). When he gives counsel about the coronavirus, it is firm, unshakable, lasting. “The counsel of the Lord stands forever” (Ps. 33:11). “His way is perfect” (2 Sam. 22:31). Therefore, his words are sweet and precious. “More to be desired are they than gold: . . . sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb” (Ps. 19:10). Indeed, they are the sweetness of everlasting life: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Therefore, in the best and worst of times, God’s words bring unshakable peace and joy. Surely it must be so. My prayer is that all who read this book would share the experience of the prophet Jeremiah: “Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart” (Jer. 15:16). And mark this: the sweetness of God’s word is not lost in this historic moment of bitter providence—not if we A Solid Foundation have learned the secret of “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Cor. 6:10). We will see more fully later what this secret is.

But here it is now in a single sentence. The secret of “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” is this: knowing that the same sovereignty that could stop the coronavirus, yet doesn’t, is the very sovereignty that sustains the soul in it. Indeed, more than sustains—sweetens. Sweetens with hope that God’s purposes are kind, even in death—for those who trust him….

This is a firm Rock under my feet. It is not fragile. It is not sand. I would like it to be a Rock under your feet. That is why I am writing. – John Piper

The post Free Resources // ‘Coronavirus and Christ’ by John Piper appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Here at Christianbook.com we see a lot of books cross our desks, so we thought we’d round-up a few of our favorites perfect for those in ministry. Get ready to rest, reflect, and restore the rhythm of your ministry with these four summer reads!

An Unhurried Leader: The Lasting Fruit of Daily Influence by Alan Fadling

In the midst of the many different things we do, we are often tempted to grab control of situations in hopes of making good things happen. However, Alan Fadling proposes an alternative response in An Unhurried Leader, by unpacking what it means for leaders to live an unhurried life at the pace of Jesus—the pace of grace. Through biblical illustrations, personal examples, and on-the-ground leadership wisdom, Fadling directs his readers towards a new vision of kingdom leadership. A leadership model that is less hurried and hectic and more fruitful and joyful, opening the door to an abundant and transformed way of life.

Already read this? Why not try one of these related titles… 

Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul by Lance Witt

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton

Rhythms of Grace: Discover God’s Tempo for Your Life by Kerri V. Weems

Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down by Kirk Byron Jones

Building Below the Waterline by Gordon MacDonald

Expository Exultation: Christian Preaching As Worship by John Piper

What is the true purpose of a sermon? Building on the foundation established in his two previous works, A Peculiar Glory and Reading the Bible Supernaturally, John Piper, in Expository Exultation, makes the claim that it is more than just an explanation of the biblical text. Revealing insights from over forty years of experience in preaching and teaching, Piper shows preachers how and what to communicate from God’s Word, in a way that takes seriously the God-appointed task of advancing His message by expository exaltation—bringing glory to God from the pulpit.

Already read this? Why not try one of these related titles… 

A Peculiar Glory by John Piper

Reading the Bible Supernaturally by John Piper

Preaching as Reminding by Jeffrey D. Arthurs

Biblical Preaching by Haddon W. Robinson

Between Two Worlds by John Stott

Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World by A.J. Swoboda

The frenetic, achievement-oriented, productivity-driven world we “live” in can often lead to the destruction of our souls, bodies, relationships, society, and the rest of God’s creation. However, A.J. Swoboda, in Subversive Sabbath, argues that our lives can be more enriched and joyous when we establish a Sabbath rhythm that determines how we handle time, work, health, relationships, creation, worship, and the demands of overall discipleship. Combining creative storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, practical insight, and relevant academic research, Swoboda offers a unique invitation to personal Sabbath-keeping that ultimately leads to fuller and more joyful lives.

Already read this? Why not try one of these related titles… 

Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado

Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World by Shelly Miller

The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath by Mark Buchanan

Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life, Return to Sabbath by Curtis Zackery

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst

Eschatological Discipleship by Trevin K. Wax

Christian eschatology forms a basic but necessary component of discipleship. Yet, eschatology is often thought to refer only to “end times” doctrines. However, eschatology in its broader sense encompasses the Christian view of time and the future of the world, informing both one’s evangelism and ecclesiology. Trevin K. Wax, in Eschatological Discipleship, therefore argues that failing to relate the eschatological dimension to discipleship leaves one with an incomplete worldview, imbalanced discipleship, and eventually, a tragic inability to model the Christian way of life. Wax provides discipleship pastors and spiritual life leaders with a clear, understandable connection between culture and history with that of eschatology and the mission of the church.

Already read this? Why not try one of these related titles… 

The Shape of Faith to Come by Brad Waggoner

Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches That Send by J.D. Greear

Eternity Is Now in Session by John Ortberg

Kingdom Disciples: Heaven’s Representatives on Earth by Tony Evans

Kingdom Learning by David Heywood

For more books to help build your Pastor’s Library, click here!

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