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Let the Nations Be Glad! summary
Brief summary
Let the Nations Be Glad! by John Piper is a compelling exploration of the biblical mandate for missions. It emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel to all nations and the joy that comes from fulfilling this great commission.
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Let the Nations Be Glad!
Summary of key ideas
The Heart of Missions
In Let the Nations Be Glad! by John Piper, we are encouraged to see the heart of missions as the gladness of the nations in the greatness of God. Piper argues that the ultimate goal of the church is to bring glory to God by making His greatness known to all nations. He emphasizes that missions exist because worship does not, and that the chief end of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God.
Piper starts by establishing God as the supreme source of joy and satisfaction, and that the nations are glad when they find their joy in Him. He asserts that the joy of the nations in God is the fuel and goal of all missionary work, and that the chief end of God is His own glory, not the happiness of the nations per se. This perspective, he argues, is the only way to avoid the pitfalls of cultural imperialism and the dangers of a man-centered gospel.
The Irrepressible Call of Missions
Building on this foundation, Piper then explores the call to missions as being rooted in the irrepressible joy that comes from knowing and worshiping God. He contends that the motivation for missions is not guilt or obligation, but rather the overflow of joy in God that cannot be contained. He delves into the lives of famous missionaries like William Carey and Adoniram Judson, showing how their passion for the glory of God drove them to bring the gospel to unreached peoples, often at great personal cost.
He also stresses that the call to missions is not limited to a select few, but extends to every Christian. He argues that every believer has a role to play in the Great Commission, whether it's through praying, giving, or going. Piper encourages his readers to take the call to missions seriously, reminding us that the joy of the nations in God is at stake.
The Urgency of Missions
Piper then turns his attention to the urgency of missions. He contends that the unreached peoples of the world are in a desperate situation, being cut off from the joy of knowing God. He draws attention to the fact that millions are dying every year without ever hearing the gospel, and that we cannot afford to be complacent in the face of such a dire need.
He challenges us to rethink our priorities and to align them with God's global purpose. He urges us to see the urgency of the task and to respond with radical obedience. He also addresses the issue of suffering in missions, arguing that the joy of God's glory is worth any cost, and that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Let the Nations Be Glad! is a passionate and persuasive call to see the joy of the nations in God as the goal of missions. Piper's book challenges us to examine our hearts and motivations, and to align them with God's global purpose. He reminds us that the joy of the nations in God is at stake, and that we all have a role to play in making it known. The book is a stirring reminder that missions exist because worship does not, and that the chief end of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God.
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What is Let the Nations Be Glad! about?
Let the Nations Be Glad! by John Piper is a compelling exploration of the biblical mandate for missions and the worship of God among all peoples. Piper argues that the ultimate goal of missions is the global glory of God and offers practical insights on how individuals and churches can participate in fulfilling this great commission. Through a combination of theological reflection and real-life stories, the book inspires and equips readers to embrace their role in spreading the good news to the ends of the earth.
Let the Nations Be Glad! Review
Let the Nations Be Glad! by John Piper (2010) passionately explores the importance of spreading the message of God's glory to all nations. Here's why this book is a valuable read:
- Highlighting the global significance of God's glory, it challenges readers to embrace a broader perspective on missions beyond cultural boundaries.
- With a strong emphasis on worship as the fuel for mission, it deepens the understanding of the role of joy in spreading God's message to the world.
- The book showcases the transformational impact of missions on both individuals and societies, making the topic engaging and far from dull.
Who should read Let the Nations Be Glad!?
Christians who want to understand the biblical basis for missions
Church leaders seeking to inspire and mobilize their congregation for global outreach
Missionaries and cross-cultural workers looking for a renewed vision and passion for their calling
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Let the Nations Be Glad! FAQs
What is the main message of Let the Nations Be Glad!?
The main message of Let the Nations Be Glad! is the importance of spreading the joy of God's sovereignty among all nations.
How long does it take to read Let the Nations Be Glad!?
Reading time for Let the Nations Be Glad! varies, but expect a few hours. The Blinkist summary is a quick read.
Is Let the Nations Be Glad! a good book? Is it worth reading?
Let the Nations Be Glad! is worth reading for its powerful message on global worship and missions.
Who is the author of Let the Nations Be Glad!?
John Piper is the author of Let the Nations Be Glad!.
What to read after Let the Nations Be Glad!?
If you're wondering what to read next after Let the Nations Be Glad!, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan