Today, John Piper, the pastor for preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church, turned 65 years old.
John Piper has had a profound impact on countless men and women over his thirty years of pastoral ministry. From his online ministry with Desiring God to his preaching ministry at Bethlehem Baptist Church to his writing ministry in over thirty books, his faithful service has encouraged, challenged, and corrected many who are thirsty for God’s Word. Piper’s influence does not stem from his own abilities and accomplishments, but finds its source in his consistent and humble leading of others to Scripture, where the breathtaking sovereignty and glory of God are displayed in all their wonder. We rejoice and are changed as we encounter glorious truths about God in Piper’s ministry.[1]
Last year some of his friends and colleagues honored Piper with a book, which had essays covering topics central to his ministry: prayer, suffering, the sovereignty of God, justification, Jonathan Edwards, Christian hedonism, and more. The editors of For the Fame of God's Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper, in a letter to Piper, wrote: “We believe that the apostle Paul has given us a strong and biblical precedent for what this book is designed to accomplish. He wrote to the Philippian church concerning Epaphroditus, having drawn attention to his tireless efforts for the sake of the gospel and the fact the ‘he nearly died for the work of Christ’ (Phil 2:30). ‘Honor such men’ (Phil 2:29), Paul instructed the church. Yes, it is possible to ‘honor’ men such as you without detracting from the centrality and supremacy of our Lord.”[2]
The project was kept secret for three years and was a surprise gift for Piper. Watch below Sam Storms and Justin Taylor presenting the book to John Piper for the first time. Other than the information of this book and Piper’s surprise, the most noteworthy thing in this video is the tearful, humility of Piper – a man sold out to the fame of God and God alone. Piper does not stand with any sense of aloof dignity, but rather is humbled by such honor. Here is a man who is single-heartedly passionate about God’s magnificence and sure, it is a contagious passion, as is evident from the millions of souls, he has influenced during his thirty years of ministry.
May the Lord bless you dear John Piper to continue to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joys of all peoples through Jesus Christ.
The staff of Desiring God has compiled 65 reasons to thank God for John Piper here.
If you are new to John Piper, then here is a list of 52 key sermons from his ministry.
Footnotes
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[1] Desiring God store, For the Fame of God's Name, Essays in Honor of John Piper
[2] Ibid
