The Providence Of God

New from Best-Selling Author John Piper From Genesis to Revelation, the providence of God directs the entire course of redemptive history. Providence is "God's purposeful sovereignty." Its extent reaches down to the flight of electrons, up to the movements of galaxies, and into the heart of man. Its nature is wise and just and good. And its goal is the Christ-exalting glorification of God through the gladness of a redeemed people in a new world. Drawing on a lifetime of theological reflection, biblical study, and practical ministry, pastor and author John Piper leads us on a stunning tour of the sightings of God's providence—from Genesis to Revelation—to discover the allencompassing reality of God's purposeful sovereignty over all of creation and all of history. Piper invites us to experience the profound effects of knowing the God of all-pervasive providence: the intensifying of true worship, the solidifying of wavering conviction, the strengthening of embattled faith, the toughening of joyful courage, and the advance of God's mission in this world.

John Piper brings a lifetime of theology, Bible meditation, and pastoral ministry to bear on the doctrine of God's providence, showing how God's all-pervasive governing of all things glorifies Christ, and is spectacularly good news for those who trust him.

An exploration of the theology of divine providence that is both critical and constructive in its outcomes.

Paul Helm introduces the doctrine of divine providence--focusing on metaphysical and moral aspects and especially noting divine control, providence and evil, and the role of prayer. In the Contours of Christian Theology.

Sex. Race. Scripture. Sovereignty. The book of Ruth entails them all. So readers shouldn't be fooled by its age, says Pastor John Piper. Though its events happened over 3,000 years ago, the story holds astounding relevance for Christians in the twenty-first century. The sovereignty of God, the sexual nature of humanity, and the gospel of God's mercy for the undeserving-these massive realities never change. And since God is still sovereign, and we are male or female, and Jesus is alive and powerful, A Sweet and Bitter Providence bears a message for readers from all walks of life. But be warned, Piper tells his audience: This ancient love affair between Boaz and Ruth could be dangerous, inspiring all of us to great risks in the cause of love.

In this issue of the Free Grace Broadcaster, you will discover the God Who is God—the God Who reigns over every atom in His spectacular universe. Benjamin Beddome introduces us to our Sovereign by showing how His great works of creation and providence are related. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones defines providence by examining its three elements—preservation, government, and concurrence. Then, Arthur W. Pink explains the meaning of the Godhood of God and why it is crucial for Christians to understand it in opposition to the dignity, power, and attainments of man. But what is providence like and from what does it arise, properly understood? William S. Plumer tells us that God’s providence is like God’s nature—holy, just, benevolent, wise, sovereign, stable, and irresistible! Pink then explains so beautifully that God rules everything—all inanimate matter, irrational creatures, human beings, and all angels, good and evil. How can such a lofty doctrine be practical to believers? Joel Beeke gives us sound answers from the infallible Scriptures and from the Puritans. To compliment those answers, Thomas Watson gives biblical instruction in the ways that our sovereign God works all things for good to His eternally loved people. There is one aspect of providence that especially thrills the heart of all believers: how God worked in His sovereign, powerful, and mysterious ways to bring them to saving faith in Christ and to everlasting life! John Flavel reminds us of that astonishing work and the surprising mercies of God’s grace! Lastly, Thomas Reade concludes our subject by filling our souls with a glorious vision of God’s absolute reign by Christ Jesus in our hearts. Articles: Creation & Providence - Benjamin Beddome (1717-1795) - From a Baptist catechism, here is a beautiful and brief introduction to the doctrines of creation and providence and how these distinct works of God relate. Defining Providence - David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) - a survey and description of the three elements of providence: preservation, rule, and concurrence. The Godhood of God - Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) - This expression has fallen out of use among many modern Christians; so, what does it mean? Answer: The absolute rule of the living God over all things according to His eternal purpose. The Properties of Providence - William S. Plumer (1802-1880) - God’s providential rule arises from God’s glorious character: it is holy, just, benevolent, wise, sovereign, stable, and irresistible. God Rules Everything - Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) - The one true and living Sovereign governs inanimate matter, irrational creatures, all human beings, and all angels—both good and evil. God's Providence Applied - Joel Beeke - God’s absolute rule over all people, things, and events is the most practical of doctrines for daily life. God is in control! Upon that supreme truth we may take comfort and encouragement every day. All Things Work for Good - Thomas Watson (1620-1686) - a helpful explanation of how every event in the believer’s life is working for his or her eternal good and God’s eternal glory. Providence & Conversion - John Flavel (1627-1691) - Little in the life of believers brings as much joy, comfort, strength, and worship as realizing all that God has done to save them in Jesus Christ. The Lord God Omnipotent - Thomas Shaw B. Reade (1776-1841) - To know God in Christ is to possess all the sources and secrets of true peace in the storms of life and the certainty of everlasting life in the world to come.

WHAT’S GOD DOING IN YOUR STORY? Our kids beg us for stories at bedtime or while we drive; we gather around firepits and dinner tables to tell and retell our favorite tales—the more dramatic the better. But when it comes to our actual lives, we prefer something less sensational, even boring—sunny skies and smooth sailing, please and thank you. We want our own stories to be predictable, safe, controllable, and catastrophe-free. When plans fall apart, jobs are lost, kids wander off, doctors give bad reports, we often wonder, "What are you doing, God? Are you sure you have this under control? It doesn’t really seem like it right now." God is the master Storyteller. He’s writing your story and it’s a part of His bigger, grander, eternal Story. But we’re still in the middle. We haven’t gotten to the happy ending yet, and it can be hard to trust Him in the thick of our struggles. That’s why Robert and Nancy share their own story, friends’ stories, and the stories of people in the Bible who have faced life-altering challenges, but, in the end, have found God to be faithful. Learn why you really can trust God to write your story—no matter what plot twists you may encounter along the way. "This is a unique and charming book, integrating stories of God’s providence from His people and His Word. Nancy and Robert write personally and beautifully, infusing readers with a Christ-centered vision, hope, and trust for the future." -Randy Alcorn, author of Heaven, Giving is the Good Life, and Deception "You Can Trust God to Write Your Story is an amazing book whose title says it all. For if you are a follower of Jesus, every day of your life—whether you feel like it or not—is weighted with kingdom purpose, eternal significance, and a royal destiny filled with joy and contentment. Let my dear friends, Robert and Nancy, help you embrace the mysteries of the Lord’s Providence. For when it comes to happy endings, you can’t find a better Author than the God of the Bible. Happy endings are His forte—turn the page, trust Him, and discover it for yourself." -Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center