This is the first book I've read by John Piper. It took me awhile to finish-- I read halfway through, put it down for some time, and then finished it. I found his overall message to be a good one -- one that all Christians could really gain something from. I say this coming from a background not especially familiar with the Reformed tradition and theology. Piper made some valid and interesting points and definitely challenged me to think about some things in a way I've never thought about them before. His suggestions for living in a Christian way definitely have some significance.

That being said, however, there are still fatal flaws in some of his theological points. After my own studies in theology, I of course am at odds with him on some of his views regarding justification and sanctification. I remember distinctly feeling at one point as I was reading that he barely scratched the surface when he could have unpacked some great stuff regarding the uniting of personal suffering to Christ's suffering on the cross-- yet that probably has everything to do with how we understand it differently.

Lastly, I found his section on the priestly roles and ministries of Christians to be irritating. He was absolutely correct in suggesting that all Christians are called to participate in Christ's priestly ministry. However, Luther "recapturing" this true meaning of priesthood... I couldn't disagree more. It would be more correct to say that Luther stripped the ordained priesthood of its rightful dignity by suggesting that the sacramental/liturgical roles of the priesthood belong to all believers.

A worthwhile, one-time read. Three stars.