Gospel Prism

There are many reasons why I appreciate John Piper. He sets the bar high for a continual passion for the glory of God and His Gospel. But also admire how much he lives out this Gospel. And this shows by DGM’s recent sale of $5 per book (any book). How many Christian ministries (that are as popular as DGM) would do such a thing. They are constantly trying to get the word out there at any cost to themselves. They are trying to see the Gospel actually given away for free (what a new thought in a world where profit means everything, even in the Christian world). They are attempting new paradigms and shifts of thinking (raising money from people who want to see John Piper’s stuff available for anyone) so that nothing will hinder DGM”s passion to spread the Gospel. And they are setting trends for other Christian ministries (New Attitude’s recent give away of all of their sermons for free). It is this type of radical passion and action that draws me to JP and to DGM. And I believe God is honored by it and He receives glory from it.

In a world where lawsuits between Christians actually take place (like the Creation Museum lawsuit) and ministries are stopping the advance of the Gospel by charging so much for resources and where the Christian Music industry focused on copyrights to songs as much as the secular music industry is, DGM and John Piper have gone in the forefront of most in the Christian ministry world. And dare we think that one day, DGM will be giving away books for free? Here’s what JP says on the DGM blog:

These guys are crazy—Lukas, Matt, Josh, Abraham, Jon, and whoever else OK’d this nutty idea. Five dollars for any book and any number of books! Don’t they know this only happens when books are being remaindered—code word for: nobody is reading them any more? How embarrassing.

Have they never read the marketing books? You don’t value what you don’t pay for, right? I mean, if you turn books into confetti, people are just going to throw them who knows where. Why they could wind up on the street! Or Lord knows where. What am I going to do with these guys? They are out of control. Even my son! What have I reared!

Next thing you know they are going to have a “free” day. You just wait! All you ever hear around here is Jesus Jesus Jesus. Gospel Gospel Gospel. Freely you received, freely give. What has become of good old worldly-wise savvy? I mean the sons of this age are wiser than the sons of light, Jesus said. What am I going to do? Any of you leaders of ministries out there that know how to keep these young bucks under control, write me a letter so I can figure this out.