Customer Reviews

Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing Power of Enjoying God

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I have read this book several times as I've led others through it. I've seen lives deeply impacted by the radical approach to pleasing God that Sam Storms presents in Pleasures Evermore.

Just a glimpse... The key to your holiness is pursuing pleasure in God. When your heart is satisfied in God's all-sufficient love and grace, you will not be lured by the fleeting pleasures of sin. "But I thought we were supposed to live for the glory of God?" Yes, Exactly right. As John Piper says, "God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him."

I highly recommend this book you. Read it slowly. Let the implications to your life sink in. You'll be forever changed. Much of the church is stuck in a man-centered effort trying to please God. Don't try harder, ENJOY MORE!

Quick Summary

Some in our church have a difficult time reading the writings of John Piper. Although Piper is worth every ounce of effort, the casual reader may appreciate reading this book by Sam Storms more. If you find yourself getting lost in the writing style of Piper then Storms will be a breath of fresh air. The key statement in Pleasures Evermore is its first: The key to holiness is falling in love. The first five chapters build the theological foundation for the practicality of the latter chapters. In this book Storms covers such weighty things as "God's Passion for God" as well as its everyday implications on things like "Sex and Integrity".

What I Liked:

Every page. The back cover gets it right when it calls this book, "compelling and readable". I think I went through a couple of pens highlighting this book. In fact I am going to try to order a copy with everything underlined, to save me time from highlighting as I read and re-read this excellent work.

I get John Piper and I love John Piper. Some in my church do not; I think he can get "too technical for them". They can get lost in some of the weighty things that Piper says about the glory of God. Not so with Sam Storms. If its possible I think Storms does a better job of describing Christian Hedonism to the everyday believer than, dare I say, Piper himself. I love the fact that I could hand this book to a farmer with an eight-grade education and he could "get it". Yet, I could also hand this book to a life-long pastor and he would not be bored but instead would be struck by the awesomeness of God.

Should You Buy It?

Absolutely. This book is probably in my Top 10, there are few books that are as deep, transforming, and readable as this one. So, don't question it just buy this book.

Sam Storms has a vibrant relationship with the Lord & it radiates through every page in this book. He is a disciple of John Piper who wrote THE book on the subject (Desiring God) and Sam Storms explains in a slightly different voice the joys of knowing and enjoying Almighty God. This book will deepen your desire for God.

If you're a John Piper fan---I think you'll love & enjoy this book. this one isn't quite as "technical" as reading Piper. It's all about seeking pleasure & enjoyment in Christ. GREAT read.

Dr. Storms has given us a wonderful resource for those interested in living and not just surviving. I can truthfully state that after reading this book, my life has never been the same. I am thankful that I encountered this wonderful work. Some books are good, and some are life changing. This one is the latter. Thanks, Sam :-)

I believe this book could set you free in so many ways AND fixed a warped view of God so prevalent today. I believe it will help you see God is NOT trying to take away your pleasures in life as you yield to Him, but give you "pleasures forevermore". That will dwarf all other pleasures.

This book will get you out of a works mentality. You will discover that the way to a holy and joyful walk before the Lord is NOT by a bunch of "do's" and "don't" but by falling in love with Jesus. This book will help you fall in love with Jesus.

Note: While I own "Desiring God" by John Piper I have not yet read it. I've heard Sam's book get the same point across in an easier to read format.

Enjoy, and may God transform your life as you read this book.

If you like John Piper's "Desiring God" as I do (I've re-read it at least once a year since '99 when I first stumbled upon it), this is it's perfect sequel. Storms passionately paints a Biblical picture of how a passion for God is central to sanctification and holiness. This is an excellent read, and I often suggest Storms to those who can't get into Piper, as he's a bit less academic, yet paints the same HUGE God-soaked picture of the universe. I love the God Sam writes of here, and I look forward to his future books.