John Piper: Christians Must Embrace Present Suffering With Eternal Perspective

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ATLANTA – John Piper, founder of DesiringGod.org and former senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minn., told Passion 2013 participants that the foundation of worship is recognizing the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ, and that believers must embrace present suffering with an eternal perspective.

Introducing his talk with a dramatic recitation of Revelation 4, Piper told the 60,000+ students and ministry leaders gathered at the Georgia Dome Thursday night that "Jesus is the key that unlocks the mystery of history, and when the key unlocks the mystery of history and the story is told, he turns out to be the center."

Piper emphasized that Jesus Christ is the slain lamb and conquering lion who has fulfilled God's redemptive purposes, and that a recognition of Christ's identity and accomplishments should evoke extravagant praise from those who follow Him. "The immensity of His worth is reflected in the intensity of your worship," he said. "We were made for the eternal admiration of the excellence of Jesus."