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The Joy Project

An Introduction to Calvinism

by

True happiness is not found. It finds you.

We think of our chase for joy as a fundamental right — and it’s no surprise. By nature we are pleasure-seekers, though chronically unsuccessful at finding the type of joy that will endure for more than a passing moment.

But what if long-lasting joy isn’t found at all? What if the deepest and most durable happiness breaks into our lives, overcomes our boredom, and ultimately finds us? What if true joy is out of our reach, but reaches for us?

Endorsements

  • From all eternity, before all time, God was alive with volcanic joy. Joy is essential to the very nature of God in the fellowship of the infinitely happy and holy Trinity. God needs nothing. He has no deficiencies. He is free from all evil and full of all good. So what does God’s eternal, unbounded, overflowing joy mean for me? For you? The Joy Project takes us into the most profound story in the universe, retold in a short book by Tony Reinke — a very thoughtful and skilled writer you can trust and enjoy. John Piper, Founder & Teacher, desiringGod.org
  • We all want joy and happiness — but they seem such elusive things. We reach for them and fall, we aim and miss. For me that’s because I make them dependent on me: how I’m doing, how I’m feeling. Tony Reinke shows a far sweeter way, a way to solid joy. Michael Reeves, President, Union School of Theology
  • The Joy Project is a celebration of reformed theology, and in this way it’s more in keeping with the Bible’s treatment of the subject—behold the beauty before bemoaning the controversies. We cover this topic briefly in our church membership class, and for those who want to pursue it further, this book, for its accessibility and warmth, is the one I'll recommend first. Benjamin Vrbicek, Pastor, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
  • Joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory (1 Pet. 1:8). But what does that mean? Is it for me? How do I get it? What does it feel like? Is it okay for me to want it? How will it change my life? Is this ‘joy’ the same as being ‘happy’? If not, what’s the difference? And what does joy have to do with God’s sovereign, saving grace for sinners in Jesus Christ? Yes, there are answers to these questions. And Tony Reinke does a masterful job in providing them. Read on, then, and rejoice with joy everlasting! Sam Storms, Pastor, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Our eyes of flesh seek joy in the wrong places, define it with a bankrupt vocabulary, and settle for it using mistaken formulas. Because we don’t know what to do but try harder and hide our shame, we get stuck and sick, depressed and despondent. This dehumanizes us, discourages us, and defeats us. But there is hope! The Joy Project is applied reformed theology at its best. Rosaria Butterfield, Guest Contributor
  • At the end of a restless day we look to the self-help gurus, but they can only give us magnifying glasses to gaze more deeply into our own navels. Lift your sights through The Joy Project, and rejoice to read that joy is actually coming for you. Gloria Furman
  • What do you get when you combine Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project with the Five Points of Calvinism and Tony Reinke’s compelling writing? You’re looking at it. It sounds like a weird and unworkable combination, but it works well and results in an outstandingly beautiful presentation of the doctrines of grace. This is the most beautiful presentation of Calvinism I’ve ever read. David Murray, Professor, Puritan Reformed Seminary
  • Biblically, colorfully, and with realistic precision, Tony Reinke presents God’s work of saving grace as a jamboree of overwhelming sovereign joy. This is a book of deep truth that does good to the heart as well as the head. J.I. Packer, Professor, Regent College
  • Tony Reinke’s The Joy Project is a unique and delightful summary of the unfolding drama of God’s sovereign grace. Tony, as usual, is biblical, Christ-honoring, Gospel-centric, imaginative and articulate. Who could ask for more? You will enjoy this book! Randy Alcorn, Director, Eternal Perspective Ministries