The Sovereignty of God

by Jeffrey D. Johnson

Where is God in the midst of the darkest days of human existence? Jeffrey Johnson weaves together a gripping narrative that intertwines the trial-filled journeys of Joseph, Job, Hannah, and other biblical figures with the voyage of a World War II staff sergeant—as they consider the role of the divine when earthly sorrows abound.

Johnson reminds his readers that God is the God of soaring heavenly constellations but also of inner human contemplations. Our wisest recourse in the face of evil is simply to let God be God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2023

About the author

Jeff is the author of several Christian books, including the Amazon #1 Bestseller, The Church: Why Bother?

He is pastor/teacher of Grace Bible Church in Conway, Arkansas, a community where he also resides with his wife Letha and their two sons, Martyn and Christian.

Jeff graduated from Central Baptist College in Bible and earned his M. Rel. in Biblical Studies. He earned his Th.D in Systematics from Veritas Theological Seminary.

Along with his pastoral and publishing ministry, Jeff is a sought-after conference speaker and contributes regularly to the Reformed Baptist Blog.

Reviews

[Randy Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book on the sovereignty of God, this book is a good introduction. The writer set out to write a book on the sovereignty of God and that is what he’s done. Good job all around. Solid work. But for me the other side of the coin, man’s free will, is where the sovereignty of God really becomes interesting. With one exception (the story of a soldier coming ashore on D-day and fighting in WWII) this a pure didactic book on the truths of the sovereignty of God. The soldier’s story is played out in detail, but for what end? I’m not sure other than to say God was in control. Coming ashore on D-day he jumped over the side of the landing craft and survived. That was a real choice. If he hadn’t, in all likelihood, he would have died that day. I’m not suggesting the writer here has done this, but if we emphasize the sovereignty of God at the expense of man’s will, it can start to feel that human beings are mere robots. And if we emphasize man’s free will at the expense of God’s sovereignty, then it can start to seem that God is not in complete control. We have real legitimate choices. (Else God wouldn’t hold us accountable for them which he does). And God is in complete control. Both are true. How can this be? Only God knows. But I think it’s an interesting subject which only adds to the glory and wonder and holiness (otherness) of our amazing God.

[Joy Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is definitely a re-read. Jeffrey Johnson does a wonderful job of explaining biblically the beauty and wonder of God's sovereignty. It's simple and yet so profound! I highly recommend this book!!!!!

[Rhonda Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story uses the true personal story of Staff Sergeant Joseph Barr in World War II to show God’s sovereignty in evil times. It tackles many difficult questions, such as how can God be loving and allow sin and suffering to happen? And how can God punish sinners if He’s ultimately in control of their actions? I think the author did an excellent job delving into these issues. Maybe I’m a little biased, though, because I’m Jeffrey Johnson’s niece, and Joseph Barr is my great grandfather :) I’m so glad the Lord could use stories from my family’s history to teach the Word of God.

[Robert Cale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Especially the chapters covering sin and suffering. I recommend to new believers and those who have been walking with the Lord for a long time. Great book on the sovereignty of God surpassing that of Jerry Bridge’s master piece, Trusting God.

[Benjamin Thomas Randolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as exhaustive and convincing as A.W. Pink's, but a great read. Pink's was paradigm shifting. Read both!!

[jossué · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro es una exposición clara y profundamente bíblica sobre una de las doctrinas más consoladoras: que Dios gobierna absoluta sobre todo. El autor nos recuerda que la soberanía divina no es enemiga del creyente, sino su mayor refugio, pues asegura que incluso el mal y el sufrimiento están bajo el plan sabio y bueno del Señor.
A través de ejemplos bíblicos, ilustraciones históricas y aplicaciones prácticas, el autor nos invita a vivir cada día con la certeza de que nuestro Dios reina, integrando esta verdad en la adoración, la confianza en medio de las pruebas y la obediencia diaria a Cristo.