As another year inches to its conclusion, and we look back on the smoldering rubble called 2020, I cannot imagine a more important topic for our focus than God’s providence over all things. Of all the things we never would have expected to experience and witness in 2020, Scripture tells us that God governs over all things according to his will and for the ultimate good of his bride.

Making the case is Pastor John’s next book release, simply titled Providence, a 750-page book releasing in less than two months, on January 12. It’s Pastor John’s biggest solo book project by far.

We mention it this week because you can now preorder the title from our friends at Westminster Books for just $19.99. We’re thankful for their partnership and encourage you to order through them as you consider supporting faithful, independent Christian booksellers. Go to wtsbooks.com to preorder.

Last time on the podcast, on Monday, I talked with Pastor John about the book and his hopes and dreams for it. There I mentioned that Pastor John has recorded for us two audiobook excerpts — the introduction and the conclusion, two sections that offer a really good preview of the entire book. With the demands on his time, it’s doubtful he will read any more of it.

So today we hear the introduction. It’s 32 minutes long. The conclusion, coming up next time, is 55 minutes long. Combined, it is an hour and a half of audiobook readings that will serve as our podcast content for the next two weeks, as we take a brief break for Thanksgiving. We return with new episodes on Monday, November 30, with a few new features to the podcast to unveil in December.

Until then, here now is John Piper reading the introduction to his forthcoming book, Providence, coming out on January 12.