Ask Pastor John

In the person of Jesus Christ, we encounter incarnate Deity. But why did he have to take on flesh that first Christmas?

Do the Gospels give us the exact words that Jesus spoke, or do they give us a paraphrase that captures his meaning?

Faith does not shield us from waves of sorrow. But it does plant our feet on a rock of immovable joy. And when the waves leave, the rock remains.

As 2020 draws to a close, Pastor John describes the one reality that shaped everything else for him: the experience of sweeter fellowship with God.

What happens when unbelievers eat the Lord’s Supper — either because they think they are believers or because the church has welcomed them to participate?

How should pastors respond to a Christian who marries a non-Christian? And what might repentance look like in such a situation?

When Christ gives you new life by the Spirit, you are no longer a victim under sin’s power, but a victor who has the strength to triumph.

Imposter syndrome can make us feel like frauds in the workplace — like we are never good enough and always about to be exposed. How can we respond?

In John 10, Jesus quotes from Psalm 82, saying, “You are gods.” Does this mean human beings are gods, or is something else going on?

By nature, we all want to be made much of. Until that craving for praise is laid to rest, we’ll never know the joy of making much of Jesus.

God can do far, far more than we can think to ask. But that doesn’t mean whatever we wish lines up with his sovereign plans to bring us good.

How should Christians respond to critical race theory? In a special episode, Pastor John explains the theory’s goals, assumptions, and root problem.

Critical race theory is a divisive topic among many Christians today. In a special episode, Pastor John explains why we should be careful in how we talk to each other about it.

When we see and savor the all-embracing, all-pervasive providence of God, we cannot help but show the worth of his providence in all of life.

Immersing ourselves in the ocean of God’s providence helps us to know him, fear him, trust him, and love him as we ought.

In January 2021, John Piper releases his newest book: a 750-page study of the all-embracing, all-pervasive providence of God.

We know that God is committed to saving his people. But does he ever become so frustrated with us that he regrets having made us in the first place?

Our cravings can take us to new spouses, new jobs, or even new cities or countries. But there is only one place we’ll find the satisfaction we seek.

As a husband, I know that God calls me to lead my family. But what if my wife is more capable and more spiritually mature than I am?

Jesus calls us to renounce all we have to follow him. But how can we gauge if we are fully and completely committed to him?

Unless God enables our obedience, we work and serve in vain. All true obedience flows from the strength he supplies.

Proverbs says that no one who visits the “forbidden woman” will return to the paths of life. So, is a man who seeks a prostitute doomed?

Does God harden sinners’ hearts only in response to their persistent sin, or is their sin a result of his prior hardening?

In this life, we will have trouble. But every trial paves the way to an inheritance with Christ that will satisfy us forever.

We know that God works all things together for the good of his people. But does “all things” include even our sins?

As Christians, we aspire to live out the paradox of brokenhearted boldness. But how do we teach and model this attitude for our kids?

From our perspective, coming to Jesus Christ feels like placing our faith in him. But God himself enabled and awakened that faith in us.

We know outward beauty is insignificant compared to inward beauty. But what should we do if we still feel insecure about our looks?

Is faultless chastity an appropriate standard for pastors, or are our expectations simply too high?

Sometimes pain seems meaningless, but in Christ, every millisecond of your suffering is producing for you an eternal weight of glory.

As a couple’s affection for one another deepens, how can they make sure they are loving God more than each other?

When trials come, how can I know whether God is calling me to patiently endure, or whether he wants me to repent of a specific sin?

When we obey sin, we obey a liar, a deceiver, a murderer. Sin is a slave master who tricks his subjects into eternal death.

When Jesus comes, he brings deliverance, freedom, grace, and power. But some people prefer what life is like without him.

Today more than ever, Christians have access to a wealth of faithful Bible teaching online. So, why do we need to read the Bible for ourselves?

Singing together is not merely the prelude to the sermon. When God’s people sing from the heart, more happens than we imagine.

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” Does that mean enjoying God and glorifying God are the same thing?

The Bible depicts more violence than our modern sensibilities often want to admit. How do we handle these parts of Scripture when we come across them?

In this life, we will have trouble. In this world, we will have reasons to fear. But in Christ, our God is with us through it all.

The Nicene Creed speaks of Jesus as “begotten, not made.” What does that mean, and why does it matter?

How can we tell if our desire for money is a good, God-given desire, instead of a love for Mammon? Pastor John offers seven ways to discern the difference.

How can we tell if we are spiritually lukewarm, like the Christians in Laodicea? We can look at our private prayer life.

Unless the Bible informs what we love most about God, we risk imagining a god in our own likeness, rather than treasuring him for who he really is.

Paul warns us about some who are “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” What kind of person does he have in mind?

Suffering often feels meaningless in the moment. So how can Christians learn not only to endure trials, but to rejoice in the midst of them?

If we cope with stress by watching movies, posting on social media, or consuming other forms of entertainment, what does that say about our souls?

God promises eternal rewards for his people’s present obedience. But does every sin cost us one of those rewards?

Ingratitude can make us feel unwanted and unnoticed. But our Father in heaven sees in secret, and he will more than make up for every thankless deed.

Some marketing succeeds by cultivating consumerism in the human heart. Can a Christian glorify God in that kind of job?

Some tragedies make life feel barely worth living anymore. So is there any hope that we could one day be happy and at peace again?