Ask Pastor John

Diets and quick-fix programs for weight loss don’t work because weight loss is actually a spiritually battle that requires us to get our hearts right first.

God’s astounding glory and majesty should awe us. If we don’t live with a fearful sense of his glory, then we miss one of our greatest paths to intimacy with God.

We all need constructive criticism to help us grow and mature. But how do we respond to feedback that seems harsh, and perhaps downright rude?

God has granted us his word and his Spirit to guide us into all truth. Does that mean we don’t really need anyone to teach or instruct us in the ways of the faith.

The Bible speaks not only about joy but “inexpressible joy” and “glorified joy.” Is it really possible for us to experience such bliss on this side of heaven?

Christian ministries often spend significant amounts of money on conferences, marketing, and other things that can seem excessive. Do such expenses align with a wartime lifestyle?

We all know the call to make disciples of all nations, but where do we start? And how do we know if we have actually succeeded?

Scripture is sufficient, and yet there is a lot that we can learn from natural revelation. How do we evaluate those truths not contained in the Bible?

If Adam and Eve sinned in the paradise of Eden, how do we know we won’t sin in the next paradise of the new heavens and the new earth?

In a 2015 message, Pastor John preaches that the gospel brings life, and in this life comes sensitivity to reality, and there is great sadness in reality.

Several passages in Scripture mention being blotted out of the book of life. Does this mean genuine believers can lose their salvation?

We do not have ultimate self-determination, but we will all give an account to God for our choices.

Jesus clearly stated that he needed John to baptize him. But why would Jesus need to go through the waters of baptism if he had not sinned?

In a pluralistic world, Christianity faces all sorts of backlash against its exclusive claims. How can we respond well to the claims of other religions?

Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega. He never had a beginning and will have no end. He is fully and completely God.

Sometimes it’s too easy to question others’ motives, especially if we think they want something from us. How do we fight that tendency to suspicion?

Husbands take their cues from Christ, who gave himself up for the church. How can Christian men serve their wives and kids while leading them?

Can a believer ever be called to a lifelong career that they do not enjoy? Pastor John explains why we should ask a different question.

When seasons of waiting make you feel aimless and without purpose, what truths from Scripture can keep you moving forward.

Which spiritual discipline can help awaken our appetite for God, but is rarely practiced well today?

Taking in the word of God and talking to him in prayer are the most basic, fundamental disciplines. But is there a way to do both of those better?

Discipline is a mark of a believer in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us new desires to see and savor Jesus Christ wherever we can find him.

The spiritual disciplines are habits to be engaged in personally and corporately. We need time alone with God, and we need time together with his people.

What makes a discipline spiritual, and what makes a spiritual practice a discipline? Don Whitney addresses six characteristics of Christian spiritual disciplines.

Every generation faces unique issues, but the most pressing, most urgent Christians remain the same year in and year out.

Marriage — including sexual intimacy — portrays Jesus’s relationship with the church. Pastor John explains how.

Faith, defined biblically, not only believes in Jesus Christ but also treasures him as the supreme value of all the universe.

Christmas is a time for relishing in the peace that God offers the whole world through Jesus Christ, but we will only have it if we put our faith in the one who took on flesh that first Christmas.

The birth of Jesus at Christmas enables glory to ascend forever to God and peace to descend on his people forever.

Compared to all the riches of knowing Jesus Christ, even the best gift Santa could bring is little more than a lump of coal.

Matthew’s Gospel recounts Herod’s infanticide of baby boys in Bethlehem, but no other historical sources appear to mention this tragedy. Did it really happen?

Lots of missionaries raise their own support for ministry. Does the Bible have any examples of this kind of support-raising that we can look to as a model?

Does the cross of Christ show how valuable we are? Or how enormous sin is that we need a Savior?

When our contentment in God fades, food quickly takes its place. Pastor John focuses on the secret to winning the war for our desires.

“I’m done with the organized church, but I still love Jesus.” If you walk away from the church, you walk away from Jesus.

We know Satan has been working evil since the beginning. But should we actually hate him? Pastor John explains why we should.

We may not be able to explain how Satan became evil, but we do know that God did not compromise his goodness or glory in allowing Satan’s fall.

Never settle for passionless Bible reading. Lean in, pray for God to open your eyes, and keep searching for treasure for your heart.

Are property and intellectual rights selfish, or do they actually match up with clear biblical principles?

Our salvation isn’t just a once-and-done event, but a lifetime of drawing near to God through Jesus Christ, our high priest.

For Christians indwelt by the Spirit, God is always in us and with us. But sometimes, he exerts his influence for our good in unique, unmistakeable ways.

Should I stay and send, or should I go to the mission field? Pastor John gives seven factors to keep in mind when weighing a calling to missions.

Shopping today is more convenient than ever, especially online. But what should we do when online shopping becomes more than just a convenience?

The New Testament mentions greeting one another with a kiss four times. Is that just an outmoded cultural practice, or is there something we can learn from it today?

For every believer, we can know with complete confidence that God is not only with us sin our pain, but is producing glory through every ounce of our suffering.

God can use anything he wants — even sin — to lead and guide his people. But that doesn’t mean we should seek out sinful means just because God can sovereignly use them.

I’ve heard the gospel, but how can I be sure that I am truly ready to surrender my whole life to Jesus Christ?

God offers all of his children joy in Christ now. But compared to heaven, those are just mere glimpses of what is to come.

Throughout the Scriptures, God’s people feast as an expression of their joy in the Lord. What would it look like for the church to be known for celebration and joy?

Sin and anxiety threaten to still our happiness every day. Thankfully, Jesus offers us greater pleasure than sin and an antidote to all our worry.