Ask Pastor John

Does the apostle Paul actually chose a lesser joy in Philippians 1:23, and actually contradict the Christian Hedonistic principle of always pursuing our highest joy?

Our pain and suffering may result from persecution, or just the troubles of everyday life. Either way, God is at works and desires that we trust him by faith.

Marriage over presents us with a mismatch in sexual desire. But if both husband and wife work to outdo one another in showing honor, sexual intimacy can still bring joy to both.

Sex and its pleasures may not be absolutely essential in a marriage, but we inevitably lose part of the pointer of Christ and his church when sexual intimacy is absent.

Christians don’t need to crave people’s approval because we live every day in the full and lasting approval of our heavenly Father.

Children who perish before they can understand the gospel don’t have to fear judgment, but are enveloped by the grace of God who saves according to his mercy.

When God threatens punishment for our failure to delight in him, he’s not manipulating us, but showing us the urgency of choosing life and joy in him.

During an era when Reformed theology has seen a resurgence, why does it appear that the embrace of Reformed doctrine is disproportionately white?

When Christians lose social influence, we need to remember that opposition is normal, and that our hope for the kingdom never rests with Facebook or Twitter.

What God saves us from isn’t low self-esteem or even just immorality, but his own righteous wrath against sinners.

Parents should monitor their kids use of technology, not just so that they get good grades or avoid trouble, but so that they grow up to live for Christ and his kingdom.

Francis Chan gives reasons why he thinks Christians are delaying marriage.

Husbands have a high calling in their homes. And one of the primary ways we can see our families flourish is by humbling ourselves and not insisting on our own way.

If joy is a fruit of the Spirit, then any Christian home should strive to be a source of joy, for the family first, and then as an overflow to others.

What matters in a potential significant other isn’t just what they do, but whether they know and love Jesus in a deep relationship.

What matters most in our homes isn’t that our children enjoy everything parents do, but that they come to know and love Jesus more than anything else.

Joy in the Lord isn’t automatic, but a daily fight to delight in him. Even prominent leaders like Francis Chan are no stranger to the struggle.

Our souls thirst for water that will satisfy us fully and forever. We long for the fullness of life that only Jesus himself can provide.

Pastor Piper has written dozens and dozens of books Where should someone begin — especially a new believer — if they want to start reading Piper’s work?

Pastor John gives an update about the ways God worked through Desiring God in 2014, and shares goals of the ministry for 2015.

Pastor John and Noel talk about how they celebrated Christmas in their home as their kids were growing up and their two overarching goals.

Establish a principled and emotionally healthy and happy place at your church where people, especially women, feel safe to hug or not to hug.

God’s glory does not rise and fall as our effectiveness in showing him glorious rises and falls.

The most important thing we do every day is make our souls happy in God by praying over the Bible.

Submission is mainly a wife’s intelligent, happy, wise support for her husband’s leadership.

We can’t explain precisely what the star of Bethlehem was, but we do know God formed it to bring the nations to their Savior.

There are certain tests from the Bible that help us know if our relationship with God is a good one.

If you think the New Testament simply sets a trajectory for ethics, you might effectively strip the Bible of its final authority.

Unless the Spirit gives us eyes to see that the true God is beautiful and desirable, we won’t seek him.

Trusting your parents by being honest is a huge honor to them.

There is a mean streak in Christianity, and it is not against anybody else but ourselves and our sinfulness.

Men like John and Charles Wesley, G.K. Chesterton, George MacDonald, and, in a sense, C.S. Lewis have been the most influential Arminians in Pastor John's life.

Christian fellowship does not distract from the supreme glory of God in the believer’s life, it testifies to it.

An addiction to video games says something about a man’s subjection to Christ, state of mind, self-control, and fitness to lead a family.

For fathers of new sons, Pastor John summarizes his encouragement: Be a weeping, happy, loving father full of God, full of truth, full of joy.

If you want your kids, spouse, parents, coworkers, and friends to know God — if you want to know God — rehearse Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3.

When we enjoy what God has created, we know and enjoy God more. And when what has been created fails us, our Creator never will.

We are satisfied in God rather than by God if God is the object of our satisfaction, not simply the provider of it.

The prosperity gospel falls short on two counts: It presents a weak God, and it neglects to reckon with the Bible’s teaching on suffering.

For the Christian, knowing God’s word and world increases our sorrow — and our joy.

Sorrow and suffering make up daily life across the world. So what does it look like for Christians to be both happy and sorrowful?

How should believers behave toward family members who walk in unrepentant sin but continue to call themselves Christians?

Even if deliverance does not come right away, our prayers are not in vain. If you are stuck in sin, this prayer is for you.

Memorizing Scripture offers Christians at least eight benefits, including fostering fellowship with Jesus and combating Satan’s lies.

Sexual attraction is not essential for marriage, but God does call for marital intimacy — both physical and emotional.

The Bible doesn’t detail the cultural symbols for a marriage ceremony. Does this mean a wedding doesn’t need to happen in a church?

Viewing horrific images may prepare Christians distant from horrors in the world to embrace the sovereignty of God over what is to come.

What should our response be to Mark Driscoll’s failures? Pastor John unpacks some lessons from his partnership with the former Seattle pastor.

Know the glories and beauties of Christ who reigns supreme over kings and tyrants, over mountains and hurricanes, over time and death.

Family worship often includes prayer and reading scripture. But it can also include singing and memorization as you leave a legacy of worship.