
Ask Pastor John
2,291 episodes — Page 39 of 46

What Is God’s Glory?
We love to talk about it, but can we define it? God means for us not only to see his glory profusely, but to speak about it precisely.

If God Is Joyful, Why Does He Seem So Mad?
God is not distant from us, but agonizes with us over sin and suffering and sorrows. He is angry at our sin. But he also rejoices over his people.

The World Needs Women Ministers
Physical, emotional, and spiritual needs abound in the world. Pastor John encourages women of God can meet them.

The Mystery of Sorrowful Rejoicing
How do believers respond to the inevitable suffering of this life? Pastor John explains what it means to be “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.”

Does God Verbally Speak to Me?
God is speaking to us. His word tells us what he wants us to know, and what we need to hear.

How Do I Change?
God’s glory is transformative. When Christians behold his glory in his word by his Spirit, we change to be more like Christ.

I’m Bored with the Bible
Pastor John gleans wisdom from the Psalms for dispassionate hearts. God himself will rekindle our love for his book.

Christian Life as Union with Christ
Union with Christ is not a side benefit of the Christian life — it defines it.

How Do I Pursue Joy in Christ?
“We were created to share the Father’s sweet pleasure in his Son.” But how do we pursue that goal? Michael Reeves offers practical advice to help.

Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary?
Historian Michael Reeves explores the Catholic tradition of praying to Mary, and encourages Christians toward Jesus, our great high priest.

Robust Theology Fuels Ambitious Evangelism
Armed with the life of John Calvin, Dr. Michael Reeves shows how sound doctrine produces driven saints.

The Transforming Power of Christ’s Glory
Doubt pursued the Puritan Thomas Goodwin for seven years until he finally understood Christ’s work. Then, his whole life changed.

Pilgrims and Patriots
God’s people are Christians before they are patriots, but they still work for the good of their homelands.

Am I Saved?
At some point, all Christians ask, “Am I really a Christian?” Learn how the Spirit gives God’s people the assurance of salvation.

How Can a Sovereign God Be Surprised?
Can God, who brings about everything, be caught off guard by anything? The belief that he can springs from a misinterpretation.

How Do I Reclaim My Heart?
When sin’s lies have hardened your heart, here are six ways to soften it again.

Delighting in What Is Not God
If we are supposed to find joy in God alone, what do we make of Psalms calling us to delight in God’s word?

Christian Pitfalls in a Secular World
Christians do not put their hope in being the moral majority, but in God’s promise to give them the kingdom.

Where America’s Sex Ethic Is Headed
How should the church respond as technology-driven, morally unhinged sexuality leaves more and more people thirsty for true, living water?

The Dime-Store Prosperity Gospel
How should Christians live in an increasingly secular culture? Russell Moore gives three lessons for parents and their children.

When Evangelical Leaders Toy with Truth
Russell Moore guides believers as they respond to both false shepherds and other sheep on contentious topics like so-called same-sex marriage.

Should We Fight for Religious Liberty?
What belongs to Caesar, and what belongs to God? Dr. Russell Moore shares three ways Christians should think about religious liberty.

Should Christians Watch ‘Game of Thrones’?
Christians are called not to be hip, but holy. Here are twelve reasons why Christians do not need on-screen nudity.

The 8 Steps of Christian Obedience
Here are eight steps of sanctification that clarify God’s decisive role and our inspired role in bringing holiness to completion.

Does Justification-Centered Sanctification Lead to Antinomianism?
Can we spend too much time celebrating the fact that we are righteous before God, so we think we need not obey him today?

Will You Marry a Couple Already Living Together?
Purity and holiness are possible in Christ even for those who have sinned sexually in the past.

Are Wedding Rings a Waste of Money?
A wedding ring makes a profound statement to the world and to the one who wears it, but is it worth the cost?

What Age Will I Appear in Heaven?
Questions abound when it comes to our eternal home. What about our bodies? What age will we appear in heaven?

Sex in Heaven?
Does a sexless heaven sound boring to you? Randy Alcorn explains how our marriage to Jesus will enhance our earthly relationships, not diminish them.

Travel in Heaven?
Randy Alcorn argues that bucket lists have little merit for Christians who will have the new creation at their fingertips to enjoy to the glory of God.

Sports in Heaven?
Sports bring out the best and the worst in people, so will there be sports in heaven? Randy Alcorn shares his thoughts.

What Will Be Familiar to Us in Heaven?
How different will we and the realities around us be in the new earth as compared to the old? Randy Alcorn answers, “Perhaps not much.”

Counsel for Those Considering Transgender
How should you counsel a friend who is considering transgender? Pastor John offers seven encouragements.

Is Sexual Identity My Choice?
Our preferences do not dictate our worship or our sexual identity. God reveals truth about both through nature.

How to Explain Christian Hedonism over Lunch
How would Pastor John explain what he means by “Christian Hedonism” over a thirty-minute lunch?

Do My Sufferings Complete Christ’s?
How did Paul “fill up what is lacking” in Christ’s afflictions? Didn’t the cross provide a sufficient payment for the sins of God’s people?

Look at the Book — New Chapter in Piper’s Legacy
How did Look at the Book begin? Pastor John explains its past and shares his hopes for its future: to give all Christians confidence in Bible reading.

Sing to the Lord, Alone
Singing to the Lord can enrich your devotions and enliven your soul, even if you aren’t a natural singer.

Suicide and Salvation
A final act of self-murder is not necessarily decisive in determining if someone was saved. God regards the whole life.

Explaining Adoption to Your Adopted Child
Talking to your children about their adoption requires timing and initiation.

Counsel for Couples Pondering Adoption
Adoption is an eternal reality. God planned it before he founded the earth. Now, we have the chance to act it out.

One Beautiful Adoption Story
Adoption is hard, and parenting often hurts, but God can create happy stories even in those difficulties.

Vision for Your Family Vacation
Vacations are a time to rest and refresh. What does it look like for a dad to share the leadership of the family with his wife while on break?

A Theology of Vacations
For believers, both work and rest become redemptive tools in God’s hands to advance his kingdom.

Can I Believe the Whole Bible and Not Be Elect?
Sincere belief cannot exist apart from salvation. Pastor John unpacks the implications of believing that the Bible — all of it — is true.

Do I Love God or Just Love Loving Him?
Holiness, news, risk, and suffering. Pastor John offers four words for four tests to determine whether you love God or just love loving God.

How Should I Think About My Failures?
God has sufficient grace for our sins, our weaknesses, and our failures. He can turn even our failures into gospel successes.

Is God Everywhere and Absent from Hell?
If God is everywhere, is he also in hell? If so, in what sense is God present in hell? Pastor John answers.

Bikinis and Modesty
True modesty is the fruit of joyfully submitting to Christ, saturating ourselves with the word of God, and considering the good of others.

What Is Calvinism?
God’s glory is the goal of all things, and his freedom and his sovereignty are essential to his deity — and our salvation.