Ask Pastor John

What should Christians do when their church’s elders hesitate to put them in a position of leadership?

When we consider definite atonement, we must always ask, “What do you mean when you say ‘Jesus died for all?’”

Billy Graham preached the gospel faithfully. But as he got older, he said some troubling words. So how should we think about our heroes as they age?

Despite controversy, Billy Graham, Bob Jones, and John Piper’s father shared a desire to see Christ glorified and millions saved.

Pastor John relates Billy Graham’s impact on his life, from their personal meetings, to his crusades, to his time at Bob Jones University.

We do not share in guilt, but we do bear the shame of past iniquity in America. We must respond now with a chastened gratitude for unearned blessings and with a zeal to remedy the shame.

Podcasts stir us up by way of reminder, provide a platform for raw, inviting experiences with God, and help us make the best use of the time.

Seeking God requires firm resolve. But should Christians wait until the New Year comes around before making any resolutions?

In using ghostwriters, authors hide their own weaknesses and put money before the truth. Therefore, ghostwriting is out of step with the way of Christ.

Help through tragedy. Global Impact. App Development. Pastor John reflects on past grace and anticipates future grace to and through the ministry of Desiring God.

Before it rings the bell of family, or charity, or gift-giving, or Saint Nick, Christmas sounds the trumpet of God’s salvation for sinners.

If God called human sexuality good, along with the rest of creation, then why did he send Jesus to be born of a virgin?

Tattoos may appeal to Christians, even for missional reasons. Pastor John weighs the costs of tattoos against any benefits they offer.

The question of tattoos involves more than law or culture. It touches the allegiance of our hearts.

Although emotionalism can lead churches into unhelpful practices and even abuse, emotionless churches are in greater danger. Pastor John explains why.

If God does not sit at the center of your theology, your worship will fizzle out. He made you to delight in him.

What factors led to the current rise in Calvinism? Where does Pastor John fit into the picture?

If you feel the slightest tug to go with the gospel to the unreached peoples of the world, here are seven steps to speed you on your way.

Whereas Allah can act capriciously, the Bible assures believers that God’s sovereignty works in perfect harmony with his justice and love.

Pastor John relays lessons from his trip to the Middle East — The harvest is plentiful, the pastors need teachers, and God has opened the door for the gospel.

We know the Bible teaches that homosexual behavior is a sin. Why is that so? Does Scripture give us reasons touching closer to the heart of the issue?

The “good news” of the prosperity gospel preys upon the poor and leads people into suicidal desires for wealth, all while missing the greater riches of eternal life in Christ.

Christians should not use pills that destroy a fertilized egg. But if children are a blessing from the Lord, should contraceptives ever be an option?

Although pastors should find their own rhythms for preparing sermons, the prayer remains the same: “God help me to see and say what’s really in your Word.”

Pastor John’s ability to preach rose up out of a heart that was satisfied and thrilled by the Bible.

Christ’s kingdom advances through the ministry of faithful mothers whose homes are light for their children, and for the world.

Pastor John walks through three lines of evidence that make a compelling case for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Proud hearts don’t know their need for grace, but humble hearts joyfully give thanks to the God who has given them everything, including salvation.

As believers become more and more like Jesus, they will come to love the things that God loves, in the way that God loves them.

In John 15, Jesus cuts off branches that bear no fruit. Does that mean that Christians can lose their salvation?

Pastor John offers cultural, practical, and biblical support for his encouragement for wives to take their husbands’ last names.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks — but what if we stop the speaking? Have we still sinned?

All sin makes war on the Christian, so the Christian must make war on all sin — whether sexual immorality or self-pity.

How does God provide the food so that his appointed shepherds — time-pressured, busy pastors — can feed their flocks?

Academia affords more leisurely time to study the Bible, but the pastorate compels shepherds to find daily biblical nourishment daily to feed themselves and their flock.

Discernment and financial abuses exist in charismatic and non-charismatic churches alike. Pastor John urges believers to cling to the word of God.

Flaws litter charismatic and non-charismatic churches alike. Pastor John has two biblical warnings for those who prize feelings over mature thinking.

Do new-covenant prophecies carry the same level of authority as Scripture? Pastor John explains three reasons why they don’t.

Paul told the Corinthians to earnestly desire the gift of prophecy. But should Christians today do the same?

Pastor John talks about his plans to strengthen pastors in the Middle East and asks listeners to pray for strength.

Pastor John encourages Christian loners — even those who have been hurt by the church — to pursue God in Christ-exalting friendships.

All of history details the story of God's redemptive grace through Jesus Christ. We will not forget this story in heaven — we will rehearse it forever.

Pastor John explains how Christian Hedonism avoids idolizing joy.

Jesus surpasses whatever good the world has to offer. So rather than worship those good things, disciples of Jesus receive them as gifts.

The doctrine of God’s sovereignty doesn’t only mean that he controls everything, but that he controls everything for the good of his people.

Pastor John discusses how God's sovereignty relates to joy in God.

How has God designed our community to help keep us in Christ? Pastor John unpacks God’s prescriptions of prayer and exhortation.

God does not traffic in futility or vanity. He intends all things, even terrible calamity, for the ultimate good of his people.

Pastor John explains God's sovereignty over evil acts without himself being evil.

How do we reconcile seemingly conflicting commands from Scripture to hang out with the corrupt and to befriend them like Jesus?