Ask Pastor John

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?