Ask Pastor John

What should we do when two texts seem to say opposite things about God and his character? Pastor John digs to the common root of truth.

James says God cannot be tempted, but Hebrews says Jesus was tempted just like we are. How do these two passages fit together?

If a man wants to be married but is too young to pursue it, how can he keep his desires in the right place? Pastor John offers five weapons for the fight.

Sorrow and joy are not just sequential emotional states: first sorrow, then joy. Miraculously, we can experience overflowing joy in the midst of deep sorrow.

How can we delight in the good work we do while keeping our work in its proper place? Pastor John situates daily work within God’s larger purposes.

Does human evil really call for infinite punishment? Pastor John confronts the ultimate sin of ignoring God’s infinite value.

Pastor John connects God’s word with his ability to perform that word, grounding our faith in the unstoppable purposes of our loving God.

In Isaiah 58, does God condemn his people for having too much delight in his ways? Pastor John distinguishes hypocritical pleasure from true, generous joy in God.

God promised a home to faithful eunuchs in the Old Testament, but what about childless believers today? Pastor John sees three enduring blessings.

In the Bible, God sometimes tests his people to see how they will respond. Why does he do this if he already knows every heart?

Should Christians seek mystical experiences as a way to grow closer to God? Pastor John looks at how Paul responded to his own visions.

When a society normalizes sin, how should the church respond? Pastor John calls for spiritual integrity that doesn’t depend on society’s opinion.

God destroys many enemies in the Bible, and he promises to destroy many more in hell. As his people, should we celebrate our enemies’ downfall?

Sometimes, when the Bible describes indifference to God, it sounds like us. How can we resist our tendency to drift away from him?

How might we understand the apparently casual way some biblical writers quote earlier parts of Scripture? Pastor John explores how Hebrews handles God’s word.

With so many decisions for us to make every day, why doesn’t God tell us exactly what to do in each situation?

Serving children in Jesus’s name is beautiful and God-pleasing. Gathering for worship is crucial and soul-preserving. So, how much corporate worship should we miss to serve?

In a day when sexualized content seems to be everywhere, including in many shows and movies, Pastor John gives twelve reasons to never watch nudity.

What might Simon of Cyrene teach us about supporting one another in trials? Pastor John digs into the perseverance of the saints and the church’s crucial role.

How can we rebuke without compromising love and show gentleness without diminishing truth? Pastor John gives counsel for speaking with emotional wholeness.

What does a ring-wearing pig have to do with physical beauty? Pastor John describes God’s purposes for beauty and how we so often misuse it.

Does the Bible say women should never teach anything anywhere? Pastor John traces and applies Paul’s argument from the created order.

To understand the two sides of pre-Christian suffering, Pastor John analyzes the two identities we had before we became believers.

What happens when Christians saturate themselves with worldly entertainment? Pastor John calls us to offer a resolute no for the sake of a better, sweeter yes.

Why would anyone say that God causes suffering when Satan is so clearly at work? Pastor John leads us through the shocking sovereignty of God.