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Start / Religion och spiritualitet / Ask Pastor John
Ask Pastor John
John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.
2112 avsnitt • Längd: 10 min • Veckovis: Måndag
Om podden
John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.
The podcast Ask Pastor John is created by Desiring God. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Avsnitt
On Hoarding
5 september 2024 |
15 min
How can we help those struggling with hoarding? Pastor John shares five underlying factors and five practical suggestions for those who seem stuck.
How to Find the Meaning of a Bible Verse
2 september 2024 |
12 min
How do we make sense of Bible passages that we don’t understand? Pastor John demonstrates how to patiently interpret Scripture with Scripture.
What Is ‘White-Hot Worship’?
29 augusti 2024 |
11 min
Though our response to God often feels frustratingly inadequate, he is worthy of all our heart, soul, and mind. He is worthy of “white-hot worship.”
Did My Negligence Kill My Baby?
26 augusti 2024 |
14 min
What comfort does God give to those who feel responsible for tragic loss? Pastor John offers eight words of hope to a brokenhearted mom.
Defining Success in My 9-to-5 Job
22 augusti 2024 |
11 min
What does it mean to “work heartily, as for the Lord” in our 9-to-5 jobs? Pastor John considers five qualities of faithful work from Paul’s words in Colossians 3.
Your Holy Deeds Are Not Filthy Rags
19 augusti 2024 |
11 min
In Christ, the righteous deeds you do by faith are emphatically not “filthy rags.” Pastor John corrects a common and profound misunderstanding.
Are Motorcycles for Fools?
15 augusti 2024 |
11 min
If God is sovereign over life and death, does it matter what risks we take? Pastor John considers the place of precautions beneath God’s providence.
Should We Ever Speak Directly to the Devil?
12 augusti 2024 |
11 min
Scripture gives us a category for addressing the devil, but our normal way of defeating him is by trusting the promises of God and killing our own sin.
Seven Encouragements for Parents of Prodigals
8 augusti 2024 |
10 min
How can we not lose heart over children who wander from Christ? Pastor John opens the parable of the prodigal son to offer encouragement after encouragement.
Can We Pray for God to Teach Someone a Lesson?
5 augusti 2024 |
11 min
Can Christians ask God to teach the unrepentant hard lessons? Pastor John helps us pray against others’ sins without presuming to be God.
Should My Construction Company Help Build a Casino?
1 augusti 2024 |
11 min
Should a Christian construction worker help to build a casino — or any other building that facilitates sin? Pastor John offers principles for the Christian conscience.
When Love Wanes, the Marriage Covenant Remains
29 juli 2024 |
12 min
Staying married is not first about staying in love. It’s about keeping a covenant that reflects Jesus’s own faithfulness to his bride, the church.
Can a Single Pastor Date in His Church?
25 juli 2024 |
12 min
Where should an unmarried pastor look for a wife? Pastor John encourages single men in ministry to take practical steps while trusting God’s providence.
What Makes a True Friend?
22 juli 2024 |
12 min
What makes for a true friend, according to God’s word? Pastor John sketches the nature and importance of friendship across the Scriptures.
God Is Eager to Work for You
18 juli 2024 |
14 min
God looks throughout the earth, eager to work for those whose hearts are whole toward him. Pastor John unfolds glory from a favorite verse.
Will God Judge People for Being Born Muslim?
15 juli 2024 |
11 min
Will God condemn someone for being born into another religion? Pastor John responds to a former Muslim deeply worried about her loved ones.
On Repetitive Worship Songs
11 juli 2024 |
11 min
“For his steadfast love endures forever” appears 26 times in Psalm 136. What might we learn from this psalm about the right kind of repetition in worship?
Let the Bible Smash Your Bad Theology
8 juli 2024 |
10 min
If you want more of your thoughts to become captive to Christ, open the Bible and pray, “Anything in my thinking that needs to be destroyed, destroy it.”
The Good Grace of Being American
4 juli 2024 |
13 min
American citizens enjoy lavish blessings of common grace. Pastor John calls us to give thanks without giving away our far deeper allegiance to God’s special grace.
Is My Joy Commanded or Spontaneous?
1 juli 2024 |
11 min
If joy in God is a gift from God, why does he also command us to rejoice? Pastor John takes us into a paradox that lies at the heart of the God-glorifying life.
The Next Generation of Missionaries
27 juni 2024 |
10 min
The local church’s task of sending and sustaining long-term missionaries rests on several deep biblical assumptions. Pastor John shares five.
How Your Heart Governs Your Mind
24 juni 2024 |
11 min
At the root of our sin is not a mind ignorant of God’s ways, but a darkened love, a hardened heart, and a will bent away from God’s ways.
Resurrection Power for Our Pain
20 juni 2024 |
12 min
In this fallen age, resurrection power does not keep us from pain. Instead, it brings life to others as we keep loving Jesus in our pain.
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Bible Reading
17 juni 2024 |
12 min
Bible reading can bring comfort, but Bible reading can also bring fear. How can we rightly embrace both the comfort of God’s promises and the fear of his warnings?
Taste Test Your Way to God’s Will
13 juni 2024 |
9 min
Paul says that the renewed mind discerns God’s good will “by testing.” What does that testing look like in the thousands of everyday decisions we make?
God’s Purpose in Our Boredom
10 juni 2024 |
13 min
Our boredom in this world is meant to point us to another world — a world where the infinitely interesting God will banish boredom forever.
How Can I Convince Comfortable People to Embrace Christ?
6 juni 2024 |
12 min
No matter how comfortable our friends and neighbors may seem, they are headed for hell unless they repent. So, what words might break through their comfort?
Satan, the ‘Prince of the Air’ — What Does That Mean?
3 juni 2024 |
14 min
Why does Paul call Satan “the prince of the power of the air”? Pastor John explores the extent of Satan’s authority and Christ’s decisive victory.
If I’m Not Elect, How Am I Guilty for Not Believing?
30 maj 2024 |
11 min
If God has not chosen to save me, then why would he condemn me for not believing? Pastor John explains the kind of inability that does not remove responsibility.
What Shia LaBeouf Gets Wrong About Joy
27 maj 2024 |
13 min
Is Shia LaBeouf right to say that Jesus experienced “maximum joy” as he died? Pastor John considers the joy set before Christ and the horrors of the cross.
Killing Lust with the Cross of Christ
23 maj 2024 |
11 min
“Cross,” “nails,” “spear,” and “thorns” are words that evoke images in our minds — images with tremendous power to dispel lustful thoughts.
Ten Questions for Readers of Erotica
20 maj 2024 |
11 min
How should Christians think about sexually explicit material on the page rather than the screen? Pastor John offers ten questions for readers of erotica.
Warning Our Children of Rebellion
16 maj 2024 |
12 min
Parents have the God-given duty to warn their children not to rebel against Christ, and some of the most powerful warnings come from stories of failed rebellions.
Mom’s Role in Raising Boys
13 maj 2024 |
12 min
How can a mom raise boys to become strong and godly men? Pastor John offers counsel for training up the next generation.
The Prayer You Don’t Want Answered
9 maj 2024 |
12 min
Sometimes, God responds to our sinful requests with a merciful no. But other times, he gives what we ask, brings misery with it, and then amazingly works good through it.
How Can I Grow in Expressing Affection?
6 maj 2024 |
12 min
How can Christians grow in expressing their deepest affections for God and others? Pastor John offers eight pieces of counsel for those who struggle to speak.
Why Does God Allow Satan to Block the Gospel?
2 maj 2024 |
13 min
God could destroy Satan at any moment. So, why has God allowed Satan to blind the minds of unbelievers from seeing the glory of Christ?
Are Parents to Blame for Prodigals?
29 april 2024 |
15 min
Does Proverbs 22:6 promise that children raised by godly parents will become Christians? Pastor John explains the proverb and points parents to their ultimate hope.
How to Write a Good Sentence
25 april 2024 |
14 min
What makes a good sentence? Good sentences are true, clear, authentic, thoughtful, creative, well-timed, clean, loving, and glorifying to God.
A Daily Morning Exercise
22 april 2024 |
11 min
How can we walk through this world of sin, suffering, and futility with strength and joy? Psalm 90:14 holds the key.
Am I Confident or Arrogant?
18 april 2024 |
12 min
In a society steeped in self-worth and self-esteem, how can Christians aim for significance in a way that glorifies Christ?
Should the Church ‘Bless’ Same-Sex Relationships?
15 april 2024 |
12 min
Should churches be willing to somehow “bless” same-sex relationships? Pastor John responds to Pope Francis’s concerning proposal.
How Can I Glorify God as I Pray for Myself?
11 april 2024 |
12 min
God does everything he does for his glory, including answering our prayers. So, how can we align all our requests with this big, overarching purpose?
Am I Abusing Caffeine?
8 april 2024 |
13 min
How can we tell if we’re abusing caffeine (or any food or drink)? Pastor John offers three questions to guide a Christian’s consumption.
‘Death Is Yours’ — What Does Paul Mean?
4 april 2024 |
13 min
If death belongs to the children of God, as the apostle Paul says, then death not only loses its sting, but it turns around and becomes our servant.
The Man Who Died in the Pulpit
1 april 2024 |
14 min
On September 22, 1967, V. Raymond Edman collapsed while delivering a chapel message at Wheaton. Pastor John reflects on his college chancellor’s final words.
How Do I Forget My Sinful Past?
28 mars 2024 |
14 min
Some Christians carry an ongoing sense of guilt for sins confessed long ago. What can we do with these stubborn guilt feelings?
God Delivers from the Suffering He Ordains
25 mars 2024 |
11 min
If God is sovereign over our suffering, then we can trust him to strengthen us in suffering, sanctify us through suffering, and ultimately save us from suffering.
The Gift of God’s God-Centeredness
21 mars 2024 |
11 min
From eternity, God has been self-sufficiently happy in himself. And because he has no needs of his own, he is gloriously free to meet ours.
Should Confidence in Sovereignty Make Me Prayerless?
18 mars 2024 |
11 min
If our souls are deeply satisfied in God, what room is there for petitionary prayer? Pastor John reframes the question by clarifying the nature of prayer.
Your Most-Asked-About Bible Verse
14 mars 2024 |
15 min
If God is sovereign over salvation, do the non-elect even have a chance to repent? Pastor John addresses Romans 9:22, your most-asked-about Bible verse.
How Much Error Can I Believe and Still Be Saved?
11 mars 2024 |
12 min
Some biblical truths are essential to believe for salvation — but not all. So, how much error can someone hold and still be saved?
Is My Child Transgender Because of Me?
7 mars 2024 |
14 min
How can parents resist the despair that comes from feeling like failures? Pastor John offers ten words of hope for parents of prodigals.
The ‘Ask Pastor John’ Book Is Here
5 mars 2024 |
16 min
After ten years and two thousand episodes, Tony Reinke has distilled the best of ‘Ask Pastor John’ in a remarkable new book.
Is Obedience Without Affection Still Love?
4 mars 2024 |
12 min
If we obey God outwardly but feel no affection for him inwardly, is our obedience still love? Pastor John takes us to the heart beneath God-pleasing obedience.
How Preachers Grow Graceless
29 februari 2024 |
15 min
How do preachers guard themselves from hypocrisy? Pastor John traces double-faced preaching to its deepest root: the love of human praise.
Your Suffering Is Not Meaningless
26 februari 2024 |
15 min
How did Paul endure such unimaginable sufferings without turning from Christ? Pastor John traces three threads of the apostle’s perseverance.
Why Did God Stigmatize the Disabled?
22 februari 2024 |
12 min
In Leviticus 21, God forbids men with physical defects from participating as full priests. How do we reconcile this prohibition with Jesus’s approach to the disabled?
Enjoying God in His Gifts
19 februari 2024 |
15 min
How do we enjoy pizza, friendship, or any other good gift without committing idolatry? Not only by enjoying God more than his gifts, but also by enjoying him in them.
What’s the Essence of Love?
15 februari 2024 |
14 min
How do Paul’s travel plans relate to the Trinitarian depths of God’s love? Pastor John shows how ultimate reality undergirds the love between the saints.
Political Flag-Waving Isn’t Enough
12 februari 2024 |
12 min
Christians have not only the right but the calling to speak truth to power. But such speech differs greatly from mere political flag-waving.
Does Hidden Sin Bring Physical Suffering?
8 februari 2024 |
14 min
The wrath of God is gone for those who are in Christ. But does God still sometimes bring physical suffering in response to unconfessed sin?
How Should I Choose a College Major?
5 februari 2024 |
14 min
What factors should Christian students consider when choosing a college or major? Pastor John gives five guidelines for those who don’t want to waste their lives.
Do I Have a Hard Heart?
1 februari 2024 |
12 min
How can we know if our heart is hard toward God? Pastor John diagnoses hardness of heart, and gives a remedy for remaining soft to God’s Spirit.
Was Jesus Confused by the Cross?
29 januari 2024 |
11 min
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Do these haunting words from Jesus suggest he was confused by the horrors of the cross?
What Would World War III Mean for Missions?
25 januari 2024 |
14 min
We live in a time of mounting global tensions, of wars and rumors of wars. What hope do we have for the future of missions should conflict continue to build?
Strategies for Building a Reverent Church
22 januari 2024 |
17 min
In a day starving for transcendence, how might church leaders arrange every element of the Sunday gathering to promote joyful Godward reverence?
Leading a Church out of Casual Culture
18 januari 2024 |
14 min
How might churches move away from casual culture toward heartfelt, happy reverence on Sunday morning? Pastor John shares five steps for preachers.
On Coffee-Sipping in the Sanctuary
15 januari 2024 |
14 min
Is it wrong to drink coffee during corporate worship? Pastor John moves beyond mugs to the heart of the issue.
Should Christians Make Bucket Lists?
11 januari 2024 |
12 min
From college grads to retirees, many people love to keep bucket lists. Should Christians? Pastor John puts rest and recreation within a biblical mindset.
How Do I Find the Main Point of a Psalm?
8 januari 2024 |
11 min
How can we discern the main point of not only a single verse, but an entire paragraph, section, or even chapter of the Bible?
The Good News of God’s Faithfulness to God
4 januari 2024 |
14 min
God’s faithfulness to God may not sound like good news. But the foundation of our hope rests on God’s zeal to display the worth of his name.
Read the Bible with Us in 2024
1 januari 2024 |
13 min
On the first day of a new year, Pastor John commends a yearlong Bible-reading plan and invites listeners to join him from Genesis to Revelation.
My Bible Reading Feels Flat — What Can I Do?
28 december 2023 |
18 min
Sometimes, perhaps even often, we read Scripture with our eyes, grasp its truth in our minds, yet feel little pleasure in our hearts. What can we do in such moments?
Four Reasons Christmas Is Special
25 december 2023 |
12 min
Christmas is a day for marveling. Pastor John shares four earth-shaking, soul-satisfying reasons to glory in the coming of the Son of God.
Looking Back at 2023, Looking Ahead to 2024
21 december 2023 |
13 min
As a new year nears, Pastor John marvels at God’s grace from 2023 and shares exciting plans for the months ahead.
Make the Bible Part of Your Everyday in 2024
18 december 2023 |
16 min
What makes regular Bible intake not only helpful for the Christian life, but crucial? Pastor John gives ten reasons to make the Bible part of your everyday.
Feast on the Bible’s Grammar
14 december 2023 |
17 min
The word “therefore” appears almost five hundred times in the New Testament. And every one of them is a doorway to life and love.
How John Piper Marks Up His Books
11 december 2023 |
19 min
Pastor John never reads a book — even novels — without a pencil in hand. What does he do with it, and why won’t he use a pen?
Make Your Life Count: Twelve Rules for Teens
7 december 2023 |
20 min
How can teens make their lives count? From dating wisely to failing well, Pastor John offers twelve rules for teenage followers of Christ.
Go to the Ant
4 december 2023 |
13 min
We know God inspired the Bible, but we sometimes forget that he also spoke creation into existence. How might we begin to learn from both of God’s books?
How to Study the Bible on a Topic
30 november 2023 |
11 min
How can normal Christians learn to study the Bible on a topic? Pastor John models his own approach as he prepares answers for ‘Ask Pastor John.’
Learning for Those Who Don’t Love Learning
27 november 2023 |
14 min
The apostle Peter calls Christians to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. But how might we grow in knowledge if we don’t enjoy the process of learning?
How Thanksgiving Shapes Your Life Story
23 november 2023 |
15 min
At the heart of our unbelief lies not only our refusal to glorify God, but our refusal to thank him. Apart from grace, we take the gifts and ignore the Giver.
How Does Learning Deepen Joy?
20 november 2023 |
16 min
What role should emotions play in Christian education? If we take our cue from Scripture, appropriate feelings will be central, not peripheral, to all our learning.
Learning in a World Blind to God
16 november 2023 |
15 min
God communicates through not just his word, but also his world. Christian learning presses deeply into the Bible, but the stars have something to say as well.
How to Lead Teens Deeper into Their Bibles
13 november 2023 |
16 min
How can youth leaders lead teens deeper into their Bibles? By teaching with an eye on language, a heart for reality, and a knack for question-asking.
How Can I Return to Normal Life After Tragedy?
9 november 2023 |
15 min
Seasons of affliction, however painful or even deadening they may feel, do not last forever. God will restore the souls he has saved.
Hoping in God When Our Heroes Die
6 november 2023 |
13 min
Godly pastors and leaders are a tremendous gift to Christ’s church. So, how do we keep hoping in God when our spiritual heroes die?
How Can I Kill My Selfishness?
2 november 2023 |
14 min
If you want to kill your selfishness, focus on more than your selfishness. Fill your soul to overflowing with Christ.
What Do We Celebrate on Reformation Day?
30 oktober 2023 |
11 min
Over five hundred years after Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses, what do we celebrate on Reformation Day? Pastor John traces five of the Reformation’s greatest recoveries.
Is My Painting Hobby a Wartime Waste?
26 oktober 2023 |
14 min
When do our hobbies glorify God, and when do they become a wartime waste? Pastor John offers three guiding questions to ask of any hobby.
Should We Consult with Dead Ancestors?
23 oktober 2023 |
12 min
What do the Scriptures say about communicating with dead ancestors? Pastor John explains four truths about God and the sufficiency of his revelation.
Can Pro-Life Advocates Lie to Save Lives?
19 oktober 2023 |
11 min
With so much at stake in the fight against abortion, can pro-life advocates use doctrinal falsehoods to persuade parents to keep their babies?
John Piper on ChatGPT
16 oktober 2023 |
14 min
Intelligence without affection is barren, mechanical — even artificial. Pastor John reflects on his ministry in the light of developing AI technologies.
Is It Sinful to Be Unhappy?
12 oktober 2023 |
11 min
Given Paul’s command to “rejoice always,” do we sin when we lack joy? Pastor John offers a simple answer with three crucial qualifications.
Is Joy a Choice or a Feeling?
9 oktober 2023 |
12 min
Genuine joy in God is far deeper than a choice we make. Even so, our actions can help or hinder the spontaneous experience of joy.
What Old Testament Promises Are for Me?
5 oktober 2023 |
12 min
Can new-covenant Christians claim old-covenant promises? As long as we keep some key distinctions in mind, we not only can, but should.
Evidence for the Cross and Resurrection
2 oktober 2023 |
13 min
God has not left us without evidence for the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. But evidence alone will never open the eyes of the blind.
Does God Love Us Simply for His Glory?
28 september 2023 |
12 min
God-centered theology can raise all kinds of questions about God’s love for us. Pastor John asks and answers nine of them.
If Sin’s Penalty Is Eternal, Why Isn’t Jesus Still Suffering?
25 september 2023 |
11 min
If the penalty for sin is eternal punishment, how could Jesus’s finite sufferings pay the price of our redemption?
Six Reasons Jesus Left Earth After Easter
21 september 2023 |
10 min
Why did Jesus leave earth after his resurrection? Pastor John gives six reasons for Jesus’s ascension to the Father’s right hand.
Even If Our Faith Is False, Aren’t Christians Happier People?
18 september 2023 |
12 min
If Christ has not been raised, Paul says, then Christians are “of all people most to be pitied.” But why should we be pitied when we live with such joy?
What Does Piper Mean by ‘Satisfied’?
14 september 2023 |
14 min
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” What does Pastor John mean when he talks about “satisfaction in God”?
Christ, Our Sabbath Rest at Work
11 september 2023 |
13 min
Christ is our rest on Monday as well as Sunday. But how do we experience the peaceful rest of Jesus in the midst of our labors?
How Can I Become a Humbler Calvinist?
7 september 2023 |
11 min
The doctrines of grace are designed to destroy human boasting. So, what can we do if we find our theology becoming a platform for pride?
Will We Work in Eternity?
4 september 2023 |
14 min
At least six biblical pointers give us reason to expect some kind of work in the age to come. But whatever eternity holds, it will be a future beyond disappointment.
Ten Authors for Your Soul
31 augusti 2023 |
12 min
Rich doctrine makes the heart sing. So, where might Christians start if they want to read time-tested, soul-deepening books?
Why John Piper Reads Books
28 augusti 2023 |
10 min
With so many demands on our time, why should we carve out precious minutes for books? Pastor John gives seven reasons he loves to read.
I Don’t Feel God’s Love — What Can I Do?
24 augusti 2023 |
10 min
When life is hard and heaven seems silent, how can God’s people still feel his love? Pastor John offers six reminders for those in spiritual darkness.
Ten Reasons You Need Unconditional Election
21 augusti 2023 |
12 min
How important is unconditional election for the Christian life? Pastor John offers ten reasons why Christians need this crucial doctrine.
Ten Criticisms of John Piper’s Preaching
17 augusti 2023 |
13 min
Anyone who preaches for long will find his preaching criticized — sometimes unfairly, but often wisely. Pastor John shares ten criticisms that have shaped him.
Do Christians Really Suffer in America?
14 augusti 2023 |
12 min
If Jesus and his apostles promised that faithful Christians would suffer, how can comfortable disciples make sense of their experience?
How Can I Explain Christian Joy to Unbelievers?
10 augusti 2023 |
12 min
The Bible rings with the language of pleasure and joy in God. But how can we explain that pleasure and joy in ways non-Christian loved ones may understand?
Why Does God Choose the Foolish?
7 augusti 2023 |
12 min
World evangelization would spread more quickly, it may seem, if God had chosen the wise and powerful. So, why did he choose the foolish and weak instead?
Resisting the Inner Skeptic in Our Bible Reading
3 augusti 2023 |
12 min
When doubts disrupt our Bible reading, how can we resist the inner skeptic? Pastor John offers six ways to fight for faith in daily devotions.
Can I Still Have Joy in Seasons of Doubt?
31 juli 2023 |
11 min
Seasons of doubt may afflict our minds and shake our hearts, but they need not take our joy. Beneath the waves of doubt, joy’s deep waters can still remain calm.
How Does God’s Joy Become My Joy?
27 juli 2023 |
13 min
The New Testament seems to connect the person of the Holy Spirit with the joy we experience as believers. But how do the two relate to each other?
Fifty Years of Theological Battles
24 juli 2023 |
13 min
If you want to prepare for the unknown controversies of tomorrow, know your Bible deeply, thoroughly, confidently, joyfully.
What Does It Mean to Be Spiritual?
20 juli 2023 |
15 min
Some Christians identify spirituality with gifts like speaking in tongues and healing. Does that view match the Bible’s own description of truly spiritual people?
How Are We Being Saved Right Now?
17 juli 2023 |
14 min
If we are in Christ, then God has saved us from our sins in the past, and he will save us from his wrath in the future. But in what sense is he saving us right now?
How Can I Encourage Without Flattering?
13 juli 2023 |
11 min
How can we celebrate the good we see without succumbing to flattery? Pastor John traces a key distinction between godly and ungodly praise.
What Do We Give to God?
10 juli 2023 |
13 min
God is self-existent and self-sufficient, far beyond any need or lack. So, what can we give to God when we gather for corporate worship?
What Does It Mean to Serve God?
6 juli 2023 |
15 min
The command to “serve the Lord” appears all through Scripture — but Scripture also assures us that God has no needs. So, how do we serve an all-sufficient God?
Learning to Forgive Family
3 juli 2023 |
15 min
For some, forgiving family from the heart may be one of the hardest steps of obedience. Pastor John offers five ways forward when forgiveness feels impossible.
On Sibling Rivalries
29 juni 2023 |
14 min
Sibling rivalries have fractured families since Cain and Abel. So, how does God work redemptively between siblings, and how might parents do their part to promote peace?
Manhood and Womanhood in Parachurch Ministry
26 juni 2023 |
14 min
Increasingly, parachurch ministries are allowing women to occupy positions of spiritual authority once reserved for men. Do they have biblical warrant to do so?
What Will We Remember in the New Creation?
22 juni 2023 |
14 min
In Isaiah, God promises that “the former things shall not be remembered” in the new creation. Will we really have no memory of this age in the age to come?
Better Than Scrolling Your Phone in the Morning
19 juni 2023 |
15 min
Why do so many of us reach instinctively for our phones in the morning? Pastor John identifies six temptations and points to a better way to begin our day.
Dangers in Exposing Cultural Sins
15 juni 2023 |
12 min
How can a preacher faithfully call out a culture’s sins while still sounding the dominant note of amazement at the glories of God in Christ?
The Sick Love of Controversy
12 juni 2023 |
15 min
How can we recognize what Paul calls “an unhealthy craving for controversy” in ourselves and others? Pastor John identifies six traits of a controversy-loving spirit.
How Much Should Pastors Make?
8 juni 2023 |
13 min
“The laborer deserves his wages” — including those who labor in preaching and teaching. But how might a church decide what a pastor’s wages should be?
Can Single Men Pastor?
5 juni 2023 |
12 min
In Paul’s elder qualifications, he seems to assume that pastors will be married. So how should churches assess the qualification of a single man who wants to pastor?
Why Do We Pray for Our President?
1 juni 2023 |
11 min
Why does Paul call Christians to pray for kings and other political rulers — and what specifically might we ask God to do in them and through them?
Hope for the Fragile and Fragmented
29 maj 2023 |
13 min
In a world filled with wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes and famines, a right understanding of the end times can bring stability to anxious minds.
The Joy of Jesus’s Return
26 maj 2023 |
13 min
When Jesus returns, he will magnify the radiance of his glory by multiplying our own joy in that glory. We will happily marvel, and he will forever shine.
Why God Wills Suffering for the Children He Loves
24 maj 2023 |
15 min
If we’re going to rejoice in even the worst circumstances, then we need clear and strong reasons for why God wills suffering for the children he loves.
Upcoming Changes to APJ
23 maj 2023 |
4 min
Tony Reinke shares two upcoming changes to ‘Ask Pastor John’ in light of a brand-new John Piper sermon podcast called ‘Light + Truth.’
Go to Work, Go to Church — Christ Is Coming Back!
22 maj 2023 |
14 min
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles draw some profound connections between the glorious second coming and our ordinary everyday lives.
Death Can Only Make Me Better: Remembering Tim Keller (1950–2023)
19 maj 2023 |
17 min
On May 19, 2023, Tim Keller entered the reward of his Master. In this special episode of Ask Pastor John, Tony Reinke shares a sermon clip from Dr. Keller on the joy of God in the face of cancer.
Popular Blunders About Christ’s Return
19 maj 2023 |
13 min
Discussions of the second coming often spiral into speculation — or misconception. Pastor John explains five mistaken beliefs about Christ’s return.
Five Ways to Find Wisdom
17 maj 2023 |
11 min
In the midst of a busy life, how can we find the time to read great Christian books? We might begin by setting aside just fifteen minutes a day.
Nicotine, Amphetamines, and Holy Concentration
15 maj 2023 |
15 min
God does not give us a list of foods and drinks we can and cannot consume. Instead, he gives us his words and his Spirit to shape how we see all of life.
A Beautiful Savior for the Unattractive
12 maj 2023 |
14 min
If we are going to find lasting satisfaction in the beauty of Christ, despite the pain of rejection, four massive changes need to happen in our hearts.
The Hardest Act in Parenting Teens
10 maj 2023 |
10 min
Headship calls a man to put away his anger and initiate reconciliation — no matter how much of the fault lies with his wife or with his children.
The Path from Orthodoxy to Demon Theology
8 maj 2023 |
12 min
The movement from orthodoxy to demon theology happens sometimes slowly and sometimes suddenly — but always because love for Christ has grown cold.
‘Nothing Is to Be Rejected’ — Including Pot?
5 maj 2023 |
13 min
“Nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,” Paul says. So can Christians enjoy pot if they thank God for it?
What Makes You Happiest?
3 maj 2023 |
5 min
What is the deepest source of your joy — what God gives to you, or who God is for you?
Can I Be Saved If I Never Evangelize?
1 maj 2023 |
14 min
Will a professing Christian go to hell if he never shares the gospel? Pastor John gets to the heart and offers practical suggestions for growing in evangelism.
Should Men Still Pray with Lifted Hands?
28 april 2023 |
11 min
Paul desired that “in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands.” Should men in the church today still lift their hands when they pray?
Our Joyful Duty
26 april 2023 |
11 min
At the core of Christian Hedonism is the glorious reality that the duty God requires of us is the path to our greatest joy.
Caring for Families with Cross-Dressing Children
24 april 2023 |
11 min
Should parents allow children to cross-dress? Pastor John explains why this cuts across the grain of God-created reality and how to offer counsel to Christian parents.
Should the World Like Us or Hate Us?
21 april 2023 |
14 min
Jesus promised that his followers would be “hated by all,” but Paul said pastors must be “well thought of by outsiders.” So should the world like us or hate us?
Why Did Jesus Use Spit and Mud to Heal?
19 april 2023 |
8 min
Jesus could have healed the man born blind with a simple command; instead, he used spit and mud. Why?
Does My Sexual Past Disqualify Me from Pastoring?
17 april 2023 |
16 min
If a man has a history of fornication, is he disqualified from the office of pastor — or can he still be considered “the husband of one wife”?
Overcoming Fear
14 april 2023 |
14 min
If God has really given us “a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control,” then why do we still struggle with fear and anxiety?
The Gospel’s War Against Our Fears and Insecurities
12 april 2023 |
15 min
In the face of every fear and insecurity, the gospel says, “In Christ, God is for you — always and forever, with all of his heart and soul. So what can man do to you?”
Should We Despise the Vile — or Love Them?
10 april 2023 |
13 min
In Psalm 15, David tells us to despise the vile; in Matthew 5, Jesus tells us to love them. How can we do both?
If God Desires All to Be Saved, Why Aren’t They?
7 april 2023 |
15 min
God “desires all people to be saved,” Paul tells us — but clearly not all people are saved. Does this mean God cannot do what he wants to do?
Christ’s Plan for the Globe — and You
5 april 2023 |
12 min
Christ’s global purpose to ransom people from every tribe and tongue can be summed up in his words, “I have other sheep. I must bring them also.”
Is Work a Blessing or a Curse?
3 april 2023 |
14 min
God gave work as a blessing in the beginning, but we live now on the other side of the fall. So is our work today a blessing or a curse?
Best Commentaries on the Whole Bible
31 mars 2023 |
14 min
Alongside his personal study of Scripture, what whole-Bible commentaries has Pastor John found most helpful over the years?
How Do I Find My Identity?
29 mars 2023 |
10 min
If you want to settle the question of personal identity, don’t ask “Who am I?” Ask, “Whose am I?”
Can Satan Put Thoughts into Our Heads?
27 mars 2023 |
14 min
We know the devil can tempt us and attack us and try to deceive us, but can he put thoughts into our heads?
Does God Read Every Thought?
24 mars 2023 |
14 min
At every moment, God knows the thoughts and intentions of every human heart. Pastor John explores six vast implications of this foundational truth.
John Piper’s Conversion Story
22 mars 2023 |
13 min
The book of Romans interprets life — and it also transforms life. Pastor John shares how Romans has shaped him, from conversion to the pastorate.
How to Glorify God in Business Success
20 mars 2023 |
13 min
How can a Christian business leader speak about his success in a way that makes God, not him, look great?
Is Venting the Same as Complaining?
17 mars 2023 |
14 min
Is there really a difference between complaining about our problems and venting about them — or are we just kidding ourselves?
Christian Hedonism in Two Minutes
15 mars 2023 |
3 min
What is the simplest, shortest definition of Christian Hedonism? Pastor John explains in two minutes why pursuing joy in God is essential to the Christian life.
How Does Childbirth Save Women?
13 mars 2023 |
14 min
Women, Paul says, “will be saved through childbearing.” How does childbirth save women — and what about women who never have children of their own?
I’m Stuck in Sexual Sin — Should I Excommunicate Myself?
10 mars 2023 |
14 min
Those who play the victim to their sexual lusts act like slaves, like dogs eating their vomit, like washed pigs rolling in mud. But in Christ, they don’t have to stay that way.
1 Percent of a Book Can Change Your Life
8 mars 2023 |
19 min
Even if you remember only one sentence of a book, that one sentence can create an immeasurable moment, a flash of insight that shapes you forever.
Is ‘De-Gendering’ a Sin?
6 mars 2023 |
12 min
What might Scripture say to a woman who desperately wants to become a man? Pastor John offers six reasons why attempting to “de-gender” is a tragic act of sin.
Are Christians Obligated to Vote?
3 mars 2023 |
15 min
Are Christians who have the opportunity to vote obligated to do so — or can we abstain from the whole process for righteous reasons?
Why Christians Don’t Need Holy Shrines
1 mars 2023 |
13 min
Seven times in the book of Hebrews, the author captures the heart of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near.
Do Angels Carry Our Prayers to God?
27 februari 2023 |
14 min
No angel, no saint, and not even Mary herself can improve the access to God we already have through Christ and his finished work.
Was Paul Really the World’s Worst Sinner?
24 februari 2023 |
12 min
In 1 Timothy 1:15, the apostle Paul claims to have been “the foremost” of sinners. Is Paul speaking in hyperbole here, or was he really the world’s worst sinner?
Overcoming Fear and Passivity in Evangelism
22 februari 2023 |
18 min
How can we become bolder in evangelism? Pastor John shares a story of his stumbling attempts to love a neighbor, and God’s patient persistence through it all.
Was God at Work in My Pre-Conversion Life?
20 februari 2023 |
11 min
When we look with eyes of faith on our pre-conversion life, we find abundant reason to thank God for his mercy, and abundant reason to give others hope.
How Could God Be Jealous?
17 februari 2023 |
15 min
The jealousy of God shows his zeal for his own worth — and it also shows his zeal for our deepest joy.
The God-Centeredness of God Unlocks the Gospel
15 februari 2023 |
13 min
The biblical mindset puts God and his glory, not man and his desires, at the center of the universe. And grasping this blazing center unlocks the greatness of the gospel.
I Shipwrecked My Faith — Am I Doomed?
13 februari 2023 |
16 min
Is there any hope for the recovery of a shipwrecked faith? Pastor John offers four reasons shipwreck need not be final.
Sinners or Saints — How Should We Speak of Christians?
10 februari 2023 |
13 min
Should we speak of Christians as saints or sinners? Pastor John explores why Paul addresses Christians as saints dozens of times — and as sinners almost never.
Why We Share the Gospel
8 februari 2023 |
13 min
What drove the apostle Paul to win people to Christ? He longed to taste the joy of the gospel not only in his own heart, but in the hearts of countless others.
Preaching the Gospel of the Happy God
6 februari 2023 |
16 min
Sound preaching comes from those who live in the presence of God-centered glory and long to echo his infinite worth.
Can I Really Trust My Interpretation of the Bible?
3 februari 2023 |
12 min
“The law is good, if one uses it lawfully,” Paul says. But how can we tell if we are using the law in the way that God intends?
How to Keep Your Eyes on Christ
1 februari 2023 |
12 min
How can we guard against drifting in the Christian life? By looking and looking and looking at Jesus.
How Can I Have a Good Conscience?
30 januari 2023 |
16 min
You do not need to walk in sinless perfection in order to have a good conscience. You just need to walk in the light.
Did Paul Oppose Fiction?
27 januari 2023 |
16 min
The apostle Paul strongly warned Timothy and Titus against the “myths” of his day. What might he have to say about the fictional stories in our own day?
Turn Down the Noise and Listen to Jesus
25 januari 2023 |
12 min
If we’re going to listen to Jesus and not drift away from him, we likely will need to turn down the noises that capture so much of our attention.
Where Do You Draw Lines for Ministry Partnerships?
23 januari 2023 |
17 min
Where should pastors and other Christians draw lines for ministry partnerships? Pastor John shares the degree of unity he has pursued in six ministry settings.
Were Abortions Induced on Old Testament Adulteresses?
20 januari 2023 |
11 min
Does Numbers 5:22 suggest that women guilty of adultery were punished with miscarriage? And if so, how does this passage speak to the pro-life position?
Fight for Delight by Planning Your Devotions
18 januari 2023 |
6 min
If we don’t have a plan for when, where, and how we will read the Bible, our devotions will probably fall before the demands of the day.
Eight Counsels for Those Thinking of Quitting
16 januari 2023 |
14 min
Every pastor receives criticism. But at what point might criticism become so serious or sustained that a pastor should consider stepping down?
When Does Despondency Become Sin?
13 januari 2023 |
10 min
Everyone passes through seasons of despondency — seasons when the soul is troubled and hope feels thin. But when does despondency become sin?
How Do I Push Truth from My Head to My Heart?
11 januari 2023 |
11 min
How can we push the truth of the Bible from our heads to our hearts, so that our times of daily Bible reading become times of daily worship?
Getting the Tone Right on Sunday Morning
9 januari 2023 |
11 min
Given the pain of this world, the joy of salvation, and the glory of God, what kind of tone should a pastor seek to set on Sunday morning?
Is Intermittent Fasting Sacrilegious?
6 januari 2023 |
11 min
Some people find intermittent fasting helpful for losing weight. But is fasting for merely physical purposes a sacrilegious use of a spiritual gift?
The Bible’s Main Road Out of Discouragement
4 januari 2023 |
10 min
The psalmists show that darkness and discouragement are part of the normal Christian life. And they also show a crucial strategy for finding the light again.
John Piper’s Favorite Things
2 januari 2023 |
14 min
Pastor John, like the rest of us, has his likes and dislikes. From movies and soft drinks to breakfasts and songs, here are twelve of his favorite things.
Can I Be a Nurse for a ‘Gender-Reassignment’ Surgery?
30 december 2022 |
15 min
If a hospital asks a Christian nurse to participate in a “gender-reassignment” surgery, should she agree — or should she take her nursing skills elsewhere?
Beat a Path to the Word in 2023
28 december 2022 |
14 min
Strong Christians read the Bible, memorize the Bible, meditate on the Bible, and live on the Bible. They make intentional plans for the word to be their daily bread.
How Do I Put Away My Desire for Praise?
26 december 2022 |
17 min
A desire to do good can easily become a desire to look good. So how do we put away our hunger to be praised by other people?
The Christmas We Needed
23 december 2022 |
12 min
The best gift anyone can receive at Christmas is deliverance from our two greatest enemies: sin and Satan.
What Makes for a Good Musical Worship Experience?
21 december 2022 |
16 min
A good musical worship experience involves head and heart, truth and affections. It will lead people to know their God and to embrace him with joy.
‘Though He Slay Me’ — Why the Silence on This Verse?
19 december 2022 |
18 min
“Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” Why has Pastor John barely mentioned these remarkable words of Job throughout his decades of preaching and teaching?
Does God Still Save the Lost Through Visions?
16 december 2022 |
15 min
Does God save the lost through visions today — or does someone need to hear the gospel to be saved?
John Piper’s 2022 Year-in-Review
14 december 2022 |
19 min
Pastor John discusses personal and ministry highlights from 2022, including podcasts, books, global outreach, and a new goal for ‘Look at the Book.’
Good and Bad People-Pleasing
12 december 2022 |
13 min
How can we find freedom from living for the opinions of people? Pray for and pursue a big vision of God. Find a firm identity in Christ. Look to your eternal reward.
How Can I Cast My Cares on God?
9 december 2022 |
15 min
Casting your cares onto God begins with believing that he really is the infinitely powerful, all-wise, always-good God he reveals himself to be.
Satan Cannot Scare You into Hell
7 december 2022 |
9 min
Satan may oppress you, attack you, and rage against you. But if you are in Christ, he holds no power to finally destroy you.
Build Structures to Serve Your Calling
5 december 2022 |
13 min
How can leaders prevent the pressures of running an organization from squeezing out opportunities for face-to-face work and ministry?
How Can Satan Harm Christians?
2 december 2022 |
13 min
Scripture is clear that Satan is not ultimately sovereign — God is. But under that sovereignty, in what ways can Satan still harm God’s people?
Amusing Ourselves from Death
30 november 2022 |
10 min
Outside of Christ, the fear of death is a slave master that holds everyone in bondage — even those who seem unaware of their chains.
Give Young Christians a Chance to Lead
28 november 2022 |
14 min
Our churches grow in wisdom and maturity when the young honor the old, the old listen to the young, and all clothe themselves with humility.
Should We Seek to Suffer?
25 november 2022 |
11 min
Suffering may be the price of Christian love, but it is not the aim of Christian love. Our aim is to do as much good as we can on the lowly path of service.
Pray Your Way into Thanksgiving
23 november 2022 |
12 min
How can we aim to be done with anxiety and enjoy peace in any circumstance? By bringing every circumstance to God in prayer.
How Does Baptism Save Us?
21 november 2022 |
13 min
If God saves his people through faith alone apart from works, why does Peter say that baptism now saves us?
Do Unbelievers Get a Second Chance After Death?
18 november 2022 |
12 min
In 1 Peter 3:19, we read that Christ “went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey.” What might Peter mean?
How Do I Pray from the Misery of My Sin?
16 november 2022 |
13 min
There is no distress that puts you beyond the good news that God brings — not even the distress caused by your own sin.
Let the Nations Be Glad! — Thirty Years Later
14 november 2022 |
9 min
Thirty years after ‘Let the Nations Be Glad!’ was published, Pastor John reflects on the book’s beginnings and its lasting legacy.
What If I Don’t Have a Spiritual Gift?
11 november 2022 |
13 min
Paul and Peter charge Christians to use our spiritual gifts for the good of the church. But what if we don’t seem to have any spiritual gifts?
What Makes My Gift a Spiritual Gift?
9 november 2022 |
11 min
If God has given helpful skills to both believers and unbelievers, what makes the difference between a merely natural ability and a spiritual gift?
What Makes My Life Christian?
7 november 2022 |
15 min
How can Christians live so that, at bottom, we can say with Paul, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”?
Should I Charge Other Christians for My Expertise?
4 november 2022 |
12 min
Christ bids his people both to wisely get and freely give, and he supplies us with the grace we need to discern when to do what with our talents.
Christ’s Death Was No Accident
2 november 2022 |
11 min
The death of Christ was no accident. He came to be crucified, that he might hang the sins and sufferings of those he loves with him there.
How Does Love Cover a Multitude of Sins?
31 oktober 2022 |
13 min
Christian love labors to overlook the sins of others, just as Christ went to the cross to forgive us, not to shame us.
Christian Unity in Three Steps
28 oktober 2022 |
15 min
Real differences exist between real Christians. But where we lack unity of conviction, we can share unity of humble, sacrificial disposition.
Step One in Preparing to Suffer
26 oktober 2022 |
11 min
We ready ourselves to suffer well when we look our life dead in the eye and say with Paul, “I count it all as loss compared to Christ.”
Is Suffering a Paradox for Christian Hedonists?
24 oktober 2022 |
13 min
When Christ died, so did our sin-loving selves. Now, God sends suffering to weed out the sin that lingers and stunts our joy in Christ.
How Much Speculation Should We Bring into Sermons?
21 oktober 2022 |
11 min
Preachers are emissaries of God’s revealed truth. So how should we talk about parts of the text we don’t understand?
The Relational Pain of Ministry
19 oktober 2022 |
11 min
Christian ministry is relationally painful. Friends in the ministry can leave and never return, as even the apostle Paul experienced near the end of his life.
How Do People Shipwreck Their Faith?
17 oktober 2022 |
10 min
Jesus, Paul, Peter, and the author of Hebrews all describe people who begin well in the Christian life before eventually making shipwreck of their faith.
How Can I Learn to Receive Criticism?
14 oktober 2022 |
14 min
No one likes to receive criticism, even when it’s well-intended. How can we learn to control our emotional responses and remain grounded in the love of Christ?
Becoming Unshakable in a World of Pain
12 oktober 2022 |
13 min
We all face crises, and without grace, we find our world collapsing in the midst of them. But there is strong and stable hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Is Any Part of Life Morally Neutral?
10 oktober 2022 |
12 min
Scripture calls us to do everything for the glory of God. Does that mean no action we take is morally neutral?
Will My Spouse Be My Best Friend in Heaven?
7 oktober 2022 |
13 min
What will the relationship between husband and wife be like in the age to come? Pastor John explains how the best parts of marriage point ahead to eternal joy.
How Do I Persist in Prayer?
5 oktober 2022 |
13 min
How can Christians always pray and not lose heart? In part, by remembering the generous heart of God and his delight to hear his people.
How Do I Pray for My Husband’s Salvation?
3 oktober 2022 |
14 min
How can a wife go on praying for her unbelieving husband after years, or even decades, of no evident change?
How Do I See the Glory of Christ?
30 september 2022 |
13 min
How can we see the glory of Christ? Renounce the praise of man. Devote yourself to Scripture. Turn to Christ through his word. Keep praying for sight.
What’s the Real Problem with Fearing Man?
28 september 2022 |
10 min
Why is the fear of man such a big problem? Because those who fear men cast their vote against the trustworthiness of God.
How to Live Fearlessly
26 september 2022 |
13 min
How can Christians live fearlessly? Replace the fear of man with the fear of God. Fear man — live fearfully. Fear God — live fearlessly.
I Want to Be Baptized — My Husband Opposes It
23 september 2022 |
12 min
Godly submission does not require that a woman do everything her husband says. Before she is a wife who submits to her husband, she is a Christian who submits to Christ.
Am I Called to Ministry? Five Tests
21 september 2022 |
10 min
How do we know if we are able to bear the heavy calling of being the aroma of life to some and the aroma of death to others?
What Should We Think of Flashy Pastors?
19 september 2022 |
13 min
Pastors who flaunt their riches will not draw anyone to the hope of the gospel. They will draw men and women to the hope of luxury.
Who’s More Sinful: Men or Women?
16 september 2022 |
14 min
Men and women may face temptations peculiar to their sex, but we both share a deep, common depravity and a profound need for mercy.
The Godly Woman’s Charm
14 september 2022 |
8 min
Hope in God clothes a woman with a beauty that will never fade, never perish, and never cease to be precious in God’s sight.
How Much Jewelry Is Too Much Jewelry?
12 september 2022 |
13 min
How might we as parents teach our daughters, even at young ages, how to express their femininity without flaunting their body?
Does God Call Us to Submit to Everyone?
9 september 2022 |
12 min
God calls church members to submit to their pastors, wives to their husbands, employees to their bosses. But is there also a sense in which God calls us to submit to everyone?
Who Are My Enemies?
7 september 2022 |
8 min
“Love your enemies,” Jesus says. But who are our enemies? The answer is broader than we might imagine.
My Husband Left Me — How Do I Respond?
5 september 2022 |
14 min
In the wake of great betrayal, how do we respond with love and forgiveness without minimizing the evil of the sin?
How Do I Address My Spouse’s Ongoing Sin?
2 september 2022 |
13 min
Peter tells wives to win their husbands “without a word.” Does that mean a wife should never confront her husband over a pattern of habitual sin?
Overcoming Anger in the Home
31 augusti 2022 |
9 min
How can a father governed by anger begin to recover kindness and tenderheartedness? By freshly embracing God the Father’s forgiveness through Christ.
Can I Be Angry with God and Be Holy?
29 augusti 2022 |
15 min
Is heartfelt anger toward God ever righteous, or even morally neutral — or is such anger always sinful?
Is Double Predestination Biblical?
26 augusti 2022 |
17 min
Does the Bible teach that God has predestined some to disobedience and destruction, just as he has predestined some to salvation?
The Two Greatest Questions in the Universe
24 augusti 2022 |
12 min
What are the two greatest questions in the universe? Pastor John explains by looking at 1 Peter 2:11–12.
How Do Passions Wage War Against the Soul?
22 augusti 2022 |
11 min
When do innocent desires of the flesh become threats to the soul? When they cross over from serving God’s will to serving our rebellious self.
What’s the Difference Between Faith and Hope?
19 augusti 2022 |
14 min
The biblical authors often intertwine faith and hope, yet they also distinguish them. So what is the difference between these two gifts of the Spirit?
Why Do So Many Reject Jesus?
17 augusti 2022 |
11 min
When the light of Christ shines upon the darkness of our sin, we either run to Christ as the only covering for our shame, or we run further into darkness.
Who Will Judge the World?
15 augusti 2022 |
16 min
Scripture speaks of the Father judging the world, the Son judging the world, and sometimes even the word of Christ judging the world. So, in the end, who will judge?
How Are We Born Again?
12 augusti 2022 |
13 min
The new birth is a sovereign work of the Spirit, but it is a work bound to the word. The Spirit of God works through the word of God to glorify the Son of God.
How Money Fears Kill Our Worship
10 augusti 2022 |
12 min
When we trust God with our money, we not only enjoy freedom from worry, but we magnify the shepherd, Father, and King who provides for us.
What Makes Christian Love Different?
8 augusti 2022 |
13 min
What makes Christian love different from non-Christian love? It is rooted in the cross of Christ, sustained by the Holy Spirit, and aimed at the glory of God.
What Does It Mean to Be ‘Overly Righteous’?
5 augusti 2022 |
14 min
Ecclesiastes tells us not to be “overly righteous,” but Jesus calls us to a righteousness that exceeds even that of the Pharisees. How can we put these two texts together?
Gospel Drift — and How to Avoid It
3 augusti 2022 |
12 min
You don’t have to commit great sins in order to fall away from Jesus. You just have to neglect your great salvation.
Why Did Jesus Need to Suffer and Die Publicly?
1 augusti 2022 |
14 min
Did Jesus have to die a public, agonizing death, or could he have saved us by living sinlessly and dying in obscurity?
Does God Ever Tempt Us to Sin?
29 juli 2022 |
14 min
God clearly tests his people, but does he ever tempt them to sin? Pastor John explores the distinction between tests and temptations in James 1.
Trembling Before God on Sunday
27 juli 2022 |
11 min
Hundreds of times, God tells us to “fear not.” So why does he also call us to work out our salvation “with fear and trembling”?
Is My Humorous Personality a Liability?
25 juli 2022 |
11 min
Sober-mindedness keeps us from the silliness that is allergic to serious moments, but it also keeps us from the somberness that doesn’t know how to be joyful.
Are Eternal Rewards and Inheritance the Same?
22 juli 2022 |
12 min
Peter assures us of an inheritance kept safe in heaven; Jesus calls us to lay up treasures in heaven. Are eternal inheritance and rewards the same?
Fighting for Faith in the Entertainment Age
20 juli 2022 |
13 min
In an age inundated with entertainment, how do Christians stay awake to the glory of Christ and help others do the same?
Should Non-Christians Pray for Faith?
18 juli 2022 |
12 min
Saving faith is the gift of God, who opens blind eyes and raises dead hearts. So what can unbelievers do when they find themselves unable to believe on their own?
How Do I Prioritize My Busy Life?
15 juli 2022 |
14 min
Sometimes, busyness and stress are reasons to realign our priorities. Other times, they are invitations to pray that God would empower us to do the seemingly impossible.
Learning to Follow God’s Will
13 juli 2022 |
13 min
God doesn’t give us a blueprint for our futures, but he does give us biblical trajectories by which we can discern his will and follow it with confidence.
The Key to Knowing God’s Will
11 juli 2022 |
14 min
How do “spiritual wisdom and understanding” fill us with the knowledge of God’s will for our daily lives? Pastor John explains from Colossians 1:9.
Does God Send ‘Strong Delusions’ into the World?
8 juli 2022 |
14 min
In our sin, we refuse to hear the truth, receive the truth, believe the truth — until God intervenes to give us a deep and abiding love for the truth.
God’s School of Prayer
6 juli 2022 |
10 min
When God puts us in the flames of suffering, he often intends to rescue us from self-sufficient comfort and awaken in us desperate, earnest prayer.
Politics, Patriotism, and the Pulpit
4 juli 2022 |
14 min
We need pastors who will regularly remind us that our greatest allegiance is not to any political party, ethnicity, or nation, but to King Jesus.
Who Is the Man of Lawlessness?
1 juli 2022 |
13 min
Paul teaches that Jesus will not return until “the man of lawlessness is revealed.” Who is this man of lawlessness?
Roe v. Wade Has Ended — Our Pro-Life Work Has Not
30 juni 2022 |
24 min
The Christian pro-life cause goes far deeper than legislation. We aim not only to change laws and behavior, but to change hearts and eternities.
Sustain Your Prayer Life with Sleep
29 juni 2022 |
16 min
Satan will try to put us to sleep in prayer. And he does so, most commonly, by tricking us into staying up too late the night before.
Is God Present or Absent in Hell?
27 juni 2022 |
13 min
Is God present in hell, as John seems to say in Revelation 14:10 — or is he absent, as Paul seems to say in 2 Thessalonians 1:9?
What’s the Center of Our Holiness?
24 juni 2022 |
15 min
Scripture describes the process of sanctification in many different ways. How can we weave the various strands together into one coherent picture?
God’s Love and My Sickness
22 juni 2022 |
18 min
Because Jesus loved Lazarus, the Gospel of John tells us, he did not come to him right away, but lingered and let him die. How is that love?
Crucial Texts for Our Hardest Battles
20 juni 2022 |
17 min
When temptation strikes, we need more than a vague sense of God’s goodness — we need specific promises. Pastor John shares his favorite passages for fighting sin.
Is God More Honored or Dishonored in the World?
17 juni 2022 |
13 min
If God aims to be glorified in this world, why is human history and the daily news filled with so much that dishonors him?
The Pervasive Problem of Loving Money
15 juni 2022 |
18 min
The love of money often lives where others least suspect, like in the hearts of Pharisees, miracle workers, and those who seem most moral.
How Do I ‘Wrestle’ in Prayer?
13 juni 2022 |
14 min
Paul speaks of wrestling in prayer, and many of us use his phrase. But what might our prayer lives actually feel like if we wrestled like the apostle?
Counsel for Wives with Harsh Husbands
10 juni 2022 |
14 min
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them,” Paul writes. But what can a wife do if she finds herself with a harsh man?
Eight Essentials for Christian Living
8 juni 2022 |
18 min
How does God bring us from the grace of new birth to the glory of heaven? Pastor John explains eight essentials for Christian living from 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12.
Did Jesus Tell Us to Give to Every Panhandler?
6 juni 2022 |
13 min
Jesus tells us to give to those who ask, but Paul warns the church against giving to the lazy. How might we apply these teachings when we meet a panhandler?
Did Jesus Disregard the Sacrificial System?
3 juni 2022 |
12 min
If there is no forgiveness without shed blood, how could Jesus forgive sins apart from the sacrificial system and prior to his own death?
Prayer in the Age of Global Hate
1 juni 2022 |
17 min
In an age of hate, Christians testify to God’s grace by praying for all kinds of people: high and low, white and black, Democrat and Republican, friend and enemy.
How Will I Find My Ministry Calling?
30 maj 2022 |
12 min
When God grants us a ministry, does his leading come to us through internal impulses, external affirmation, or some combination of the two?
Should We Pray for Unbelievers or for Evangelists?
27 maj 2022 |
13 min
Does Scripture ever command us to pray for unbelievers, or does it only command us to pray for the evangelists who speak to them?
The Easiest Step of Love
25 maj 2022 |
12 min
Prayer is the easiest step of love, and it is also the most powerful. God can do far more for others in response to our prayers than we could ever do on our own.
Have I Sinned If I Fall Short of Excellence at Work?
23 maj 2022 |
14 min
God is honored when we do our jobs with technical excellence, and he is also honored when we give ourselves to the kinds of excellence that cannot be measured.
How Do I Not Provoke My Children?
20 maj 2022 |
13 min
How can we require obedience of our children without provoking and discouraging them? Pastor John offers eight pitfalls for fathers.
Do Answered Prayers Depend on My Holiness?
18 maj 2022 |
12 min
Throughout Scripture, God warns that he will not hear the prayers of the disobedient. So do answered prayers depend on our holiness?
For Christians Whose Testimony Seems Boring
16 maj 2022 |
12 min
We will never plumb the depths of sin and grace merely from past experience. Only God’s word can tell us how lost and dead we were, and how found and alive we are.
Would You Have Supported Prohibition in 1913?
13 maj 2022 |
13 min
In the early twentieth century, many Christian leaders lent their approval to the cause of Prohibition. Would Pastor John have done the same if he lived back then?
How Greatly Am I Loved?
11 maj 2022 |
18 min
In Christ, God has chosen us from eternity, and called us in time, so that we would boast no longer in ourselves, but only in him and his great love.
How Do I Make Christian Hedonism My Own?
9 maj 2022 |
15 min
Some teachers influence us so deeply that we find ourselves imitating them without trying. So how can we move past imitation to make biblical truth our own?
Why Dead Men Must Die
6 maj 2022 |
14 min
Paul says we all were dead apart from Christ, but he also says we died when we were united to Christ. In what sense, then, do dead men die?
God Saves to Make Much of Himself — Doesn’t That Lessen His Love?
4 maj 2022 |
13 min
Nothing but God can forever satisfy hearts that are made for God. And so, in great mercy, God loves us in a way that makes much of himself.
Should Gospel Disagreements End a Friendship?
2 maj 2022 |
12 min
Christians can disagree over many doctrines and stay friends. But what should we do when a friend rejects a doctrine central to the gospel?
My Spouse Died Prematurely — Was It My Fault?
29 april 2022 |
15 min
How might Christians process feelings of guilt over the death of a loved one? Pastor John offers counsel to a new widow struggling not to blame herself.
How God Makes Much of You
27 april 2022 |
17 min
In Christ, God makes more of us than we could ever imagine. And he will go on doing so forever.
Does Faith Cause Regeneration?
25 april 2022 |
14 min
Does faith bring about the new birth, or does the new birth bring about faith? Pastor John offers three reasons why getting the order right matters.
Does God Delight in Justification or Holiness?
22 april 2022 |
13 min
Does God delight in his people based on Christ’s work alone, or does his delight also depend on our own holiness?
Why God Makes Much of You
20 april 2022 |
12 min
When God makes much of us, he does it for his sake, not ours. And that makes his love far greater than we could have imagined.
Shame: Its Uses and Abuses
18 april 2022 |
13 min
Some shame condemns and destroys, and some shame heals and restores. So how can we tell the difference between misplaced and well-placed shame?
What Are Church Traditions?
15 april 2022 |
13 min
In his letters, Paul speaks not only of teachings he delivered to the churches, but also of traditions he passed on. What kind of traditions does he have in mind?
The Heart of Fake Happiness
13 april 2022 |
14 min
Many nominal Christians go to church, believe God loves them, and yet are on their way to hell. So what marks the born again from those who only think they are?
Should Pro-Lifers Embrace Embryo Adoption?
11 april 2022 |
12 min
In America, there are hundreds of thousands of frozen embryos, left over from in vitro fertilization. How might Christians weigh the decision to adopt one of them?
Does Romans 7 Describe a Christian?
8 april 2022 |
16 min
What kind of person does Romans 7:14–25 describe? Pastor John offers nine reasons to read Paul’s description as part of the Christian experience.
What’s Lost When We Only Pray Alone?
6 april 2022 |
15 min
The church of Acts often gathered together to praise God and intercede for his people. So what might we lose if we pray only by ourselves?
Should We Dramatize Jesus’s Life for Television?
4 april 2022 |
15 min
God gave us a book about Jesus, not a video. So how might Christians think about dramatic portrayals of Jesus’s life in television or movies?
Do Christians Still Have Evil Desires?
1 april 2022 |
15 min
If God’s wrath comes against evil desires, and not only evil behaviors, why will his wrath not come against Christians, who still battle evil desires?
How Fleeting Pleasures Sidetrack Our Love
30 mars 2022 |
10 min
A lack of love for other people doesn’t show that we’re trying too hard to please ourselves — it shows that we’re far too easily pleased.
I’m Too Distracted with Life to Meditate on Christ
28 mars 2022 |
13 min
How can we turn our attention away from regrets, dreams, and other consuming thoughts so that we can set our minds on things that are above?
On Permanent Birth Control
25 mars 2022 |
13 min
If two spouses agree that they do not want to have more children, would it be sinful to pursue permanent forms of birth control?
How Does God Lead Us in Daily Decisions?
23 mars 2022 |
11 min
How do I follow God’s lead in my daily decisions? I know he’s my shepherd, and that he’s leading me, but how do I know if I am following him?
In Our Racial Differences, How Is Christ ‘All’ and ‘in All’?
21 mars 2022 |
12 min
To be a Christian is not only to trust Christ and treasure Christ, but to be indwelt by Christ. And that new identity transforms all our relationships.
What Should We Make of Healing Ministries?
18 mars 2022 |
14 min
God still answers prayers for physical healing today. But how should Christians evaluate the claims of so-called healing ministries?
When Will Christ Heal My Body?
16 mars 2022 |
11 min
We know that Jesus has purchased both our forgiveness and our physical healing at the cross. But what kind of healing can we expect in this life?
All My Sins Were Canceled — So Why Continue to Confess?
14 mars 2022 |
14 min
If all our sins are forgiven — past, present, and future — does ongoing confession show that we doubt Christ’s finished work?
My Flesh Was Crucified — So Why Do I Still Sin?
11 mars 2022 |
15 min
If our sinful flesh was crucified with Christ when we first believed, why do we keep sinning like we do?
How Do I Know If My Good Deeds Are Worthless?
9 mars 2022 |
11 min
How do we make sure the good we do is not done in vain? Listen to Pastor John’s answer more than thirty years ago, just weeks after becoming a pastor.
If God Is Sovereign, Why Is His World Full of Suffering?
7 mars 2022 |
15 min
When we look around at our world of horrific suffering, how can we keep believing in an all-good, all-wise, totally sovereign God?
Is There a Place for Asceticism in the Christian Life?
4 mars 2022 |
12 min
Some self-denial exalts self and feeds sin, and some self-denial exalts Christ and kills sin. So how can we practice the right kind?
How Do I Handle My Disordered Desires?
2 mars 2022 |
12 min
Every Christian battles excessive and distorted desires. And in Christ, God gives every Christian daily forgiveness, hope, and strength to keep fighting.
How Did the Cross Disarm the Devil?
28 februari 2022 |
13 min
At the cross, Paul says, God “disarmed the rulers and authorities.” So what weapons are no longer in Satan’s hands?
How Can I Avoid Worldly Thinking in My Studies?
25 februari 2022 |
13 min
How can Christians pursue education without being taken captive by worldly thinking? Pastor John reflects on Paul’s warning against “philosophy” in Colossians 2:8.
God’s Providence in the Ministry of Crossway Books
23 februari 2022 |
23 min
In 1938, a small publishing ministry began distributing gospel tracts. Today, that ministry has spread millions of tracts, books, and Bibles all over the world.
How Did God Reconcile ‘All Things’ to Himself?
21 februari 2022 |
14 min
Paul says that God has reconciled to himself “all things” in heaven and on earth. Does that mean even unbelievers and demons will be saved in the end?
Are Divisions in the Church Necessary?
18 februari 2022 |
16 min
How should Christians respond to divisions in the church? Don’t make light of them, for they are tragic. And don’t make death of them, for they are predicted.
Singing Sends Lovers of Christ to the Nations
16 februari 2022 |
11 min
Under God, musical worship can mobilize the church to finish the Great Commission. The gladness of Godward singing sends lovers of Christ to the nations.
Can We Speak with Angels?
14 februari 2022 |
12 min
Scripture includes stories of angels talking with humans through dreams and visions. So should Christians expect, and even pursue, conversations with angels today?
What Does It Mean to Cry, ‘Abba, Father’?
11 februari 2022 |
18 min
When God puts the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, giving us a spiritual sight of his fatherly care in Christ, we can’t help but cry, “Abba! Father!”
Escaping the Love of Comfort and Safety
9 februari 2022 |
12 min
The freest people in this world are those most in love with the next. If our hope is safe in heaven, we can afford to take risks on earth.
Has the Gospel Already Reached the Entire World?
7 februari 2022 |
12 min
Colossians 1:23 says the gospel “has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven.” Does that mean the gospel has already reached the entire world?
Is My Salvation an Event or a Process?
4 februari 2022 |
13 min
If our final salvation rests on the condition that we persevere in faith, how can we know that we really will make it to heaven?
Embracing Unpopular Truth in an Age of Political Correctness
2 februari 2022 |
18 min
Unless we become mature in our thinking, we will regularly be blown about by the winds of subtle, clever, politically correct language.
Why Did God Make Eve from Part of Adam?
31 januari 2022 |
12 min
In creation, God made Adam and all the animals from the ground. So why, when God made Eve, did he take a rib from Adam’s side?
If Every Gift Comes from God, Why Thank Anyone Else?
28 januari 2022 |
12 min
All good gifts are from God, through God, and to God. But in his providence, those gifts often come to us through others, who rightly deserve our thanks.
The God Who Dwarfs Big Tech
26 januari 2022 |
7 min
Pastor John commends Tony Reinke’s new book — a panoramic, penetrating theology of technology, tethered to God’s infallible Scriptures.
Is Technology Holy or Worldly?
25 januari 2022 |
15 min
How can Christians live faithfully in the day of Big Tech? In ‘God, Technology, and the Christian Life,’ Tony Reinke explores God’s relationship to the innovations of our age.
Did Bathsheba Sin with David?
24 januari 2022 |
13 min
Does the story of David and Bathsheba suggest that Bathsheba was a willing partner in his adultery, or that David took her against her will?
I Enjoy Being Alone — Is That Unloving?
21 januari 2022 |
12 min
God made some Christians to enjoy spending a lot of time alone. But what makes the difference between a Christian loner and a self-centered loner?
When Life Shrinks to the Size of Our Problems
19 januari 2022 |
16 min
The God of the universe cares about every problem you have, no matter how small. And he wants to draw you up into purposes far greater than your problems.
How the Lottery Preys on the Poor
17 januari 2022 |
13 min
Pull-tabs and scratch games incentivize risky, destructive behaviors, especially among those who can least afford to play.
I Have Multiple Disabilities — How Do I Not Waste My Life?
14 januari 2022 |
14 min
What might it look like for a Christian with significant disabilities to live a productive, spiritually fruitful, God-glorifying life?
Should I Become a Preacher?
12 januari 2022 |
13 min
Should I become a preacher? Pastor John’s own road to the pastorate shows that God often makes preachers in unexpected ways.
Should I Leave an Inheritance for My Children?
10 januari 2022 |
13 min
If Scripture doesn’t obligate parents to leave a financial inheritance to their children, how might Christians decide what to do with their money?
Why Does God Hide Himself from Christians?
7 januari 2022 |
12 min
God will never leave or forsake his children. But for our lasting good, he may sometimes hide his face and allow us to walk through seasons of darkness.
Let God’s Word Dwell in You Richly This Year
5 januari 2022 |
11 min
When we memorize and meditate on God’s word, we create a deep, transforming connection between the Bible, our minds, and our hearts.
What Is an Idol?
3 januari 2022 |
14 min
The Bible describes idols as actual objects people worship, but today many use the language of “idolatry” more broadly. So what is an idol?
Is Sanctification the Pursuit of Perfection?
31 december 2021 |
13 min
In our pursuit to be holy as God is holy, how do we move past our failures to obey without feeling condemned in the process?
What Desiring God Wants to Be Known For
29 december 2021 |
5 min
The ministry of Desiring God is fueled by the prayers and financial gifts of God’s people. If you have been blessed by our resources in 2021, would you consider becoming a monthly partner? https://give.desiringgod.org/#monthly
End-of-Life Medical Intervention — or Not?
27 december 2021 |
11 min
God may use medicine to lengthen our lives, but he will always use habits of grace, like prayer and Bible reading, to sustain our faith in suffering.
Why Is Christmas Precious to You?
24 december 2021 |
14 min
We miss the miracle of what Christmas is if we forget why Christmas happened: God the Son became man — to die in our place.
History Ended at Christmas
22 december 2021 |
13 min
Christmas is not just another bend in the river of redemptive history. Christmas marks the end of the river and the arrival of the ocean.
Do the Non-Elect Have a Chance to Repent?
20 december 2021 |
15 min
The Bible teaches both the absolute sovereignty of God and the genuine accountability of man. And nowhere are they considered contradictory.
Is It Normal to Have a Divided Heart?
17 december 2021 |
18 min
No Christian consistently longs for God, which is one reason God gives us prayers like Psalm 86:11: “Unite my heart to fear your name.”
The God Who Brings Us into Everlasting Pleasure
15 december 2021 |
12 min
Those who live for joy in God now will possess joy in God forever. And until then, God pledges his protection over body and soul, through life and death.
Can We Really Give God More or Less Glory?
13 december 2021 |
14 min
Christians sometimes talk about giving God “some” glory, “more” glory, or “most” glory, but are those really biblical categories?
How ‘Progressive’ Can a Christian Get?
10 december 2021 |
19 min
None of us has an infallible understanding of the Bible, but at what point does open contradiction of Scripture call into question someone’s profession of faith?
God’s Plan When Our Plans Fail
8 december 2021 |
10 min
God, in his grace, does not keep us from trouble and pain. But he does order and measure our trouble and pain — and then uphold us through it all.
How Can I Resist a Critical Spirit?
6 december 2021 |
14 min
A love for excellence can easily grow into a hypercritical spirit. How can we resist the tendency to focus mostly on the failures of others?
John Piper’s Ministry in One Bible Text
3 december 2021 |
20 min
John Piper’s ministry has been marked by rigorous attention to God’s word paired with deep delight in God’s word — a double emphasis captured in Psalm 119:97.
The God Who Turns Hearts to God
1 december 2021 |
10 min
The story of Elijah on Mount Carmel shows that God rules over fire and rain, bulls and rocks — and even over every human heart.
Does Righteous Anger Kill Our Joy?
29 november 2021 |
14 min
If we allow anger to come quickly and stay long, it will eventually consume love, consume gratitude, consume mercy, and consume true perceptions of reality.
How Do I Write a Personal Mission Statement?
26 november 2021 |
21 min
God has reasons for everything he does — and an ultimate purpose driving it all. Personal mission statements help us align all of life with that great purpose.
The Glorious Duty of Thanksgiving
24 november 2021 |
7 min
Gratitude is a duty — we ought to thank God for the grace he has given. But genuine Christian gratitude is far more than mere duty.
How Can I Serve My Disabled Friends?
22 november 2021 |
13 min
Jesus healed people with deep, lifelong disabilities. So should we pray that he would heal loved ones with disabilities like Down syndrome or cerebral palsy?
Is Violent Crime Under God’s Providence?
19 november 2021 |
11 min
When we don’t understand God and his ways, we can still rest here: God is always totally sovereign, and God is always infinitely good.
Only Jesus Knows the Full Force of Temptation
17 november 2021 |
14 min
Jesus never lied, stole, coveted, grumbled, lusted, or sinned in any other way. And that means Jesus alone knows the full force of temptation.
Parenting Young Children Through Life’s Pains
15 november 2021 |
12 min
When suffering overshadows the life of a family, how can parents help their children embrace God’s all-good, all-wise, all-governing providence?
Is Complementarity Merely Functional?
12 november 2021 |
13 min
Are God’s callings for men and women merely functional and practical, or do they flow from something deeper in his design?
One Day Tolerance Will End
10 november 2021 |
10 min
We live in the day of salvation, the day of patience, the day of tolerance. But when Jesus returns, that day will end forever.
On Cigarettes, Vaping, and Nicotine
8 november 2021 |
11 min
Despite the warnings, cigarette smoking and other forms of nicotine use persist. How concerned should parents be about whether their teens smoke, chew, or vape?
Does God Command Our Praise for His Sake or Ours?
5 november 2021 |
12 min
Pleasure in God is not complete unless it overflows in praise to God. And praise to God is not sincere unless it overflows from pleasure in God.
How to Find More Joy in God
3 november 2021 |
9 min
Joy in God was never meant to be a solitary pursuit. Joy sends us out to serve — and serving fills us up with joy.
Why Did God Make Me Unattractive?
1 november 2021 |
14 min
Few of us feel as attractive as we would like, and some of us feel downright ugly. Why does God allow such unattractiveness in a world that prizes physical beauty?
The Church’s Calling in an Age of Recreational Pot
29 oktober 2021 |
12 min
Fifteen states have now legalized the recreational use of marijuana. What message might God be sending to the church in an age of legal pot?
Finding a Life of Gospel Boldness
27 oktober 2021 |
14 min
The boldest people in the world are those who can look into the face of God, in all of his holiness and power, and know that he is for them in Christ.
How Do You Find Meaning in the Bible’s Narratives?
25 oktober 2021 |
17 min
Whether Old Testament or New Testament, stories fill the pages of Scripture. How can we begin to discover God’s meaning in the Bible’s narratives?
Is Stress Making Me More Holy or More Sinful?
22 oktober 2021 |
11 min
Life’s pressures have a way of exposing hidden sins and introducing new temptations. So how do we know if pressure is making us more holy or more sinful?
Would I Trust Jesus More If I Had Seen Him?
20 oktober 2021 |
15 min
Many wish they could have seen Jesus in person as he walked on the earth. But to have the four Gospels is even better than being there.
Reckoning with the Message of Job
18 oktober 2021 |
12 min
Until we begin to grasp the infinite worth of God, and the horrific evil of sin, much of the Bible will make no sense — including a book like Job.
How Do We ‘Dwell in the Shelter of the Most High’?
15 oktober 2021 |
11 min
Psalm 91 offers spectacular promises for the one who “dwells in the shelter of the Most High.” What does dwelling in the shelter of God mean for us today?
Five Ways Pastors Fail
13 oktober 2021 |
16 min
Countless pastors carry out their ministries faithfully — and some abuse their position and cause many to stumble. What does God have to say to hypocritical pastors?
Are Non-Christian Marriages Valid in God’s Eyes?
11 oktober 2021 |
12 min
God made marriage to picture the relationship of Christ and his church. Does it follow that a marriage between an unbelieving man and woman is illegitimate?
Has God Abandoned Me?
8 oktober 2021 |
13 min
God has promised never to leave us or forsake his people. So how do we respond when it feels like he has?
Parenting Through a Family Crisis
6 oktober 2021 |
13 min
If we’re going to parent well through family troubles, we need to know, first, that our own sin is our worst problem, and second, that Jesus’s blood covers it all.
Ingredients for a Theology of Feasting
4 oktober 2021 |
12 min
The Bible talks a lot about feasting — far more than about fasting, in fact. So what is feasting, and how might we enjoy it in our Christian lives?
How Do We Prepare for the Second Coming?
1 oktober 2021 |
11 min
We know from the New Testament that Jesus will return in power and glory. What can we do to prepare ourselves for that long-expected day?
You Don’t Need More Self-Love
29 september 2021 |
14 min
Jesus’s command to love our neighbors as we love ourselves isn’t a call to raise our self-esteem. It’s a charge to seek others’ good in the same way we seek our own.
Should Couples Use Role-Play in the Bedroom?
27 september 2021 |
11 min
When the glory of God grows dim in our eyes, bodily appetites become gods. When we lose sight of a big purpose for our lives, sexual urges become too big.
My Boyfriend Is Spiritually Lethargic — Should I Still Marry Him?
24 september 2021 |
15 min
At what point should a Christian woman keep encouraging her spiritually lethargic boyfriend — and at what point should she call it off?
Does God Love Me?
22 september 2021 |
12 min
When do we experience the love of God most deeply? Not when we get whatever we want, but when he does whatever it takes to satisfy us in himself.
How Do I Stop Rooting My Joy in My Circumstances?
20 september 2021 |
11 min
We seem hardwired to be happiest when life goes well, and saddest when life goes poorly. How can we root our joy in Jesus instead of circumstances?
Should Rich Christians Downgrade Their Lifestyle?
17 september 2021 |
14 min
Jesus and the apostles regularly warn against the dangers of wealth. So, should rich Christians take steps to downgrade their lifestyle?
Prayers That Work
15 september 2021 |
12 min
Jesus promises spectacular responses to our prayers, but only if our desires are shaped by his word abiding within us.
How Do We Discern False Teachers?
13 september 2021 |
10 min
The Bible repeatedly warns us against false teachers. But how can we actually identify them, especially if their ministry is mainly online?
John Piper’s 9/11 Radio Interview
11 september 2021 |
48 min
On the morning after September 11, 2001, a radio station interviewed Pastor John about the day’s stunning and tragic attack. Listen to the 47-minute recording.
What Does It Mean to Be Blessed?
10 september 2021 |
12 min
The New Testament never pairs the blessing of God with material prosperity in this age. So, what does it really mean to be blessed?
The Power of Your Personal Testimony
8 september 2021 |
14 min
Don’t be intimidated when people far smarter than you level arguments against Jesus. Your personal testimony has power to trump the most sophisticated arguments.
How Will Love Grow Cold in the End Times?
6 september 2021 |
12 min
At the end of this age, “the love of many will grow cold.” What will such coldness look like — and how can we guard ourselves against it?
Did Christ Already Return?
3 september 2021 |
11 min
Does Revelation suggest that Jesus already returned when Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70 — and therefore that we should not wait for another coming?
We Become Like the Videos We Behold
1 september 2021 |
9 min
For better or worse, we become what we behold. How should this truth affect our media consumption in the digital age?
What’s the Difference Between Sloth and Rest?
30 augusti 2021 |
13 min
Both the sluggard and the diligent might take a nap on their day off. So, what distinguishes the laziness of the sluggard from the rest of the diligent?
God Never Runs Out
27 augusti 2021 |
12 min
Everything in this world eventually runs out: money runs out, health runs out, pleasure runs out, time runs out. But God never runs out.
How Can I Make Daily Bible Reading Authentic?
25 augusti 2021 |
16 min
How can we prevent Bible reading from becoming a lifeless routine? Pastor John offers three principles for authentic daily devotions.
How Can I Honor My Parents If I Don’t Respect Them?
23 augusti 2021 |
12 min
God calls his people to show honor to everyone — but not for the same reasons, and not in the same ways.
Does Christ Rule the Nations Now?
20 augusti 2021 |
12 min
If Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth, does he rule over the nations now? Or is he waiting to exercise his rule until his second coming?
You Don’t Know God If You Don’t Love Christ
18 augusti 2021 |
14 min
If you want to know whether others love God, ask if they love the Jesus of Scripture. Love for Jesus is the litmus test of love for God.
Is Death Past, Present, or Future?
16 augusti 2021 |
11 min
According to Paul, Christians have died, will die, and die every day. What do these different deaths mean, and how else does Scripture speak of our dying?
Six Dangers of Podcasts
13 augusti 2021 |
13 min
Podcasts, including Christian podcasts, have great potential for both good and evil. Pastor John explains six dangers to beware of as you listen.
Living the Mystery of Joy in Suffering
11 augusti 2021 |
15 min
Christians are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: sorrowful because of the ugliness and horrors of sin, and rejoicing because of the infinite worth of Jesus.
If All My Sins Are Forgiven, Why Pursue Holiness?
9 augusti 2021 |
12 min
If Christ already paid for all our sins — past, present, and future — then why do we need to work so hard to put sin to death and grow in holiness?
Is Sex During Menstruation Sinful?
6 augusti 2021 |
17 min
The Old Testament prohibited a husband and wife from having sex during menstruation. Is that command still in force today?
Controversy Is Essential — and Deadly
4 augusti 2021 |
9 min
Controversy is essential — and deadly. Slowly, we can begin to care more about defending the truth than enjoying the truth.
How Do We Pray in the Spirit?
2 augusti 2021 |
11 min
What do Paul and Jude mean when they command Christians to pray “in the Spirit” — and what would it mean to pray “out of the Spirit”?
If We Read Our Bibles, Why Do We Need Sermons?
30 juli 2021 |
13 min
The Bible is perfect; preachers are not. So, why listen to the sermons of fallible men when we can read God’s infallible word for ourselves?
How to Argue Like a Calvinist
28 juli 2021 |
12 min
John Newton cherished the doctrines of grace. And he knew that the best way to commend them was with a spirit of graciousness.
Doing Math to the Glory of God
26 juli 2021 |
13 min
Why learn math — especially if studying math feels agonizing? Pastor John addresses an 8-year-old boy struggling to persevere in school.
Can I Marry a Woman Half My Age?
23 juli 2021 |
11 min
The Bible doesn’t say how old Christians should be when they marry — or how close in age. So, can a Christian marry someone significantly younger?
The Strong Murder the Weak Every Day in America
21 juli 2021 |
10 min
Killing an unborn child is illegal if the mother wants the baby — but legal if she doesn’t. The rights of the weak rest in the hands of the strong.
How Much Media Is Too Much Media?
19 juli 2021 |
12 min
In a media-saturated age, obedience to Jesus requires intentional detachment from the patterns of the world — especially its patterns of entertainment.
Will I Suffer More If I Follow Jesus?
16 juli 2021 |
13 min
Those who follow Jesus may suffer more in this life than those who don’t. But from the standpoint of eternity, they will suffer infinitely less.
The Supremacy of God in Preaching: Conclusion
15 juli 2021 |
9 min
People are starving for the grandeur of God. Christian preachers, more than all others, should know this truth — and shape every sermon accordingly.
Faith Won’t Survive Without Friends
14 juli 2021 |
10 min
We all need people who will remind us that Christ is far better than sin, and that unrepentant sin destroys. Without friends, our faith won’t survive.
Does the Bible Say I Am Unique?
12 juli 2021 |
13 min
God made everybody, knitting each of us intricately in our mother’s womb. Does that mean we are each unique, unlike any other person God created?
Will God Really Praise Us?
9 juli 2021 |
14 min
If God deserves all glory and praise, what does Scripture mean when it mentions God’s glorifying and praising us?
Why Comfortable Christians Go Prayerless
7 juli 2021 |
13 min
Until we come awake to the great spiritual war that surrounds us, we will never truly know the privilege and power of prayer.
Do Angels Walk Among Us Today?
5 juli 2021 |
11 min
Hebrews tells us that, by showing hospitality to strangers, “some have entertained angels unawares.” Does this suggest that angels walk among us in human form?
On Codependent Dating Relationships
2 juli 2021 |
12 min
God made us to need other people — but not to be codependent on them. So, how can we tell the difference between healthy need and disordered neediness?
Why Would God Create a Baby to Live for Two Minutes?
30 juni 2021 |
9 min
With eternity in view, any span of life is a vapor. However long we live, our time here is preparation for the endless days of heaven.
Should We Watch for Signs from God?
28 juni 2021 |
12 min
Some Christians seem to be always on the lookout for signs from God in creation or circumstances. Does the Bible encourage us in that search?
Should Christians Visit Cemeteries?
25 juni 2021 |
12 min
Should Christians make a habit of visiting loved ones’ graves? And if we do visit, how can we honor Christ in the cemetery?
One Surprising Reason for Pain
23 juni 2021 |
11 min
Many wonder how a good God could govern a world filled with pain. But sometimes, pain becomes the very means God uses to awaken us to his goodness.
Who Is the Disciple Jesus Loved?
21 juni 2021 |
10 min
The Gospel of John speaks of a “disciple whom Jesus loved” five times. Who was this beloved disciple, and why does he single himself out like this?
Plans for 2021 and Beyond
18 juni 2021 |
13 min
After a year unlike any other, Pastor John looks ahead to new books and renewed ambitions to spread Christian Hedonism farther across the globe.
How Not to Correct a Fellow Christian
16 juni 2021 |
10 min
How can Christians challenge and correct one another in a way that honors Christ and acknowledges our common neediness before him?
The Disabled Wife and the Proverbs 31 Woman
14 juni 2021 |
11 min
God expects faithfulness of all his people. But faithfulness for one Christian may look far different than faithfulness for another Christian.
Are Our Enemies Spiritual, Human, or Both?
11 juni 2021 |
13 min
Paul tells us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. But Paul himself had many human enemies. So, are our enemies spiritual, human, or both?
To Be Loved Infinitely
9 juni 2021 |
12 min
The essence of God’s love is not that he makes much of us, but that he frees us, at great cost to himself, to enjoy making much of him forever.
How Do I Serve Dying Unbelievers?
7 juni 2021 |
12 min
Many medical professionals regularly find themselves around people only hours or minutes from hell. How would love call us to act in those moments?
Should Christian Jurors Show Mercy to the Guilty?
4 juni 2021 |
12 min
Christians display the character of God through both mercy and justice. But how do we know when to show mercy and when to give justice?
Why Do You Want to Be Loved by God?
2 juni 2021 |
10 min
Almost everyone wants to be loved by God. But our reasons for wanting God’s love may reveal whether we truly know him or not.
Is It Sinful to Pray for a Larger Income?
31 maj 2021 |
12 min
When God restored Job’s fortunes, he also doubled his wealth. Should Christians pray for God to do the same for us today?
A Better Promise for Serial Daters
28 maj 2021 |
12 min
Serial dating, if left unconquered, often turns into serial marriage. So, what hope does Jesus offer to those addicted to the pleasures of a new relationship?
Flee to Christ in Fear
26 maj 2021 |
8 min
God commands us both to fear him and to flee to him for refuge. How can we possibly do one without contradicting the other?
Where Is Providence in the Vanity of Ecclesiastes?
24 maj 2021 |
12 min
The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that “all is vanity.” But if God providentially guides all things, then doesn’t he give meaning to everything in this world?
What Is a Baptist?
21 maj 2021 |
13 min
As with other Protestants, many Baptists trace their lineage to the Reformation. But what makes Baptists unique among the heirs of the Reformation?
The Key to Killing Lust
19 maj 2021 |
16 min
Strategies are important in our battle against lust. But nothing arrests our souls with the urgency of purity like the supremacy of Jesus Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Purgatory?
17 maj 2021 |
14 min
What is purgatory, and why have thoughtful Christians like C.S. Lewis believed in it? Does this belief in afterlife cleansing find support in Scripture?
How Do I Love Neighbors Who Ignore Me?
14 maj 2021 |
12 min
Jesus commands us to love our neighbors. But how can we love them if they don’t want our help, or if they even actively ignore us?
Reckoning with Personal Failure
12 maj 2021 |
12 min
Christians are new creations in Christ — yet we still feel the familiar pull of the old self. How do we reckon with the persistence of indwelling sin?
Why Have Africans Suffered So Much?
10 maj 2021 |
14 min
Some parts of the world seem to endure far more sorrow than other parts. Does God favor some places and peoples more than others?
Is My Repentance Real If I Keep Committing the Same Sin?
7 maj 2021 |
14 min
Some of us find ourselves confessing the same sins over and over. How do we know our repentance is real if we repeatedly lose the same battles?
How Churches Sabotage the Love of God
5 maj 2021 |
11 min
If we try to make much of the love of God by downplaying the wrath of God, we destroy the love of God.
How Can I Protect My Child from State Indoctrination?
3 maj 2021 |
15 min
The primary responsibility for a child’s education belongs to parents, not to the state. So, what can parents do when the state tries to take control?
Why Did the First Humans Live for So Long?
30 april 2021 |
12 min
The book of Genesis records life spans in the hundreds of years. Why did the first humans live for so long — and why are our life spans today so short?
How Have You Processed the Sin of Ravi Zacharias?
29 april 2021 |
15 min
How might Christians process the failures of once-beloved figures like Ravi Zacharias? Pastor John draws out lessons from the ministries of fallen leaders.
What’s Stopping You from Coming to Christ?
28 april 2021 |
13 min
Some wait to come to Christ because they feel powerless to live the Christian life. But that power becomes ours only by coming to Christ.
What Are Angels Doing Today?
26 april 2021 |
13 min
Angels appear all over Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. But why did God create angels in the first place — and what are they doing today?
How Should We Respond to Christian Conspiracy Theories?
23 april 2021 |
11 min
Conspiracy theories — Christian or otherwise — are nothing new. But how can we talk to friends who find themselves gripped by them?
What ‘No Condemnation’ Does to a Heart
21 april 2021 |
10 min
“No condemnation” means that you are finally free: free to love, free to serve, free to forgive, and even free to die for the good of others.
Did Abraham Laugh at God’s Promise?
19 april 2021 |
12 min
Paul looks back to Abraham and celebrates his unwavering faith. But is Abraham’s laughter at God’s promise in Genesis 17 really a faithful response?
What Makes Women the ‘Weaker Vessel’?
16 april 2021 |
14 min
The differences between male and female are not obstacles to overcome or facts to ignore. They are distinct glories that God calls “very good.”
The Problem with Asking, ‘What’s Wrong with It?’
14 april 2021 |
12 min
If we want to follow Jesus, we will need to give up more than just sins. We will also need to give up everything that dulls our hearts for him.
Hope for Children from Dysfunctional Families
12 april 2021 |
12 min
How can children who come from dysfunctional or abusive families begin to embrace the perfect fatherhood of God?
How Does Chronic Pain Glorify God?
9 april 2021 |
12 min
Why might God allow his children to endure years, or even decades, of unremitting suffering? How does such chronic pain bring him glory?
Escape the World’s Infatuation with Sex
7 april 2021 |
10 min
The deepest cure for lust never comes from strategies or accountability. The deepest cure comes from seeing the soul-staggering grandeur of God.
How Will Heaven Change Our Joy?
5 april 2021 |
12 min
Joy isn’t just a nice byproduct of the Christian life, but an essential part of it. From propitiation to glorification, joy animates our life in Christ.
How Does Easter Change Us?
2 april 2021 |
14 min
Christ’s resurrection secures our future hope that we too will rise one day. In the meantime, it also grants us spiritual power for everyday life.
What You Need More Than Self-Confidence
31 mars 2021 |
14 min
Everything good in the Christian life grows in the soil of rich, deep, and happy humility.
What Didn’t Christ Accomplish?
29 mars 2021 |
13 min
The cross of Christ accomplished everything we need to glorify God by being eternally happy in him. But is there anything the cross didn’t accomplish?
How Can I Serve the Dying?
26 mars 2021 |
13 min
When you have the privilege of caring for dying people, how can you minister to their souls in addition to meeting their physical needs?
What Is the Gospel For?
24 mars 2021 |
10 min
Forgiveness, justification, adoption, and eternal life are all a means to something even greater: enjoying God himself.
How Can I Fight Sin Without Losing Sight of Christ?
22 mars 2021 |
14 min
Christians rest on Jesus not only for justification, but also for sanctification. Both are blood bought. Both are certain.
I Feel Called to Missions — Should I Date Someone Who Doesn’t?
19 mars 2021 |
12 min
If I feel called to missions, should I be open to dating a Christian who doesn’t share the same calling?
Finding Hope in God’s Unfolding Plan
17 mars 2021 |
13 min
God determines the direction of history down to the smallest detail. But what is his ultimate goal in all his providence?
Who Is God?
15 mars 2021 |
18 min
God is the most important and most valuable reality in the entire universe. Who has he revealed himself to be?
How Can We Know God?
12 mars 2021 |
13 min
Before we can ask who God is, we need to know where to find the answer. Where can we go to learn the truth about who God reveals himself to be?
The Courage We Need for Mission
10 mars 2021 |
12 min
God’s providence isn’t an obstacle to evangelism and missions. It is, instead, our only hope to see the good news of the gospel reach all nations.
Do We Dishonor God by Neglecting His Gifts?
8 mars 2021 |
13 min
We dishonor God when we love the gifts more than the Giver. But we also dishonor him when we forget all the gifts he has given.
John Piper’s Big Book on the Providence of God
6 mars 2021 |
86 min
John Piper’s newest book, ‘Providence,’ celebrates the all-embracing, all-pervasive, invincible providence of God.
Why Did Jesus Choose Judas?
5 mars 2021 |
11 min
If Jesus knew that Judas would betray him in the end, why did Jesus choose Judas as a disciple to begin with?
Finding the Confidence to Pray
3 mars 2021 |
13 min
The doctrine of God’s all-governing providence is not a problem for our prayers. It is our only hope for our prayers coming to pass.
I’m Likely Going to Prison — Now What?
1 mars 2021 |
11 min
Where is God when I face life-changing consequences for my sin? Can he really work for my good, even in a punishment as severe as prison?
Should I Ever Pursue My Dreams?
26 februari 2021 |
11 min
Can we pursue our own dreams while also obeying God? Or do we need to give up our dreams in order to follow what Jesus is really calling us to?
Protected from False Teaching
24 februari 2021 |
11 min
Joyful faith in the all-governing providence of God immunizes us against false teaching that exalts man and detracts from the glory due to God alone.
Who Wrote the Bible?
22 februari 2021 |
11 min
The question “Who wrote the Bible?” has a double answer: God and man. Humans held the quill, but God ultimately inspired their words.
What Is the Meaning of Life?
19 februari 2021 |
15 min
When life just doesn’t seem to make sense, or even when it seems void of any meaning at all, what can help us to know our purpose again?
Sustained Through the Hardest Suffering
17 februari 2021 |
13 min
God’s providence not only governs all things, but it gives us hope in our suffering. We can trust that our all-good God will turn every sorrow to joy.
Why Is Baptism Important?
15 februari 2021 |
14 min
Jesus commands the church not only to make disciples, but also to baptize them. But why is baptism so important?
My Teen Is Sexually Active — What Can I Do?
12 februari 2021 |
14 min
What can Christian parents do if they discover that one of their children is living in serious sexual sin? Pastor John offers counsel on where to begin.
The Root of Beautiful Patience
10 februari 2021 |
13 min
God’s all-pervasive providence is the key that unlocks enduring patience. He is always working more good than we can ever see.
Do My Sins Hinder My Prayers?
8 februari 2021 |
12 min
Peter tells us that a husband’s prayers are hindered if he dishonors his wife. Is this just a marriage principle, or does sin always obstruct our prayers?
Is My Happiness Moral or Not?
5 februari 2021 |
14 min
Does the presence or absence of happiness say anything about us morally, or is happiness simply a nonmoral state of affairs?
Escaping the Fog of Triviality
3 februari 2021 |
13 min
In a culture filled with silliness and superficiality, seeing and savoring the providence of God protects our hearts from trifling with divine things.
Has Porn Already Broken My Future Marriage?
1 februari 2021 |
14 min
Pornography distorts our souls. But with the transformation of the Holy Spirit and a hard, honest fight, there is still hope for godly intimacy in marriage.
Before You Tweet Criticism: Six Considerations
29 januari 2021 |
13 min
Social media feeds are often infernos of insults and anger. How can Christians engage online in ways that make much of Christ?
Everything Made Meaningful
27 januari 2021 |
12 min
Even the tiniest details of history move forward under the providential care of our sovereign, all-good God. Nothing is random. Nothing is meaningless.
Why Did God Create Us?
25 januari 2021 |
14 min
If God doesn’t need anything in this world in order to be who he is, then why did he create the world at all?
Am I Too Hard on Myself?
22 januari 2021 |
12 min
God has given us a high and holy calling in Christ. But can a Christian ever be too hard on himself as he strives to live up to that calling?
Trembling at Sin, Marveling at Grace
20 januari 2021 |
11 min
Seeing and savoring God’s providence in our redemption fills us with wonder and trembling joy. We owe everything to his grace.
Martin Luther King and His Partner in the Cause
18 januari 2021 |
14 min
Christian citizenship expands far beyond the country on our passport. We share a citizenship with those from every nation who call upon the name of Jesus.
Is an Audio Bible Sufficient for Devotions?
15 januari 2021 |
11 min
Is listening to the Bible just as good as reading it? Or do we risk missing something if our Bible intake comes mainly through listening?
Confronting Lukewarm Worship
13 januari 2021 |
11 min
When we see and savor the providence of God, lukewarm worship gives way to wonder, awe, and holy reverence before our majestic God.
How Do I Bear with Immature Christians?
11 januari 2021 |
11 min
Faithful pastors long to see their churches grow up in faith, hope, and love. So, how does a pastor bear with those who seem to be going backward?
How Often Should I Question My Salvation?
8 januari 2021 |
10 min
The Bible instructs believers to examine themselves, but does it tell us to what extent or how often we should question our salvation?
What Difference Does Providence Make?
6 januari 2021 |
12 min
What difference does seeing and savoring the providence of God make? Pastor John explains why providence overflows with practical implications.
Can I Take a Vaccine Made from Aborted Babies?
4 januari 2021 |
12 min
Several vaccines in current use are developed from the cells of aborted babies. Can Christians use these vaccines in good conscience?
How Do I Become Passionate About Bible Reading?
1 januari 2021 |
14 min
Regular, disciplined Bible intake is not optional for God’s people. It is God’s plan for preserving us and bringing us safely to glory.
Eight Years of APJ, and What’s Ahead
30 december 2020 |
10 min
At the end of another year, Pastor John reflects on 2020, the world of Ephesians, and the need for a new tidal wave of God-centered teaching.
Should We Talk More About ‘Following Jesus’?
28 december 2020 |
13 min
In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly tells people to follow him. But why doesn’t that call ring out in the rest of the New Testament?
Is Christmas Too Pagan for Christians?
25 december 2020 |
15 min
Christmas offers an opportunity to look upon the incarnation with fresh amazement. But does the timing of our celebration just reflect pagan tradition?
Why Did Christ Need a Body?
23 december 2020 |
11 min
In the person of Jesus Christ, we encounter incarnate Deity. But why did he have to take on flesh that first Christmas?
Do We Have the Exact Words of Christ, or a Paraphrase?
21 december 2020 |
13 min
Do the Gospels give us the exact words that Jesus spoke, or do they give us a paraphrase that captures his meaning?
Does Joy Come After Suffering, Or in It?
18 december 2020 |
16 min
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.
The Sweetness of Christ in 2020
16 december 2020 |
17 min
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 to Non-Christians Who Take the Lord’s Supper?
14 december 2020 |
14 min
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?
Christian Marries Non-Christian — How Does a Church Respond?
11 december 2020 |
10 min
How should pastors respond to a Christian who marries a non-Christian? And what might repentance look like in such a situation?
Fight Sin Like a Victor, Not a Victim
9 december 2020 |
13 min
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.
How Do I Battle Imposter Syndrome?
7 december 2020 |
15 min
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?
Did Jesus Say We Are gods?
4 december 2020 |
9 min
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?
What’s Keeping Me from Seeing Jesus?
2 december 2020 |
13 min
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.
Can I ‘Name It and Claim It’?
30 november 2020 |
16 min
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.
Critical Race Theory, Part 2: The Root Problem
24 november 2020 |
24 min
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, Part 1: The Relationships
23 november 2020 |
23 min
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.
Ten Effects of Seeing and Savoring the Providence of God
20 november 2020 |
56 min
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.
Have You Seen the Providence of God?
18 november 2020 |
34 min
Immersing ourselves in the ocean of God’s providence helps us to know him, fear him, trust him, and love him as we ought.
God’s Providence in 2020
16 november 2020 |
17 min
In January 2021, John Piper releases his newest book: a 750-page study of the all-embracing, all-pervasive providence of God.
Does God Regret Making Me?
13 november 2020 |
15 min
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?
What Makes Us Want to Move and Travel?
11 november 2020 |
10 min
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.
My Wife Is More Spiritual — How Do I Lead Her?
9 november 2020 |
14 min
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?
Am I Completely Surrendered to Christ?
6 november 2020 |
13 min
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?
How Can I Grow in Obeying God?
4 november 2020 |
12 min
Unless God enables our obedience, we work and serve in vain. All true obedience flows from the strength he supplies.
I Sought a Prostitute — Am I Doomed?
2 november 2020 |
13 min
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?
When Does God Harden a Sinner’s Heart?
30 oktober 2020 |
14 min
Does God harden sinners’ hearts only in response to their persistent sin, or is their sin a result of his prior hardening?
God’s Good Design in Our Suffering
28 oktober 2020 |
11 min
In this life, we will have trouble. But every trial paves the way to an inheritance with Christ that will satisfy us forever.
Do My Past Sins Work Toward My Future Good?
26 oktober 2020 |
13 min
We know that God works all things together for the good of his people. But does “all things” include even our sins?
How Do We Raise Kids Who Are Not Naive or Cynical?
23 oktober 2020 |
13 min
As Christians, we aspire to live out the paradox of brokenhearted boldness. But how do we teach and model this attitude for our kids?
How Did God Call Me to Himself?
21 oktober 2020 |
10 min
From our perspective, coming to Jesus Christ feels like placing our faith in him. But God himself enabled and awakened that faith in us.
I’m Obsessed with My Appearance — How Can I Stop?
19 oktober 2020 |
12 min
We know outward beauty is insignificant compared to inward beauty. But what should we do if we still feel insecure about our looks?
Are Our Standards for Sexual Purity Too High for Pastors?
16 oktober 2020 |
11 min
Is faultless chastity an appropriate standard for pastors, or are our expectations simply too high?
My Suffering Feels Meaningless — What Can I Do?
14 oktober 2020 |
17 min
Sometimes pain seems meaningless, but in Christ, every millisecond of your suffering is producing for you an eternal weight of glory.
How Can I Love God More Than My Boyfriend?
12 oktober 2020 |
10 min
As a couple’s affection for one another deepens, how can they make sure they are loving God more than each other?
Is My Suffering a Correction for Sin?
9 oktober 2020 |
11 min
When trials come, how can I know whether God is calling me to patiently endure, or whether he wants me to repent of a specific sin?
How Do We Get Tricked into Sinning?
7 oktober 2020 |
13 min
When we obey sin, we obey a liar, a deceiver, a murderer. Sin is a slave master who tricks his subjects into eternal death.
Why Did Demons Ask Jesus for Pigs?
5 oktober 2020 |
11 min
When Jesus comes, he brings deliverance, freedom, grace, and power. But some people prefer what life is like without him.
Why Do I Need to Read the Bible When We Have Bible Teachers Online?
2 oktober 2020 |
13 min
Today more than ever, Christians have access to a wealth of faithful Bible teaching online. So, why do we need to read the Bible for ourselves?
Dismiss the Devil with a Song
30 september 2020 |
9 min
Singing together is not merely the prelude to the sermon. When God’s people sing from the heart, more happens than we imagine.
Is Enjoying God the Same as Glorifying God?
28 september 2020 |
13 min
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” Does that mean enjoying God and glorifying God are the same thing?
Why Is the Bible So Violent?
25 september 2020 |
13 min
The Bible depicts more violence than our modern sensibilities often want to admit. How do we handle these parts of Scripture when we come across them?
How Do I Overcome My Fear of the Future?
23 september 2020 |
9 min
In this life, we will have trouble. In this world, we will have reasons to fear. But in Christ, our God is with us through it all.
Why Does It Matter That Christ Was ‘Begotten, Not Made’?
21 september 2020 |
15 min
The Nicene Creed speaks of Jesus as “begotten, not made.” What does that mean, and why does it matter?
Money Motivates Me to Work Hard — Is That Okay?
18 september 2020 |
12 min
How can we tell if our desire for money is a good, God-given desire, instead of a love for Mammon? Pastor John offers seven ways to discern the difference.
How Do I Tell If I Am Lukewarm?
16 september 2020 |
12 min
How can we tell if we are spiritually lukewarm, like the Christians in Laodicea? We can look at our private prayer life.
What Do You Love Most About God?
14 september 2020 |
13 min
Unless the Bible informs what we love most about God, we risk imagining a god in our own likeness, rather than treasuring him for who he really is.
‘Always Learning but Never Arriving’ — Is That Me?
11 september 2020 |
13 min
Paul warns us about some who are “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” What kind of person does he have in mind?
What Is God Accomplishing in My Suffering?
9 september 2020 |
12 min
Suffering often feels meaningless in the moment. So how can Christians learn not only to endure trials, but to rejoice in the midst of them?
What Do My Entertainment Habits Reveal About My Soul?
7 september 2020 |
12 min
If we cope with stress by watching movies, posting on social media, or consuming other forms of entertainment, what does that say about our souls?
Does Every Sin Cost Me an Eternal Reward?
4 september 2020 |
11 min
God promises eternal rewards for his people’s present obedience. But does every sin cost us one of those rewards?
I Feel Unappreciated — How Should I Respond?
2 september 2020 |
11 min
Ingratitude can make us feel unwanted and unnoticed. But our Father in heaven sees in secret, and he will more than make up for every thankless deed.
Is My Career in Marketing Vain?
31 augusti 2020 |
13 min
Some marketing succeeds by cultivating consumerism in the human heart. Can a Christian glorify God in that kind of job?
How Do I Recover from an Unbearable Tragedy?
28 augusti 2020 |
15 min
Some tragedies make life feel barely worth living anymore. So is there any hope that we could one day be happy and at peace again?
What Does My Stealing Say About My Soul?
26 augusti 2020 |
12 min
Whether we steal time, money, glances, or anything else, our impulse to take what is not rightfully ours reveals a lot about our view of God.
Will the New Creation Look Like This One?
24 augusti 2020 |
15 min
The new creation will probably seem familiar to us. But there will also be new dimensions of life and joy we can’t even begin to fathom.
Is Angry Prayer Okay?
21 augusti 2020 |
12 min
We have nothing to hide from God since he already knows our hearts. But that doesn’t mean we can do or say whatever we want in prayer.
How Did John Piper Become a Calvinist?
19 augusti 2020 |
9 min
When John Piper entered seminary in 1968, he believed in the self-determining will of man. But then he encountered Philippians 2 and Romans 9.
When Should I Follow My Heart?
17 augusti 2020 |
11 min
If a Christian desires God above all, then shouldn’t he follow his heart? Or are our hearts so deceitful that we can never trust them at all?
Ten Reasons to Read the Bible Every Day
14 augusti 2020 |
12 min
If we are going to grow up into maturity in Christ, we need to feast on Scripture — and not just here and there, but every day.
How Does Christ Change How I Work?
12 augusti 2020 |
11 min
When you come to know Jesus Christ, something about everything in your life changes — including how you approach your vocation.
How Do I Lead Someone to Christ?
10 augusti 2020 |
15 min
To lead someone to Christ is a spectacular gift from God. But what should you actually say and do in the moment?
Do We Need Extrabiblical Texts to Understand the Bible?
7 augusti 2020 |
11 min
Extrabiblical sources can help fill in some details of our Bible study, but all the gold we need to mine for life and godliness is in our English Bibles.
Did God Save Me to Call Attention to Himself?
5 augusti 2020 |
8 min
Over and over in the Bible, God says that he saves us in order to draw attention to himself. Why did God design salvation that way?
Are Christian Couples Required to Have Kids?
3 augusti 2020 |
13 min
The Bible is clear that children are a gift from God. So is there any room for a Christian couple to decide not to have any?
Can a Christian Hedonist Get Depressed?
31 juli 2020 |
12 min
If we glorify God by enjoying him, how do we think about seasons of darkness in the Christian life, when joy seems far away?
How Do I Wait for God?
29 juli 2020 |
13 min
God works for those who wait for him. But what does it mean to wait for God?
John Piper Interviews J.I. Packer
28 juli 2020 |
76 min
In a 72-minute interview, John Piper and J.I. Packer discuss the Puritans, theology, the Christian life, and our heavenly hope.
How Do I Glorify God in My Daily Life?
27 juli 2020 |
12 min
God created us to glorify him by enjoying him forever. But how do we fulfill that purpose in the little things, in the small moments, in the day to day?
Am I Wasting My Life in a Secular Job?
24 juli 2020 |
11 min
Our vocation doesn’t automatically determine our fruitfulness for Jesus. God uses all kinds of people in all kinds of places to accomplish his purposes.
How Does God Become Totally for Me?
22 juli 2020 |
8 min
God won’t settle for anything less than perfection from us. Either we depend on Christ’s perfection in our place, or we keep the entire law.
How Do I Wage War on My Self-Pity?
20 juli 2020 |
12 min
At the cross, Christ canceled all our sins through his blood. Now, by the Spirit, we work to conquer every canceled sin.
A Seriously Happy Puritan: Praising God for J.I. Packer
19 juli 2020 |
38 min
On the morning of July 17, J.I. Packer passed into glory. Pastor John shares a tribute to the man he looked up to as a father in the faith.
Seven Lessons for Productivity
17 juli 2020 |
19 min
After fifteen hundred episodes of the Ask Pastor John podcast, Pastor John shares seven lessons that have inspired him to labor faithfully over decades.
What Does Freedom from the Love of Money Look Like?
15 juli 2020 |
10 min
Our hearts were never meant to find their meaning in money. God made us for something far more valuable.
How Can I Disagree with My Husband and Still Submit?
13 juli 2020 |
14 min
How can a wife disagree with her husband about a decision while still submitting to his leadership in the home?
How Do I Know If I’m Doing Enough for God?
10 juli 2020 |
13 min
Before you get overwhelmed by all of the Bible’s commands, remember your right standing with God and focus first on the anchors of faithful obedience.
Why Do I Need to Be Saved?
8 juli 2020 |
13 min
At the cross, God not only clears a path for sinners to himself. He also vindicates his righteousness after passing over centuries of sin.
Why Does ‘Atonement’ Disappear in the New Testament?
6 juli 2020 |
11 min
The word “atonement” appears all over the ESV’s translation of the Old Testament, but never in the New. Didn’t Jesus make atonement for our sins?
How Much Patriotism Is Too Much Patriotism?
3 juli 2020 |
15 min
If Christians are first and foremost citizens of heaven, then is it ever appropriate to show patriotism for a homeland?
How Can I Be Free from Materialism?
1 juli 2020 |
8 min
For many Western Christians, materialism has transformed our wants into needs and distorted our view of biblical Christianity. How can we be free?
Did Moses Think Sinners Could Keep the Law?
29 juni 2020 |
14 min
The Mosaic law requires obedience over and over again. Does that mean old-covenant believers earned their way to a right standing with God?
Do I Need to Understand the Trinity to Be Saved?
26 juni 2020 |
14 min
What does someone need to know about the Trinity in order to have saving faith in Jesus?
How Do I Find Freedom from Worry?
24 juni 2020 |
11 min
In the moment when troubles come or worries rise, we need the precious truth of specific promises from God’s word.
Would God Have Been More Loving Not to Create Anyone?
22 juni 2020 |
12 min
If God knew before he created the world that millions of people would suffer eternally in hell, would he have been more loving not to create at all?
Which Characters in Job Can We Trust?
19 juni 2020 |
14 min
Job is a famously difficult book to understand and apply. But God has not left us without interpretive guides to help us discern the book’s message.
Update from John Piper and How You Can Help Us
18 juni 2020 |
20 min
Hear from Pastor John on his latest ministry projects, and learn how you can partner with us to spread joy in Jesus Christ for years to come.
What Do You See When You Look at the Sky?
17 juni 2020 |
9 min
All creation rings with its Maker’s praise. If we pause to look and listen, God can show us glory in all that he has made.
Why Does Christ Want Some Not to Believe?
15 juni 2020 |
12 min
If God desires all people to be saved, why did Jesus sometimes speak in a way that kept people from believing?
How Should Christians Respond to Climate Change?
12 juni 2020 |
13 min
Climate-change activists warn of dire consequences if nations and individuals refuse to care for the environment. How should Christians respond?
Why Must Our Bodies Get Resurrected?
10 juni 2020 |
8 min
Our resurrection bodies will allow us not only to experience life without disease and decay, but also to enjoy God in the bliss he intended.
Does the Law Aggravate Our Sin Nature?
8 juni 2020 |
17 min
The Mosaic law raises countless questions for Christians. But how might we begin to understand the function of the law in redemptive history?
What Are the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven?
5 juni 2020 |
11 min
Jesus gave his disciples the keys to the kingdom of heaven so that they could loose and bind. What does that mean for Christians today?
What Do You Say to Evangelicals Who Affirm So-Called ‘Same-Sex Marriage’?
3 juni 2020 |
11 min
When someone close to you affirms so-called “same-sex marriage,” how do you respond in both faithfulness to Scripture and love for that person?
My Pastors Don’t Preach Against Sin — Is That Okay?
1 juni 2020 |
16 min
Addressing sin and repentance may sound harsh to some, but genuine biblical preaching names and denounces specific sins.
Does John Piper Deny Personal Assurance?
29 maj 2020 |
14 min
God gives believers warnings not to strip us of our assurance, but to keep us clinging to Christ and killing sin by the Spirit.
What Are God’s Purposes in a Recession?
27 maj 2020 |
7 min
God has thousands of purposes in all that he does — including recessions. What does Scripture tell us about God’s designs in our financial uncertainty?
How Much Joy Did the Curse Cost Me?
25 maj 2020 |
11 min
Because of the fall, we are by nature dead to joy in God. Because of the cross, we can experience more joy in God than we ever could have had in Eden.
Do My Sins Ruin God’s Plan for My Life?
22 maj 2020 |
12 min
Some sins unalterably change the course of our lives, leaving us to live with the consequences. Do these sins sabotage God’s best plan for us?
The God over Viruses
20 maj 2020 |
9 min
If we say God is sovereign, does that mean he’s in charge of everything — even down to the tiniest molecule?
Does Christ Govern Every Storm?
18 maj 2020 |
13 min
Jesus stilled a storm for his disciples two thousand years ago, but does that necessarily mean he controls every single storm today?
Am I Living by Faith or Unbelief?
15 maj 2020 |
12 min
The Bible calls us to walk by faith, but how can we actually know if we are living by faith instead of unbelief?
Could a Recession Serve Our Joy?
13 maj 2020 |
10 min
Sometimes it takes a recession to dig up the roots of our lives and replant them in soil that causes us to bear the fruit of generosity.
What Is Hyper-Calvinism?
11 maj 2020 |
13 min
Doctrinal systems can help us summarize the Bible’s teaching, but they are never a substitute for Scripture itself.
What’s the Comfort If the Coronavirus Is Judgment?
11 maj 2020 |
17 min
Even in the most bitter providences, Christians have comfort to offer. The gospel is best news in the world for the hardest moments in the world.
What Is Grace?
8 maj 2020 |
11 min
We often define “grace” as “undeserved favor.” But the grace of God has another meaning in the Bible that is filled with encouragement and comfort.
How Can I Receive Christ?
6 maj 2020 |
11 min
The help Jesus offers isn’t a commodity you can buy with money or morality. To have the Son, you must receive him by faith.
Is the Calvinist-Arminian Debate Really Important?
4 maj 2020 |
15 min
Are Calvinism and Arminianism just points of debate for theologians, or do they actually have real-life implications on our relationship with God?
How Should We Dress for Church?
1 maj 2020 |
13 min
How we dress for church will depend on our vision of God, our understanding of God’s people, and our grasp of what is at stake when we gather.
What Are the Spiritual Dangers of Technology?
29 april 2020 |
10 min
Technology can make our lives easier and more efficient than ever. But it can also slowly numb our affections to the things that matter most.
Is the Christian’s Heart Deceitfully Wicked?
27 april 2020 |
8 min
Is the Christian heart still wicked and deceitful? Or does God give us a completely new heart at the new birth?
What Sins Disqualify a Pastor for Life?
24 april 2020 |
12 min
Should churches ever consider calling a pastor who has committed adultery in the past? And if so, how should they evaluate his repentance?
Sovereign Comfort for Uncertain Times
22 april 2020 |
11 min
When crisis hits, Jesus Christ remains on his throne. He reigns supreme, and he will never leave nor forsake his people.
Why Do We Confess If Our Sins Are Already Forgiven?
20 april 2020 |
12 min
If Christians are already fully forgiven, justified, and united with Christ, then why do we need to continually confess our sins to God?
Is God Humble?
17 april 2020 |
12 min
As we seek to put away pride and become more humble, is there any humility in God for us to imitate? Or is humility fitting only for creatures?
More Precious Than Praise and Possessions
15 april 2020 |
13 min
How we handle our possessions in this world and the praise of man not only shapes our lives now, but determines our fate for eternity.
Fighting Loneliness in the Coronavirus Outbreak
14 april 2020 |
10 min
God created us to live in community, not to self-isolate. But when we do experience loneliness, to what promises can we turn?
I’m Afraid of Surrendering to Christ — What Can I Do?
13 april 2020 |
12 min
The life Jesus promises when you follow him far surpasses anything you might have to give up. There is no greater joy than in walking with him.
Why Do We Celebrate Easter?
10 april 2020 |
11 min
If Jesus remained in the grave, then his followers have no hope. But Jesus didn’t stay dead. Christ is risen.
Why the Sovereignty of God Is Good News
9 april 2020 |
8 min
The doctrine of God’s sovereignty does not sit on the periphery of theology. Without the sovereignty of God, we have no gospel.
Coronavirus and Christ (Audiobook)
8 april 2020 |
128 min
What is God doing through the coronavirus pandemic? He is not silent about what he is doing in the world. He has given us the Scriptures. In this special edition of APJ, Pastor John narrates his first-ever audiobook entitled Coronavirus and Christ.
How Do I Know If the Holy Spirit Is in Me?
6 april 2020 |
12 min
Whether you became a Christian at age 5 or 85, God worked in you, by his Holy Spirit, to open your eyes to the wonder and beauty of Jesus Christ.
Is It a Sin to Back Out of a Commitment?
3 april 2020 |
10 min
Honesty, integrity, and reliability should characterize every Christian. Since God delights in truth, so should his people.
Plan for Something Greater Than Retirement
1 april 2020 |
12 min
Retirement is not the last chapter of life — eternity is the last chapter. And the hope of being with Jesus forever should shape our final years on earth.
How to Talk to Children About the Coronavirus
31 mars 2020 |
13 min
Little hearts need the hope and security of a big God. What can parents tell kids and teens in the middle of a pandemic?
Public, Private, Online, Homeschool?
30 mars 2020 |
10 min
When Christian parents have a number of educational options for their children, what biblical principles help us decide what’s best?
What’s Next for an Aging Pastor?
27 mars 2020 |
10 min
God never wastes his children. If you devote yourself to serving the Lord, he will never leave you without significant opportunities for good works.
How Do I Fight My Coronavirus Fears?
26 mars 2020 |
16 min
The coronavirus is a wake-up call for everyone. Have we built our lives on a fragile foundation, or do we have true, unshakable hope in Jesus Christ?
Grace for Our Hardest Moments
25 mars 2020 |
12 min
Jesus may not give us everything we want, or even everything we think we need. But he will give us everything we truly need — all the way to the end.
Are IVF Babies Knit Together by God Too?
23 mars 2020 |
11 min
No technology can ever thwart God’s sovereignty. His oversight extends even to those advancements that seem to take his place.
A Word to Men Who Demean Their Wives
20 mars 2020 |
15 min
God calls husbands to provide and protect, not demean and belittle. Husbands must lead, but always with gentleness and grace, especially in the home.
Jesus Didn’t Die for Our Present Prosperity
18 mars 2020 |
13 min
Jesus doesn’t want disciples who seek him merely for what he can provide. He wants disciples who treasure him for who he is.
Jesus Came to Bring Violence — but What Does That Mean for Us?
16 mars 2020 |
9 min
Jesus told his disciples, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” What kind of sword does the Prince of Peace bring?
How Do I Take Risks Without Being Unwise?
13 mars 2020 |
10 min
Jesus calls us away from self-protection and toward taking risks of love. To follow a sacrificial Savior is to give and sacrifice with him.
John Piper’s Death-Row Plea
11 mars 2020 |
12 min
Jesus does not discriminate. He offers the bread of life to anyone who calls on his name — even to those who have committed unspeakable crimes.
Am I Mainly the Product of My Background?
9 mars 2020 |
11 min
Are we free to be who we want to be, or are we instead the products of our backgrounds and environments?
If God Is Sovereign, Are My Prayers Pointless?
6 mars 2020 |
11 min
If all of God’s plans stand, and all of his purposes come to pass, is praying for what we want pointless?
Will Suffering Weaken My Ministry?
4 mars 2020 |
13 min
Suffering is not a hindrance to the spread of the gospel. Suffering is, very often, God’s means of spreading the gospel where it has never gone before.
How Do I Care for My Depressed Wife?
2 mars 2020 |
12 min
How can a husband cultivate an atmosphere of holy joy at home if his wife struggles with chronic sadness or depression?
How Can Couples Heal After Adultery?
28 februari 2020 |
14 min
After adultery, couples may feel like their marriage is ruined beyond repair. What biblical realities can help them begin to find healing?
How Do We Make Sense of the Coronavirus?
28 februari 2020 |
16 min
How can Christians make sense of the coronavirus, which has infected and killed so many people all throughout the world? Pastor John offers four biblical realities.
How Can I Jumpstart My Prayer Life?
26 februari 2020 |
11 min
Prayer offers us a lifeline to our Lord, a vital connection we need every day. But unless we plan ahead, we will be prone to wander.
How Much Victory Can I Expect over Sinful Desires?
24 februari 2020 |
12 min
The new birth brings an awakening of delight in Christ and increasing victory over sin. But how much delight and victory should Christians expect?
How Do I Bless My Children Before Bed?
21 februari 2020 |
11 min
If you want to raise your children to know and love Jesus, then a regular rhythm of blessing may prove to be a helpful habit of grace.
Why Is My Theology Not Changing My Life?
19 februari 2020 |
10 min
If I believe all the right things, then why does my growth in holiness seem so tedious and slow?
Should Christians Attend Alcoholics Anonymous?
17 februari 2020 |
10 min
Alcoholics Anonymous, and programs like it, seem to genuinely help hurting people. But what do such programs miss that Christians can’t overlook?
Can We Love Both God and Pleasure?
14 februari 2020 |
11 min
If the Bible says that loving pleasure is a sign of ungodliness, then can we really make joy and pleasure essential to our pursuit of God?
How Do I Let Go of Anger over Past Wrongs?
12 februari 2020 |
13 min
How do we lay down our anger, our bitterness, our grudges against those who have wronged us and gotten away with it?
Would God Be Just as Glorified If We Were His Slaves?
10 februari 2020 |
11 min
God gets maximum glory from his people, not when we work for him out of begrudging duty, but when we run to him out of sheer delight.
How Do I Find a Good Church?
7 februari 2020 |
11 min
If you live near a number of gospel-preaching churches, how do you decide which body is best for you to join? Pastor John suggests nine steps.
How Do I Grow in Wisdom?
5 februari 2020 |
11 min
How do I become a sage who overflows with godly wisdom? Pastor John recommends a path too few of us choose to tread.
Should My Husband Pray with Me More?
3 februari 2020 |
11 min
We all need private, regular communion with God. But the Bible presents a vision for prayer that reaches well beyond our personal quiet times.
Should We Call Female Leaders ‘Pastors’?
31 januari 2020 |
11 min
The New Testament doesn’t apply the term “pastor” to any leader in the church, but only to qualified men who oversee and teach the flock.
Who Is Yahweh?
29 januari 2020 |
10 min
The God of our Bibles is more glorious than we can even begin to imagine. And it all begins with this fact: God absolutely and simply is.
Is John Piper Popular Because He Makes Christianity Look Intelligent?
27 januari 2020 |
10 min
What happens when a preacher saturates himself with the Scriptures, walks into a pulpit, and overflows with a God-entranced vision of all things?
Did My Dad Die Because I Lacked Faith?
24 januari 2020 |
10 min
James tells us that we have not because we ask not. But do we still lack sometimes because we don’t ask with enough faith?
Is Something Evil Only If It Harms Others?
22 januari 2020 |
9 min
Evil goes beyond the harm we commit against other humans. Evil is preferring anything above God, even if we harm no one in the process.
What Is the State of Race Relations in the Church?
20 januari 2020 |
11 min
Our perceptions of race relations in the church are of some importance. God’s vision for where race relations are heading is of infinite importance.
Is a Similar Sense of Calling Required for Marriage?
17 januari 2020 |
10 min
Most fundamentally, marriage is not a convenient matchup of vocations, but a covenant that displays the love Jesus has for his church.
How Should I Parent My Non-Christian Teen?
15 januari 2020 |
9 min
Should parents require non-Christian teens to attend church with them? And if so, how do they avoid creating hypocrites of their kids?
Are Hell and the Cross Overkill for Sin?
13 januari 2020 |
13 min
The cross will seem like an overreaction as long as man is big and God is small. The essence of sin is not harm done to man, but indignities done to God.
How Do We Respond to Claims That Christianity Is Dangerous?
10 januari 2020 |
13 min
How should Christians live in a culture that increasingly views our faith as bigoted, immoral, and even dangerous?
What Every Marriage Needs Most
8 januari 2020 |
10 min
What our marriages need most is probably not new and novel counsel from the latest book or seminar, but this one piece of timeless, biblical truth.
How Do I Respond to Sexual Dreams?
6 januari 2020 |
12 min
What do sexually illicit dreams reveal about our souls? Pastor John offers biblical principles for understanding dreams and practical ways to overcome them.
What Should I Expect My First Time Through the Bible?
3 januari 2020 |
12 min
What can you expect when you set out on a journey through the entire Bible? Pastor John offers three cautions and nine life-transforming hopes for every Bible reader.
Are Personal Resolutions Effective or Futile?
1 januari 2020 |
8 min
Are New Year’s resolutions helpful, are they harmful, or are they just a setup for eventual failure?
I Have a New Journaling Bible — How Should I Mark It Up?
30 december 2019 |
12 min
Journaling Bibles can be a great way to go deeper in God’s word, but many feel paralyzed, not knowing what to write (or not).
How Concerned Should Christians Be with Consumerism?
27 december 2019 |
9 min
In our good concern for what and how we consume, how do Christians keep from being consumed by ethical consumerism?
Why Was Christ Born into This World?
25 december 2019 |
20 min
The wonder and glory of Christmas will never dry up because the manger lets loose waterfalls of mercy that will flow forever.
Should I Use Christmas Dinner for Evangelism?
23 december 2019 |
9 min
As we gather around the dinner table this Christmas, how might we share the gospel with family who don’t understand the meaning of Jesus’s birth?
Does the Bible Forbid My Nativity Set?
20 december 2019 |
12 min
The second commandment forbids using an image or likeness of God in worship. Does that mean we should take down our nativity sets?
How Do I Banish Low Thoughts of Christ?
18 december 2019 |
16 min
The Christ who took on flesh and dwelt among us never had a beginning. He existed eternally before, and will be forever after.
How Do I Battle Subtle Temptations to Lust?
16 december 2019 |
12 min
Victory over pornography use is no small thing, but that doesn’t mean our battle is over. God lays claim to every impulse in our hearts, however small.
Will All Nations Be Reached Before Christ Returns?
13 december 2019 |
12 min
Did the biblical writers expect Jesus to return at any moment, or were they waiting for certain events to take place before the end would come?
What’s the Deepest Desire of My Heart?
11 december 2019 |
14 min
The greatest ache of the human heart is not to have wealth, comfort, or power, but to see and savor the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Does Christmas Create Racial Tensions?
11 december 2019 |
6 min
Why was Jesus born a Jew? The incarnation undercuts all ethnic boasting and throws people from every tribe, tongue, and nation on the mercy of a Jewish man from Nazareth.
I’m Not Good at My Job — Is the Lord Telling Me to Quit?
9 december 2019 |
12 min
If we don’t see much success in a career we thought God called us to, did we misread his call?
How Can I Revitalize My Church from the Pulpit?
6 december 2019 |
10 min
Whether a church is healthy or needs revitalization, every local congregation needs a consistent window to the greatness and glory of God from the pulpit.
What Happens When We Sing Together
4 december 2019 |
10 min
Singing together is never just a formality in a church service. God uses truth in song to sustain, encourage, and recharge his people.
Why Do I Still Struggle with My Pre-Conversion Sins?
2 december 2019 |
10 min
Every believer is already new in Christ, and yet vestiges of our old selves remain. We must fight every day to become who we already are.
My Life Is Endless Drudgery — How Do I Find Joy in Christ?
29 november 2019 |
12 min
The burdens and drudgery of life may feel like walls keeping you from joy. But inside these walls, God Almighty is working for your everlasting good.
How Do We Feast to the Glory of God?
27 november 2019 |
15 min
If God made everything good, then do we honor him just by using what he has made? Pastor John explains the essential steps to God-honoring feasting.
How Should I Handle My Regrets?
25 november 2019 |
11 min
Every single one of us can look over our lives and find failures we regret. How do we deal with remorse in light of God’s mercy?
Is It Sinful to Watch Sin on a Screen?
22 november 2019 |
10 min
Our culture saturates itself with entertainment that hardly gives a passing thought to God. Should Christians consume such media?
Is the God-Centeredness of God Precious?
20 november 2019 |
8 min
When you discover that God is not only perfectly glorious, but that everything he does is for his glory, your life may get flipped upside down.
How Do I Stay Attracted to My Aging Spouse?
18 november 2019 |
13 min
Sexual desire doesn’t begin and end with physical attraction. God made us to cherish inner beauty and glory, not just looks that pass with age.
Will We Pray in Heaven?
15 november 2019 |
10 min
If heaven is a world of love, with no grief or pain or loss, then will we have any need to pray to God once we are there?
The Key to Our Victory over Sin
13 november 2019 |
15 min
Only the grace of supernatural delight can empower us to resist the allure of sin’s constant temptations.
I Feel No Sexual Attraction — Should I Still Pursue Marriage?
11 november 2019 |
12 min
If someone’s sexual desires are low to the point of indifference, should he or she still be open to marriage down the road?
Why Does the Bible Stress the Power of Jesus’s Name?
8 november 2019 |
12 min
The Bible stresses repeatedly the power and greatness of Jesus’s name. But why does it emphasize his name, and not just his person?
‘I Don’t Believe in Christ — Why Is Faith So Hard?’
6 november 2019 |
8 min
If Jesus promises that his yoke is easy and his burden light, then why do some people struggle so much to put their faith in him?
When Has My Career Become My Idol?
4 november 2019 |
12 min
If God created us for good works and wants us to labor diligently, then how do we determine when our career has become an idol?
Advice for Christians Who Work Sundays
1 november 2019 |
11 min
If your job requires you to work on Sundays, how do you honor the Lord’s Day? Pastor John offers three pieces of counsel.
What Did the Reformation Give Us?
30 oktober 2019 |
13 min
Every Protestant owes a debt of gratitude to the Reformers, especially for one of their most precious gifts to us: expository exultation.
Should We Stop Reading Dead White Guys?
28 oktober 2019 |
13 min
Christians should judge a book not by the color of its author or the number of its century, but by the God-exalting or God-ignoring content of its pages.
Should Anyone Say, ‘I Am of Calvin’?
25 oktober 2019 |
10 min
As we sit under preaching in our churches, what matters most is not how eloquent the teacher is, but how much truth shines forth in his content.
What Makes a Sermon Good?
23 oktober 2019 |
12 min
Sermons are more than a transfer of facts and stories. They are a part of worship that God uses to work miracles in both the preacher and the people.
Should Stay-at-Home Moms Take a Day Off?
21 oktober 2019 |
14 min
With all the demands on our time, how can young families pace themselves to run the marathon of life without burning out halfway through?
Are God’s Providence and God’s Sovereignty the Same?
18 oktober 2019 |
11 min
God’s sovereignty is his right and power to do whatever he pleases. God’s providence is his wise and purposeful sovereignty.
When to Stop Listening to This Podcast
16 oktober 2019 |
12 min
If God has given you elders in your local church and brothers and sisters in Christ, then why should you bother seeking wisdom from this podcast?
How Do I Follow God’s Will in the Face of Two Good Options?
14 oktober 2019 |
11 min
God may not reveal every detail we want to know about our future, but he does promise to walk with us and direct our steps.
What Does the Bible Say About ‘National Coming Out Day’?
11 oktober 2019 |
11 min
Our culture may celebrate sin and stifle truth, but that doesn’t mean we should lose hope. God can still grant an awakening.
How Do We Respond When a Pastor Leaves the Faith?
9 oktober 2019 |
15 min
If we believe in the sovereignty of God, then how do we explain friends or prominent leaders who turn their backs on Jesus?
How Much ‘Lover’ Language Should We Use in Worship Songs?
7 oktober 2019 |
9 min
Our song choices influence our churches nearly as much as our sermons. If we don’t choose our music with care, we aren’t shepherding well.
Should We Call Out False Teachers or Ignore Them?
4 oktober 2019 |
12 min
False teachers threaten churches all over the world. Every Christian, and especially pastors, should know how to respond to their danger.
How Do I Submit to My Unbelieving Husband?
2 oktober 2019 |
7 min
A wife’s submission to her husband is qualified submission. She follows Jesus first, and then does whatever she can to honor her husband’s leadership.
Is Everyone Punished the Same in Hell?
30 september 2019 |
12 min
The Bible describes degrees of happiness for the saints in heaven. Does that mean there are degrees of despair in hell?
John Piper’s Most Bizarre Moment in Preaching
27 september 2019 |
16 min
If John Piper wants Christians to find their ultimate happiness and joy in God, why hasn’t he ever told a joke from the pulpit?
Who Is John Piper?
25 september 2019 |
13 min
We make plans and prepare for what’s ahead, but only God orders our steps. Pastor John shares his path toward a lifetime of fruitful ministry.
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
23 september 2019 |
16 min
The Bible commands us to be baptized, but what does the water actually do? Does it save us, like 1 Peter 3:21 appears to say?
We’re Back! — Update from John Piper
20 september 2019 |
14 min
Pastor John recently finished a book on the providence of God — the purposeful sovereignty of a heavenly Father who loves and cares for his children.
How Do I Live Like a Son Rather Than a Slave?
17 juli 2019 |
13 min
God has called us sons and daughters, but his people sometimes talk as if we were still slaves. What does it mean to talk like children of God?
How Does ‘Christ Live in Me’ (Galatians 2:20)?
15 juli 2019 |
11 min
When we are saved, we’re united to Christ by the Spirit. Our old self — our unbelieving, rebellious, sin-loving self — dies, and we live by the Spirit.
Does Jesus Teach Us to Sell All Our Possessions?
12 juli 2019 |
12 min
Jesus said, “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy.” Are we disobeying Jesus if we don’t literally give away all that we have?
How Can I Forgive My Parents for Childhood Abuse?
10 juli 2019 |
12 min
How can we forgive others who have hurt us deeply? Pastor John gives three practical suggestions for pursuing forgiveness.
I’m Terrified of Giving Birth — Should I Still Pursue Marriage?
8 juli 2019 |
11 min
The fall has made childbirth painful and dangerous. But in Christ, the deepest dangers of the curse have been removed.
How Do I Survive This Midlife Crisis?
5 juli 2019 |
14 min
God keeps his children through midlife crises by empowering them to keep fighting to be kept.
Is God Just as Sovereign over Damnation as Salvation?
3 juli 2019 |
13 min
What role does God play in the redemption and damnation of sinners? Is he just as sovereign over both?
What Is a Father’s Role in Caring for an Infant?
1 juli 2019 |
13 min
A godly father will want to show God the Father to his children. He will want to model for them the heart of Jesus.
Would God Be Less Glorious If He Never Created?
28 juni 2019 |
12 min
If God created the world to display the fullness of his attributes, would he have been less glorious without creation?
Is God Angry at Me When I Sin?
26 juni 2019 |
14 min
We go from a rebel against the King to a child of the King. God’s attitude toward us completely changes. But does he still get angry at us when we sin?
The Heart of the Calvinist-Arminian Divide
24 juni 2019 |
14 min
Both Calvinists and Arminians see grace as powerful and necessary, but not in the same way. Pastor John gets at the heart of the theological divide.
What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
21 juni 2019 |
14 min
If you are a Christian, then you have the Holy Spirit. But is this the same as being baptized in the Holy Spirit? Pastor John explains the difference.
How Do I Trust God with the Eternal Destiny of My Child?
19 juni 2019 |
11 min
We know God will accomplish his purposes for good, but he doesn’t promise our children’s eternal good. How can we be satisfied in God with this unknown?
Does God Ever Soften a Heart He Has Hardened?
17 juni 2019 |
11 min
When we think God has hardened someone’s heart, we should not assume that the hardening is permanent. God can and does break in and save.
How Should a Husband Treat His Quarrelsome Wife?
14 juni 2019 |
9 min
“Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.” What are readers of Scripture supposed to learn from a proverb like this?
Should My Boyfriend and I Travel Alone?
12 juni 2019 |
11 min
Is it wise for a girlfriend and boyfriend to travel together and stay in the same hotel? Should they? Pastor John gives three reasons why they shouldn’t.
Do Human Technologies Ever Threaten Divine Sovereignty?
10 juni 2019 |
9 min
At any moment, God can put a complete stop to the plans of man. Rebellious human plans never threaten a sovereign God.
Was Job a Man or a Myth?
7 juni 2019 |
10 min
Job is a profound book on human suffering, worthy of a lifetime of study. But was Job himself a real, historical character? And does it matter?
Why Does God Discipline Some Christians with Death?
5 juni 2019 |
10 min
Why would God take some of his children home as a means of discipline when he could have prevented their sin another way?
How Do I Kill My Pride?
3 juni 2019 |
11 min
Faith kills pride by forcing us to look away from ourselves to God to receive the gift of salvation that we could never earn on our own.
Do I Need to Love Myself More?
31 maj 2019 |
11 min
Jesus said we should love our neighbors as ourselves. How is this kind of self-love different from the mantra we hear in advertising and social media?
How Much Authority Does Satan Have in the World?
29 maj 2019 |
10 min
All Satan’s power is by permission. He has no authority to do anything God does not permit for infinitely wise purposes.
Are Christians Righteous or Unrighteous?
27 maj 2019 |
11 min
Are Christians righteous or unrighteous? Pastor John explains two forms of righteousness in Scripture that get to the core of the gospel.
Should We Postpone Children While I Finish My Degree?
24 maj 2019 |
12 min
Deciding when to start a family can be complex. Pastor John shares how he and Noël decided, and what biblical truths should inform the process.
Why Is It Better That Christ Went Away (John 16:7)?
22 maj 2019 |
11 min
It’s better for us that Jesus is gone. He said so when he left. But why is Christ’s physical absence from us better for us than his physical presence?
Will Marriage Cure My Lust?
20 maj 2019 |
12 min
Sex in marriage, just like other physical gifts from God, is not an absolute cure for lust, but it can be a great help in the battle.
Can an Elect Person Die Without Hearing the Gospel?
17 maj 2019 |
11 min
Letting the truth of election deter evangelism isn’t only illogical, but unbiblical. Pastor John shows how election moves us to action, not inaction.
Should a Gay Couple, Once Converted, Stay ‘Married’?
15 maj 2019 |
10 min
The union of two men or women is not “gay marriage.” It’s no marriage. When they come to Christ, that former relationship has no binding authority.
Is It Sinful to Want to Die?
13 maj 2019 |
12 min
Pain surrounds us in this world, and for those in Christ, the exact opposite awaits us after we die. Is it sinful to want to die and be with Jesus?
Should We Expect Revival or More Social Decay?
10 maj 2019 |
13 min
Scripture tells us that the last days will bring an upsurge of evil in the world. Does that mean we should stop expecting revivals to take place?
How Does the Gospel Speak to Self-Hate?
8 maj 2019 |
10 min
The Bible has a lot to say about the issue of self-hate. Where should we begin if we’re talking to a non-Christian who struggles in this area?
Does Christ’s Righteousness Cover My Joylessness?
6 maj 2019 |
11 min
Jesus is our substitute, the one who became sin so we might be saved. So does his righteousness also cover our joylessness?
Does God Direct All the Details of My Life?
3 maj 2019 |
13 min
God’s sovereign control is complete, not partial. He governs every aspect of nature, every aspect of history, and every aspect of personal life.
What Does It Mean to Live ‘in the Flesh’?
1 maj 2019 |
12 min
Over ninety times, Paul speaks of “the flesh.” So what does this word mean to the apostle? Pastor John forms a definition from two key passages.
Is Cremation Okay If I Give My Body to Science?
29 april 2019 |
9 min
We testify to the hope of resurrection when we choose burial over cremation. But if we first donate our body to science, is cremation okay then?
Does Junk Food Dishonor God?
26 april 2019 |
10 min
When it comes to food, many of us are in greater danger of judging people where we shouldn’t than of eating what we shouldn’t.
I Want Jesus to Be My Treasure — Is the Wanting Enough?
24 april 2019 |
11 min
Our satisfaction in God will be in measure, not in fullness, until the day we see him face-to-face.
My Joy Is So Short-Lived — How Do I Make It Last?
22 april 2019 |
13 min
God promises lasting joy. But what should we do when we feel full on Sunday but empty by Monday?
What’s the Significance of Simon Carrying Jesus’s Cross?
19 april 2019 |
12 min
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all tell us that Simon of Cyrene helped carry Jesus’s cross. What’s the significance of this story?
Where Was the Holy Spirit on Good Friday?
17 april 2019 |
12 min
At the cross, the triune God was at work, securing our redemption. But what role did the Holy Spirit play in Jesus’s crucifixion?
Is There Any Place for Fear in the Christian Life?
15 april 2019 |
11 min
Fear does not govern the Christian life. But we have a skewed view of the Christian life if we exclude fear.
How Does God Answer Today’s Skeptics?
12 april 2019 |
13 min
Many of today’s skeptics ask questions that God himself has already addressed. Sometimes, we just need to hear how God responds to his critics.
How Do Christians Survive in Middle-Class America?
10 april 2019 |
12 min
“Woe to you who are rich. Woe to you who are full now. Woe to you who laugh.” What do Jesus’s woes mean for middle-class Americans?
What Is the Sovereignty of God?
8 april 2019 |
11 min
God’s sovereignty over all creation is one of the grandest themes in the Bible. Pastor John overviews some of the basics.
Why Have Kids If They Might End Up in Hell?
5 april 2019 |
9 min
Every child is an eternal being, someone who will live forever. So if our children may end up in hell, would we be better off not having kids?
I’m Eager to Pastor Now — Should I Skip Seminary?
3 april 2019 |
12 min
With so many urgent spiritual needs in the world, is it wise to spend years of life in a seminary classroom? If someone is eager for ministry, why wait?
Why Did Jesus Need to ‘Become Superior’ to Angels?
1 april 2019 |
10 min
If Jesus is God, why does the Bible say that he “became” superior to angels? Hasn’t he always been superior to angels?
How Much Can Christians Learn from Non-Christians?
29 mars 2019 |
11 min
Christians can learn many important facts from non-Christian teachers. But they cannot learn the most important facts — or how to love them.
He Killed His Wife and Children — Can He Really Be Forgiven?
27 mars 2019 |
11 min
Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife and two daughters. A few months into his prison sentence, he said he found God. Can he really be forgiven?
Does the Old Testament Alienate the Disabled?
25 mars 2019 |
11 min
In the Old Testament, the disabled were excluded from the holy place. In the New Testament, Jesus touched and healed the disabled. Why the difference?
Why Does God Choose Some and Not Others?
22 mars 2019 |
13 min
God could have chosen all to inherit eternal life, but he didn’t. So why would God choose some and not choose others?
Money, Mardi Gras, and Something Far Better: Stories from South America
20 mars 2019 |
14 min
Dozens of countries are experiencing a resurgence of biblical Christianity. Pastor John shares several stories from his recent trip to Brazil and Argentina.
How Do I Resist Smartphone Overuse?
8 mars 2019 |
66 min
Your smartphone is changing you, whether you realize it or not. Tony Reinke explains the costs of smartphone overuse, and how we can resist.
Can a Coin Flip Reveal God’s Will for My Life?
27 februari 2019 |
11 min
Making a decision with a coin flip glorifies chance. But making a decision from a renewed mind glorifies God.
My Girlfriend Affirms Homosexual Love — Is This a Deal-Breaker?
25 februari 2019 |
10 min
“My girlfriend affirms homosexual love — is this a deal-breaker?” Yes. Pastor John gives five reasons why.
What Does Jesus Mean by ‘I Never Knew You’?
22 februari 2019 |
8 min
When Jesus says, “I never knew you,” he means, “I don’t recognize you as my disciple, as my follower. You are a spiritual stranger to me.”
My Husband Is Passive — What Can I Do?
20 februari 2019 |
9 min
God may use you to change your spouse. But if you press in to him, no matter how disappointed you are in marriage, he will certainly change you.
How Do I Break My Entertainment Addiction?
18 februari 2019 |
9 min
As God’s child, you are not enslaved to entertainment or anything else. Christ has purchased a way out for you.
How Much Entertainment Is Too Much?
15 februari 2019 |
13 min
Watching a movie, playing a board game, reading a novel — is God disappointed if we use free time for these instead of reading Scripture and praying?
I’m an Anxious Person — How Do I ‘Rest in Christ’?
13 februari 2019 |
10 min
In Jesus, God has given us what we need to rest — even while we work. To every anxious soul, Jesus says, “Come to me, and I will give you rest.”
How Can I See the Beauty of God?
4 februari 2019 |
49 min
Seeing and loving art and seeing and loving divine glory are not the same. They require different ways of seeing. So how can we see the beauty of God?
Is Street Evangelism Better Than Building Relationships?
1 februari 2019 |
7 min
God has not given us a formula for when to share the gospel quickly and when to share over time in the context of a relationship. Both are needed.
Why Global Missions Requires Healthy Churches
30 januari 2019 |
10 min
The Great Commission isn’t disconnected from the church — it’s given to the church. God designed the local church and missions to be wed together.
Should Hell Motivate Our Missionaries?
28 januari 2019 |
11 min
We cannot afford to ignore hell. Christians must care about suffering, but especially eternal suffering. And it must mobilize us to go and to send.
I Feel Trapped in My Job — What Should I Do?
25 januari 2019 |
10 min
We were made to work, and we are happy only if we do work. But what should we do if our job makes us feel trapped, not fulfilled?
How Your Career Could Crush You
23 januari 2019 |
8 min
If we are not finding purpose in our work from God, then we will likely turn our job into a means of self-fulfillment and self-advancement.
Is Investing in Stocks Any Better Than Gambling?
21 januari 2019 |
8 min
Wherever we put our money, we are accepting risk. So is there any difference between educated sports gambling and investing in stocks?
Did Jesus Endorse Polygamy in the Parable of the Ten Virgins?
18 januari 2019 |
8 min
“The bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast.” Did Jesus endorse polygamy here?
Why Is God Withholding Marriage from Me?
16 januari 2019 |
8 min
How can single people who desire marriage keep those desires in proper perspective? Pastor John offers six ways to cultivate godly desire.
Are Calvinists Inconsistent with Romans 9?
14 januari 2019 |
10 min
God sends the wicked to hell because they deserve it. God welcomes the humble to heaven because Christ secured it. This isn’t inconsistent. This is the gospel.
How Can We Prioritize Our Marriage over Work and Kids?
11 januari 2019 |
10 min
Marriages die from neglect but grow with God-centered time and attention. Pastor John gives six ways to feed your marriage the time it needs.
When Does Bible Neglect Become Sinful?
9 januari 2019 |
8 min
When does diminishing time in God’s word become sinful? Pastor John identifies five symptoms of Bible neglect.
I’m Tired and Busy — How Do I Make Time for the Bible?
7 januari 2019 |
9 min
We wake up every day needing to meet God in his word. Don’t leave the word to fill the cracks. Force other things into the cracks.
I Have an Hour a Day to Read — How Much Should Be Bible?
4 januari 2019 |
8 min
If I have only an hour a day to read, how should I divide my time between the Bible and great Christian books?
Three Reasons to Read the Bible Every Day in 2019
2 januari 2019 |
8 min
As we begin another year of Bible reading, Pastor John takes us back to the basics: feed your motivation, grow in skill, and pray for illumination.
How Do I Make the Most of Daily Bible Reading?
31 december 2018 |
9 min
As you plan your Bible reading for 2019, know yourself, know your tendencies, but know most of all that you desperately need God’s word.
Can a Christian Survive in Silicon Valley?
28 december 2018 |
13 min
Can the Christlike virtues of patience, forgiveness, and gentleness survive in a cutthroat technology sector like Silicon Valley?
How Do I Welcome Christ at Christmas?
25 december 2018 |
12 min
The famous hymn calls every heart to “prepare him room.” But what does it mean to receive Christ this Christmas?
What Makes Christmas So Controversial?
23 december 2018 |
11 min
The wrath of God is our biggest problem. If it didn’t exist, we wouldn’t need the gospel, and we wouldn’t need Christmas.
What Is the Rapture?
21 december 2018 |
13 min
Will Christians be raptured before the tribulation? Or will we rise to meet the Lord only at his final coming?
Will We Meet Jesus as Soon as We Die?
19 december 2018 |
11 min
We often say that our dead loved ones are with Jesus now. But Paul seems to say that Christians will meet Jesus at the second coming. Which is right?
How Will Christ ‘Reconcile’ Unbelievers to Himself?
17 december 2018 |
10 min
Colossians 1:20 says that Christ will reconcile “all things” to himself. Does that include demons and unbelievers?
Why Do We Give Christmas Gifts?
14 december 2018 |
11 min
Gift giving, done rightly, doesn’t distract from the meaning of Christmas. Pastor John puts Christmas gifts in biblical context.
What Should I Tell My Kids About Santa?
12 december 2018 |
13 min
If we think Christ cannot compete with Santa in the hearts of our children, we don’t know the real Christ.
How Do We Know Jesus Is the Messiah?
10 december 2018 |
17 min
When we say “Jesus Christ,” we should be thinking “Jesus the Messiah”: the promised Priest, King, and Prophet, the one God anointed to redeem us.
I Will Die Young — How Do I Fight for Hope?
7 december 2018 |
12 min
When the prognosis is an early death, how can we live in a courageous manner that honors God and refuses to be jaded toward him?
My Friend Claims She’s Gay — What Do I Say?
5 december 2018 |
10 min
What do you say when a professing Christian is ready to embrace the gay lifestyle? Pastor John offers a place to start.
How Do Introverts Guard Against Selfishness?
3 december 2018 |
11 min
Instead of seeing introversion as a fatalistic limitation, ask, “How can I make my peculiar personality bent a means of grace to others?”
Why Is the Ministry Called ‘Desiring God’?
30 november 2018 |
9 min
Why did Pastor John name his book and ministry “Desiring God” instead of “Enjoying God,” “Delighting in God,” or “Rejoicing in God”?
What Will Become of Christian Hedonism After You’re Gone?
28 november 2018 |
13 min
What will happen to Christian Hedonism in generations to come? Pastor John shares eight dangers for young Christian Hedonists.
What Does Christian Hedonism Add to Reformed Theology?
26 november 2018 |
17 min
Christian Hedonism does not revise Reformed theology. Rather, it clarifies one of the central assumptions of Reformed theology.
Should I Ever Go Through the Motions in Worship?
23 november 2018 |
11 min
Is there an alternative between empty, duty-driven worship and spontaneous, joyful worship? Pastor John gives six marks of a middle way.
Do I Need to ‘Hear from God’ Before I Make a Decision?
21 november 2018 |
11 min
We all want to know we are making the right decisions. To decide wisely, do we need to hear from God beyond what he has already written?
How Do I Respond to Blasphemous Thoughts?
19 november 2018 |
14 min
All of us experience harassing thoughts. Where do these thoughts come from? And how do we respond?
Seven Ways This Podcast Will Kill Your Joy
16 november 2018 |
11 min
This podcast could bring life and joy, or it could be a deadly weapon in the enemy’s hands. Pastor John explains how not to use Ask Pastor John.
What Comes First: My Obedience to Jesus or My Joy in Jesus?
14 november 2018 |
9 min
Does our obedience or our joy come first? Pastor John explains that joy-driven obedience is the only obedience worth pursuing.
How Do I Pray for Healing and Honor God’s ‘No’?
12 november 2018 |
11 min
Our greatest hope in prayer is not getting what we asked for, but rather in the goodness of our Father, who always gives what is best for his children.
Does My Sexual Past Make Me Unsavable?
9 november 2018 |
11 min
Our past sexual sin is not beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness — unless we don’t give it up. It’s not too late to turn and receive God’s mercy.
Does Jesus Commend Dishonesty in Luke 16?
7 november 2018 |
8 min
What was Jesus commending in the parable of the dishonest manager, and what are the implications for Christians today?
How Can God Be Sovereign and Good and Allow Suffering?
5 november 2018 |
12 min
God designs all our weaknesses — even those that leave us unable to do anything. And one of his purposes in our weaknesses is to sanctify the strong.
Do Gender Roles Apply Beyond Marriage?
2 november 2018 |
11 min
God designed us as male and female for his glory. And he intends for us to reflect him in every relationship, not just marriage.
What Is Union with Christ?
31 oktober 2018 |
12 min
What does it mean to be united to Christ? Pastor John shows how we can begin to mine the riches of this doctrine from Scripture.
Is It Sinful to Gamble on Fantasy Sports?
29 oktober 2018 |
11 min
Gambling your money — whether at a slot machine or with your fantasy team — is not just unwise. It is sin. Pastor John gives seven reasons why. 
How to Read the Bible for Teenagers
26 oktober 2018 |
13 min
When the teenage years come, we get to teach our kids how to move from reading the Bible to studying it. Here are seven places to start.
How Do I Question Someone’s Salvation at the End of His Life?
24 oktober 2018 |
13 min
How do we approach the deathbeds of professing Christians whose faith we are not sure is real? Pastor John offers four ways to love them.
I Didn’t Treasure Christ When I First Believed — Was I Unsaved?
22 oktober 2018 |
12 min
Treasuring Christ is a key ingredient to saving faith. But what if you don’t remember treasuring him when you were converted?
My Girlfriend Is Pregnant — What Do I Do Next?
19 oktober 2018 |
12 min
A premarital pregnancy means a couple has chosen sin over God. But it doesn’t mean they need to continue to make that choice.
Does Premarital Pregnancy Nullify ‘Unequally Yoked’?
17 oktober 2018 |
9 min
God clearly calls believers to marry only believers. But does a premarital pregnancy introduce an exception?
Why Does Piper Avoid Politics and What’s Trending?
15 oktober 2018 |
15 min
In general, Pastor John avoids talking about politics, breaking news, and hot trends. Why doesn’t he address such cultural issues more often?
Why Does John Piper Journal?
12 oktober 2018 |
14 min
God does not require any of us to keep a journal. But journaling may help some of us see Christ, love Christ, and become like Christ.
Does Depression Disqualify a Pastor?
10 oktober 2018 |
11 min
At what point, if any, does depression or joylessness disqualify a pastor from ministry? Pastor John gives several factors to consider.
When You Sin at Home: Learning to Pause and Repent
8 oktober 2018 |
8 min
Many of us spend our days running around with few breaks. So how do we repent of our sins when we find it hard to pause even for a moment?
How John Piper Became a ‘Christian Hedonist’
5 oktober 2018 |
12 min
How does our passion for happiness fit with God’s passion for glory? Pastor John lived with this tension for years, until he found Christian Hedonism.
Are We Fighting Against Sin or for Joy?
3 oktober 2018 |
10 min
Should we focus on fighting against our sin? Or should we focus on fighting for pleasure in God, which will in turn kill our sin?
Should We Raise Our Hands in Worship?
1 oktober 2018 |
9 min
Should we lift our hands during musical worship, or keep them in our pockets? Pastor John shares some principles from Scripture and his own experience.
How to Raise Children in a Pornographic Culture
28 september 2018 |
11 min
What can parents do to protect their children from pornography? Pastor John shares eleven ways to guard our families.
My Funding Dried Up — Is This My Sign to Leave the Ministry?
26 september 2018 |
9 min
If my funding dries up, is this God’s sign that I should leave the mission field? Pastor John suggests three ways to interpret a lack of funding.
What Part Does God Play in Positive Social Change?
24 september 2018 |
10 min
When good happens in society — a government is fixed, slavery is abolished, or minorities are given equality — is God secretly at work?
Should I Attend the Wedding of a Couple Already Living Together?
21 september 2018 |
10 min
Whether we attend the wedding of a couple living together or decide to stay home, we are saying something. So what exactly should we say?
How Do I Teach ‘Christian Hedonism’ to My Kids?
19 september 2018 |
12 min
Children don’t need to use the label “Christian Hedonism,” but parents can help them grasp what it means to be happy in God.
Should I Ever Take an Action I Don’t ‘Have Peace’ About?
17 september 2018 |
9 min
Peace and calm are not the only factors in determining what we should do. Pastor John explains what else should govern our decisions.
Five Ways Jesus Changes Our Relationship to the Old Testament
14 september 2018 |
13 min
How do Christians know which Old Testament laws apply to them? Pastor John explains five ways Jesus shapes our approach to the Old Testament.
What Is the Place of Faith in My Unanswered Prayers?
12 september 2018 |
11 min
When God consistently answers prayers with “no,” many of us wonder if our faith is the problem. So what role does faith play in unanswered prayers?
What Hope Does God Offer in My Depression?
10 september 2018 |
16 min
God promises hope to the downcast, fullness of life to the broken, and joy to the depressed. Here are five passages to turn to when darkness falls.
Ministering Without R.C. Sproul
7 september 2018 |
10 min
R.C. Sproul went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2017. Burk Parsons shares what it’s like to live and minister without him.
Real Sermons Are Not Lectures or Moral Stories
5 september 2018 |
13 min
Pastors are not merely teachers or lecturers. They are shepherds to needy sheep. Burk Parsons describes the kind of sermons a shepherd should give.
How Do I Feed My Joy in Jesus Every Morning?
3 september 2018 |
12 min
If Christ is not our supreme treasure, something else will gladly take his place. So how do we preserve our joy in God through the day?
How Do I Choose Good Books and Grow My Library?
31 augusti 2018 |
14 min
Millions of books compete for our attention, but only a fraction of them are worth reading. So where do we start when trying to grow our library?
I Have Chronic Fatigue — How Do I Not Waste My Life?
29 augusti 2018 |
11 min
How do people not waste their lives if a chronic illness has stolen their strengths, taken their time, and put them in bed all day?
How Self-Esteem Ruins Bible Reading
27 augusti 2018 |
8 min
A relentless pursuit of self-esteem can increase your confidence and soothe your emotions. And it can also ruin your Bible reading.
How Has Social Media Changed Bible Reading?
24 augusti 2018 |
9 min
Hand-lettered verses on Instagram may comfort and encourage us, but they will never suffice. We need more than devotional tidbits to survive.
Women of the Word: Reading the Bible for Ourselves
22 augusti 2018 |
6 min
Comprehension, interpretation, and application — these three steps from Jen Wilkin have helped thousands of women dive deep into God’s word.
Is It Wrong for Men to Have Long Hair?
20 augusti 2018 |
13 min
Long hair may be acceptable for men today, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore what Paul was saying to the Corinthians. Pastor John explains why.
How Do We Respect Others While Rejecting Their False Beliefs?
17 augusti 2018 |
12 min
How do we respect Buddhist priests? How about imams? Pastor John helps explain how to treat everyone with respect but still make our differences known.
Piper’s Reflections After a Mainline Church Service
15 augusti 2018 |
12 min
Pastor John shares six tragic observations from a mainline church, and a helpful report card to check our tendencies to make assumptions about God.
What Can We Learn from the Jordan Peterson Phenomenon?
13 augusti 2018 |
28 min
Jordan Peterson has a bestselling book and a fast-growing following, especially among young men. What should Christians learn from him?
Why Is My Child Disabled?
10 augusti 2018 |
12 min
God could have prevented every disability we know today, but he didn’t. And he has ten thousand reasons why.
Three Threats to the Joy of This Generation
8 augusti 2018 |
11 min
God wants his people to have serious joy. But at least three obstacles threaten the joy and the seriousness of this generation.
What’s the Point of My Life?
6 augusti 2018 |
11 min
All people want to be a part of something larger than themselves. This is no accident. God designed you to join him in his goal of global glory.
John Piper’s Most-Used Promises
3 augusti 2018 |
12 min
We kill sin with superior promises. Pastor Piper shares his most-used promises and how they have served him over the decades.
How to Win the War for Morning Devotions
1 augusti 2018 |
7 min
When you wake up more interested in Twitter than God’s word, the battle is not lost. It has just begun. Fight to get into his word.
The Miracle of Waiting Faithfully
30 juli 2018 |
5 min
Whether we’re hoping for a job, a spouse, or something else, no one likes to patiently wait. But God transforms us in our waiting.
How Do I Cling to God — When Life Feels Easy?
27 juli 2018 |
6 min
We’re needy people. But when life’s going well, we often forget just how needy we really are.
How Much Joy Can We Really Expect in This Life?
25 juli 2018 |
10 min
In this life, our indwelling sin clouds our joy in God. But every Christian has the promise of never-ending, ever-increasing joy in God’s presence.
Make War on Your Urge to Sulk
23 juli 2018 |
13 min
We all know that anger will only wound those around us. But its silent brother, sulking, can be just as deadly.
When God Answers ‘No’ to Our Prayers
20 juli 2018 |
12 min
How do we not let a no from God squelch our joy in him? John Piper offers two anchors of hope to help us remain steady in the struggle.
How to Navigate Conversations About Sexual Identity
18 juli 2018 |
12 min
A harvest awaits Christians in the gay community. Sam Allberry shares how he engages LGBT students with the message of Jesus.
Am I Less Human If I’m Sexually Unfulfilled?
16 juli 2018 |
11 min
You don’t need sex to be happy. Jesus never married, never had a romantic relationship, never had sex, and he was the most complete man to ever live.
The Christian Debate over Sexual Identity
13 juli 2018 |
13 min
Sam Allberry, who has been attracted to the same sex his whole life, gives an insider’s take on the current debates over sexual identity.
Does God Want Me to Be Happy or Holy?
11 juli 2018 |
10 min
Does God want us to be happy or holy? How are holiness and happiness not at odds, but work together?
Did Paul and Moses Prioritize Mission over Joy in God?
9 juli 2018 |
12 min
If Moses and Paul wished to be personally damned so others could be saved, didn’t they prioritize mission for others over joy in God?
Does John Piper Add (Joy) to the Gospel?
6 juli 2018 |
13 min
We don’t receive Jesus in a saving way when we receive him as a ticket out of hell. He’s not a ticket. He’s a treasure — the greatest treasure.
Universalism Distorts the Grace of God
4 juli 2018 |
13 min
When everyone gets grace, no one actually gets grace. Michael McClymond explains how universalism expels the biblical view of grace.
Universalism Is ‘Alive and Well’ — How Do We Oppose It?
2 juli 2018 |
10 min
What is Christian universalism, and how should we respond? Michael McClymond, author of a new book on the topic, details the basics.
Did C.S. Lewis Warn Against Christian Hedonism?
29 juni 2018 |
13 min
Do Christian Hedonists call people to experience a level of joy now that will be available only in heaven?
What Does It Feel Like to See the Beauty of Christ?
27 juni 2018 |
15 min
We often miss Christ’s beauty in his word because our hearts are out of sync. Pastor John explains how he prepares his heart to meet God.
Is God Glorified in Those Who Reject Him?
25 juni 2018 |
11 min
We know God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. But is God at all glorified in those who reject him?
What 40-Year-Old David Platt Would Say to His 20-Year-Old Self
22 juni 2018 |
13 min
David Platt, like all of us, has past regrets and future hopes. Here’s what he would say to his 20-year-old self.
Isn’t the Joy-Centered Life Just an Emotional Roller Coaster?
20 juni 2018 |
13 min
If our affections are the thermometer of our relationship with God, how can we remain stable through all our emotional ups and downs?
How Do I Find God’s Will for My Life?
18 juni 2018 |
15 min
Security, comfort, and wealth aren’t the primary guides for our job decisions. God is. But how do we discern his will?
Does Scripture Forbid Entrepreneurs from Raising Big Money?
15 juni 2018 |
13 min
A bank account with seven, eight, or nine zeros is not necessarily sinful. But it is dangerous for hearts that easily treasure dollar signs.
How Do I Overcome Crippling Self-Consciousness?
13 juni 2018 |
12 min
An excessive self-focus leads to either discouragement or pride. So what steps can we take to conquer the curse of self-consciousness?
Where Is Satan Most Visibly Active Today?
11 juni 2018 |
13 min
Wherever saving truth is hated, distorted, and muted, Satan is at work. Our best weapon against him is to tell and live the truth.
A Word to Strengthen Parents of Disabled Children
8 juni 2018 |
12 min
Caring for a disabled child often goes unthanked and unrecognized in this world. But God sees every sacrifice, and he will reward you.
How Do I Overcome My Fear of Death?
6 juni 2018 |
11 min
Everything we need in life and death was bought by the blood of Jesus. We have nothing to fear — not even death.
Should Christians Save for Retirement?
4 juni 2018 |
9 min
The Bible doesn’t have a category for retiring from ministry. We may retire from a paid vocation, but never from loving and serving others.
Drug Users and Christian Hedonists — Aren’t Both Just Chasing the Next High?
1 juni 2018 |
11 min
Both drug users and Christians feel ups and downs. But the parallels end there. Pastor John gives five reasons why the experiences are different.
How Can We Tweet to the Glory of God?
30 maj 2018 |
14 min
Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat — they allow us to say more words to more people than ever before. So how can we use them for an eternal purpose?
The Secret to Fighting Anxiety
28 maj 2018 |
8 min
Worry gains us nothing. As soon as we discover we have a problem, God has already been working on it, and the solution is on the way.
Should We Sing of God’s ‘Reckless Love’?
25 maj 2018 |
16 min
Is the term “reckless” too reckless? Pastor John offers pastors, worship leaders, and congregations ways to think about the popular lyrics.
Is My Joy Essential in Glorifying God?
23 maj 2018 |
11 min
Our enjoyment of God is not only a response to God’s glory — it is the way we glorify him. Therefore, joy in God is not optional.
Reflections on the Seashells Sermon, 18 Years Later
21 maj 2018 |
19 min
Eighteen years after OneDay 2000, Pastor John reflects on a sermon that roused thousands of young people to not waste their lives.
How Do I Know If a Sermon Is Too Long or Too Short?
18 maj 2018 |
9 min
Is there an ideal sermon length? Pastor John gives five factors to consider when trying to decide how long to preach.
What Is the Place of Eloquence in Christian Preaching?
16 maj 2018 |
10 min
From alliteration and assonance to metaphors, imagery, and illustrations — what role does creativity, imagination, and rhetoric have in preaching?
How to Read the Bible — and Preach It
14 maj 2018 |
11 min
Good sermons and good Bible reading push into a writer’s words, grammar, and logic to embrace all the glorious realities behind them.
Piper’s Six-Stage Process for Writing Books
11 maj 2018 |
12 min
After writing over fifty books, Pastor John explains his six-stage process, from gathering the initial idea to seeing the project come to life.
How Does God’s Sovereignty Not Violate Our Decision-Making?
9 maj 2018 |
13 min
How does God’s sovereignty not make us robots? Pastor John explores the relationship between God’s sovereignty and the human will in seven steps.
My Body: Friend or Foe?
7 maj 2018 |
13 min
True freedom from body hatred does not come from finally liking what we see in the mirror. It comes from being swept up in the greatness of God.
Isn’t God Most Glorified in Me When I Am Most Self-Giving?
4 maj 2018 |
13 min
Enjoying God and loving our neighbors are not competing goals. True love is the overflow of joy in God that meets the needs of others.
How to Keep Your Faith When You Lose Confidence in a Local Church
2 maj 2018 |
13 min
Christian community is a precious gift from God. But our love for the community must never replace our love for the Lord of the community.
Why Do We See So Few Miracles Today?
30 april 2018 |
10 min
There were fewer miracles in the Bible than many of us think, and there are more miracles today than many of us know.
Where the Gospel of Roman Catholicism Fails
27 april 2018 |
12 min
Protestants insist that God imputes Christ’s righteousness to believers, while the Catholic Church claims that he imparts it. What’s the difference?
Do Paul’s Missions Leave Us with a Geographic Pattern to Follow?
25 april 2018 |
12 min
Paul’s missionary journeys do not mandate how we should do missions today, but we can certainly learn from the methods he used.
Why Will Some of Us Get Fewer Rewards in Heaven?
23 april 2018 |
11 min
There will be no envy in heaven. Perfect love will reign. Those who have more will have humility; those who have less will rejoice in others’ gifts.
Will Profanity Make Us More Relevant in Reaching Our Culture?
20 april 2018 |
10 min
Crude language won’t transform the culture. It won’t convict sinners. It may make us more relatable, but in the end it will backfire.
Can We Skip the Parts of the New Testament Not in the Original Manuscripts?
18 april 2018 |
12 min
The first manuscripts of the Bible no longer exist, but that doesn’t need to shake Christians’ faith. Pastor John gives three reasons why.
Do the Biblical Warnings Against Riches Apply to Most Americans?
16 april 2018 |
13 min
The aim of wartime simplicity is not to be as poor as possible, but to use all of our resources for the advancement of the gospel.
Have I Really Forgiven Someone If I Keep Remembering Their Wrong?
13 april 2018 |
13 min
The sign of forgiveness is not that you forget the pain another caused you, but that you relinquish the desire to punish, and instead seek their good.
How Do I Avoid the Pitfalls of Too Little Introspection and Too Much?
11 april 2018 |
11 min
Self-examination can quickly turn into self-condemnation. Pastor John offers three strategies to keep introspection in its proper place.
When Do We Intervene in Other People’s Conflicts?
9 april 2018 |
9 min
God calls Christians to be peacemakers. But when and how should we intervene in other people’s conflicts?
Does the Bible Portray Women as Emotional and Men as Rational?
6 april 2018 |
12 min
Our culture often stereotypes women as hyperemotional and men as rational. But is this a biblical dichotomy?
How Do I Show Kindness to My Children and Expect Them to Obey?
4 april 2018 |
14 min
How do we teach our children to respect our God-given authority, while also treating them with Christlike humility and servant leadership?
Is the Great Commission for Every Individual Christian?
2 april 2018 |
11 min
God may not call you to move to another country to join the Great Commission, but he has called you to play a significant part.
Does Reformed Theology Impede Racial Reconciliation?
30 mars 2018 |
12 min
Some have suggested Reformed theology is a hurdle to racial harmony. Pastor John explains why the opposite has been true over decades of urban ministry.
Dating: Good Jealousy and Bad
28 mars 2018 |
10 min
Is all jealousy bad? No, God models perfect jealousy, and calls us to have the same zeal for his glory in all we do — even in dating.
Is It Sinful for My Husband and Me to Pray Against Pregnancy?
26 mars 2018 |
8 min
God’s highest priority is not for us to have children, but for us to have Christ-exalting faith that overflows in meeting the needs of others.
Isn’t It Loving to My Family to Prepare for Doomsday?
23 mars 2018 |
11 min
Has a husband and father failed in his God-given responsibility if his family is suffering when he could have prevented it?
How to Climb the Corporate Ladder — for Jesus’s Sake
21 mars 2018 |
12 min
How can we glorify God in our jobs? Pastor John offers ten reflections to help Christians integrate their Christian life with their working life.
My Midlife Crisis — and Counsel for Yours
19 mars 2018 |
14 min
Some men may avoid a midlife crisis, but many of us will face one. Pastor John describes his own midlife crisis, and how God carried him through.
Sex-Abuse Allegations and the Egalitarian Myth
16 mars 2018 |
15 min
For fifty years, our culture has denied that men have any unique responsibility to care for and protect women. It was a myth, and it isn’t working.
When God Feels Distant, He May Want Us to Grow Up
14 mars 2018 |
12 min
When God feels distant, he may be calling us away from a flimsy faith to a tough, unshakable allegiance to Jesus.
God’s Sovereign Plans Behind Your Most Unproductive Days
12 mars 2018 |
10 min
God’s priorities for efficiency in this life are not ours. His aim is not to provide the most direct route, but to sanctify the traveler.
How Do We Avoid Over-Thinking (or Under-Thinking) the Christian Life?
9 mars 2018 |
12 min
The Bible calls us not to over-think, under-think, think poorly, or think falsely. So how can we avoid slipping into these ruts?
Do Christians Carry More Emotional Stress Than Non-Christians?
7 mars 2018 |
11 min
Many believers experience deep emotional stress over the sin and pain in the world. When these emotions become paralyzing, what should we do?
Christians Are Marrying Later — How Do I Wait in Faith?
5 mars 2018 |
12 min
Although some singles are delaying marriage for the wrong reasons, many are not. What does God say to those who yearn to marry but have no prospects?
Will We Be Finally ‘Saved’ by Faith Alone?
2 mars 2018 |
16 min
Protestants have long championed justification by faith alone. But we distort this truth when we confuse justification and final salvation.
Do Reproductive Technologies Oppose God’s Design?
28 februari 2018 |
12 min
What encouragement does God give to those who are the product of reproductive technology and feel like they were abandoned by a biological parent?
In What Way Will Christians Judge Angels?
26 februari 2018 |
10 min
In the new heavens and new earth, Christians will sit with Jesus on his throne. Ordinary believers will join God in judging the universe.
Do Cessationists Miss Out on the Full Joys of Christianity?
23 februari 2018 |
9 min
God calls us to pursue our fullest joy in him. Will we fall short if we don’t pursue the extraordinary supernatural gifts like tongues and prophecy?
On the Day Billy Graham Died
21 februari 2018 |
24 min
In this special episode, Pastor John reflects on the life and legacy of Billy Graham.
Can a Devout Roman Catholic Be Genuinely Born Again?
21 februari 2018 |
10 min
Roman Catholic teaching has led many astray, even into destruction. But are there some genuine Christians in the Roman Catholic Church?
How Does ‘Willful Sinning’ Threaten My Salvation?
19 februari 2018 |
11 min
All sin involves the will. But continuing to sin deliberately — with eagerness and persistence — will destroy the soul.
Isn’t Veganism Closer to God’s Original Design?
16 februari 2018 |
10 min
Bacon, ground beef, sausage — God allows us to eat meat. But he didn’t always allow it. Is it wise to return to a pre-fall diet?
In What Sense Did Christ Die for the Non-Elect?
14 februari 2018 |
11 min
Don’t let the truth of God’s electing love prevent you from declaring that Christ died for all. Whoever believes in him will have eternal life.
Avoiding Pride in a World of Selfie Sticks and Social Media Platforms
12 februari 2018 |
9 min
Instagram selfies, Facebook updates, and endless Snaps feed off our self-focus and self-exaltation. But the sins behind the technology are not new.
Did Jesus Advocate Castration to Break Sex Addiction?
9 februari 2018 |
9 min
If you pluck out your right eye to fight lust, your left eye will pick up the slack. We need more than self-mutilation to fight this enemy.
How Important Is It to Confess My Sin to Someone Other Than God?
7 februari 2018 |
11 min
The New Testament teaches that Christians should confess their sins regularly — not only to God, but also to each other.
Did Jesus Say I’d Be Healthier If My Faith Were Stronger?
5 februari 2018 |
9 min
If you have a mustard seed of faith and mountains aren’t moving, you may have the wrong kind of faith — or God may have a better plan.
How Do I Fight Pride When Competing in School, Business, and Sports?
2 februari 2018 |
12 min
Grading on a curve, competing for a job against others, sports-team tryouts — how do we seek the good of others when they are our rivals?
Two Strategies to Win the War on Lust
31 januari 2018 |
13 min
God calls us to not only resist lustful thoughts, but to fill our minds with the beauties of Christ so that our desires gradually conform to his.
Following Christ Is Costly — But How Do You Count the Cost?
29 januari 2018 |
9 min
We don’t get to negotiate the cost of following Christ. But there is no cost you can pay that won’t be made up a thousandfold in the resurrection.
“Let Your Light Shine” — Should I Instagram My Good Works?
26 januari 2018 |
13 min
Jesus commands us to do our good deeds in secret, but he also commands us to let our good deeds shine before others. How can we do both?
Is This Life Too Short to Determine Our Eternal Destiny?
24 januari 2018 |
11 min
God would be just to condemn us even if we only sinned for five seconds. The time it takes us to sin does not measure the gravity of the offense.
Is There a Place for Female Professors at Seminary?
22 januari 2018 |
9 min
Seminary professors need to be more than competent exegetes, linguists, or theologians. They need to embody the pastoral office.
Does God’s Happiness Depend on Mine?
19 januari 2018 |
11 min
When one sinner repents, God and his angels rejoice in heaven. Does that mean that God’s happiness depends on ours?
What Value Is the Old Testament to the Christian Life?
17 januari 2018 |
11 min
All Scripture is profitable — not just the pages of the New Testament. But how should Christians read the Old Testament in light of Christ’s coming?
Does God Love the Non-Elect?
15 januari 2018 |
10 min
God has a special love for his adopted children, but that does not mean he has no love for those who reject him.
Do Non-Christians Ever Please God?
12 januari 2018 |
10 min
Can a non-Christian ever please God? If not, how should we understand the account of Cornelius in Acts 10?
What’s Wrong with Dressing Immodestly for Attention?
10 januari 2018 |
12 min
When billboards, TV commercials, and even dolls tell women that beauty comes from tight, trim-cut clothing, how can we cultivate beauty in the heart?
To Discouraged Pastors and Their Wives
8 januari 2018 |
14 min
What should a pastor do if he feels discouraged, defeated, and almost ready to quit? Pastor John gives a series of diagnostic questions.
Why ‘Falling Out of Love’ Never Justifies Divorce
5 januari 2018 |
11 min
Staying married is not first about staying in love. It’s about keeping a covenant that reflects Jesus’s own commitment to his bride — the church.
Deep Bible Reading Strategies for the Tired and Busy
3 januari 2018 |
10 min
Deep study of Scripture yields deep payoffs, but many of us can’t engage in rigorous study every day. So how do we strike a proper balance?
A New Year, A New Bible Reading Plan
1 januari 2018 |
12 min
We need to read large sections of Scripture and stop to meditate on short passages. Pastor John recommends a reading plan that allows you to do both.
I’m Retired and Want to Do Missions — What’s My First Step?
29 december 2017 |
10 min
Retirees, what a glorious exchange it would be to give up our golf game and bridge club for the mission field. But where should we start?
Where Is Heaven Right Now?
27 december 2017 |
10 min
We can say with confidence God does not dwell in a geographic place we could go to in a spaceship. So what can we say about the location of heaven?
Why Did Jesus Need to ‘Learn Obedience’?
25 december 2017 |
10 min
Why does Hebrews tell us that Jesus needed to “learn obedience” and “be made perfect” if the Bible also says he never sinned?
Why Christmas Never Lives Up to the Buildup
22 december 2017 |
13 min
Christmas may fall short now, but one day our delight will be full — and it will go on increasing for all eternity. This is what Christmas is all about.
Do I Love God for His Gifts or for Who He Is?
20 december 2017 |
11 min
Every good gift we receive comes through the death of Christ. So every gift from God is an opportunity to enjoy God himself.
Did Jesus Diminish His Divine Power to Become Human?
18 december 2017 |
12 min
Jesus is one hundred percent God, one hundred percent man. This union of divinity and humanity may be mysterious, but it’s the only hope for sinners.
Keep Close to the Heart of Christmas
15 december 2017 |
10 min
Let’s stay close to the heart of Christmas: God took on flesh that he might die to destroy our enemies, deliver us from sin, and give us eternal life.
To Live Is Christ — What Does That Mean?
13 december 2017 |
10 min
The key to magnifying Christ in life and in death is to find him more precious and more satisfying than everything we lose in death.
What Is the ‘Sin Not Leading to Death’ in 1 John 5?
11 december 2017 |
10 min
The only kind of sin that does not lead to death is the sin that we confess, repent of, and resolve to fight by God’s grace.
Can I Leave and Cleave If We Live with My Parents?
8 december 2017 |
10 min
In many cultures, married couples live with the husband’s family. But does “leaving and cleaving” mean they should move out and get their own place?
How to Live Wisely in the End Times
6 december 2017 |
9 min
George Ladd has done more to shape our view of the end times than almost any other theologian. Pastor John explains the man and his influence.
We Are Accountable for What We Know
4 december 2017 |
9 min
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.” Did Jesus intend this warning for believers or nonbelievers?
When Do Christians Resist a Government That Kills Its Citizens?
1 december 2017 |
11 min
By default, Christians should submit to public officials. But how should Christians respond to rampant injustice in government?
To Whom Did Jesus Pay Our Ransom?
29 november 2017 |
10 min
If Christ died to pay our debt, whom did he pay? Did he pay Satan in order to free us from captivity, or did he pay God to free us from our penalty?
Did Public Controversy over the Nashville Statement Hurt the Cause?
27 november 2017 |
18 min
The Bible’s view of human sexuality is a beautiful truth that we should set on a pedestal — even if that means others hate us for it.
Does Hebrews Tell Us to “Grow Up” Beyond the Gospel?
24 november 2017 |
11 min
We don’t ever outgrow the gospel. So why does Hebrews call us to “leave behind the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity”?
How Do You Structure Your Prayer Life?
22 november 2017 |
14 min
On any given day, innumerable needs surround us that all call for prayer. So how do we navigate these endless needs and decide what to pray for?
Does God Decree Events He Doesn’t Want to Happen?
20 november 2017 |
12 min
If nothing happens outside of God’s control, then why is this world filled with events that clearly oppose God’s revealed will?
How Do I Glorify God in My Job?
17 november 2017 |
10 min
Most of us spend at least forty hours a week at work. So how do we leverage our time there to bring honor and praise to God?
How Do I Process Personal Criticism?
15 november 2017 |
13 min
Aim to be humble rather than defensive when it comes to criticism. Only then will we be able to listen to their words and change if we’re wrong.
Why Does Gossip Feel So Good?
13 november 2017 |
11 min
Spreading damaging reports about others feels so good and comes so naturally. But why is this impulse so natural? And how do we fight it?
Am I Wrong to Prepare for a Nuclear Doomsday?
10 november 2017 |
11 min
Under the threat of nuclear war, we could easily start preparing for the worst by stocking up on food and building a bomb shelter. But should we?
Why Does God’s Sovereignty Make Some Ambitious and Others Apathetic?
8 november 2017 |
12 min
Why do some hear of God’s sovereignty and run into the mission field with confidence, while others passively say, “What will be will be”?
How Do I Love God More Than My Entertainment?
6 november 2017 |
11 min
What should we do if the thrills of TV, movies, video games, and sports feel more interesting than spending time with God?
The Dignity of Those with Dementia
3 november 2017 |
11 min
Dementia may turn God’s people into frail shadows of their former self, but these saints are sitting on the brink of a glory and power we can’t imagine.
Six Common Ways Preachers Dishonor God’s Word
1 november 2017 |
10 min
The stakes are high when pastors do not root their points plainly from the text in front of them. Here are six consequences.
How Do I Know If I’m Loving My Wife Well?
30 oktober 2017 |
14 min
The Bible calls husbands to lead their wives. But where should you go for help if you’ve never seen anyone model Christlike leadership in the home?
Church Membership Has Left Me Relationally Jaded
27 oktober 2017 |
11 min
Even the best churches and friendships can leave us feeling relationally jaded. So how can we persevere in love when others disappoint us so much?
Is God a Megalomaniac?
25 oktober 2017 |
15 min
God seeks our worship, not because it meets his need, but because it meets ours. God is the only one beautiful enough to satisfy us forever.
How Much of My Happiness Is Settled by Factors Outside My Immediate Control?
23 oktober 2017 |
8 min
Someone recently claimed that 88% of our happiness is outside of our control. How should a Christian hedonist evaluate this theory?
How Martin Luther Built a Brand That Changed the World
20 oktober 2017 |
34 min
The Reformation spread when an unknown monk leveraged a rudimentary piece of technology developed by a devout Roman Catholic.
What Are the Best Reformation Biographies?
18 oktober 2017 |
11 min
Good biographies expose us to times, people, and thinking outside of our own day. Here are some of the best biographies of Reformation figures.
Why the Reformation Remains Relevant After 500 Years
16 oktober 2017 |
12 min
Choosing which of the five ‘solas’ is most important is like choosing which wing of an airplane matters most. All the ‘solas’ stand or fall together.
Is Anyone Born a Racist? Or Is It Learned?
13 oktober 2017 |
12 min
Racism, hate, and anger have all erupted in fresh ways this last year. Are we born with these ethnic prejudices, or do we learn them?
Is Knowing God’s Sovereignty Important to My Daily Life?
11 oktober 2017 |
15 min
The Bible not only recognizes that God controls everything. It also demands that we build our lives around that truth.
God Is Holy and Righteous — Are Those the Same?
9 oktober 2017 |
10 min
What is the difference between God’s holiness and his righteousness? And what does that mean for us?
Ephesians 1:18: Who Will Receive the Riches of Heaven?
6 oktober 2017 |
9 min
Is Ephesians 1:18 about God inheriting believers, or is it about believers inheriting God’s glory? Pastor John offers a few defenses for his view.
Confronting Emotional and Verbal Abuse in the Home
4 oktober 2017 |
13 min
God did not design marriage for outbursts, verbal putdowns, or raised voices. If this describes your marriage, here’s some advice from Pastor John.
Is It Harmful to Date in High School?
2 oktober 2017 |
11 min
Falling in love is a wonderful gift, but for most the maturity to handle a relationship of that depth doesn’t come in high school.
The Great Marriage Killer
29 september 2017 |
10 min
Anger destroys relationships, but the Bible has a category for righteous anger. So what’s the difference between the good version and the deadly one?
Reading Is Agonizing for Me — How Can I Study the Bible in Small Bits?
27 september 2017 |
12 min
Hearing the word of God is not a mere discipline — it is a matter of life and death. But how can we take in God’s word when reading feels like a chore?
The Lord’s Supper — Somber or Cheerful?
25 september 2017 |
9 min
Communion calls to mind the most tragic event in the history of the world and the greatest hope ever offered. Only mature believers can set that tone.
What Does It Mean to ‘Abide in Christ’?
22 september 2017 |
12 min
Jesus is clear that abiding in him is not optional. But what does it actually mean to daily remain attached to him?
What’s the Origin of Desiring God’s Slogan?
20 september 2017 |
10 min
This slogan became the heartbeat of Pastor John's life and the hallmark of Desiring God’s ministry. So where did it come from?
Did Adam and Eve Sin Before the Bite?
18 september 2017 |
12 min
The ultimate sin in the garden was not eating the fruit. Adam and Eve lost their taste for God’s beauty before they reached for the tree.
Does God Control All Things All the Time?
15 september 2017 |
11 min
We know that God has the ability to control everything, but does he always choose to exercise his full sovereignty?
Popular Author Stumbles — What Should We Do With His Books?
13 september 2017 |
10 min
All authors are flawed, but what should we do with an author’s work when a public failure discredits them as a sound teacher?
Are We Called to Thank God for Our Severest Suffering?
11 september 2017 |
16 min
We don’t have to pretend we don’t feel pain from our losses. Grieving with hope means something far greater than moving on from the pain.
John Piper’s Prayer in the Path of Hurricanes
9 september 2017 |
9 min
God doesn’t mean for us to forget him or minimize him when hurricanes devastate human life. Pastor Piper turns Godward and prays in the path of hurricanes.
What Is the Kingdom of God?
8 september 2017 |
10 min
Jesus focused a lot on the kingdom of God. But what is the kingdom? And why does the rest of the New Testament hardly mention the theme?
Are Small Churches Less Fruitful?
6 september 2017 |
11 min
A pastor’s job is not to count how many people come on Sunday, but to make faith-filled, self-denying, fruit-bearing disciples.
How Did I Fail My Unbelieving Children?
4 september 2017 |
12 min
Parents will fail hundreds of times as they strive to raise their kids biblically. So how can we find hope in the midst of these many shortcomings?
Has Marriage Become My Idol?
1 september 2017 |
11 min
God never designed marriage to be our ultimate treasure. Here are some signs that we have made our marriage into something God never intended it to be.
Did God Choose Me Because He Loved Me or Love Me Because He Chose Me?
30 augusti 2017 |
11 min
God’s love and election work hand and hand. There’s no election that is not loving, and there’s no initiating love that is not electing.
Six Questions to Ask Before You Binge on Netflix
28 augusti 2017 |
12 min
When thinking about TV, music, or movies, don't ask, “What’s wrong with this?” but, instead, “Will it maximize my holiness?”
Is Wartime Living the Same as Minimalism?
25 augusti 2017 |
14 min
Wartime lifestyle seeks to glorify God — not to live with the least amount of stuff. It simply admits that life must be different during a battle.
If Someone Doesn’t Like Me, Have I Ruined My Christian Witness?
23 augusti 2017 |
11 min
When is it right to please people? When is it wrong to please people? Motive matters.
Am I Single Because I’m Defective?
21 augusti 2017 |
9 min
God has designed marriage to bring about a kind of cherishing that emerges nowhere else. But that doesn’t mean you are uncherishable if your single.
Local Atheist or Modern Pharisee — Who Is the Greater Threat?
18 augusti 2017 |
8 min
Jesus faced more opposition from the Pharisees than the Romans. Are religious formalists a greater threat to the church today than our secular neighbors?
How to Stay Christian in College
16 augusti 2017 |
14 min
Students, attending college means stepping out into the front line of the war for your faith. In order to hold fast, arm yourself for battle.
Our Wedding Date Is Set — Why Not Have Sex Now?
14 augusti 2017 |
11 min
God created sex for marriage. He designed it as beautiful gift and placed it precisely where he knew it should be.
Is God’s Grace Really Free, or Does It Cost Me Everything?
11 augusti 2017 |
12 min
We by nature don’t delight in God but in his gifts. New cars, our job, even our phones all compete for our supreme joy unless God transforms our hearts.
Retirement Homes and Caring for Aging Parents
9 augusti 2017 |
11 min
One way to honor our parents is to love them as we love ourselves. If we would hope to be helped in our old age, we should find ways to help our parents.
When Worship Lyrics Miss the Mark
7 augusti 2017 |
13 min
Members of our churches learn truth not only from the sermons they hear, but also from the songs they sing. Lyrics on Sunday morning matter.
Do All Religions Lead to God?
4 augusti 2017 |
10 min
Jesus provides the litmus test for all religions. Any religion that refuses to worship him is a false religion.
Should a Single Parent Get Married?
2 augusti 2017 |
11 min
Two parents are better than one. But does God require a single parent to marry if he or she doesn’t desire marriage?
My Best Life Now?
31 juli 2017 |
12 min
Following Jesus brings suffering we could have avoided. But the alternative is losing your soul while only gaining the cheap pleasures of the world.
Does John Piper Overplay Bible Literacy?
28 juli 2017 |
11 min
Was Piper right to say, “You don’t have a chance against the devil unless you know how to read and understand God’s word”?
Should We Memorize Catechisms or Scripture?
26 juli 2017 |
9 min
A catechism can help children interpret the Bible, point them to important Scriptures, and capture the whole counsel of God’s word.
Why the Coming Kingdom of Christ Is Really Bad News
24 juli 2017 |
10 min
For millions of people, the future reign of God is terrible news. His rule will not be an invitation to eternal joy, but a final verdict: eternal damnation.
Glorifying God in Unshakable Grief
21 juli 2017 |
10 min
Joy will come, even when it feels like the pain will never end. In the meantime, God promises to be near you in ways you can’t feel outside of suffering.
“My Life Feels Pointless”
19 juli 2017 |
10 min
Our aging bodies and nearness to death need not sap the joy that God gives us while we remain on earth. He still has a purpose for us.
Does My Sex Life Affect My Prayer Life?
17 juli 2017 |
9 min
When couples temporarily suspend sexual intimacy for the purpose of prayer, they say with their bodies how desperate they are for God to answer.
“I Had an Abortion”
14 juli 2017 |
13 min
Those who have had an abortion should own the guilt, but they should not stop there. God has more than enough grace reserved at the cross.
Soul Care for Exhausted Young Mothers
12 juli 2017 |
10 min
Moms, your walk with God is as essential for the good of your children as the milk you feed them and the diapers you change.
Does God’s Pursuit of His Glory Ever Detract from His Love?
10 juli 2017 |
8 min
Our deepest, sweetest joy will not come from God making much of us, but from God freeing us to make much of him forever.
Should I “Dream Big” for God When I Have a Huge Ego?
7 juli 2017 |
9 min
Egos do not shrink when we stop dreaming big. With big, small, and even stagnant dreams, we will need to kill our self-promoting instinct.
How Much Sleep Is Too Much Sleep?
5 juli 2017 |
8 min
Sleep shatters our God complex because we have to put down our tools, take off our boots, and remember that God is the decisive worker, always.
Can I Remarry If My Spouse Dies? Should I?
3 juli 2017 |
9 min
Widows and widowers should feel no pressure to rush into a remarriage, but they shouldn’t exclude the possibility either.
How Would You Lead an Overly Patriotic Church?
30 juni 2017 |
9 min
The goal of any change in a local church is to shepherd people into a deeper love for God. We must not lose sight of that in our zeal to align with God’s word.
Should Patriotism Have a Place in Church?
28 juni 2017 |
9 min
A Christian’s first identity is with the King of the universe, not with any country or nationality or political party or governmental regime.
How Is Jesus Both Joy and Master?
26 juni 2017 |
11 min
The Bible calls us to serve God, but we must remember that we can only do that because God first came to serve and help us.
How Do I Study a Specific Topic in the Bible?
23 juni 2017 |
10 min
Studying the Bible does not need to be complex. Simple tools can help us glean amazing insights from the word.
Jesus Said He’d Return Soon, So Where Is He?
21 juni 2017 |
13 min
A careful study of New Testament prophecy should never lead us to assume that Jesus and the apostles were wrong about the timing of Jesus’s return.
How Can I Better Study a Bible Passage?
19 juni 2017 |
9 min
“Think over what I say,” commands the Lord. How can a faithful student of the Bible do this without leaning on commentaries and scholars?
What Can We Say to Friends Facing Suffering?
16 juni 2017 |
11 min
When suffering drones on and on, what can we do to stay steadfast in our call to share in this suffering? 
How Do I “Give My Life to God”?
14 juni 2017 |
10 min
Settle it in your mind and heart whether you believe Christ purchased you. If so, you are utterly dependent on God for life, meaning, and satisfaction.
I Know God Loves Me, but Does He Like Me?
12 juni 2017 |
13 min
If you live in the flesh, you will never please God. But those who have the Spirit delight God as they bear fruit. Even the small harvests please him.
Did Israel’s King Consult with a Witch?
9 juni 2017 |
8 min
God’s people must not consult with mediums — not because there’s no such thing as communication with the dead, but because it is an abomination to do so.
When Do I Unfollow My Pastor?
7 juni 2017 |
9 min
To be united to God is to be united in principle and in love to the people of God. We don’t choose between belonging to God and belonging to his people.
How Do I Escape Regret over Hurt I’ve Caused?
5 juni 2017 |
9 min
Don’t be paralyzed by feelings of regret. Rather let those very feelings empower you with a sense of greater grace, gratitude, and joy in God’s grace.
How Do I Follow Big Sections of Scripture?
2 juni 2017 |
12 min
As you study the Bible, study larger portions by looking for similarities in the sections that fit together.
The Only Solution to Spiritual Blindness
31 maj 2017 |
8 min
Spiritually dead and blind people are willfully dark. It’s what they prefer. Therefore, they can only be rescued by a divine miracle.
What’s the Point of Your New Trilogy of Books?
29 maj 2017 |
10 min
John Piper believes nothing is more important for his remaining years than to focus on the authority and the meaning and the heralding of God’s word.
God’s Work in Your Depression
26 maj 2017 |
10 min
Depression is not simply black and white. There are many degrees of discouragement, and God is able to provide help in them all.
Will You Ever Write a Piper Bible Commentary?
24 maj 2017 |
11 min
Good commentaries should ask and answer questions that enable people to see things for themselves, and probe into reality, not just verbal relations.
My Sin Feels Good in the Moment — Why Stop?
22 maj 2017 |
14 min
God commands us not merely to flee evil, but to hate evil — not merely to do mercy, but to love mercy.
Can We Be Legalistic About Not Being Legalists?
19 maj 2017 |
12 min
Christ’s righteousness is the sole ground of our acceptance into God’s favor, but our new life of holiness is necessary to demonstrate that we are truly in him.
Is Body Image My Idol?
17 maj 2017 |
11 min
Pursuing physical fitness becomes sinful self-glorification when we no longer do so to overcome our own sin, serve others, and glorify Christ.
Will You Write More Biographies?
15 maj 2017 |
14 min
Tell stories of Christians to inspire others to love Jesus, give them insight into perplexing difficulties, and motivate them to follow him no matter what.
What’s the Difference Between ‘Foolish’ and ’Sinful’?
12 maj 2017 |
9 min
Foolishness in the Bible is always sinful. To act foolishly is sin, and to sin is to act foolishly.
Can I Forgive Someone Who Doesn’t Confess Wronging Me?
10 maj 2017 |
11 min
Renounce revenge, trust your cause to God, and return good for evil. You can do that whether your adversary admits wrong or not.
Is Homosexuality Really the Worst Sin?
8 maj 2017 |
9 min
The blood of Christ is sufficient to wash away every sin and remove all judgment and bring us to everlasting healing and joy.
Why Does John Piper Complicate Saving Faith?
5 maj 2017 |
11 min
To come to true saving faith, you have to experience the miracle of spiritual sight of the supremely valuable glory of Christ, the image of God.
Explaining Hell to Our Children
3 maj 2017 |
14 min
God intends for our real and wise fear of hell to be a means of clarifying and establishing his glory and truth in our hearts.
How Will God Judge What I Do Today?
1 maj 2017 |
12 min
Teachers need to be vigilant over what they teach, and all Christians need to be vigilant over what they do with what they are taught.
Is John Piper Happy?
28 april 2017 |
10 min
The promise of future joy penetrates back into the present and sustains us with joy now in the midst of sorrow.
Three Strategies for Overcoming the Superficial Life
26 april 2017 |
10 min
Our tragic loss of wonder and amazement is epidemic, especially in our age of ever-present distraction by superficial input from every manner of media.
God Made Me — So Doesn’t He Owe Me Salvation?
24 april 2017 |
9 min
Thinking that God owes us naturally leads to arrogant abuse. But knowing that we deserve nothing good from God naturally leads to brokenhearted love.
Does the Bible Prescribe Alcohol to the Depressed?
21 april 2017 |
9 min
Don’t open your mouth to alcohol to numb your pain. Open your mouth to speak right things that would deliver you from misjudgment.
Is Male Headship a Lost Cause?
19 april 2017 |
10 min
There will always be complementarians willing to die for the truth who will give their lives rather than conform to an unbiblical culture.
How Do I Love My Unbelieving Spouse?
17 april 2017 |
12 min
The key to persevering in a discouraging marriage is hope and faith from God’s word that he can overcome the divide.
The Glory of Good Friday
14 april 2017 |
13 min
Christ was a just and merciful substitute for sinners. When he died for his elect, he bore their punishment. They experience no condemnation.
The Horror of Crucifixion
12 april 2017 |
15 min
Studying the historical and physical realities of crucifixion shows how deplorable and inhumane that form of human extermination is.
What’s the Last Thing You Would Tweet?
10 april 2017 |
9 min
Jesus, God’s Son, died in the place of sinners and rose so that all who love him supremely might be forgiven all and have eternal joy in God.
Campus Ministry and the Local Church — Do They Work Together?
7 april 2017 |
7 min
When parachurch campus ministries are an extension of the local church, they can strategically reach and disciple the lost together.
How Do Finite Beings Worship an Infinite God?
5 april 2017 |
11 min
God does not require finite man to love him infinitely. But he does require total and supreme love.
Was Calvin a Christian Hedonist?
3 april 2017 |
7 min
Because John Calvin loved the glory of God and our pursuit of happiness in him, John Piper believes he would have been a Christian Hedonist.
Should Christians Vacation to Religious Shrines?
31 mars 2017 |
9 min
It is a terrible sign of spiritual obliviousness to visit religious shrines and not feel heartbreak and caution for demonic powers of deception.
My Parents Say Missions Is a Waste of American Blessings
29 mars 2017 |
9 min
If your parents think pursuing missions is a waste, win them to your vision and show them that Christ is sufficient to satisfy your soul.
What’s the Appeal of Heavenly Rewards Other Than Getting Christ?
27 mars 2017 |
11 min
Christ is our reward — as is everything else that more fully reveals him and more fully enables us to enjoy him.
Should We Baptize the Dead?
24 mars 2017 |
13 min
Baptism demonstrates and symbolically reenacts our spiritual death, burial, and resurrection in Christ. But it does not save anyone.
I’m Confused — Are We to Pray with Few Words or Without Ceasing?
22 mars 2017 |
9 min
Pray to God at all times, but don’t think you can twist God’s arm by repeating your requests. He seeks heartfelt, authentic fellowship.
How Can My Difficult Marriage Glorify Christ?
20 mars 2017 |
8 min
A faithful, covenant-keeping spouse can display the truth of Christ’s covenant with us — even after a failed marriage.
Do We Really Need Musical Worship?
17 mars 2017 |
10 min
Qualified leaders should help God’s people come together to express his infinite value by lifting their voices and hearts in song.
When Should Christians Use Satire?
15 mars 2017 |
9 min
While satire, irony, sarcasm, and ridicule all have their place in exposing evil and harm, Christians should patiently seek to win others in love.
Why Does the New Testament Cite Extrabiblical Sources?
13 mars 2017 |
8 min
Sometimes biblical authors drew in material from outside the Bible in order to strengthen their points for their audience.
What Is Revival and Where Do We Find It?
10 mars 2017 |
7 min
Revival is a concentrated work of God where Christians in various churches earnestly desire more of Christ, boldness in witness, and commitment to missions.
The Benedict Option and American Politics: 12-Minute Audio with Don Carson
9 mars 2017 |
12 min
Christians are called to be different from the world, but engaged with the world. That’s not comfortable, but it is essentially Christian.
Why I’m Baptist
8 mars 2017 |
9 min
First, be a Bible-guided Christian. Second, embrace the Bible-rooted doctrines of grace. Third, come to your convictions on baptism.
My Prodigal Left Home — Should I Give Him Money?
6 mars 2017 |
8 min
If you have a prodigal, immerse yourself in the Bible and pray with your spouse for wisdom, love, boldness, and joy.
Is God Ever Surprised?
3 mars 2017 |
9 min
God is never ignorant about the future or about anything. He is never uncertain about what is coming. He is God.
What If Life Turns Out to Be Pointless?
1 mars 2017 |
7 min
Christianity and nihilism are exclusive, because God himself is the meaning and purpose and value of human existence.
Am I Really Ready for Heaven?
27 februari 2017 |
13 min
Receive Christ, the one who did all the doing that had to be done as the foundation of our acceptance with God.
Does God Know the Exact Day I Will Die?
24 februari 2017 |
8 min
God determines when everybody dies. He decided so before the world existed.
How Soon Is Christ’s Return?
22 februari 2017 |
9 min
If Christ’s millennial reign comes after his second coming, Jesus could come very, very quickly.
Can We Ever See God or Not?
20 februari 2017 |
8 min
There are some senses in which God’s people can see him, and other senses in which they cannot.
Will Every Jew Be Saved?
17 februari 2017 |
11 min
Not all Israelites will be saved, and no Jews who are waiting for a Messiah but rejecting Jesus while they wait will be saved.
How Many Bible Versions Should I Read?
15 februari 2017 |
7 min
Use multiple Bible translations for increased general understanding, and use one main translation for meditation and memorization.
Is Pain Punishment for My Sin?
13 februari 2017 |
10 min
The purpose and design of God’s justice in punishment is infinitely different than his purifying discipline in pain.
Do Pets Distract the Christian Life?
10 februari 2017 |
9 min
While pets, like other good things, can distract us from the glory of God, they can also provide God-saturated fascination and joy.
Never Send Nude Selfies: Seven Reasons
8 februari 2017 |
13 min
Nudity belongs in marriage, and nowhere else — not in dating, not in engagement, and certainly not on your phone. Pastor John gives seven reasons why.
How Do I Pray the Bible?
6 februari 2017 |
11 min
Praying the Bible keeps us from focusing on our immediate private concerns to the exclusion of God’s larger purposes.
Was Jesus a Christian Hedonist?
3 februari 2017 |
12 min
Jesus lived to glorify his Father by enjoying him as the sustaining power for all his life, including his greatest suffering.
Can I Be Faithful to God and Popular at School?
1 februari 2017 |
10 min
Imitate Christ and ask yourself, “How can I serve somebody today?” not, “How can I get somebody to like me today?”
Will Some People in Heaven Have More Joy Than Others?
30 januari 2017 |
10 min
The greatness of our rewards in the age to come correspond with the life of obedience that we have lived here.
Grape Nuts — Hot or Cold?
28 januari 2017 |
3 min
The secret to enjoying Grape Nuts is so special, John Piper wrote a limerick to explain.
Can Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on Me?
27 januari 2017 |
9 min
Although we don’t know how much our loved ones in heaven can watch us, we do know that they would encourage us to fix our eyes on Jesus.
Was Any Biblical Writer Aware He Was Inspired?
25 januari 2017 |
7 min
The Bible is God’s word not simply because the authors said so, but because of the way God’s glory shines through it.
What If I Ruin My Kids?
23 januari 2017 |
11 min
When God calls a woman to be a mother, it is a glorious calling, and such women should consider and embrace those glories.
John Piper’s Prayer for President Trump
20 januari 2017 |
8 min
Listen to John Piper’s heart and Godward hopes for the 45th presidency of the United States.
Christ Reigns over All: Biblical Survey of God’s Kingdom
20 januari 2017 |
35 min
The ultimate hope for all Christians is the new heaven and the new earth, where everyone will see God as King over all.
Help! My Teen Is Abandoning Christ
18 januari 2017 |
11 min
If your child has turned from Christ, don’t despair. God loves to hear your prayers and can meet your situation with power.
What Does It Mean That God Will Glorify Me? And How?
16 januari 2017 |
8 min
If you find praise from other people more satisfying than praise from God, you will not be able to believe on Jesus.
Are Men Superior to Women?
13 januari 2017 |
11 min
With every difference between men and women, there is a kind of counterpoint of indispensability.
I’m Exhausted — How Do I Recharge My Body Without Neglecting My Soul?
11 januari 2017 |
14 min
If you are a weary pastor, ask God to protect you from wasted leisure and to help you pursue God-honoring refreshment.
Don’t Waste Your Engagement: How to Prepare for Marriage
9 januari 2017 |
9 min
Engagement is a golden opportunity for men to set patterns of spiritual leadership and talk with their ladies about biblical and spiritual realities.
Did John the Baptist Advocate Divorce?
6 januari 2017 |
7 min
Some people use Matthew 14:4 to justify divorce. But Piper shares three uncertainties in the text that should keep us from doing so.
Am I Holy Enough to Take Communion?
4 januari 2017 |
7 min
If you are a member in good standing at your local church, renounce sin, and treasure Christ, then you should eat the Lord’s Supper with hope.
Will I Be Single for the Rest of My Life?
2 januari 2017 |
12 min
God promises to give his single children an everlasting monument and name better than sons and daughters.
Is It Sinful to Seek Fame Online?
30 december 2016 |
11 min
We must not find satisfaction in the praise of men, but in God himself and in helping others find that same satisfaction.
Why Are Women More Eager Missionaries?
28 december 2016 |
10 min
More single women serve in missions than single men, but God is able to give grace for every circumstance.
How Does a ‘Man’s Man’ Sing to a ‘Beautiful’ Jesus?
26 december 2016 |
10 min
When we see all of Jesus’s virtuous capacities and magnificent achievements, it is natural, not awkward, to call him beautiful.
The Sacrifice of Christ in the Season of Christmas
23 december 2016 |
23 min
We must see how sacrifice works as a theme in all of the Bible in order to fully appreciate the cross of Christ.
John Piper’s Favorite Hymn
21 december 2016 |
12 min
And it’s a rather obscure German hymn you’ve probably never heard — until now.
Santa Claus: Harmless Fun or Tragic Distraction?
19 december 2016 |
6 min
If being Jesus-focused is a killjoy for your Christmas, you don’t know him well.
Will We Fear God in Heaven?
16 december 2016 |
7 min
We should not exclude the prospect of trembling in and of itself from our glorified state in the age to come.
Is It Sinful to Be Pregnant Before Marriage?
14 december 2016 |
8 min
A pregnancy outside of marriage exposes a previous sin, but pregnancy itself is not sin. Pastor John gives three reasons why.
Can Christians Benefit from Books by Nonbelievers?
12 december 2016 |
11 min
It is wise to pursue a measured use of wide reading and listening — including non-Christian authors.
Can We Do Whatever We Want in Heaven?
9 december 2016 |
7 min
In the age to come, when there will be no more sorrow or sin, we will experience perfect freedom for the first time.
I’m Paralyzed by Indecision — What Should I Do?
7 december 2016 |
9 min
As you make plans, know that when God works for you, the goal of his work is to fit you for enjoying God himself.
Am I Quenching the Holy Spirit?
5 december 2016 |
7 min
Quenching the Spirit means despising or neglecting his gifts, refusing to express spiritual emotion, and resisting his fruit.
Does God Promise to Feed and Clothe Christians?
2 december 2016 |
8 min
God will give us everything we need to do his will and to glorify him most fully, even if it means death.
Which Old-Testament Promises Apply to Me?
30 november 2016 |
9 min
We are heirs of all God’s promises. But they are fulfilled differently today because of the work of Jesus.
Talk to Your Wife About Lust
28 november 2016 |
6 min
Only Christ-centered commitment enables spouses to be honest with each other about their sexual purity.
Are We Overdoing the Anti-Prosperity Gospel Theme?
25 november 2016 |
13 min
God does not mean to remove suffering in this life, but assure us in suffering that nothing can separate us from his love.
Yes to Hating Sin, No to Hating Self
23 november 2016 |
11 min
Remember your corruption enough to humble yourself, but forget whatever keeps you back from pressing on toward Christ.
Should We Encourage Interracial Marriage?
21 november 2016 |
13 min
Your conscience should be clear in marrying a godly, Christ-exalting spouse, whatever his or her race.
How to Read a Bible Full of Promises
18 november 2016 |
23 min
The Bible portrays the unfolding of history under the sovereignty of God to bring about his purposes in line with his promises.
How Is Christ My Advocate If His Saving Work Is Finished?
16 november 2016 |
12 min
Christ’s advocacy is the ongoing presentation of our union with him established at the cross through faith by the Spirit.
Did My Lust Cause Our Miscarriage?
14 november 2016 |
13 min
God wills a new humility and submission and faith through our sin and the pain of loss.
Should We Obey Old Testament Law?
11 november 2016 |
9 min
The prohibition of eating pork is a refusal to submit to God’s plan for the fulfillment of the Law in Jesus.
What Is “Fullness of Joy” and Do I Have It?
9 november 2016 |
11 min
The fullness of our joy in God will climax when we delight in the Son with the very delight that the Father has in him.
Isn’t Unlimited Atonement More Glorious Than Limited Atonement?
7 november 2016 |
12 min
Definite atonement triumphs over unbelief and hardness of heart and brings to pass salvation and all the purposes of God that depend on it.
A Little Introduction to Covenants
4 november 2016 |
21 min
We think of our Bibles as two testaments, but the notion of covenant shapes much of how God has shaped the Scriptures.
The Heart of Christian Hedonism — and the Bible and Creation and Everything
2 november 2016 |
9 min
The greatest happiness God pursues is the delight he takes in the echoes of his excellence in the supremely happy praises of the saints.
Why Do We Celebrate the Protestant Reformation?
31 oktober 2016 |
11 min
The Reformation celebrates how embracing Christ as our supreme treasure in faith is how we enjoy God’s fellowship.
Contrary to Roman Catholics, the Bible Is Our Sufficient Authority
28 oktober 2016 |
9 min
If the Bible is God’s word, by definition no human authority can serve alongside it with equal authority.
Is It Sinful to Watch Porn with My Spouse?
26 oktober 2016 |
8 min
It is inconceivable that the pleasures Christ has in the church would be stimulated by his imaging a prostitute to get his juices flowing.
Why Does God Regret and Repent in the Bible?
24 oktober 2016 |
10 min
God is capable of bringing something about and both lamenting that act in one regard, while affirming it as best in another.
Is It Love If I Don’t Feel It?
21 oktober 2016 |
13 min
Our loving behavior must always include gladness in God that overflows in the hope of including other people in our joy.
How Is the Law Written on Every Heart?
19 oktober 2016 |
11 min
Real obedience to God, even though imperfect, is made possible through the work of Christ for all who believe in him.
Why Did Jesus Delay So Long Before Entering Human History?
17 oktober 2016 |
10 min
Given the way he chose to make the gospel clear in the world, God’s preparations for Christ were necessary and fitting. 
Little Ears, “Big Church,” and Sensitive Sermons
14 oktober 2016 |
9 min
Pastors should notify parents when they need to address difficult topics so they can decide if they want their children present.
As a Pastor, Did You Use Church Growth Strategies?
12 oktober 2016 |
13 min
There should be a never-ending stream of creativity in helping our people reach the lost, but theological faithfulness is essential.
How Do We Prepare Our Children for Suffering?
10 oktober 2016 |
10 min
Help your children prepare to suffer by teaching them a biblical worldview, disciplining them, and modeling joy through your own sorrow.
Fight Sin, Find Rest
7 oktober 2016 |
10 min
The fight, the striving, the narrow, the hard, the work, the warfare is not a striving to get Christ. It is a striving precisely to rest.
Does Porn Use Disqualify a Pastor?
5 oktober 2016 |
9 min
If a pastor looks at porn once, restore him with his wife and fellow elders. But if it is a pattern, he is unqualified for eldership.
You Cannot Glorify God If You Find Him Boring
3 oktober 2016 |
11 min
God created the world to present himself as glorious, not boring. Therefore, we must move beyond knowing and believing to joy.
How Do I Test My Interpretations of the Bible?
30 september 2016 |
10 min
There are many dangers that teachers like John Piper must guard against, but also many practices which help guard them.
How Can I Minister to My Classmates This Year?
28 september 2016 |
10 min
Students, you can be ready to tell someone why you have hope in Jesus.
Is the Missionary Greater Than the Artist?
26 september 2016 |
11 min
While God requires faithfulness from everyone, some vocations are worth twice the honor as others.
Should I Confront Sin in My Non-Christian Friends?
23 september 2016 |
8 min
The longer you wait to share Christ with your friends, the more perplexed they will be. Befriend and confront others in love, as Jesus did.
Is Christian Hedonism Only for Complementarians?
21 september 2016 |
12 min
Egalitarians can also embrace Christian Hedonism, though not all the relational details will look the same.
Five Strategies for Avoiding Intellectualism
19 september 2016 |
11 min
A warm, practical, affectionate relationship with the living Christ really matters.
Can I Be Sure I’m Saved If Persevering Is the Proof?
16 september 2016 |
14 min
God intends for his children to take heart from his promises to preserve them to the end.
Why Did Jesus Not Seek His Own Glory?
14 september 2016 |
9 min
Jesus does not seek private glory apart from the Father’s glory, but he does seek his glory through the Father after his redemptive work is done.
Does God Love His Enemies?
12 september 2016 |
8 min
Both God and his people love their human enemies, but not in the same way, since God is all-wise and all-governing, and we are finite.
How Can I Soften My Own Heart?
9 september 2016 |
10 min
God causes the miracle of unhardening our hearts, and we act the miracle of unhardening them.
Jesus Is My Brother — But What Does That Mean?
7 september 2016 |
12 min
Christ shared in our suffering as fallen mortals so that we could be included in the divine family, with Christ as our superior older brother.
How Do I Pray Without Ceasing?
5 september 2016 |
10 min
The command to “pray without ceasing” should motivate rather than intimidate us. Armed with joy and thankfulness, we can overflow in prayer.
Should We Meet in House Churches?
2 september 2016 |
9 min
Nowhere in the New Testament is it commanded or forbidden that local churches meet in homes. Leaders must use other factors to make that decision.
How Do You Pray in Public, Without Performing?
31 augusti 2016 |
17 min
Pastors must affirm the absolute power, goodness, and wisdom of God during the most tragic of circumstances to give their people comfort and hope.
“I Go to Church to See Miracles” — Is That Reason Legit?
30 augusti 2016 |
8 min
Jesus’s miracle of fish and bread proves it. An appetite for miracles is no proof one is a Christian. As John Piper explains, “Seeing the mere event of an external physical miracle should never be the goal of the Christian.”
Can We Overdo Christian Hedonism?
29 augusti 2016 |
7 min
Yes, we can overdo Christian Hedonism, “because it is possible to overemphasize anything,” says John Piper. So what are the warning signs?
God’s Glory Illustrated — for Kids
26 augusti 2016 |
10 min
When you want God over everything else, you glorify the value of God.
Red, Yellow, Black, and White — Could Every Race Come from Adam, Eve, and Noah?
25 augusti 2016 |
9 min
“The division of humanity into languages and ethnicities was a judgment from God,” says John Piper. And yet it was also part of his unfolding plan to save the nations.
What Is the Role of Pentecostalism in the World?
24 augusti 2016 |
6 min
Evangelicalism’s global growth is mainly Pentecostal, says John Piper. This is cause for celebration, and for concern, because the growth is often entangled by prosperity theology.
Tragedy Overload in the Digital Age: How Do We Handle All the Bad News?
23 augusti 2016 |
10 min
In the digital age, needs surround us. So how do we avoiding inactivity paralysis? We return to God, says John Piper, whose shoulders alone can bear the crushing weight of global suffering.
If I’m Dead to Sin, Why Must I Kill It Every Day?
22 augusti 2016 |
12 min
If Christians are born again and have therefore died to sin, why do we need to fight so hard to put sin to death?
Prepare for Suffering Now
18 augusti 2016 |
13 min
Personal suffering should not surprise us (1 Peter 4:12). The Bible not only promises it, it also teaches us how to “squeeze as much Christ-exalting meaning out of our suffering as we can.” John Piper explains.
What Makes My Life Significant?
17 augusti 2016 |
6 min
What drives John Piper? “This is one of the greatest discoveries of my life,” he recent told an audience in Italy, “that God’s purpose to be glorified and my passion to be satisfied are not at odds.”
Divorce, Remarriage, and Honoring God
16 augusti 2016 |
12 min
If you’re married, keep your promise. If you’re divorced and remarried, keep your promise. Don’t break your word a second time.
Should Children Sit Through ‘Big Church’?
15 augusti 2016 |
12 min
The greatest stumbling block for children in worship is parents who don’t cherish their own worship. We can’t impart what we don’t possess.
Transgenderism: Hopes, Tensions, and Biological Roadblocks
12 augusti 2016 |
8 min
“Until we find our rest in Christ, we will be trying to invent ourselves in ways that will only end in tears.” Rob Smith on the hopes, tensions, and roadblocks of the transgender movement.
Is Technology Outpacing Our Ethics?
11 augusti 2016 |
8 min
“Transgender surgery often contradicts the Hippocratic principle of ‘Do no harm,’” says theologian and ethicist Rob Smith in today’s episode. “You are now perhaps mutilating a perfectly healthy body to try and address a psychological problem.”
What Gives Us the Right to Label Transgender Impulses as Wrong?
10 augusti 2016 |
13 min
“Christians should get as good a grasp on questions about transgender, whether or not we have transgender friends,” says theologian and ethicist Rob Smith. “Because when a person hurts themselves, it hurts others.”
What Causes Gender Dysphoria?
9 augusti 2016 |
9 min
“God has given us distinct body and soul, but they exist in psychosomatic unity,” says theologian and ethicist Rob Smith. “The two are knit together (Psalm 139:13).” So what does this mean in the transgender debate?
Why Did the Transgender Revolution Catch Us by Surprise?
8 augusti 2016 |
12 min
“Gender dysphoria ought to evoke our compassion,” says Rob Smith, our guest this week on the podcast. “It is a horrific affliction to bear.” Smith is a theologian and ethicist at Sydney Missionary and Bible College in Australia, and for him, gender dysphoria hits home.
John Piper’s Funeral Prayer for a Family of Five
6 augusti 2016 |
13 min
What John Piper prayed at the funeral of Jamison and Kathryne Pals, 29, and their three children, 3-year-old Ezra, 23-month-old Violet, and 2-month-old Calvin.
Exodus: Understanding One of the Bible’s Major Themes
5 augusti 2016 |
28 min
“Here is the greatest redemptive event in the Old Testament to which subsequent revelation points to again and again and again,” says Don Carson. It’s worth understanding well.
Paying Pastors, Church Buildings, and Weekly Sermons?
4 augusti 2016 |
10 min
Any given Sunday — thinking biblically about pastor salaries, buildings, and the place of preaching.
Three Steps to Stop Wasting Your Life
3 augusti 2016 |
4 min
If you trust God, renounce self-reliance, and bring him into every life situation, he will make your paths straight.
If the Bible Has Been Added To, Can We Trust It?
2 augusti 2016 |
8 min
The same criteria we use to discern which passages don’t belong in the Bible are the same criteria we use to discern which passages do belong.
Should I Pursue Marriage If I Doubt My Salvation?
1 augusti 2016 |
7 min
Pastor John helps a listener who doubts his salvation discern when to seek a wife.
“I Want Kids. My Husband Doesn’t”
29 juli 2016 |
12 min
Pastor John advises a married couple who disagree on whether or not to have kids. 
When Does Humor Become Sinful?
28 juli 2016 |
11 min
Is humor appropriate in the Christian life? Pastor John gives 5 thoughts. 
The World Is Full of Glory, But Only One Glory Can Save
27 juli 2016 |
5 min
Pastor John explains a "peculiar" glory in this message excerpt. 
Does John Piper Hate Fun?
26 juli 2016 |
12 min
In an age when many of us are infected with the vocabulary of entertainment and amusement, we need to see models of serious joy.
How Do I Know Paul’s Epistles Are Relevant for My Life?
25 juli 2016 |
11 min
Pastor John gives reasons from the Scriptures on why the Epistles are still relevant to us today.
Why Is My Delight in God So Short Lived?
22 juli 2016 |
11 min
We all long for enduring joy, but we often forgot a simple step: start by praying for your Bible reading before you begin.
Can a Christian Blaspheme the Holy Spirit?
21 juli 2016 |
10 min
Blasphemy against the Spirit is a willful, determined opposition to the present power of the Holy Spirit. Christians cannot commit that kind of sin.
Miracles Surround Your Life
20 juli 2016 |
5 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John preaches on the glory of God and the miracles that surround our life. 
Can We Overthink the Christian Life?
19 juli 2016 |
12 min
It's possible to overthink the Christian life, but the majority of the Christian life is spontaneous. 
What’s the Goal of Our Union with Christ?
18 juli 2016 |
8 min
We are not made to find ultimate joy in being glorious. We are made to find ultimate joy in God.
Welcomed into the Family of God: Sonship in the Bible
15 juli 2016 |
26 min
Tony Reinke continues his interview with guest, D.A. Carson on the topic of sonship. 
Is Love Fake If Motivated by Reward?
14 juli 2016 |
13 min
Pastor John urges Christians to remember the reward when loving others. 
Can Satan ‘Devour’ True Christians?
13 juli 2016 |
7 min
Can true, born-again Christians be devoured by Satan? No. Pastor John explains.
What Is “the Joy of the Lord” and Where Can I Find It?
12 juli 2016 |
8 min
The joy of Jesus in us is the presence of the Holy Spirit himself. Pastor John explains. 
How Do I Survey All the Deep Wonders of the Cross?
11 juli 2016 |
10 min
Pastor John helps Christians drink deeper of the glories from the cross of Christ. 
Should Christians Be Patriotic?
1 juli 2016 |
15 min
Conflicts will come between how Christ our King calls us to live and how our homeland expects us to live. Christians are first pilgrims, not patriots.
How Did Jesus ‘Learn Obedience’ and ‘Become Perfect’?
30 juni 2016 |
9 min
Christ was sinless, but he learned obedience while on earth. Pastor John explains. 
The End Is Near — Are You Ready?
29 juni 2016 |
10 min
The hour is coming. No one knows the time or day, but God has promised that Jesus is coming back. Are you ready?
Does Medicine Impede God’s Plan for My Suffering?
28 juni 2016 |
12 min
Pastor John encourages Christians to seek the Lord for wisdom when it comes to medical treatment. 
Must I Wait for My Parents to Approve of My Future Spouse?
27 juni 2016 |
10 min
God has given us parents for a reason, but that does not mean that their word is the final and binding authority. That belongs to God.
A Short History of Bible Clutter
24 juni 2016 |
31 min
Tony Reinke’s interview with Glenn Paauw dives into the pros and cons of contemporary Bible design.
A Theology of Summer Vacations
23 juni 2016 |
9 min
God created man to have need for rest. Jesus' example provides us a framework for thinking theologizing rest and recreation.
Bikinis and Modesty
22 juni 2016 |
9 min
Until we supremely value Christ, our attitude toward clothing will be controlled by forces that don’t honor God.
How Do I Delight Myself in the Trinity?
21 juni 2016 |
12 min
Tony Reinke interviews Michael Reeves on delighting in the Trinity. 
Our Triune God Among the False gods
20 juni 2016 |
11 min
Tony Reinke interviews guest Michael Reeves on the Trinity. 
Envisioning Fatherhood
17 juni 2016 |
7 min
Tony Reinke interviews guest, Eric Mason, on fatherhood.
Perfect Manhood on Display
16 juni 2016 |
10 min
Tony Reinke interviews guest, Eric Mason, on manhood. 
What You Admire Is What You’re Becoming
15 juni 2016 |
4 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John preaches that what you admire is what you become. 
Should I Finish School Before I Marry? Six Options to Consider
14 juni 2016 |
7 min
Pastor John gives advice to a dating couple who are considering marriage. 
Spanking Is Illegal in My Country — Now What?
13 juni 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John gives encouragement to parents who live in countries where spanking is illegal. 
What Is the Difference Between ‘Called’ and ‘Chosen’?
10 juni 2016 |
8 min
God gives a general call for the whole word to hear and heed his gospel, but he calls only some to come to life.
My Six Favorite Books on Romans
9 juni 2016 |
10 min
Pastor John shares the commentaries that he referenced in his study of Romans. 
The Outrage of History
8 juni 2016 |
5 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John explains why we, and the universe, exist. 
Weddings: Don’t Break the Bank
7 juni 2016 |
9 min
Plan weddings at one fourth of the cost and one fourth of the stress — and double the focus on the glory of Christ.
No Cremation — But Should I Gift My Body to Science?
6 juni 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John answers a follow-up question to the cremation question. Should Christians donate their bodies to science?
How Can I Share Conflicts with My Spouse Without Gossiping?
3 juni 2016 |
10 min
Pastor John addresses relational conflict, and if and when to share with your spouse.
Are the First and Last Commandments the Same?
2 juni 2016 |
7 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John invites us to consider the 10 commandments, and the correlation between idolatry and covetousness. 
How Our Sex Life Manifests Our Soul Health
1 juni 2016 |
8 min
Our sexual brokenness is a result of a broken exchange — we have traded God’s glory for lesser delights.
I Don’t Like My Job — Now What?
31 maj 2016 |
7 min
Tony Reinke interviews Tim Keller on work and doing it well.
Why Grumpiness at Work Lies About God
30 maj 2016 |
9 min
Guest, Tim Keller, discusses the Gospel and work with Tony Reinke.
The Bible Often Mentions God’s Wrath — Why Does It Matter?
27 maj 2016 |
21 min
Guest, Don Carson, discusses the theme of the wrath of God. 
I’m a Complementarian Married to an Egalitarian — Who Compromises Now?
26 maj 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John continues the discussion on couples who hold different theological views.
Why Hell Exists
25 maj 2016 |
7 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John preaches on the existence of Hell. 
How Do My Unbaptized Children Relate to the New-Covenant Promises?
24 maj 2016 |
7 min
As a baptist, Pastor John shares how we should view our children within the church covenant.
How Do I Feed My Soul in the Hard Books of the Old Testament?
23 maj 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John gives encouragement for reading the Old Testament.
My Friend Honored God and His Parents — Why Did He Die Young?
20 maj 2016 |
9 min
Does God promise long life to his children? Pastor John discusses. 
I See a Church Leader Living in Sexual Sin — Should I Expose Him?
19 maj 2016 |
7 min
Pastor John urges Christians to expose sin, and gives advice how. 
Why Do I Need Forgiveness? Beware of the Wrong Answers
18 maj 2016 |
7 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John preaches on the ultimate aim of the cross for us in the forgiveness of our sins.
“May I Have Two Wives?” Six Vetoes
17 maj 2016 |
10 min
Pastor John gives 6 vetoes to accepting polygamy. 
Will You Use Target’s Transgender Bathroom?
16 maj 2016 |
10 min
How should Christians respond to cultural evil? Not mainly by criticizing the culture, but by building a grand alternative vision of reality.
What the Whole Bible Says About Sin
13 maj 2016 |
20 min
Guest, Don Carson, gives us a brief biblical theology of sin. 
Why Can’t God Eternally Love Those Who Don’t Believe in Him?
12 maj 2016 |
12 min
Pastor John gives 3 responses to "why can God not eternally love those who don’t believe him?"
Leading with Words
11 maj 2016 |
6 min
Guest, Al Mohler, shares principles of leading with words in the digital age.
Conviction, Humility, and Self-Confidence in the Workplace
10 maj 2016 |
7 min
Guest, Albert Mohler, speaks on conviction, humility, and self-confidence in the workplace.
The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
9 maj 2016 |
8 min
Guest, Al Mohler, shares with us how he sees the church has failed businesspeople.
What Can We Learn from ‘Black Lives Matter’?
6 maj 2016 |
10 min
Pastor John shares what he has learned from Black Lives Matter. 
How Do Money, Sex, and Power Expose the Real Me?
5 maj 2016 |
12 min
Money, sex, and power are God-given means that show what we value. Pastor John explains. 
How Our Loves Bind Our Will
4 maj 2016 |
7 min
In this conference message excerpt, Pastor John argues that the debate over the freedom of the will was central to the Reformation. 
Can Pleasure in God Really Compete with the Pleasures of Porn?
3 maj 2016 |
13 min
Pastor John argues that spiritual pleasure in Jesus can be intense enough to conquer ungodly physical pleasure.
Correcting My Mistake with Money, Sex, and Power
2 maj 2016 |
8 min
Pastor John discusses the mistake he made with his new book, "Living in the Light: Money, Sex, and Power". 
What Is Worship?
29 april 2016 |
8 min
Right worship depends on a right grasp in our minds of the way God really is, and a right response in our hearts to his worth.
I’ve Already Wasted My Life — Now What?
28 april 2016 |
9 min
What we’ve done isn’t the measure of what God can do through us in the future. Pastor John offers five ways forward for those who feel stuck.
Why Jesus Needed a Body
27 april 2016 |
7 min
In this 1995 sermon excerpt, Pastor John tells why Jesus needed a body. 
Should Christians Partner with Non-Christians on Social Issues?
26 april 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John gives his opinion on partnering with non-Christians on social issues. 
What Is the Line Between Courage and Foolishness?
25 april 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John discusses risk and the difference between courage and foolishness. 
Spoil the Grandkids? A Better Way Forward
22 april 2016 |
8 min
Pastor John addresses the popular idea of grandparents spoiling their grandchildren. 
‘Please Help! — I’m Wandering Away from God’
21 april 2016 |
13 min
No matter how deep your sin, God’s grace is greater. God always stands ready to pardon those who would come to him through Christ.
Is the Christian Life Peace or War?
20 april 2016 |
10 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John preaches about the Christian life of rest and war.
Do We Have Joy or Fight for It?
19 april 2016 |
10 min
Pastor John talks about his fight for joy. 
Ten Principles for Personal Productivity
18 april 2016 |
11 min
How can we approach our responsibilities so that we make the most of life for Christ? Pastor John provides ten principles for personal productivity.
When Worldly “Freedoms” Become Sinister Shackles
15 april 2016 |
13 min
Pastor John addresses Christian freedom for marriage and singleness. 
Sneak Peek of John’s Next Book
14 april 2016 |
11 min
Pastor John gives us a sneak peek of his upcoming book. 
Jesus Is Real, Living, Precious, and Present
13 april 2016 |
10 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John preaches on what it means to be "in" the Word, and having a closeness with Christ. 
Will God Hurt Me and Call It Good?
12 april 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John connects the goodness of God with the wisdom of God, and how we can trust God when his goodness seems arbitrary. 
My Young Life Has Been Physically Ruined — Now What?
11 april 2016 |
11 min
Pastor John encourages young people who have a life-altering disability. 
Gospel Hope for Self-Haters
8 april 2016 |
49 min
In this special episode, Tony Reinke interviews David Powlison about self-hate among Christians.
Does My Soul Sleep After Death?
7 april 2016 |
10 min
What happens after we die? Do we go directly to be with Christ, or do our souls sleep until Christ returns at the second coming?
To Spiritually Float Is to Dangerously Drift
6 april 2016 |
10 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John addresses the dangers of a drifting Christian. 
Look at the Book — Should Preachers Draw on Texts During Their Sermons?
5 april 2016 |
10 min
Pastor John explains why he does not use or recommend visual media during preaching. 
My Pastor Uses Pre-Made Sermons — Should I Be Concerned?
4 april 2016 |
10 min
Secondhand sermons will not suffice. Preaching requires pastors who see the beauty of truth and express the value of it for themselves.
How Do You Use Your iPhone and iPad in Christian Growth?
1 april 2016 |
17 min
Pastor John shares how he uses technology for his Christian life. 
I Slept with My Girlfriend — Now What?
31 mars 2016 |
14 min
Unmarried couples who sleep together lose something precious. But if Christ is their treasure, his grace still reigns over their shame.
Social Justice on Purpose
30 mars 2016 |
7 min
In a 2008 sermon, Pastor John preaches on loving God by loving others. 
How Our Faith and Law-Keeping Work Together in the Christian Life
29 mars 2016 |
16 min
Pastor John explains how our faith and law keeping work together in the Christian life
Should Christians Swear on the Bible?
28 mars 2016 |
8 min
Pastor John explains why he would not swear on the Bible.
A Biblical Theology of Resurrection
25 mars 2016 |
19 min
Guest Don Carson helps us understand and appreciate the Bible’s theology of resurrection.
Ten Ways Easter Changes Everything
24 mars 2016 |
12 min
To say the resurrection changes everything may fell extreme. But as you read the Bible, you see it is no exaggeration to say that it truly changed everything.
Stop Living a Half-Life with God
23 mars 2016 |
7 min
God alone secured our salvation. We can take no credit. This biblical view of salvation keeps us humble and grounded.
Seven Simple Tips to Refresh Your Prayer Life
22 mars 2016 |
12 min
God loves when his children pray. Pastor John shares seven practical ways to refresh your prayer life.
A Plea for a Radical Christian Wartime Lifestyle in the Retirement Years
21 mars 2016 |
11 min
Pastor John gives his plea for radical Christian wartime in retirement.
Did Biblical Writers Mature over Time?
18 mars 2016 |
11 min
Pastor John shares his principles on Bible interpretation related to Paul's maturity over time. 
Gospel Hope for Cultural Pessimists
17 mars 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John gives gospel hope for cultural pessimists. 
You Were Made to Celebrate
16 mars 2016 |
7 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John preaches that celebration comes naturally to us because we were made to rejoice. 
Gospel Wisdom for Approval Junkies
15 mars 2016 |
10 min
Pastor John shares wisdom for approval junkies. 
Is My Dating Relationship Idolatrous?
14 mars 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John gives counsel to a young woman who fears her relationship with her boyfriend is idolatrous. 
A Theology of Creation in 12 Points
11 mars 2016 |
19 min
Guest, Don Carson, focuses on the implications of Creation in the first two chapters of Genesis. 
May Christian Doctors Help Patients Die If the Law Permits?
10 mars 2016 |
11 min
Pastor John discusses physician assisted suicide. 
Jesus Is Not Dead, Absent, Boring, or Predictable
9 mars 2016 |
11 min
Jesus is not dead, boring, or predictable as John Piper explains from the conversion of Paul.
Is Oprah Right on Psalm 37:4?
8 mars 2016 |
12 min
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Oprah missed the most important part of the verse: God himself.
Jerry Bridges (1929–2016): Five Lessons from a Remarkable Life of Faith
7 mars 2016 |
8 min
Life lessons from Jerry Bridges, who passed away at the age of 86.
Does Sin Have a Necessary Place in God’s Plan for the Universe?
7 mars 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John shares why sin is part of God’s ultimate plan.
Why Casinos Always Win in the End
4 mars 2016 |
14 min
Guest, Vern Poythress, explains why casinos don't lose money. 
Should We Flip a Coin to Find God’s Will?
3 mars 2016 |
11 min
Guest, Vern Poythress discusses chance and the sovereignty of God.
Why Going to Church Does Not Make You a Christian
2 mars 2016 |
8 min
In this sermon excerpt, Piper recounts when he discovered his desire for Christ was too weak.
‘My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?’ Didn’t Jesus Already Know?
1 mars 2016 |
9 min
Why did Jesus cry out, “Why have you forsaken me?” if he already knew why? Pastor John gives three reasons.
Has My Sexual Sin Made Me Unsavable?
29 februari 2016 |
13 min
Pastor John extends biblical counsel to those who struggle with sexual sin and worry that they may be beyond repentance.
How Do I Wisely Tell a Professing Believer I Don’t Think He Is Saved?
26 februari 2016 |
11 min
Many profess, but not all believe. Pastor John offers seven ways to approach someone who does not display the fruits of the Spirit.
Four Reasons to Share Your Personal Struggles with Non-Christians
25 februari 2016 |
9 min
Pastor John counsels Christians, in wisdom, to share their weaknesses with unbelievers.
Jesus Did Not Stop at Making Salvation Possible
24 februari 2016 |
8 min
In this sermon excerpt, Pastor John preaches that "the cross was not a tragic event God turned for good. It was a loving event God planned for good.” 
Help Me Trust in God’s Sovereign Goodness over My Wearisome Life
23 februari 2016 |
12 min
When the burdens and monotony of life in a fallen world cloud our view of Christ, where can we turn and what can we do to see more clearly again?
How Do I Live the Authentic Christian Life?
22 februari 2016 |
10 min
The authentic Christian life is the obedient Christian life. Pastor John shares an acronym that helps him to walk in the power that God supplies.
Could a Complementarian / Egalitarian Marriage Work?
19 februari 2016 |
6 min
Can a complementarian and an egalitarian ever get along in a marriage? Or is the difference of belief too fundamental to for the relationship to work?
How Are God’s Attributes “Clearly Perceived” by Everyone?
18 februari 2016 |
8 min
Romans 1 tells us that the existence of God, along with his attributes, are evident to everyone. Does this mean that even atheists have some knowledge of God?
The Christian’s Great Vocation
17 februari 2016 |
8 min
Every believer is written in the Lamb’s book of life. That’s not just a privilege for eternal life later but a humble, happy, and satisfied life now.
Doesn’t the Bible Tell Christians to Put Homosexuals to Death?
16 februari 2016 |
14 min
Putting practicing homosexuals to death belonged to a particular season in the history of God’s dealings with his people.
Should Christians Tolerate False Religious Beliefs?
15 februari 2016 |
12 min
Christians should tolerate other belief systems not because we think we are all correct, but because we desire people to come freely — not under coercion — to understand the truth. 
An Overview of the Whole Bible
12 februari 2016 |
34 min
If we are going to understand specific parts of the Bible, then we need to understand the flow of redemptive history. Special guest, D.A. Carson, walks us through the entire Bible in half an hour. 
May I Split My Giving Between My Church and Another Ministry?
11 februari 2016 |
8 min
Opportunities abound for Christians to give money and resources, but should we prioritize giving to our churches first and foremost?
We Will Sing Bloody Songs Forever
10 februari 2016 |
6 min
The song of the redeemed will resound forever in heaven because of the Lamb whose slaying was planned before the foundation of the world. 
Why Do Christians Worship Together on Sundays?
9 februari 2016 |
11 min
If Christians have the freedom to gather and worship on any day of the week, why have we traditionally assembled on Sundays?
Why Do Christians Fast?
8 februari 2016 |
13 min
Fasting is a way of saying with our stomach and our whole body how much we need and want and trust Jesus.
Romantic Love Is a Wonderful Gift — and a Terrible God
5 februari 2016 |
8 min
Romance can neither ground nor sustain a good marriage. We need something deeper, and much more steadfast to stand on. 
My Child’s Greatest Need
4 februari 2016 |
7 min
Awe is an important principle for parenting. We can cast most of our struggles with our children as helping our kids redirect their awe to the proper place. 
The Single Aim of All Ministry
3 februari 2016 |
9 min
We should never keep our awe in God to ourselves. So how can we—especially ministry leaders—experience a depth of awe that overflows others?
The Spiritual Battle with Weight Loss
2 februari 2016 |
5 min
Diets and quick-fix programs for weight loss don’t work because weight loss is actually a spiritually battle that requires us to get our hearts right first.
God’s Glory Must Enchant Us
1 februari 2016 |
9 min
God’s astounding glory and majesty should awe us. If we don’t live with a fearful sense of his glory, then we miss one of our greatest paths to intimacy with God. 
How Do You Humbly Receive Harsh Feedback?
29 januari 2016 |
10 min
We all need constructive criticism to help us grow and mature. But how do we respond to feedback that seems harsh, and perhaps downright rude?
If We Have the Holy Spirit, Do We Need Other Teachers?
28 januari 2016 |
10 min
God has granted us his word and his Spirit to guide us into all truth. Does that mean we don’t really need anyone to teach or instruct us in the ways of the faith.
What Is ‘Glorified Joy’ and Can I Get It?
27 januari 2016 |
10 min
The Bible speaks not only about joy but “inexpressible joy” and “glorified joy.” Is it really possible for us to experience such bliss on this side of heaven?
How Do You Synthesize Your Simple Lifestyle and Speaking at Expensive Conferences?
26 januari 2016 |
14 min
Christian ministries often spend significant amounts of money on conferences, marketing, and other things that can seem excessive. Do such expenses align with a wartime lifestyle?
What Is Discipleship and How Is It Done?
25 januari 2016 |
9 min
We all know the call to make disciples of all nations, but where do we start? And how do we know if we have actually succeeded?
What Truths Do We Need from Outside the Bible?
22 januari 2016 |
9 min
Scripture is sufficient, and yet there is a lot that we can learn from natural revelation. How do we evaluate those truths not contained in the Bible?
How Do We Know We Cannot Sin in Heaven?
21 januari 2016 |
9 min
If Adam and Eve sinned in the paradise of Eden, how do we know we won’t sin in the next paradise of the new heavens and the new earth?
How Christ Sensitizes Us to Reality
20 januari 2016 |
8 min
In a 2015 message, Pastor John preaches that the gospel brings life, and in this life comes sensitivity to reality, and there is great sadness in reality.
Can I Be Blotted from the Book of Life?
19 januari 2016 |
9 min
Several passages in Scripture mention being blotted out of the book of life. Does this mean genuine believers can lose their salvation?
Is God Sovereign over My Free Will?
18 januari 2016 |
10 min
We do not have ultimate self-determination, but we will all give an account to God for our choices.
Why Was Jesus Baptized?
15 januari 2016 |
7 min
Jesus clearly stated that he needed John to baptize him. But why would Jesus need to go through the waters of baptism if he had not sinned? 
Humbly Handling the Offense of the Gospel with Non-Christians
14 januari 2016 |
11 min
In a pluralistic world, Christianity faces all sorts of backlash against its exclusive claims. How can we respond well to the claims of other religions?
Who Is Jesus to You?
13 januari 2016 |
9 min
Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega. He never had a beginning and will have no end. He is fully and completely God.
Four Ways to Kill the Sin of Habitual Suspicion
12 januari 2016 |
6 min
Sometimes it’s too easy to question others’ motives, especially if we think they want something from us. How do we fight that tendency to suspicion?
What Does It Mean for a Man to Lead His Family Spiritually?
11 januari 2016 |
15 min
Husbands take their cues from Christ, who gave himself up for the church. How can Christian men serve their wives and kids while leading them?
Will God Call Me to a Career I Don’t Enjoy?
8 januari 2016 |
8 min
Can a believer ever be called to a lifelong career that they do not enjoy? Pastor John explains why we should ask a different question.
Strategies for When Life Seems Aimless
7 januari 2016 |
12 min
When seasons of waiting make you feel aimless and without purpose, what truths from Scripture can keep you moving forward.
What’s the Most Neglected Spiritual Discipline?
6 januari 2016 |
6 min
Which spiritual discipline can help awaken our appetite for God, but is rarely practiced well today?
What Spiritual Disciplines Are Most Important?
5 januari 2016 |
6 min
Taking in the word of God and talking to him in prayer are the most basic, fundamental disciplines. But is there a way to do both of those better?
How Do I Know If I’m Doing the Spiritual Disciplines Right?
4 januari 2016 |
7 min
Discipline is a mark of a believer in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us new desires to see and savor Jesus Christ wherever we can find him. 
Why We Need Personal and Congregational Disciplines
1 januari 2016 |
7 min
The spiritual disciplines are habits to be engaged in personally and corporately. We need time alone with God, and we need time together with his people. 
What Are Spiritual Disciplines?
31 december 2015 |
8 min
What makes a discipline spiritual, and what makes a spiritual practice a discipline? Don Whitney addresses six characteristics of Christian spiritual disciplines.
What Are the Biggest Challenges Facing the Evangelical Church in 2016?
30 december 2015 |
8 min
Every generation faces unique issues, but the most pressing, most urgent Christians remain the same year in and year out.
Why Sexual Metaphors of Jesus and His Bride Embarrass Us
29 december 2015 |
13 min
Marriage — including sexual intimacy — portrays Jesus’s relationship with the church. Pastor John explains how.
Are We Saved by Belief in God or by Delight in God?
28 december 2015 |
13 min
Faith, defined biblically, not only believes in Jesus Christ but also treasures him as the supreme value of all the universe.
The Key to Experiencing Christmas Peace in Your Life Today
25 december 2015 |
10 min
Christmas is a time for relishing in the peace that God offers the whole world through Jesus Christ, but we will only have it if we put our faith in the one who took on flesh that first Christmas. 
Glory to God and Peace on Earth
24 december 2015 |
6 min
The birth of Jesus at Christmas enables glory to ascend forever to God and peace to descend on his people forever. 
Santa Claus: Harmless Fun or Christmastime Diversion?
23 december 2015 |
8 min
Compared to all the riches of knowing Jesus Christ, even the best gift Santa could bring is little more than a lump of coal. 
Truth or Fiction: Did Herod Really Slaughter Baby Boys in Bethlehem?
22 december 2015 |
13 min
Matthew’s Gospel recounts Herod’s infanticide of baby boys in Bethlehem, but no other historical sources appear to mention this tragedy. Did it really happen?
Should Missionaries Fundraise?
21 december 2015 |
10 min
Lots of missionaries raise their own support for ministry. Does the Bible have any examples of this kind of support-raising that we can look to as a model?
Does the Cross Show How Valuable I Am?
18 december 2015 |
9 min
Does the cross of Christ show how valuable we are? Or how enormous sin is that we need a Savior? 
Four Signs Food Has Become an Idol
17 december 2015 |
9 min
When our contentment in God fades, food quickly takes its place. Pastor John focuses on the secret to winning the war for our desires.
I Will Not Leave Jesus — But I’m Done with the Church
16 december 2015 |
3 min
“I’m done with the organized church, but I still love Jesus.” If you walk away from the church, you walk away from Jesus.
Should I Hate Satan?
15 december 2015 |
10 min
We know Satan has been working evil since the beginning. But should we actually hate him? Pastor John explains why we should.
Where Did Satan’s First Desire for Evil Come From?
14 december 2015 |
11 min
We may not be able to explain how Satan became evil, but we do know that God did not compromise his goodness or glory in allowing Satan’s fall.
I Read the Bible and Feel Nothing — What Should I Do?
11 december 2015 |
12 min
Never settle for passionless Bible reading. Lean in, pray for God to open your eyes, and keep searching for treasure for your heart.
Do I Own My Art? On Intellectual Property Rights
10 december 2015 |
11 min
Are property and intellectual rights selfish, or do they actually match up with clear biblical principles?
You Have a Lawyer in Heaven’s Court
9 december 2015 |
7 min
Our salvation isn’t just a once-and-done event, but a lifetime of drawing near to God through Jesus Christ, our high priest.
What Does It Mean to Live in God’s Presence?
8 december 2015 |
9 min
For Christians indwelt by the Spirit, God is always in us and with us. But sometimes, he exerts his influence for our good in unique, unmistakeable ways.
How Do I Know God’s Calling for My Life?
7 december 2015 |
11 min
Should I stay and send, or should I go to the mission field? Pastor John gives seven factors to keep in mind when weighing a calling to missions.
Counsel for Online Shopping Addicts?
4 december 2015 |
10 min
Shopping today is more convenient than ever, especially online. But what should we do when online shopping becomes more than just a convenience?
The Holy Kiss — Relevant Today or Not?
3 december 2015 |
10 min
The New Testament mentions greeting one another with a kiss four times. Is that just an outmoded cultural practice, or is there something we can learn from it today?
Your Suffering Is Working for You
2 december 2015 |
12 min
For every believer, we can know with complete confidence that God is not only with us sin our pain, but is producing glory through every ounce of our suffering.
Is God Directing My Life Through My Anxieties?
1 december 2015 |
9 min
God can use anything he wants — even sin — to lead and guide his people. But that doesn’t mean we should seek out sinful means just because God can sovereignly use them.
When Am I Ready to Become a Christian?
30 november 2015 |
12 min
I’ve heard the gospel, but how can I be sure that I am truly ready to surrender my whole life to Jesus Christ? 
What Will My Happiness Look Like in Heaven?
27 november 2015 |
5 min
God offers all of his children joy in Christ now. But compared to heaven, those are just mere glimpses of what is to come.
Christian Joy and Feasting
26 november 2015 |
10 min
Throughout the Scriptures, God’s people feast as an expression of their joy in the Lord. What would it look like for the church to be known for celebration and joy?
The Two Sworn Enemies of Our Joy
25 november 2015 |
6 min
Sin and anxiety threaten to still our happiness every day. Thankfully, Jesus offers us greater pleasure than sin and an antidote to all our worry.
If God Is Happy, Why Does He Seem Bad-Tempered?
24 november 2015 |
8 min
As we read the Bible, we see a God who is righteously angry at sin. But we can’t let that overshadow the reality that God is a fundamentally happy being.
Is Happiness Different from Joy?
23 november 2015 |
13 min
We often hear that joy and happiness are fundamentally different. But does this idea actually hold up to the way the Bible presents the concepts of happiness and joy to us?
What’s the Point of Thinking Deeply About God?
20 november 2015 |
10 min
If we are inclined to embrace emotion more than thinking, what biblical truths might help us embrace a balance between passion and intellect?
When Should Non-Quitters Quit?
19 november 2015 |
8 min
Do I dishonor God when I quit something that I have committed to? What if that commitment prevents me from doing other things that honor the Lord?
Even in Setbacks, God Is Lacing Your Life into an Infinite Storyline
18 november 2015 |
7 min
So much of our lives seem ordinary, or even trivial. But the truth is that nothing done for Christ’s sake is ever ordinary. 
Four Key Ways We Enjoy God in Our Work
17 november 2015 |
14 min
Our vocation isn’t something we do apart from efforts to know and enjoy God. Rather, our work should be the very sphere where we publicly enjoy and show off the glory of God.
Articulating the Glorious Cross to an Atonement-Rejecting Culture
16 november 2015 |
12 min
Substitutionary atonement may not appeal to modern sensibilities, and even seems unjust to some. But if we lose Christ in our place, we lose the gospel.
Am I Righteous Enough to Enjoy the Promises in the Psalms?
13 november 2015 |
8 min
The psalmists regularly plead their own righteousness before God. Can Christians today do the same, even though we know just how sinful we really are?
Do I Delight in God or in Others Being Impressed by My Discovery About God?
12 november 2015 |
12 min
In our personal communion with the Lord, we want the highlight of our time to be worship an adoration, not just more ideas and notes for our next sermon or Bible study.
What Does It Mean to Receive Jesus into My Life?
11 november 2015 |
12 min
If God gave his only Son, then that means that we must receive him. But what does it really mean to receive Jesus Christ?
Nine Forceful Warnings to Confront Your Friend’s Adultery
10 november 2015 |
9 min
Pursuing romance outside of marriage might seem like it offers a path to pleasure and joy, but in the end, it obscures the only way to life and sets you on a road to destruction.
Six Ways Parents of Rebellious Children Fight for Faith
9 november 2015 |
10 min
Every believing parent longs to see their children walking with the Lord. But what can a mom or dad do when their son or daughter rebels?
Gun to Your Head, Will You Deny Christ?
6 november 2015 |
9 min
Would we really stand for Christ in the moment our life is on the line? What if we’re really not sure?
Is Tardiness and Punctuality a Christian Witness Issue?
5 november 2015 |
9 min
Tardiness may not seem like a big deal, but when it becomes a habit, it can really disrupt someone’s life. So how can brothers and sisters in Christ help each other deal with chronic lateness?
Hope in Eternal Purity, Aim at Daily Purity
4 november 2015 |
6 min
The new birth changes our status before God and how we act in the world. We now fight for purity as adopted children of the Most High.
Can My Life Be Plagued by Generational Sins, Hexes, or Curses?
3 november 2015 |
10 min
Christ has freed all his people from any and every Christ. All who take refuge in him need no longer fear any generational sin, hex, curse, or anything else.
How Do I Praise Others but Avoid Flattery?
2 november 2015 |
12 min
The Bible calls us to encourage one another, but how do we prevent encouragement and praise from devolving into flattery?
No Creed But the Bible?
30 oktober 2015 |
12 min
If Scripture is the Christian’s primary guide, then why do we need confessions of faith? Shouldn’t we just stick to the Bible?
The Major Obstacle in Forgiving Others
29 oktober 2015 |
11 min
Even when others won’t acknowledge the wrong they have committed, Jesus still calls his people to love, forgive, and forebear.
Would You Settle for One Million Dollars?
28 oktober 2015 |
8 min
The inheritance we have in Christ far outvalues anything this world can offer. Our eternal treasure is safe and secure in him. 
Why Do Non-Christian Novelists Know the Human Condition So Well?
27 oktober 2015 |
11 min
When we reject God, we suppress the truth. But we can never escape all that is true, good, and beautiful in our Father’s world.
Knowledge Exists Because God Exists
26 oktober 2015 |
5 min
God has known himself perfectly for all eternity, and now he knows every aspect of his world perfectly. So as we come to learn and discover, we are simply thinking God’s thoughts after him.
Does God Delight in Destroying Sinners?
23 oktober 2015 |
8 min
The Bible seems to say that God does not take pleasure in death, and yet that he takes delight in executing his wrath. Is this a contradiction, or can they both be true?
Everything About God Is About Everything
22 oktober 2015 |
6 min
Nothing exists that does not relate directly to God. In other words, everything about God is also about everything in this world.
When Depression Descends, Do the Next Thing
21 oktober 2015 |
7 min
Do not underestimate the power of preaching to your soul and singing to God when you can’t shake spiritual darkness.
How Should Christians Think About Socialism?
20 oktober 2015 |
10 min
How does socialism borrow from the Bible? And how does socialism differ from biblical principles on compassion and justice?
Is the Refugee Crisis an End-Times Event?
19 oktober 2015 |
10 min
As peoples spread and migrate across the globe, Christianity ebbs and flows. But there is no reason to believe that God won’t use the movement of peoples to advance the gospel.
Should I Care at All What People Think of Me?
16 oktober 2015 |
9 min
Christ frees every believer from being overly concerned with what others think. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care at all.
God Wrote a Book — That Changes All Other Books
15 oktober 2015 |
10 min
Good books have so much to offer for the Christian life. Pastor John describes seven ways books have shaped him personally.
Loving Money Is Suicide
14 oktober 2015 |
5 min
We all need money and we all use money. But when we begin to seek happiness in money, we are taking steps toward destruction.
What’s the Difference Between Self-Love and Self-Esteem?
13 oktober 2015 |
10 min
Jesus commands us to love others as we love ourselves. Does that mean he wants us to have high self-esteem?
Eight Promises to Students Facing Ridicule at School
12 oktober 2015 |
10 min
How can a student face persecution from their peers at school? What promises can they hold on to when all seems to be shaking?
Do Arminians Preach a Sufficient Gospel?
9 oktober 2015 |
9 min
Spurgeon seemed to say that Arminians preach an insufficient gospel. But can our theological commitments really ruin our gospel presentation to the point that it’s completely defective?
Is God Only Glorified by People Who Love Him?
8 oktober 2015 |
6 min
God will receive glory from every part of his creation, even from those who rebel against him. But he receives most glory from the believer when our hearts find our fullest satisfaction in him. 
Consistent Spiritual Discipline Is Not Legalism
7 oktober 2015 |
6 min
Consistent spiritual discipline is Christian living and is not legalistic. 
Does the Bible Say True Christians Never Sin?
6 oktober 2015 |
9 min
Some texts in the Bible, like 1 John 5:18, may seem difficult to understand at first. But with a little digging, nuggets of gold are sure to surface.
Doesn’t the Cross Display God’s Wrath Better Than Hell?
5 oktober 2015 |
9 min
If Christ already bore the wrath of God on the cross, then is hell just redundant? Does hell take away from the glory of what Christ accomplished?
Don’t Neglect the Work of Speck Removing
2 oktober 2015 |
9 min
Before correcting a brother or sister in Christ, how certain must we be that our own outlook is free from sin and deceit?
Can God Be Sovereign over All Sin and Still Be Good?
1 oktober 2015 |
10 min
How we talk about God’s absolute sovereignty, right down to our word choice, makes a big difference in how people receive this precious truth. 
Does Netflix Make Christ More Precious to You?
30 september 2015 |
8 min
The accommodations of our modern world aren’t all inherently sinful. But unless they serve our faithfulness to Jesus, what good are they? 
Should Christians Start Revolutions or Just Live Quietly?
29 september 2015 |
8 min
First Thessalonians 4:11 says that we should “live a quiet life.” Do Jesus’s and Paul’s lives measure up to that instruction?
Will God Ever Give Us More Than We Can Handle?
28 september 2015 |
8 min
Many Christians say, “God will never give us more than we can handle.” But the truth of that statement depends on two key words.
What’s the Difference Between Peace and Joy?
25 september 2015 |
9 min
God desires that we have both peace and joy as we walk with him. How to joy and peace relate, and how do they differ?
When Should We Pray for God to Take Us Home?
24 september 2015 |
9 min
When we learn that our time on this earth is short, what truths can help us live out our last days with joy?
Truths You Will Need When Cancer Hits
23 september 2015 |
6 min
The Bible speaks to our toughest moments. 
Seven Tips for College Students
22 september 2015 |
8 min
Do what you have to do to be radically devoted to Jesus and his holiness.
The Joy Project
21 september 2015 |
5 min
The doctrines of grace invite us to discover the endless fountain of all joy. Let The Joy Project guide you on a journey to uncover those riches of happiness.
How to Help Friends Escape the Prosperity Gospel
20 september 2015 |
11 min
The prosperity gospel may be easy to critique from a distance, but what about when it comes home? How can you talk to close friends and loved ones who have accepted the so-called prosperity “gospel”?
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
18 september 2015 |
6 min
What if zombie stories and movies weren’t just mindless horror but could actually teach us about the true nature of our world?
If My Work Can Be Used for Evil, What Should I Do?
17 september 2015 |
6 min
If my work can be corrupted by others for evil purposes, does that cancel out any good that I achieve?
The Only Escape from Our Boasting
16 september 2015 |
4 min
We love to enjoy the benefits of the gospel, but the gospel is actually not an end in itself. So what is the ultimate goal of the gospel?
If My Government Funds Abortions, Why Pay Taxes?
15 september 2015 |
7 min
Our tax dollars inevitably end up at places like Planned Parenthood — an organization that takes innocent life. Is it wrong to continue contributing taxes to a government that underwrites sin?
If Babies Go to Heaven, Why Oppose Abortion?
14 september 2015 |
8 min
Some argue, “If aborted babies go to heaven, why is abortion such a big deal?” Pastor John gives six reasons why Christians must never compromise.
Is Kim Davis Right to Refuse Marriage Licenses?
11 september 2015 |
13 min
In August 2015, Kim Davis, a county clerk in Kentucky, refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Was she right to do so?
How to Engage Culture and Swim Against It
11 september 2015 |
11 min
As you swim in the culture, be a dolphin that cuts through the currents, not a jellyfish that goes with the flow.
Are Comfortable Christians Compromisers?
10 september 2015 |
7 min
When everything in life is going well, should we be worried because we are not experiencing the suffering Scripture promises?
The Love You’ll Never Get from Hollywood
9 september 2015 |
7 min
The love of God in the Bible can sometimes be difficult to understand, like when Jesus lets Lazarus die because he loves him. What is love in a passage like that?
Hope for Hard Marriages
8 september 2015 |
12 min
If you are in a discouraging marriage, don’t focus on whether your marriage is pleasing to the Lord. Focus on whether you are.
Should Energy Drinks Fuel the Christian Life?
7 september 2015 |
11 min
When thinking about energy drinks, we need to ask if the stimulant is masking a deeper problem, becoming a new master in our lives, or harming other people. 
The Passions That Prevent Adultery
4 september 2015 |
4 min
New passions, new affections, produce new conduct. I am a Christian Hedonist for theological reasons. I am after people’s affections because all of our behaviors come from this.
How Does God’s Forgiveness Free Us from Idols?
4 september 2015 |
9 min
In a fallen world, we will never rid ourselves completely from the threat of and allure of idols. But the gospel has the power to free us to live from security and stability.
Why Are Relationships Thin in the Digital Age?
3 september 2015 |
7 min
Social media allows us to connect with high numbers of people, but often those relationships remain thin. For security in our identity, we need depth, not just breadth.
Has My Phone Become My Idol? Three Diagnostic Questions
2 september 2015 |
6 min
How do I know if my smartphone plays too prominent a role in my life? Dr. Richard Lints offers pointed questions to help you diagnose your screen time habits.
Why Are Control Freaks Prone to Idols?
1 september 2015 |
8 min
We all desire control. But when we realize that we are far from having any real control over our lives, we look for something we can easily manipulate — like a smartphone.
Why We Never Find Our Identity Inside of Ourselves
31 augusti 2015 |
7 min
In an individualistic era, we like to think that we can just be who we are. But in fact, we are only who we are in relation to others — and most especially in relationship to God himself.
How Often Should We Voice Our Views on Homosexuality Online?
28 augusti 2015 |
7 min
When addressing contentious cultural issues like homosexuality, Christians should never merely voice our opinions. We are stewards of God’s very grace and truth.
When Should We Vent over Social Sins?
27 augusti 2015 |
12 min
Outcries over social ills say something about God, but so does silence. So when should we vent over social sins?
How Is God Directing My Life?
26 augusti 2015 |
7 min
God’s words lead us to the path of life. They help us see that God is sovereign, a shelter for the needy, and a treasure to those who love him.
When Should I Get Rid of My Smartphone?
25 augusti 2015 |
10 min
Our smartphone will not destroy us. But our love for it can. Ask the Lord to make it plain when the time has come to get rid of your smartphone.
If I Fail to Forgive Others, Will God Not Forgive Me?
24 augusti 2015 |
11 min
The love and forgiveness every believer experiences from God came at the highest price of God’s own Son. How could we ever hold back that grace and mercy from others?
John Piper’s Prayer at Planned Parenthood
22 augusti 2015 |
5 min
On August 22, 2015, Christians and others gathered around the country to protest Planned Parenthood and government funding for the organization. Listen to Pastor Piper’s prayer from the gathering in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The Case for Satan
21 augusti 2015 |
10 min
Satan is real. He has massive influence all over the world, and he never tires of wreaking havoc wherever he is able.
Does Proverbs Promise My Child Will Not Stray?
20 augusti 2015 |
14 min
The Bible never promises that the children of believers will grow up and still follow Jesus. But that doesn’t mean parents are helpless in shepherding their littles ones to the Lord.
Our Theology Is Meant to Flatten Us
19 augusti 2015 |
10 min
How do you stay humble when God blesses you? How do we guard against pride when others notice that blessing too?
What’s the Difference Between Types and Analogies?
18 augusti 2015 |
9 min
The Bible uses types to teach us about the single stream of redemptive history that culminates in Christ. But are types really any different than analogies?
You Are More Sinful Than You Know, More Loved Than You Imagine
17 augusti 2015 |
13 min
Our sin can overwhelm us, leaving us depressed and feeling stripped of value. How do we face our sin honestly without falling into hopelessness?
How Culturally Up-to-Date Must My Pastor Be?
14 augusti 2015 |
9 min
A pastor can’t be an expert on every news trend, but he can help shape a biblical worldview in his people so they can wrestle with the issues on their own. 
Should Women Be Police Officers?
13 augusti 2015 |
9 min
The Bible prescribes different roles for men and women, but are those roles just for the home and the church? 
The God Who Commands Our Emotions
12 augusti 2015 |
8 min
If telling someone to be happy doesn’t make them happy, then why does the Bible constantly command us to feel a certain way?
Watershed Differences Between Calvinists and Arminians
11 augusti 2015 |
8 min
The five points tease out the differences between Calvinists and Arminians, but how can parents teach them to their kids simply and clearly?
Am I Overworking?
10 augusti 2015 |
8 min
The Bible presents a pattern for six-day labor. Whether we follow that same pattern today depends on what we mean by sabbath and how we define our work. 
How Do I Choose Between Two Good Things?
7 augusti 2015 |
7 min
Every person experiences disordered desires. The only hope we have to align ourselves with God’s desires is to pursue God in his word through prayer, all in the context of a community of saints.
Biblical Hope for Breakups
6 augusti 2015 |
10 min
The identity Christ gives to us guards us from devastation when painful breakups happen. We are secure in Jesus no matter what. 
The Single Key to Personal Change
5 augusti 2015 |
6 min
We can all benefit from practical examples of applying Scripture, but what really drives us toward change is a fresh sight of God’s glory and our place in his world.
Why I Chose ‘God Is Most Glorified’ Not ‘Christ Is Most Glorified’
4 augusti 2015 |
7 min
The New Testament clearly teaches that Christ should be preeminent in all things. So then why does Desiring God’s slogan not even name him?
A Mysterious Naked Guy in Gethsemane, and a Lesson in Bible Interpretation
3 augusti 2015 |
10 min
Why does a naked man show up at Jesus’s arrest, and then flee the scene completely naked? Pastor John offers some hermeneutical principles for interpreting seemingly strange texts like this one.
How Christian Is ‘Pay It Forward’?
31 juli 2015 |
13 min
The call to “pay it forward” may promote kindness and goodwill, but is it Christian?
Battling Doubt and Cynicism in Our Bible Reading
30 juli 2015 |
11 min
Doubt can hijack our time in the word, turning our Bible reading into a battle, not a delight. Where can we turn when this discouragement bombards us?
Holiness Is a Race, Not a Prohibition
29 juli 2015 |
6 min
God doesn’t just call his people to avoid sin. He wants us to run our race for righteousness by throwing off anything that holds us back from reaching him.
What Is Love?
28 juli 2015 |
11 min
The most beautiful love is God’s love, which paid the highest price — the life of the Son — to give undeserving enemies the greatest happiness.
Is Yoga Sinful?
27 juli 2015 |
11 min
When it comes to yoga or anything else, don’t simply ask, “What’s wrong with this?” Ask the much fuller question, “Will this make me more Christlike?”
Living Out God’s Design for Marriage in Today’s World
24 juli 2015 |
5 min
When we enter into the covenant of marriage, we inevitably bring baggage with us. But God gives grace for us to learn and grow and flourish together.
How Do I Explain Sin to Someone for the First Time?
23 juli 2015 |
5 min
In a pluralistic, postmodern culture, the concept of sin can prove difficult to understand. Where should we begin in helping others understand this essential tenet of the faith?
Why We Must Understand the Temple in God’s Plan Today
22 juli 2015 |
11 min
“Temple” is a theme that runs throughout the entirety of the Scriptures. How do we trace it, and how does this thread help us understand the whole Bible?
What Is Biblical Theology? And Do We Need It?
21 juli 2015 |
8 min
Biblical theology isn’t just theology derived from the Bible, but is a discipline that helps us understand the unique contribution of each part of Scripture to the unified whole. 
Should We Learn to “Forgive Ourselves”?
20 juli 2015 |
6 min
We no longer have to bear the burden of our guilt. God offers the verdict of no condemnation to all who are in Christ. 
Should My Spouse Talk to Others About Our Marriage Struggles?
17 juli 2015 |
9 min
Every marriage has struggles, but how open should we be in sharing those problems with others close to us?
He or She? How Should I Refer to Transgender Friends?
16 juli 2015 |
10 min
Does love demand that we agree to call our transgender friends by their preferred gender title?
What About Soft Cussing?
15 juli 2015 |
12 min
What we speak with our mouths ought to reflect the purity we strive for with our bodies and the love for God and neighbor we want to exude with our whole being.
A Song for Sufferers
14 juli 2015 |
7 min
Under God, none of our suffering is ever meaningless. Whatever comes our way, yet shall we hope in him. 
Should We Prep Our Testimony or Let It Flow?
13 juli 2015 |
10 min
When the opportunity comes to testify to Christ’s goodness, we don’t always need a rhetorically sound presentation. We need to overflow from faith-filled communion with our Lord and Savior.
Don’t Waste Your Mornings
10 juli 2015 |
8 min
Checking our phones first thing in the morning won’t prepare us for the day ahead. Our routine should set our eyes on, and strengthen us in, God alone.
Why Not to Check Your Phone in the Morning
9 juli 2015 |
9 min
Every morning we wake up with a craving — a craving our phone is eager to satisfy. But this temporary snack cannot feed us like the bread of life.
What Are We Saved for?
8 juli 2015 |
8 min
In the gospel, we receive forgiveness and salvation, but also so much more. The end point of the good news is pure joy in the presence of God forever.
Is My Bible Reading Too Academic?
7 juli 2015 |
11 min
Rigorous study of the Bible doesn’t have to be cold and detached. Rather, intense intellectual work can fuel worship for God and love for others.
Put Your Phones Away at the Dinner Table
6 juli 2015 |
10 min
Mealtimes should offer a time for families to enjoy one another’s company. But what if phones get in the way?
Why Are Old Testament Commands No Longer Binding?
3 juli 2015 |
10 min
Christians refrain from keeping the Old Testament law code not because we ignore Scripture, but because Jesus Christ fulfills the whole law. 
Can Souls Be Scared into Heaven?
2 juli 2015 |
13 min
If we come to Christ simply to receive his gifts, then we have actually missed the greatest gift God can bestow: himself. 
Where Do All Our Prayers Go?
1 juli 2015 |
4 min
Pray is not only a means for us to commune with our Creator, but is God’s appointed means by which his kingdom will come and have victory.
Does Hebrews 6 Say the Gospel Is Only for Beginner Christians?
30 juni 2015 |
10 min
The cross is the ground of all that God does in redemptive history, which means that the cross should be the basis for all that we preach and teach in our churches.
How Should We Respond to Calamity in the News?
29 juni 2015 |
11 min
When tragedy strikes, Christians have need to know how to respond. So how does the Bible guide us to think, feel, and act in the face of calamity?
Don Carson Responds to the SCOTUS Ruling on (So-Called) Same Sex Marriage
26 juni 2015 |
18 min
How will the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize so-called “same-sex marriage” impact Christians and our churches? Scholar and Theologian D.A. Carson weighs in just after the ruling was announced. 
What Is the Daily Aim of Parenting?
26 juni 2015 |
5 min
In the trenches of day-to-day parenting, we need to remember the big picture — namely, that we have the unique opportunity, under God, to shape a form a human soul. 
Do I Love Money? One Simple Test
25 juni 2015 |
4 min
Money may allow us to buy stuff, but it can never buy contentment. If we try to use money to purchase our happiness, it will fail us every time.
God Takes Away to Display Christ’s Beauty
24 juni 2015 |
6 min
The Lord takes away not so that we experience loss, but so that we know the fullness of hope and joy only Jesus Christ offers.
Flee from Delusions of Strength
23 juni 2015 |
4 min
God’s grace is sufficient for our every weakness — even the subtle weakness of taking pride in our own “strength.”
The Church’s Role in Sexual Mythology
22 juni 2015 |
8 min
Sex isn’t a topic the church should be embarrassed about. In fact, our God-given sexuality offers us an opportunity to display fundamental truths about God and his world. 
What Porn-ified Culture Does to Marriage
19 juni 2015 |
5 min
When sex becomes all about “my pleasure,” it corrupts a pleasure that God intended to be shared and enjoyed in close, intimate relationship.
What Sex Outside Marriage Says About You
18 juni 2015 |
4 min
God has set boundaries for sex not because he wants to deny us some hidden pleasure, but because he wants us to experience the best joy possible.
Postmodern Nonsense Meets Palpable Evil
17 juni 2015 |
6 min
What happens when a postmodern perspective on good and evil collides with a breathtaking tragedy like the holocaust?
Life Is One Big Glory War
16 juni 2015 |
5 min
Our hearts have a natural drive to seek glory. But unless we find that desire in God, we will never experience the satisfaction we so crave.
Pleasure Is Only Protected by Pleasure
15 juni 2015 |
6 min
Unless our pursuit of pleasure has proper boundaries, we’ll always come up short of the lasting joy we’re looking for.
Should We Pray for ISIS to Be Saved or Destroyed?
12 juni 2015 |
10 min
Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. But what about enemies who constantly kill and destroy innocent life like ISIS?
Blind to the Glory of Sex
11 juni 2015 |
8 min
Sex may be a natural, physical act, but the union of a man and woman is from God himself. Only those with eyes to see can truly know the wonders of the marriage bed. 
The Emotional Complexity of the Christian Life
10 juni 2015 |
9 min
God has deep purposes in our most searing pains. We don’t always know what he is doing, but we can experience joy in the sorrow when we trust him. 
Has God Called Me to Write?
9 juni 2015 |
8 min
To write with a calling from God isn’t simply to enjoy putting pen to paper, but to have an insatiable drive to awaken delight in God with whatever you say.
Don’t Conversations Illuminate Truth Too?
8 juni 2015 |
8 min
The process of writing — putting thoughts into words and sentences and paragraphs — clarifies our thinking in ways that dialogue simply cannot.
Do Bad Ethics Qualify as Heresy?
5 juni 2015 |
7 min
Doctrine and ethics are never far apart. The beliefs and views that lead distort one will inevitably corrupt the other.
Hope in Heaven Changes Today
4 juni 2015 |
10 min
The hope of heaven not only grants us comfort when we think of eternity, but also empowers our love for God and Neighbor today. 
The Key to Ministry Longevity
3 juni 2015 |
8 min
The resolve to keep moving forward in ministry doesn’t come from mere determination, but daily dependence on God’s amazing grace.
When Scripture Demolishes Your Theology
2 juni 2015 |
9 min
Sometimes the Bible confronts us and tears down our longstanding opinions. And although the process may hurt, being refined by God’s word is always worth the cost.
Can We Trust the Bible?
1 juni 2015 |
11 min
God’s world shines with his glory — and so does his word. Just as the heavens declare God’s greatness, so his word overflows with the beauty of his majesty.
How Much of My Decision-Making Is Emotional?
29 maj 2015 |
11 min
When it comes to making God-honoring decisions, our greatest problem isn’t necessarily that we don’t think enough, but that we don’t have hearts and emotions that treasure God above all else.
How Do I Study Bible Verses and the Bible Storyline Together?
28 maj 2015 |
9 min
As we study the Bible, we want to go deep into the details of specific texts, and we want to get a broad overview of the whole. How can we do both in a limited amount of time?
Getting the Tough/Tender Balance Right
27 maj 2015 |
8 min
We need more pastors with both theological backbones of steel and compassionate hearts of warmth. In short, we need more pastors like our Lord Jesus Christ.
How Much of My Sinful Past Should I Tell My Children?
26 maj 2015 |
10 min
Should a parent share their past sins with a child to comfort or warn them? Or are parents better off just keeping their sins to themselves?
What Qualifies as Worldly Music?
25 maj 2015 |
11 min
The Bible repeatedly calls Christians to set their minds on what is above — on what is true and good and beautiful. But does that mean we need to avoid anything that isn’t obviously Christian?
The Books That Most Shaped @TripLee
22 maj 2015 |
4 min
As a writer and musician, Trip Lee reads regularly to spark his creativity. So what three books have influenced his life most?
Procrastination Is Pride
21 maj 2015 |
4 min
We may assume that we can always just do something later, but God never guarantees a “later.” We must make the most of the time we have now.
How to Be Insecure for the Rest of Your Life
20 maj 2015 |
4 min
We will never find security if we think we have what it takes to make it through life. Only God himself can provide the fullness of hope we desperately long for. 
Don’t Be a Jerk When the World Doesn’t Like You
19 maj 2015 |
5 min
God calls Christians to stand firm in the truth, but that doesn’t excuse us for being jerks when our culture turns against us.
Avoiding Smartphone iDolatry
18 maj 2015 |
4 min
Our phones offer us plenty of convenience, but it comes at the price of distraction. Sometimes we need to step back and make sure we control our phones and that they haven’t mastered us.
Watching On-Screen Nudity Is Not Worth It
15 maj 2015 |
4 min
Explicit sexuality and nudity are pervasive in our culture. And because it’s everywhere, Christians need to guard their souls more than ever. 
Joy, Faith, and Self-Denial
14 maj 2015 |
4 min
We may sometimes be tempted to think that God is just a cosmic killjoy with lots of rules. But in reality, he is working for our highest joy, even when he asks us to deny ourselves.
Why Fame Cannot Make You Happy
13 maj 2015 |
5 min
We can use social media as a tool for good, but all too often, the likes and retweets can consume us. How do we get sucked in so easily?
The Daily Fight for Joy in Christ
12 maj 2015 |
4 min
Joy in the Christian life doesn’t usually come without a struggle. We have to fight to delight in the Lord on a daily basis. 
When Trials Kill Your Dreams
11 maj 2015 |
5 min
True strength doesn’t come from having the energy to do everything we want to accomplish. According to the Bible, when we are weak, then we are strong.
Can Jesus Really Understand My Temptations?
8 maj 2015 |
9 min
Jesus did not have a sinful nature like ours, but that doesn’t mean he can’t identify with our temptation. He was tempted as we are, but had to remain without sin to save us forever.
How Does God ‘Deliver Us from Evil’?
7 maj 2015 |
6 min
Jesus teaches us to pray that the Father would deliver us from evil. But what exactly does God deliver us from, and does he do it?
Spend Your Life to Build a Risk-Taking Church
6 maj 2015 |
10 min
The world around us isn’t impressed with a church that lives just like everyone else. What they need to see are people who daily breathe the air of another world.
Have I Cast My Anxieties or Hoarded Them?
5 maj 2015 |
9 min
First Peter calls us to cast our anxieties on the Lord. But how can we know if we have really given over all our stresses and burdens to him?
Why Is Radical Islam Alluring to Westerners?
4 maj 2015 |
9 min
The human heart longs to be part of a God-sized cause, and radical movements like ISIS tap into those innate desires to lure and recruit.
Does God Favor Boys over Girls?
1 maj 2015 |
11 min
God values men and women alike, and so should his people. So does that mean we shouldn’t pray specifically to have a boy or girl when expecting a child?
What to Say to a Pastor Who Wants to Officiate a Gay Wedding
30 april 2015 |
9 min
Same-sex “marriage” is simply not permissible according to Scripture. And for a pastor to marry a same-sex couple is to bless eternal suicide.
The Fear That Haunts Humanity
29 april 2015 |
8 min
We may not always know it consciously, but the fear of death motivates much of how we live. But what if we could be liberated from that primal fear and live to the full?
Is Marriage Eternally Futile?
28 april 2015 |
15 min
In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul commends singleness for the sake of the Lord. But does that mean that the married life is somehow less than the single, missionary calling?
The New Book John Piper Wrote
27 april 2015 |
8 min
The Scriptures not only tell us about God and his works, but shine with their own peculiar glory that open our eyes to vistas of majesty.
How John Piper Writes Books
24 april 2015 |
9 min
Just because John Piper has written so many books doesn’t mean they come easily. In this episode, he offers more tips for the writing process.
How John Piper Prepares to Write Books
23 april 2015 |
9 min
John Piper has written dozens of books, but that doesn’t mean the process is easy. So how does he begin laboring on a book project?
Life Is Hard. God Is Good.
22 april 2015 |
9 min
The clouds of suffering may darken the light for a time, but the steadfast love and mercy of the Lord never ever ceases.
Your Job Is Not Your Savior
21 april 2015 |
5 min
Sabbath is not only a principle for rest, but the context from which we live. We work and play and have our being from the grace of rest in God.
iPhone Fasting
20 april 2015 |
8 min
In a digital age, a constant barrage of information can crowd out what matters most. Maybe we could all benefit from a break every once in a while.
How Facebook and Twitter Change Us
17 april 2015 |
10 min
The digital frontier presents countless opportunities, but also sobering dangers. Christians need wisdom to think through how technology shapes and impacts our faith.
A Battle Plan Against Pornography
16 april 2015 |
4 min
We can fight pornography, but we have to want to battle it. We need a plan and some backup from fellow soldiers if we hope to see victory.
Can My Good Works Outweigh My Bad?
15 april 2015 |
5 min
Not even the greatest good deed earns us anything with God apart from faith. We have favor with God on the basis of Jesus Christ alone. 
Fear, Anxiety, and Growth in Godliness
14 april 2015 |
3 min
When fear and anxiety creep up, we can cling to the most precious promise of all: God is with us, and he hears us.
Can I Grow in Holiness Without the Church?
13 april 2015 |
7 min
The local church is essential to our growth in holiness. We need our brothers and sisters in Christ to spur one another on to love and good works.
The Root of Sinful Anger
10 april 2015 |
6 min
Anger creeps up when we try to take God’s place. He is the only judge and lawgiver, and so we can relax our grip a bit on what pains and troubles us.
Battling Anxiety Is a Blessed Struggle
9 april 2015 |
3 min
To our fears, God speaks beautiful promises. And the most precious of all may just be that he is with us, always and forever.
Sin Prefers Anything to God
8 april 2015 |
4 min
God deserves our highest allegiance, but too often, all we do is belittle him by choosing to find our hope in joy in something else.
Vision for the Local Church in Exile
7 april 2015 |
3 min
Christians may live in exile, but we still have opportunities to serve and seek the welfare of wherever God has placed us.
Strategy for Social Media
6 april 2015 |
3 min
Social media often draws out division and gossip — but it doesn’t have to. Christians can use their platforms to encourage and sustain.
Easter Breaks Our Mediocrity
3 april 2015 |
9 min
The gospel isn’t just a solution to our sin, but a key that unlocks the fullness of life and joy that God desires for all his people.
Easter Breaks Our Sin
2 april 2015 |
8 min
Jesus Christ not only came to rescue us, but in his humanity, he identifies with his people and paves the way for us to know God’s redeeming grace. 
Easter Breaks Our Heartbreak
1 april 2015 |
6 min
Sin and suffering can set us back and even break our hearts. But in our risen Lord Jesus Christ, we have a hope that shines through even the darkest night.
Why Gossip Destroys
31 mars 2015 |
5 min
We may like to think that words can never hurt us, but in fact, Proverbs tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Helping Our Children Feel Loved by God
30 mars 2015 |
4 min
Parenting can feel exhausting and tough. But our homes should overflow with the glorious goodness of God, because that is the ultimate foundation of reality.
How to Regain Your Joy in Christ
27 mars 2015 |
4 min
God beckons his children to cast every care upon him, and to feel afresh the good news of the gospel in the communion of saints.
You Will Submit to Something, Why Not Scripture?
26 mars 2015 |
3 min
The Bible is no mere book. For Christians, the Scriptures are the scepter of the King: how he rules and reigns among us.
The Heart of Screen Addiction
25 mars 2015 |
6 min
Sin not only suppresses the light of the truth, but also exchanges true glory for the false hope of idols — which, in our age, are often found on a screen.
The Secret to Marriage (Word to Husbands)
24 mars 2015 |
4 min
The secret of lasting marriages is the biblical call to "rejoice in the wife of your youth." Remembering the spouse you feel in love with produces thankfulness for who God gave you.
Word of the Day from Jonathan Edwards
23 mars 2015 |
8 min
Jonathan Edwards wrote frequently about the “excellency” of God and of Christ. But what does “excellency” mean, and how does it help us understand God?
Does God Want Me to Be Happy or Holy?
20 mars 2015 |
8 min
Our happiness in God never has to contradict our obedience to God because to delight in God is to obey him, and to obey him is to find lasting joy in him.
What Would You Ask Jonathan Edwards?
19 mars 2015 |
7 min
John Piper has said that, outside of the Bible, Jonathan Edwards has influenced his life and theology most. So, if given the chance, what would he ask his hero in the faith?
Look at Christ, What Do You See?
18 mars 2015 |
8 min
We don’t come to Christ simply by making a decision for him. God needs to give us a fresh sight of his infinite, all-satisfying beauty and worth.
Read Old, Dead Theologians 15 Minutes a Day
17 mars 2015 |
11 min
Reading serious theology takes time and commitment, but the world needs more people who read deeply to nourish their soul, not just inflate their heads. 
Are Christian Hedonists Happier Than Unbelievers?
16 mars 2015 |
10 min
If there is no resurrection, then Christians haven’t just wasted their lives. We’ve misrepresented God and falsely taught in his name.
Is Permanent Birth Control a Sin?
13 mars 2015 |
11 min
Is permanent birth control a sin? Pastor John draws on principles for marriage, sex, human life, and the sovereignty of God.
Is Joy in God the Same as Love for God?
12 mars 2015 |
8 min
Joy is essential to the Christian life, but it’s not the only component. From our hearts’ delight in God flows the desire to please him in the ways we think and act.
Why Do We Preach and Sing?
11 mars 2015 |
10 min
Christianity isn’t simply a way of life or a new morality. Christianity is about the best news in all the world that we now herald in word and song. 
Will Some Saints Be Happier in Heaven?
10 mars 2015 |
11 min
The New Testament speaks of varying degrees of reward in heaven, but that doesn’t mean there will be any envy or boasting. All will experience fullness of joy in their own capacity.
How Do I Honor God in Chronic Pain?
9 mars 2015 |
8 min
Injury doesn’t have to impede our ability to grow in and witness to Christ. God wants to use our weakness for his glory.
If God Is So Happy, Why Did He Create the Non-Elect?
6 mars 2015 |
8 min
We may not always know precisely why God does what he does, but we can always trust his infinite wisdom, righteousness, and justice.
How Do I Explain Election over Brunch?
5 mars 2015 |
10 min
The doctrine of election isn’t just a point of theology to study, but a profound truth that awakens amazement for all God has done.
Finding the Courage to Be Christian
4 mars 2015 |
9 min
What Jesus Christ offers in the gospel isn’t merely a band-aid for sin, but everlasting joy that outweighs any and every earthly pleasure.
How Do I Take My Thoughts Captive?
3 mars 2015 |
9 min
Left to ourselves, we cannot discern or remove the flaws in our thoughts. But God’s word and the Holy Spirit can renew our minds.
Do I Tithe to My Church or to God?
2 mars 2015 |
9 min
When we give money to our churches and to God through them, we need to always remember that every desire and ability to serve and give are themselves gifts from God.
What to Do When God Feels Distant
27 februari 2015 |
9 min
When we feel no joy, when we go to Scripture and walk away discouraged, when God feels distant, what can we do?
Does the First Sin Undermine Christian Hedonism?
26 februari 2015 |
6 min
Pastor John teaches how the first sin displayed a heart that did not trust nor treasure God.
Don’t Become an Entertainment-Addicted, Approval Junkie
25 februari 2015 |
9 min
When we as a church assume that we are owed cultural dominance and prosperity, our otherworldly hope can quickly begin to fade.
Is My Lack of Joy Sinful?
24 februari 2015 |
11 min
Whenever we talk about emotions in the Christian life, like joy, we need to remember that we all experience life differently, and God has grace for all our shortcomings. 
Advice to Teens About Their Parents
23 februari 2015 |
10 min
When a Christian teen disagrees with their Christian parent, are they both stuck, or is there more to pursue than agreeing to disagree?
Do Pets Go to Heaven?
20 februari 2015 |
12 min
Only humans are made in God’s image, and only humans can be redeemed. So do we have any biblical basis for saying our pets will be in heaven?
The Dangers of Nostalgia
19 februari 2015 |
10 min
The past isn’t just a source for nostalgia and fond memories, but a reservoir of God’s grace that empowers our faith in all that God has promised to be for us.
How to Make a Difference in the World
18 februari 2015 |
8 min
We only have one life on this earth to devote to honoring and glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t waste it; make it count.
Does Your Theology Drive Your Exegesis?
17 februari 2015 |
11 min
The content of a pastor’s preaching should connect directly with his text. To preach faithfully is to show your people the truths that are really present in a passage of Scripture.
Can a Woman Preach If Elders Affirm It?
16 februari 2015 |
10 min
All men and women should be active in ministry. The question is how. Pastor John explains why God reserves Sunday-morning preaching for men.
Counsel for White Cops
13 februari 2015 |
11 min
Christian police officers have a God-given platform to advocate for positive change in their communities. Pastor John offers four pieces of advice for speaking on race.
What the Church Offers for Race Relations
12 februari 2015 |
7 min
Churches are not social action agencies, but Christ does call his community to embody and witness to the power and values of his kingdom.
The Real Cost of Pornography
11 februari 2015 |
13 min
Pornography and lust may seem harmless at first, but, in the end, they may just cost you the most precious gift in all the universe.
What Hope Does God Give Lonely Singles?
10 februari 2015 |
5 min
Longing for marriage can be a good, God-given desire. But finding a spouse can never replace our primary life’s passion: seeing and savoring Jesus Christ.
Dating and Marriage for the Victims of Past Abuse
9 februari 2015 |
3 min
The Church is made of broken people who look to Jesus for satisfaction and joy. Many in the church experienced sexual abuse and struggle in their relationships.
Signs a Single Should Stop Dating
6 februari 2015 |
5 min
To be ready for a dating relationship, a young man or woman doesn’t only need availability and desire, but a growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Should a Boyfriend “Lead” His Girlfriend?
5 februari 2015 |
5 min
Boyfriends should take the initiative to lead their girlfriends in ways that are appropriate outside the marriage covenant — especially when it comes to sexual purity.
Should I Date a Godly Girl I Do Not Find Attractive?
4 februari 2015 |
5 min
Our culture may place a high premium on looks, but what attracts godly people isn’t just the right physical features, but the spirit and character that lay underneath.
Should My Church Help Me Get Married?
3 februari 2015 |
6 min
The local church is a community for all kinds of people, including every age group. And members should constantly be looking for ways to learn from and serve one another across generations.
Has Facebook Ruined Dating?
2 februari 2015 |
6 min
Matt Chandler joins the Ask Pastor John podcast to discuss the speed of relationships moving toward marriage, and whether social media has negatively impacted dating. 
Is Your Boyfriend Mature Enough for You?
30 januari 2015 |
4 min
For Christians, the church is the best context for developing relationships because a local community of faith should provide discipleship and accountability like no other place.
Prepared Prayers, Impromptu Prayers, Sloppy Prayers
29 januari 2015 |
6 min
Both spontaneous and prepared prayers can edify the health of our spiritual lives, but whenever we pray, we need to aim for glory, rely on God, and speak in the Spirit.
You Have Been Greatly Loved
28 januari 2015 |
5 min
When God issues his call to awaken new spiritual life in a once dead heart, he create what he commands out of an overflow of his love.
Does Philippians 1:23 Prove Christian Hedonism Wrong?
27 januari 2015 |
6 min
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?
What Parts of My Suffering Are “Trials”?
26 januari 2015 |
10 min
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.
My Spouse Doesn’t Enjoy Sex
23 januari 2015 |
11 min
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.
Is Sexual Pleasure Essential for Marriage?
22 januari 2015 |
7 min
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.
Love Jesus over Human Approval
21 januari 2015 |
5 min
Christians don’t need to crave people’s approval because we live every day in the full and lasting approval of our heavenly Father.
Are My Septuplets in Heaven?
20 januari 2015 |
11 min
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.
Is the Threat of Eternal Punishment Manipulation?
19 januari 2015 |
11 min
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.
Why So Few African-American Calvinists?
16 januari 2015 |
12 min
During an era when Reformed theology has seen a resurgence, why does it appear that the embrace of Reformed doctrine is disproportionately white?
How Local Church Trumps Twitter and Facebook
15 januari 2015 |
10 min
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.
Your Life’s Greatest Problem
14 januari 2015 |
5 min
What God saves us from isn’t low self-esteem or even just immorality, but his own righteous wrath against sinners.
Dads and Family Leadership
13 januari 2015 |
3 min
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.
Why Christian Singles Are Marrying Later
12 januari 2015 |
5 min
Francis Chan gives reasons why he thinks Christians are delaying marriage. 
How to Argue with Your Spouse
9 januari 2015 |
4 min
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.
Why Joy Is Essential to Leadership
8 januari 2015 |
3 min
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.
Discerning Maturity in a Boyfriend Before Marriage
7 januari 2015 |
4 min
What matters in a potential significant other isn’t just what they do, but whether they know and love Jesus in a deep relationship.
The Christ-Centered Family
6 januari 2015 |
4 min
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.
Francis Chan’s Daily Fight for Joy
5 januari 2015 |
4 min
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.
Jesus’s Aggressive, Relentless, Surgical Love
31 december 2014 |
8 min
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.
Best Piper Books for Beginners
30 december 2014 |
11 min
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?
Incredible Growth in 2014, Goals for 2015
29 december 2014 |
10 min
Pastor John gives an update about the ways God worked through Desiring God in 2014, and shares goals of the ministry for 2015. 
Christmas at the Piper Home
24 december 2014 |
10 min
Pastor John and Noel talk about how they celebrated Christmas in their home as their kids were growing up and their two overarching goals.
How Do Men and Women Show Physical Affection in the Church?
23 december 2014 |
8 min
Establish a principled and emotionally healthy and happy place at your church where people, especially women, feel safe to hug or not to hug.
Is God Less Glorified in the Judgment of Sinners?
22 december 2014 |
9 min
God’s glory does not rise and fall as our effectiveness in showing him glorious rises and falls.
How Does Scripture Serve Our Prayers?
19 december 2014 |
9 min
The most important thing we do every day is make our souls happy in God by praying over the Bible.
What Will Submission to My Husband Look Like?
18 december 2014 |
13 min
Submission is mainly a wife’s intelligent, happy, wise support for her husband’s leadership.
The Message of the Magi’s Star
17 december 2014 |
7 min
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.
Is My Relationship with God Healthy?
16 december 2014 |
13 min
There are certain tests from the Bible that help us know if our relationship with God is a good one.
Are New Testament Ethics Final or Trajectory-Setting?
15 december 2014 |
10 min
If you think the New Testament simply sets a trajectory for ethics, you might effectively strip the Bible of its final authority.
Can a Spiritually Dead Soul Thirst for God?
12 december 2014 |
11 min
Unless the Spirit gives us eyes to see that the true God is beautiful and desirable, we won’t seek him.
How Open Should I Be with My Parents?
11 december 2014 |
6 min
Trusting your parents by being honest is a huge honor to them.
Declare War on Sin
10 december 2014 |
8 min
There is a mean streak in Christianity, and it is not against anybody else but ourselves and our sinfulness.
What Arminians Have Helped You Most?
9 december 2014 |
9 min
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.
The Camaraderie of Christian Hedonism
8 december 2014 |
7 min
Christian fellowship does not distract from the supreme glory of God in the believer’s life, it testifies to it.
Is My Boyfriend’s Video-Game Addiction a Marriage Deal-Breaker?
5 december 2014 |
8 min
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.
Advice for Fathers of Sons
4 december 2014 |
10 min
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.
Pray This Daily for Your Family
3 december 2014 |
7 min
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.
Why Was Adam Lonely If God Is Enough?
2 december 2014 |
9 min
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.
Are We Satisfied ‘in God’ or ‘by God’?
1 december 2014 |
11 min
We are satisfied in God rather than by God if God is the object of our satisfaction, not simply the provider of it.
Doesn’t Prosperity Preaching Glorify Jesus?
26 november 2014 |
10 min
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.
Are Smart People Less Happy?
25 november 2014 |
9 min
For the Christian, knowing God’s word and world increases our sorrow — and our joy.
Does Happiness Require Apathy to Others’ Sorrows?
24 november 2014 |
9 min
Sorrow and suffering make up daily life across the world. So what does it look like for Christians to be both happy and sorrowful?
Avoid the Unrepentant — But What If They’re Family?
21 november 2014 |
6 min
How should believers behave toward family members who walk in unrepentant sin but continue to call themselves Christians?
A Prayer for Those Stuck in Sin
20 november 2014 |
8 min
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.
Good Motives for Bible Memory
19 november 2014 |
5 min
Memorizing Scripture offers Christians at least eight benefits, including fostering fellowship with Jesus and combating Satan’s lies.
Is Sexual Attraction Essential for Marriage?
18 november 2014 |
7 min
Sexual attraction is not essential for marriage, but God does call for marital intimacy — both physical and emotional. 
Must My Wedding Be in a Church?
17 november 2014 |
5 min
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?
Should I Look at Beheading Images?
14 november 2014 |
7 min
Viewing horrific images may prepare Christians distant from horrors in the world to embrace the sovereignty of God over what is to come.
Do You Regret Partnering with Mark Driscoll?
13 november 2014 |
11 min
What should our response be to Mark Driscoll’s failures? Pastor John unpacks some lessons from his partnership with the former Seattle pastor.
Christ Reigns over Every Inch
12 november 2014 |
12 min
Know the glories and beauties of Christ who reigns supreme over kings and tyrants, over mountains and hurricanes, over time and death.
The Role of Family Worship
11 november 2014 |
6 min
Family worship often includes prayer and reading scripture. But it can also include singing and memorization as you leave a legacy of worship. 
Can I Confess the Name of Jesus and Be Unsaved?
10 november 2014 |
7 min
If no one can say that Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit, then why are there people who say, “Lord, Lord,” whom Christ denies ever knowing?
Did God Commission Terrorism in the Bible?
7 november 2014 |
12 min
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they slaughtered at God’s command. How can Christians claim the moral high ground over modern genocides?
Is My Pastor a Bully?
6 november 2014 |
11 min
It’s a weighty thing to be a pastor. Shepherds bear greater responsibility. How do we discern when they are abusing their position?
Killing Our Addiction to Human Praise
5 november 2014 |
5 min
When the fresh water from Jesus’s well quenches your thirsty soul, the tepid drink of praise from other people loses its allure.
How Do I Go Deeper with Christ?
4 november 2014 |
9 min
What does Paul mean when he commands us to be “rooted and built up” in Christ? How does he tell us to get there?
I’ve Never Read the Bible, Where Should I Start?
3 november 2014 |
7 min
If you are new to the Bible, the life and ministry of Jesus recorded in the gospels will illuminate the rest of the Bible. Let the adventure begin!
Prayers That Don’t Work
31 oktober 2014 |
7 min
If Jesus says, “Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you,” how can James say that sometimes God withholds our requests?
We Pray to a Father
30 oktober 2014 |
6 min
When we pray to God as our Father, we remember he is more than a boss. He is the lover of our still sinful souls, working in us to seek after him.
Joy, Sorrow, and the Healthy Prayer Life
29 oktober 2014 |
6 min
Our requests, our laments, and even our complaints in prayer have worth in the hands of the God who works sovereignly through them.
Fighting for Solitude
28 oktober 2014 |
6 min
Tim Keller offers help for distracted believers who struggle to focus their minds and warm their hearts when they pray.
How to Pray the Psalms
27 oktober 2014 |
6 min
The Psalms can give us spiritual breath that we didn’t even know we needed. Tim Keller offers practical help to pray the Psalms.
Encouragement for Slow Readers
24 oktober 2014 |
8 min
For some, reading feels like a chore instead of a joy. Audio Bibles open the door to God’s word, even for those who don’t read.
The Future of World Missions
23 oktober 2014 |
8 min
World missions is the great work of the church, and David Platt exudes a passion to reach the unreached peoples with a massive God behind him.
Winning the War Against Lust
22 oktober 2014 |
5 min
Fight lust with a stronger weapon than guilt, shame, and fear. Fight lust by feeding faith with the knowledge of an irresistibly glorious God.
Why Our Happiness Makes God Happy
21 oktober 2014 |
14 min
God doesn’t need anything from anyone, so when we obey God, do we obey him for his sake or for our own happiness?
How Do I Fight Same-Sex Desires?
20 oktober 2014 |
7 min
Paul said that it is better to marry than to burn with passion. What does that mean for the person struggling with homosexual desire?
When Enjoying Money and Possessions Is a Work of Grace
17 oktober 2014 |
7 min
The message of Ecclesiastes: Life — and money and possessions — is empty and futile without God.
How Does Delight in God Fuel Delight in Creation?
16 oktober 2014 |
7 min
More than any other kind of person, Christians are able to delight in creation because they are not bound to worship it.
A Prayer to Hold Your Life Together
15 oktober 2014 |
8 min
Pastor John points to the purpose of prayer — that God would look great in the world and in the lives of his people.
Does God Predestine People to Hell?
14 oktober 2014 |
8 min
Predestination to hell is a heavy reality. But what is mysterious to us now will be revealed in the end. And we will see that it is right.
Why Are Believers Threatened with Perishing?
13 oktober 2014 |
8 min
Even those who claim Christ can show themselves not to share in him if they refuse to repent of their sin.
My Church Makes Ministry a Pain
10 oktober 2014 |
10 min
The joys of pastoring may ebb and flow, but Pastor John offers ten hope-filled counsels to help pastors press on when ministry proves difficult.
How Do I Prepare for the Rapture?
9 oktober 2014 |
8 min
Jesus is coming back. Pastor John shares what Christians should do while they wait for his return.
Three Motivations to Pray
8 oktober 2014 |
7 min
Pray because God tells us to. Pray because it increases our joy. Pray because the sovereign ruler of the universe makes things happen through prayer.
Why Save Sex for Marriage?
7 oktober 2014 |
8 min
Sex is kept within a covenant between a man and a woman because it points to a greater covenant between humans and God.
Should I Eat Halal Meat?
6 oktober 2014 |
8 min
Paul gives believers great freedom to eat the food offered to them. But do we have the freedom to eat halal meat?
Why Parents Don’t Spank
3 oktober 2014 |
7 min
Does spanking amount to abuse, or does it have a place in parenting? Ted Tripp counsels parents on when physical discipline is appropriate.
Why Parents Spank
2 oktober 2014 |
7 min
Ted Tripp offers his perspective on why parents should spank their kids and points out some of the advantages over other forms of discipline.
Helping Children Discover Heart Idols
1 oktober 2014 |
6 min
How can parents teach their kids to recognize idolatry in their own hearts? Ted Tripp offers some practical advice.
The Greatest Threat To the Christian Family
30 september 2014 |
6 min
Pornography saps spiritual life and compromises spiritual leadership — Ted Tripp warns against one of the greatest dangers facing families today.
Is Parenting Complicated or Simple?
29 september 2014 |
5 min
The goals of parenting are not all that complicated, but it takes diligent, intentional work to not just manage children, but to shepherd them.
6 Tips If You Find the Bible Hard to Read
26 september 2014 |
7 min
Why keep reading the Bible if you just can’t get it? Because it’s worth it. Pastor John shares six ways to help you better treasure truth as you read.
Bible Time for Busy Moms
25 september 2014 |
6 min
When can busy moms find time to read their Bibles amid endless daily demands? Pastor John gives husbands six exhortations to help their wives.
The High Cost of Sexual Sin
24 september 2014 |
7 min
Demons know God and seethe with lust. Christians know God and sever the root of lust. What’s the difference?
If I Listen to Sermons, Why Do I Need to Read My Bible?
23 september 2014 |
6 min
The word of God is meant to satisfy and create hunger — and the Sunday sermon is not enough to satisfy it.
Should I Read My Bible Daily?
22 september 2014 |
7 min
In anxiety, anger, and anguish, in success, evangelism, and daily routines at work, the Bible speaks to all aspects of real life.
Should I Commit to One Church?
19 september 2014 |
8 min
Pastor John shares five passages in Scripture to explain why Christians belong in accountable, local church communities.
Do I Need to Repent If Christ Died for All My Sins?
18 september 2014 |
9 min
Jesus has paid for the sins of believers once for all, but in this life, Christians still sin. What then is the role of confession and repentance in the Christian life?
Lust: More Dangerous Than Nuclear Holocaust
17 september 2014 |
6 min
Do you see lust as more deadly, more disastrous, than nuclear war? The Bible has a few reasons why you should.
Apple, Subaru, Target — Should We Buy from Promoters of Sin?
16 september 2014 |
8 min
For now, buying products from Apple, Subaru, and Target is not linked so tightly to endorsing sin that we should boycott them.
Handling Post-Sermon Blues
15 september 2014 |
9 min
Pastor John offers counsel to pastors who find themselves discouraged on Monday mornings. What should pastors do when facing the blues?
Is $75 Too Much for a Bible?
12 september 2014 |
8 min
Pastor John shares six reasons why expensive Bibles like the Bibliotheca Bible will not become the norm despite their elegance.
John Piper’s Message to Ray Rice
11 september 2014 |
9 min
In this special episode, Pastor John addresses how complementarian Christians can respond to recent events surround former NFL player Ray Rice.
Explain Your Title ‘Pastor Emeritus’
11 september 2014 |
10 min
Pastor John explains the freedoms, restrictions, and joys of a pastor emeritus covenant — one that he wrote.
Lust Defined
10 september 2014 |
4 min
Lust takes a good gift from God and strips it of regard for God's holiness and honor toward his image-bearers.
Should We Side with Israel or Palestine?
9 september 2014 |
10 min
Pastor John tackles a tough question that is theological and political at once. What is the proper response to the present situation in Israel?
What Whites Can Learn from Ferguson
8 september 2014 |
8 min
What can white evangelicals learn from the events in Ferguson, Missouri? Pastor John offers three lessons.
How Does Scripture Produce Faith?
5 september 2014 |
5 min
How do salvation, faith, and the Bible related to each other? Pastor John explains how the Bible awakens saving faith.
What Does It Mean to ‘Kill Sin by the Spirit’?
4 september 2014 |
8 min
How does the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body? Through the word of God, which we must wield, recite, and trust.
Worship in the Workplace
3 september 2014 |
5 min
How does the Christian’s daily life at work or home become worship? We must become what we already are in Christ.
Wartime Wisdom for the Wealthy
2 september 2014 |
8 min
A wartime lifestyle for wealthy Christians could demand that they give their resources away. But it may sometimes call for strategic investment.
What Luxuries in My Life Are Sinful?
1 september 2014 |
8 min
Even simple, inexpensive pleasures can be nonessential luxuries. How can believers discern which luxuries are worth spending money on?
Should I Pray to the Father, the Son, or the Spirit?
29 augusti 2014 |
6 min
Learn how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit should shape our prayer life.
Is God More Happy with Other Christians Than Me?
28 augusti 2014 |
9 min
Christians can rest in the goodness and wisdom of God and the freeness of his grace in gifting his people. God is a good gift-giver.
God’s Will and the Evil of the Cross
27 augusti 2014 |
6 min
The cross displays this profound paradox: God scripted and ordained the murder of his Son — without once sinning.
Should I Let Unmarried Couples Stay in My House?
26 augusti 2014 |
7 min
What should we do when unmarried non-Christian friends or family members are spending the night at our house and want to share a bed?
Incentives to Kill My Love of Human Praise
25 augusti 2014 |
7 min
The praise of others lulls Christians into disbelief of their great, eternal reward. So how can Christians slay the dragon of praise-seeking?
When Should I Stop Praying for Something?
22 augusti 2014 |
7 min
Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly commands his people to pray more. But is there ever a time to stop praying for something?
I Caught My Husband Checking Out Another Woman
21 augusti 2014 |
8 min
A wife is not responsible for her husband’s sin. But she is responsible for how she responds to his sin.
The Key to Christian Obedience
20 augusti 2014 |
10 min
Pastor John describes three stages to Christian obedience: knowledge of God’s word, meditation on God’s word, and the abundance of our hearts that flow from both.
What Is Idolatry?
19 augusti 2014 |
8 min
The jealousy of God is both loving and righteous. For idolaters, it is also dangerous.
Why Do You Journal?
18 augusti 2014 |
9 min
Journaling clarifies thoughts, stewards Spirit-given insight, and reminds believers of God’s daily faithfulness.
Why Does God Allow Satan to Live?
15 augusti 2014 |
6 min
Satan works everyday to dishonor God and to destroy his image. So why does God allow him to live? Pastor John shares his thoughts.
How Can I Know the Gospel Is True?
14 augusti 2014 |
9 min
We can know the gospel is true because the God who authored it wants us to know, and gives the gift of eyes to see, believe, keep seeing, and keep believing.
Cremation or Burial?
13 augusti 2014 |
5 min
The question of cremation or burial is not an ultimate one, but an important one. Pastor John explains why he counsels toward burial, not cremation.
Is Online Dating Good for Christians?
12 augusti 2014 |
5 min
Online dating can be a good gift if it unites two believers able to discern the other’s genuine allegiance to Jesus.
Use Commas to Love Your Reader
11 augusti 2014 |
6 min
Pastor John commends the well-placed comma to writers along with this encouragement: good grammar invites writers to love their readers.
Can I Approach God with a Joyless Heart?
8 augusti 2014 |
5 min
Jesus is the joy that we seek. Go to him when you feel empty, weary, or broken down, and he will supply you with rest and refreshment.
Which Comes First, Obedience or Joy?
7 augusti 2014 |
6 min
Does our joy in God drive our obedience to his will, or does obeying God produce our joy?
Discernment Gone Wrong
6 augusti 2014 |
5 min
In protecting doctrinal purity, Christians must be careful not to lose sight of the beauty of what they are protecting.
Is Oral Sex Okay?
5 augusti 2014 |
8 min
Is oral sex prohibited in the Bible, and is it unkind?
Is Election Divine Favoritism?
4 augusti 2014 |
9 min
Does God play favorites? Pastor John explains how God is only good and only wise in his decisions to choose some and not others.
Does Christian Hedonism Confuse Joy and Faith?
1 augusti 2014 |
8 min
Does it muddy the water to say that saving faith must include joy in God? Or does it bring an extra note of clarity?
To a Spouse Considering Divorce
31 juli 2014 |
9 min
When everything in a marriage feels broken, what do you do? Pastor John offers hope for overwhelmed spouses.
Why Sex Is Not the Root of Sexual Sins
30 juli 2014 |
6 min
The misuse of sex is only a symptom of a far graver disease. Sexual sin arises when we lose our joy in God and go looking for it elsewhere.
What Tools Do I Need to Study the Bible?
29 juli 2014 |
9 min
Bible study resources abound. So which tools do you need as you delve into personal Bible study?
Goodbye, Burger King?
28 juli 2014 |
8 min
Our meal choice has not always been a moral issue, but Burger King and other restaurants are starting to make it one.
Does God Delight in Me?
25 juli 2014 |
7 min
God made us for joy in him, so he knows that by maximizing himself — not us — he achieves our greatest joy.
Don’t Waste Your Life
24 juli 2014 |
11 min
Are you wasting your life? Pastor John answers by reminding us why we exist — to know and love God.
Is God Fed Up with Me?
23 juli 2014 |
7 min
Is it possible to backslide so long and so deeply that there is no return? Pastor John answers “yes” but offers hope for Christians who repent.
What Is God’s Glory?
22 juli 2014 |
10 min
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?
21 juli 2014 |
8 min
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
18 juli 2014 |
7 min
Physical, emotional, and spiritual needs abound in the world. Pastor John encourages women of God can meet them.
The Mystery of Sorrowful Rejoicing
17 juli 2014 |
6 min
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?
16 juli 2014 |
7 min
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?
15 juli 2014 |
6 min
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
14 juli 2014 |
5 min
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
11 juli 2014 |
8 min
Union with Christ is not a side benefit of the Christian life — it defines it.
How Do I Pursue Joy in Christ?
10 juli 2014 |
7 min
“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?
9 juli 2014 |
7 min
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
8 juli 2014 |
7 min
Armed with the life of John Calvin, Dr. Michael Reeves shows how sound doctrine produces driven saints.
The Transforming Power of Christ’s Glory
7 juli 2014 |
8 min
Doubt pursued the Puritan Thomas Goodwin for seven years until he finally understood Christ’s work. Then, his whole life changed.
Pilgrims and Patriots
4 juli 2014 |
9 min
God’s people are Christians before they are patriots, but they still work for the good of their homelands.
Am I Saved?
3 juli 2014 |
8 min
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?
2 juli 2014 |
8 min
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?
1 juli 2014 |
9 min
When sin’s lies have hardened your heart, here are six ways to soften it again.
Delighting in What Is Not God
30 juni 2014 |
8 min
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
27 juni 2014 |
7 min
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
26 juni 2014 |
8 min
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
25 juni 2014 |
7 min
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
24 juni 2014 |
9 min
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?
23 juni 2014 |
8 min
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’?
20 juni 2014 |
12 min
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
19 juni 2014 |
10 min
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?
18 juni 2014 |
7 min
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?
17 juni 2014 |
7 min
Purity and holiness are possible in Christ even for those who have sinned sexually in the past.
Are Wedding Rings a Waste of Money?
16 juni 2014 |
10 min
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?
13 juni 2014 |
6 min
Questions abound when it comes to our eternal home. What about our bodies? What age will we appear in heaven?
Sex in Heaven?
12 juni 2014 |
6 min
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?
11 juni 2014 |
6 min
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?
10 juni 2014 |
4 min
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?
9 juni 2014 |
5 min
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
6 juni 2014 |
11 min
How should you counsel a friend who is considering transgender? Pastor John offers seven encouragements.
Is Sexual Identity My Choice?
5 juni 2014 |
12 min
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
4 juni 2014 |
6 min
How would Pastor John explain what he means by “Christian Hedonism” over a thirty-minute lunch?
Do My Sufferings Complete Christ’s?
3 juni 2014 |
7 min
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
2 juni 2014 |
6 min
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
30 maj 2014 |
9 min
Singing to the Lord can enrich your devotions and enliven your soul, even if you aren’t a natural singer.
Suicide and Salvation
29 maj 2014 |
9 min
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
28 maj 2014 |
8 min
Talking to your children about their adoption requires timing and initiation.
Counsel for Couples Pondering Adoption
27 maj 2014 |
7 min
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
26 maj 2014 |
7 min
Adoption is hard, and parenting often hurts, but God can create happy stories even in those difficulties.
Vision for Your Family Vacation
23 maj 2014 |
7 min
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
22 maj 2014 |
9 min
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?
21 maj 2014 |
8 min
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?
20 maj 2014 |
7 min
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?
19 maj 2014 |
9 min
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?
16 maj 2014 |
7 min
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
15 maj 2014 |
9 min
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?
14 maj 2014 |
10 min
God’s glory is the goal of all things, and his freedom and his sovereignty are essential to his deity — and our salvation.
Do Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on Us?
13 maj 2014 |
6 min
We don’t know how much the saints in heaven know about the events on earth. But the Bible’s promises for the joy of the saints are glorious.
Sick of Singleness and Satisfied in Christ
12 maj 2014 |
8 min
Desires for marriage, even very strong desires, are not necessarily at odds with contentment in Christ.
If God Never Leaves Me, Why Does He Withdraw?
9 maj 2014 |
8 min
Pastor John explains why God withdraws from his people in light of his new-covenant promises to stay with them forever.
Battling Homosexual Lust
8 maj 2014 |
8 min
Our battles against sin are not meant to be easy or pain-free. But they can — and should — be marked by joy and filled with the promises of God.
When Past Sexual Sin Haunts Your Wedding
7 maj 2014 |
7 min
There is hope for those who regret past sexual mistakes and their current consequences in the context of marriage and engagement.
When Sin Fractures a Church
6 maj 2014 |
9 min
Pastor John remembers a painful time in Bethlehem’s history and encourages pastors to stay with their churches through seasons of discipline and grief.
What Joy Did Jesus Not Already Have?
5 maj 2014 |
11 min
How can anything make God more or less joyful than he already is? Does the joy of God ever fluctuate?
MLK’s Most Powerful Words
2 maj 2014 |
7 min
On April 16, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. penned “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” a vivid report of racial injustice and oppression.
The Future of Race in the Church
1 maj 2014 |
7 min
The light will become lighter and the dark will become darker. The world is changing, but sin, Jesus, and the every-knee-will-bow reality will not.
Civil Rights 50 Years Later
30 april 2014 |
11 min
We live in racial realities that 50 years ago would have been inconceivable. But our church and country continue to chart new multiethnic territories.
Tony Evans, Race, and the Bible
29 april 2014 |
8 min
Jesus crossed painful racial lines at the well two thousand years ago. Pastor John recounts Tony Evans’s powerful message from John 4 at Kainos 2014.
Is Fornication Worse Than Porn?
28 april 2014 |
7 min
Both premarital sex and pornography addiction harm men and women alike, but in different ways. So which sin is worse?
Breaking My Addiction to Entertainment
25 april 2014 |
4 min
Pastor John shares six ways that Christians can begin to sever the cords of their addiction to entertainment.
Should We Read the Holy Books of Other Religions?
24 april 2014 |
3 min
Pastor John gives his take on whether or not Christians should feel obligated to read the holy books of other religions.
Cautions for New Calvinists
23 april 2014 |
5 min
What kind of pitfalls exist in the “New Calvinism” movement? What do New Calvinists need to beware of?
What Must I Believe to Be Saved?
22 april 2014 |
7 min
Our sin, God’s holiness, and Jesus’s cross are the core truths around which saving faith is formed.
Certain and Conditional: More on Eternal Security
21 april 2014 |
9 min
God elects unconditionally. But he glorifies us on the condition of our faithful obedience. Does that mean our glorification is not guaranteed?
Eternal Security: Vaccination or Therapy?
18 april 2014 |
6 min
The promises of God mark us as his children. They also keep us in the family when we walk through trials and persecution.
Sin and the Speed Limit
17 april 2014 |
9 min
Going the speed limit is an act of faith in the God who controls your day and can maximize your minutes for his glory.
A Bite-Sized Theology of Food
16 april 2014 |
9 min
Pastor John shares five specific principles from the Bible relating to food. God created food good, but there is a right and wrong way to enjoy it.
Six Keys to Detecting the Prosperity Gospel
15 april 2014 |
8 min
How can Christians detect the beginnings of prosperity preaching? Pastor John shares six signs.
What’s New About ‘New Calvinism’?
14 april 2014 |
7 min
The five solas unite Reformed Christians past and present, but Pastor John notes how seven factors may be creating a new mold under the same banner.
Should Christians Be Cops and Soldiers?
11 april 2014 |
8 min
If Jesus calls his followers to turn the other cheek, then can a Christian serve society as a cop or a soldier?
More on Guns and Self-Defense
10 april 2014 |
8 min
Self-sacrifice and just punishment under ruling authorities image God’s love and justice. Pastor John shares more thoughts on Christians’ use of force.
Social Evils and Reformed Theology
9 april 2014 |
8 min
Reformed theology, as a biblical expression of the gospel, is relevant for every problem in every ethnicity of every stress and stripe.
Churches Pursuing Ethnic Diversity
8 april 2014 |
8 min
Pastor John describes the growing need for a theology of race in reformed circles and for pastors’ to purposely pursue ethnic diversity in their churches.
Pride and Humility in Criticizing Sermons
7 april 2014 |
6 min
Scripture tells us to test all things. But overanalyzing what the pastor is saying keeps us from being in awe of what God said.
Marriage Challenges and Christian Ministry
4 april 2014 |
5 min
Some of the most surprising challenges to effective ministry will stem from family and marriage. How has Pastor John experienced God’s grace in his?
The Doctrinal Flavor of Reformed Churches
3 april 2014 |
5 min
How important is reformed doctrine for Christians who are seeking out a church home? Pastor John shares his thoughts.
How Piper Learned Reformed Theology
2 april 2014 |
5 min
Pastor John reflects on the staying power of Westminster Seminary and the inescapably Reformed theology of the Bible.
What Does It Mean for the Christian to Fear God?
1 april 2014 |
11 min
God calls his children to fear him with trembling, reverence, awe, and worship — but not with cowering.
What Is Christian Freedom?
31 mars 2014 |
8 min
When Christ frees a Christian, he frees her to love him. Only those who delight to obey God are truly free.
If Our Will Is Not Free, Are We Accountable?
28 mars 2014 |
7 min
No human being has the power to conquer sin. Yet God righteously holds everyone responsible for their failure. How can both realities be true?
Do We Have Free Will to Choose Christ?
27 mars 2014 |
8 min
In our flesh, we walk morally ruined, spiritually blind, and broken-willed. But our salvation depends on God’s free grace, not on our free choice.
God, Guns, and Biblical Manhood
26 mars 2014 |
8 min
Given the Christian man’s duty to protect his family, self-defense may seem appropriate. But Scripture calls him to an even higher standard of love.
Believer Baptism and Mental Disabilities
25 mars 2014 |
9 min
Believer’s baptism requires assent, so what about people who cannot give it? Pastor John explores baptism for people with mental disabilities.
Visualizing Christ to Battle Lust?
24 mars 2014 |
9 min
For every lustful thought or nude picture that plagues the mind, a visualized image of the bloodied, crucified Jesus can turn a battle into victory.
The Greatest Threat to Gospel Ministry
21 mars 2014 |
7 min
Without joy in Christ and his word, pastors have nothing to offer to their people. Joy — or joylessness — is powerful and contagious.
How Real Is the Book ‘Heaven Is for Real’?
20 mars 2014 |
6 min
While books like ‘Heaven Is for Real’ offer guesswork, the Bible offers certain, infallible truths about heaven that would take lifetimes to explore.
Behind the Scenes at Ask Pastor John
19 mars 2014 |
9 min
Ask Pastor John’s host, Tony Reinke, takes listeners through the ins and outs of the podcast and lists some of its top episodes.
Why Do We Love March Madness?
18 mars 2014 |
8 min
From smooth finishes at the rim to impressive displays of endurance, Pastor John shares his thoughts about the undeniable draw of March Madness.
God Has No Vocal Chords
17 mars 2014 |
6 min
Many prefer sounds over words, listening over reading. But God is spirit. He has no vocal cords. He speaks through what he already said in the Bible.
How To Bless Your Pastor
14 mars 2014 |
4 min
When believers walk through trials with extraordinary faith, they bless the pastor who prepared them for this moment.
Do Podcast Preachers Make My Pastor Irrelevant?
13 mars 2014 |
7 min
Podcasters can teach, encourage, exhort, and explain, but they cannot shepherd. Only your pastor can do that.
What Is Inerrancy?
12 mars 2014 |
9 min
Jesus, the Word, proclaims the word of God to be true. So is it? Pastor John defines inerrancy and encourages our confidence in the truth of the word.
Are We Too Financially Unstable to Get Married?
11 mars 2014 |
6 min
Marriage represents an opportunity to fight for faith together, including through potentially tough financial times.
God Is Not Male
10 mars 2014 |
5 min
Jesus came to earth as a man, and God reveals himself as a king. However, Christians should not think of God the Father or God the Holy Spirit as male. Pastor John explains why.
Is God a Needy Vacuum Trying To Suck Praise Out of Us?
7 mars 2014 |
12 min
Pastor John responds to criticism of Calvinism, Edwards, and Christian hedonism by explaining how God’s glory is God’s love, not his neediness.
Ayn Rand’s Tragic Trajectory
6 mars 2014 |
12 min
Without God, Ayn Rand’s creativity and logical brilliance led her straight past the truth and into darkness.
Pornography and Resisting the Power of Temptation
5 mars 2014 |
7 min
We don’t learn anything about sin by giving in, but rather by fighting back. Pastor John shares a parable on resisting sexual temptation.
Pastor of World’s Largest Church Convicted of Embezzlement
4 mars 2014 |
9 min
No pastor is immune from the insidious desire for riches. Pastor John provides five pleas to pastors to safeguard their hearts and the name of Christ.
Biblical Hope for Christians Facing Poverty
3 mars 2014 |
8 min
Those who know Christ possess greater riches than the richest billionaire on the planet — spiritually right now, and materially in eternity.
Is the Believer’s Heart ‘Desperately Sick’?
28 februari 2014 |
8 min
If you are in Christ, you have a new heart. Your flesh will cause you still to stumble, but God will direct your affections to himself.
Giving up on Church
27 februari 2014 |
9 min
Pastor John exhorts believers, especially those tempted to give up on church, with four biblical reasons to seek out membership in a local body.
Childless Missionaries by Design?
26 februari 2014 |
6 min
Is the mission field compatible with having children? Pastor John helps aspiring missionaries think through the implications of remaining childless.
Is Song of Solomon an Allegory?
25 februari 2014 |
7 min
Can the Song of Solomon, in all its sexual directness, really describe God’s relationship with his people?
Where Should a New Believer Start in the Bible?
24 februari 2014 |
5 min
For Christians, Bible reading is a lifelong routine — day by day, year by year. Where should new believers start?
Anti-Depressants, Sleep, Diet, and Exercise
21 februari 2014 |
7 min
We use countless physical strategies every day to cope with life’s difficulties. So how do sleep, antidepressants, and diet relate to a Christian’s spiritual life?
Is A.D.D. a Sin?
20 februari 2014 |
6 min
A.D.D. brings unique temptations to sin, but Pastor John encourages those who affected by the disorder with the gospel’s power to transform and renew.
Anxiety: Sin, Disorder, or Both?
19 februari 2014 |
8 min
Are the various anxieties in our lives sinful? Are they simply disorders? Are they neither? Are they both?
Does God Cause All Sickness?
18 februari 2014 |
7 min
Satan’s plan is for evil. God’s plan is for good. Both set causes in motion but God exercises ultimate authority over all.
Dads, Play with Your Kids
17 februari 2014 |
8 min
Does dad enjoy playing with me? A father’s earthly love for a child can serve as a picture of the Father’s heavenly love for them.
Can a Husband Lust After His Wife?
14 februari 2014 |
7 min
What is right in the marriage bed is right in the mind, but husbands should strive to serve their wives, not use them, in both.
“Piper Is Too Intellectual”
13 februari 2014 |
7 min
The Bible often makes high demands of our minds. Believers must therefore work hard to understand and teach God’s word.
Do Digital Bible Searches Relativize Memorization?
12 februari 2014 |
5 min
With digital Bibles and keyword searches at our fingertips, why should Christians take the time to memorize Scripture?
Digital or Paper Bible for Devotions?
11 februari 2014 |
7 min
The digital revolution presents new challenges and opportunities. Should believers take advantage of the digital tools available for Bible study?
Bible for Church: Digital or Paper?
10 februari 2014 |
7 min
Digital Bibles can distract from worship — just like anything else. Readers and pastors alike must fight to wield them well.
Is Porn the Unforgivable Sin?
7 februari 2014 |
7 min
If you feel in bondage to pornography, don’t assume it’s too late to repent. But don’t assume that repentance can wait until tomorrow.
The Bible’s Most Important Verse
6 februari 2014 |
6 min
Pastor John explains how humanity’s terrifying problems meet God’s glorious remedies in Romans 3:25.
Was God Unfair at the Cross?
5 februari 2014 |
7 min
Was God unfair on the cross? No. Pastor John proclaims two life-changing truths about the substitution of Christ in our place.
How Hobbies Glorify God
4 februari 2014 |
5 min
Whether rock climbing or crosswords, hobbies can encourage or discourage a believer’s relationship with God.
Distinguishing Weaknesses from Sins
3 februari 2014 |
6 min
Believers can boast in their weaknesses, but crush the sin that slithers through their hearts.
Feminine Beauty in God's Eyes
31 januari 2014 |
9 min
Pastor John encourages women to cultivate a beautiful heart for the God who truly sees them before laboring over a beautiful appearance for everyone else.
Who Should Discipline the Kids — Mom or Dad?
30 januari 2014 |
10 min
Although moms and dads should both discipline their kids, God calls husbands to be engaged leaders and servants in their homes.
Discerning Loving Criticism and Unloving Criticism
29 januari 2014 |
6 min
Loving criticism must always work with heartfelt care for the good of another. Unloving criticism acts out of a prideful spirit unaware of the need for grace.
Why Is Jesus My Advocate If I’m Already Justified?
28 januari 2014 |
8 min
Christ’s glory shines most fully, most brightly, most durably by making a complete atonement for sin on the cross and interceding for us in heaven.
So If I Feel No Emotion, Can I Worship?
27 januari 2014 |
9 min
Sometimes, the aching desire to want to worship God is itself worship. But what happens when a Christian feels nothing at all?
Do I Worship God?
24 januari 2014 |
6 min
When the eyes see God’s beauty and the mind understands God’s worth, the heart overflows in worship.
Roe v. Wade Assaults the Incarnation of Christ
22 januari 2014 |
8 min
Not only does abortion attack God’s image by murdering his image-bearers — it assaults God’s own Son, who came to earth by Mary’s womb.
If My Church Lacks Available Singles, Should I Leave?
22 januari 2014 |
4 min
Leaving a church for any reason is a serious matter; when should I leave a church to find a wife?
Can Christians Cuss to Prove a Point?
21 januari 2014 |
9 min
The Bible doesn’t include a list of God-approved words. Christians should instead ask, Does my speech exalt Christ? Does it build others up?
What Translation for Bible Memory?
20 januari 2014 |
5 min
Pastor John encourages listeners to settle on a single Bible translation and commends the ESV as his go-to and recommended one.
Practical Tips for Bible Memory
17 januari 2014 |
6 min
Andy Davis’s method for memorizing Scripture helps believers on their way to retain long passages one day, and one verse, at a time.
Bible Memory: Essential or Optional?
16 januari 2014 |
8 min
We don’t have to memorize the Bible — we get to. Lovers of God delight to read, know, and recite his precious word.
What Steals Your Joy?
15 januari 2014 |
7 min
A happy home can empower ministry, but struggles at home can deplete its power. Pastor John shares six counsels for a joyful family and ministry.
Dad’s Role in Homemaking
14 januari 2014 |
6 min
Dads joyfully lead their households so that each member can flourish to the fullest extent God has planned.
God Heals All Our Diseases — Really?
13 januari 2014 |
7 min
Scripture does not promise deliverance from harm in the present age. But in Christ, we will all get the best healing in the age to come.
When Leaders Don’t Affirm Your Ministry
10 januari 2014 |
5 min
What should Christians do when their church’s elders hesitate to put them in a position of leadership?
Did Christ Die for the Whole World?
9 januari 2014 |
9 min
When we consider definite atonement, we must always ask, “What do you mean when you say ‘Jesus died for all?’”
When Our Heroes Age
8 januari 2014 |
7 min
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?
Billy Graham’s Controversial Ministry
7 januari 2014 |
8 min
Despite controversy, Billy Graham, Bob Jones, and John Piper’s father shared a desire to see Christ glorified and millions saved.
When I Met Billy Graham
6 januari 2014 |
8 min
Pastor John relates Billy Graham’s impact on his life, from their personal meetings, to his crusades, to his time at Bob Jones University.
Slavery, Oppression, and America’s Prosperity
3 januari 2014 |
8 min
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.
What Podcasts Do You Listen To?
2 januari 2014 |
8 min
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.
A Little Theology of Resolutions
1 januari 2014 |
8 min
Seeking God requires firm resolve. But should Christians wait until the New Year comes around before making any resolutions?
Ghostwriting and Research Assistants
30 december 2013 |
9 min
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.
Exciting Days Ahead for Desiring God
26 december 2013 |
8 min
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.
What Christmas Is All About
24 december 2013 |
6 min
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.
The Virgin Birth and Human Sexuality
23 december 2013 |
7 min
If God called human sexuality good, along with the rest of creation, then why did he send Jesus to be born of a virgin?
Six Reasons to Skip Tattoos
20 december 2013 |
7 min
Tattoos may appeal to Christians, even for missional reasons. Pastor John weighs the costs of tattoos against any benefits they offer.
Tattoos in Biblical Perspective
19 december 2013 |
8 min
The question of tattoos involves more than law or culture. It touches the allegiance of our hearts.
Why Stoicism Is Toxic
18 december 2013 |
12 min
Although emotionalism can lead churches into unhelpful practices and even abuse, emotionless churches are in greater danger. Pastor John explains why.
Where’s the Arminian John Piper?
17 december 2013 |
10 min
If God does not sit at the center of your theology, your worship will fizzle out. He made you to delight in him.
Where Did All These Calvinists Come From?
16 december 2013 |
8 min
What factors led to the current rise in Calvinism? Where does Pastor John fit into the picture?
I May Be Called to Missions — Where Do I Start?
13 december 2013 |
7 min
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.
Muslims vs. Christians on the Sovereignty of God
11 december 2013 |
9 min
Whereas Allah can act capriciously, the Bible assures believers that God’s sovereignty works in perfect harmony with his justice and love.
Lessons from the Middle East
10 december 2013 |
13 min
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.
What Makes Homosexuality Wrong?
9 december 2013 |
7 min
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?
Why I Abominate the Prosperity Gospel
6 december 2013 |
11 min
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.
Should Christians Use the Pill?
5 december 2013 |
7 min
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?
How Do You Prepare Sermons?
4 december 2013 |
5 min
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.”
How Did You Learn to Preach?
3 december 2013 |
4 min
Pastor John’s ability to preach rose up out of a heart that was satisfied and thrilled by the Bible.
Should Moms Work Outside the Home?
2 december 2013 |
3 min
Christ’s kingdom advances through the ministry of faithful mothers whose homes are light for their children, and for the world.
How Do You Know Christianity Is True?
29 november 2013 |
7 min
Pastor John walks through three lines of evidence that make a compelling case for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Proud People Don’t Give Thanks
27 november 2013 |
10 min
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.
Is It Sin to Dislike Divine Election?
26 november 2013 |
4 min
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.
Does John 15 Defy Calvinism?
25 november 2013 |
8 min
In John 15, Jesus cuts off branches that bear no fruit. Does that mean that Christians can lose their salvation?
Must a Wife Take Her Husband’s Last Name?
22 november 2013 |
9 min
Pastor John offers cultural, practical, and biblical support for his encouragement for wives to take their husbands’ last names.
Has My Heart Sinned Even If I Stop Words from Exiting My Mouth?
21 november 2013 |
6 min
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks — but what if we stop the speaking? Have we still sinned?
Make War Against Pouting
20 november 2013 |
6 min
All sin makes war on the Christian, so the Christian must make war on all sin — whether sexual immorality or self-pity.
Busy Pastors and Biblical Encounters, Part Two
19 november 2013 |
7 min
How does God provide the food so that his appointed shepherds — time-pressured, busy pastors — can feed their flocks?
Busy Pastors and Biblical Encounters, Part One
18 november 2013 |
7 min
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.
Charismatic Abuses? Discernment and Finances
15 november 2013 |
8 min
Discernment and financial abuses exist in charismatic and non-charismatic churches alike. Pastor John urges believers to cling to the word of God.
Charismatic Abuses? Doctrinal and Emotional
14 november 2013 |
8 min
Flaws litter charismatic and non-charismatic churches alike. Pastor John has two biblical warnings for those who prize feelings over mature thinking.
What Is Prophecy Today?
13 november 2013 |
8 min
Do new-covenant prophecies carry the same level of authority as Scripture? Pastor John explains three reasons why they don’t.
John MacArthur and Strange Fire
12 november 2013 |
6 min
Paul told the Corinthians to earnestly desire the gift of prophecy. But should Christians today do the same?
Travel Updates and Prayer Requests
11 november 2013 |
4 min
Pastor John talks about his plans to strengthen pastors in the Middle East and asks listeners to pray for strength.
Advice for Christian Loners
8 november 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John encourages Christian loners — even those who have been hurt by the church — to pursue God in Christ-exalting friendships.
What Events in this World Echo in Eternity?
7 november 2013 |
9 min
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.
Do Christian Hedonists Idolize Joy?
6 november 2013 |
10 min
Pastor John explains how Christian Hedonism avoids idolizing joy.
Dead To the World — What’s That?
5 november 2013 |
8 min
Jesus surpasses whatever good the world has to offer. So rather than worship those good things, disciples of Jesus receive them as gifts.
Finding Joy When Life Hurts Most
4 november 2013 |
8 min
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.
God’s Supreme Happiness
1 november 2013 |
7 min
Pastor John discusses how God's sovereignty relates to joy in God. 
The Danger of Deserting Community
31 oktober 2013 |
6 min
How has God designed our community to help keep us in Christ? Pastor John unpacks God’s prescriptions of prayer and exhortation.
God’s Sovereignty over Evil in My Life
30 oktober 2013 |
3 min
God does not traffic in futility or vanity. He intends all things, even terrible calamity, for the ultimate good of his people.
Does It Make God Evil to Ordain Evil?
29 oktober 2013 |
7 min
Pastor John explains God's sovereignty over evil acts without himself being evil.
Wisdom in Friendships with Non-Christians
28 oktober 2013 |
4 min
How do we reconcile seemingly conflicting commands from Scripture to hang out with the corrupt and to befriend them like Jesus?
With So Many Orphans, Why Have Children?
25 oktober 2013 |
8 min
Children are a blessing from the God who commands us to be fruitful and multiply. But how does that command fit in a world with orphans who need a home?
How Do I Obey and Submit to My Leaders?
24 oktober 2013 |
6 min
God calls pastors to lead their churches by serving, not dominating, and he calls congregations to follow with humble teachability.
Is Drinking Alcohol a Sin?
23 oktober 2013 |
9 min
Alcohol consumption is permissible and can be a blessing, but it is also fraught with dangers.
What Pains Here Bring Greater Reward in Heaven?
22 oktober 2013 |
8 min
God is working a weight of glory through our hardships, even the ones that seem most trivial.
What Does Definite Atonement Offer My Life?
21 oktober 2013 |
8 min
For Christians, to embrace the definite atonement is to embrace that Christ set his love on them particularly, specially, and certainly.
Why Did God Forbid One Tree in Eden?
18 oktober 2013 |
5 min
The forbidden tree was neither an arbitrary test of obedience nor a greedy restriction by a stingy God. It was an insurance policy to secure supreme pleasure.
Why Honor C.S. Lewis When He Had So Many Flaws?
17 oktober 2013 |
7 min
Although Lewis held several defective doctrines, Pastor John gives six reasons why he remains so helpful to Christians worldwide.
How Your Imagination Helps You See
16 oktober 2013 |
7 min
A good imagination transforms the normal into the fantastic. A great imagination sees normal things for the wonders they really are.
Is God an Egomaniac?
15 oktober 2013 |
6 min
God’s pursuit of his own glory is the best possible news for all who seek him because “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”
How Do We Walk by the Spirit?
14 oktober 2013 |
7 min
Walking by the Spirit can seem vague and hard to live out. Pastor John gives believers practical steps to walk and live by the Spirit.
How Did Your Vision for Missions Develop?
11 oktober 2013 |
9 min
No other motive provides a better foundation for missions than God’s own zeal to be glorified by blood-bought people from every tribe and tongue.
Would You Attend a Gay Wedding?
10 oktober 2013 |
5 min
Christians do not celebrate what dishonors Christ. Pastor John gives five reasons why he would not attend a so-called same-sex wedding.
Counsel for Busy Moms
9 oktober 2013 |
8 min
However mundane dirty diapers and yet another meal may seem, Jesus assures busy moms, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.”
Are Christians Called to Obey the Law?
8 oktober 2013 |
9 min
Because Christ justifies believers, not their own law-keeping, do Christians still need to keep the commandments?
Must Christian Rap Have the Gospel in Every Song?
7 oktober 2013 |
5 min
Christ should radiate in and through every rap song, but the gospel need not be explicitly presented every time. Pastor John describes Christ-exalting rap.
When Should I Leave My Church?
4 oktober 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John describes marks of a healthy church and the combination of factors that may suggest it’s time to leave.
Should We Confess Our Sins to a Priest?
3 oktober 2013 |
6 min
By his blood, Jesus purchased a unified bride in which the saints lay their souls bare and pray for one another.
Botox, Dieting, and Plastic Surgery
2 oktober 2013 |
8 min
How should Christians care for their bodies, which the Bible calls temples of God, without idolizing them or investing too much in outer beauty?
What’s Your Process for Owning Truth?
1 oktober 2013 |
4 min
We can know Scripture, and we can know the Scripture. Take the time to read and analyze, but leave plenty of time to experience it as well.
How Do I Own Biblical Truths for Myself?
30 september 2013 |
8 min
How should believers pursue affections for Jesus in a broken world where those affections seem to rise and fall constantly?
Is Tithing Commanded for Christians?
27 september 2013 |
7 min
Christ has fulfilled the Old Testament law for his people. But does that mean God no longer expects us to tithe?
How Do We Know God’s Will?
26 september 2013 |
7 min
Ninety percent of our daily decisions have no guiding list. But a mind renewed by God through his word and Spirit can know the delightful taste of God’s will.
Jesus’s Sheep Hear His Voice — What’s That Mean?
25 september 2013 |
5 min
The mark of Jesus's sheep is that they hear and believe the saving word of the gospel preached to them.
This Week’s Conference on C.S. Lewis
24 september 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John gives a taste of the upcoming Desiring God National Conference, centered around C.S. Lewis.
Can a Sinner Be Saved After Death?
23 september 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John unpacks the story of the rich man and Lazarus to show the great chasm fixed between believers and unbelievers after death.
Can a Sinner Be Saved at Death?
20 september 2013 |
6 min
The Lord can and will show mercy to sinners who repent in the eleventh hour. Yet, spiritual corpses who love their sin cannot raise themselves from the dead.
Should We Brag About Our Favorite Teachers?
19 september 2013 |
5 min
Believers walk day by day as servants of others because their Savior is alive, their Father is King, the Spirit is present, and their reward is coming.
Do We Need Christian Role Models?
18 september 2013 |
7 min
There are rich biblical grounds for saying, "Yes, believers do need role models in Christ." God has given us one another to imitate.
Is It Sinful to Date a Non-Christian?
17 september 2013 |
6 min
Marriage — and dating on that trajectory — cannot be the beautiful union God designed it to be if he himself is not in the picture.
Does James Say Not to Pursue Joy?
16 september 2013 |
6 min
There is a time for everything. When confronted by our sin, sorrow is the appropriate reaction — the one that can lead to true repentance.
How Do I Motivate My Church for Ministry?
13 september 2013 |
7 min
If you want to motivate your church, don’t start with programs and activities. Start with a vision of God’s glory.
Fighting Bitterness
12 september 2013 |
9 min
Bitterness flows from a heart that feels the pain of injustice. Forgiveness flows from a heart overcome by trust in God’s justice.
How Singleness Is Good
11 september 2013 |
4 min
Marriage only lasts a lifetime. The relationships Christians build with one another last for eternity.
Why Adam’s Singleness Was Not Good
10 september 2013 |
4 min
Psalm 73 declares that God’s people desire nothing on earth besides God. Why then was it “not good” that Adam was alone with God?
Have I Exhausted God’s Patience with My Sin?
9 september 2013 |
7 min
If you feel any measure of fear of judgment, or horror for your sin, turn to Jesus and repent — it’s not too late.
Should We Listen for the Audible Voice of God?
6 september 2013 |
6 min
God still speaks today through his living, active word. All other revelation must be tested against Scripture (and hopefully alongside wise believers).
When I’m Bored of the Bible — What Can I Do?
5 september 2013 |
5 min
Christians are like farmers who, in reading God’s word, tend their gardens day by day, even when the fruit is not yet visible.
Is My Husband’s Porn a Marriage Deal-Breaker?
4 september 2013 |
8 min
Marriage is a lifelong, God-wrought covenant. God did not create it to break — even when one partner goes back on their vows by viewing pornography.
Salt, Light, and Complaining
3 september 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John explains how complaining not only diminishes the light of God’s power and goodness, but also the light of his reward for his children.
What My Complaining Says About God
2 september 2013 |
6 min
Complaining snuffs out the light that believers hold — the light of God’s goodness, his power, and his wisdom in the midst of a dark world.
Do Promises in the Psalms Apply to Me?
30 augusti 2013 |
7 min
Some psalms relate to specific events in the life of David or Israel, so how should Christians take the promises in those psalms?
Why Evangelicals Go Catholic
29 augusti 2013 |
5 min
Pastor John identifies some of the reasons why evangelicals go to the Catholic Church, along with some of the issues with Catholic teaching.
Is Abortion Like the Holocaust?
28 augusti 2013 |
5 min
Pastor John discusses the similarities and differences between the Holocaust and abortion, ending with this certainty: God will settle every account.
What Is Gossip?
27 augusti 2013 |
4 min
Gossip springs up from a proud and negative heart that hides beneath a veneer of concern and love.
John Piper’s Testimony
26 augusti 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John shares the story of his testimony. He can’t remember it, yet it is still amazing.
What Is Legalism?
23 augusti 2013 |
7 min
The word “legalism” is not found in the Bible. So what do people mean when they contrast legalism with the gospel?
Women As Ministers?
22 augusti 2013 |
7 min
God equips women to minister mightily in this world. Pastor John clarifies 1 Timothy 2 and calls women to endless possibilities.
Does God Remember Our Sins or Forget Them?
21 augusti 2013 |
7 min
Pastor John examines how God can both remember and forget sins according to what will work the most for our good.
Why Is My Evangelism at Work So Lame?
20 augusti 2013 |
6 min
It is difficult, even strange, to turn workplace conversations from football and fashion to the gospel. How then should believers approach evangelism at work?
What Does It Mean to Be Made in God’s Image?
19 augusti 2013 |
6 min
Sin defaces the image of God, but it doesn’t destroy it. Pastor John explains what it means to be made in the image of God in this age of redemption.
Battling Jealousy
16 augusti 2013 |
6 min
The jealousy of God is both righteous and loving; often, our jealousy is sinful and selfish. How can Christians distinguish these jealousies?
Battling Envy
15 augusti 2013 |
5 min
Envy rises up out of a resentful, discontent hearts. Therefore, trust in God’s goodness is the believer’s secret weapon in the battle against envy.
How Does the Spirit Testify I’m Saved?
14 augusti 2013 |
8 min
The Holy Spirit testifies that believers are God’s children by working good fruit in their lives and a cry in their hearts: “Father! Lord!”
My Husband Is Okay with Racy Scenes — I Hate It
13 augusti 2013 |
7 min
Behind sexual scenes in entertainment swirls a sea of lust, adultery, and hate — sexual sin that killed Jesus, and that Jesus died to kill.
When a Christian Won’t Repent from Sexual Sin
12 augusti 2013 |
6 min
The four steps of biblical discipline are designed to keep the church holy and pure while it loves the unrepentant back to Jesus.
Is It Selfish to Pray for Joy?
9 augusti 2013 |
7 min
Pastor John defines selfishness and discusses the holy pursuit for joy in prayers.
God’s Fame and Global Missions
8 augusti 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John talks about God’s plan to take his glory to the nations, the spreading of his name.
Am I Lukewarm?
7 augusti 2013 |
8 min
Self-satisfied hearts that don’t see their desperate need for the all-satisfying Christ are the seedbed for lukewarm Christianity.
What Advice Would You Give Newly Married John Piper?
6 augusti 2013 |
9 min
Many of us marry with little idea of the gifts and hardships ahead. So what would Pastor John tell his newly married self?
Work Like an Arminian, Sleep Like a Calvinist?
5 augusti 2013 |
10 min
Work, play, and sleep like a Calvinist — outproduce, outplay, and outdream everyone by trusting in your sovereign God.
Avoiding Ministry Burnout
2 augusti 2013 |
5 min
Pastor John shares eight practical counsels to avoid ministry burnout, starting with, “Love what you do.”
Help! I’m Addicted to Lying
1 augusti 2013 |
7 min
When a lie would win approval and favor from others, a Christian’s truth-telling hinges on contentment in the approval and favor of God.
God Loves the Sinner, But Hates the Sin?
30 juli 2013 |
6 min
If we don’t understand that God finds us hateful and loathsome in our sin, we won’t be as stunned by the depth of his love for us.
How Do I Know I’m Saved?
29 juli 2013 |
7 min
Believers know their own sin all too well. How can they know they are saved? Pastor John offers encouragement for those struggling with assurance.
Slavery and Jonathan Edwards
26 juli 2013 |
7 min
Though a great thinker, Jonathan Edwards was blind on the issue of slavery. Pastor John offers five sobering responses to those who read him.
Is Discouragement a Sin?
25 juli 2013 |
5 min
The Bible accommodates strong, godly emotions, but how do we know when godly anger or discouragement has become sinful?
God Does Make Much of Us
23 juli 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John explains how God actually does make much of us, so that we might make much of him.
Childlike, Not Childish
22 juli 2013 |
4 min
How can Christians pursue a childlike faith while growing mature in their thinking like the Bible commands?
Trayvon, Race, and Gospel Ministry
20 juli 2013 |
14 min
In this special episode of APJ, Pastor John weighs into the non-guilty verdict of George Zimmerman.
Can I Say ‘God Loves You’ to Unbelievers?
19 juli 2013 |
5 min
Although God loves his people with a special, electing love, he loves all people by freely offering his Son for them to receive.
If God Is Happy, Why Does He Seem Angry?
18 juli 2013 |
7 min
God delights in all of his works in the grand scope of God’s redemptive plan. But in the day-to-day sins and struggles of his image-bearers, God grieves.
What Is Evil?
16 juli 2013 |
6 min
The heart of evil lies in its desire for other things above God. When evil looks out at all that is, it chooses creation over Creator.
Bible Memory as Ministry to Others
15 juli 2013 |
4 min
By memorizing and reciting Scripture before others, believers become emissaries of grace who make mundane moments explode with significance.
I’ve Sinned Horribly, Is There Any Hope?
12 juli 2013 |
5 min
Pastor John walks through Psalm 107 to call Christians who have sinned grievously and foolishly to cry out to the God of steadfast, enduring love.
On Ghostwriters
11 juli 2013 |
6 min
Properly attributing people's work is a matter of honesty. God wants us to give credit where it's due.
How Do I Delight Myself in the Lord?
9 juli 2013 |
10 min
Delight in God as most admirable. Delight in God as Savior and friend. Delight in God through his gifts. And you will delight yourself in the Lord.
Advice for Better Bible Reading
8 juli 2013 |
5 min
If you struggle in your Bible reading, Pastor John commends copying down the Scriptures each day and gives four reasons why.
Mealtime Prayers: Impromptu or Memorized?
5 juli 2013 |
4 min
Spontaneous and memorized prayers teach families important aspects of a real, dynamic relationship with God.
Patriotism and the Christian
4 juli 2013 |
8 min
God’s people are Christians before they are patriots, but they still work for the good of their homelands.
Mealtime Prayers: Necessary or Optional?
2 juli 2013 |
8 min
Prayers at meals, even when we don't feel like making them, form soul-nourishing habits of joy that can pass from generation to generation.
How Food and Sex Are Made Holy
1 juli 2013 |
9 min
Food and sex easily turn from gifts into gods. Pastor John encourages believers to dethrone false gods by thanking the true God for his gifts.
Is My Boyfriend’s Porn a Marriage Deal-Breaker?
28 juni 2013 |
10 min
Porn ravages souls. Porn demeans women. Porn destroys love. So should porn use be a marriage deal-breaker?
Suffering, Sacrifice, and Christian Hedonism
27 juni 2013 |
5 min
Christian hedonism does not ignore pain for the sake of joy. Rather, it exclaims that God is satisfying enough to give you joy in the midst of pain.
Does Christian Hedonism Make Joy an Idol?
26 juni 2013 |
10 min
Don’t delight in delight, glorify God by rejoicing in him, and three more safeguards against idolizing joy for Christian Hedonists.
What Does It Mean to Be Dead to the World?
25 juni 2013 |
8 min
Jesus surpasses whatever good the world has to offer. So rather than worship those good things, disciples of Jesus receive them as gifts.
Is the 40-Minute Sermon Passé?
24 juni 2013 |
7 min
Some tire of listening to sermons, as though they were lectures. But a preacher is not a professor, but a herald of God, proclaiming the good news to the church.
The Joy of Calvinism and the Fight for Joy
21 juni 2013 |
8 min
God’s sovereign working in the gospel assures his people that no hardship is wasted and no wrongdoing will slip by unnoticed. He will settle every account.
God’s Joy and the Joy of the Calvinist
20 juni 2013 |
6 min
God’s joy in himself bears up his self-sufficient, sovereign work in the world. Pastor John unpacks God’s infinite, trinitarian joy.
Why Is Interracial Marriage Such a Hot Topic?
19 juni 2013 |
8 min
Christians celebrate interracial marriage, but black-white marriage especially touches sensitive cultural nerves. Pastor John identifies five of them.
Tornados and Twitter Timing
18 juni 2013 |
8 min
In light of two regrettable tweets, Pastor John shares the lessons he learned about how, when, and where to speak online.
Natural Disasters and Pastoral Ministry
17 juni 2013 |
8 min
When catastrophes hit, pastors should lead their churches toward a healthy response — filled with mourning and worship.
Adjusting to Life in the Country
14 juni 2013 |
3 min
While God calls us to spend most of our time in the thick of regular life and ministry, occasional retreats are good for refreshing the soul.
Our Move to Tennessee and New Projects
13 juni 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John reflects on his move to Tennessee — both his motives for moving and the projects he hopes to accomplish while living there.
Why Eternal Security Needs Community
12 juni 2013 |
6 min
Eternal life is sure for the bride of Christ. But prayers and exhortations of Christian community may be the very means God uses to preserve his people.
For Christian Loners
11 juni 2013 |
5 min
Pastor John encourages Christian loners — even those who have been hurt by the church — to pursue God in Christ-exalting friendships.
Affections and Emotions
10 juni 2013 |
6 min
Our affections move us to not only eat, but savor; not only avoid what is evil, but despise it; not only sing by rote, but worship God with delight.
Who Has Been Most Influential in Your Life?
7 juni 2013 |
5 min
Pastor John shares his personal list of influencers — people who contributed significantly to shaping his mind.
How Evangelistic Should Sundays Be?
6 juni 2013 |
5 min
The one gospel does two things: It feeds the saints week by week and it calls unbelievers to repent and believe in Jesus for salvation.
Personal Comfort in God’s Sovereignty Over Evil
5 juni 2013 |
3 min
If God is absent, life is meaningless; if he is helpless, we have no hope. But if he is sovereign, he works even evil for the good of his children.
Can God Ordain Evil Without Being Evil?
4 juni 2013 |
7 min
If no single evil act falls outside of God’s control, how can God be completely good?
On Pastors Who Use Churches as Studios
3 juni 2013 |
4 min
God may choose to extend the influence of a pastor beyond the church doors, but his call remains the same: Faithfully feed your flock.
Can a Born-Again Christian Lose Salvation?
31 maj 2013 |
8 min
A born-again person cannot be unborn again. If God has called you by name, he is faithful to keep you until the end.
Is Jeremiah 29:11 a Promise to Christians?
30 maj 2013 |
3 min
If the promise in Jeremiah 29:11 was made to exiles in Babylon, what business do Christians have claiming it for themselves?
Boundaries for Non-Christian Friendships
28 maj 2013 |
4 min
In their friendships with non-Christians, are believers loving and transforming, or conforming and being transformed?
Stranded on a Desert Island, What Books Do You Bring?
27 maj 2013 |
3 min
What three books would you want with you if you were stranded on a desert island? Pastor John shares his three picks.
Can a White Woman Marry a Black Man?
24 maj 2013 |
7 min
God does not restrict believers from marrying someone with a different skin color. He only requires that they be a Christ-follower.
On Cussing
23 maj 2013 |
8 min
If you feel tempted to cuss, ask, “Is it going to build this person up? Will it make them stronger? Will it make Christ more beautiful in their eyes?”
Will World History Become the Ballad of Eternity?
22 maj 2013 |
8 min
God does not intend for us to forget about our earthly lives when we enter heaven. We will be singing about the trophies of his grace for all eternity.
Encouragement for Ordinary Pastors
21 maj 2013 |
4 min
A local pastor does not need to compete with Tim Keller, John Piper, and Matt Chandler. He simply needs to faithfully expound the Bible to his people.
Do Online Sermons Undermine Local Churches?
20 maj 2013 |
6 min
The internet has flooded believers with solid biblical content. But it can never replace a pastor whom God has called to shepherd a local church.
What Does Opposition to Chris Broussard Tell Us?
17 maj 2013 |
7 min
Although more people will abandon and defile the truth as the end approaches, God may still bring a mighty outpouring of his grace before Christ returns.
Explain Your New Poem “Grace Forfeited”
17 maj 2013 |
6 min
In this special edition, John Piper explains the meaning and motive of his poem, “Grace Forfeited.”
Was Chris Broussard Right?
16 maj 2013 |
7 min
God will condemn homosexual practice just as he does thievery and greed. All our broken desires deserve God’s wrath as their punishment.
Facing Death Faithfully
15 maj 2013 |
8 min
When death draws near, God’s word assures believers that God will not withhold any good from them, even when it feels they are losing so much.
A Mother’s Role in Raising Boys
14 maj 2013 |
8 min
Moms, don’t assume that only dad can show their son what it means to be a man. Moms have a unique role in helping sons grasp manhood.
Choosing a Seminary
13 maj 2013 |
4 min
Faculty matters more than buildings when you are deciding what seminary to attend. You need to find a place where everyone cherishes the Bible.
Was C.S. Lewis a Christian Hedonist?
10 maj 2013 |
8 min
Lewis has helped Pastor John shape what he calls Christian Hedonism, but does he believe that C.S. Lewis was himself a Christian Hedonist?
Appreciating Creation While Anticipating New Creation
9 maj 2013 |
3 min
C.S. Lewis can help us see the beauty of the creation around us because he knew that this beauty points us to the more satisfying Creator.
How Did Lewis Prepare You for Edwards?
8 maj 2013 |
4 min
C.S. Lewis build conceptual categories for John Piper. Jonathan Edwards set the content on fire with Bible.
How Do You Process Public Tragedy?
7 maj 2013 |
9 min
God’s sovereign ability to stop tragedies never undoes our calling to weep with those who weep, to help however we can, and to lament the evil in it all.
How Far Is Too Far Before Marriage, Spiritually and Emotionally?
6 maj 2013 |
7 min
Couples often set physical boundaries, but overlook the spiritual and emotional lines we cross in relationships. How, then, can we guard ourselves from going too far before marriage?
How Has C. S. Lewis Influenced You?
3 maj 2013 |
8 min
Lewis awakened a teenage pastor John to the wonder of the world. He taught him that rigorous logic and romantic language can go together.
When Did You First Meet C.S. Lewis?
2 maj 2013 |
7 min
C.S. Lewis has made a lasting impact on pastor John because of his ability to be lucid, logical, illuminating, large-hearted, and joyfully longing.
Why Host a Conference on C. S. Lewis?
1 maj 2013 |
6 min
C.S. Lewis’s writing has continued to affect millions today, but should we ever host an entire Christian conference focused on a person other than Christ?
How to Handle Panhandlers
30 april 2013 |
7 min
The Bible calls believers to give to the one who begs, but how can we obey this commandment without being ripped off or feeding someone’s bad habits?
How to Fight Laziness
29 april 2013 |
5 min
Hard work is not a consequence of the fall, but a gift. If we are going to fight laziness, we need to develop a good theology of work.
When Jehovah’s Witnesses Knock at Your Door
26 april 2013 |
5 min
Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses have major differences that we can’t ignore when they visit. But how can you love them well if you don’t have time to debate?
Christians and Marijuana
25 april 2013 |
5 min
Marijuana continues to become legal in more and more states. As the drug becomes more common, how should we think about it from a biblical worldview?
The Power to Conquer Selfishness
24 april 2013 |
5 min
Anyone can use their power to command others, but there is a unique greatness and power found in those who chose to serve through Christ.
Reflections on His Last Sermon As Pastor
23 april 2013 |
5 min
As Pastor John preached his farewell sermon, he wanted to point Bethlehem to the great shepherd who would be with them long after he was gone.
How Are Teachers Judged More Strictly?
22 april 2013 |
9 min
Because teachers have been given more, God will hold them more accountable. He will judge them on how they used the opportunity they were given.
How Far Is Too Far Before Marriage?
19 april 2013 |
10 min
God designed sex to bring joy, and he reserved this gift for marriage. How can we guard ourselves to avoid awakening sexual feelings outside marriage?
What Is the Purpose of Fasting?
18 april 2013 |
5 min
Fasting only adds to our hunger for God. Through fasting, we put our stomach where our hearts are to give added intensity to our ache for Jesus.
Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same Deity?
17 april 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John explains why Muslims do not worship the God of the Bible. 
Was Jesus for Real?
16 april 2013 |
7 min
How can we be sure that Jesus is who he said he is? Can we have any assurance the Jesus we read about in the Bible is real?
Is Jesus the Only Way to Be Saved?
15 april 2013 |
5 min
It might feel unloving to say that Jesus is the only way, but it would be even more unloving not to.
What Do You Think of Your Influence on Christian Hip Hop?
12 april 2013 |
6 min
At least twelve rap songs have been directly influenced by Pastor John, how does he feel about this legacy?
The Parent’s Role in a Child’s Gender Development
11 april 2013 |
5 min
God calls parents to love their children enough to shape them into future men and women. But how much influence should a parent have?
Wimpy Theology Makes Wimpy Women
10 april 2013 |
4 min
Pastors and husbands reject complementarity when they cripple women by not encouraging them to study, mediate, and ponder deeply. 
What Is “Strong Feminine Womanhood?”
9 april 2013 |
7 min
A hope-filled woman finds her strength in the God who comforts her as she finds shelter in him.
Advice for Discouraged, Unemployed College Grads
8 april 2013 |
7 min
Worried about where you will work? God’s mercy finds us even when the job search leaves us defeated. 
How Do Believers Exceed the Works of Jesus?
5 april 2013 |
7 min
Jesus promised that we would do greater works than he did. What does that mean, and have you done any?
Fasting from Twitter and Facebook
4 april 2013 |
6 min
Social media can reveal how much we love to be known and liked. It’s one mirror revealing our fear of man.
Twitter Goals and “Humble Brags”
3 april 2013 |
7 min
How should believers use social media? In a world that loves broadcasting selfies and counting retweets, we must find better ways to tweet.
How Can We Serve One Another in Battling Lust?
2 april 2013 |
9 min
Lust is serious enough to take extreme measures to put to death. This applies not only to our own efforts but also to the efforts of accountability partners.
Living Easter Sunday’s Victory on Monday Morning
1 april 2013 |
6 min
If the realities of Monday morning threaten the joys we found on Easter Sunday, we haven’t realized promises given to us at the cross.
What Makes Easter So Special?
29 mars 2013 |
6 min
What we celebrate on Easter is the foundational hinge of Christianity.
Do You Use Bible Commentaries Written by Women?
27 mars 2013 |
5 min
Does a pastor’s use of a female-authored commentary put him in opposition to Paul’s instruction that women should not teach or have authority over men in the church?
How Do I Know If I Love the Gifts More Than the Giver?
26 mars 2013 |
7 min
The possibility of turning God’s gifts into idols is a result of sin. But this doesn’t mean we should reject the gifts.
How Jesus’s Glory Drives Creative Communication
25 mars 2013 |
6 min
It is foolish and prideful to believe we can save anyone with the words we choose. But God chooses to save through “the word of Christ,” so how should we think about the language we use?
Can We Reconcile Creation and Evolution?
22 mars 2013 |
6 min
Is it possible to combine evolution with Christianity? Should we even try?
How Does It Glorify God to Predestine People to Hell?
21 mars 2013 |
6 min
In the final judgment, God’s justice will be fully vindicated, his grace and mercy will be underlined, and our worship will be intensified.
My Faith Is Driving My Family Away — What Do I Do?
20 mars 2013 |
6 min
The tension arising from believing the gospel in an unbelieving family can be severe. Pastor John has this to say to Christians feeling the pain of family division because of their faith.
Does It Bother You People Are Entertained by Your Gestures?
19 mars 2013 |
5 min
What is Pastor John's response to people who are amused by his movement and gestures behind the pulpit?
What’s with All the Preaching Gestures?
18 mars 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John is well-known for his movements behind the pulpit. What role do those gestures play in preaching, and how much thought goes into them?
A Response to the First Republican Senator to Support So-Called Same-Sex Marriage
15 mars 2013 |
6 min
Pastor John what are your thoughts on Republican senator Portman's editorial supporting so-called same-sex marriage? 
Do You Ever Doubt God’s Existence?
15 mars 2013 |
5 min
The more we consider the world around us and the Jesus of our Bibles, the more we can see that God is real.
Why No Pastor Lives Up to What He Preaches
14 mars 2013 |
5 min
If a pastor is preaching properly, he will regularly fall short of his own preaching. How can pastors avoid becoming overwhelmed by this reality?
Care for Couples Struggling with Infertility
13 mars 2013 |
4 min
What might be said to couples dealing with the deep pain of childlessness? Pastor John identifies some pillars of hope for those grieving over infertility.
How Do I Know If I’m Being Disciplined by God?
12 mars 2013 |
7 min
God’s discipline could come through suffering or a cool breeze on a sunny day. If God’s discipline comes in various forms, how can we know if we’re being disciplined?
What Oppressive Governments Cannot Do
11 mars 2013 |
3 min
Paul wrote that “rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.” But rulers sentenced Jesus to death, so how should we understand Paul’s words?
Does Romans 13 Prohibit All Civil Disobedience?
8 mars 2013 |
6 min
Paul says to submit to the government God has established. Does this include evil and unjust governments?
Biblical Womanhood in Five Minutes
7 mars 2013 |
6 min
What does it mean to be a woman? Here are four ways the Bible defines womanhood.
What’s the Connection Between IQ and Holiness?
6 mars 2013 |
4 min
The Bible requires us to use our minds to grow in holiness. Does this mean that smarter people have a leg up on holiness?
Do You Conduct Funerals for Non-Christians?
5 mars 2013 |
4 min
Christian pastors should never conduct a generic funeral for unbelievers. There is always something hopeful for us to say at funerals.
How Can I Help My Friends Stay Satisfied in God?
4 mars 2013 |
5 min
Christians help their friends be satisfied in Christ by speaking God's promises to each other, and by filling our own wells of joy in God.
God Hears My Prayers, So Why Should I Pray for Things Twice?
1 mars 2013 |
4 min
Jesus tells us to repeat our prayers with persistence, but he also says that God disregards vain repetition. So how do we know when to repeat ourselves?
A Theology of Prayer in Three Minutes
28 februari 2013 |
4 min
Regardless of how God answers our individual prayers, he loves to hear them, and he will use them to establish his kingdom once and for all.
How Can I Live More Like an Evangelist?
27 februari 2013 |
3 min
If we want to become more evangelistically-minded, we should constantly ask, “What is God doing here?”
Why Pastoral Professionalism Isn’t Enough
26 februari 2013 |
4 min
Pastor John gives his thoughts on the 2013 Conference for Pastors, “Brothers, We Are Still Not Professionals.”
Why Your Pastor Needs Your Prayers
25 februari 2013 |
4 min
One of your pastor's greatest needs is for you to pray for him.
The Spirit Lives in Me, So Why Do My Affections Waver?
22 februari 2013 |
4 min
If God is the source of the Christian’s joy, and God lives in us, why are there times when we don’t feel joy?
Should Missionaries Intentionally Lie?
21 februari 2013 |
3 min
Is it okay for missionaries to lie in order to do ministry in closed countries?
How Do Rape, Incest, and Threat to the Mother’s Life Affect Your Pro-Life Stance?
20 februari 2013 |
7 min
Should the difficult circumstances of some pregnancies affect our pro-life position?
Three Levels of God-Glorifying Emotion
19 februari 2013 |
6 min
Is God glorified in our desire to enjoy him? Or can we only glorify God when we're actually delighting in him?
A Theology of Art in Five Minutes
18 februari 2013 |
6 min
What role should art play in the church and the Christian life? A Christian theology of art considers God as an artist who commands creativity from his creation.
Should a Joyless Pastor Preach Joy in God?
15 februari 2013 |
3 min
How do you preach joy in God when you have almost no feeling of it? Pastor John gives some helpful counsel for pastors struggling to experience joy in the Lord.
Fighting for Joy in Pastoral Ministry
14 februari 2013 |
5 min
Pastor John offers counsel for pastors and others challenged by spiritual dryness and burnout.
Must Bible Reading Always End with Application?
13 februari 2013 |
6 min
What are you looking for in your Bible reading? Do you hope mainly to glean life principles or to be shaped by what you see of God's glory?
What Is Leadership?
12 februari 2013 |
5 min
What does godly leadership look like? Christian Leadership is acting and speaking to create a following toward a goal, all defined by the Bible.
Writing Poetry: Where Do I Start?
11 februari 2013 |
5 min
Pastor John offers practical help for Christians who want to write poetry but don’t know how to start.
What Is Definite Atonement, and Why Does It Matter?
8 februari 2013 |
7 min
Pastor John introduces definite atonement, the doctrine that Christ’s death accomplished a real salvation for a definite group of men and women.
Priorities for Youth Pastors
7 februari 2013 |
4 min
What are the fundamental truths that youth leaders and pastors should drill into the hearts of young people today?
What Does Christian Hedonism Offer the Depressed?
6 februari 2013 |
5 min
Our joy does not only glorify God when we feel happy and carefree. God is also glorified when we cling to his supreme worth in the midst of pain.
How Active Should We Be in the Pursuit of Joy?
5 februari 2013 |
3 min
Should Christians pursue joy in God, or should they wait for God to simply give it to them? Pastor John clarifies our call to rejoice in the Lord.
Does God Ever Withdraw His Presence from His Children?
4 februari 2013 |
5 min
Christian Hedonists affirm that we ought to be happy in God. Often, we are not. What should our response be to seasons of spiritual darkness?
Fighting Porn Addiction with Grudem’s Systematic Theology
1 februari 2013 |
7 min
Heaven and hell are at stake in the fight against pornography. When we recognize that, using every weapon at our disposal won’t feel extreme.
We Are Makers — Lessons on Vocation from Dorothy Sayers
31 januari 2013 |
4 min
Christians should think of themselves as being made new in Christ to be makers with God.
Interpreting the Miracles of Jesus
30 januari 2013 |
5 min
To understand the significance of Jesus’s miracles, we should begin by simply slowing down and asking, “What does this say about Jesus?”
Why False Doctrine Can Make You Happy
29 januari 2013 |
5 min
Does doctrine matter so long as we feel happy in God? Pastor John explains why only a true view of God can glorify him and satisfy us.
Why John Piper Recycles
28 januari 2013 |
6 min
Why should Christians care about this earth if we are waiting for a new one? Ultimately, it is because we love our neighbors.
The Essential Warfare for Holiness
26 januari 2013 |
6 min
We don’t add happiness to holiness in the Christian life. Our happiness in God is an essential piece of what it means to be holy.
Exercising the Body (For the Sake of the Soul)
25 januari 2013 |
6 min
God cares about what we do with the bodies he’s given to us. We should govern our eating, sleeping, and exercise to maximize our life and soul for the kingdom.
What Is the Difference Between Right Risk and Wrong Risk?
24 januari 2013 |
4 min
All Christians are called to risk. But how do we know when the risk is worth it and which risks we should take personally?
Safety Is a Myth
23 januari 2013 |
7 min
Risk is unavoidable in life. It is better to risk rightly, for the sake of Christ’s glory, than to try avoid all danger.
Arrests and Imprisonments in Opposing Abortion
22 januari 2013 |
7 min
Pastor John shares his experiences of being arrested for anti-abortion demonstrations and offers some principles for civil disobedience in opposing abortions.
Leadership Lessons from Martin Luther King
21 januari 2013 |
4 min
Despite his flaws, Martin Luther King, Jr. was an effective leader because he was courageous, brilliant, and a visionary.
What Are Your Takeaways from Passion 2013?
18 januari 2013 |
4 min
After preaching to 60,000 students at the Passion conference, Pastor John discusses the movement and its core desire for God’s name and renown.
What Is It Like Preaching to 60,000 People?
17 januari 2013 |
9 min
Pastor John recently preached to 60,000 at Passion. He talks about the unique temptations and mercies of speaking on such a large platform.
Why Adam Matters for Global Missions
15 januari 2013 |
5 min
Whether we believe in a historical Adam or not will affect more than our theology. For instance, his existence is one powerful tool in world missions.
Was Adam for Real, and Does It Matter?
14 januari 2013 |
6 min
Does it matter whether we think Adam really existed or not? Pastor John talks about what is at stake in a major debate over Genesis.
How Important Is a Christian Writer’s Influence?
13 januari 2013 |
8 min
Writers should utilize their influence carefully, while allowing the process of writing to open their own eyes and shape their own souls.
Who Was George Herbert?
12 januari 2013 |
4 min
In his life, ministry, and poetry, George Herbert wrestled with the tension between worldly ambition and godly ambition. What can we learn from him?
Reflections from John Piper on His Birthday
11 januari 2013 |
8 min
On his 67th birthday, Pastor John reflects on God's grace to him as a husband, father, and pastor, and asks for prayer over his final era of life and ministry.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.