Ask Pastor John
John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.
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- 409The Glorious Duty of ThanksgivingGratitude is a duty — we ought to thank God for the grace he has given. But genuine Christian gratitude is far more than mere duty.
- 410How Do I Write a Personal Mission Statement?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.
- 411Does Righteous Anger Kill Our Joy?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.
- 412The God Who Turns Hearts to GodThe story of Elijah on Mount Carmel shows that God rules over fire and rain, bulls and rocks — and even over every human heart.
- 413John Piper’s Ministry in One Bible TextJohn 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.
- 414How Can I Resist a Critical Spirit?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?
- 415God’s Plan When Our Plans FailGod, 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.
- 416How ‘Progressive’ Can a Christian Get?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?
- 417Can We Really Give God More or Less Glory?Christians sometimes talk about giving God “some” glory, “more” glory, or “most” glory, but are those really biblical categories?
- 418The God Who Brings Us into Everlasting PleasureThose 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.
- 419Is It Normal to Have a Divided Heart?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.”
- 420Do the Non-Elect Have a Chance to Repent?The Bible teaches both the absolute sovereignty of God and the genuine accountability of man. And nowhere are they considered contradictory.
- 421History Ended at ChristmasChristmas is not just another bend in the river of redemptive history. Christmas marks the end of the river and the arrival of the ocean.
- 422Why Is Christmas Precious to You?We miss the miracle of what Christmas is if we forget why Christmas happened: God the Son became man — to die in our place.
- 423End-of-Life Medical Intervention — or Not?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.
- 424What Desiring God Wants to Be Known ForThe 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
- 425Is Sanctification the Pursuit of Perfection?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?
- 426What Is an Idol?The Bible describes idols as actual objects people worship, but today many use the language of “idolatry” more broadly. So what is an idol?
- 427Let God’s Word Dwell in You Richly This YearWhen we memorize and meditate on God’s word, we create a deep, transforming connection between the Bible, our minds, and our hearts.
- 428Why Does God Hide Himself from Christians?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.
- 429Should I Leave an Inheritance for My Children?If Scripture doesn’t obligate parents to leave a financial inheritance to their children, how might Christians decide what to do with their money?
- 430Should I Become a Preacher?Should I become a preacher? Pastor John’s own road to the pastorate shows that God often makes preachers in unexpected ways.
- 431I Have Multiple Disabilities — How Do I Not Waste My Life?What might it look like for a Christian with significant disabilities to live a productive, spiritually fruitful, God-glorifying life?
- 432How the Lottery Preys on the PoorPull-tabs and scratch games incentivize risky, destructive behaviors, especially among those who can least afford to play.
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