Ask Pastor John
John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.
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- 769God Is Eager to Work for YouGod looks throughout the earth, eager to work for those whose hearts are whole toward him. Pastor John unfolds glory from a favorite verse.
- 770What Makes a True Friend?What makes for a true friend, according to God’s word? Pastor John sketches the nature and importance of friendship across the Scriptures.
- 771Can a Single Pastor Date in His Church?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.
- 772When Love Wanes, the Marriage Covenant RemainsStaying 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.
- 773Should My Construction Company Help Build a Casino?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.
- 774Can We Pray for God to Teach Someone a Lesson?Can Christians ask God to teach the unrepentant hard lessons? Pastor John helps us pray against others’ sins without presuming to be God.
- 775Seven Encouragements for Parents of ProdigalsHow 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.
- 776Should We Ever Speak Directly to the Devil?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.
- 777Are Motorcycles for Fools?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.
- 778Your Holy Deeds Are Not Filthy RagsIn Christ, the righteous deeds you do by faith are emphatically not “filthy rags.” Pastor John corrects a common and profound misunderstanding.
- 779Defining Success in My 9-to-5 JobWhat 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.
- 780Did My Negligence Kill My Baby?What comfort does God give to those who feel responsible for tragic loss? Pastor John offers eight words of hope to a brokenhearted mom.
- 781What Is ‘White-Hot Worship’?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.”
- 782How to Find the Meaning of a Bible VerseHow do we make sense of Bible passages that we don’t understand? Pastor John demonstrates how to patiently interpret Scripture with Scripture.
- 783On HoardingHow can we help those struggling with hoarding? Pastor John shares five underlying factors and five practical suggestions for those who seem stuck.
- 784The Pitfalls of Being a ThinkerThinking is indispensable — but thinking is also dangerous. How can we use our minds to glorify God rather than puffing up ourselves?
- 785Will God Forgive My Worst Sin?Will God forgive my very worst sin? Pastor John shares seven powerful encouragements for those paralyzed with guilt.
- 786Why Do I Exist?Why do you exist? Why does anything exist? Pastor John shows from Isaiah 43:1–7 that God created his people to glorify him by enjoying him.
- 787American Church, Is Your Christ Too Cheap?Why do so many American Christians bear the marks of worldliness? Too often in our churches, Christ is too cheap, heaven is too distant, and earth is too big.
- 788DG’s Slogan, Coined 36 Years Ago Today“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” How did John Piper craft this memorable motto? Tony Reinke tells the story.
- 789The Busy Soul Learning to Wait for GodHow can active, impatient doers learn to wait on God? Pastor John describes spiritual waiting — and shows how we can answer such a question for ourselves.
- 790Rome’s Seven Deadly ErrorsThe Roman Catholic Church teaches numerous unbiblical doctrines. So, can devout Catholics be genuinely saved?
- 791Overcoming Spiritual LazinessHow do we overcome half-hearted spiritual laziness? Pastor John appeals to the apostle Paul and Jonathan Edwards to commend a life totally devoted to Christ.
- 792Joy’s Triumph over Spiritual SlothHow does zeal for God relate to joy in God? With help from Jonathan Edwards, Pastor John traces the crucial connection in four steps.
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