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Ask Pastor John

Desiring God

John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.

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  • 49 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 12 min
  • English

Episodes 49

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  • Today · 13 min

    Scrolling the Soul Shallow

    Entertainment swamps nearly all of life in triviality. So, how can we resist the tide and embrace a wholehearted, soul-satisfying pursuit of God?

  • Monday · 13 min

    The Flavors of Holy Joy

    A well-cooked meal and a newborn baby fill our hearts with different delights. Pastor John explains how God’s gifts offer us a multicolored experience of joy.

  • November 5 · 14 min

    How Evil Works

    How does Satan influence the world, and where do we see his work most clearly? Pastor John describes Satan’s power and limits under Christ’s victorious work.

  • November 2 · 13 min

    Peace for Second-Guessers

    How do we know when we’ve worked hard enough? Pastor John offers six ways to fight anxiety and rest in the grace of Christ.

  • October 29 · 15 min

    Was Piper Unprepared?

    In 1980, Bethlehem Baptist Church hired 34-year-old John Piper as lead pastor. Pastor John reflects on the life experience and biblical worldview that prepared him for ministry.

  • October 26 · 14 min

    Happiness Myths to Avoid

    Modern psychology defines happiness as “self-fulfillment.” But without God, our souls will always long for greater satisfaction and joy.

  • October 22 · 12 min

    When God Is Against Me

    Can God act as a Christian’s enemy through suffering? Pastor John explains how God’s painful providences do not conflict with his enduring love for his children.

  • October 19 · 10 min

    Can My Pain Kill My Sins?

    Does suffering kill the sin within us? Pastor John argues from 1 Peter 4:1 that believers die to sin with Christ so we can live to his righteousness.

  • October 15 · 16 min

    Trapped in a Meaningless Life

    Loss can lead to despair over God’s plan for our lives. When we can’t perceive meaning in life, Pastor John counsels us to find comfort in God’s glorious purpose in Christ.

  • October 12 · 12 min

    Do Good People Get Hurt?

    Does the Bible promise that believers will not be harmed for doing good? Pastor John explains the context of 1 Peter 3:13 and God’s sovereign wisdom in suffering.

  • October 8 · 12 min

    The Marriage Miracle That Takes Time

    Loving our spouses for better or worse includes loving them through their spiritual apathy. Pastor John gives ten encouragements for the weary.

  • October 5 · 12 min

    When You’re Not Sorry

    When someone confronts you wrongly, should you apologize? Pastor John encourages humility and reconciliation without giving in to emotional manipulation.

  • October 1 · 14 min

    The Gospel Before Jesus Died

    Did Jesus preach the gospel before his death and resurrection? Pastor John calls us to a deeper understanding of God as Creator and King, and Jesus as Lord and Savior.

  • September 28 · 11 min

    The Perils of a Quick Fix

    How can we witness to those who just want a quick fix? Pastor John presses home the shocking reality of eternity and the astounding love of Jesus.

  • September 24 · 11 min

    When I’m Too Weak to Be Productive

    Can a disabled mother model the Proverbs 31 woman? Pastor John describes the gift of a heart that hopes in God’s steadfast love.

  • September 21 · 13 min

    Six Traits of a Forgettable Sermon

    Rigorous exposition isn’t at odds with engaging preaching. Pastor John encourages pastors to work for creativity when technical, abstract sermons feel easier.

  • September 17 · 12 min

    Do We Need to Go to Church Every Week?

    Gathering with other Christians is a crucial way to encourage and be encouraged in Christ. But do we really need to gather every week?

  • September 14 · 13 min

    The Joy That Sustained Jesus

    Jesus endured unspeakable agony at the cross. Pastor John marvels at the force of his love sustained by expectant joy.

  • September 10 · 12 min

    The Barrier to Doctrinal Maturity

    Is the Bible accessible only to readers with a high IQ? Pastor John reframes biblical maturity as a moral issue centered on our obedience, not our intellect.

Showing 1–20 of 49 episodes