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Ask Pastor John

Desiring God

John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.

Play
  • 42 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 12 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Monday · 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.

  • September 3 · 11 min

    Why Did Jesus Call Her a Dog?

    Did Jesus demean the Canaanite woman he called a dog? Pastor John explains how Jesus’s test revealed her great faith — and her adoption as one of God’s own.

  • August 31 · 13 min

    When Walking Away Feels Good

    Why should we follow Jesus when life seems easier without him? Pastor John responds to a man questioning the cost of daily obedience.

  • August 27 · 12 min

    How a Crushed Faith Comes Home

    Deep suffering can drive us away from true hope and comfort. But our Father waits to gather us back to himself.

  • August 24 · 14 min

    When Nice People Face God

    Does eternal punishment in hell bring God glory? Pastor John challenges the rejection of God’s judgment by pointing to his unmerited mercies and perfect righteousness.

  • August 20 · 13 min

    Can My Silence Cost Souls?

    Why does evangelism matter when God has chosen whom he will save? Pastor John unpacks and rejoices in our role as God’s instruments.

  • August 17 · 14 min

    The Pleasure Trap

    How can Christians avoid placing a relationship or hobby over a desire for God? Pastor John calls us to let earthly delights turn us Godward.

  • August 13 · 10 min

    Selfies in the End Times

    Are selfies a sign of the end times? Pastor John looks beyond smartphones and social media to our society’s desire for deep satisfaction.

Showing 1–20 of 42 episodes