Ask Pastor John

Desiring God

John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.

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1,000 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes1000

Newest first

Oct 23, 2025 · 11 min
Nine Steps to Find a Home Church
When we move to a new place, how do we find a good local church to call home? Pastor John offers nine steps to take in our search.
Oct 20, 2025 · 11 min
Does God Punish from His Heart?
What should we do when two texts seem to say opposite things about God and his character? Pastor John digs to the common root of truth.
Oct 16, 2025 · 11 min
Was Jesus Tempted by Evil Desires?
James says God cannot be tempted, but Hebrews says Jesus was tempted just like we are. How do these two passages fit together?
Oct 13, 2025 · 11 min
Sexual Purity Is an Act of Love
If a man wants to be married but is too young to pursue it, how can he keep his desires in the right place? Pastor John offers five weapons for the fight.
Oct 9, 2025 · 12 min
Sorrows Surprised by Happiness
Sorrow and joy are not just sequential emotional states: first sorrow, then joy. Miraculously, we can experience overflowing joy in the midst of deep sorrow.
Oct 6, 2025 · 13 min
Work as Worship
How can we delight in the good work we do while keeping our work in its proper place? Pastor John situates daily work within God’s larger purposes.
Oct 2, 2025 · 12 min
The Evil That Stuns Heaven
Does human evil really call for infinite punishment? Pastor John confronts the ultimate sin of ignoring God’s infinite value.
Sep 29, 2025 · 12 min
Does God Predict History?
Pastor John connects God’s word with his ability to perform that word, grounding our faith in the unstoppable purposes of our loving God.
Sep 25, 2025 · 11 min
Can Delight in God Become Self-Serving?
In Isaiah 58, does God condemn his people for having too much delight in his ways? Pastor John distinguishes hypocritical pleasure from true, generous joy in God.
Sep 22, 2025 · 13 min
A Better Hope for the Childless
God promised a home to faithful eunuchs in the Old Testament, but what about childless believers today? Pastor John sees three enduring blessings.
Sep 18, 2025 · 10 min
If God Knows Our Hearts, Why Does He Test Us?
In the Bible, God sometimes tests his people to see how they will respond. Why does he do this if he already knows every heart?
Sep 15, 2025 · 13 min
Does Mysticism Make Us Closer to God?
Should Christians seek mystical experiences as a way to grow closer to God? Pastor John looks at how Paul responded to his own visions.
Sep 11, 2025 · 13 min
Spiritual Dangers of Recreational Marijuana
When a society normalizes sin, how should the church respond? Pastor John calls for spiritual integrity that doesn’t depend on society’s opinion.
Sep 8, 2025 · 13 min
Should We Rejoice When God Destroys Our Enemies?
God destroys many enemies in the Bible, and he promises to destroy many more in hell. As his people, should we celebrate our enemies’ downfall?
Sep 4, 2025 · 12 min
Waging War Against Drift
Sometimes, when the Bible describes indifference to God, it sounds like us. How can we resist our tendency to drift away from him?
Sep 1, 2025 · 10 min
Why Do Citations in the Bible Seem Sloppy?
How might we understand the apparently casual way some biblical writers quote earlier parts of Scripture? Pastor John explores how Hebrews handles God’s word.
Aug 28, 2025 · 12 min
Glorifying God in 1,000 Decisions a Day
With so many decisions for us to make every day, why doesn’t God tell us exactly what to do in each situation?
Aug 25, 2025 · 11 min
How Much Church Can I Miss to Serve?
Serving children in Jesus’s name is beautiful and God-pleasing. Gathering for worship is crucial and soul-preserving. So, how much corporate worship should we miss to serve?
Aug 21, 2025 · 13 min
The High Price of Watching Nudity
In a day when sexualized content seems to be everywhere, including in many shows and movies, Pastor John gives twelve reasons to never watch nudity.
Aug 18, 2025 · 10 min
We Can’t Endure on Our Own
What might Simon of Cyrene teach us about supporting one another in trials? Pastor John digs into the perseverance of the saints and the church’s crucial role.

Ask Pastor John

Nine Steps to Find a Home Church

Does God Punish from His Heart?

Was Jesus Tempted by Evil Desires?

Sexual Purity Is an Act of Love

Sorrows Surprised by Happiness

Work as Worship

The Evil That Stuns Heaven

Does God Predict History?

Can Delight in God Become Self-Serving?

A Better Hope for the Childless

If God Knows Our Hearts, Why Does He Test Us?

Does Mysticism Make Us Closer to God?

Spiritual Dangers of Recreational Marijuana

Should We Rejoice When God Destroys Our Enemies?

Waging War Against Drift

Why Do Citations in the Bible Seem Sloppy?

Glorifying God in 1,000 Decisions a Day

How Much Church Can I Miss to Serve?

The High Price of Watching Nudity

We Can’t Endure on Our Own