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

Mar 27, 2025 · 10 min
Does God Withdraw His Presence from Me?
God promises never to leave us nor forsake us, but sometimes the Bible says he withdraws his presence from us. How can those both be true?
Mar 24, 2025 · 12 min
Seven Promises That Have Kept John Piper
How can our faith turn from nominal to authentic? Pastor John reflects on God’s power to establish and sustain belief through his promises.
Mar 20, 2025 · 13 min
Help Me Live a Genuine Life
When God commands a godly life of genuine affections, how do we obey? John Piper draws our attention to the transforming mercies of God.
Mar 17, 2025 · 11 min
How Did Jesus Freely Live a Scripted Life?
As Jesus headed toward the cross, he knew he was fulfilling the script that was written for him. So, how did he authentically choose a death already decided?
Mar 13, 2025 · 14 min
How Much of Christianity Remains a Secret?
How much of the Christian faith has already been revealed to us now, and how much of it remains a secret that we won’t understand until we get to heaven?
Mar 10, 2025 · 13 min
If No One Seeks God, How Is Anyone Saved?
If sinners cannot seek God, how does anyone receive salvation? Pastor John shows that God must give his power and grace precisely because we cannot seek him on our own.
Mar 6, 2025 · 11 min
Are Christians Happier Than Non-Christians in This Life?
Why are Christians most to be pitied if there’s no resurrection? Don’t we still experience more joy than non-Christians? Pastor John gives four responses.
Mar 3, 2025 · 14 min
I Never Felt Like God’s Enemy — Was I?
If we have no memory of hating or opposing God before he saved us, then how should we understand the Bible’s claim that we were his enemy?
Feb 27, 2025 · 12 min
Advice for Reading Romans After Decades of Experience
Why does Pastor John believe Romans is the greatest letter ever written? And how would he encourage Christians to benefit from this monumental book?
Feb 24, 2025 · 14 min
Should I Use AI to Help Me Write Sermons?
Should pastors and ministry leaders use artificial intelligence as a tool to write their sermons and newsletters? If so, how? If not, why not?
Feb 20, 2025 · 14 min
Every Good Sermon Has Application
How much life application should pastors offer in their sermons? Pastor John commends interweaving exposition and application throughout each sermon.
Feb 17, 2025 · 11 min
What Makes Someone Spiritually Dirty?
When Jesus taught that impurity comes from within, was he departing from the Old Testament? Pastor John considers purity across the covenants.
Feb 13, 2025 · 15 min
Why Does the Bible Say Baptism Saves Us?
If God justifies by faith apart from works, then why do some passages seem to suggest that forgiveness comes through the act of baptism?
Feb 10, 2025 · 11 min
Living with Gospel-Sized Ambition
Acts 20:24 has encouraged and challenged Christians throughout the centuries. How, in particular, has it shaped the life and ministry of John Piper?
Feb 6, 2025 · 12 min
Why Is Witchcraft Handled So Differently Across Scripture?
In the Old Testament, witchcraft is met with capital punishment — but not in the New. Why does God handle this sin differently across redemptive history?
Feb 3, 2025 · 14 min
Is There Good Magic and Edifying Sorcery?
Do the signs and wonders in Scripture justify using righteous magic in fiction? Pastor John helps us discern the kinds of stories that serve our sight of Reality.
Jan 30, 2025 · 13 min
How Do I Become Happy in God?
Sometimes, the story of another Christian’s joy in God serves to kindle our own. Pastor John takes us to a remarkable moment in the life of Hudson Taylor.
Jan 27, 2025 · 12 min
If God Pastors Me, Why Do I Need Pastors?
God could have designed the world so that all the help we need comes from him directly. Instead, he often ministers to us indirectly through other people. Why?
Jan 23, 2025 · 17 min
How Do I Apply Bible Stories to My Life?
How can we begin to grasp the meaning of biblical narratives and their application to life? Pastor John offers an example from the story of Joseph.
Jan 20, 2025 · 10 min
One Believer Dies, Another Lives: On Reading Providence
In Acts 12, God allows Herod to kill James, but he thwarts the king’s plan to kill Peter. What might this chapter teach us about God’s providence?

Ask Pastor John

Does God Withdraw His Presence from Me?

Seven Promises That Have Kept John Piper

Help Me Live a Genuine Life

How Did Jesus Freely Live a Scripted Life?

How Much of Christianity Remains a Secret?

If No One Seeks God, How Is Anyone Saved?

Are Christians Happier Than Non-Christians in This Life?

I Never Felt Like God’s Enemy — Was I?

Advice for Reading Romans After Decades of Experience

Should I Use AI to Help Me Write Sermons?

Every Good Sermon Has Application

What Makes Someone Spiritually Dirty?

Why Does the Bible Say Baptism Saves Us?

Living with Gospel-Sized Ambition

Why Is Witchcraft Handled So Differently Across Scripture?

Is There Good Magic and Edifying Sorcery?

How Do I Become Happy in God?

If God Pastors Me, Why Do I Need Pastors?

How Do I Apply Bible Stories to My Life?

One Believer Dies, Another Lives: On Reading Providence