Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear

This week on Ask the Pastor, we have a special bonus episode on the question, “Which of the Bible’s promises apply today?” We covered a similar question several years ago, and you can find that episode HERE. A glimpse inside this episode: The Bible contains approximately 3,000 promises from God. All promises of God are fulfilled in Christ. Understanding the context of promises is crucial for application. There are unconditional and conditional promises in the Bible. God’s character remains consistent despite changing circumstances. Promises made to Israel can still have relevance today. The New Testament often cites Old Testament promises. Believers are encouraged to expect God’s goodness in their lives now. Faith in God’s promises is essential for spiritual growth.

Correct theology is vital for shaping our relationship with God and fostering unity in the church. The discussion emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between essential beliefs and non-essential ones. Spiritual maturity involves balancing strong convictions with love and restraint. Listeners learn that personal opinions shouldn't replace biblical truths. Theological study is crucial for all Christians, not just scholars, as it maintains the integrity of the gospel and supports healthy community dynamics.

Living faithfully in daily life, even during mundane tasks, can have a significant impact. Every believer plays a vital role in God's mission, where even domestic roles like motherhood are cherished. Ordinary obedience can lead to extraordinary outcomes, and a quiet life can beautifully reflect the gospel. Service to others is a universal calling that can shape generations. Remarkable living in everyday contexts not only fulfills God's desires but can also attract others to Christ.

The discussion dives into the crucial role of hell in understanding God’s justice. It challenges common doubts while emphasizing the seriousness of biblical imagery. The severity of hell, reflecting God’s infinite nature, highlights the implications of individual choices. This conversation serves as a lens to grasp the love of God, particularly through salvation. Listeners are encouraged to explore valuable resources for deeper insights into hell and divine judgment, making it an essential topic for a robust faith.

This intriguing discussion delves into why prayer is essential for joy and connection with God. It highlights how unanswered prayers can lead to unexpected growth and blessings. Persistence in prayer is emphasized as key to aligning with divine will. Listeners learn that while God's sovereignty might seem to downplay prayer's importance, it actually plays a crucial role in fulfilling His purposes. The transformative power of prayer is laid bare, showcasing its ability to change us and our circumstances.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. pauses his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” to answer a listener question about challenges of tithing when a spouse disagree. A glimpse inside this episode: Tithing is a biblical command that reflects trust in God. Communication is key when spouses disagree on financial matters. It’s important to honor each other’s perspectives in marriage. Testing God through tithing can lead to personal testimonies of faithfulness. You can’t give what you don’t have authority over. Prayer is essential in changing hearts regarding financial decisions. Generosity can be demonstrated through small acts of giving. God values the spirit of generosity over the amount given. Mutual respect in financial decisions strengthens marriage. Encouragement and prayer can lead to shifts in financial perspectives.

Discover the transformative power of a gospel-centered life! The discussion highlights its role in shaping identity and inspiring daily renewal. Insights include how the gospel encourages organic change and combats insecurity. The gospel prayer is presented as a tool for ongoing spiritual growth, while examples like the prodigal son illustrate reshaped desires. Emphasizing that the gospel is both the starting point and a lifelong journey, the conversation reveals how faith activates the Holy Spirit's power and fosters generosity aligned with God's desires.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” by diving into the significance of the virgin birth of Jesus. A glimpse inside this episode: The virgin birth is crucial to understanding Jesus’ identity. Jesus was born without a sin nature due to the virgin birth. The doctrine of the virgin birth is essential for salvation. Jesus had to be fully God and fully man to save us. The sin nature is passed down through the man’s seed. Isaiah 7:14 prophesies the virgin birth of Jesus. The term ‘Alma’ in Hebrew contextually means virgin. Matthew’s interpretation of Isaiah confirms the virgin birth. Jesus understands human experiences because he was fully man. The virgin birth leads us to worship God for His miraculous work.

This discussion highlights the crucial role of expositional preaching for church life. Grounding sermons in Scripture is emphasized, with preachers acting as faithful stewards of God’s word. The focus is on discipleship as the primary goal. Feedback from congregations fosters growth, and balanced biblical teaching is vital. It explores the relationship between topical and expositional preaching, showing that both can coexist when rooted in Scripture. Ultimately, it calls for a commitment to prioritizing God’s Word above personal opinions.

The conversation delves into the biblical perspective on the importance of sexual purity before marriage. It emphasizes how God’s guidelines are meant for our protection and promote deep, meaningful connections rather than casual encounters. Listeners learn about the psychological effects of casual sex and the lasting impact it can have. The discussion also highlights God’s grace, offering hope and redemption for those who have struggled with sexual sin, encouraging a perspective rooted in love and wisdom.