Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. starts a brand new series called, “Why Does It Matter.” Listen as he unpacks  the significance of the Bible’s authority, inerrancy, and its role in Christian life. A glimpse inside this episode: The Bible’s authority is foundational to Christian faith. Understanding why the Bible matters is crucial for believers. The concept of inerrancy is essential for trusting scripture. The Bible presents itself as the word of God, not merely human thoughts. Historical context is important in interpreting scripture. The Bible has faced challenges and attacks throughout history. Scripture serves as the standard for moral and theological truths. Believers must wrestle with difficult passages and teachings. The Bible’s message is ultimately about God’s rescue through Jesus. Engaging with scripture is vital for spiritual growth and understanding.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares part two of his favorite books in 2024. A glimpse inside this episode: Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature. Forgive by Tim Keller The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Dr. Michael Heiser Where the Light Fell: A Memoir by Philip Yancey The Courage to Be Protestant by Gavin Ortlund Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World by Eric Metaxas Jesus and the Powers by NT Wright and Michael Bird Ghosted: An American Story by Nancy French Spare by Prince Harry The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books in 2024. A glimpse inside this episode: Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature. Bless God and Take Courage: The Judson History and Legacy: Rosalie Hall Hunt How to Know a Person, David Brooks Marks of a Movement: What the church Today Can Learn from the Wesleyan Revival, Winfield Bevins Surprised by Doubt: How Disillusionment Can Invite Us Into a Deeper Faith by Dr. Joshua Chatraw and Jack Carson Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Esau McCaulley A few secular books: The Rulebreaker: Biography of Barbara Walters Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service, Carol Leonnig Open: An Autobiography, Andre Agassi TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking, Chris Anderson

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery?” A glimpse inside this episode: There are many the nuances for Christians around plastic surgery, enhancing beauty, the cultural pressures surrounding appearance, and the importance of focusing on inner beauty and heart posture. While cosmetic enhancements are not inherently wrong, they should not become idols that dictate self-worth or decision-making. The question of cosmetic surgery is nuanced and complex. Enhancing beauty is not inherently wrong; it’s about the heart behind it. Cultural pressures can lead to unhealthy decisions regarding appearance. The Bible encourages focusing on inner beauty rather than outward adornment. Idols related to beauty can lead to poor decision-making. Aging is a natural process that should be embraced, not fought against. Self-image should be rooted in God’s love, not physical appearance. It’s important to ask oneself if beauty and youth are idols. The inward person can be renewed even as the outward person deteriorates. Heart posture is crucial in making decisions about cosmetic enhancements.

This discussion dives into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence from a Christian viewpoint. The conversation explores the challenges of human dignity and moral agency in an age of AI. It highlights how existing biases can worsen societal issues and raises important privacy concerns. The impact of AI on employment and economic justice is examined, alongside the challenges of human enhancement and its implications for being made in God's image. Ultimately, the dialogue stresses the need for a thoughtful approach to integrating AI into society.

This discussion dives into the biblical basis of denominations, revealing they aren't explicitly mentioned in scripture. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation among churches to further God's mission. Historical insights highlight how Martin Luther's challenges shaped Protestantism. The conversation balances institutional and grassroots movements, advocating for unity despite doctrinal differences. Denominations can be seen as tools for collaboration rather than division, allowing for recognition of valid churches beyond one's own.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that has actually been asked by two listeners, Lillian and Jesse: “Is it OK for Christians to do Yoga?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the historical roots of yoga in Eastern religions and how it contrasts with Christian meditation. He emphasizes the importance of individual conscience in making decisions about practices that may have spiritual implications while also introducing a framework for categorizing theological issues and highlighting the need for unity in the church while allowing for personal convictions. Yoga has historical roots in Eastern religions like Hinduism. Christian meditation differs from Eastern meditation in purpose. Believers should wrestle with their own conscience regarding yoga. Not all practices with pagan origins are off-limits for Christians. Unity in the church is more important than strict conformity on disputed matters. The framework of essential, important, and indifferent matters helps navigate faith issues. Personal convictions should guide individual practices like yoga. Jesus’ authority supersedes the origins of certain practices. Engaging with differing opinions requires patience and understanding. Practices should honor Christ and align with biblical principles.

A thought-provoking discussion arises about the complexities of marrying after an unbiblical divorce. The importance of understanding marriage as a covenant, not just a contract, is emphasized. Listeners explore Jesus' teachings on divorce while seeking redemption and grace in their current relationships. Repentance is highlighted as a crucial step toward healing. The talk reassures that even the most complicated situations can be transformed with God's mercy, fostering new beginnings and hope for the future.

Discover the art of delivering honest feedback with grace and love. Learn how to balance constructive criticism with positivity to foster growth and preserve relationships. Dive into the importance of humility and context when addressing poor performance. Explore effective feedback models that promote understanding and improvement. Emphasize specific feedback that encourages motivation, while recognizing strengths alongside weaknesses. Ultimately, grasp how faith, prayer, and reliance on grace play vital roles in both personal and spiritual growth.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Tyler who asked, ““I know in my head that my sin is sinful, but I can’t seem to ‘metabolize’ it and get that truth into my heart. How can I do that?” A glimpse inside this episode: The goal of salvation is a new kind of righteousness. Understanding sin requires both head knowledge and heart transformation. Living by faith means choosing what is right despite feelings. Growth in grace involves recognizing our ongoing need for grace. Sowing seeds of righteousness leads to spiritual growth. Habits shape our desires and affections. Choosing against fleshly desires is a step of faith. Reckoning ourselves dead to sin empowers us to resist temptation. Prayer and belief in the gospel are essential for spiritual life. Continuous reliance on God’s grace is crucial in the Christian walk.