Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear

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.

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.