Ask Pastor John

In this engaging discussion, John Piper, a renowned pastor and theologian, delves into making resolutions that honor God. He emphasizes that relying solely on willpower is ineffective; true strength comes from the Holy Spirit. Citing examples from Paul's life, he illustrates how grace fuels genuine resolve. Piper encourages listeners to make resolutions at any time, warns against spiritual indecisiveness, and calls for continuous commitment to goodness, always trusting in God's empowering strength.

In this engaging discussion, a prominent figure emphasizes the importance of finding joy in Jesus rather than worldly gifts. They outline four strategies to cultivate a deeper love for God—including drawing strength from troubles, savoring good gifts as reflections of the Giver, and personal Bible reading to understand God's character. They also underscore the significance of reflecting on mortality to redirect hope towards Jesus, ensuring a fulfilling spiritual life rooted in faith.

What does it feel like to truly meet God through Scripture? A heartfelt discussion reveals how unprepared hearts block encounters with the divine. Insights from Wesley Duell emphasize intense spiritual pursuit for deeper connections. Heartwarming stories from Romans 9 illustrate how moments of divine interaction can spark thankfulness and hope. Readers are encouraged to embrace daily encounters with God's Word using the Navigator's Bible Reading Plan to cultivate an enriching spiritual life.

In this engaging discussion, John Piper, a leading Reformed theologian and founder of Desiring God, dives into the powerful theme of prioritizing future hope over past nostalgia, citing Philippians 3:13. He shares how community involvement fuels his energy for new projects. Piper reveals exciting initiatives at Desiring God, including a new website and global translation efforts, while championing the significance of free resources. He encourages listeners to financially support these initiatives to keep the mission alive.

Explore the dangers of spiritual complacency and its subtle encroachment in daily life. Discover the metaphor of 'settling on the lees' to understand inactivity and dullness. Delve into biblical warnings about indifference and the need for vigilance, urging believers to live intentionally. Learn the importance of redeeming time and maintaining a balance between rest in Christ and alertness to spiritual threats. This thought-provoking discussion ignites a call to action against the silent killer of complacency.

Facing accusations can be tough, especially when they feel unjust. The discussion offers insights on embracing ‘gutsy guilt,’ which combines honest self-reflection with trust in God’s justice. Key concepts include the importance of humility and confidence when dealing with criticism. Practical advice is given through Micah's teachings, highlighting the need to remember past forgiveness and future hope. This thoughtful exploration encourages listeners to respond to negativity with grace and strength.

Navigating the challenges of caring for aging parents is explored with a blend of Scripture and personal stories. Insights from real-life dilemmas shed light on emotional exhaustion in caregiving. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community involvement, rather than leaving it to one individual. Biblical principles guide decisions, while personal anecdotes illustrate the complexities of family dynamics. Prayer, wise counsel, and Scriptural guidance are urged to balance competing familial claims and ensure love is prioritized.

In this engaging discussion, John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, shares insights on why defining a gospel-driven ministry as Reformed is crucial for preserving grace. He emphasizes that grace is central to the gospel and highlights the significance of the five solas, particularly 'grace alone,' to protect God's glory. Piper contrasts Reformed sovereign grace with Wesleyan prevenient grace, illustrating how grace overcomes human resistance. He passionately argues that the doctrines of grace safeguard and celebrate God's sovereign work in salvation.

Trust can be rebuilt after adultery, but it requires two miracles: forgiveness from the wronged spouse and genuine repentance from the offender. Compassion is essential, as divorce shouldn't be treated as an automatic response to infidelity. Biblical examples illustrate God's mercy in times of unfaithfulness. Through faith in God's Word, transformative miracles happen, enabling deep forgiveness and trust to mature over time. Relying on God's promises can turn painful scars into instruments of grace throughout a challenging recovery.

The discussion delves into the complexities of patience in the Christian life. It explores whether losing patience can ever be permissible and distinguishes between two Greek concepts: long-suffering and endurance. Listeners learn about the various contexts that test patience, and when losing it may become spiritually critical. The speaker emphasizes that expressing weary cries to God can signify endurance rather than sin. This nuanced conversation offers insights into navigating relationships and forgiveness.