Ask Pastor John

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.

John Piper, a renowned pastor and theologian, dives into the complex relationship between body image and personal identity. He explores whether enjoying an improved appearance can be sinful and discusses the dangers of narcissism in today's culture. Piper encourages reframing conversations about looks to emphasize personhood, urging listeners to focus on engagement over attraction. He promotes modesty and character, advocating for gratitude and healthy habits that serve others, all while affirming the beauty of God-given femininity.

Join John Piper, a prominent Reformed theologian and author, as he unpacks the complex role of Satan in a believer's life. He reveals why God permits Satan's existence and how this ultimately serves His glory. Piper introduces four powerful processes—showing, suffering, using Satan, and savoring—that illustrate God's strategy in defeating evil. From showcasing Christ's power through healing to using suffering for sanctification, Piper emphasizes the importance of finding joy in Christ to triumph over worldly temptations.

Join John Piper, a prominent Reformed theologian and pastor, as he tackles the critical issue of false teaching in churches. He shares key indicators for when it might be necessary to leave a church, particularly if core gospel truths are compromised. Dive into his criteria for serious false teaching, emphasizing Christ, the Cross, faith, and Christian life. Piper also stresses the importance of approaching confrontations with love and humility, offering thoughtful guidance for navigating tough decisions about church membership.

Explore the paradox of God's kindness and how it can both convict and uplift us. Delve into Ezekiel 36:22, unraveling the complexities of God's motives for our sake. Discover the lavish grace promised to Israel that ultimately glorifies God while blessing His people. Learn how true kindness reveals our shame and leads to genuine repentance. Personal stories illustrate the transformative power of kindness, showing how it can expose wrongdoing and inspire heartfelt change.

The discussion dives into the intriguing interpretation of Psalm 82 and its implications on the nature of divinity. With a gripping account, the host explains how Jesus cleverly used this psalm to defuse a life-threatening situation with an angry mob. It’s revealed that the 'gods' referenced may actually refer to heavenly beings rather than humans. Through a strategic defense, Jesus challenges the accusations of blasphemy and exposes the injustice among the leaders. An insightful exploration of scripture unfolds, revealing the power of words in perilous times.

Discover how Jesus redefines shame and worth in our lives. The discussion dives into the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that saving oneself leads to spiritual loss. Worldly gains pale in comparison to eternal value, as John highlights the futility of seeking esteem from the world. Jesus’ warning about being ashamed of us reflects deep truths about loyalty and identity. Embrace shame for Christ to secure eternal life while understanding the implications for missions work. It's a thought-provoking exploration of values that shape our faith.

The discussion dives into the concept of 'fleshly' Christians, exploring Paul's classifications of natural, carnal, and spiritual believers. Insights reveal how these terms help distinguish between the spiritually immature and the spiritually mature. Pastor John highlights Paul's goal of reassuring believers of their standing in Christ while addressing issues like pride and division among them. This engaging conversation sheds light on the complexities of faith and personal growth in the Christian journey.