Ask Pastor John
Desiring God
John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 25, 2018 • 16min
Should We Sing of God’s ‘Reckless Love’?
Is the term “reckless” too reckless? Pastor John offers pastors, worship leaders, and congregations ways to think about the popular lyrics.
May 23, 2018 • 11min
Is My Joy Essential in Glorifying God?
Our enjoyment of God is not only a response to God’s glory — it is the way we glorify him. Therefore, joy in God is not optional.
May 21, 2018 • 19min
Reflections on the Seashells Sermon, 18 Years Later
Eighteen years after OneDay 2000, Pastor John reflects on a sermon that roused thousands of young people to not waste their lives.
May 18, 2018 • 9min
How Do I Know If a Sermon Is Too Long or Too Short?
Is there an ideal sermon length? Pastor John gives five factors to consider when trying to decide how long to preach.
May 16, 2018 • 10min
What Is the Place of Eloquence in Christian Preaching?
From alliteration and assonance to metaphors, imagery, and illustrations — what role does creativity, imagination, and rhetoric have in preaching?
May 14, 2018 • 11min
How to Read the Bible — and Preach It
Daily Bible reading is emphasized as essential for spiritual growth, underscoring the preacher's duty to connect deeply with Scripture. The discussion pivots to expositional preaching, stressing that it's not just about information, but about transforming hearts. Listeners are encouraged to experience preaching as 'expository exaltation,' where emotional and spiritual realities come alive. Finally, the podcast highlights the crucial interplay between Bible reading and preaching, promoting sound biblical interpretation for personal and pastoral enrichment.
May 11, 2018 • 12min
Piper’s Six-Stage Process for Writing Books
After writing over fifty books, Pastor John explains his six-stage process, from gathering the initial idea to seeing the project come to life.
May 9, 2018 • 13min
How Does God’s Sovereignty Not Violate Our Decision-Making?
How does God’s sovereignty not make us robots? Pastor John explores the relationship between God’s sovereignty and the human will in seven steps.
May 7, 2018 • 13min
My Body: Friend or Foe?
True freedom from body hatred does not come from finally liking what we see in the mirror. It comes from being swept up in the greatness of God.
May 4, 2018 • 13min
Isn’t God Most Glorified in Me When I Am Most Self-Giving?
Enjoying God and loving our neighbors are not competing goals. True love is the overflow of joy in God that meets the needs of others.
