

Ask Pastor John
Desiring God
John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 15min
Did God Forgive Me If I Don’t Feel Forgiven?
Dive into the complexities of feeling unforgiven and distant from God. Listen to heartfelt stories that tackle unpardonable sins and the quest for redemption. Discover biblical insights that bring hope to those grappling with guilt. Learn how genuine repentance can lead to transformative assurance of divine forgiveness, even when feelings of unworthiness cloud faith. Embrace the powerful message of God's love and the comfort it brings during uncertain times.

15 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 15min
Guard Your Mind from Trash
Explore how to protect your mind in a world overflowing with negativity. Discover the biblical call to focus on virtues while navigating societal pressures, particularly around wealth and crude humor. Learn practical steps to cultivate a holy mindset, emphasizing truth and goodness inspired by Philippians 4:8. Delve into fostering a mental framework of delight and love, especially for the youth, through memorization techniques. Finally, embrace a mindset of integrity and beauty, reinforcing positive thoughts based on biblical principles.

8 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 12min
Jesus’s Warnings to the Comfortable
Dive into the tensions of living in a wealth-focused world while reflecting on Jesus's powerful teachings. Discover the distinct beatitudes in Luke and Matthew and their tailored messages for different audiences. Uncover the paradoxes in Jesus's warnings about complacency and wealth, prompting listeners to rethink their true fulfillment. Lastly, explore the deep connection between joy and sorrow, revealing that real joy comes from devotion to the Son of Man, even amid life's trials.

31 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 14min
Seven Ways to Break Free from Misplaced Hope
The discussion begins with the excitement of meeting family versus the joy of seeing Jesus, prompting a deep evaluation of personal desires. It highlights the commitment to loving Christ above all, navigating the implications for true discipleship. Practical suggestions on nurturing affection through prayer, biblical engagement, and community support are offered. The conversation urges resistance against cultural distractions, emphasizing that true gifts come from God, calling for a revival against consumerism.

7 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 13min
Are My Struggles Personal or Demonic?
Explore the concept of spiritual warfare and the hidden influences behind personal struggles. Dive into the duality of human conflicts and the spiritual battles they represent. Understand how personal sin intertwines with demonic forces, impacting relationships and community dynamics. Discover insights into confronting spiritual darkness while finding hope in Christ's teachings. This discussion invites listeners to navigate both earthly challenges and supernatural adversaries in their faith journey.

12 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 12min
Is It Wrong to Get a Little Drunk Sometimes?
The podcast delves into the moral complexities of alcohol consumption from a Christian perspective. It emphasizes that rather than seeking to get close to sin, we should aim for a deeper relationship with God. Spiritual alertness is highlighted as vital, contrasting the dullness caused by substances like alcohol. The discussion also tackles the misconception of mingling sin with the desire for spirituality, urging listeners to fully embrace a Spirit-led life.

24 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 13min
Trusting God After Losing Everything
Listeners share heartfelt stories of loss, such as the devastating impact of wildfires on homes and the struggle to find hope in rebuilding. The conversation shifts to coping with anxiety during personal crises, especially concerning a newborn's health. Drawing from Biblical teachings, the discussion emphasizes trusting God amidst chaos. Using driving metaphors, the speaker illustrates navigating life's uncertainties by embracing God's promises, urging listeners to find peace and direction through Scripture and faith.

32 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 14min
When Your Best Years Are Behind You
Discover the challenges of aging and the emotional struggles that come with it, including grappling with chronic pain and loss. Learn how to maintain faith and joy amid life's trials, even in the face of physical decline. The conversation shares inspiring examples of resilience and emphasizes lasting fulfillment beyond this life. Explore how a shift in perspective can help find hope in aging, focusing on the eternal joys promised by God rather than societal pressures.

5 snips
May 29, 2025 • 11min
The Glorious Riches Awaiting You
Dive into the rich discussion about spiritual inheritance and what it means to be an heir in Christ. Discover the profound implications of Ephesians 1:18, where the focus shifts to the glorious blessings awaiting believers. Explore how God's calling and power are gifts that illuminate our purpose, especially in the face of aging and societal pressures. The conversation encourages finding hope and significance in a world that often distracts with fleeting entertainment.

7 snips
May 26, 2025 • 11min
Restoring a Repentant Adulterer
Explore the complex dynamics of church discipline and restoration for those who have committed adultery. Delve into the balance between biblical standards and extending grace to the repentant. Discover the essential principles of church membership and leadership, emphasizing discernment in recognizing genuine versus superficial repentance. The discussion highlights the unique expectations placed on leaders in the context of their past actions, offering insightful perspectives on forgiveness and community reintegration.