Light + Truth

Desiring God
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Dec 1, 2025 • 22min

Cheerful Giving, Cheerful Living

In this discussion, John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian known for his emphasis on joy in Christian living, dives deep into why God loves cheerful givers. He highlights that true generosity springs from joy, not obligation. Piper tackles the challenge of finding joy in God over merely performing good deeds and emphasizes that pastors should lead with eagerness and happiness. He encourages reaching out to the marginalized, stating that such acts increase our joy now and eternally. Ultimately, he calls for radical love and practical service to the poor.
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Nov 28, 2025 • 26min

How Gladness in God Becomes Love for People

John Piper, a Reformed pastor and theologian known for his emphasis on joy-driven generosity, delves into 2 Corinthians 8 in this engaging sermon. He explores how true love gives freely, even in hardship, emphasizing that generosity stems from God’s grace. Piper highlights the Macedonians' remarkable ability to give beyond their means, driven by joy despite their affliction. He contrasts legalistic duty with genuine love that overflows through delight in God, illustrating his points with compelling stories of sacrificial joy in action.
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Nov 27, 2025 • 25min

The Joy God Commands

John Piper, a Reformed pastor and theologian known for his impactful expository preaching, dives deep into the importance of joy in God. He asserts that gladness is not optional but essential to obedience, emphasizing its integral role in the Christian life. Piper warns that neglecting this joy can lead to spiritual peril, and he illustrates how true joy in Christ transforms self-denial into greater satisfaction. Ultimately, he argues that God is glorified when we find our delight in Him, connecting the pursuit of joy to loving service.
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Nov 26, 2025 • 21min

The Gain That Death Cannot Take

John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, passionately delves into the profound question of whether death can truly be gain. He emphasizes that God's glory should shape our understanding of the gospel and explains how death can magnify Christ. Piper unpacks Philippians 1:20–21, highlighting that longing to be with Christ reflects a deeper satisfaction in Him. He argues that our fulfillment in Christ, even in death, ultimately brings Him the greatest glory.
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Nov 25, 2025 • 29min

Glory That Satisfies the Soul

John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, dives deep into the pursuit of beauty and greatness, illuminating how we were designed to marvel at Christ's glory. He addresses the objections to God's self-exaltation and proposes that God is most glorified when we find our deepest satisfaction in Him. Piper discusses Jesus' delayed healing of Lazarus as an act of love, highlights the significance of Jesus' prayers for glorification, and emphasizes that true love seeks eternal joy in God, revealing our true purpose in life.
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Nov 24, 2025 • 25min

How God’s Passion Changes Everything

In this engaging discussion, John Piper, a renowned theologian and pastor, shares his unique insights into God's passion for His glory. He reflects on his teenage struggles, emphasizing how they deepened his faith. Piper articulates a captivating thesis: God zealously seeks His own glory, using the grandeur of creation and the significance of the cross to unveil divine justice. He illustrates how even the story of David and Bathsheba reveals the necessity of Christ's sacrificial atonement, showcasing the profound interplay between God's love and His glorious nature.
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Nov 21, 2025 • 24min

Fruit Only the Spirit Can Grow

John Piper, a renowned theologian and pastor, dives into the transformative message of Galatians 5. He reveals why relying solely on moral lists leads to legalism and stifles genuine growth. Piper intricately defines 'the flesh' as the self-reliant ego and contrasts subtle self-exaltation with blatant immorality. He emphasizes that true goodness is born from a grace mentality, not merit. With a vivid dragon analogy, he illustrates the battle against the flesh, urging believers to embrace their reliance on mercy for spiritual fruitfulness.
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Nov 20, 2025 • 28min

How the Spirit Breaks the Power of the Flesh

Join theologian and pastor John Piper as he delves into Galatians 5:16–18, exploring how walking by the Spirit triumphs over the flesh. Piper vividly contrasts being led by the Spirit with actively following, using powerful imagery. He emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ for producing love, joy, and peace in our lives. Discover how genuine Christian life involves an inner struggle, yet promises victory through the Spirit, transforming burdens into joyful living. Practical tips abound for maintaining a heart happy in God and living by faith.
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Nov 19, 2025 • 23min

Freedom That Gives Itself Away

Serving others is a key mark of true freedom. Explore how love stems from a heart filled with Christ’s fullness. Discover the dangers of letting the ego dictate choices and how love fulfills the law. Learn how self-love transforms into genuine interest in others’ happiness. John Piper provides practical ways to love radically, highlighting the consequences of failing to serve with love. Ultimately, freedom comes from understanding God’s love, empowering us to serve selflessly and joyfully.
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9 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 23min

Powerful Reasons to Stop Worrying

Explore how to live free from anxiety about daily needs. Delve into the rich fool's lesson, which warns against the obsession with material wealth. Understand the deeper meaning behind 'life is more than food' and God's care for all creation, illustrated through ravens and lilies. Grasp the truth that anxiety adds nothing to life. Discover how prioritizing God's kingdom leads to true provision. John Piper emphasizes that trusting in God's knowledge and love can transform worries into peace.

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