Ask Pastor John

Knowing God is the most extraordinary experience in the world. But how do we come to know him authentically, deeply, personally?

Did Paul know about self-harm and poor body image? If he did, how could he still say that “no one ever hated his own flesh”?

Persecution, troubles, heaviness of heart — are these different forms of God’s discipline? Pastor John traces God’s good purposes in different kinds of pain.

We know the new heavens and new earth will be a place of perfect, endless joy. But will we really never get bored, even after millions of years?

Those who try to live the Christian life outside of community are missing something crucial. So, how might Christian loners move toward life together?

If God has already promised not to withhold anything good from us, then does asking him for more imply that yesterday’s good wasn’t good enough?

If knowledge puffs up, will formal Bible education make us proud? Pastor John points out pride’s craftiness and offers five weapons of humility.

What does the Bible say about Mary, Jesus’s mother? What is Mary’s true legacy for Christians today?

What is the difference between guilt and shame? And when do true feelings of guilt or shame become false feelings that reject God’s grace?

Is the purpose of life to find meaning? Pastor John responds to Jordan Peterson’s claim that happiness cannot be our goal.

God promises never to leave us nor forsake us, but sometimes the Bible says he withdraws his presence from us. How can those both be true?

How can our faith turn from nominal to authentic? Pastor John reflects on God’s power to establish and sustain belief through his promises.

When God commands a godly life of genuine affections, how do we obey? John Piper draws our attention to the transforming mercies of God.

As Jesus headed toward the cross, he knew he was fulfilling the script that was written for him. So, how did he authentically choose a death already decided?

How much of the Christian faith has already been revealed to us now, and how much of it remains a secret that we won’t understand until we get to heaven?

If sinners cannot seek God, how does anyone receive salvation? Pastor John shows that God must give his power and grace precisely because we cannot seek him on our own.

Why are Christians most to be pitied if there’s no resurrection? Don’t we still experience more joy than non-Christians? Pastor John gives four responses.

If we have no memory of hating or opposing God before he saved us, then how should we understand the Bible’s claim that we were his enemy?

Why does Pastor John believe Romans is the greatest letter ever written? And how would he encourage Christians to benefit from this monumental book?

Should pastors and ministry leaders use artificial intelligence as a tool to write their sermons and newsletters? If so, how? If not, why not?