Ask Pastor John

When catastrophes hit, pastors should lead their churches toward a healthy response — filled with mourning and worship.

While God calls us to spend most of our time in the thick of regular life and ministry, occasional retreats are good for refreshing the soul.

Pastor John reflects on his move to Tennessee — both his motives for moving and the projects he hopes to accomplish while living there.

Eternal life is sure for the bride of Christ. But prayers and exhortations of Christian community may be the very means God uses to preserve his people.

Pastor John encourages Christian loners — even those who have been hurt by the church — to pursue God in Christ-exalting friendships.

Our affections move us to not only eat, but savor; not only avoid what is evil, but despise it; not only sing by rote, but worship God with delight.

Pastor John shares his personal list of influencers — people who contributed significantly to shaping his mind.

The one gospel does two things: It feeds the saints week by week and it calls unbelievers to repent and believe in Jesus for salvation.

If God is absent, life is meaningless; if he is helpless, we have no hope. But if he is sovereign, he works even evil for the good of his children.

If no single evil act falls outside of God’s control, how can God be completely good?

God may choose to extend the influence of a pastor beyond the church doors, but his call remains the same: Faithfully feed your flock.

A born-again person cannot be unborn again. If God has called you by name, he is faithful to keep you until the end.

If the promise in Jeremiah 29:11 was made to exiles in Babylon, what business do Christians have claiming it for themselves?

In their friendships with non-Christians, are believers loving and transforming, or conforming and being transformed?

What three books would you want with you if you were stranded on a desert island? Pastor John shares his three picks.

God does not restrict believers from marrying someone with a different skin color. He only requires that they be a Christ-follower.

If you feel tempted to cuss, ask, “Is it going to build this person up? Will it make them stronger? Will it make Christ more beautiful in their eyes?”

God does not intend for us to forget about our earthly lives when we enter heaven. We will be singing about the trophies of his grace for all eternity.

A local pastor does not need to compete with Tim Keller, John Piper, and Matt Chandler. He simply needs to faithfully expound the Bible to his people.

The internet has flooded believers with solid biblical content. But it can never replace a pastor whom God has called to shepherd a local church.