Ask Pastor John

When I’m Too Weak to Be Productive

Can a disabled mother model the Proverbs 31 woman? Pastor John describes the gift of a heart that hopes in God’s steadfast love.

Six Traits of a Forgettable Sermon

Rigorous exposition isn’t at odds with engaging preaching. Pastor John encourages pastors to work for creativity when technical, abstract sermons feel easier.

Do We Need to Go to Church Every Week?

Gathering with other Christians is a crucial way to encourage and be encouraged in Christ. But do we really need to gather every week?

The Joy That Sustained Jesus

Jesus endured unspeakable agony at the cross. Pastor John marvels at the force of his love sustained by expectant joy.

The Barrier to Doctrinal Maturity

Is the Bible accessible only to readers with a high IQ? Pastor John reframes biblical maturity as a moral issue centered on our obedience, not our intellect.

Daily Vigilance for Lifelong Productivity

Daily productivity requires often elusive focus and grit. Pastor John offers ten charges to live each day to the glory of God.

Why Did Jesus Call Her a Dog?

Did Jesus demean the Canaanite woman he called a dog? Pastor John explains how Jesus’s test revealed her great faith — and her adoption as one of God’s own.

When Walking Away Feels Good

Why should we follow Jesus when life seems easier without him? Pastor John responds to a man questioning the cost of daily obedience.

How a Crushed Faith Comes Home

Deep suffering can drive us away from true hope and comfort. But our Father waits to gather us back to himself.

When Nice People Face God

Does eternal punishment in hell bring God glory? Pastor John challenges the rejection of God’s judgment by pointing to his unmerited mercies and perfect righteousness.

Can My Silence Cost Souls?

Why does evangelism matter when God has chosen whom he will save? Pastor John unpacks and rejoices in our role as God’s instruments.

The Pleasure Trap

How can Christians avoid placing a relationship or hobby over a desire for God? Pastor John calls us to let earthly delights turn us Godward.

Selfies in the End Times

Are selfies a sign of the end times? Pastor John looks beyond smartphones and social media to our society’s desire for deep satisfaction.

Your Regrets Cannot Ruin You

Can past sins separate us from the love of God? Pastor John offers hope in God’s promised forgiveness for believers wrestling with crippling shame.

Why a Crowd Got Resurrected

At Jesus’s last breath, a crowd of saints rose from their tombs in Jerusalem. Pastor John offers six reasons Matthew’s Gospel includes this event.

Does God Owe You?

What’s the relationship between our good deeds and God’s reward? When he empowers us to obey him, he loves to celebrate the beauty of his grace.

Doomscrolling Done Right

How does God intend for us to deal with tragedy in the news? Pastor John offers six reasons why suffering should drive us to repentance and action.

When Your Boss Expects You to Lie

How do we respond when an employer expects us to compromise the truth? Pastor John offers counsel for keeping an uncompromised faith in the workplace.

Surviving Financial Panics

How can we fight anxiety through financial panic and stress? Pastor John offers five truths about God’s character to calm our hearts and minds.

If Jesus Returns Tonight

How would we use our time if Christ were coming back tonight? Pastor John gives ten transforming ways to live while waiting for the second coming.