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John Piper

John Piper is founder and teacher of Desiring God and chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and most recently Foundations for Lifelong Learning: Education in Serious Joy.

What Would You Say to Someone Who Uses Ecclesiastes to Say That Abortion Is a Better Alternative Than the Life Awaiting Some Babies?

John Piper gives two reasons why the prospect of a poor life is no warrant to take it.

I’ve Read the President’s Speech: Amazing

This is the speech I expected the President to give to our children—excellent Given that he is not directing them to Christ, which would be the best counsel, his advice is a wonderful gift of common grace from God to…

How Do Stories Fit Into Expository Preaching?

John Piper says that expository preaching is about exposing a text's meaning, and stories have meaning.

Jesus: Equal With God

John 5:1-24 has at least 3 extraordinary things to teach us about Jesus.

I Hope My Daughter Hears the President’s Speech

I am stunned at the outcry against the President of the United States speaking to the youth of this nation about the importance of education I am embarrassed by the governor of my home state saying that the president’s plan…

Why Is God Just to Punish Jesus for Our Sins When Doing a Similar Thing Would Be So Unjust for a Human Judge to Do?

John Piper notes two things that make Christ's substitutionary death for us utterly unique.

How Paul Worked to Overcome Slavery

How Paul Worked to Overcome Slavery

Paul did not opt for a full on frontal assault against slavery, but instead chose to set a trajectory for its eradication.

Why Does It Matter That We Eat the Lord's Supper In a Worthy Manner?

John Piper says that Christians are sometimes judged by the Lord so that they aren't condemned with the world.

Other Sheep I Have

Missions should be driven by a great vision of God, as demonstrated through the lives of frontier missionaries and described in Jesus’s words in John 10:16.

The Power of Words and the Wonder of God

The Power of Words and the Wonder of God

Words carry an immeasurable significance: by his word God created the world, and by our words we worship God.

Why Do We Crave to Be Praised?

Here is the answer of the poet Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774), from his poem "The Traveler." For praise too dearly loved, or warmly sought, Enfeebles all internal strength of thought; And the weak soul, within itself unblessed, Leans for all pleasure…

What Can I Do to Help My Mother Not Idolize Me?

John Piper says that other people help us keep Christ at the center of our spiritual solar systems.

Bless the Lord, O My Soul!

All the reasons we have to bless the Lord flow from the cross of Christ.

Glorification Now?

Have you ever wondered why “sanctification” is missing from this golden chain in Romans 8:29-30 Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among…

Greatness, Humility, Servanthood

Greatness, Humility, Servanthood

Humility is happy to rely on God and quick to give him the credit for all that’s accomplished.

Is It Okay for a Christian to Have Cosmetic Surgery to Counteract Some Aspects of Aging?

John Piper talks about the significance of aging and why we shouldn't try to hide the evidence.

Can a True Believer Be Fooled into Believing the Prosperity Gospel?

John Piper says that being doctrinally amiss doesn't automatically make you an unbeliever.

An Invitation from John Piper

With Calvin in the Theater of God

Five reasons why ordinary Christians should consider coming to the Desiring God Conference next month.

My Spouse Is Being Nominated for Church Leadership, But Our Household Is Not in Order. What Should I Do?

John Piper explains how a wife can honor biblical eldership and still honor her husband, even if he is not yet qualified.

John Calvin’s Four Laws and His Christian Hedonism

The Gospel of John Calvin in Four Laws That since God by his Law prescribes what we ought to do, failure in any one respect subjects us to the dreadful judgment of eternal death. Because it is not only…

Healed for the Sake of Holiness

Healed for the Sake of Holiness

Jesus healed a few but left many more unhealed. Until he comes back, the main issue is not that we have perfect physical health, but that we meet him in our brokenness.

Clarifying the Tornado

Three years ago God sent the tornado of cancer into my life. It split the steeple of my health and shredded the tents of my sexual life. I wrote an article to myself: Don’t Waste Your Cancer. It could…

How Does Your Uncommon View on Divorce Affect Your Ministry to Those In Your Church?

John Piper describes the church-wide and individual effects caused by his view on divorce.

The Tornado, the Lutherans, and Homosexuality

I saw the fast-moving, misshapen, unusually-wide funnel over downtown Minneapolis from Seven Corners. I said to Kevin Dau, “That looks serious.” It was. Serious in more ways than one. A friend who drove down to see the damage wrote, On…

What Does It Mean to Seek the Lord?

What Does It Mean to Seek the Lord?

Christians are told to seek the Lord, but many of us have no idea what that might look like today. Here’s a practical guide for how to pursue God.

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