John Piper Photo

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.

Joyful, Serious Church Life Together

Thoughts on Bethlehem Baptist's new relational commitments.

Just When You Die for Them, They Lynch Your Nephew

Mark Noll’s new history of God and Race in American Politics is permeated by the paradoxes of his theme. Nothing in history, it seems is simple. There is always another side. Every silver lining has a cloud Just when you…

Agonizingly Both-And: God and Race as the Inauguration Approaches

It is fitting as the inauguration of the first African-American president approaches that we highlight some history in a theological context. Remarkably, a newly published book helps us do this. The book is Mark Noll's God and Race in American…

Does It Matter Which Person of the Trinity We Pray To?

John Piper says that we should follow the New Testament's pattern for prayer.

Franklin and Whitefield as Opposites

In the most cynical, unsympathetic, and misleading biography I have ever read, there is a magnificent paragraph about Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield The Deist and the Calvinist were best friends. “Franklin became Whitefield’s best American friend and, reciprocally, Whitefield…

How Do You Decide What to Preach At Weddings?

John Piper says that any biblical truth can be a marriage sermon.

Is Satan Pro-Man?

When the choice is between exalting God or exalting man, Satan is pro-man. When the choice is between exalting Satan or exalting man, Satan is pro-Satan. Here are the texts 1. In Mark 8 Jesus told his disciples he must…

He Knew What Was in Man

He Knew What Was in Man

Jesus knows everything about everyone and is still willing to love those who trust in him.

Does the Bible Allow for Divorce In the Case of Adultery?

John Piper explains why he believes there is no warrant for divorce anywhere in the Bible.

Does It Matter Whether We're Cremated or Buried?

John Piper explains why he thinks burial is best.

In What Way Is It Okay to Lower Our Standards In Order to Fill Church Leadership Roles?

John Piper explains that some leadership qualifications are relative and can be adjusted when necessary.

Swords Are for Killing

In New Testament times swords were not for digging, shaving, or whittling. They were for killing. The only reason Peter cut off Malchus’s ear was that he missed (John 18:10) But Herod didn’t miss: “He killed James the brother of…

If My Words Abide in You

If My Words Abide in You

When you let Jesus’s words abide in you, they will grow into a bountiful harvest for God’s glory and your good.

How Would You Encourage a Burned-Out Pastor?

John Piper mentions five approaches to helping a struggling shepherd.

9 Ways to Pray for Your Soul

Here are some ways to pray for yourself so that you're praying in sync with the way God works 1. For the desire of my heart to be toward God and his Word. Incline my heart to Your testimonies and…

Bible Reading Plans

At Bethlehem we close prayer week with a focus on the value of reading and memorizing Scripture in the new year Justin Taylor has pulled together a list of possible ways to read the Bible in this new year. I…

The Crazy Idea of Fasting in '09

Jesus did not say, “If you fast...” but “When you fast...” (Matthew 6:16). This will be new (even over the top) for some of you. So do a crazy thing in 2009. It might change your relationship with…

What Can I Say to My Christian Friend Who Just Got Engaged to a Non-Christian?

John Piper says that our love for Jesus should control our love for another, not the other way around.

I Love Jesus Christ

An Unforgettable Moment in Seminary

John Piper shares an unforgettable moment from seminary.

New Year’s Eve Meditation

New Year’s Eve Meditation

We all have regrets, and we all feel the guilt for our sin. But Christians have godly grief that produces repentance to the pardoning God.

10 Reasons to Pray the Scriptures

Here are some of the reasons you should pray and meditate over biblical truth 1. Biblical truth saves. Take heed to yourself and to your doctrine; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your…

Can My Ministry Flourish In an Arminian Environment Even Though I Hold to Reformed Theology?

John Piper says that flourishing can happen even when a pastor and his people aren't simultaneously on the same page.

Newton's Struggle with Prayer

If you knew the struggles of the greatest of saints you might be heartened to press on in prayer in 2009 John Newton (1725-1807)—slave trader, convert to Christ, author of “Amazing Grace,” pastor, fellow struggler—on a morning in April sometime…

Put in the Fire for the Sake of Prayer

Put in the Fire for the Sake of Prayer

God can put his people through the fires of suffering to awaken our appetite for prayer.

A Good Start on Prayer in 2009

At Bethlehem Baptist Church this is the beginning of prayer week. This is our way of encouraging each other to pray more consistently, more earnestly, more hopefully, and more biblically in 2009 The best way to strengthen our faith and…

New Resources
in Your Inbox

A digest from Desiring God