Podcast appearances and mentions of John Piper

Being a Christian is a very serious business, though not a sour business. We are simply blood-earnest about being happy in our great salvation.

What love could satisfy forever? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens John 17:26 to show how God shares with us the very love he has always had for his Son.

What you thought was a mere struggle with an anxious disposition might really be a far deeper struggle with trusting God.

Why does the grace of God aim at joy in God? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Ephesians 1:6 to show that God gives the right and power to delight in him so his glory is praised.

How can we learn to rest in the saving work of Jesus Christ? Pastor John offers eight God-given ways to increase our confidence in him.

It is truer in suffering than anywhere else that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

How does beauty change us? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens 2 Corinthians 3:18 to show how beholding God reshapes us into his likeness.

Whether we focus on the riches of the reward or the refining effects of suffering, God's purpose is that our joy in suffering be sustained.

We exhibit the sufferings of Christ when we ourselves suffer for those we are trying to win.

John Piper | Cowardice, consumption, and comfort often stand between us and God's global work. What can set us free to be world Christians?

As Paul approaches the end of his life, he knows he has lived like an athlete who wrestles and runs to win the prize. But what is the good fight?

God designs suffering not only as a way to wean Christians off of self and onto grace, but also as a way to spotlight that grace and make it shine.

What does it mean to die with Christ? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Galatians 2:15–21 to show how Christ's cross slays pride and how faith receives new life in him.

What is the bottom-line, existential, frightening, glorious question of Romans 8? Pastor John draws out two signs that a professing Christian is secure in Christ.

Be satisfied in Jesus so that you do not get lured downstream by deceitful desires.

Is the gospel only for conversion, or is it for all of life? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Galatians 2:11–14 to call us to live in line with the good news that God is for us.

Suffering proves our allegiance to Christ's goodness and reveals his worth as an all-sufficient prize.

How is the gospel threatened? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Galatians 2:1–10 to show how adding works ends grace and how the apostles united for one mission.

Coach Brian Basil talks with host John Piper every week all season long to bring you Flower Mound Football game week information.Thanks to the Flower Mound Jaguar Booster Club and the scoreboard sponsors who bring this show to you each week all season long!GDS Wealth ManagementChick - Fil - A  Flower Mound at the corner of 2499 and 3040 Christmas Air and Plumbing For media inquiries - john@behindthedishmedia.com

Jesus himself makes up for every sacrifice he will ever call us to make. It is worth it to lose it all in order to gain Christ.

Is Paul's gospel from heaven or from man? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Galatians 1:11–24 to show how Christ revealed the gospel — and why Paul's changed life confirms its source.

From conversion through suffering to death, Paul considered his life a resource to be spent for the faith of God's elect.

When pastors have the freedom to decide what to preach, how do we make a wise decision in line with the mind of Christ?

God has a people in every people group. He will call them through the gospel with Creator power. And they will believe!

Why does doctrine matter? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper shows from Galatians 1:6–10 that those who reject the true gospel reject God himself.

“All things are possible with God!” — in front the words give hope, and behind they give humility. They are the antidote to both despair and pride.

God's call is irresistible in the sense that it can overcome all resistance. It is infallibly effective according to God's purpose.

David Mathis | Does seeking joy in God ruin our love for others? Jesus meant what he said: Remembering God's radical reward frees us to serve those in need.

As Paul approaches the end of his life, what is his climactic plea to Timothy? John Piper examines four marks of a fulfilled ministry.

We see the sun by means of seeing the rays of the sun. So also we see God the Father by seeing Jesus.

What does real freedom feel like? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Galatians 1:1–5 to show how Christ frees us by renewing our minds and reshaping our loves.

Bourbon Review: Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Topic: Deacons Follow us on all your podcast platforms and: Instagram: @manhoodneat X: Manhood Neat (@ManhoodNeat) / X Youtube: Manhood, Neat Podcast - YouTube Reach out: manhood.neat@gmail.com Show Notes: History of the Role of Deacons  Biblical Origins: The role traces back to the early church in Acts 6:1-7, where the apostles appointed seven men to handle practical needs amid church growth. This addressed complaints about neglected widows in food distribution, allowing apostles to focus on prayer and preaching. By the time of Paul's letters, deacons are a formal office (e.g., Philippians 1:1). Early church fathers like Ignatius of Antioch (c. 100 AD) referenced deacons as servants alongside bishops and presbyters. "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them'" (Acts 6:1-3, NIV). John Calvin on the early church structure: "As we have stated that three classes of ministers are set before us in Scripture, so the early Church distributed all its ministers into three orders. For from the order of presbyters, part were selected as pastors and teachers, while to the remainder was committed the censure of manners and discipline. To the deacons belonged the care of the poor and the dispensing of alms." While not explicitly called "deacons" in Acts, this is seen as the prototype. John Calvin in Geneva reformed the diaconate, emphasizing care for the poor through institutions like the general hospital. Who Can Be a Deacon  Biblical Qualifications: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 outlines character requirements, emphasizing integrity over skills. Deacons must be tested and proven blameless. "Deacons, likewise, are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons" (1 Timothy 3:8-10, NIV). "A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well" (1 Timothy 3:12, NIV). Key Verse: Categories: Personal (dignified, not double-tongued, not greedy); Spiritual (hold faith with clear conscience); Family (husband of one wife, good manager of home). John Calvin on testing: "Those men are to be chosen who are approved by their past life in such a manner that, after what may be called full inquiry, they are ascertained to be well qualified." Additionally: Similar to elders but without teaching requirements (Titus 1:7-9 for comparison). Full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3). Charles Spurgeon on deacons' character: "If deacons cannot be trusted they ought not to be deacons at all, but if they are worthy of their office they are worthy of our confidence." What They Do in/for the Church  Core Role: Deacons are servants who provide practical support, freeing elders for spiritual leadership. They meet material needs, promote unity, and handle logistics. Key Verse Quote: From Acts 6:2-4: "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables... We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word" (NIV). John Piper on deacons' purpose: "It would seem, then, that the deacon office exists to assist the leadership of the church by relieving the elders of distractions and pressures that would divert them from the ministry of the Word and prayer and the general, visionary oversight of the church." Specific Duties: Manage benevolence (aid to poor), facilities, finances; address complaints; support missions and community service. They act as "shock absorbers" for church harmony. Charles Spurgeon on faithful deacons: "The deacons of my first village pastorate were in my esteem the excellent of the earth, in whom I took great delight. Hard-working men on the week-day, they spared no toil for their Lord on the Sabbath; I loved them sincerely, and do love them still." Benefits to the Church: Prevent division (Acts 6), enable gospel growth, and model Christ-like service (Philippians 2:5-8). Are Deaconesses Biblical? Biblical Evidence: The debate centers on 1 Timothy 3:11 and Romans 16:1. Phoebe is called a "deacon" (diakonos) of the church in Cenchreae. "In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything" (1 Timothy 3:11, NIV). This may refer to deacons' wives or female deacons. "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae" (Romans 16:1, NIV). Key Verses: John Piper on women deacons: "Probably yes. There are four observations that incline me to think that this office was held by both men and women. 1. The Greek word for deacon can be masculine or feminine in the same form." Arguments For: Women can serve as deacons since the role is service-oriented, not authoritative (unlike elders). Early church history includes deaconesses for tasks like baptizing women. From the era of John Chrysostom (third-century Constitutions of the Holy Apostles): “For deaconesses were appointed, not to soothe God by chantings or unintelligible murmurs, and spend the rest of their time in idleness; but to perform a public ministry of the Church toward the poor, and to labour with all zeal, assiduity, and diligence, in offices of charity.” John Calvin on including women: "This meant, as one of the church's essential ministries, it had to call men and women to serve in the spiritual office of deacon." Arguments Against: 1 Timothy 3 specifies "husband of one wife" (v. 12), implying men; "women" in v. 11 likely means wives. No explicit "deaconess" term exists, and eldership is male-only.

When we move to a new place, how do we find a good local church to call home? Pastor John offers nine steps to take in our search.

The Word that God spoke by his Son is the decisive Word. It will not be followed in this age by any greater word or replacement word.

What does God want more than your obedience? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Luke 15:25–31 to show how God appeals to us not as slaves but as sons.

When Christ redeems marriage, he does not dismantle loving headship and willing submission. He restores it.

What ruins our joy in God's house? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Luke 15:25–31 to show how treating God merely as Master can blind us to the joy of being his child.

Date: August 16, 2025Passage: Luke 22:35–53For more information about this sermon, visit Desiring God Ministries.John Piper Books:Don't Waste Your Life: https://amzn.to/3TSPFscKindle: https://amzn.to/3TUvlqjProvidence: https://amzn.to/42EOFugTools for Ministry:Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra: https://amzn.to/4imzkFZStanley Cup: https://amzn.to/4dYPYt6Celsius: https://amzn.to/3ytKjuQNotebook (Journal): https://amzn.to/4bWhtBFKindle Paperwhite: https://amzn.to/3VeVa4J

Husbands and wives should seek to live after the distinctive model of God's pure and glad design for Christ and the church.

What if God really does want you back? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Luke 15:11–24 to show the Father's joy in receiving sinners who come home.

What should we do when two texts seem to say opposite things about God and his character? Pastor John digs to the common root of truth.

The first priority in praying is to ask our heavenly Father to cause his name to be hallowed. In us. In the church. In the world. Everywhere.

What kind of God runs to the guilty? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Luke 15:11–24 to show the glad welcome that awaits every repentant sinner.

The union between Christ and his bride is so close that any good done to her is a good done to himself.

Jesus did not want a dirty and unholy wife. Therefore, he was willing to die to cleanse her so that he could present her to himself.

David Mathis | As the Son of God, Jesus pursued his joy and God's glory in an unrepeatable way — but as man, he stands forth as an example for our own pursuit of joy.

You can steal to get; or you can work to get; or you can work to get in order to give.

Why would heaven throw a party over one sinner who repents? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Luke 15:1–10 to show how God rejoices to seek and save the lost.

James says God cannot be tempted, but Hebrews says Jesus was tempted just like we are. How do these two passages fit together?

It is a horrifying thing to use your God-given life to commit adultery against the Almighty.