

Light + Truth
Desiring God
Classic sermons from John Piper to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. Five days a week, 20 minutes per episode. Hosted by Dan Cruver.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2026 • 20min
Holding Fast Through False Judgment
John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, delves deep into the trials of Job, illustrating his journey from despair to faith. He discusses Job's evolving views on death, resurrection hope, and the inherent mystery of God's ways. Piper warns about the misuse of theology and emphasizes that suffering doesn't correlate to righteousness. He passionately encourages listeners to hold fast to God through life's darkest moments, affirming the existence of a hidden wisdom in God's sovereign plan.

Jan 6, 2026 • 25min
When Friends Wound with Their Words
John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, delves into the complexities of suffering through the lens of Job. He critiques how Job’s friends' harsh theology misrepresents God, highlighting the insensitivity in their responses. Piper explores the damaging implications of equating suffering with sin, showcasing failures in pastoral care. As Job’s frustration escalates, Piper emphasizes the need for tenderness in truth, reminding us that rigid theology can cause deep wounds to the hurting.

Jan 5, 2026 • 19min
When God Permits and Governs Our Pain
In this enlightening conversation, John Piper, a respected Reformed pastor and theologian, explores the depths of suffering through the lens of Job's trials. He discusses the balance between God's sovereignty and Satan's permission, and why Job's faithfulness serves as a model for evangelism. Piper contrasts immediate crisis grace with the challenge of enduring prolonged suffering and reflects on the wisdom of Job's friends during his darkest days. His insights offer profound comfort and guidance for anyone grappling with pain.

5 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 23min
When Health Fails and Faith Holds
John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, dives deep into the struggle of trusting God amid health crises. He vividly recounts Job's devastating afflictions and examines the heavenly discourse about his integrity. Piper highlights Satan's challenge to Job's faith and God's sovereign control over suffering. He explores Job's resilient response to loss and contrasts the aims of Satan and God during trials. The discussion culminates in practical advice for embracing God's sovereignty, allowing grief, and treasuring divine love.

Jan 1, 2026 • 24min
The Day Job Lost Everything
In this engaging discussion, John Piper, a renowned Reformed theologian and pastor, passionately explores the profound themes of faith and suffering through the lens of Job. He delves into Job's blameless character and the immense losses he faced, including the tragic death of his children. Piper highlights God's perspective on faith, emphasizing the value of worship amid devastating trials. He argues that true devotion is shown when believers treasure God more than their possessions, offering insights that challenge and inspire.

Dec 31, 2025 • 21min
Before the Storm of Suffering Breaks
John Piper, a Reformed pastor and theologian renowned for his insights on suffering and divine sovereignty, delves into the profound lessons from the book of Job. He emphasizes how understanding God's purpose equips believers for life's hardest trials. Piper connects Old Testament forgiveness to Christ's redemptive work and underscores the importance of enduring faith amid suffering. He also addresses contemporary critiques of Job’s teachings, aiming to anchor listeners in God's goodness before calamity strikes.

Dec 30, 2025 • 21min
Called by God’s Voice
Dive into the intriguing world of divine calling and election. John Piper explores how God's call transcends mere persuasion, acting as a powerful creation of faith. He emphasizes that revelation is reserved for the humble, using biblical examples like Peter's confession. Piper also debates corporate versus individual election, underscoring that the New Testament highlights God's choice of individuals. Through scriptural interpretations, he reveals how God delights in choosing the unlikely, showcasing His sovereign grace.

Dec 29, 2025 • 28min
Chosen Before We Chose
In this engaging discussion, John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian who founded Desiring God, delves into the profound concept of divine election versus human choice. He explores Spurgeon's insights on faith being authored by God and shares moving personal stories that illustrate grace. Piper also examines biblical narratives, emphasizing God's unconditional election of individuals like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Lastly, he highlights the humbling nature of God’s choices, stressing that divine grace calls for humility rather than pride.

Dec 26, 2025 • 26min
Election That Strengthens Faith
In this engaging conversation, John Piper, a celebrated Reformed pastor and theologian, delves into how the controversial doctrine of election can enhance faith by nourishing believers with divine truth. He discusses the inevitability of doctrinal disagreements in the church, likening the pursuit of truth to a marketplace where one must choose wisely. Piper emphasizes the importance of resisting doctrinal pressures from outside influences and shares inspiring examples from figures like George Mueller to highlight the stabilizing power of Scripture.

Dec 25, 2025 • 24min
Peace with God, Peace Everywhere Else
In this enlightening discussion, John Piper, a renowned theologian and pastor, dives into the essence of true peace stemming from being right with God. He clarifies that justification by faith is foundational to peace and emphasizes that it is received through faith alone. Piper highlights the importance of prayer for inner tranquility and urges listeners to cultivate peace in their relationships through kindness and forgiveness. His insights inspire a thoughtful exploration of how divine peace transforms every aspect of life.


