Sorrows Surprised by Happiness

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

If a man wants to be married but is too young to pursue it, how can he keep his desires in the right place? Pastor John offers five weapons for the fight.

Sorrow and joy are not just sequential emotional states: first sorrow, then joy. Miraculously, we can experience overflowing joy in the midst of deep sorrow.

How can we delight in the good work we do while keeping our work in its proper place? Pastor John situates daily work within God’s larger purposes.

Does human evil really call for infinite punishment? Pastor John confronts the ultimate sin of ignoring God’s infinite value.

Pastor John connects God’s word with his ability to perform that word, grounding our faith in the unstoppable purposes of our loving God.

In Isaiah 58, does God condemn his people for having too much delight in his ways? Pastor John distinguishes hypocritical pleasure from true, generous joy in God.

God promised a home to faithful eunuchs in the Old Testament, but what about childless believers today? Pastor John sees three enduring blessings.

In the Bible, God sometimes tests his people to see how they will respond. Why does he do this if he already knows every heart?

Should Christians seek mystical experiences as a way to grow closer to God? Pastor John looks at how Paul responded to his own visions.