The Bullpen with J.D. Greear

By J.D. GreearReligion & Spirituality Christianity

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The Bullpen with J.D. Greear episodes

October 13, 2025Should Pastors Be More Political from the Pulpit?
In this episode, Pastor J.D. discusses a question many church leaders face: Should pastors be more political from the pulpit?
As part of a short series surrounding Pastor J.D.’s new book Everyday Revolutionary, the conversation explores how faithfulness to the gospel intersects with public issues, when to speak clearly, and when to show restraint.
J.D. argues that pastors must boldly proclaim biblical truth even when it overlaps with politics—but resist aligning the name of Jesus with any political party. Political engagement is a result of discipleship, not the gateway to it.
Key Takeaways
Be bold on biblical truth, even when it’s political. Some moral issues, like the sanctity of life and God’s design for gender, require clear biblical conviction.
Don’t confuse political alignment with gospel faithfulness. The pulpit should be reserved for “thus says the Lord,” not personal policy opinions.
Discipleship precedes political realignment. True change begins in the heart before it’s reflected in the ballot box.
Avoid both ditches. On one side lies cowardly silence; on the other, a Christless conservatism that replaces the gospel with partisanship.
Keep Jesus’ name holy. Associating Christ too closely with a political party risks damaging His reputation and alienating those who need the gospel.
Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities.
Episode Links:
Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel
Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor
Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor
Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreer.com/donate
23 min
April 28, 2025BONUS: Which Bible Promises Apply Today?
This week on Ask the Pastor, we have a special bonus episode on the question, “Which of the Bible’s promises apply today?”
We covered a similar question several years ago, and you can find that episode HERE.
A glimpse inside this episode:
The Bible contains approximately 3,000 promises from God.
All promises of God are fulfilled in Christ.
Understanding the context of promises is crucial for application.
There are unconditional and conditional promises in the Bible.
God’s character remains consistent despite changing circumstances.
Promises made to Israel can still have relevance today.
The New Testament often cites Old Testament promises.
Believers are encouraged to expect God’s goodness in their lives now.
Faith in God’s promises is essential for spiritual growth.
15 min
April 21, 2025Why Does Correct Theology Matter?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Correct Theology Matter?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
Theological doctrine shapes our relationship with God and others.
Understanding essential beliefs is crucial for unity in the church.
Not all theological issues are of equal importance.
Spiritual maturity involves developing strong convictions with restraint.
Knowledge of God should not outpace our love for Him.
The Bible emphasizes a proper view of God.
We must discern between essential and non-essential beliefs.
Personal opinions should not be equated with biblical truths.
Theological study is important for all believers, not just seminarians.
Unity in the church is vital for the integrity of the gospel.
15 min
April 14, 2025Why Does Everyday Faithfulness Matter?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Everyday Faithfulness Matter?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
Living a faithful life is essential, even in mundane tasks.
Every believer has a role in God’s mission, regardless of their position.
Motherhood and domestic roles can be fulfilling and significant in God’s eyes.
Ordinary obedience can lead to extraordinary outcomes in God’s plan.
Faithfulness is what God desires from us in our daily lives.
The quiet life can demonstrate the beauty of the gospel.
Service to others is a calling for all believers.
God uses ordinary people to accomplish his purposes.
The influence of a godly mother can shape generations.
Living remarkably in everyday life can attract others to Christ.
14 min
April 07, 2025Why Does the Existence of Hell Matter?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does the Existence of Hell Matter?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
The doctrine of hell is crucial for understanding God’s justice.
Many people struggle with the concept of hell, leading to doubt.
Biblical imagery of hell should be taken seriously, not metaphorically.
The severity of hell reflects the infinite nature of God.
Hell serves as a means to understand injustice in the world.
God’s judgment is an expression of His holiness and righteousness.
Understanding hell magnifies the love of God in salvation.
The conversation about hell is essential for a robust faith.
12 min
March 31, 2025Why Does Prayer Matter?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Prayer Matter?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
Prayer is essential for experiencing the fullness of joy.
Unanswered prayer can be a part of God’s better plan.
Persistence in prayer is often necessary for receiving answers.
Prayer is a means by which God accomplishes His will on earth.
God’s sovereignty does not negate the importance of prayer.
Sometimes God answers prayers in ways we do not expect.
Prayer changes us and the circumstances around us.
The act of praying is a way to inhabit God’s presence.
Unanswered prayers can lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
The gospel reassures us of God’s constant presence and care.
11 min
March 17, 2025How Do I Balance Marriage and Tithing?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. pauses his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” to answer a listener question about challenges of tithing when a spouse disagree.
A glimpse inside this episode:
Tithing is a biblical command that reflects trust in God.
Communication is key when spouses disagree on financial matters.
It’s important to honor each other’s perspectives in marriage.
Testing God through tithing can lead to personal testimonies of faithfulness.
You can’t give what you don’t have authority over.
Prayer is essential in changing hearts regarding financial decisions.
Generosity can be demonstrated through small acts of giving.
God values the spirit of generosity over the amount given.
Mutual respect in financial decisions strengthens marriage.
Encouragement and prayer can lead to shifts in financial perspectives.
8 min
March 10, 2025Why Does It Matter to Live a Gospel-Centered Life?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with a question on why it matters to live a gospel-centered life.
A glimpse inside the episode:
The gospel is central to every part of the Christian life.
Living a gospel-centered life means returning to the gospel daily.
The gospel fosters organic change rather than external pressure.
Daily reminders of the gospel help combat idolatry and insecurity.
The gospel prayer is a practical tool for spiritual growth.
Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial for transformation.
The gospel is not just a starting point but a lifelong journey.
Faith in the gospel activates the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives.
Generosity flows from a heart transformed by the gospel.
The gospel teaches us to desire what God desires.
12 min
March 03, 2025Why Does It Matter? The Virgin Birth
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” by diving into the significance of the virgin birth of Jesus.
A glimpse inside this episode:
The virgin birth is crucial to understanding Jesus’ identity.
Jesus was born without a sin nature due to the virgin birth.
The doctrine of the virgin birth is essential for salvation.
Jesus had to be fully God and fully man to save us.
The sin nature is passed down through the man’s seed.
Isaiah 7:14 prophesies the virgin birth of Jesus.
The term ‘Alma’ in Hebrew contextually means virgin.
Matthew’s interpretation of Isaiah confirms the virgin birth.
Jesus understands human experiences because he was fully man.
The virgin birth leads us to worship God for His miraculous work.
11 min
February 24, 2025Are You Committed to Only Preaching Expositionally?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D.pauses his “Why Does It Matter” series to answer a listener question who asked, “Are You Committed to Only Preaching Expositionally?”Pastor J.D. addresses some common questions and emphasizes the importance of grounding sermons in Scripture, the role of the preacher as a steward of God’s word, and the overarching goal of discipleship in ministry.
A glimpse inside this episode:
Expositional preaching is essential for the life of the church.
The message should find its source in Scripture through careful exegesis.
Preachers are stewards of God’s word, responsible for delivering it faithfully.
Discipleship is the primary goal of preaching.
Feedback from the congregation is valuable and should be welcomed.
Expositional preaching can still address topical issues when grounded in Scripture.
A balanced diet of Scripture is important for congregational growth.
Preaching should not be driven solely by personal preferences.
Understanding the definitions of preaching styles helps clarify expectations.
The focus should always be on the word of God, not personal opinions.
20 min

About The Bullpen with J.D. Greear

From the publisher's feed

Every sermon starts with more than can fit into a message. For years, Pastor J.D. Greear has filled his sermon notes with extra illustrations, questions, insights, and rabbit trails that never made…