The Bullpen with J.D. Greear

By J.D. GreearReligion & Spirituality Christianity

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The Bullpen with J.D. Greear episodes

February 17, 2025Why Does It Matter? Purity Before Marriage
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” and focuses on why purity before marriage even matters by exploring the biblical stance on sexual ethics.
A glimpse inside this episode:
Many people question why sex before marriage is a big deal.
God’s instructions on sex are rooted in wisdom and love.
Sex is designed to bond two lives together, not just for pleasure.
Casual sex can have lasting psychological effects.
God’s limitations on sex are meant to protect us from harm.
Marriage is a covenant that signifies a deeper commitment.
The church has sometimes failed to communicate the reasons behind sexual ethics.
There is grace and redemption available for those who have sinned sexually.
Sexual sin can rob individuals of feelings of cleanliness, safety, and specialness.
God’s grace is greater than our sins, offering hope and restoration.
16 min
February 10, 2025Why Does It Matter? Biblical Authority
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. starts a brand new series called, “Why Does It Matter.” Listen as he unpacks the significance of the Bible’s authority, inerrancy, and its role in Christian life.
A glimpse inside this episode:
The Bible’s authority is foundational to Christian faith.
Understanding why the Bible matters is crucial for believers.
The concept of inerrancy is essential for trusting scripture.
The Bible presents itself as the word of God, not merely human thoughts.
Historical context is important in interpreting scripture.
The Bible has faced challenges and attacks throughout history.
Scripture serves as the standard for moral and theological truths.
Believers must wrestle with difficult passages and teachings.
The Bible’s message is ultimately about God’s rescue through Jesus.
Engaging with scripture is vital for spiritual growth and understanding.
24 min
January 06, 2025Books of the Year, Part 2
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares part two of his favorite books in 2024.
A glimpse inside this episode:
Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature.
Forgive by Tim Keller
The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Dr. Michael Heiser
Where the Light Fell: A Memoir by Philip Yancey
The Courage to Be Protestant by Gavin Ortlund
Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World by Eric Metaxas
Jesus and the Powers by NT Wright and Michael Bird
Ghosted: An American Story by Nancy French
Spare by Prince Harry
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
14 min
December 30, 2024Books of the Year, Part I
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books in 2024.
A glimpse inside this episode:
Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature.
Bless God and Take Courage: The Judson History and Legacy: Rosalie Hall Hunt
How to Know a Person, David Brooks
Marks of a Movement: What the church Today Can Learn from the Wesleyan Revival, Winfield Bevins
Surprised by Doubt: How Disillusionment Can Invite Us Into a Deeper Faith by Dr. Joshua Chatraw and Jack Carson
Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Esau McCaulley
A few secular books:
The Rulebreaker: Biography of Barbara Walters
Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service, Carol Leonnig
Open: An Autobiography, Andre Agassi
TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking, Chris Anderson
19 min
December 23, 2024Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
There are many the nuances for Christians around plastic surgery, enhancing beauty, the cultural pressures surrounding appearance, and the importance of focusing on inner beauty and heart posture. While cosmetic enhancements are not inherently wrong, they should not become idols that dictate self-worth or decision-making.
The question of cosmetic surgery is nuanced and complex.
Enhancing beauty is not inherently wrong; it’s about the heart behind it.
Cultural pressures can lead to unhealthy decisions regarding appearance.
The Bible encourages focusing on inner beauty rather than outward adornment.
Idols related to beauty can lead to poor decision-making.
Aging is a natural process that should be embraced, not fought against.
Self-image should be rooted in God’s love, not physical appearance.
It’s important to ask oneself if beauty and youth are idols.
The inward person can be renewed even as the outward person deteriorates.
Heart posture is crucial in making decisions about cosmetic enhancements.
9 min
December 16, 2024Should Christians Be Concerned about AI?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Christians be concerned about AI?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. looks at the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) from a Christian perspective. While AI is a tool that can be used for good or bad, the underlying human nature can lead to the amplification of wickedness.
AI raises questions about human dignity and moral agency.
Bias and fairness in AI can exacerbate existing societal issues.
Privacy concerns arise with the increasing use of AI.
AI can impact employment and economic justice.
Human enhancement through AI challenges our understanding of being made in God’s image.
The core of humanity is fallen, which can be magnified by AI.
10 min
December 09, 2024Are Denominations Biblical?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Are Denominations Biblical?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the biblical basis for denominations while addressing common criticisms. While denominations may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of cooperation in the mission of the church is prevalent. Denominations serve as a practical tool for collaboration in advancing the mission of God.
Denominations are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible.
Cooperation among churches is a biblical principle.
Different levels of cooperation require varying levels of doctrinal conformity.
Movements and institutions are both necessary in the church.
A unified authority does not guarantee doctrinal purity.
Protestantism allows for recognition of valid churches outside its own.
Denominations can facilitate mission advancement.
The Bible is the ultimate authority for Christians.
Historical context is crucial in understanding church authority.
Denominations are tools for cooperation, not division.
15 min
December 02, 2024Is It Wrong for Christians to Do Yoga?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that has actually been asked by two listeners, Lillian and Jesse: “Is it OK for Christians to do Yoga?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the historical roots of yoga in Eastern religions and how it contrasts with Christian meditation. He emphasizes the importance of individual conscience in making decisions about practices that may have spiritual implications while also introducing a framework for categorizing theological issues and highlighting the need for unity in the church while allowing for personal convictions.
Yoga has historical roots in Eastern religions like Hinduism.
Christian meditation differs from Eastern meditation in purpose.
Believers should wrestle with their own conscience regarding yoga.
Not all practices with pagan origins are off-limits for Christians.
Unity in the church is more important than strict conformity on disputed matters.
The framework of essential, important, and indifferent matters helps navigate faith issues.
Personal convictions should guide individual practices like yoga.
Jesus’ authority supersedes the origins of certain practices.
Engaging with differing opinions requires patience and understanding.
Practices should honor Christ and align with biblical principles.
13 min
November 25, 2024My Marriage Started After an Unbiblical Divorce: What Should We Do?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that asked, “I’m currently married to a man who had an unbiblical divorce. To make it worse, we actually began dating before the divorce was finalized. We recently both got saved, and now are facing the question: are we living in continuous adultery? We’re both sick over how our marriage began, but at the same time, we don’t feel right divorcing. Do you have any guidance?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
This is a really complex question regarding marriage, divorce, and the implications of their past decisions in light of their newfound faith. Pastor J.D. dives into the biblical teachings on divorce, the nature of marriage as a covenant, and the importance of repentance and grace in moving forward. While the circumstances of their marriage may have been sinful, God’s mercy allows for redemption and blessing in their current relationship.
Jesus’ teachings on divorce emphasize the sanctity of marriage.
Divorce is allowed in cases of adultery, but not required.
God’s view of marriage is a covenant of oneness.
Repentance is key to moving forward in faith.
Deuteronomy 24 warns against returning to a previous marriage.
God can redeem even the worst situations.
Acknowledging past sins is important for healing.
God’s grace allows for new beginnings in relationships.
The podcast serves as a resource for vulnerable questions.
12 min
November 18, 2024How Can I Give Honest Criticism with Grace and Love?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Tristan who asked, “As Christians, how can we be honest about an individual’s poor performance (in my case, scoring a poor performer based on their work quality) with grace and love?”
A glimpse inside this episode:
Honest criticism can be done in a loving and graceful manner. It’s so vital to balance feedback with grace, as well as address poor performance. Humility and relational context will play a huge factor in graceful feedback. Ultimately, there is a huge need for specific feedback because that fosters growth and development.
The goal of salvation is a new kind of righteousness.
Understanding sin requires both head knowledge and heart transformation.
Living by faith means choosing what is right despite feelings.
Growth in grace involves recognizing our ongoing need for grace.
Sowing seeds of righteousness leads to spiritual growth.
Habits shape our desires and affections.
Choosing against fleshly desires is a step of faith.
Reckoning ourselves dead to sin empowers us to resist temptation.
Prayer and belief in the gospel are essential for spiritual life.
Continuous reliance on God’s grace is crucial in the Christian walk.
16 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…