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Can God lead you into a decision that fails? J.D., Matt, and Curtis close out Ecclesiastes by talking about the small compromises that can eventually take someone out, the difference between faith and recklessness, how to discern God’s will, and why peace isn’t necessarily proof that a decision will succeed. Then they turn to Christian nationalism—religious liberty, who gets to define what counts as Christian, the viral University of Texas student-section photo, race and national identity, immigration and enculturation, and the difference between Christian influence in government and government authority over Christianity. Read Pastor J.D.’s article, “Why I’m Not a Christian Nationalist,” at The Gospel Coalition: HERE Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10-12 Watch the full sermon HERE. Get the sermon transcript HERE. Stay Connected! Text BULLPEN to 97000 for updates about the podcast. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode of The Bullpen!

Are you building a life that looks successful—or one that will actually matter when it’s over? In this episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love, Curtis Andrusko, and special guest Julius Tennal to go deeper into Ecclesiastes 7 and the surprising wisdom that can come from hardship, loss, and even thinking about death. They talk about the difference between résumé virtues and eulogy virtues, what we tend to sacrifice in the pursuit of success, why we need people in our lives who are willing to tell us the truth, and how obedience can quietly become an attempt to control God. Julius also shares what it means to “live sent,” why Christians shouldn’t always wait for a dramatic calling before taking a step of obedience, and his family’s journey toward planting a church in South Africa. Plus, with football season back, we tackle the explosion of sports betting and ask whether “Is it a sin?” is even the right question. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7 Watch the full sermon HERE. Get the sermon transcript HERE. Stay Connected! Text BULLPEN to 97000 for updates about the podcast. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode of The Bullpen!

Why do bad things happen to good people—or are we asking the wrong question? In this episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love and Curtis Andrusko to go deeper into Ecclesiastes 3 and what it means to trust God in seasons we don’t understand. They talk about why “God has a plan” can be true and still be difficult to hear when you’re hurting, how Christians can respond to suffering without minimizing someone’s pain, and why J.D. says the Bible actually reframes one of our biggest questions about God and evil. They also talk about learning to enjoy the season you’re in instead of constantly waiting for the next one, whether our pets will be in heaven, and how Christians can hold together grace and truth as questions about gender and sexuality continue to play out in culture. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 Watch the full sermon HERE. Get the sermon transcript. Stay Connected! Text BULLPEN to 97000 for updates about the podcast. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode of The Bullpen!

Why is it that getting what we want so often leaves us wanting something more? In the first episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love and Curtis Andrusko to go deeper into his first sermon in the book of Ecclesiastes and the search for a meaningful, satisfying life. They talk about why success and pleasure can’t carry the weight we put on them, how Christians can genuinely enjoy God’s gifts without turning them into idols, and what Ecclesiastes has to say to a culture constantly looking for the next thing. They also discuss social media, our endless appetite for more, and what it looks like to build your life around the things that actually last. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Watch the full sermon HERE Get the sermon transcript. Stay Connected! Text BULLPEN to 97000 for updates about the podcast. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode of The Bullpen!

For years now, whenever Pastor J.D. Greear preaches, he writes far more than he can actually say in the sermon. The material that doesn’t make the cut—the extra illustrations, the rabbit trails, the good questions he didn’t have time to chase—gets kept in a section of his notes he calls the “bullpen.” All of that material, all these years, has just sat there and never seen the light of day. But that changes next week. Each time J.D. preaches, he’ll sit down with a couple of people and unpack the message. They’ll go deeper into the passage, wrestle with the hard questions just like they always have, and bring out implications they didn’t have time to get into during the message. And if there’s something big happening in the world, or a controversial question that could use some Christian wisdom applied to it—even if it wasn’t directly addressed by the text—they’ll discuss that too. No scripts. Just a free-flowing conversation. And as always, J.D. is praying it will be a resource to help you grow deeper in your love and understanding of the gospel. Episode Links: Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen wherever you listen to podcasts.

In another special episode, Pastor J.D.  addresses the question: “Is the Deliberate Pursuit of Ethnic Unity the Same As DEI?” Key Takeaways: There is an unbiblical DEI that really is about quota and virtue signaling. Hiring practices should consider the experience of candidates over age 50. Ageism can be a concern when hiring for specific demographics. DEI initiatives can sometimes miss the mark by focusing on superficial metrics. Experience can be more valuable than age in certain roles. The conversation challenges traditional views on diversity in hiring. Understanding the context of DEI is crucial for effective implementation. Church leadership hiring should prioritize the ability to connect with the community. Quotas can undermine the true purpose of diversity initiatives. Real diversity includes valuing experience alongside demographic factors. 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: Listen to Pastor J.D.’s interview on the Bully Pulpit podcast HERE Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

In another special episode, Pastor J.D.  addresses the question: “Is ‘Voting Blue’ the First Sign of Losing Faith?” The conversation explores a question Pastor J.D. was asked recently about whether “voting blue” is a harbinger of losing your faith. Key Takeaways: Silence on moral issues can lead to distrust. The character of leaders matters to faith communities. Inconsistencies in beliefs can alienate younger members. The church’s political stance affects its moral authority. Transparency is crucial for maintaining faith. Younger people are seeking authenticity in leadership. The future of the church depends on addressing these issues. 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: Listen to Pastor J.D.’s interview on the Bully Pulpit podcast HERE Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

In this episode, Pastor J.D.  concludes our mini-series about his latest book, Everyday Revolutionary, by asking the question: “WHY Is Gen Z Returning to the Church?” This conversation features Wes Smith, College Pastor at The Summit Church. Much has been said about how Gen Z is returning to the church… but why is that happening? We explore the reasons behind this trend, including a dissatisfaction with secular ideologies and a desire for community and fulfillment. Key Takeaways: Gen Z shows a significant curiosity about Jesus and the Bible. Many Gen Z individuals feel a void in their lives that they seek to fill. The church can provide a sense of community that Gen Z lacks online. Spiritual openness on college campuses is at an all-time high. Clarity on cultural issues is essential for engaging with Gen Z. The church should focus on gospel priority over political alignment. Many young people are coming to faith through authentic community. The rise in baptisms indicates a genuine spiritual revival among youth. Church leaders should emphasize identity in Christ to resonate with Gen Z. Engaging in conversations about controversial topics can lead to deeper understanding. 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: Last week’s episode: https://jdgreear.com/podcasts/are-christians-c…-the-culture-war/ Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

In this episode, Pastor J.D.  discusses a question many of us are asking ourselves right now, “Are Christians Called to the Culture War?” As part of a short series surrounding Pastor J.D.’s new book Everyday Revolutionary, the conversation explains that while believers must be bold in truth, faithfulness to Jesus goes beyond cultural confrontation—it involves embodying grace and truth in everyday life. It’s not less than clarity on issues, but it’s much more. Key Takeaways: Pastor J.D. identifies five components of the “quiet life” that creates a “loud testimony” (1 Peter 3:15): Creation-Fulfilling Every job contributes to beautifying and ordering the world. We’re co-creators with God, showing His glory through our work. Excellence-Pursuing Daniel had “an excellent spirit.” Work “as unto the Lord,” demonstrating God’s perfection through diligence and quality. Holiness-Reflecting Our ethics and integrity mirror the holiness of God. Poor work or unethical behavior damages our witness. Redemption-Displaying Extend grace in surprising ways. Example: a Madison Avenue executive takes the blame for his intern’s costly mistake, using it as a gospel moment — “My life was transformed by someone who took my punishment.” Mission-Advancing Excellence earns influence. Use platforms and opportunities to point to Jesus (Proverbs 22:29). 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: Last week’s episode: https://jdgreear.com/podcasts/should-pastors-be-more-political-from-the-pulpit/ Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.