Pastor JD Greear's Ask the Pastor column provides biblical, relatable, and reliable answers to your everyday questions about faith and life. Copyright https://www.crosswalk.com 2026, Crosswalk.com Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:30:23 -0500 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/why-do-we-pray-if-god-is-sovereign.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/why-do-we-pray-if-god-is-sovereign.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ Why do we pray if God knows everything? Tue, 06 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/the-hardest-most-important-truth-in-the-bible.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/the-hardest-most-important-truth-in-the-bible.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ Explore the complex theological question of God hardening Pharaoh's heart and why this is not unfair, but rather a solidification of Pharaoh's own choices. Discover how God's ultimate purpose in all actions, including salvation, is to display His glory and how understanding this truth leads to genuine joy. Tue, 30 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/how-to-be-blessed-at-christmas.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/how-to-be-blessed-at-christmas.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ Discover how Mary, the mother of Jesus, found profound blessing amidst scandal and poverty, revealing that true blessing comes from knowing God's intimate presence and unwavering promises. This Christmas, explore the powerful message of Emmanuel and how God's favor is available to you today, just as it was for Mary. Tue, 23 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/three-words-you-need-in-your-life-this-christmas.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/three-words-you-need-in-your-life-this-christmas.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ Experience a deeper understanding of God this Christmas through Mary's perspective on His might, holiness, and mercy, offering a powerful and necessary encounter beyond typical holiday expectations. Discover how God's immense power and perfect nature, despite human imperfection, are bridged by His profound compassion, inviting you into a relationship of belonging and sufficiency. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 01:01:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/did-jesus-actually-claim-to-be-god.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/did-jesus-actually-claim-to-be-god.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ There’s a convenient myth among modern people that the true Jesus, the one who actually wandered around Jerusalem, was likely just an itinerant moral teacher. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/what-is-it-like-to-stand-in-the-presence-of-jesus.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/what-is-it-like-to-stand-in-the-presence-of-jesus.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ Many of us feel like we’re too dirty, damaged, deceptive, or disqualified for Jesus, but Jesus’ light is sight-giving and cleansing. When we allow our sin to be exposed now, Jesus forgives and cleanses, restoring our hearts and replacing our blind eyes. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/should-i-sabbath-on-sundays.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/should-i-sabbath-on-sundays.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ Ultimately, the focus should be on the spirit of rest rather than the specific day. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/the-transformative-power-of-gods-voice-in-our-lives.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/the-transformative-power-of-gods-voice-in-our-lives.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ If we’re able to recognize that Jesus is Lord, that’s evidence of God’s love for us. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/how-an-ancient-wedding-tradition-can-change-how-you-wait-for-jesus.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/how-an-ancient-wedding-tradition-can-change-how-you-wait-for-jesus.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ Discover the profound Jewish wedding traditions that illuminate the symbolic meaning of Revelation 19, revealing a deeper understanding of our relationship with Christ. Explore the stages of betrothal, preparation, and the ultimate marital feast that awaits believers, and consider if your spiritual life reflects this profound covenant of love. Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/eternity-puts-everything-in-perspective.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ask-the-pastor/eternity-puts-everything-in-perspective.html J.D. Greear https://www.crosswalk.com/author/j-d-greear/ Contrary to popular fears of an eternal, boring afterlife, the biblical depiction of heaven offers a vision of renewal, reunion, and meaningful reign, transforming our present lives. This future hope empowers us to embrace life fully, knowing that any perceived lacks or missed opportunities will be made new, and encourages us to cease fighting the natural process of aging. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:30:23-05:00