I have a strong view on Piper, and I guess I'll step on a lot of toes here perhaps. But I believe it has to be said. Bear with me....This IS the real John Piper. I think it started with his redefinition of "hedonism" and combining it with "Christian". Then came his friendship and defense of Mark-Potty-Mouth-Driscoll, the rap in church, and now Paul Tripp's cussing, among other things.
When "everyone" loves a man like Piper or Graham, you can bet there's something very wrong. Truth is narrow, & living a godly, separate life from the world (2Cor. 6) brings persecution from the world itself and from professing Christianity.Piper has a lot of audience to pull in and keep.
I've seen his downgrade continue for years, so I'm not surprised. Why is anyone else? Why do people refuse to believe Piper IS seeker-emergent-friendly and has compromised biblical Truth repeatedly? Certainly, he is not beyond being deceived. And this is indeed why having a "rubber stamp" mentality is so dangerous: just b/c Piper approves of Driscoll and Tripp doesn't mean its ok. I have found that many Christian bloggers/ministries, who like Piper and list him as a resource and off his ministry link, ALSO like Driscoll and offer HIS link as well.
Piper's DEFENSE of such men and their course and crude language shows a lack of discernment and wisdom and frankly, a love of that which is NOT holy.
Recall what Spurgeon saw in his day ---we are witnessing it today, only worse. And the enemy isn't just the world, its INSIDE the camp THIS is why it is SO disheartening as a Christian.
Pro 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not associate with them;
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Rom. 16: 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
Col. 4: 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Eph. 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
2 Tim. 2: 14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
3 comments:
"When "everyone" loves a man like Piper or Graham, you can bet there's something very wrong."
Not "everyone" loves Piper and Graham, unless you want to make that error of generalization.
"Why do people refuse to believe Piper IS seeker-emergent-friendly and has compromised biblical Truth repeatedly?"
"Repeatedly?" Please cite your sources for each incident. Don't just say "he compromised it repeatedly" without citing your sources. Didn't you learn how to research the topics for your term papers in school or are you just going to make the error as most Bible-thumping, legalistic, judgmental, Pharisaical people do? They are so quick to judge other people while never assessing their own sinfulness.
It's sad how most people are so quick to judge Piper and Driscoll prior to Driscoll speaking at the Desiring God 2008 National Conference.
I actually have read Paul Tripp's books. I actually listened to that interview prior to you posting this blog entry. Did you actually listen to the entire interview and his explanation at the end of the interview or did you just reiterate Steve Camp's blog entry? Steve Camp has credibility in the blogging community. Not much is known about you.
One more thing, which words did Mark "Potty Mouth" Driscoll use to get that label? Can you cite the sermons which he used those words? You haven't listened to a single sermon from him, have you? It would be nice and helpful if you could thoroughly do your research.
Truth and Zeal,
Yes, I HAVE done my research, but apparently you have ignored the recent developments over the last three years. I have been on this issue for a long time.
Apparently I've touched your anointed man and made you upset. But biblical Truth should trump any person, idea, position, or relationship.
I suggest instead of defending the indefensible, you need to become aquainted with Scripture and then what Piper has been up to for the last three years. Remember that false teachers creep in SECRETLY--they do not announce themselves and they adhere to enough truth to seduce others.
And by the way, your appauling behavior toward the owner of this blog, which YOU chose to come to, is a disgrace and full of insults. Perhaps you will come to your senses and learn a little decency in the meantime.
zeal,
Your continual snotty comments and insults show your lack of maturity.
You continue to half read my entries, it seems. Your defense of filthy-mouthed men and those who approve of them speaks volumes, while you judge others for being "judgmental" of such unholy practices. You are siding with that which is not pleasing to HIM.
You assumed quite a lot, swinging as hard as you can, hoping some of the mud you slung my way will stick, but I will NOT tolerate such behavior here.
Besides your obvious slams against me, your "questions" are veiled insults and you are clearly angry.
You demand something of me while not doing the same yourself, which is my point with the Kool-Aid drinkers. In fact, its the SAME point Steve Camp made several months ago re: Driscoll and those who support him.
Pro 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
Psa 119:78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Go do your own research, as I will not do it for you. Had you read what I posted today, you would see that I have been accutely aware of Piper and Driscoll's hand-holding for YEARS. This is NOT just a recent, "2008" thing.
You are no longer welcomed to post here. Your most recent post was deleted.
Post a Comment