***New Update** 4/19/20
Piper in 2004 in a Q & A said that God broke the 2nd commandment by the incarnation of Christ which then legitimizes the drawing of pictures of Jesus, so movies and pictures of Jesus isn't breaking the 2nd commandment.
For the full Q&A: https://www.epm.org/resources/2004/Feb/4/desiring-god-2004-national-conference-speaker-pane/ Time mark 5:30. But realize by nature the answer is a stand alone answer, since it's a q & a. I couldn't fine this version but did find the snippet of the answer here:
If you don't want to download the audio, the question and answer alone is over at Disntr.
This is absolute blasphemy, to accuse God of breaking any of His commands. This is absolute and total satanic talk, what the ancient Serpent did in the Garden of Eden in Ge. 3. This is exactly what the Pharisees charged Jesus with as well. But Scripture makes it clear that all three Persons in the Trinity are sinless. Jesus was incapable of sinning thus He never sinned because by His eternal nature, He never ceased to be God. He was impeccable. To break a commandment IS to sin. Heb 4:14,
2Co 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
**New Update** 7/16/19
Links to more info:
6 part article on "Christian Hedonism" by Michael Butler. Follow the link at the end of each article to see the next one.
**New Update** 8/18/18
Piper claims Jesus had six ways to fight depression:
***New Update***
Piper in 2004 in a Q & A said that God broke the 2nd commandment by the incarnation of Christ which then legitimizes the drawing of pictures of Jesus, so movies and pictures of Jesus isn't breaking the 2nd commandment.
For the full Q&A: https://www.epm.org/resources/2004/Feb/4/desiring-god-2004-national-conference-speaker-pane/ Time mark 5:30. But realize by nature the answer is a stand alone answer, since it's a q & a. I couldn't fine this version but did find the snippet of the answer here:
If you don't want to download the audio, the question and answer alone is over at Disntr.
This is absolute blasphemy, to accuse God of breaking any of His commands. This is absolute and total satanic talk, what the ancient Serpent did in the Garden of Eden in Ge. 3. This is exactly what the Pharisees charged Jesus with as well. But Scripture makes it clear that all three Persons in the Trinity are sinless. Jesus was incapable of sinning thus He never sinned because by His eternal nature, He never ceased to be God. He was impeccable. To break a commandment IS to sin. Heb 4:14,
2Co 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
**New Update** 7/16/19
Links to more info:
6 part article on "Christian Hedonism" by Michael Butler. Follow the link at the end of each article to see the next one.
**New Update** 8/18/18
Piper claims Jesus had six ways to fight depression:
"The Bible gives us an amazing glimpse into the soul of Jesus the night before he was crucified. Watch and learn from the way Jesus fought his strategic battle against despondency or depression."
The problem is that the biblical Jesus didn't fight depression. He has eternally been God the Son and therefore has always had all the perfections of God, without deficit. Moreover, in His flesh, He remained perfect:
The problem is that the biblical Jesus didn't fight depression. He has eternally been God the Son and therefore has always had all the perfections of God, without deficit. Moreover, in His flesh, He remained perfect:
Php 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Joh 15:10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.
Joh 17:4 "I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do.
Moreover, Piper says Jesus staved off depression by having friends, having them pray, and "opened His soul" to them. The problem is that Jesus didn't have any reason to be depressed, as He knew the outcome of what was about to happen.
Joh 2:23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, beholding His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man for He Himself knew what was in man.
Had the real Jesus relied on these cowardly, weak men for propping up, why wouldn't he have been depressed, because they didn't help him when he needed it the most (mere men are going to help God the Son along in His preparation for the Cross?). The biblical Jesus wasn't relying on them. He relied on God the Father which was the WHOLE point (Piper does include Jesus praying and trusting the father). After all, the true Jesus knew the weaknesses of His disciples--and He was their shepherd--they were not His.
***New Update***
Two videos that introduce the dangers of Piper:
Part 1 - Piper's Journey Into Hedonism
Part 2 -Into the Darkness
Here, Piper's antinomianism is explored (start at time mark 5:02):
Piper redefines "faith" and the reason for salvation, both of which are entirely man-centered and focused on the senses. Faith is not about "seeing God's beauty". Faith is defined in Heb. 11:1 as the assurance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen. Faith in Christ alone for who He is and all He's done. Piper also redefines "lostness" as "not merely rebellion against God's authority, but blindness to His beauty." Wholly unbiblical.
The latest videos on Piper uploaded by The New Calvinist (ES Williams' page) and many others regarding other New Calvinists like Al Mohler, Mark Driscoll, Annihilationist Anglican John Stott, are here.
Piper: “The greatest good of the gospel is God’s gift of the beauty of God in Jesus for your everlasting enjoyment.” #Passion2015
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “ Mt. 3:10 Hence sanctifying preaching is our weekly fare.
For this I was born. To bear witness to the truth. Bend your damned neck. Not your grandma’s movie. Neither was the crucifixion. RiverThief.
How can you know that you have been sealed by the Spirit for the day of redemption? Answer: You do not want to grieve him. Ephesians 4:30.
In 1990:
Here Piper endorses heretic John Wimber, proponent of the demonic Word of Faith movement a big name on TBN and a faith healer who died of throat cancer:
Last week fifty eight people from Bethlehem went to a conference in Anaheim, California called “Holiness Unto the Lord.” It was sponsored by Vineyard Ministries International. The Vineyard movement, led by John Wimber...The best introduction to the Movement is Power Encounters by Kevin Springer and John Wimber.
I saw at least ten things at this conference that I thank God for and want as part of my life.. Openness to God’s presence today in the form of supernatural demonstrations of power....
I believe God is at work in the Vineyard Movement—as in hundreds of other movements today. Oh, that we may be on the Move with God in Minneapolis!
End quote.
After giving 10 things he thanked God for from Wimber's Word of Faith conference, he only had three "concerning" issues, but all in all, in his mind, Wimber and the WOF is of God.
Then he said this in another article, discussing healing in James 5:
I believe God is at work in the Vineyard Movement—as in hundreds of other movements today. Oh, that we may be on the Move with God in Minneapolis!
End quote.
After giving 10 things he thanked God for from Wimber's Word of Faith conference, he only had three "concerning" issues, but all in all, in his mind, Wimber and the WOF is of God.
Then he said this in another article, discussing healing in James 5:
"Could it be, then, that the picture of the elders in this passage teaches usnot that extraordinary spiritual gifts have ceased, but that shepherds are responsible to be zealous for spiritual gifts? "
And then there's this:
And then there's this:
"Ambushing Satan With Song" from 1985...
More here.
More here.
***New Update***
Piper defends Driscoll even with his disgraced firing from Mars Hill and the closing of all Mars Hill churches. Piper claims to have no regrets in sharing the platform over the years with Driscoll and says he's learned much wisdom from Driscoll. This proves my point for some time now: it was Piper who was the TRUE disciple and Driscoll the TRUE mentor.
***New Update***
The following are the latest most disturbing tweets by John Piper. For more info on why, go here and scroll down to see my posts in relation to these tweets.
O my, this is good. Anyabwile on “The Coming Reformation of Black Churches.” Pray him into a prophet. http://dsr.gd/1CTorCH
Is Oral Sex Okay? — Today’s #AskPastorJohn: http://dsr.gd/apj-400
Down by the river the teenagers would go to make out. I watched them drive back. They never looked happy. Especially she.
Some whittle birds.
I whittle words.
God made us like himself
to make:
One birds,
One words,
Both for his sake.
“Missionaries are getting a bit bland. I think I’ll combine a Jewish scholar with a feisty chorus-girl.” http://dsr.gd/1rJvFWe
12:27 PM - 27 Jul 2014
I want joy = I want to be joyful. I want a biscuit ≠ I want to be a biscuit. Be clear: the heart's state ≠ the heart's object.
5:02 AM - 19 Apr 2014
***New Update***
Never forget, the point of the kitchen is the banquet. The aim of hermeneutics: happiness. The goal of exegesis: ecstasy.
Biblical hermeneutics has zero to do with happiness nor ecstasy. That's about as Self-centered, temporal, and fleshly as one can get. The goal of biblical hermeneutics is understanding biblical truth and thus honoring the Lord Jesus Christ. What is Piper's problem? And why won't he clarify such outrageous statements? He sounds more like Ann Voskamp and her spiritual sex with "god".
***New Update***
Also, this is AFTER John MacArthur warned John Piper and other "Charismatic Reformers) (that's an oxymoron!) both at the closing of the conference and in the last chapter of his book Strange Fire, to turn from promoting such strange demonic fire and stay loyal to Christ.
Because of Piper's defiant defense of false teacher Rick Warren both prior to and at the end of his Desiring (I don't know what kind of) god Conference a few years ago, plus his ongoing walk into darkness (he now denies the necessity of believing in the doctrine of Imputation (Justification) in order to be saved, that I'm not surprised at all. In fact, just a week or so after the conference and MacArthur's call and "rebuke" (it was softer than that) Piper. Piper went out of his way to show himself in locked-step with Sam Storms (a Charismatic named at the Strange Fire Conference), and corrected MacArthur's portrayal of Piper as an "anomaly". In other words, his loyalty was made clear. As it is yet again.
This is more of Piper's in-your-face-John behavior. He doesn't give a rip.
***New Update***
Piper states that denial of Justification by Faith alone and/or holding to a gospel of works doesn't necessarily condemn a soul. This is an out right lie since Scripture clearly states it does indeed damn a soul to Hell.
*Updates at the end of this article*
Note:There are many reasons why John Piper is dangerous to Christians, having several articles in regard to Piper, I decided it would be easier to put them here in one article.
I'll begin with Scripture and a challenge.
John 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." (1Co 15:33)
2Pet 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
Jud 1:4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Are you willing to give up a once beloved author/speaker if he fails the test of Scripture for faithfully holding and teaching to the pure milk of the Word? Or is he your "paper pope" who could never be in grave error? Are you willing to be loyal to Christ and the Word at all costs, or are you one who sees "truth in everything" and think its possible, even noble to pick out of the leavened loaf that which is unleaven (Matt. 16:6)?
Gal 4:16 So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Piper's "Christian" Hedonism:
Where it all began:
"Christian Hedonism" was a term Piper made popular in his "Desiring God" book referring to the pursuit of pleasure in God, pursuit of happiness in God as one lives one's life.
Where "hedonism" came from:
"HEDONE was the spirit (daimona) of pleasure, enjoyment and delight. As a daughter of Eros (Love) she was associated more specifically with sensual pleasure. Her opposite number were the Algea (Pains). The Romans named her Voluptas."
Marry a word with that history and connotation (even to this day) to "Christian" and what do you get? What would you expect to get? Biblical Christianity? Or worldly Christianity? And would that be pleasing to the HOLY HOLY HOLY God Who rejects such a marriage between paganism and worship of Him?
Peter Masters (of Spurgeon's Metropolitan Tabernacle of London) shares serious concerns of this very issue in "Christian Hedonism". Since this review, Piper has only deteriorated.
How John Piper Got To Where He is Today And Why So Many Don't Have A Problem With It. This article is by John Robbins of The Trinity Foundation, who had serious concerns with Piper back in 2002.
Piper quotes liberals in a favorable way:
As Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries writes:
Quote:
Make no mistake, Warrengate is now still slowly simmering. In my last post I shared that I had initially received a tip from a source; and as I followed up on it, it would eventually lead me to discover some disturbing information which I placed within. Dr. Gary Gilley sums up my own feelings as I examined the evidence I had been led across as it concerns Dr. John Piper:
Finally, Piper quotes favorably from a very disturbing stable of authors: Dietrich Bonhoeffer (popular liberal theologian, who, by the way, was executed not for his faith in Christ, but for his part in an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler) (p. 90), Dallas Willard (leader in the unbiblical spiritual formation movement) (p. 119), G.K. Chesterton (Roman Catholic author) (p. 196), and Richard Foster (father and main promoter of the infiltration of Roman Catholic mysticism into evangelical circles) (pp. 192-193). He also speaks twice of the “dark night of the soul” which comes from counter-reformation Catholic mystic St. John of the Cross (pp. 217, 229).
Most disturbing is Foster’s quote calling for “new prophets to arise in our day” to which Piper responds, “And when they arise, one way that we fight for joy in God is to read what they write” (p. 193). After authoring a book which majors on pointing us to the Bible in our fight for joy, it is disconcerting to now read of an encouragement to read the words of modern prophets; and coming from Foster’s perspective and Piper’s theology on prophets, they are both referring to extrabiblical revelation through present-day prophets).
(Online source)
(Online source)
End quote. ~Source.
Piper's church offers Quaker Mystic Richard Foster.
Piper and Roman Catholicism:
Piper promotes Roman Catholic philosopher GK Chesterton. Chesterton, was fascinated with the occult and used the Ojui Board as a young man (Autobiography, Chapter IV). He converted from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism, and apparently denied the inerrancy of Scripture. (source)
Piper uses Chesterton in “When I Don't Desire God - How to Fight for Joy”:
“[Children] often say, “Do it again”; and the grown up person does it again till he is nearly dead. For grown up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps, God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes each daisy separately, but never got tired of making them. It may be that he has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.” - G.K. Chesterton as quoted in Piper's "When I Don't Desire God" p. 197
End quote.
Piper and Warren promote praying for God's choice of a new pope.
Piper's "clarification" on his pope tweet which gives even MORE concern in regard to Piper and the Gospel. This is probably one of the strongest reasons to reject Piper.
Piper and Warren promote praying for God's choice of a new pope.
Piper's "clarification" on his pope tweet which gives even MORE concern in regard to Piper and the Gospel. This is probably one of the strongest reasons to reject Piper.
Contemplative prayer: "Rome Had It Right"
Piper, Warren, and Keller all promote Contemplative praying.
Piper, Warren, and Keller all promote Contemplative praying.
And as listed above: Piper's The Bethlehem Institute Promoting Roman Catholic CS Lewis and Federal Vision Heretic Doug Wilson
Piper Endorses Doug Wilson And Federal Visionism
Piper and Islam
"Muslims, Jews, Christians! Allah and Adonai are only known and loved through the crucified and risen Christ. Jn 8:19; 5:42-43." I dissect that tweet here.
Clearly this is absolutely unbiblical. Piper said the burning of the quran is parallel to the crucifixion of Christ Jesus.
What Federal Visionism is and why its dangerous.
Piper's Bethlehem Institute promotes Roman Catholic CS Lewis and Federal Vision heretic Doug Wilson: (Note: Federal Visionists like Wilson include Roman Catholics in the New Covenant, a heresy because Scripture says in Hebrews only believers are in the New Covenant).
**Update**
Doug Wilson teaching again at DGC (2012) and again at pastor's conference (2012), and again with interview with Wilson in 2013.
**Update**
Doug Wilson teaching again at DGC (2012) and again at pastor's conference (2012), and again with interview with Wilson in 2013.
Review of Piper's "Future Grace" by the Trinity Foundation: (it is written by a Presbyterian, so the Covenantal issue does show up as an issue in the review, which I dismiss).
Piper's Defiant Defense of Mark Driscoll, the X-rated "Pastor"
Why Driscoll's a false teacher:
John MacArthur confronts Driscoll's rape of the Song of Solomon.
Mark Driscoll, author of "Porn Again". Some of his information on his church website has a warning: "Warning: MH- 17. Under 17 requires permission" and let's just say that its not appropriate to even mention here what he talks about. Even his casual dress reflects his casual attitude about Jesus Christ.
Mark Driscoll, author of "Porn Again". Some of his information on his church website has a warning: "Warning: MH- 17. Under 17 requires permission" and let's just say that its not appropriate to even mention here what he talks about. Even his casual dress reflects his casual attitude about Jesus Christ.
Piper had Driscoll speak at the 2006 DGC: During this time Driscoll was heavily into the Emergent Church movement (he was a founding leader) that promoted Contemplative Spirituality. Piper thought it was good to invite him to teach at the DGC.
Piper's defense of having Driscoll speak at 2008 National Conference of DG, ironically titled "The Power of Words and the Wonders of God".
Piper, Ray Ortlund, DA Carson involved and promotes Emergent Acts 29.
John Piper and Desiring God: cussing and the influence of others. Also here.
John Piper and Desiring God: cussing and the influence of others. Also here.
Piper Promotes Rick Warren:
If Warren is teaching a “gospel” that is void of essential truth...and he does
If Rick Warren teaches a “gospel” that makes man the center and not Christ…and he does
If Warren is promoting Easter Mysticism…and he does
If Rick Warren promotes Roman Catholicism…and he does
If Rick Warren shares the platform with homosexuals and their organizations…and he does
If Rick Warren shares the pulpit with Word of Faith heretics…and he does
If Rick Warren promotes the Emergent Church Movement…and he does
If Rick Warren lied about his Syrian trip…and he did
If Rick Warren approves of women pastors…and he has
If Rick Warren steers his followers away from studying Scripture…and he does
If Rick Warren distorts and twists Bible verses taking them out of context and misapplying them…and he does
...then the man is a false teacher. 2 Peter 3: 16b “ There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.”
Is. 8 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
If Rick Warren teaches a “gospel” that makes man the center and not Christ…and he does
If Warren is promoting Easter Mysticism…and he does
If Rick Warren promotes Roman Catholicism…and he does
If Rick Warren shares the platform with homosexuals and their organizations…and he does
If Rick Warren shares the pulpit with Word of Faith heretics…and he does
If Rick Warren promotes the Emergent Church Movement…and he does
If Rick Warren lied about his Syrian trip…and he did
If Rick Warren approves of women pastors…and he has
If Rick Warren steers his followers away from studying Scripture…and he does
If Rick Warren distorts and twists Bible verses taking them out of context and misapplying them…and he does
...then the man is a false teacher. 2 Peter 3: 16b “ There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.”
Is. 8 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
***A summary with multitude of links here of why Rick Warren is a false teacher.** This link and the link below on why Warren isn't what he claimed to be to Piper, is necessary to understand the fatal error and pride of Piper. Warren is not merely a "Seeker-Friendly" pragmatist. He is FAR MORE than that. He is smart and deadly viper.
List of why Warren is not what he told Piper he is. (The fact Piper had a list of questions and answers should have shown the problem to begin with; if he was such a theologically deep and sound teacher as Piper claims in the quote below, then why did Piper have to ask at all?). Piper's defiance shows at the end of that short defense when he states with a chuckle: "I'm going to need help to know why I should feel bad about this decision." I show the major claims Warren made to Piper from the video and how they are not true.
Piper on Rick Warren:
“.. I do think he’s deeply theological. He’s a brilliant man. He wouldn’t have the church he does or the Peace Plan, or all the influence he does and of course the greatest sentence in the Purpose Driven Life is the first one isn’t it? It’s not about you, it’s about God. The Glory of God. So I don’t think he’s emergent. At root I think he is theological and doctrinal and sound.” ~John Piper, 35 minutes in on Rick Warren and his invitation to Warren to attend his Desiring God Conference 2010 (via Take Heed Ministries)
Piper says we slammed Warren, even after Warren's own Pelagian teaching at DGC.
Piper says we slammed Warren, even after Warren's own Pelagian teaching at DGC.
What Warren taught at DGC in October 2010: Here's one quote:"We all have a mental illness. It’s called sin. This means we can’t trust what we ourselves even think." If that sounds like Robert Schuller, you'd be right. Schuller was a mentor of Rick Warren. Warren also said at the DGC: "Nothing happens till somebody starts dreaming. What we need today are great dreamers."
The panel discussion of the speakers at DGC Conference 2010 on Rick Warren's message, a few quotes you just read above:
Quote:
1. Can you give us your initial reflections on the message we just heard from Rick Warren?Burk Parsons: I saw a man with character and with simple, childlike dependence on Christ.John Piper: An unbelievable communicator with incredible application. Be encouraged and relax with who you are, and give it all to Jesus while learning all you can from Rick.8. What would you say to our "non-thinkers" who are here tonight? Surely the conference isn’t made up completely of those who consider themselves "thinkers," right?Tchividjian: I would say that everyone here is a thinker. Non-thinking is not possible. If they think they’re a non-thinker, then they’re a walking contradiction.Piper: There are people in here who love to think and there are others who don’t like to think. This conference is a pain in the rear end to them. They’re just here to see Warren and Piper fight. Here’s how I would say the question: What do you have to say to people who don’t want to think?
End quote.
Quote:
Rick is not known for being a doctrinal preacher. One reason for this is his intention to be theologically sound and practically helpful without using doctrinal or theological terms in his public ministry. Inside of Saddleback there is a greater intentionality about building biblical and theological categories into the people’s minds and hearts...But then I am not even close to the fruitful evangelist that Rick is.
We both have chosen risky ways. There are pitfalls of short- and long-term unfruitfulness. But in the end we do not govern the impact of our lives. God does. We do what the Bible and our hearts call us to do. I believe Rick’s is a faithful heart. Listen to the clarity of his doctrinal commitments and hear the heartbeat of his love for Christ and those perishing without him.
Let this remarkable testimony of faith send you down into the Word of God for a deeper understanding of God and his ways. Here are the topics we tackle and when they begin on the video.
End quote.
***UPDATE*** 12/17/15Warren
The World Meeting of Families finished with a capacity crowd listening to Rick Warren, bestselling author and pastor of Saddleback Church, and Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston taking the stage to talk about “The Joy of the Gospel of Life.” Pastor Warren was invited by Pope Francis to be the concluding speaker at last November’s Humanum Colloquium at the Vatican. Cardinal O’Malley addressed the importance of Warren being among so many Catholics: “It’s important that Rick Warren is here. This is a witness of unity that’s important in today’s world, as we strive to proclaim the gospel of life... It’s a great consolation to share this stage with a fellow Christian who is truly committed to preaching the Gospel.
~Recorder Standard
Keller on preaching on homosexuality (or not).
Piper promotes Beth Moore who teaches men as well as women and promotes Contemplative prayer. She says God gave her a vision that Roman Catholics are Christians too. More on Piper and his church endorsing Moore as well as Piper and Moore leading the arena in Lectio Divina here.
Piper on Old Earth Age:
He rejects the Genesis account (as well as the rest of Scripture's account) of a literal 6 day creation: God spoke it and it came to be immediately.
Spurgeon on "Fraternizing With Heretics".
This timely article by A.W. Pink is challenging and also very encouraging on taking heed of what you not only hear, but read.
If only one passage shows why Piper should be rejected, its this one:
2Jn 1:9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
The only way a person won't see the need to reject Piper according to 2John 9-11 is because they don't believe this:
Many of the teachers that Piper endorses are false teachers. That alone finds him guilty of the same evil deeds as those false teachers, according to God.
***UPDATE***
Piper has stepped down from the pulpit at his church. Citing increasing complexities in running the church and his desire to write and speak elsewhere, I believe these are not biblical reasons. It sounds like restlessness. A seasoned pastor who has maturity and wisdom should be in the pulpit shepherding over his flock, not moving on to doing other things. Who he's turning the pulpit over to is concerning, since Jason Meyer's resume includes teaching "Spiritual Formation". This is a red flag because Spiritual Formation is connected to Contemplative Spiritual mysticism.
***UPDATE***
Piper is endorsing more heretics like Judah Smith (Word of Faith) and "Jesus" Culture band (Word of Faith) by sharing the stage with them in ministry at this year's Passion Conference. He's appearing alongside again with Francis Chan, Beth Moore, and of course, Louie Giglio. Beth Moore is not only incapable at teaching Scripture, she teaches men even at this conference (she also has taught at Giglio's church in the pulpit one Sunday morning since then). Moore, Chan, Giglio, and Piper all lead their audience into the Eastery mystic Lectio Divina at last year's Passion Conference. Now with sharing the ministry and thus giving credibility to both Judah Smith and "Jesus" Culture, he's endorsing horrific and blasphemous "teachers".
1Kings 18:21 Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people did not answer him a word.
***UPDATE***
On April 9, 2013 Piper promotes Charismatic "spiritual warfare" which is on his "Desiring 'God'" website.
I pray INTO the situation, NAME the situation, PRAY AGAINST IT, and
just if you like CUT OFF The CORDS that are HOLDING THEM BOUND
~ Tobe Koleoso , point 8:02
This is classic Charismaticism/Word of Faithism and cannot be supported by Scripture. Those in Christ are sealed by the Holy Spirit. We do see in Acts16 where a woman who was possessed by a spirit of divination who harassed Paul and his companions by following them for many days. He eventually commanded the demon to come out of her. In that situation, while there was a harassment, but the demon could not bind the slaves of Christ Jesus. Jesus, in Matt. 12 is the One who binds the strongman (Satan) and takes all his possessions. That has to do with salvation, and its Jesus Who does it the binding and removing of Satan in the life of an unbeliever, and takes them and the Spirit places that person into the kingdom of God. In the parallel passage of Mark 3:27 MacArthur notes:
"3:27 enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods. One must be stronger than Satan in order to enter his domain (“strong man’s house”), bind him (restrain his action), and free (“plunder”) people (“his goods”) from his control. Only Jesus had such power over the devil. Cf. Rom. 16:20; Heb. 2:14, 15."
Rom 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Heb 2:14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
That said, we do see Christians who get caught in a sin (Gal. 6:1, Heb. 12:1) which must be dealt with. John Gill says of Eph. 4:27 about not giving any opportunity to the devil:
That said, we do see Christians who get caught in a sin (Gal. 6:1, Heb. 12:1) which must be dealt with. John Gill says of Eph. 4:27 about not giving any opportunity to the devil:
"Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil. Or "to the accuser", or "slanderer"; that is, to any adversary, that takes delight in slandering and reproaching the saints; give such no room, nor reason, to calumniate the doctrine and ways of Christ, through an unbecoming conversation, by lying and sinful anger, or by other means; or rather the devil, the great accuser of the brethren is meant..."
We know that James also says that worldly or earthly "wisdom":
***UPDATE***
Jas 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Sin is always a spiritual issue that must be dealt with and a believer never has a demon because Jesus has removed us from the kingdom of Satan into His kingdom, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, and we are IN CHRIST JESUS. We are also kept in the hand of both the Father and Jesus, so there is no way that Satan can overcome the power of the Trinity.
There is absolutely no indication of demons binding up Christians.
Sin is always a spiritual issue that must be dealt with and a believer never has a demon because Jesus has removed us from the kingdom of Satan into His kingdom, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, and we are IN CHRIST JESUS. We are also kept in the hand of both the Father and Jesus, so there is no way that Satan can overcome the power of the Trinity.
There is absolutely no indication of demons binding up Christians.
Piper continues to promote Romanist Anglican CS Lewis here (September 2013 conference on Lewis) and here ((his book on Lewis). Here are two articles on the false teachings of Lewis and why he cannot be considered a Christian: here and here.
12 comments:
Excellent job exposing the truths that we really need to be aware of before we line ourselves up under "biblical" teachers. Compromising of truth, as people adhere to falsehoods, leads to spiritual blindness. Truly we need to be like the Berean’s who “were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11
very good denise
Really? You're stuck on how he uses a word to describe the inestimable joy of knowing Christ?
You're an idiot. Would that you had the love and passion for Christ that Piper has, and in promoting the joy of glorifying God in Christ.
Army,
I might be an idiot, but that's beside the point.
As to the word "hedonism", can you address this issue:
Words mean things.
"HEDONE was the spirit (daimona) of pleasure, enjoyment and delight. As a daughter of Eros (Love) she was associated more specifically with sensual pleasure. Her opposite number were the Algea (Pains). The Romans named her Voluptas."
Marry a word with that history and connotation (even to this day) to "Christian" and what do you get? What do you think you'd get? And would that be pleasing to the HOLY HOLY HOLY God Who rejects such a marriage?
Now let me ask you this: just exactly how does a false teacher creep in unnoticed among you and secretly introduce destructive heresies?
How does this happen?
After explaining this, can you tell me if its possible that Piper is wrong and could not only be deceived himself, but also aid in deceiving others?
Is it possible? Then after answering that, can you explain how you don't apply 2John to him:
2Jn 1:9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
2Jn 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;
2Jn 1:11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
Considering the continual parade of false teachers Piper has given and shared the pulpit with, as those I have demonstrated in my article, what does that make Piper? What does 2John 11 say?
Army,
I would direct your attention to this article: http://web.archive.org/web/20080513234516/http://www.metropolitantabernacle.org/?page=articles&id=3
which I linked to in the article. It deals directly with "Christian" Hedonism. Perhaps you will at least consider Peter Masters since you seem to think that this Christian woman who loves God and Scripture, is merely an idiot.
Hi Denise. I'm left a little confused. I absolutely understand disagreement. There are things that many great theologians and pastors have believed that I don't agree with: Piper, Chandler, Sproul, even Spurgeon. We're human. We do what we can to correct our doctrine every day. The Lord sanctifies it. What you have to help me understand, Denise, is your attitude towards it. It seems that you are taking men of God with whom you find differences, and doing much more than disagreeing. It seems that you, yourself are laying their eternal judgment on them and casting them to the pits of hell. You also seem to claim that those who listen to them are deceived and have the same fate awaiting them. I don't think the men that you support would have this same attitude towards his brothers in Christ. Sproul (a major covenant theologian) is best friends with MacArthur. Spurgeon had a pedobaptist children's pastor. If your attitude towards it is correct, how are we to have fellowship with anyone that disagrees with us? How are we to have fellowship at all without absolute uncertainty that we ourselves aren't the deceived ones? Can you help me understand this? Thanks.
Josh
Josh,
There's more than a mere difference of opinion with John Piper. He pushes false teachers on to his followers instead of protecting them from the wolves. He is doing what 2John 9-11 says is wrong. According to this passage Piper is guilty of the wicked deeds of the false teachers he not only greets, but approves of and offers them as men of God with spiritual truth to teach.
I believe you may not see the seriousness of the issues most likely b/c you may not see the false teaching of Rick Warren, Doug Wilson, Tim Keller, and Mark Driscoll. A man can claim biblical doctrine on the one hand but with his own actions (via greeting a false teacher and welcoming him) shows where his loyalty truly lies and its not with biblical doctrine nor Christ Himself. A man who truly believes biblical doctrine will act upon it-trust in biblical truth always has good fruit. We don't see this with Piper. On the contrary, we see bad fruit: defiant defense of false teachers and excusing of damnable doctrine as if its merely a matter of personal preference. Piper is not a novice, Josh, and biblical truth is knowable; Piper has no excuse.
I also would add Josh, that biblical doctrine is never optional. Doctrinal truth is never placed under the Rom. 14 category of "personal conviction" or "gray areas". Rather its commanded that we believe and obey biblical doctrine. To excuse the disobedience of complying with the King's command is really to be anti-lordship, rebelling against the King Himself. Doctrine is not a personal preference nor theory to be believed or not believed; rather its Truth that is to be accepted and acted upon by His power as we grow in Him. Not all error is damnable and I did not, nor have I ever said nor implied otherwise. What it is, however, is SIN. To then be shown the error of one's wrong doctrine according to Scripture and yet reject the biblical correction by Truth, is a huge red flag. Some false doctrines are damnable for sure. But all false doctrines, which are all contrary to Scripture, are sinful. Its a matter of what the doctrine is concerning and whether the professing Christian is teachable to the One they call "Maser" and "King". The one truly in Christ has a love for Truth (2Thes. 2:10)and grows in it as one matures in Christ (2Peter 3:18).
I was thinking about this not too long ago. How Piper says, "God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in him." That is not an entirely true statement. This holds God's glory captive to our satisfaction. God is glorified in us, in spite of us. When we are faithless, He is faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Tim. 2:13)
Christianity is not a buzz or high. Nor is it synthetic barometer of gauging God's glory. God is most glorified in us as He brings us from faith to faith, glory to glory and chastens us along the way; by His Spirit, as He wills, according to His good pleasure. There is human responsibility involved, as we are called to obey Christ, mortify sin in our flesh, reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ. But God is gloried whether we demonstrate contentment or otherwise. He is not a captive prisoner to our satisfaction. God is most glorified in us, because He chooses to be most glorified in us (John 15:16). The Glory of God in Christ transcends our satisfaction. The Creator does not need for His creatures to be satisfied until He is glorified. His greatest glory displayed before mankind is not in us, but in His Son. God is most glorified in us, not because of our satisfaction, but because we have identified with His Son. God is most glorified in us because He desires to. The will of man (Rom. 9:16), does not serve as a barometer of God's glory. The will of man does not provoke greater glory. The Spirit blows where it chooses. If we are not satisfied in Him, God is still majestic and glorious. Even if His majesty and glory is demonstrated in judgment.
~ Doron Gladden
I think Doron has got a huge point and its worth really looking into honestly.
Hi Josh
Would you clarify where " laying their eternal judgment on them and casting them to the pits of hell"? I do not see that anywhere.
Do you hold to Biblical contending for the faith; as this is a command? Jude 3 Do you adhere to ecumenical enterprises? (ie: Edinburgh 2010- Lausanne) 2 Cor. 6:14 Do you advocate promotion of female pastors? 1 Tim. 2 Do you practice pagan mysticism as in spiritual formation/disciplines/contemplative spirituality? Do you feel pastors should promote the Catholic teachings of the Desert Fathers and others in order to "experience" God and grow close to him?
When a man *defies* scripture and goes his own way by clinging to false practices, affirming men of purpose-driven gospel, turns a blind eye to perverted visions, condones female pastors, etc.. does one IGNORE this and put their head in the sand and personally justify men who teach additions to scripture? Rev. 22:18, 19, Deut. 4:1-14
God alone knows the soul of a man. He alone will condemn false teachers to hell. He alone will judge those who promote heresy.
Pointing strongly (Jude 3- "earnestly") to men who advocate teachings OUTSIDE scripture and pat heresy on the back is NOTHING compared to those who may be deceived by them and are "snatched" by the snares of Satan and the pit of hell!
Compromise today is why soon an antichrist global religion will form. "..people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" 2 Tim. 4:3 Sure.. excuse this deceptive people pleasing, experience centered wolves.
Thankfully one day we shall see clearly. 1 Cor. 13:12
You may think you do us all a service here with these rantings of yours. Indeed, you do not.
Funghi,
They can't be rantings if they are 1) grounded in Scripture and 2) proven with evidence, an abundance which I give. Perhaps your level of expectation then, is far lower than God's. Biblical warnings are for those with ears, not those who are fanboys of false teachers. I guess then, it's not for you.
2Jn 1:9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
2Jn 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;
2Jn 1:11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
Jas 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism...Jas 2:9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
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