Revoice Conference Hosted by the PCA

With the PCA's "Revoice" conference coming up which is pushing the gay agenda (and anyone who dissents on Twitter gets blocked by the pastor who's church is hosting the event and threatened with the police if they show up), we're also seeing the PCA (Tim Keller) go the same way as did the RCA, PCUSA, and Desiring "God" Ministries/Bethlehem Baptist Church.

A Reminder and Summary of Why Piper Is To Be Rejected

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.

Jas 4:4  You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5  Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? 6  But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 

Here is the fruit and walk of John Piper: does it line up with fruit of those who are walking in the light; of those who are faithful teachers of Scripture?

Piper married the paganism of "hedonism" (daughter of Eros) with Christ in his first book "Desiring God".

Piper says you can be saved while denying the doctrine Imputation; that a partial or defective gospel still saves.

Piper quotes liberals like Bonhoeffer, Dallas Willard, Chesterton, Foster, and St. John of the Cross, in favorable ways.

Piper promotes Contemplative spirituality.

Piper affirms the position/office of the pope.

Piper promotes Doug Wilson and Federal Vision

Piper claims "Allah" (the Islam god) AND "Adonai" are "ONLY known and loved through Christ.

Piper promotes and mentors X-rated, Sexually obsessed, Foul-mouthed Mark Driscoll

Piper promotes Rick Warren.

Piper promotes Tim Keller.

Piper promotes Beth Moore.
Piper promoted Charismatic/Vineyard Movement teacher John Wimber.
Piper promoted NAR apostle Peter Wagner.
Piper said that singing, not Scripture, is how to fight spiritual warfare against Satan.

Piper rejects the Genesis account of a literal 6 day Creation week
Piper promotes women teachers who teach men (and he also learns from those women teachers).

(For the documentation of this list along with Scripture to show the error go here.)

Preston Sprinkle On Sodomy and Christians

In Febrary 2016 at the Christ Hold Fast conference, reformer Preston Sprinkle's session on the first night was based on his book, "People To Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just An Issue". The review  of the book is at "The 'Gospel' Coalition" by Trevin Wax. As expected the book is dumbing down the issue of sodomy from a biblical perspective combined with church-shaming. That is to say, it's just another social justice restructuring of biblical Christianity's understanding and treatment of sodomy. It seems to be an echo of all the other articles written over at "Desiring 'God' Ministries" as well as what comes out of Tim Keller (as I've previously written about on this blog). In other words, it takes the Post-Modern view that truth is not clear, mixes it with some truth about the error of sodomy, and then slams Christians for not dealing with sodomy the way he thinks they should. "Same sex attraction" and sexual identity are also brought in as if that clouds the issue (it doesn't). Interestingly Wax had this to say in his review:

The first half of this book is a journey with Preston through the Scriptures, as he leads us to “lay aside our assumptions and genuinely seek to know what the Bible, not our tradition, says about homosexuality” (10). Preston is a Bible-guy, and a Reformation-guy as well, meaning that he believes Scripture stands over tradition, and so he returns to the text in order to understand and resubmit himself to the Word of God.

Most helpful in Preston’s survey of the Bible is the attention he places on creation, on God’s making of humanity male and female, on marriage, and how our relationships shine light on the gospel. He also does the historical work of showing what same-sex relationships were like in ancient times. And he makes a vitally important point when discussing Jesus’ sexual ethic:

“If we say that Christians should endorse same-sex relations, then we will need to recreate a rather un-Jewish Jesus and an un-Jewish New Testament” (68).

Indeed. And that is why some are making the case today that Jesus then was bound by his Jewish upbringing and held ancient perspectives on sexuality, but that Jesus now would affirm what 21scentury revisionists say is the way forward.

In some places, I disagreed with Preston’s biblical exegesis, most notably his claim that homosexuality (at least as we understand it today) is not in view in the account Sodom and Gomorrah. Preston is right that there were multiple sins at work in Sodom’s wickedness, as the Scriptures indicate, but we shouldn’t overlook the interpretive support throughout Jewish and Church history for the idea that homosexual practice was one of those sins. (Preston interacts with Kevin DeYoung on this topic. For further reading, check out the chapter “Sodom’s Sins” in Unchanging Witness.)

In places like this, I found that Preston’s “Bible-only” or “Bible vs. Tradition” mindset hindered rather than helped his project. When he claims that “for many years, the church stood on the wrong side of the question of slavery,” he is oversimplifying the subject in a way that distorts the true picture.

End quote. (Bold, my emphasis)

As in typical fashion, however, the reformer doesn't hold to Scripture only. He mixes the culture (and science it seems likely) as part of his exegeting Scripture. In other words, he doesn't go to Scripture alone for God's clear teaching against sodomy, he appeals to culture, first the Jewish one and then the current American one. The issue isn't so much how Jews and Gentiles in ancient or modern times viewed homosexuality (and trying to blur the issue by use of "same-sex attraction" labels and nonsense along with "sexuality identity", but rather that these things have been around for millennia and Scripture alone is sufficient to destroy every argument that sets itself up against Christ and His Word. To set aside biblical thinking on the horrific and perverted view of sodomy as if either there's some "new" way of understanding sexuality today, or presuming that it's wrong to start off with biblical presuppositions, is wrong. I would go so far as to say that the disgust at sodomy is actually normal because God is disgusted with it.

I consider this book and author and teaching to be another attempt at shaming Christians for their rightful disdain for sodomy. It is an attempt at trying to shame a normal reaction to such utter perverted wickedness such as sodomy (and in increasingly with pedophilia). It is to side with the world on this, even if he claims that he's in the "non-affirming" camp. That, by the way, isn't the same as rejecting all of homosexuality. It's a step down to seem more "balanced" and not as sharply against it. God however, is against sodomy and sodomites: it is a damning sin and one so wicked and perverted that He destroyed entire cities (at least three or four) because of it.

God's condemnation of homosexuality is abundantly clear--He opposes it in every age.

- In the patriarchs (Genesis 19:1-28)
- In the Law of Moses (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13)
- In the Prophets (Ezekiel 16:46-50)
- In the New Testament (Romans 1:18-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Jude 7-8)

God says that even the desires of homosexuality is perverted (see Romans 1).

In Matt. 5 Jesus says that the lusts in the heart are tantamount to doing the sin with the body before God. Moreover in Romans 1 sodomy is listed as "LUSTS of their HEARTS" that God finally turned those who refused to acknowledge Him, over to; that He gave them up to "a debase MIND".Scripture also lists sodomy as "unnatural", "dishonorable passions", and"consumed with passion for one another". Such is the description of those who refuse to acknowledge God as Creator. For those in Christ, they DO acknowledge Him as Creator and moreover, love and obey Him, therefore they don't suffer such hardness of hearts. They have a NEW heart at regeneration. Previously I posted on God's plan for the homosexual agenda. In it I quoted John MacArthur and I think it bears repeating: God's condemnation of homosexuality is abundantly clear--He opposes it in every age. - In the patriarchs (Genesis 19:1-28) - In the Law of Moses (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13) - In the Prophets (Ezekiel 16:46-50) - In the New Testament (Romans 1:18-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Jude 7-8) So if God is so clear on homosexuality, there is no way to accept it on any level, but that's what the liberals are doing as they secretly sneak in among us and then redefine things by trying to cloud the issue regarding sodomy. They try to use "science" and psychology, and even try to equalize the unnatural passion and lust of sodomy as if its like any other sin. That way they can play the victim and say it's merely a struggle like, say, drinking (eternal victimhood is a play right out of psychology's playbook---you never have victory over the sin or its desire but rather always struggle, thus always "recovering" but never recovered). The sins of Sodom and Gommorah were sexual in nature and therefore earned God's special judgement. If He destroyed not only those two cities, but the surrounding ones because of such heinous sexual immorality, then how in the WORLD can "Christians" think He's any less angry and less holy now with sodomy? Both the Old and New Testaments show God's absolute consistency regarding sexual immorality. Or do these "Christians" fancy themselves more tolerant and "loving" than the HOLY HOLY HOLY God of Israel Himself? If liberals can't get sodomy into the churches by full frontal attack, they'll do it by a more subtle means--incrementalism, psychology, the great sin-equalizer, and victimization.

More on articles I've posted on the issue of sodomy and Evangelicalism here.

The other issue is, as the liberals in the world do, Sprinkle apparently tries to equate slavery with sodomy and condemn Christians for both in their treatment of both. To equate these two is totally ridiculous. Scripture never equates the two and yet it addresses both. In fact, Scripture never calls for social justice regarding slavery. It doesn't tell Christians to protest their government, walk off the plantation, riot, or disobey in any way slave masters. Quite the opposite:

1Pe 2:18  Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19  For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20  For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21  For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 

If a person had the opportunity to be set free, Scripture states the believer should take it:

1Co 7:20  Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 

1Co 7:21  Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 

1Co 7:22  For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 

1Co 7:23  You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. 

1Co 7:24  So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. 

The letter "Philemon" deals with a run away slave by that name, who got saved through Paul's evangelism. Instead of keeping Philemon with him (thus "social justice"), Paul did the right thing and sent him back with instructions to his master to treat him as fellow heir of Christ and to forgive Philemon of anything wrong he caused or any debt he incurred (Paul was willing to have all if charged to his account). 

Yet in all cases homosexuality and it's lusts of the heart are condemned throughout all of Scripture. It is a damnable sin according to  1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Jude 7-8.

So neither in regard to slavery or homosexuality, does Scripture demand social justice (of course today's view of social justice isn't justice but vengeance, homofascism, and acceptance of such sin).

Also, if Sprinkle equates sodomy (or as some like to call it same-sex-attraction - and yes it is the same perversion as a result of not acknowledging God as Creator per Rom. 1), with any other sin, that too would be wrong. Not all sin is equal. And while one sin earns Hell, not all sin is equally henious. I've discussed this here:

So if God is so clear on homosexuality, there is no way to accept it on any level, but that's what the liberals are doing as they secretly sneak in among us and then redefine things by trying to cloud the issue regarding sodomy.  They try to use "science", psychology, and even equalize the unnatural passion and lust of sodomy as if its like any other sin. That way they can play the victim and say it's merely a struggle like, say, drinking (eternal victimhood is a play right out of psychology's playbook---you never have victory over the sin or its desire but rather always struggle, thus always "recovering" but never recovered). The sins of Sodom and Gommorah were sexual in nature and therefore earned God's special judgement. If He destroyed not only those two cities, but the surrounding ones because of such heinous sexual immorality, then how in the WORLD can "Christians" think He's any less angry and less holy now with sodomy? Both the Old and New Testaments show God's absolute consistency regarding sexual immorality. Or do these "Christians" fancy themselves more tolerant and "loving" than the HOLY HOLY HOLY God of Israel Himself?

If liberals can't get sodomy into the churches by full frontal attack, they'll do it by  a more subtle means--incrementalism, psychology,  the great sin-equalizer, and victimization.

 It is precisely because of man's sin that some choose sodomy. Respect for a person being a human being is limited in scope and application.  I suggest reading the Old Testament and Revelation to see how much emphasis God places on these people He made in His image and whether that affected His judgement against them or deflected His holy wrath.

"Desiring 'God' Ministries" Has A Problem Knowing How To Apply A Biblical Worldview In the Workplace

One of the dumbest things the Post Modern Calvinists have said:

"I began by asking him why it seems that applying a biblical worldview to the workplace seems so slippery and so elusive.

It is probably because of the fact that the church doesn’t have a uniform view. It is not a consensus on how the church is supposed to relate to culture more generally."

~ Tony Reinke at Desiring "God" ministries, regarding his interview with false teacher Tim Keller.

Actually, Scripture does tell us but these post-modern rebels pretend truth is unclear so they walk in darkness. There are many passages in Scripture that actually tell us how to live--in marriage, the home, friendships/associations, at church, and with work (hint: it's all the same no matter what arena you are talking about). But when you deny the Word of God from the Beginning, you have no light to shed on your feet. These men are walking in darkness (Eph. 4:17-20) as they wring their hands and wander around wondering what to do. Absolute nonsense.

1 Cor. 7:   31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Peter 2:   13Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

      18Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

That's only two. There's more. I haven't even hit Proverbs which is a very practical book that talks about these things. You can do your own search in the Scriptures.

Beth Moore Commissions Women To Fulfill Their "Divine Destiny"

      
      (photo source)

Apparently Beth Moore is leading a new crusade to have women stand up and be leaders. As if she has any authority to do any of this stuff. (Side note: this is a good example of why there are just far too many conferences now--they usurp the authority and function of the local church).

As The End Time blog reports:

This past February, just weeks ago, Beth Moore and four other women concluded the Unwrap The Bible event in Houston, and closed it with what the sponsor of the event, Women of Faith, called "A Commissioning". (??)

"Unwrap the Bible" was touted as America's largest bible conference, sponsored by "Women of Faith." (WOF) It was held for two days at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church. In addition to five women who were to teach and preach their way through the weekend, WOF used clips from Catholic Mystic Roma Downey's "The Bible" series to punctuate the biblical "truths" the lineup of teachers was to teach.Downey also promoted the conference prior to its inception. Christine Caine, Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Lisa Harper, and Sheila Walsh were the 5 scheduled bible teachers. Joel Osteen's wife Victoria opened the conference with a prayer. Lisa Bevere was on hand too. Eleven-thousand women attended. Here is a photo of Lakewood Church with Beth on the jumbotron-

End quote.

Notice the names: Joel Osteen's wife Victoria led them in prayer and the whole event was at Osteen's church. Christine Caine is a pastor in the Strange Fire Charismatic movement. Roma Downey is a New Ager.

Behold Beth Moore's "Christian hedonism" where you can do whatever you want since you've gained cover by the likes of John Piper and others who give their approval as if that's a high enough standard.

The article continues to report:

It was then that Moore told the women to grab a women next to them and repeat what Moore said to the women they'd grabbed. She would say a line, the 11,000 women would repeat it to the partner they'd grabbed, whether they knew the woman or not, not knowing whether the woman was even saved or not. That's why there is a space for pauses after each phrase. Here is the transcript.

My dear Sister  Be confident this great day  That your God has chosen you  He can make a miracle  Out of your big mess  He can stand you up straight  And set your feet upon a rock  No matter where you’ve been  Or what you’ve done  You are not dirty  The power of the cross  Has made you clean  When you run out of what it takes  Girlfriend, run to Jesus  Let Jesus turn water into wine  Never forget  You have an enemy  Hell-bent on destroying you  But you have a Savior  Who became earthbound to deliver you  There is restoration and divine destiny for you  Throw your arms wide open and receive in Jesus’ Name  Rip off those expiration dates  God’s promise to you will be fulfilled  Quit just eavesdropping on God  Start leaning in and believing what He says  Impossible is where God starts!  Your God is faithful  He will do it  Do NOT retreat in fear  Now, girlfriend – get out there in that lost world  And show them what a woman looks like  When she unwraps her Bible 

End quote.

Notice how it's all about "you", not God? God is the useful genie that can grant you whatever you "need" to make you stand out in a crowd, to have big Self Esteem. I am woman, hear me roar.

Ah the divine destiny. Moore's sounding more like Oprah now.  I guess in order to fulfill a "divine destiny" you have to make it happen. That's hardly the sovereign God of Scripture. HE makes His will happen with all people according to Eph. 1:11. He doesn't wait for us or depend on us. And our predestination is not predicated upon our works.

How does one eavesdrop on God? Scripture tells us that the Bible is the way to know the mind of Christ. But easvesdrop? Like we're in heaven near the throne and God is whispering things to who know who??

None of this is a surprise of course. Moore has absolutely no idea how to rightly handle Scripture, much less walk in it. Her infamous "Don't Lose Your Confidence" is a glaring example of why Paul says women are not to teach nor have authority over men.

But what is interesting and really an aside to the point of the article is this:

"Well, the second problem that ties back into the first (ecclesiastical feminism) is that words mean things. They mean things. Any liberal in any realm in the battle for hearts and minds will first seek to change meanings of commonly understood words in order to co-opt the meaning and then to redefine them to their advantage. Example: sodomite---->homosexual---->gay. In the church world, we no longer sin. We make mistakes. We're no longer Christian. We're Christ followers."

While this is not new to anyone reading this, perhaps my point might be: John Piper did this very thing when he popularized "Christian hedonism" in his "Desiring 'God' " book back in the 80's. No one realized he was a Post-Modern back then, set on changing Christianity--something Piper has led the Emergents in doing. In fact I'd say he was likely the grandfather of the Emergents. He IS why you have Charismatic Calvinists, worldly Reformers, and defiant leaders like Driscoll and Keller and Joel Taylor  and Francis Chan and all the young bucks coming out of the seminaries today (yup even TMS).

We are seeing the bad fruit of the bad "Christian hedonism" tree. Its why these men are accepting of sodomy over at "Desiring 'God' " ministry, why Keller can't even begin to teach against it in the pulpit, and why Driscoll and others talk about sex in the pulpit and write books about sex and go on tours of colleges to talk about sex and then have dreams and visions of sex and then share those dreams and say they are from God.

I've been warning about Moore for years and have been insulted and accused of being judgmental, etc. etc. In fact the article on my blog that gets nearly the most criticism and insults is the one I wrote about years ago on the feminism of Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur--with the defense of Moore being the biggest and loudest. Where Piper is the pope or god of men, Moore is the pope or god of women.

My point is this: those who actually do have the gift of discernment (the most hated gift among "Christians"), spot false teachers early on and warn others. But we are ridiculed, discredited, reproached, reviled, judged, rebuked, and dismissed. False teachers do not like early detection, Spurgeon said. Neither do their followers. To them these men and women couldn't POSSIBLY lead them away from God. Why, they are anointed!  Yes, that "touch not their anointed and to their prophets no harm" is The Mentality even among "solid" Christians"---the fact that hardly one solid public male teacher/leader is willing to call Piper and Moore false teachers is proof of that.

To borrow from Steve Lawson, those who think honesty is a virtue do not want the truth. Especially of their paper pope.

Certain Heresies Are Ok For TGC and Keller and Piper

If this episode, and everything leading up to it, does not conclusively prove the utterly worldly nature of TGC^TM, nothing else will. TGC's statement is so blatantly hypocritical I am almost speechless as to its audacity. Keller invites NPP proponent NT Wright to speak at a center connected to Redeemer Presbyterian = OK (not divisive). Keller attacks the foundation of the Gospel by promoting theistic evolution = OK (not divisive). John Piper invites Federal Vision heretic Douglas Wilson to the 2009 Desiring God conference = OK (not divisive). Piper subsequently invites semi-Pelagian revivalist Rick Warren to DG10 = OK (not divisive). But Pastor Tullian teaches on the Law/Gospel distinction and a particular view of sanctification = being divisive? So let me get this straight. One can promote a heretic who denies the Gospel, one can attack the foundation of the Gospel, but one cannot teach on the Law/Gospel distinction? I guess TGC^TM is really the Gospel^TMCoalition^TM, where the Coalition is everything, and the Gospel important in name only.

~Daniel Chew on " The Sanctification Debate and TGC"

Exactly what I've been saying about the plethora of heresies Killer and Piper have continued to promote without nary a word of public rebuke and repudiation from John MacArthur, Steve Lawson, and Phil Johnson. This is why I said that Together for the Gospel is also a farce.

Bottom line just might be this: Tullian isn't as famous nor a money maker  nor has he been around as long, nor is he known as a Reformer as the others are.

The Reluctance of Calling (In)Famous Teachers and Ministries For What They Are: false and heretical

In the ever-increasingly quick pace of deception and apostasy in "Christianity" today, it is interesting that there is an equal amount of reluctance to call the increasing number of false teachers and their teachings as *heretics and heresies, never mind the term apostasy.

It should be clear to the one who is familiar with Scripture and has discernment that those descriptions are quite appropriate the darker the days come. They are in fact, necessary, in order to be clear where we stand in this dark age of "Christianity".

How like Satan to stand in the midst of "Christianity" to deflect the true, biblical, and appropriate labels of such spiritual harlotry, because then more Christians will be seduced into that same error as they defend their false teacher who could never apostatize nor lead them into error.

The often used threat of "be careful to not be so hasty in using the term 'heretic' " is merely cowardice and cover for a false teacher, and frankly is exactly what the Word of Faith Charismatics use to deflect any challenge or rejection of the "anointed" leaders of "God".  There is no difference.

Time to man up folks. Call a spade a spade. Don't hesitate in calling a false teacher as such, when he is tested by Scripture and found to be such.  We (who have received the love of the truth, those who are discerning because we love and know the Word and the God of the Word) need to press back on to those who would silence the truth by telling us we're irrational, emotional, overly critical, jumping to far or to fast and that we need to give more time to prove if Dr. So and So is a heretic or not. We need to press back when people act as if we don't know what we're talking about regarding their idol who holds a doctorate or a pastorship or both. As if we don't have the Holy Spirit--or perhaps not as much of the Spirit---as their idol supposedly does (sound like the Charismatics? It should--that's the same worldview.)

We don't have "more" time. That time is NOW. Such teachers like Piper, Keller, Driscoll, Graham, Chandler, Francis Chan, Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, Pricilla Shirer, etc., and groups/conferences such as T4G, The Gospel Coalition, Passion Conference, Desiring "God", etc. have proven they are teaching against biblical doctrine and practice accordingly, however subtlely or not so subtlely. What more do they need?

What the defenders of these men and others like them are actually doing is buying their idol more time to prove us wrong. 

But we're right. And not for the sake of being right. We're right because we KNOW the Word and we KNOW its Author (Heb.5:14) . We KNOW the Great Shepherd's voice (John 10). These false teachers are voices we do not know because they are not of HIM. Therefore we do not listen to them.

To make us the ones who need to prove our point is to elevate a false teacher to a level that is itself false. And just how much evidence will it take to satisfy a skeptic who won't let their idol go? 

A friend of mine has written on the idol of graciousness and I can't wait for him to do more on this topic. Because this idol, and its battle tactic of  threats to be careful and not rush into using the term "heretic" too hastily is wrong and sinful. It presumes that 1) we don't know a heretic or false teaching when we see one, and 2) that we take the things of God in a trivial or fleshly manner. Just the opposite is true.

Because we take the things of God SERIOUSLY we are compelled to evaluate all teachers by the Word and reject them which are false and are unfaithful to the Truth. It is precisely because we believe Scripture and pursue to live by it that we must reject entire movements, churches, ministries, and men who fail the test of Scripture. We of all people know the seriousness of what heresy is, usually because we had at one time be deceived ourselves, but thanks to the mercy of God, He rescued us out of it and now we hold on to the Truth all the more as we continue to study and hold on to the Scripture. Moreover, it is because of the love OF the truth that we also see the seriousness of anyone claiming to be a pastor,teacher,elder, theologian. As times grow darker there are, contrary to James 3, a plethora of men (and women!) who claim to be teachers of Scripture, which ought not to be. Truly there are many who claim a kind of godliness (which is of the flesh and that is always seen over time) but deny the power thereof.  As there are an increasing number of teachers, so there is an increasing amount of error. We know from 2 Thes. 2 that there will indeed be a great deception that God will bring upon those who do not have a LOVE of the Truth.  If it was bad in the days of John when he wrote Revelation, think of how much worse it is now as we get closer to the return of Christ Jesus!

God will not allow His name nor His Word to be mocked by those who "rise up among you" that deceive the sheep. Entire chapters and books in Scripture are devoted to this very issue. If it is that important to God--that SERIOUS to God---then why are so many "learned" men so hesitant to see the truth that there are currently among them, false teachers and those who welcome false teachers? It is these "learned" men particularly who are the impediment of true biblical love and discernment. They have a love for their idol of their favorite man (scholar, theologian,pastor, teacher, conference speaker) instead of a love of the Truth and the souls of those being led right into heresy itself. After all, they are so discerning, educated, and wise that it is impossible for them or their idol to lead anyone into error. They would surely know a wolf when they saw one, since they are more educated!

Woe to them--not just the heretics, but those through whom the heretics get inside the church doors.

Act 20:27  "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 
Act 20:28  "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 
Act 20:29  "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 
Act 20:30  and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Act 20:31  "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 

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. 

Are these sobering passages in everyone's Bible? Are they not true? Are they not to be believed AND obeyed?

There is far, far, more heresies and heretics than most "Evangelicals" are willing to admit. They act and think as if heretics are few and far between. Such people are not discerning or worse, have redefined what truth and error is. They are the reason why the wolves have entered into the sheep pen.

As Thomas Brooks once wrote:

Always look upon wicked men, under those names and notions which the Scripture describes them, such as: lions for their fierceness, bears for their cruelty, dragons for their hideousness, dogs for their filthiness, wolves for their subtleness, scorpions, vipers, thorns, briars, thistles, brambles, stubble, dirt, chaff, dust, dross, smoke, scum.

You may know well enough what is within them, by the  apt names which the Holy Spirit has given them. By looking upon them under those names and notions  that the Scripture sets them out by, may preserve the  soul from frequenting their company and delighting in  their society. Such monsters are wicked men—which  should render their company to all who have tasted of  the sweetness of divine love, a burden and not a delight.

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel
 of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in
 the seat of mockers." Psalm 1:1

End quote.

*Heresy:

G139
αἵρεσις
hairesis
hah'ee-res-is
From G138; properly a choice, that is, (specifically) a party or (abstractly) disunion. (“heresy” is the Greek word itself.)

Heretic:

G141
αἱρετικός
aihretikos
hahee-ret-ee-kos'
From the same as G140; a schismatic. (“heretic” is the Greek word itself.)

Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

Heretic
HER'ETIC, n.

1. A person under any religion, but particularly the christian, who holds and teaches opinions repugnant to the established faith, or that which is made the standard of orthodoxy. In strictness, among christians, a person who holds and avows religious opinions contrary to the doctrines of Scripture, the only rule of faith and practice.

2. Any one who maintains erroneous opinions.

The Alpha Course:ecumenical enough for Charismatics, Catholics, Reformers, and Heretics

"Alpha is a practical tool inspiring Catholic renewal by answering the call to the New Evangelization, the call of Christ and His Church to "go and make disciples of all nations".  Alpha is proven to awaken faith in lapsed Catholics, those on the fringe of parish life and those outside the faith.  It gives faithful Catholics a path and a language to fulfill their baptismal call to evangelize.  It is a proven method of introducing people to a living relationship, a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.  Alpha for Catholics uses the original Alpha talks, given by Rev. Nicky Gumbel, an Anglican priest, in a Catholic setting.  We encourage the opportunity for guests to celebrate Reconciliation and Eucharist during the retreat.  Small group discussion after dinner and the talk is the best opportunity for discussion from a Catholic perspective."

~Alpha for Catholics

"Alpha for Catholics is a practical introduction to creedal Christianity over a 10 week course....Alpha also serves as a refresher course for practicing Catholics and a point of re-entry for lapsed Catholics."

~Alpha for Catholics

Ken Silva of Apprising Ministry reports:

In J.I. Packer And Tim Keller Endorsing The Alpha Course here at Apprising Ministries, as far back as two years ago, I attempted to show you that the hyper-charismatic The Alpha Course (TAC)—marred by Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism (CSM)—is making another comeback within the mainstream of the visible church.

Another example might be found in John Piper Approves Of The Alpha Course? There I showed you that among the featured speakers for the 2013 Conference for Pastors put on by the Desiring God ministry of John Piper we found Tope Koleoso. Pastor Koleoso is “the lead elder of Jubilee Church,…in London, UK.”1

You may also find it interesting that charismatic blogger Adrian Warnock attends Koleoso’s church.2 And the fact is, Koleoso’s church does promote TAC.....

End quote.

Go here to continue reading.

And it turns out, as Silva mentions, Tim Keller, a "Reformer" or rather what I call a Reformergent (reformer and emergent), heretic Rick Warren, pagan-friendly Bill Hybels, and heretic Joyce Meyer  also endorses this unholy program:

Strange Fire: John Piper Gets a Free Pass but Not From Me

                          

While the exposing of the Charismatic Movement (and Charismatic Calvinists) was correct and pretty powerful, I must admit after yesterday's Q&A and the last session at the Strange Fire Conference, I'm left with the same concerns.

John MacArthur and Phil Johnson  have been blinded by affection for Charismatic Calvinist John Piper to the the point that they are unwilling to give him up (unless he repents). Sadly, MacArthur has tunnel vision when it comes to his friend Piper, saying that  Piper's embrace of the Charismatic movement is merely an "anomaly" and therefore he doesn't deserve to be rejected. However, in my view, Piper's issues are far greater than just his charismaticism. Far greater. I know both Johnson and MacArthur are very aware of Piper's promotion of heretic Rick Warren. Certainly that in itself should be enough to sever ties with Piper based on one of the clearest declarations in the New Testament: 2 John 9-11. Its only complicated or confusing if you don't believe and obey this passage.

Both MacArthur and Johnson painted a picture of Piper that is not consistent with Piper's fruit; they love him and called him a faithful man of God and teacher who has benefited many people including themselves.

Scripture states how important it is to test the fruit and walk of such teachers:

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? 

1Jn 1:6  If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 

Scripture says Piper is not only unfaithful, but is committing spiritual adultery because he promotes false teachers like Rick Warren, Mark Driscoll, and Doug Wilson, along with worldly systems like Roman Catholicism and mysticism, for example.

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.

Jas 4:4  You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5  Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? 6  But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 

Here is the fruit and walk of John Piper: does it line up with fruit of those who are walking in the light; of those who are faithful teachers of Scripture?

Piper married "hedonism" with Christ in his first book "Desiring God".

Piper says you can be saved while denying the doctrine Imputation; that a partial or defective gospel still saves.

Piper quotes liberals like Bonhoeffer, Dallas Willard, Chesterton, Foster, and St. John of the Cross, in favorable ways.

Piper promotes Contemplative spirituality.

Piper affirms the position/office of the pope.

Piper promotes Doug Wilson and Federal Vision

Piper claims "Allah" (the Islam god) AND "Adonai" are "ONLY known and loved through Christ.

Piper promotes and mentors X-rated, Sexually obsessed, Foul-mouthed Mark Driscoll

Piper promotes Rick Warren.

Piper promotes Tim Keller.

Piper promotes Beth Moore.

Piper rejects the Genesis account of a literal 6 day Creation week
Piper promotes women teachers who teach men (and he also learns from those women teachers).

(For the documentation of this list along with Scripture to show the error go here.)

How is any of this even remotely faithful to Christ Jesus, His Word, and His sheep? Where is the discernment of an elderly, "mature", pastor of thirty-plus years and author of dozens of books, who got degrees from various seminaries? 

How can MacArthur call this "good" fruit and something that has "greatly benefited" anyone?

The only way people like John MacArthur and Phil Johnson won't see the need to reject Piper is if they don't believe this:

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; 11  for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. 

My question is this:

How else do false teachers creep in unnoticed bringing with them their heresies to deceive the sheep, if not through the "shepherds" holding the door open for them and allowing them in?

2Pe 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. 2  And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3  And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 

Jud 1:4  For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Mat 7:21  "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22  On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23  And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' 

So for now Piper's got a LOT of cover and a LOT more time to do more damage.

Many folks at the conference were amazed at how anti-biblical and pagan the Charismatic/WOF is and how Grudem and Piper are affirming that mess. Sadly though, MacArthur and Johnson say the movement is wrong, but yet  embrace those who affirm it like Piper and Grudem. 

But that's just what Piper's doing himself. 

Calling out Piper and Grudem and Storms regarding their continationism wasn't dividing from the Charismatic movement at all, really, because they are still embracing those who in fact DO affirm the Charismatic movement.

Indeed, they are doing the very thing they are calling Piper out on.

Such a disappointment.

And they are in sin for doing so.

Keller and Piper: CS Lewis Luvfest

According to John Piper's Desiring [I Don't Know What Kind of] God site:

"Lewis was a world-class scholar of English literature, and a Christian layman and apologist, and one of the main formative heroes for both Tim Keller and John Piper.

In this new 10-minute video, Piper interviews Keller about Lewis’s ongoing impact on him and Lewis’s model of cultural engagement which has marked Keller and continues to be relevant in the twenty-first century."

                    

As usual, this is the video defense of why the focus at Desiring's conference. This year they are focusing on....not Jesus Christ....not Scripture....but on CS Lewis.

And this isn't the only focus on Lewis. In February of 2013 they had an entire course focused on Lewis and Narnia.

And then there's Piper's ode to CS Lewis in "Alive to Wonder".

You literally can not get more man-centered if you tried.

Did CS Lewis go to heaven? Was he even a Christian? A book titled "Mere Christianity" would make it sound like he was all about Christianity. But the reality is, no. He was a false teacher who basically was a Romanish Episcopalian who denied some very fundamental doctrinal truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Far from "mere" Christianity, his work (including other books and letters) reveal nothing short of mere Roman Catholicism. Open up "Mere Christianity" and look up every quote Cecil Andrews refers to in his defining work on Lewis' damnable error. I did. Andrews is correct.

CS Lewis: Mere Christianity: http://www.takeheed.info/Assorted_Articles/Contemporary/Lewis_Avoid.pdf 

If this link doesn't open up for you, try cutting and pasting it into your browser. Also, individually listed are the articles here:

http://www.takeheed.net/News_From_The_Front/news25.htm
http://www.takeheed.net/News_From_The_FrontJUNE2003.htm
http://www.takeheed.net/News_From_The_Front/DECEMBER2003.htm
http://www.takeheed.net/News_From_The_Front/JUNE2004.htm

Another excellent and well documented source is the Trinity Foundation's article "Did CS Lewis Go to Heaven?"

Come Down Hard On James MacDonald, but Hands Off John Piper for the Same Thing!

Interesting how discernment bloggers have not been really noticed much since this Elephant Room/TD Jakes thing has happened. Yet those who mocked them are quite in demand for folks to hear what they have to say.

The problem is, while these vocal men beat their chests against MacDonald embracing TD Jakes as a Christian (with only a very light treatment of Mark Driscoll who is equally culpable) yet they won't beat their chest against Piper. Piper's been at this for far longer, as has Mark Driscoll.

Perhaps these fiery blogging  wretched men types should just be patient and give MacDonald the respect he deserves, allowing for him to clarify himself, after all, the man's a pastor.

Right?

Oh, that was just for Piper. Over and over Piper (even as I type this) parades around his friend, heretic Doug Wilson (who denies Justification by Faith alone and denies the New Covenant is solely for believers by the blood of Christ), is speaking at the Desiring conference. Why, just a week or two ago, Piper tweeted how Allah and Adonai can be known and loved only through the crucified and resurrected Jesus Christ! Allah--the modern equivalent of Baal in the O.T. days. Allah, who is not triune and has no Son (among other things) and is absolutely without question DEMONIC. Yeah, Piper, the seasoned Tweeter, pastor, author, and speaker said THAT blasphemous statement. And what did the fire blogger say? He told folks to give him some grace (after all, 140 characters is hardly enough room to "exeget" Scripture! Piper wouldn't contradict all his orthodox preaching by merely one tweet!). Where's the same call for grace for MacDonald? There's no difference here: the modalist god and Allah t are both false gods with false gospels, neither can save and both are demons and spout doctrines of demons.

Let's not forget, either, that Piper has also paraded around and defended with stubborn defiance, Rick Warren, another infamous heretic.

So why come down so hard on MacDonald when they give a pass and a myriad of excuses to Piper?

And what about Mark the dirty, x-rated "pastor" Dricsoll?

Well, never mind. Its not like some of us have warned folks about Piper, Driscoll, and Jakes for years or anything. Its not like we didn't sound the warning bell of the Elephant Stampeded or the "Religious" Coalition. Its not like anyone has a REAL problem with Tim Keller who's on that board along with Piper and Driscoll--a man who along with Piper, denies the Genesis Creation account, who denies Justification by faith (yup Federal visionist too), who promotes New Agers.

Nope. It seems these big boy self-proclaimed discerners of the discerners have no discernment nor passion for the truth when it comes to some men rather than everyone who fails the test of Scripture as faithful teachers and Christians.


Welcome to the Post-Modern, man-centered, hypocritical, Christian Hedonistic Jungle. The elephants are only one problem!

Why John Piper Should Be Rejected

***New Update***  August 21, 2024

Piper who:

Denies the Biblical account of Creation

Promotes a gospel that doesn't have the doc of Imputation at it's core

Teaches sexual love for God

Is a Charismatic mystic

Is a hedonist

Is a Greek pagan mythologist

is teaching AGAIN at GCC on Sunday 6 PM the day after MacArthur's memorial service.

Piper & Sinclair Ferguson (teaching at GCC Sun AM) are connected to The Gospel Coalition (as is GCC favorite HB Charles). MacArthur denounced TGC in March 2024 even though he continued to promote TGC headliners.

2Co 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

2Co 11:4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

MacArthur had John Piper teach at Just after ShepCon in March 2024 in Session #4 and also at the q & a. Piper taught about eros (sexual love) for God. Please note that Eros is the father of Hedone (Piper teaches hedonism). Yet a week later  in a GCC q & a, MacArthur denounced TGC as woke. This is flagrant hypocrisy. HB Charles, a big name in TGC has taught at GCC several times as well as at TMU. GCC Please note in that video, MacArthur gives a revisionist history of GCC hosting TGC. They had already approved and promoted it as seen in the snapshot below. MacArthur says after they found out who would be speaking they then disinvited them. That's hardly accurate. It was AFTER the blowback that they walked back hosting the conference. Nothing happens at that church without full elder approval. Mike Riccardi and Austin Duncan, elders at GCC are enormous fans of heretic Piper. With Duncan now gone, there's still Riccardi who quotes Piper and has Piper's verbiage flowing out of his mouth which shows how influenced he is by that false teacher.

GCC & TGC had promoted their conference which I covered here. 

***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:

"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:

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***

Piper's inappropriate claim that kids's happiness in eating ice cream is the pointer and prelude to the ecstasy of sex.

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.

Desiring GodVerified account‏@desiringGod

Piper: “The greatest good of the gospel is God’s gift of the beauty of God in Jesus for your everlasting enjoyment.” #Passion2015

John PiperVerified account‏@JohnPiper

“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.

John Piper ‏@JohnPiper  14h14 hours agoMinneapolis, MN

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.

John Piper ‏@JohnPiper  18h18 hours agoMinneapolis, MN

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:

"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:

"Ambushing Satan With Song" from 1985...

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.

John PiperVerified account‏@JohnPiper

O my, this is good. Anyabwile on “The Coming Reformation of Black Churches.” Pray him into a prophet. http://dsr.gd/1CTorCH 

4:01 PM - 10 Sep 2014

John PiperVerified account‏@JohnPiper

Is Oral Sex Okay? — Today’s #AskPastorJohn: http://dsr.gd/apj-400 

5:30 PM - 5 Aug 2014

John PiperVerified account‏@JohnPiper

Down by the river the teenagers would go to make out. I watched them drive back. They never looked happy. Especially she.

• •  
  • • 
      

John PiperVerified account‏@JohnPiper

Some whittle birds. I whittle words. God made us like himself to make: One birds, One words, Both for his sake.

John PiperVerified account‏@JohnPiper

“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

 

John PiperVerified account‏@JohnPiper

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***

John PiperVerified account‏@JohnPiper

Never forget, the point of the kitchen is the banquet. The aim of hermeneutics: happiness. The goal of exegesis: ecstasy.

(source)

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***

Piper joins International House Of Prayer (IHOP), Kansas City, missionary and instructor at IHOP University Stephen Venable.  Matt Chandler is also sharing the platform with this false teacher. IHOP is a leading proponent of what the Strange Fire conference put on by Grace To You in October 2013. As Apprising Ministries reminds us, IHOP is the brainchild of New Apostolic Reformation leader, Mike Bickle. NAR was also warned against at the Strange Fire Conference.

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.

Piper is literally man-centered with his continuing focus on CS Lewis.

*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)

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. 

Contemplative prayer: "Rome Had It Right"

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 and Warren: Pride, Priests and Purpose.

Piper Is Ecumenical.

Piper Endorses Doug Wilson And Federal Visionism

Piper and Islam

Piper is anti-Zionist according to "Israel My Glory", a respected Christian magazine.

Piper tweeted: 

"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 Endorses Doug Wilson

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.

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:

Well documented article by Cathy Mickles here. Very helpful and informative.

Quotes from Driscoll here.

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. 

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 the 2006 DG conference.

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 has recently spoken at Emergent Mars Hill.

Piper, Ray Ortlund, DA Carson involved and promotes Emergent Acts 29.

John Piper and Desiring God: cussing and the influence of others. Also here.

Piper Promotes Rick Warren:

The leaven of 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.

***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.

Rick Warren is a Pelagian.

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.

Summary of Piper's promotion of Warren.

Update: DGC at Saddleback Community (Warren's "church") on April 29-30 2011:

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.

Here is Piper's introduction to his 90 minute + interview with Rick Warren with questions about his doctrine because of the controversy he created by inviting him to his conference (if he has to interview him with such a long list of questions, then that means Warren isn't clear in his teaching and books--and he isn't):

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***  12/17/15

Warren 
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 

Piper Promotes Reformergent  Tim Keller

Piper promoting Tim Keller

What's wrong with Tim Keller.

Keller on preaching on homosexuality (or not).

Keller denies Creation and the literal six day creation.

Piper hears the voice of God.

Piper Promotes Beth Moore

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.

Gap Theory of Piper.

Piper's Old World View.

Piper on what to teach about Creation.

Helpful Articles:

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.

Bottom line:

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:

Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenouswolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.

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.

Gal 4:16 So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

***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. 

Continued hand holding with heretic Tim Keller at Desiring Ministries.

***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 tend to think there is an Influence around them.. and there's a WAY
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:

"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":

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. 

***UPDATE***

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.