Celebrity Christians and Lying

2Co 4:2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

Wade Burleson wrote a good article on Celebrity Idols and the need to turn to the Gospel itself.

Ergun Caner's lies and fraud have finally caught up with him. And quietly Liberty University revamped his biography. Caner has lost his integrity both within the Christian community and those outside.

Liberty University has also lost its integrity: first by ignoring the issue, secondly but not
repenting, and thereby removing their President. What does this say to the students? You CAN get by with lying on your resume? I mean, if the PREZ of a Christian University can do it and keep his job, why not the students when they graduate and look for jobs?

To continually lie (including trying to skirt the issue or back pedal when the issue has come to light) without repentance, shows a dark and hard heart. To ignore it instead of dealing with it, especially publicly because it was publicly done, is to partake of those wicked deeds.

Psa 26:4 I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites. 5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.

Eph 4: 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Will he be disciplined at his church? The lies have been known for a while now--what has his church done? With no repentance, his church needs to step in and start disciplining him without partiality.

As for the idol of Christian Celebrities (be they academic or entertainers, etc.), consider the Word:

Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

1Co 3:1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human? 5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

Gal 2:6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.

Jas 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory... 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?...8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

1Co 1:20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?...23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles...26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

What are Christians relying on when it comes to evangelism? Men of great fame and influence? Or the power of the Gospel and the Person and work of the Holy Spirit? At what price will they covet and cover men of "Christian" fame?

Will they rely on the Famous Christians who really can get people saved or really get them to see the Truth, because there's no one else of equal repute or influence? We'll just leave the REAL ministry of evangelism to the Professionals?

Where is the faith and conviction in the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit? After all, men aren't saved by appealing to their fleshly minds and hearts. They are saved by the Holy Spirit using Scripture to remove that veil over their minds. It is not just the heart, but the mind and whole man, that is totally depraved and hostile toward God.

Rom 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."

Staying Strong To the End

Our pastor at church on Sunday was going over the disciples Jesus calls unto Himself in Mark 3. It made me consider how far they had grown by the end of their lives, and finished the race well.


In growing old, they grew in love, but not compromise.
They loved Truth more, as well as hated error more.
They didn't pretend some fake humility of "ignorance" --they KNEW the Truth and stood firm in it with grace and power of the Holy Spirit.


So many professing Christians today compromise as they get older. I don't know why. But we have examples of men who stayed true to Christ Jesus the Lord, and His sheep. It CAN be done. Going off into liberalville in the golden years shouldn't happen. Instead, as men and women grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, they should be discipling the younger men and women to stand firm. Just like Paul, Peter, John and Jude did. We need men and women who won't give up Truth for relationships, to pass on their biblical wisdom, to train, the next generation.


As it is, we've got a LOT of people who think doctrine doesn't matter.


But it does.

I was so encouraged to see how some men truly did finish the race well, they fought the fight, they did not compromise. May the Lord ignite the same love, passion, wisdom, and discernment in all of us who are truly in Him.


Also, I've thought how incredible it is to see Scripture in such amazing harmony.


Mar 3:13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons.



Jesus called each by name (some by new names), by HIS will, not their own. He did this so that they might be WITH Him.


Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.


How faithful the Spirit of God is! Were they educated? Did they go to seminary? Did they have degrees? Did they have a website or write a book? Did they have a library full of their favorite theologians?


No.



Simply uneducated men (by the world's standard--a bunch of nobodies), who had the mark of Jesus all over them. Confounding the "wise" of the world, these men were KNOWN to have been with Jesus.



And that included dear Peter, the man who at one point was afraid of being identified with Jesus, now stood clearly with Him.



So amazing!

1Co 1:20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1Co 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
1Co 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1Co 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1Co 1:26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
1Co 1:27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
1Co 1:28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,
1Co 1:29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.


1Co 2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.
1Co 2:2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,
1Co 2:4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
1Co 2:5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.



1Co 2:13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
1Co 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.



That is why the apostles were so effective. They were not using men's logic rules, philosophies, or argumentation; they did not try to sway others by degrees, drop names of theologians they idolized and used as some sort of spiritual standard, or appeal the fallen mind of men. They certainly did not pull up false teachers so that both truth and error could equally be heard. They stood firm on the Truth, not giving an inch to false brothers and false teachers.

They simply proclaimed Christ Jesus and Him crucified, in the power and grace of the Person of the Holy Spirit. They feared God not men. They actually believed that the Gospel IS the power of God unto salvation for all who believe, first to the Jew then to the gentile.

In their twilight years, they didn't fein mock humility of "not knowing" the truth and therefore pretended to go to others to learn the truth. Rather, they GREW in the Truth, so that at end they could say:

1Jo 2:21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but BECAUSE YOU KNOW IT, and because no lie is of the truth.

Ignorance isn't a virtue, and we see that in Scripture. The apostle of love also was the one who told Christians to not even greet a false teacher for in doing so they will partake of his wicked deeds. He had a heart for Truth and souls and didn't give up the fight and compromise because of relationships. He, along with Peter, Jude, etc. stayed strong.

I pray that those in Christ will too.

The Apostles Were "Shrill" and "Hysterical" Too

What will it take for Christians to totally reject a false teacher from among their circles? I'm afraid most never will.

A man can deny justification by faith alone, deny Creation in six days, deny the Lordship of the Lord, deny the Gospel, deny the need for biblical truth, promote homosexuality, Islam, Romanism...and still be called a brother with just a different methodology? Seriously? So then you must accept the RCC even though it has a different gospel, a different justification, denies the Lordship of the Lord, hides homosexual preditors, promotes common ground with Islam. Yup I've seen that too.

So what would it take, exactly, for Christians to reject a church, a ministry, a man completely and thoroughly?

Think of what defenders of Piper, Warren, Wilson, and Driscoll are really saying when confronted with biblical practice and Truth....

Act 20:29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

Sounds like Paul was a bit "hysterial" here, eh? Come now, let's not get all emotional! Its not THAT bad!!

Perhaps Paul should've stated that there's some good and truth that the wolves can offer the sheep. Paul should have given more respect them.

2 Tim. 2: 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

Again, Paul should've taken the middle ground and exhorted the readers to accept the false teachers, because after all, they have some truth to teach the children of God. No doubt Hymenaeus and Philetus had some truth, but they just had a different opinion! Paul, where's your grace?

2Jo 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching 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 OR GIVE HIM ANY GREETING, 11 for WHOEVER GREETS HIM TAKES PART IN HIS WICKED DEEDS.

Now, hold on a minute. John is waaaaay too "shrill" and "hysterical". John should've told the believers to accept the good, ignore the bad, and enjoy the warm fellowship and company of the false teachers. How unbalance, unfair, and narrow-minded of John!

Jud 1:11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves FOR THE SAKE OF GAIN to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion. 12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast WITH YOU WITHOUT FEAR, SHEPHERDS FEEDING THEMSELVES; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

Talk about "shrill"! Perhaps Jude should've been given a "paper bag to breathe into" after all his "hysterics"! I mean, really, he was going just a tad overboard, eh?

2Tim. 4: 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

Wow, that's some respect there Paul! Why couldn't you just tell them to consider the good things about Alexander, and while disagreeing with some of his erroneous doctrine, personal issues shouldn't be the factor in telling OTHERS to guard against him! After all he's not THAT bad!Where's your respect for Alexander??

3 John 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. 10 So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Is it obvious? The apostles were just way to "shrill" and "hysterical" about "brothers in the Lord" (*cough*) who weren't THAT bad.... they just differed on some things.

Or was that just for then and this is now? Perhaps the wolf-friends are seeing Scripture as not so relevant for today. Perhaps its all nothing more than an interesting book, but has no power to dictate their actual practice. Or is it merely for others, not themeselves and their paper theologians? In other words, hypocrisy in defending men who are participating in wicked deeds, while slamming Christians for doing exactly what Scripture demands us to do: seperate, call attention to, and reject false teachers.

Funny how the big boy bloggers/teachers/elders give tolerance, love, and passionately defend those who rebel against clear Scripture, but don't show the same passion and tolerance and appreciation for those that obey it.
Jas 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory... 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?Jas 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Gal 2:6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.

Worth Repeating: Take Heed Of What And Who You Hear AND Read!

         
            (photo source)

Take Heed Of What You Read! by A.W. Pink:

"Take heed what you hear" (Mark 4:24): the word "hear" obviously includes what is read, for that which is written or printed is addressed to the ears of our intellect. Few people today realize the urgent need for "taking heed" unto what they read. Just as the natural food which is eaten either helps or hinders the body—so the mental food we receive either benefits or injures the mind, and that, in turn, affects the heart.

Some of God's dear people may suppose that it would be presumptuous to set themselves up as judges of what they hear or read—but that is a serious mistake, being both a false humility, and a shirking of duty. The Apostle rebuked the Hebrews because their senses (spiritual faculties) were not developed so as to discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:13).

It is often a long time before God's children are able to account for this. They blame themselves; they are exceedingly loath to say, "This message is not of God." They are afraid to act in the spiritual, as they do in the natural, and condemn and discard that which is worthless.

"Those who live according to the flesh—have their minds set on what the flesh desires," (Romans 8:5). They are charmed with oratorical eloquence, catchy sayings, witty allusions, and amusing illustrations. On just such "husks", do the religious "swine" feed!

But the penitent prodigal can find no nutriment therein! Men "of the world"—and they may be graduates from some "Bible Institute" or possessors of a diploma from some Bible Seminary, now styling themselves "preachers of the Gospel"—will speak of the things of the world and "the world hears them" (1 John 4:5). But those who are seeking to "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling" obtain no help therefrom, yes, they perceive clearly that such sermons and periodicals are "broken cisterns, which can hold no water" (Jer. 2:13).

To turn away from the lifeless preachers and publishers of the day—may involve a real cross. Your motives will be misconstrued, your words perverted, and your actions misinterpreted. The sharp arrows of false report will be directed against you. You will be called proud and self-righteous, because you refuse to fellowship empty professors. You will be termed censorious and bitter—if you condemn in plain speech—the subtle delusions of Satan. You will be dubbed narrow-minded and uncharitable, because you refuse to join in singing the praises of the "great" and "popular" men of the day. More and more, you will be made to painfully realize—that the path which leads unto eternal life is "narrow" and that FEW there are who find it. May the Lord be pleased to grant unto each of us—the hearing ear and obedient heart! "Take heed what you hear" and read!

End quote.

Piper: its all about Me

Watcher's Lamp blog pegs Pipergate well:

"What John Piper conveys is his confidence in his personal ability to qualify Warren's theology by asking theological questions. John Piper apparently believes that he is immune to deception because of his theological brilliance.

Smugness is revealed when John Piper laughs when he says "I’m gonna need help to know why I should feel bad about this decision." It seems pride may be blinding John Piper's discernment. "

He goes on to say:

It seems pride may be blinding John Piper's discernment.

"So I made a list"

"I think Rick Warren meant it when he began the Purpose Driven life with “It’s not about you."

"I could even tell you other things he said he’s not but that… that might offend uh… too many people."

"I… I’m uh… I’m uh… I need … I’m gonna need help to know why I should feel bad about this decision. (Laughs)"

Read more here.

(Does anyone else think he's sounding a lot like Warren here?)

I wonder, if Piper was shown how horrific the PDL book is and Warren's myriad of quotes of heresy, would he still promote him as a friend, Reformed, and "theologically deep"? I say yes, because there's never enough evidence for a skeptic. Note that he put the burden of proof on everyone else. The thing is we've already proven the heresies of Rick Warren and PIPER HAS NOT LISTENED ALL THESE YEARS!

Other lesser known pastors have done their research and came to a completely opposite conclusion than Piper regarding Warren: he is not only NOT theologically "deep", but he gives a false gospel. What does Scripture say about such a person? Welcome them to the pulpit? Warmly greet them? Defend them as brothers? It says such a man is ANATHEMA. It says DON'T EVEN GREET such a man, for to do so is to partake in his wicked deeds. (Gal. 1:8-9; 2John 9-11).

When Phil Johnson gets snarky and calls us "shrill" and "hysterical" its godly (and then he quotes a HERETIC, Doug Wilson, about needing to calm down so we don't have to "breath into a paper bag"! A heretic telling the sheep to simmer down, that there's nothing to worry about? The Serpent Speaketh!), but when we rightly deal with his pal Piper, he calls us "insulting" and that we need to be respectful toward Piper. I guess we aren't worthy of respect from Johnson. Its ok for him to insult us---we're nobodies in his eyes. I'm so glad God uses the weak, the insignificant, the uneducated, the feeble, to display HIS glory and power.

This is the sin of favoritism James talks about which God condemns without qualification:

Jas 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory... 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?Jas 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Insert "the one who has a seminary degree" or "the one who is a famous pastor" for "the one who wears fine clothing" and you see the issue is just as relevant today as it was back then.

See what it would look like:

Jas 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory... 3 and if you pay attention to the one who is famous and a seminary graduate and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the unknow and uneducated man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

I don't like inserting words into Scripture, but I do it to visually demonstrate the issue of the sin of favoritism. Its easier to write off if one thinks its merely about the rich vs. the poor. But its MORE than that. Its about favoring a group or person over another, which is evil according to God.

Rom 2:11 For God shows no partiality.

Gal 2:6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.

And of elders: 1Ti 5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

Partiality or favoritism is the issue of sin here--no matter if you are talking about rich vs. poor, educated vs. uneducated, inner circle of the elite vs. outside the circle and not of the elite.

John Piper To Speak At Lausanne Congress 2010

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? 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)


One of the international speaking engagements John Piper will be participating in is the Lausanne Congress. The founder was Billy Graham. This is an pragmatic/inter-faith/ecumenical/feminist group. List of speakers in cluding Piper here.

The dangers with the Lausanne Covenant: go here. Is like the World Council of Churches.

Piper is not only a speaker this year, but sits on its US Council:

U.S. Council of Reference
Dr. Billy Graham
Founder, Lausanne Movement

Dr. John StottHonorary Chairman, Lausanne Movement

Dr. Leighton Ford
Honorary Chairman, Lausanne Committee

Dr. Miriam Adeney
Professor, Seattle Pacific Seminary

Dr. Leith Anderson
Senior Pastor, Wooddale ChurchPresident, US National Association of Evangelicals

Dr. Bryan Chappell
President, Covenant Seminary

Dr. Loren Cunningham
Founder, Youth with a Mission (YWAM)

Mr. Jim Daly
President, Focus on the Family

Dr. Steve Douglass
President, Campus Crusade for Christ

Dr. Ken Fong
Pastor, Evergreen Baptist Church

Dr. Timothy George
Dean, Beeson Divinity School

Dr. Os Guinness
Author

Dr. Gary Haugen
President, International Justice Mission

Dr. Dean Hirsch
President, World Vision International

Dr. Tim KellerPastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Dr. Duane Litfin
President, Wheaton College

Mr. Hugh Maclellan
President, The Maclellan Foundation

Dr. Jesse Miranda
Hispanic Evangelical Leadership Alliance

Dr. Richard MouwPresident, Fuller Theological Seminary

Dr. David Neff
Editor, Christianity Today

Mr. Peter Ochs
President, First Fruit Foundation

Mrs. Jane Overstreet
President, Development Associates Int’l

Dr. Luis Palau
President, Luis Palau

Dr. John Perkins
President, John M. Perkins Foundation

Dr. John Piper
Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church

Mrs. Becky Pippert
President, Salt Shaker Ministries

Mr. Bill Pollard
Chairman of the Board, BGEA

Dr. Wess Stafford
President, Compassion International

Dr. Tite Tienou
Dean, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Mr. Paul Tokunaga
Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship

Dr. Mike Treneer
President, The Navigators

Dr. Rick Warren
Pastor, Saddleback Church

Dr. George Wood
General Superintendent, Assembly of God

John R. W. Stott, Anglican, Chief architect, The Lausanne Covenant; Honorary Chairman, Lausanne Movement, denies Hell, which also denies the Gospel and God's righteousness, no fear of God (why fear a god who won't cast both body and soul into hell?), as well as rejecting clear Scripture.

Joni Erickson Tada, signer of the Inter-faith Manhattan Document, is the Lausanne Senior Associate for Evangelism Among Disabled People. You can read her endorsement of Lausanne here.

Lausanne Covenant: "We affirm our belief in the one-eternal God, Creator and Lord of the world, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who governs all things according to the purpose of his will. He has been calling out from the world a people for himself, and sending his people back into the world to be his servants and his witnesses, for the extension of his kingdom, the building up of Christ's body, and the glory of his name".

This is a statment Modalists would agree with (Modalism denies the Trinity--says there is one Person, Jesus, in the Godhead who takes on different modes or roles: that of the father, son, and holy spirit--accompanying this heresy is a "salvation" of works). This does not set their view of God apart from the cults; its not Trinitarian.

What Jesus do they proclaim? What gospel? Is the gospel of a Word Of Faith woman "pastor" going to have the same gospel as a Reformer? Who is Jesus? linked from Lusanne site. Its man-centered--felt-needs, find a purpose for your life,God is love and has a wonderful plan for everyone's life stuf . Says that God has a plan for everyone's life, but Man just gets in the way. This is not the Sovereign, Holy God of Scripture (Eh. 1:11). Yet Reformers have embraced this group.

Piper/Bethlehem Baptist has been involved with Lausanne since 2006 at least:

"World renowned mission agencies have challenged local churches to work with them in Finishing the Task (FTT)....Pastors from US churches like North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia; Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California; Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Belmont Church in Nashville, Tennessee; Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho; and Northwood Church in Fort Worth, Texas, were part of the gathering." ~ Source

Much of this group is concerned with social justice (aka Roman Catholic liberation theology) which is not part of the Great Commission nor part of the directives of the local church body as its primary function (See Eph. 4, 1Cor. 14, 2Cor. 6;1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Jude). In the Covenant they say under the heading of The Urgency of the Evangelical Task: "All of us are shocked by the poverty of millions and disturbed by the injustices which cause it. Those of us who live in affluent circumstances accept our duty to develop a simple life-style in order to contribute more generously to both relief and evangelism. "

Re-distribution of wealth is Socialism, isn't biblical, and it isn't the answer. But this group seems to think this way.

What poverty has to do with evangelism is beyond me.

Under: Evangelism and Culture:

"The development of strategies for world evangelization calls for imaginative pioneering methods. Under God, the result will be the rise of churches deeply rooted in Christ and closely related to their culture. Culture must always be tested and judged by Scripture."

This isn't part of the Great Commission, nor do we see this in any evangelistic proclamation of the Gospel in Scripture. Even at Mars Hill, Paul did not seek its culture, but showed how ungodly and wrong it was, pointing to Christ Jesus. Paul always taught in simple terms Christ and Him crucified (see 1Cor.1-2). Ralph Winter (one of the earliest participants) didn't bother to test the culture of Islam (so their words are merely lip service)...he just wanted to blend Christianity with Islam, so that a "convert" wouldn't have to stick out like a sore thumb.

All of this is pragmatic, unity-at-any-price ecumenical junk that denies the simple proclamation of the Gospel and its power (Rom. 1:16), and the Person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Gal 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

John Piper: Not Fasting From Speaking Engagements

You may recall Piper saying recently the following:

"How do I apologize to you, not for a specific deed, but for ongoing character flaws, and their effects on everybody? I’ll say it now, and no doubt will say it again, I’m sorry. Since I don’t have just one deed to point to, I simply ask for a spirit of forgiveness; and I give you as much assurance as I can that I am not making peace, but war, with my own sins. " ~ Source

And:

Quote:

I want to say to Noël that she is precious to me. And I believe that at this point in our 41-year pilgrimage together the best way to say it is by stepping back for a season from virtually all public commitments....

In this leave, I intend to let go of all of it. No book-writing. No sermon preparation. No preaching. No blogging. No Twitter. No articles. No reports. No papers. And no speaking engagements—with a very few exceptions that you can read about online on Sunday afternoon....

You could view this as a kind of fasting from public ministry. One of the goals in this kind of fasting is to discern levels of addiction. Or, as Paul Tripp or Tim Keller might say, levels of idolatry. The reality check is: What will happen in my soul and in my marriage when, to use the phrase of one precious brother on staff, there will be no “prideful sipping from the poisonous cup of international fame and notoriety”?

End quote. ~Source

Now his wife Noel says he is covering for her, being her protector: "And I hope you noticed that he spoke and wrote as if all the need for this time away lay in his own shortcomings. I hope you are wise enough to know that things are never that simple. He loved me by covering for me–by being my protector. We’re in this together."

As I say, time will bring to light what was done in darkness.

In regard to Piper's "fasting" from public engagements, he said he'll keep one stateside speaking engagement and three international ones Noel said he should keep.

Let's take a look at this "fasting" from public ministry, where he will "let it all go":

From Desiring-I-Don't-Know-What-Kind-of-God website:

April 13-15 2010 at Louisville KY "Together For the Gospel"
April 29, 2010 Minneapolis "Christian Alliance For Orphans Summit"
June 3-6 2010 Santo Domingo, DR "The Glory of God and the Experience of the Cross"
June 23-25, 2010 London, "Proc Trust Evangelical Ministry Assembly"
Oct. 1-3, 2010 Minneapolois,"Desiring God National Conference"
Oct. 12-27, 2010 Cape Town, SA "The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism" (More on Lausanne later--this is VERY ecumenical)

What is missing in that list above is that during the week of the Lausanne conference, he'll also be at:

Oct. 14, 2010, Pretoria, ZA for the Rezolution conference
October 15-17, 2010 Johannesburg, South Africa at the Sandton Convention Center, REZOLUTION Conference

So instead of the three-in-one stateside speaking engagement, he really has three, and instead of three international speaking engagements he has five. Seven speaking engagements? How is this "letting it all go"? How is this "fasting"? (Note: he's reinventing defintions for words again...this time for "fasting" last time for "hedonism"). He implies an addiction. Yet he keeps feeding it.

Piper is a walking contradiction. He has no integrity. By his own admission he has "character flaws" that affect "everyone". On top of all this, just a week or two after his mia culpa, he shows his pride again by defiantly defending bringing in the wolf, Rick Warren. He's feeding the "addiction" and monster he claims he's out to wage war with. Is this this waging war??

Evangelical Churches and Ministries: the slaughterhouse of the sheep

Act 20:28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

We know wolves will come in, as Scripture says they will. But we're seeing that they come in because the "shepherds" not only allow them in, but worse, some INVITE them in and tell the sheep to just hush and quit making a fuss.

Most of the "evangelical" churches/ministries have virtually become the slaughterhouse of the sheep, with the shepherds holding our heads while the wolves curl thei lips and show their vicious teeth, ready to devour us without mercy. And the shepherd woos and consoles the wolf, while the sheep are battered by the rod!



According to one Canadian website that reports on the Black Wolves attacking farmers' animals: "Fact: The typical wolf killing pattern is for one wolf to grab the prey by the rear and hold it while its partner tears out the throat. In the Autumn, the parents will teach the new crop of youngsters how this is done."

Would a farmer invite the wolf into the barn to devour his sheep? Are not his sheep valuable to him? Does he not protect them the best he can? Surely a farmer (or shepherd) knows what a wolf is and that they are never to be trusted near their land, much less the barn! Or do you think the farmer would think it wise to invite the wolves into the barn?


If this is true in the physical issues of this world, how much more true is it of the spiritual?

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.

What do you think a wolf in sheep's clothing looks like? How would you recognize a false teacher? Would you even bother?

Because we know the voice of our Great Shepherd, we who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, refuse to follow the false shepherds as well as the wolves in sheeps clothing:

John 10:3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."

Do not try to mesmerize us by soft words.
Do not try to trick us by red herrings and strawmen arguments.
Do not try to bully us or shame us into silently following men who are not HIS shepherds nor love HIS sheep.

Telling us the wolves are sheep will not make us follow them. No, we are not fooled. We know HIS voice and will not follow your deadly immitation.

Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Hysterical Over The Wolves Invited In By the Shepherds: you betchya

2Jn 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching 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 or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.


This verse explains in part why some of us are upset with Piper and his defiant defense of a false Christian like Rick Warren. The other reason is because Piper has been doing this very thing for at least five years.

And those other "bloggers" of grand ministries, who look down on us for being what they call "shrill" and "hysterical" are part of the problem. Their continued holding on to a false shepherd like Piper while showing distain for those with wisdom and discernment is wrong and hypocritical. I think it reveals their own pride, unteachability, and man-centeredness along with distain for the Truth (the Holy Spirit, apparently couldn't possibly work through other Christians without a seminary degree or huge ministry).

Piper knows he can bank on his old stand-by friends. Why do you think he's so defiant? This too, reveals more about the "conservative" and/or "reformed" types: it doesn't matter what a man does, who he looks to for spiritual teaching, what he reads, or who he offers to his sheep. As long as TULIP is proclaimed, literally, the man can do anything. Just don't YOU dare call him for what he is (leave that up to the big-boy bloggers): a hierling and a man who is incompetent to shepherd, who lacks wisdom and discernment at 64 years of age and being in a pulpit for 30 (oh, wait a minute...the big boys won't dare do that--they will carefully construct their words so as to not offend the big names--just offend the little guys who are oh-so-shrill and hysterical).

It also reveals how many Reformers hold to their views as mere options. Agree to disagree on something you say is biblical? How is that possible? If the Doctrines of Grace are biblical, and they are, then there's no room to agree to disagree, as if one prefers sugar in one's coffee and the other does not. Did Jesus agree to disagree on any biblical doctrine, ever? No. So why such men today do so? They paint themselves are more spiritual, less "emotional" (yet in their own defense of Piper they show their emotions, too), and "balanced".

Folks, we are not in the sandbox; we're are War. The shepherds have let the wolves into the sheepfold and we're told we need to simmer down like a bunch of kindergartners? As if we're the ones off balance, too hysterical? How can one be too hysterical when the wolves are in the sheep pen devouring the sheep left and right?!

If only John the Baptist were far less emotional and far more balanced! If only Jesus did that! If only Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah did too! If only John the Apostle was more accomodating to Diotrophes, and Paul more accomodating to Hymenaeus, Phietus, and Alexander; finding common ground with the brothers in the Lord--telling the readers of their letters to not worry so much and just wait and see what Alexander the Metal worker might do---give him time, let the man grow, give him "grace"! Yet they were not seen as brothers, were they?

Time after time Piper has heard the fury of the few that those wolves he offers to the sheep (I guess it doesn't matter if you have a false gospel like Doug Wilson or Rick Warren), yet he repeatedly, boldly, defiantly not only defends them, but he continues to offer more poison.
What's a little poison? If you disagree, that's ok. But leave Piper alone. He's anointed after all.

Right?

Wrong!

If only these men who fill the pulpits today and Sunday School classrooms, would see the egregious sin of spiritual haroltry as they do sexual haroltry.

This kind of "grace" is nothing less than tolerance for false shepherds and teaching.

Hypocrisy

Joh 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."

Heb 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice TO DISTINGUISH good from evil.

Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." (1Co 15:33)

William Secker, "The Consistent Christian" 1660. "Having a form of godliness—but denying its power." 2 Timothy 3:5:

Quote:

Formality frequently takes its dwelling near the chambers of integrity, and so assumes its name; the soul not suspecting that hell should make so near an approach to heaven. A rotten post, though covered with gold, is more fit to be burned in the fire, than for the building of a fabric. Where there is a pure conscience—there will be a pure conversation. The dial of our faces does not infallibly show—the time of day in our hearts. The humblest looks may enamel the face—while unbounded pride governs the heart!

A hypocrite may be both the fairest creature—and the foulest creature in the world! He may be fairest outwardly in the eyes of man—and foulest inwardly in the sight of God. How commonly do such unclean swans cover their black flesh with their white feathers! Though such wear the mantle of Samuel—they should bear the name of Satan!

Many appear righteous—who are only righteous in appearance. But while they are deceiving others with the false shows of holiness—they are also deceiving themselves with the false hopes of happiness. The hypocrite would not willingly appear evil—and yet would inwardly be evil. He would gladly be accounted godly—and yet would not be godly.

Man, either appear what you are—or be what you appear. What will the form of godliness do for you—if you deny the power thereof? Those who have the power of godliness, cannot deny the form; while those who have the form of godliness, may deny the power.

Hypocrites resemble looking-glasses—which present faces that are not in them. Oh, how desirous are men to put the fairest gloves—upon the foulest hands; and the finest paint—upon the rottenest posts!

Hypocrites are better in show—than in substance. They are like painted tombs—which enclose decayed bones. That is a sad charge, which the God of truth brings against certain false professors, "I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not—but are the synagogue of Satan!" A false friend—is worse than an open enemy. A painted harlot is less dangerous—than a painted hypocrite. A treacherous Judas is more abhorred by God—than a bloody Pilate!

Professors! Remember—the sheep's clothing will soon be stripped from the wolf's back! The velvet plaster of profession—shall not always conceal the offensive ulcer of corruption. Neither the ship of formality nor hypocrisy—will carry a person to the harbor of felicity. The blazing lamps of foolish virgins may light them to the bridegroom's gate—but not into His chamber. Either get the nature of Christ within you—or take the name of Christ away from you.

A bad man is certainly the worst—when he is seemingly the best. We must not account everyone a soldier—who swaggers with a sword. A rusty sword—may frequently be found in a highly decorated scabbard. What good is it to have our hands as white as snow—if our hearts are as black as the bottomless pit! Such professors resemble soap bubbles—smooth and pretty without—yet only filled with air!

A man may wear the Savior's livery—and yet be busied in Satan's drudgery! The skin of an apple may be fair—when it is rotten at the core! Though all gold may glitter—yet all is not gold that glitters. The worst hypocrite may have the color of gold—but not the value of gold!

End quote. [emphasis, mine]

“Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it is the difference between right and almost right.” -Charles Spurgeon

I applaud Lane Chaplin's refusal to endorse John Piper anymore. I agree with Daniel Chew on the doctrine of separation (something I've held to but its good to see another person express it well).

Phil Johnson , Michael Horton,and John Piper: respect and restrain for treason

"While our guest Phil Johnson is extremely concerned over John Piper’s discernment in inviting Rick Warren to speak at his 2010 Desiring God National Conference, he is equally concerned and dismayed over the slanderous reactions of some brethren who deem Piper himself to be a heretic, or worse, a non-Christian, over this news."

"“I admire Rick Warren’s zeal for reaching non-Christians and concern for global challenges. I respect him for giving away much of his income for charitable purposes.“At the same time, I believe that his message distorts the gospel and that he is contributing to the human-centered pragmatism that is eroding the proper ministry and mission of the church… While I applaud his concern for social justice, I am concerned that he confuses the law with the gospel and the work of Christians in their vocations (obeying the Great Commandment) with the work of Christ through his church in its ministry of Word and sacrament (the Great Commission)…"

~ Michael Horton of "The White Horse Inn"  Source

Go here for Johnson's praise of Piper despite Piper's inclusion of Warren.

**Update*

I'm going to include Tim Challies into this group, since he, too is a "Reformer" and thinks Rick Warren is a brother in the Lord.

Balanced = not separating from a false shepherd like Piper who has, over the years repeatedly defiantly promoted and defended ungodly, disqualified men at the pulpit.

I have no respect for men who do this or support men who do. To be merely concerned is not enough. To applaud and respect a man who deceives millions, who has hatred for the Gospel, is treason and disgusting. What is there to respect and applaud? That he lies about Jesus? All the "works" Warren promotes are earning the man HELL. What's to applaud about that? Warren does it with wrong motives and a false Jesus.

If Piper is not a heretic, he's certainly a heretic-loving, heretic hand-holding, heretic approving man! What does God say about that?

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.

2Jn 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

People fall over backwards to excuse or lessen the horror of what Piper has continued to do over the years, and in doing so are sharing in the wickedness of promoting false brothers and teachers.

How is this holding faithfully to the Word as taught? How is this living out what you "claim" you believe? How is this love and loyalty to Christ Jesus and HIS sheep, when you merely disagree with a shepherd who actively brings in and defends the wolves?

Unless you don't see these men as wolves.

So here's the question: do you understand that Rick Warren, Doug Wilson, Mark Driscoll, and Paul Tripp are false teachers?

Rom 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Phil Johnson and Michael Horton are not only dividing from the Truth on this, he's rejecting what he himself posted recently via Spurgeon:

"According to modern efficiency he ought to have said, "Let him be kindly spoken with in private, but pray make no stir. No doubt the thought was original, and we must not question his liberty. Doubtless, he believes the same as we do, only there is some little difference as to terms."

I'm telling you right now folks; Piper doesn't really believe in the doctrines he claims. Had he, he would not continually bring to your listening ear and your mind false men who corrupt the Gospel, demote Scripture, and justify all manner of behavior under "liberty" and "spirituality". A man who is convinced by the Spirit of the truths of Scripture can see nor bear any other view for all other views are false and are not of Christ, which bring no spiritual food to the soul.

Time to let go of Piper. He's had time to repent and instead he holds fast in his pride and arrogance (while claiming to have pride issues), defiantly promoting and fellowshipping with false brothers. Its been FIVE YEARS at least! WAKE UP.

How does this not cause you to mourn? How can you have such distain for the PURITY of the Gospel and His people and His Word? Holding hands with treasonous men IS TREASON!

Tim Challies: Rick Warren Loves The Lord? Wrong!

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.


"While I don’t doubt that Rick Warren loves the church and loves the Lord, neither do I doubt that he does harm to the people and to the Name he loves so much. To invite him to this conference is to downplay all of the harm brought about by his unbiblical and pragmatic style of ministry." ~ Tim Challies

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... (go here for the full list and links)

....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.”

A wolfe isn't a sheep. Warren doesn't preach the Lord of Scripture nor His gospel.

Challies has neither wisdom nor discernment, and refuses to seperate from false teachers. He finds "truth" in everyone it seems. This isn't charity nor grace. This is treason. He's as bad as Piper.

2Jn 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

Such harsh but necessary words of separation and rejection of false teachers comes from the Apostle of Love.

I would suggest Challies take Spurgeon's words to heart (Pink and Tozer said very similar things as well):

"I have not much patience with a certain class of Christians nowadays who will hear anybody preach so long as they can say, "He is very clever, a fine preacher, a man of genius, a born orator." Is cleverness to make false doctrine palatable? Why, sirs, to me the ability of a man who preaches error is my sorrow rather than my admiration.I cannot endure false doctrine, however neatly it may be put before me. Would you have me eat poisoned meat because the dish is of the choicest ware? It makes me indignant when I hear another gospel put before the people with enticing words, by men who would fain make merchandise of souls; and I marvel at those who have soft words for such deceivers.

According to modern efficiency he ought to have said, "Let him be kindly spoken with in private, but pray make no stir. No doubt the thought was original, and we must not question his liberty. Doubtless, he believes the same as we do, only there is some little difference as to terms."

~ Spurgeon from "Under Constraint," Sunday morning 28 April 1878 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London

1Th 2:5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Rom 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Calling Warren a brother in the Lord when the man teaches a false gospel, is man-centered, has a gathering of Goats not sheep, praises himself, promotes false religions and homosexuality, is treason. Its disloyal to Christ Jesus and the Gospel. Shame to anyone who would do so. They seek the approval of man, not God, and put up easily with the wolves and call it love. God calls is sin.

Defiance

Psa 50:16 But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? 17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you. 18 If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers.


Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary of American English

DEFIANCE, n.

1. A daring; a challenge to fight; invitation to combat; a call to an adversary to encounter, if he dare. Goliath bid defiance to the army of Israel.

2. A challenge to meet in any contest; a call upon one to make good any assertion or charge; an invitation to maintain any cause or point.

3. Contempt of opposition or danger; a daring or resistance that implies the contempt of an adversary, or of any opposing power. Men often transgress the law and act in defiance of authority.

Online Merriam-Webster's dictionary for defiant, adjective: full of or showing defiance : bold, impudent

Luk 6:46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?

Pro 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.

OBSTACLES IN COMING TO CHRIST by A.W. Pink

The question is, are men ever found naturally willing to submit to the humbling terms of the gospel of Christ? We declare upon scriptural authority, that the human will is so desperately set on mischief, so depraved, and so inclined to everything that is evil, and so disinclined to everything that is good, that without the powerful, supernatural, irresistible influence of the Holy Spirit, no human being will ever be constrained towards Christ" (C.H. Spurgeon).

"Now here is a threefold cord against heaven and holiness, not easily to be broken; a blind mind, a perverse will, and disorderly, distempered affections. The mind, swelled with self-conceit, says the man should not stoop; and the corrupt affections rising against the Lord, in defense of the corrupt will, says, he shall not. Thus the poor creature stands out against God and goodness, till a day of power come, in which he is made a new creature" (T. Boston). Perhaps some readers are inclined to say, Such teaching as this is calculated to discourage sinners and drive them to despair. Our answer is, first, it is according to God’s Word! Second, O that it may please Him to use this article to drive some to despair of all help from themselves. Third, it makes manifest the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit’s working with such depraved and spiritually helpless creatures, if they are ever to savingly come to Christ. And until this is clearly perceived, His aid will never be really sought in earnest!

There are some souls greatly distressed and puzzled to know exactly what is signified by "coming to Christ." They have read and heard the words often, and perhaps many a preacher has bidden them to ‘come to Him," yet without giving a scriptural explanation of what that term connotes. Such as have been awakened by the Spirit, shown their woeful condition, convicted of their high-handed and lifelong rebellion against God, and brought to realize their dire need of Christ, and who are truly anxious to come savingly to Him, have found it a task altogether beyond their powers. Their cry is, "Oh that I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His seat!" (Job 23:3). True, there are not many who pass through such an experience, for God’s ‘flock" is but a "little" one (Luke 12:32). True, the vast majority of professing Christians claim that the found "coming to Christ" a very simple matter. But in the clear light of John 6:44 we must assure you, dear reader, that if you found "coming to Christ" to be easy, then it is proof you have never come to Him at all in a spiritual and saving way.

Second, the word "come," when used in this connection, is a metaphorical one: that is to say, a word which expresses an act of the body is transferred to the soul, to denote its act. To "come to Christ" signifies the movement of a Spirit-enlightened mind toward the Lord Jesus—as Prophet, to be instructed by Him; as Priest, whose atonement and intercession are to be relied upon; as King, to be ruled by Him. Coming to Christ implies a turning of our back upon the world, and a turning unto Him as our only Hope and Portion. It is a going out of self so as to rest no longer on anything in self. It is the abandoning of every idol and of all other dependencies, the heart going out to Him in loving submission and trustful confidence. It is the will surrendering to Him as Lord, ready to accept His yoke, take up the cross, and follow Him without reserve.

To "come to Christ" is the turning of the whole soul unto a whole Christ in the exercise of Divine grace upon Him: it is the mind, heart and will being supernaturally drawn to Him, so as to trust, love and serve Him. "It is the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners to ‘come to Jesus Christ’—renouncing all those things which stand in opposition to Him, or in competition with Him; we must accept Him as our Physician and Advocate, and give up ourselves to His conduct and government, freely willing to be saved by Him, in His own way, and on His own terms" (Matthew Henry). Ere proceeding further, we would earnestly beg each reader to prayerfully and carefully test and measure himself of herself by what has been said in this and the preceding paragraph. Take nothing for granted: as you value your soul, seek Divine help to make sure that you have truly "come to Christ."

Full article here.

Rom 10:3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

1Th 1:9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

2Co 4:5 For what WE PROCLAIM is not ourselves, but JESUS CHRIST AS LORD, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. [caps, my emphasis]

Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that JESUS IS LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. [caps, my emphasis]

Jesus Christ is called Lord no less than 747 times in the New Testament; 100 times in Acts with twice as “Savior”.

The Lordship of The Lord

Mal 1:6 A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My fear? says Jehovah of Hosts to you, O priests who despise My name.

Scripture teaches that Jesus is Lord of all, and the faith He demands involves unconditional surrender (Rom. 6:17-18; 10:9-10). In other words, Christ does not bestow eternal life on those whose hearts remain set against Him (James 4:6). Surrender to Jesus’ lordship is not an addendum to the biblical terms of salvation; the summons to submission is at the heart of the gospel invitation throughout Scripture. In contrast, easy-believism teaches that submission to Christ’s supreme authority is not germane to the saving transaction. ~Source

Luk 6:46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?

Christian Entertainment by A.W. Tozer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R23HXIz5jrk&feature=related

"In many churches, Christianity has been watered down until the solution is so weak that if it were poison it would not hurt anywone, and if it were medicine, it would not cure anyone!"

A.W Tozer: Modern Evangelicalism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps6182vk3Eo

Holding Firmly To The Word As Taught: one test of the pastor

Tit 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Thinking biblical doctrine as optional is not holding firmly to the Word as taught. When this happens, they cannot nor will not give instruction in sound doctrine, nor abel to rebuke those who contradict it. This is a priority in what a true shepherd of God's sheep does: feed and protect them from poison and wolves.

Biblical Doctrine is never in the catagory of "personal conviction" or a "matter of personal preference" as in Romans 14. Biblical doctrine is commanded to be believed and obeyed.

Psa 119:140 Your Word is pure and Your servant loves it.

Pro 13:13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

Pipergate: summing it all up

This comment by Bud Press over at Slaughtering The Sheep in response to Pipergate was so good, I asked Bud if I could repost it here. He kindly agreed.

Quote:

A pastor writes a book. The book becomes a runaway best-seller. The pastor becomes an overnight sensation and influences millions. The book is read, studied, and idolized, and replaces the Bible in church, Sunday School, and Bible meetings.'

Later, when it is learned that the book introduces Christians to a counterfeit belief system, Christians speak out against the book and try to reason with the pastor and his followers. The pastor grins and shrugs his shoulders. His followers rally around him and shout “Stop attacking and judging my pastor!”

To make the truth known, Christians produce articles, books, and videos to warn against the book, but the book continues to sell like hot-cakes. The pastor, the book, and his counterfeit belief system, continue to gain popularity.

The book appeals to a wide variety of non-Christians–from cults to heretics– and is billed as the best thing since sliced bread. It is placed center-stage in online and walk-in Christian and secular bookstores worldwide. Christians complain and warn, but the book helps the bookstores stay afloat financially.

The book spawns other books, programs, and curriculums. Corporations and organizations are formed around the book’s teachings. Politicians are effected by the book. The pastor has an open door to prominent leaders worldwide–Christian and non-Christian alike.

Solid, Bible-based Christians meet with the pastor and try to reason with him. The pastor has heard all of the concerns and Biblical references. He continues to grin and shrug his shoulders. He knows that for every one follower lost there will be ten more to come on board.Years later, when the controversial smoke has cleared, a once-thought Bible-based Christian invites the pastor to a conference JUST TO HEAR WHAT THE PASTOR HAS TO SAY.

The pastor, who authored the book, which caused all of the controversy and deception in the first place, grins and shrugs his shoulders, and says, “Okay.” The once-thought Bible-based Christian refuses to listen to the warnings from his fellow Christians. He plays nicer and wiser than God, compromises, lends credibility to the pastor and his book, makes excuses, and endangers the spiritual welfare of believers.

Sadly, and most importantly, the once-thought Bible-based Christian refuses to humble himself, swallow his pride, and heed the warnings of Scripture:

“Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).

“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; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds” (2 John 1:1-11).

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-18).

“DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE UNFRUITFUL DEEDS OF DARKNESS, BUT INSTEAD EVEN EXPOSE THEM; FOR IT IS DISGRACEFUL EVEN TO SPEAK OF THE THINGS WHICH ARE DONE BY THEM IN SECRET” (Ephesians 5:11-12).

Who will be the next in line to compromise? But, who will hold the line for Jesus Christ and the truth of His word?

End quote.

Fellowship With False Teachers Is Treason Against Christ, Treachery to Truth, and Cruelty To Souls: the doctrine of separation

Bring. It. On.

1Th 2:5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Rom 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Gal 4:16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.

The following excerpt is from "Under Constraint," a sermon preached Sunday morning 28 April 1878 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London:

Quote:

I have not much patience with a certain class of Christians nowadays who will hear anybody preach so long as they can say, "He is very clever, a fine preacher, a man of genius, a born orator." Is cleverness to make false doctrine palatable? Why, sirs, to me the ability of a man who preaches error is my sorrow rather than my admiration.

I cannot endure false doctrine, however neatly it may be put before me. Would you have me eat poisoned meat because the dish is of the choicest ware? It makes me indignant when I hear another gospel put before the people with enticing words, by men who would fain make merchandise of souls; and I marvel at those who have soft words for such deceivers.

"That is your bigotry," says one. Call it so if you like, but it is the bigotry of the loving John who wrote—"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."

I would to God we had all more of such decision, for the lack of it is depriving our religious life of its backbone and substituting for honest manliness a mass of the tremulous jelly of mutual flattery.

He who does not hate the false does not love the true; and he to whom it is all the same whether it be God's word or man's, is himself unrenewed at heart. Oh, if some of you were like your fathers you would not have tolerated in this age the wagon loads of trash under which the gospel has been of late buried by ministers of your own choosing. You would have hurled out of your pulpits the men who are enemies to the fundamental doctrines of your churches, and yet are crafty enough to become your pastors and undermine the faith of a fickle and superficial generation.

These men steal the pulpits of once orthodox churches, because otherwise they would have none at all. Their powerless theology cannot of itself arouse sufficient enthusiasm to enable them to build a mousetrap at the expense of their admirers, and therefore they profane the houses which your sires have built for the preaching of the gospel, and turn aside the organisations of once orthodox communities to help their infidelity: I call it by that name in plain English, for "modern thought" is not one whit better, and of the two evils I give infidelity the palm, for it is less deceptive.

I beg the Lord to give back to the churches such a love to his truth that they may discern the spirits, and cast out those which are not of God. I feel sometimes like John, of whom it is said that, though the most loving of all spirits, yet he was the most decided of all men for the truth; and when he went to the bath and found that the heretic, Cerinthus, was there, he hurried out of the building, and would not tarry in the same place with him.

There are some with whom we should have no fellowship, nay, not so much as to eat bread; for though this conduct looks stern and hard, it is after the mind of Christ, for the apostle spake by inspiration when he said, "If we or an angel from heaven preach to you any other gospel than that ye have received, let him be accursed."
According to modern efficiency he ought to have said, "Let him be kindly spoken with in private, but pray make no stir. No doubt the thought was original, and we must not question his liberty. Doubtless, he believes the same as we do, only there is some little difference as to terms."
This is treason to Christ, treachery to truth, and cruelty to souls. If we love our Lord we shall keep his words, and stand fast in the faith, coming out from among the false teachers; nor is this inconsistent with charity, for the truest love to those who err is not to fraternise with them in their error, but to be faithful to Jesus in all things.

End quote.

What Christian today would have the guts to proclaim this loudly, boldly, and without a hint of apology, compromise, or cowardice?

What Christian would have the guts to rise against such truth??

R-E-S-P-E-C-T For Piper? Why?

I'm wondering.....

Why must Christians have misplaced respect for hirelings and disqualified pastors?

Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary of American English:

Respect

RESPECT', v.t. [L. respecto, or respectus, from respicio; re and specio, to view.]

1. To regard; to have regard to in design or purpose.
In orchards and gardens, we do not so much respect beauty, as variety of ground for fruits, trees and herbs.

2. To have regard to, in relation or connection; to relate to. The treaty particularly respects our commerce.

3. To view or consider with some degree of reverence; to esteem as possessed of real worth.
I always loved and respected Sir William.

4. To look towards.

Palladius adviseth the front of his house should so respect the south. [Not in use.]
To respect the person, to suffer the opinion or judgment to be influenced or biased by a regard to the outward circumstances of a person, to the prejudice of right and equity.
Thou shalt not respect the person of the poor. Lev 19.
Neither doth God respect any person. 2 Sam 14.

End quote.

Interesting....

Lev 19:15 as mentioned in Webster's above:

(ESV) "You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.

(KJVR) Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

(LITV) You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment; you shall not respect the person of the poor, nor favor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.

So, considering the definition, why are we to view with a degree of reverence of someone who has thoroughly proven himself to not be a faithful minister of the Gospel as it is written, but rather, has show outright DISrespect of God, His Word, and His Children, in open and unapologetic defiance? Why is partiality being given to such a person?

Jas 2:9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

What is to respect of one who is an impediment to the Gospel and to the growth of Christians?

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-18).

1Ti 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

Could it be that many churches have violated 1Tim. 5? Many pastors, and Piper and Warren are included here, not only have not ruled well, thus earning double honor, they aren't qualified at all, thus not earning any honor as elders. Could it be that seminaries have violated this command by pumping out men who think they are now pastors, when in fact they were not qualified before or when they were accepted into the seminary (seminaries usurp this authority from the local churches which is a factor in this problem)? Such men showed no eagerness to serve as deacons much less be qualified (requires EVERY requirement to be fulfilled) as elders.

Instead, should not the sheep be horrified at the shepherd, so called, who invites the wolf to dine with the sheep? What respect is there for such a shepherd?

Eze 34:2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?
Eze 34:3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep.
Eze 34:4 The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.
Eze 34:5 So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts.

Eze 34:8 As I live, declares the Lord GOD, surely because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd, and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep, 9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: 10 Thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them.11 "For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.

Joh 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.

Offering wolves in sheep's clothing is the slaughter of the sheep. Piper is in this very position, offering the wolves of Warren, Driscoll, Tripp, and Wilson. Instead a true shepherd PROTECTS the sheep from the wolves, which also infers a shepherd knows what a wolf looks like and what he does, and thus can identify him. He doesn't OFFER him to the sheep!

John Piper, Its Not Reformed vs. Non-Reformed, but Orthodox vs. Heretical

I would like to repost a comment made regarding the article, John Piper and Rick Warren: inviting Warren says a lot more about Piper than it does about Warren :

Committed Christian correctly said:

"When I heard about John Piper inviting Rick Warren to speak the desiring God conference I thought it was an April fools joke! I'm absolutely shocked. Based on what I learned so far, I want to note that Piper seems to be trying to skirt the issue by making it in to a "reformed" vs. non-reformed" issue when in fact it is a "orthodox" vs. "heretical, false teacher" issue. Time would tell if Piper is going to dodge criticism by telling the "reformed" Christians that they are being unloving for disapproving of his choice of Rick Warren, because Warren is not reformed, when in fact we disapprove because Warren is teaching doctrines that are not scriptural...period. "

I assume by "orthodox" CC means biblical, so I agree.

"What must the people of God do in view of the existing situation? Ephesians 5:11 supplies the Divine answer: "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them," and everything opposed to the light of the Word is "darkness." It is the bounden duty of every Christian to have no dealings with the "evangelistic" monstrosity of the day; to withhold all moral and financial support of the same, to attend none of their meetings, to circulate none of their tracts. Those preachers who tell sinners they may be saved without forsaking their idols, without repenting, without surrendering to the Lordship of Christ, are as erroneous and dangerous as others who insist that salvation is by works and that Heaven must be earned by our own efforts." ~ AW Pink "Signs of the Times":

Ingrid Schlueter on John Piper and Rick Warren

Commentary – Ingrid Schlueter

Excerpts:

It has been confirmed that Rick Warren will be a speaker at the prominent Desiring God 2010 Conference. According to Jonathan Parnell at the offices of the conference, John Piper reportedly met Rick Warren at the funeral for Ralph Winter, and that is how the invitation came about....

Jonathan Parnell was quick to tell me that Dr. R.C. Sproul and Dr. Al Mohler would also be speakers, as if to assure me that things couldn’t get too out of hand with them there. It appears that Rick Warren is going to be given the opportunity to respond to charges that he is non-doctrinal in his messages. Parnell told me that Rick Warren is “more doctrinal” than he appears. That would be news to untold numbers of Christians who have seen their churches abandon the biblical Gospel by jumping on the Purpose-Driven bandwagon.
Additionally, one wonders exactly what doctrine undergirds Mr. Warren’s latest outrage, his involvement with Tony Blair’s Faith Foundation and its “North American offensive”, as Blair put it, with a purpose of “uniting all faiths.” That would be the doctrine of anti-christ....

Whatever Piper’s thinking is, it is plain that inviting Rick Warren to speak at his conference, giving him prime time to manipulate hearers and present himself as just another misunderstood leader, is a serious mistake. Piper’s years of credibility as a trustworthy minister of Gospel truth are being undermined by this decision. I was one of several who were personally invited to Saddleback by Mr. Warren to speak with him in a private meeting last year. The PR offensive was clever, but it failed. Warren rests not, day or night, in his attempts to bring his critics on board and end the troublesome dissent that always plagues him. To win over Piper and his followers would be a victory indeed.