There Won't Be Enough Evidence For the Skeptics Who Defend Piper, Driscoll, & Tripp

I often say that there is never enough evidence for a skeptic. I believe this is true for Piper (Tripp, Driscoll, Zacharias, Boltz) apologists. I know the list is longer, but these are the names that have recently been in the news lately.

For those who think there is no evidence of Piper's Downgrade, either they have been ignoring his recent actions or are in agreement with them.

While I will not do the skeptics/apologists' homework, however, I'll give them a little jump start, should they actually want to see and believe the evidence (I'm not holding my breath).

Let's start with one of my own posts: http://surphside.blogspot.com/search?q=Mark+Driscoll%27s+Vintage

Here's where you can do more research:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/and http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/

Two of their articles were from two years ago. I saw Piper's hand-holding with the ECM leader, Driscoll about two years prior to that.

Piper hasn't distanced himself from Driscoll, but continues to hold hands with him. and defends him. And now even Paul Tripp is using foul language "to make a point" about "the motive of the heart" which is absolutely ridiculous. (Let's not forget that Tripp led his children into using a cuss word repeatedly, too. )

There is plenty of information on Driscoll for biblical Christians to see how disqualified he is to be a pastor and a teacher of God's HOLY Word. For someone of Piper's fame to deliberately and continually endorse Driscoll (dubbed "the cussing pastor" by Donald Miller, author of "Blue Like Jazz") is wrong.

Yup, I said its wrong. It seems very few people are willing to be clear on this issue. But I don't see how either Piper or Driscoll are living up to the biblical standards of being an undershepherd.

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

Offering putrid, decaying garbage to feed HIS sheep and lambs with, is an absolute disgrace, regardless of the name or label used.

And remember: holding to TULIP doesn't give anyone a free pass. Saying some right things doesn't negate the continual error, either.

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.

How did these people "creep in unnoticed"? How does Satan and his workers deceive so many professing Christians? Do false teachers and false brothers announce themselves as such? Is deception merely just doctrinal? Can it include false, unbiblical practices?

Please, get off the bandwagon of rallying around your favorite teacher and be honest in testing him against Scripture. If he falls short, may your loyalty to go Christ Jesus alone.

John Piper and Desiring"God": Cussing and the Influence of Others

A man is known by the company he keeps.


Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.


Eph 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Here's the audio from at a Q&A with Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll, and Justin Taylor 2006 Desiring God conference, where 1/4 the way through Piper uses "smart ***". Justin Taylor apparently made the correct comment that Driscoll was having an influence on Piper and you can hear a nervous laugh.

A year later, we hear more cussing from John Piper in 2007 at the Desiring "God" conference. He says "God kicks our a**" sometimes. This was done at the Passion 07 Conference. Piper's response to himself is here.

It was the following year, 2008, when Desiring I don't know what kind of God conference had Paul Tripp (who used the s*** word himself it on a promo for the DGC video) and also had Mark X-rated Driscoll speak on the topic "The Power of Words And The Wonder of God".

Piper was about 61 when he said this, with about 27 years in the pulpit and he can't figure it out nor have self-control when speaking about God's truth? Truly Mark Driscoll has influenced his mouth and his thinking. By this time (2007) he had been exchanging pulpits with Driscoll for at least 3-4 years.

In all John MacArthur's years, not once has he cussed in the pulpit or in a Q&A. I'm guessing the same can be said for Paul Washer, Spurgeon, and for sure with all the pastors I've sat under for the last 20 years.

Also at Desiring I don't know what kind of God blog: writer Abraham Piper quotes Emergent leader Andrew Jones on "when cussing isn't cussing". Funny, that's Tripp's excuse and why he uses the s* word and by his own admission he got his kids to say it.

Pro 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

1Co 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

Consistency of life must be followed by consistency of speech

From John MacArthur's Commentary:


Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:6)

Consistency of life must be followed by consistency of speech. Paul is not speaking here of preaching the gospel, but general conversation. Believers’ speech must always be with grace, as was Christ’s (Luke 4:22). There is no place for those things that characterize the unredeemed mouth. Whether undergoing persecution, stress, difficulty, or injustice, whether with your spouse, children, believers, or unbelievers—in all circumstances believers are to make gracious speech a habit. To speak with grace means to say what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, complementary, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

The speech of the new man must also be seasoned… with salt. It is not only to be gracious, but also to have an effect. Salt can sting when rubbed into a wound (cf. Prov. 27:6). It also prevents corruption. Believers’ speech should act as a purifying influence, rescuing conversation from the filth that so often engulfs it. Salt also adds flavor, and the speech of the new man should add charm and wit to conversation.

Believers must also know how to respond to each person. They must know how to say the right thing at the right time. In Peter’s words, they must be “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet. 3:15).

The speech of the new man is vitally important: “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (James 3:2). Unlike the ungodly, who say “Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?” (Ps. 12:4), we as believers should echo the prayer of the psalmist in Psalm 141:3: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

End quote.

I found it interesting that salty conversation in this context is to have a godly affect, not a carnal affect...which is what Mark Driscoll and Paul Tripp, among others, have. They clearly, as have many Reformergents, either ignored or twisted this passage.

John Piper and His Continual Defense of Men Who Violate God's Commands

I have a strong view on Piper, and I guess I'll step on a lot of toes here perhaps. But I believe it has to be said. Bear with me....This IS the real John Piper. I think it started with his redefinition of "hedonism" and combining it with "Christian". Then came his friendship and defense of Mark-Potty-Mouth-Driscoll, the rap in church, and now Paul Tripp's cussing, among other things.

When "everyone" loves a man like Piper or Graham, you can bet there's something very wrong. Truth is narrow, & living a godly, separate life from the world (2Cor. 6) brings persecution from the world itself and from professing Christianity.Piper has a lot of audience to pull in and keep.

I've seen his downgrade continue for years, so I'm not surprised. Why is anyone else? Why do people refuse to believe Piper IS seeker-emergent-friendly and has compromised biblical Truth repeatedly? Certainly, he is not beyond being deceived. And this is indeed why having a "rubber stamp" mentality is so dangerous: just b/c Piper approves of Driscoll and Tripp doesn't mean its ok. I have found that many Christian bloggers/ministries, who like Piper and list him as a resource and off his ministry link, ALSO like Driscoll and offer HIS link as well.

Piper's DEFENSE of such men and their course and crude language shows a lack of discernment and wisdom and frankly, a love of that which is NOT holy.

Recall what Spurgeon saw in his day ---we are witnessing it today, only worse. And the enemy isn't just the world, its INSIDE the camp THIS is why it is SO disheartening as a Christian.

Pro 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not associate with them;

Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Rom. 16: 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Col. 4: 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Eph. 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

2 Tim. 2: 14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

Again, Confirmation that John Piper Is A Cancer for Christianity

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

At this year's Desiring-I-Don't-Know-What-Kind-of-God Conference will be none other than the heretical Douglas Wilson. He's the one who teaches Federal Vision heresy. Piper continues to befriend and defend the enemy of the Gospel of Christ Jesus.

Trinity Foundation states about Federal Vision:

....The Federal Vision brazenly defends justification by works; universal covenant grace to every child of believing parents, if not to every person sprinkled with water in the name of the triune God; an election unto grace that fails to save; baptismal regeneration; and the falling away of many who were once united to Christ. Among the authors are Steve Wilkins, John Barach, Rich Lusk, Peter J. Leithart, Steve Schlissel, James Jordan, and Douglas Wilson.

The movement that calls itself the “federal vision” teaches justification by the obedience of the sinner. “The presuppositions undergirding Paul’s statement [in Romans 2:13] include the facts that the Law is ‘obeyable,’ that truly responding to the Law (the Word) in faith does justify” (Schlissel, 260).

The “federal vision” teaches that the saving grace of God in Christ is universal within the sphere of the covenant, but that this grace can be resisted and lost. Everyone who is baptized, particularly every child of believing parents who is baptized, is savingly united to Christ, although many later fall away and perish....

The movement teaches baptismal regeneration. The ceremony of sprinkling with water in the name of the triune God effects the temporary regeneration and salvation of everyone baptized.

The heresy of the “federal vision” is deep and broad. It penetrates to the heart of the Gospel, and it extends to all the doctrines of grace. It can be refuted and rooted out only by the doctrine of a covenant of unconditional, particular grace. And this is why the Presbyterian and Reformed churches where the heresy is boldly taught are both unwilling and unable to resist it.

End quote.

In the recent past, Piper has had cussing and foul-mouthed "pastors" like Mark Driscoll and Paul Tripp also at the DIDKWKOG Conference. All of this is, I believe, the fruit of Piper's "hedonistic Christianity" and its bearing putrid and poisonous fruit.

Biblical doctrine is optional, like: no cussing, no course jesting and sexual talk, justification by faith alone, believer's baptism, just to name a few. No folks, to Piper and most self-proclaimed Reformers, its all just optional. And with Piper being the Pied Piper, his fans follow in his footsteps, linking to these men he bodly offers them.

I know of but ONE WAY to be justified and ONE WAY to be saved: by grace through faith in Christ alone. Any other way is damnable. But apparently, to so many Reformers, its just a matter of personal opinion, which is why they are embracing Federal Visionism and Romanism (FV is a form of Romanism). Such people are going back to their mother, the Roman Catholic Church, which was NEVER reformed (how can you reform that which is dead?).

Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them;

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.

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

2Jo 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.

Allow me to end with a quote from Spurgeon (whom these Reformers love to claim):

Excerpts from Spurgeon's "War! War! War!" : (You won't hear the likes of Piper, Driscoll, Sproul, or any of the other Reformers say such things about the RCC):

"I am astonished, and yet more astonished when I come to turn it over, at the want of earnestness that there is in the Protestantism of the present age. How do you imagine that Cardinal Wiseman pays for all his splendours, and that the Romish church is supported? Fools and slow of heart, ye find them much of their wealth. If he is to preach in any place, who is it that crowds the chapel full, and pays for admission? The Protestants; and the Protestantism of England is the pay-master of the Pope. I am ashamed that sons of the Reformers who have Smithfield still in their midst unbuilt upon, should bow themselves before the beast, and give so much as a single farthing to the shrine of the devil's firstborn son. Take heed to yourselves, ye Protestants, lest ye be partakers of her plagues; touch her not, lest ye be defiled. Give a drachm to her, or a grain of incense to her censors, ye shall be partakers of her adulteries and partakers of her plagues. Every time you pass the house of Popery let a curse light upon her head: Thus saith the Lord:—"Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."

John Piper's Desiring God To Invite Rick Warren to Speak

I’ve said for a while now that Piper is a cancer in his defiant defense of X-rated Driscoll, Paul Cussing Tripp, and heretic Douglas Wilson.

Its been reported that Desiring God will invite Tricky Ricky Warren to speak at their conference this year.

Don't defend this by claiming Warren might learn something. Oh, no. Warren doesn’t go anywhere to learn, but to teach and lure people away from the Truth. False teachers are not to be welcomed into a church nor offered in any way to the sheep. And the sheep are NOT to be the play yard for the wolves to see the light! But hardly anyone cared when Piper offered Tripp or Wilson. After all, they have some truth, right? About as much as a Mormon, Roman Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim or Oneness Pentecostal.

At what point is anyone will to totally reject a man, a ministry, a church, a group? What would it take to do so? Pardon me, I'm assuming there are those who would actually do so, given the evidence. Perhaps no one IS willing to foresake all for Christ Jesus anymore. I can count on ONE HAND those that DO.

Most professing Christians including Reformers, have been duped into beliving "truth is in everything" which allows them to not ever totally reject a man, a ministry, a book, a church. They think that by swallowing the poison they are still getting water that will help the body. These are the same that think the RCC is valid on some level, that Luther taught grace alone (you ought to read his 95 Theses as well as his larger catechism if you believe that), or that C.S. Lewis was a Christian, much less an Evangelical. In short, Christians---even many who hold to the Doctrines of Grace (and I love the doctrines of grace) think in practicle terms, biblical doctrine really is optional. That's why they can read the above authors. Apparently there is another way of justification by faith alone and salvation by faith alone. Apparently the Lord didn't mean it when He said that those who bring a false gospel are condemned. Apparently Paul was wrong when he said that if you add works to grace, grace is no longer grace.

So when Piper offered other false and unqualified men to speak at the DG conference, it was no wonder it was considered merely interestingly entertaining, as this lastest scandal is. To fain shock or surprise is to continue to miss the ONGOING problem with Piper. But I suppose, as long as one calls himself a Christian or claims TULIP, they will not be turned away. Ever.

So how do they think false teachers “secretly sneak in among you”? Or do you think that just can't happen in your circles? Will they announce themselves? No they won’t. They disguise themselves cleverly as a fellow sheep and often as shepherds—until they’ve slaughtered the sheep. That’s why God commands us to be “extreme” when it comes to such things: separate completely from poisonous men. This isn’t a sandbox we’re playing in. We’re engaged in a WAR. A war for Truth.

1John 2:21.. NO LIE IS OF THE TRUTH.

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.

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 works.

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.

Also, please consider 2Cor. 6:14-18.

I can only pray God will open up the eyes of His children and give them grace to stand loyal to Christ and Christ alone. As you can tell, this has burdened my heart for quite some time. I’d like to suggest an excellent article on the topic of taking heed to what you read (since so many love Piper’s books), by A.W. Pink. I hope it will strike a chord with someone and challenge many to reconsider their compromise.

Bloggers Who Slam Discernment Websites

Php 1:9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

2Co 11:1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 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. 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.


In Tim Challies' personal contemplation of Discernment ministries online (which he never names) he has decided that they are of "no value" and infers they get thrills out of evil (which if he knew the hearts of those with this gift, its FAR from fun and entertainment: our hearts are consistantly burdened and grieved and angered by what goes on in HIS name--but Challies hasn't a clue about that). In doing so, as Ingrid Schlueter stated, he is including credible, biblical ministries, as well as the purported ones that may find the horrors of "Evangelicalism" as mere entertainment (I have no idea which ones are the latter).


If such websites are revelling in evil, then why not just ignore us as he does those that are being reported on at discernment websites?


Challies failed to mention how Scripture repeatedly called out certain individuals as well as groups, to warn Christians away from them and their teachings. Although there are several mentioned, four of the most prominent ones will be sufficient here to make my point. These were letters written to churches and then later circulated. So what happened to a church, say in Ephesus had an impact on those in say, Rome, and vice versa. Look:

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.

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.

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. 3John 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.


3 John 11 shows us WHY it is so important to know what is going on and avoid such people: so that we will not imitate them. Rather, God calls us to:

Rom. 16: 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

This is calling for a warning about evil, not a study of it, just as many discernment sites also do. How can we mark and avoid persons, groups, or teachings if we don’t know it? If we keep things general then how can the naive and young in Christ know who's teaching wrongly? There are indeed times to be specific, especially in this age of instant influce through the Internet.


This ignoring of reality by some, is one of the reasons so many people have been captivated by Rick Warren, Mark Driscoll, Paul Tripp, the Emergent Church Movement, the Seeker/Pagan Friendly movement, Eastern Mysticism, Contemplative prayers, prayer labyrinths, etc.

What’s interesting to me is that while Challies makes a sweeping smear of Discernment sites that actually help others obey Scripture such as I just listed, he himself embraces the very evil we seek to caution others about.

Challies has applauded Donald Whitney and his book on “Spiritual Disciplines”. While Challies questioned the use of Richard Foster (a New Ager), he managed to swallow the pill despite the poison and then write highly of it. In other words, Challies finds a lot he likes in the book (even if it calls certain actions "spiritual disciplines" even if its not biblically supported, or moreover, promotes a false teacher like Foster), yet he finds little use for Discernment websites that caution against such error as New Ageism, Romanism, carnality, etc?


So Challies rather harshly criticize Discernment online ministries, slamming them as “offering evil as entertainment”, of “no value”, and does not help Christians "grow in godliness". Yet Richard Foster’s theology and influence does? Claiming certain activies as “spiritual” even though they are not spoken of as such in Scripture, moreover promoting an unbeliever as a spiritual teacher is better? Even when God tells us to be aware of the wolves and avoid them?

What happens three thousand miles away couldn’t POSSIBLY impact my life, so he thinks.

Ah, but it already has. Via books, authors, online teaching, book reviews, websites, etc. How prideful to think it couldn't. The hypocrisy is astounding: Challies is willing to put up with New Age garbage coming from Don Whitney via Richard Foster (doubtless they don’t go to the same church as Challies), but “throws the baby out with the bath water” of Discernment websites. Just as Paul said, the gangrene of error spreads rapidly--it did back then and it does even MORE SO today.

It seems to me in this Post-Modern “Christianity”, that people are very willing to put up with error (as Scripture defines it), but are quick to slam, insult, and aim shut down those who expose such error. They shoot the messenger. Why don’t they get behind the message at least? Why do they reject a spiritual gift and its benefits, yet DEFEND false teachers and those who promote them? God says "no lie is of the truth".

Those whom God has gifted with discernment often are looked upon as a bother, a thorn in the side of many. The gift of discernment doesn't fit into the Post-Modern thinking in today's "evangelical" circles. We are seen as negative, simply because we are showing the difference between truth and error, and are therefore unwilling to abide with the error. We are black and white, because God is black and white. Truth has no common ground with error. God demands purity in doctrine and practice. Those that want to reach a wide audience to gain applause, to sell books, to get the numbers, will seek to quiet people whom God uses to expose the error. Its likely that such people have accepted error (under the guise of “tolerance” and “love”) and therefore are personally guilty themselves. The light of Truth also shines on them and they don’t like it.


When God shows error somewhere, those who hold His Word above all else are grieved and cannot be ok with it, no matter the label it comes under. Our loyalty should be to Christ first and foremost, and then His people. We truly care for the sheep of God. Some of us came out of horrendous error and therefore have a greater appreciation for Truth and desire the same for God's children.


Discernment ministries that I appreciate take a LOT of fire particularly from “Christians”. Their clear stand for Biblical Truth ostracizes them from those who claim the name of Christ (the very same ones put up with gross error). They express their grieving hearts and godly anger, just as Scripture does. David is a good example of this, as is Paul and Jude. Evil should always grieve us and anger us, particularly that done in HIS NAME. And we should want to warn others to watch out for othe cliff!

I find it equally interesting how Challies is trying to read into the hearts and motives of these website owners as well as the readers. And how would he know, exactly, what they are?


Consider this: 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.


How did they creep in unnoticed? Why were they not noticed? And if it happened 2,000 years ago, would it not be even easier today via the Internet, Youtube, inter-church functions, seminars, conferences, tv, audio sermons online, online radio, radio, books, etc?

2Jo 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.


Keeping one’s head in the sand when it comes to mainline “evangelicalism” is to think that it has gone on as it has before; that there are no real damaging changes we need to keep abreast of in this world where influence can be instantaneous. But blinders don’t keep out the evil influences. Warnings can along with Scripture and the Spirit. This is what wisdom is. When “Christianity” is falling apart all around us, its good to know what is going on so we can avoid it and caution others.

Just this past week, I was talking to a woman who wondered about Rick Warren. She thought perhaps, with all his error, he still might be a brother in the Lord. I sent her information that she had not known about, and saw his error. Without discernment websites, it would not be easy for some people to get the information on some of these subtle false teachers. The other issue is that millions of people are online and get their ideas from there. So a church member might read or see something online he thinks is a great idea and bring it into his church, thus bringing in error.

When local churches go ONLINE to promote their heinous error in the name of Jesus Christ, they should be exposed for what they are: evil.


1Co 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler--not even to eat with such a one.

Eph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Eph 5:5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Therefore do not become partners with them;
Eph 5:8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Eph 5:9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),
Eph 5:10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Eph 5:12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.
Eph 5:13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,


Scripture is clear that when ANYONE comes with another gospel, like Baptismal Regeneration, or Eastern Mysticism, such PERSONS are anathema (Gal. 1:7-9). It is not a matter of opinion. Its not a matter of ignoring the error and 'holding on to the good'. There IS no good in error. There is no good in a false gospel. So if a person claims a certain "theology" their error is excused or ignored? Gal. 1 is somehow not applied to their favorite theologian or character in history? Since when is that biblical? Surely this is the sin of favoritism that God hates.


I daresay today's "Christian" is too afraid and unable to truly stand for truth. They rather join the mob than be an Elijah or an Isaiah. They find comfort in the company of numbers. How utterly disloyal to Christ Jesus. He, after all, had no numbers on His side, no popularity, didn't teach tolerance of evil or "just agree to disagree" with the religious elite of the day. He didn't compromise, but was loyal to the Father and His Word. He was bold. Those who claim Him are nothing like Him. They don't even aspire to be like Him.

As Ken Silva quotes:

For example, A.W. Tozer sounded an alarm; and one that the Church had best begin to heed, right now, before it’s too late:

"Many tender-minded Christians fear to sin against love by daring to inquire into anything that comes wearing the cloak of Christianity and breathing the name of Jesus. They dare not examine the credentials of the latest prophet to hit their town lest they be guilty of rejecting something which may be of God… This is supposed to indicate a high degree of spirituality. But in sober fact it indicates no such thing. It may indeed be evidence of the absence of the Holy Spirit.

Gullibility is not synonymous with spirituality. Faith is not a mental habit leading its possessor to open his mouth and swallow everything that has about it the color of the supernatural. Faith keeps its heart open to whatever is of God, and rejects everything that is not of God, however wonderful it may be.

“Try the spirits” is a command of the Holy Spirit to the Church (1 John 4:1). We may sin as certainly by approving the spurious as by rejecting the genuine… To appraise things with a heart of love and then to act on the results is an obligation resting upon every Christian in the world (Tozer On The Holy Spirit, August 3).

End quote.


I will quote A.W. Pink from a previous post, because its worth repeating:

Few words have been used more inaccurately and loosely in recent years, than has "love." With a great many people--it is but a synonym for moral laxity, weakness of character, a taking the line of least resistance, a quiet tolerating of what is felt to be wrong.


This same evil has held sway in the churches. Leniency and weakness have overridden righteousness and faithfulness. Instead of maintaining and enforcing the discipline which God's Word enjoins--the great majority of the churches have winked at even glaring sins, refusing to deal with those who walk disorderly. This reprehensible laxity, is misnamed "love". A mushy sentimentality which shrank from "hurting the feelings" of others--has ousted all concern for the glory of Christ and the honor of His house.


This is one of the inevitable effects of the lopsided preaching of the pulpit, where the 'love' and 'grace' of God were constantly proclaimed—while His 'justice' and 'wrath' were studiously ignored. God is 'light' (1 John 1:5) as well as 'love' (1 John 4:8); 'holy' as well as 'merciful'; 'severe' as well as 'good' (Romans 11:22). Unless the balance is preserved between those two sides of the Divine character, not only will He be grievously misrepresented--but the most serious results will follow! ~ (Arthur Pink, "Love Reproving" 1943)


Also, go here for the state of "Evangelicalism".

Go here for John MacArthur's comments on Truth and Error that he made recently at this year's Shepherd's Conference.

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??

"Evangelicalism", MacArthur, Spurgeon and Piper

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.


I was finishing John MacArthur's updated "Ashamed of the Gospel" book and he said something that is very applicable to Piper's defiant endorsement of Rick Warren, Doug Wilson, Paul Tripp, and Driscoll. MacArthur says what many of us have observed ourselves.

Here's what MacArthur says in his book (remember this was before Piper came out defiantly promoting Rick Warren):

"..that liberals arose from within evangelical ranks, used evangelical vocabulary, and gained acceptance through relentless appeals for peace and tolerance. The new modernism is following precisely the same course, and that tactice seems likely to take evangelicals by surprise once again.

Most of the market-driven megachurches insist they would never compromise doctrine. They are attractive to evangelicals precisely became they claim to be as orthodox in their doctrine as they are unorthodox in their methodology. Multitudes are sufficiently reassured by such promises and simply abandon their critical faculties, thus increasing their vulnerability. Unfortunately, real discernment is in short supply among modern evangelicals.

– John MacArthur, Ashamed of the Gospel, p. 200

This is absolutely true and what I've been saying about Piper and the Warren/Piper/Driscoll defenders. Maybe hearing MacArthur say it, they'll actually consider it this time.

"You may believe anything, everything, or nothing, and yet be enrolled in the "Evangelical" army—so they say. Will there arise no honest, out-spoken evangelicals among Dissenters to expose and repudiate this latitudinarianism? Are all the watchmen asleep? Are all the churches indifferent?" - Spurgeon

Spurgeon said:

"We would like to agree with one who says that the bulk of our church-members love the old gospel; but we are not quite sure of it. If there were so general a soundness in the rank and file, would they quietly endure the abounding errors of the pulpits, and the babyish amusements with which congregations are being drenched? We fear the plague is among the people as well as among the priests. Yet, surely, there must be some who will fling aside the dastard love of peace, and speak out for our Lord, and for his truth. A craven spirit is upon many, and their tongues are paralyzed. Oh, for an outburst of true faith and holy zeal!"


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.

Sing 2019

Just a few days after the Getty's ecumenical Sing 2018 concluded, they put up the registration and speaker list for next year's conference.

Os Guinness

I've written about him previously. Go here for the info. Suffice it to say that he's an Anglican, which means he's not a Christian, since Anglicanism is a works-based religion birthed out of Romanism by sexually immoral King Henry VIII because he wanted to divorce his wife in order to marry his mistress. Jesus said if the foundation is on sand, it will be destroyed. He also said that a evil tree can only produce evil fruit. Both are true of the Anglican church. Also, Guinness' church is feminist as it has women priests. He is also mystical.

Joni Tada

I've also written on Tada in the past. Go here for the articles in which I mention her. Of note, she is ecumenical (Lausanne Congress & conference hosted by them; signed the inter-faith Manhattan Declaration), is a mystic (promotes pagan prayer circles), and somewhat of a feminist as she preaches from the pulpit to mixed audiences. Often times women get behind a pulpit and claim to be “sharing their hearts” but in doing so, they end up exhorting and teaching men. This is the foot in the door we’re to avoid. She also campaigned for pro-abortionist (he's ok with some abortions, not for abolishing it)Roman Catholic Marc Rubio two years ago.


Mark Dever

He attacks God's Word and the sanctification of the Christian by saying that taking a stand on eschatology (specifically a millennial view) as a church is a sin. This is totally contrary to Scripture. I deal with that here. More on Dever here.

Paul Tripp

He's a Post-Modernist who sees no problem using certain cuss words, since it's merely a cultural construct (never mind Scripture prohibits it). Go here for info on him.

The Gettys

Sang with Roman Catholic Matt Maher (Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman have also collaborated with him on "All To Us" and Redman with Maher on "Remembrance-The Communion Song".) LifewayWorship's "The Gospel Project Summer 2018" offers Maher's "Glory Let There Be Peace" "for personal study".

John Piper Continues To Show His Liberalism By Promoting Another Emergent Calvinist

Ken Silva has a new article on the issue of John Piper offering another Calvinist who finds use in pagan mysticism. Here are some excerpts:

Apprising Ministries has been researching the rejection of Sola Scriptura, in favor of highly subjective and existential Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism, within the visible church for several years now. Developing as it has been into a veritable cult of contemplative spirituality it would certainly appear that the influence of Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster continues spreading within mainstream evangelicalism, and even within Calvinist circles.

For example in an April 17, 2009 entry at the Desiring God blog of the well-respected Calvinist pastor John Piper we read:

After our pastors conference in February, John Piper sat down with Matt Chandler for a conversation that is now available in 4 parts. (Online source)

We’re also told that in Part Three of this interview we get “Chandler’s thoughts on being a pastor, a Calvinist, and a Complementarian.” For those who don’t know Matt Chandler is lead pastor of The Village Church (TVC). That’s why as I followed up a tip from a reader I found it odd that in a search for Richard Foster in the Recommended Books of The Village Church, “that have challenged and helped us as a staff in our faith and in our ministry work”, we find his books Celebration of Discipline, Streams of Living Water, and The Challenge of the Disciplined Life.

End quote.

Silva goes on to explain and discuss the problems with Richard Foster and his book along with Quakerism.

This should not be surprising because Piper has been promoting the ECM for years now via Mark Driscoll the Goat Herder.

I've been saying for years now, much to the Calvinists' dismay, that John Piper IS liberal and IS a cancer within "Christianity".

John Piper continues to offer to his followers Emergent, Mystical, New Age, Foul-Mouthed men unapologetically. But because he and these men he promotes use the Secret Code, "TULIP", they all get a free pass while Charismatic mystics like Benny Hinn don't (however, there is a marriage between Charismaticism/Pentecostalism/ThirdWave and Calvinism via the Sovereign Grace Ministries of CJ Mahaney (throw in CARM's Matt Slick too since he claims two of the three Persons in the Trinity literally came to his conversion but he had no clue Jesus was resurrected for two years AFTER his conversion) so it just depends if you whisper the Code word or not in order to get a free pass.

All manner of excuses are given for what Piper has been boldly doing. Same with Driscoll.

Folks, WAKE UP. Anyone who rejects discernment and wisdom, and rather promotes false teachers and error, is not of HIM. Don't do what Piper does and pretend you can befriend and listen to such people without it staining you.


1Co 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." Piper is deceived, and so are his followers. If you read Piper or listen to him or his conferences, and think that his liberalism isn't affecting you, I'll ask you this: do you link to Acts 29 or Reformission? Do you find "good" in filthy talk or pagan Eastern Mysticism? Do you reject the weaker brother's conscience and flaunt your "freedom"? Do you defend Driscoll or Paul Tripp for being eternally "immature"? Do you see pure speech as optional? Do you think its IMPOSSIBLE that Piper could be deceived? Are you offended at what I just said?

Back in March I said the following, and Piper's recent endorsement of another Emergent Calvinist proves my point:

Is it any wonder that the God-hating Time Magazine applauds Driscoll and Piper and their Calvinism? Scripture says men hate His truth, they will not agree with it nor do they find it good. Rather they find all things of God as foolishness (1Cor. 2:14). So when the world pats a person on the back, that should be a red flag. It means they find you unoffensive, which means you aren't standing for Truth as Jesus did.

How did God deal with the shepherds of Israel? Did He wink at their sin and excused it as being merely "immature"? Or did He condemn them and pronounce judgment upon them? See Jer. 6:13-15; 7:4-24).

Consider this too:The continuing list of what a Reformer can hold to as optional yet find "unity" by "holding to" the TULIP and Creed and Confessions:

Feminism: women can be pastors and leaders over men in church (see the RTS Orlando pushing Synergy feminist conference). Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando) and evangelical feminism…
Emergent Church Movement junk
Jesus' physical return
Our physical resurrection
Satan as our current enemy
Justification by faith alone
Adam is literal
Fruit of the Spirit
Creation in literal 6 days
Impeccability of Christ
Lordship of Christ
Not using freedoms in Christ to cover evil; causing a brother to stumble
Not Getting Drunk
Repentance
Gospel includes the resurrection of JesusLiteral hell/ hold to Annihilationism
The Narrow Road excludes many people (the Broad Road) (aka no Universalism)
The TrinitySufficiency of Scripture
Philosophy - hold to it
Truth in error
Faith Alone
Christ Alone
Inspiration of Scripture
Total DepravityPerseverance / Preservation of the Saints by God alone
Rejection of heretics
Rejection of Roman Catholicism
Edifying speech
Perpescuity of Scripture and its doctrines
Completion of God's revelation

This leads me to ask, what makes anyone a Christian? Because they SAY they are?This POMO age has created "Christians" that not only do not know biblical doctrine, they don't live by it nor do they think its clear. Instead it has trained "Christians" to think ignorance as a virtue rather than a vice. Truth IS knowable. Jesus said it is. Do you really believe HIM?

This is why Calvinism, which is really very man-centered, will fall for Emergent Eastern Mysticism, Foul Language, and treating the things in Scripture, even Scripture itself, not as holy, but as entertaining or trivial matters. They find Scripture interesting but as milk, and the theologians as meat. This ought not to be.

As a side note, if you want to know what a ministry really believes, skip to the "Resources" page. What they offer their readers or members (if its a church) is far more telling than the standardized Statement of Faith. Its the practicle outcome of what they really think is beneficial and good for their sheeple.

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!

Rick Warren Is Not the Problem Now: Its Reformers Who Claim To Be Solid and Discerning Yet Are Anything But

Joh 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.

I acknowledge the legitmacy of the concern over Rick Warren using the Reformed circle to gain credibility. I have stated this as one of my concerns as well. However, I have also stated, and think its worth repeating again, that the real issue isn't Rick Warren. Warren has not changed. He is what he is and has always been: a fake Christian, a wolf in sheep's clothing, a huckster dying for popularity.

The issue is why anyone who considers himself mature in the faith, educated, knowledgeable, and discerning would even consider that Rick Warren is one of us? The dellusion of these Reformers is what is the problem, because they have gained a wide acceptance in the last several years as being biblically solid. The reality is, they are liberal. They are the problem now. While claiming TULIP and the 5 Solas, they embrace men who reject these things, therefore proving that they see these as merely an option, not actual biblical truth.

If Justification is by faith alone, then any other claim (that is, adding works to it) is damnable.Therefore the man who brings another gospel himself is accursed by God. He is not to be greeted, let alone paraded about as a brother in the Lord, and used as someone to whom you should listen to, as Piper did at the Q&A after Warren's teaching at DGC.

If Justification is by faith alone, not of works, as Romans 4 clearly states, then Rome and Luther were both wrong when they said baptism saves:

Luther’s Larger Catechism

#24] Therefore state it most simply thus, that the power, work, profit, fruit, and end of Baptism is this, namely,TO SAVE. For no one is baptized in order that he may become a prince, but, as the words declare, that he be SAVED. 25] But to be saved, we know, is nothing else than to be delivered from sin, death, and the devil, and to enter into the kingdom of Christ, and to live with Him forever.

# 83] Thus it appears what a great, excellent thing Baptism is, which delivers us from the jaws of the devil and makes us God's own, suppresses and takes away sin, and then daily strengthens the new man; and is and remains ever efficacious until we pass from this estate of misery to eternal glory.

RCC Catechism:

#978 "When we made our first profession of faith while receiving the holy Baptism that cleansed us, the forgiveness we received then was so full and complete that there remained in us absolutely nothing left to efface, neither original sin nor offenses committed by our own will, nor was there left any penalty to suffer in order to expiate them.

#1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. RCC #1213 Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

This salvation by works is no different than what Rick Warren teaches. Works is works. Grace is opposed to works. That is why salvation is by grace NOT works, so NO ONE can boast; it is a GIFT of God (Eph. 2:8-10). If someone sees the Doctrine of Justification as optional on any level with any one, then they will embrace someone like Rick Warren. To see legitimacy in Rome will lead to seeing legitimacy with Warren or Paul Tripp or Mark Driscoll for that matter.

We need to be biblically consistant. Whoever brings a false gospel should be rejected entirely for that man is accursed by God (Gal. 1:7-9). That may mean we reject a dead man we thought was a Christian teacher or it might mean we reject a teacher who is living among us today, or it might mean we reject an entire church or movement if its based upon the validity of a false gospel and illegitimate authority like the RCC.

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.

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.

2Jo 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.

Mat 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and THEN you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

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.

John MacArthur Takes On Putrid Preaching: Commenters Defend Driscoll

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.

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.

Jud 1:8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.

Recently John MacArthur dealt with the lurid way people like Mark Driscoll and others in the oh-so-fleshly-Emergent "Church" Movement deal with the Song of Solomon. In part here is what MacArthur says:

Mark Driscoll has boldly led the parade down this carnal path. He is by far the best-known and most prolific popular proponent of handling the Song of Solomon that way. He has said repeatedly that this is his favorite passage of Scripture, and he has come back to it again and again in recent years, culminating in a highly publicized series released on video via the Internet last year.

I keep encountering young pastors who are now following that same example, and I'm rather surprised that the trend has been so well received in the church with practically no significant critics raising any serious objections. So we're going to analyze and critique this approach to Song of Solomon over the next couple of days, including a look at some specific examples where the line of propriety has clearly been breached.

This has NOTHING to do with maturity. Elders MUST be mature and above reproach. This is a heart issue, a character issue. Driscoll (and Paul Tripp following right behind him) are boasting in their foul mouths.

But Mark Driscoll wouldn't get such a hearing and his dirty preaching wouldn't be accepted by so many IF people would outright reject him entirely, and also reject those who embrace, moreover, PUSH him onto those in "sound" "Christian" circles, like John Piper does.

The acceptance of Driscoll is largely due to his clinging to Piper and in turn, Piper's rabid defense and offering of Foul Mouthed Driscoll at his Desiring-I-Don't-Know-What-God conferecnes. You go look and see: those who link to Piper's books and website often will also link to Driscoll and his websites.

This EXACTLY stems from the mentality of "don't thrown the baby out with the bath water". One cannot keep clean if the water is polluted by rotting flesh.

Look at the damage done: the comments following the article are mainly supportive of this Garbage Mouth man. Unbelievable how people will refuse to do away with things that are so utterly unbiblical and infectious of the flesh. This isn't ignorance: this is DEFENSE of the FOUL MOUTHED man who claims to be a pastor.

Why "balanced" means to not go all the way and reject Driscoll is beyond me. GOD commands such things. I don't believe these people would've accepted the words of Christ, John the Baptist, nor John the Apostle when they dogmatically and radically dealt with horrific men such as the Pharisees, Alexander the Metal Worker, or Diotrophes. You men ought to be ashamed for defending filth under the guise of "balance".

Pro 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.

1Co 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler--not even to eat with such a one.

Psa 50:19 "You give your mouth FREE REIGN FOR EVIL, and your tongue frames deceit. 20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son. 21 These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

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.Rom 16:18 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.

Pro 4:24 Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.

We need to reject those who promote false teachers!

Should we discard with books, tapes, cd's, dvd's by authors who have proven to see biblical truth as optional, who promote teachers and speakers who are in direct opposition to truth, even though they themselves claim they are not?

YES! A hundred times YES! Without hesitation, without doubt, without guilt.

Pink discussed this very issue and I think its worth to be posted again as a reminder and perhaps for some, an exhortation, to stay on the NARROW road.

Those men who claim biblical doctrine, like justification by faith, yet promote men who deny it, bring themselves under scrutiny: do they REALLY believe in justification by faith, or is it merely their own view? If its biblical doctrine, its not an option to promote any other view. If its of eternal consequences, there is no other view--indeed, to teach things in regard to the Gospel and salvation which are opposed to Scripture is to promote the path to Hell!

A person who claims one thing, but promotes the opposite isn't one who REALLY believes what they claim they do. We see this all the time. For example, the Roman Catholic "Church" says it believes in salvation by grace yet then adds works. In politics, Gov. Schwarzeneggar said he was against taxes, then proceeded to give us a tax hike here in California. Finally, a recent example in Christian circles is John Piper, who says he holds to the doctrine of Justification by faith, yet he promotes and feeds his followers a man who denies this very doctrine: Douglas Wilson who is one of the leading proponents of Federal Vision heresy.

Let's keep in mind that Piper has also repeatedly promoted and defended Mark-the X-rated- pastor-Driscoll, as well as cussing author Paul Tripp for his Desiring "God" conferences.


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.

Woe to the man through whom this is done and the one who promotes such teachers!

Do people think that a false teacher will announce themselves as such? How do you suppose they will infiltrate churches and families, if not subtlely, secretly,and under the radar, proclaiming sound doctrine so as to be accepted by you? Why not through "other" men they offer, so as to not cast doubt about themselves; after all its not these men who are teaching something "off" ---just one of their friends, and shouldn't we be tolerant and hope they grow?

Folks, we are to be wise, not gullible. We need to reject those who promote false teachers! If you consider yourself sound in doctrine and won't watch TBN because of the false teachers, why do you not do the same within your own circles? Why do you reject TBN but applaude Piper? They both do the same thing...one is just far more subtle.

Think about it.

Don't commit the sin of favoritism (see James 2). Hypocrisy is horrible both on the side of the one promoting false teachers while claiming to be biblical, and the hearers who refuse to reject the one through whom they come yet claim sound doctrine. Truth plus error IS error!

Quote:

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.

--A.W. Pink

Where Is the Memo of Outcry To Desiring God Ministries and John Piper?

Lighthouse Trails is very disappointed in the men who are participating at the 2009 "Entrusted with the Gospel" National Conference, knowing that Mark Driscoll will be one of the featured speakers.



While Driscoll's crass speech about sex may perhaps not bother these men, his manner is degrading to women and children--and godly men are required of the Lord to defend and protect women and children according to Scripture.

Contact: Cathy Mickels, 360-387-8150 SEATTLE, Jan. 14 /Christian Newswire/ --

Concerns about Mark Driscoll, the controversial pastor of Seattle's Mars Hill Church, are being circulated in an eleven page memo raising many questions regarding why Driscoll will be speaking on "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" at The Gospel Coalition's Conference this coming April 21-23 in Chicago. (See http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/about)

[To get the memo by Cathy Mickels, go here.]

In response to those who will claim Driscoll is doctrinally sound, Mickels states, "Since when is it doctrinally sound to refer to Jesus as some 'dude' who tells 'knock-knock jokes'?" Since when does Biblical doctrine tolerate the description of the Old Testament as 'a red-neck hillbilly comedy' containing mocking comments about Noah and Jeremiah?"

Quoting from Driscoll's book, Confessions of a Reformission Rev, Mickels states, "It also appears Mark Driscoll discovered early on that talking about sex could help him build his church. In fact, Driscoll wrote, 'I assumed the students and singles were all pretty horney, so I went out on a limb... Each week I extolled the virtues of marriage, ... oral sex, sacred stripping and sex outdoors...This helped us a lot because apparently a pastor using words like penis and oral sex is unusual, and before you could say aluminum pole in the bedroom, attendance began to climb steadily to more than two hundred people a week.'"

The memo details that in one of Mark Driscoll's most recent projects, he undermines and corrupts gospel truth. For example, Christ said to Nicodemus, "You must be born again," but according to Mickels, without shame this pastor recklessly undermines the words of Jesus for the title of his new book called, PORN-AGAIN Christian. Mickels asked, "Who would tamper with the words of Christ and then use them as an introduction to a discussion on the perverted world of pornography?"

End quote.

The memo says in part:

Oddly enough, it was a stand-up comedian, foul-mouthed Chris Rock, whom Mark Driscoll credits with teaching him how to preach. Mark claims this comedian was "a better study in homiletics than most classes on the subject." (Confessions of a Reformed Rev, pg. 70). Therefore, would he think others should also follow his example, which will require them to fill their mind with curse words and smut in order to learn how to effectively deliver a good sermon?

Admittedly, Mark Driscoll states he is reformed in his thinking, and he can deliver a sound sermon if he wants to. But, that does not negate his reckless, irreverent treatment of God's Word, and the crude language that proceeds out of his mouth. This only makes his ministry more dangerous. If an enemy of the faith had used the same comedy to mock and pervert the Word of God, we would see this attack for what it is. Moreover, throughout the history of the church, vulgarity and playing fast and loose with Scripture would have immediately been identified as falsehood, error, or a serious character flaw. However, for some reason, today many in the Church are compromising and excusing ungodly behavior coming from the pulpit.

For those who would be alarmed by this cavalier handling of God and His Word, Mark also has an arrogant, cocky response. He says, "...religious people are too serious.....judgmental....they're such a joke."

End quote.

There are some HORRID quotes by Driscoll, but you can to go to the link to read them in full.

At least John MacArthur takes a stand regarding such filth. You can find his quotes in the memo, too.

I'm also glad some folks are expressing their disgust with him like Slice of Laodicea and Lighthousetrailsresearch.

However, my concern is why does JOHN PIPER ENDORSE DRISCOLL?

WHY DID JOHN PIPER HAVE DRISCOLL SPEAK ON THE ISSUE OF "The Power of Words and the Wonder of God"?

What about Piper endorsing Paul Tripp and his filthy language? Go here for his s*** use in a promo video for the "Power of Words" Desiring God conference.

Why are folks not upset with PIPER?

Where is the memo to Desiring God conference and ministry?