John Piper - Prosperity Gospel: Is it Salt and Light?

[TheWarbirdPhoenix]

As a heathen,even I agree with his message.

[rubikp]

AMEN!!!

[tanderson1015]

As long as people want self served there will always be a market for the creflo dollars of society....and as long as self is served Christ will not be served.

[ImOmniVan]

Whoever has ear ought to hear.

[Palindrome700]

what sermon is this taken frm?

[Barnabas64]

Wow, there's some really good comments on this video.

I felt really blessed to read all of the responses to kingdomswagg.

It's amazing to see so many hearts attuned to God.

[chirocush]

What you are being told is the "prosperity preaching" is not what the teachers say.  You will be held accountable for what you beleived from the mouth of men and not according to the word. The manner of teaching here sounds like is is based on hate not love which is the highest commandment.

[jleilani12003]

Chirocush, I believe that you are mistaken about John Piper's message. He doesn't hate those that teach the prosperity "gospel", he hates that so called "gospel" itself. It's the same concept as Christ hating the sin but loving the sinner. People need to be made aware of these false teachings that are going around - the biggest one being the prosperity gospel.

[FOUNDNAKED]

May God raise up more preachers like Piper... May God be glorified above all..

[dazzadidja]

amen

[xzample77]

John Piper is top notch. When I heard him preach I was amazed because I had NEVER heard the word presented in such a thourough way. Expository Preaching is tight.

[bassist558]

Christians who did the most for this earth are those who though the most of the next- C.S. Lewis(paraphrased) we need to be set on Heavenly things. When we experience Jesus in the most raw form this world seems worthless and has nothing to offer us. Earthly things dont matter they just fade and shatter.

[flag4eva]

This is so true!

[davidousMAX]

piper is such a beautiful person. LoL really though, praise God Im thankfull for him.

[flag4eva]

Lol, I know how you feel, I had so much truth revealed to me in his sermon about one life! No one has ever told me what he said, but it brought me back to the fundamental truth!!

[kaoneaw]

two words: JESUS CHRIST. He was not rich in this world, lived with poor, brought gospel to poor(who were still poor physically after the gospel was preached; how do you explain that?). our main goal in this world is not to obtain worldly riches but it is to become like Christ. the abundant life that some "pastors" are claiming we should have is in fact the HOLY SPIRIT and not worldly riches. Our lives were not full until the Holy Spirit started living in us.

[bigphade]

kingdomswagg you are so beyond lost it isn't even funny..

examine yourself..

its funny the prosperity gospel peeps have the same exact scriptures they always go to when they are challenged.. reminds me of a cult building up false prophets.. seventh day Adventists, Mormons, all did/do this..

taking parts of the bible and making your own gospel out of it..

[kingdomswagg7]

I'm lost, but I'm sold out for the Lord,with a consistant quiet time with the Lord, praying and reading the scriptures,keeping a journal writing down everything the the Lord is sharing with me, a beautiful wife, two lovely children(my two year old knows how to pray,lay hands on the sick,spell his name,say his abc's a tell you the sound that each letter makes,and can count to 20), a great ministry(in the church and the market place),and the favor of the Lord is on my life...but i'm lost?

[fruitofspirit]

To the casual reader, my latest comment is directed toward kingdomswagg7.

Ya know, when someone is roaming about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour...it's safe to say they've "angered" the prosperity gods.

My advice to that person is to go make another "1,000 Vow of Faith!" Maybe it will "pay off" next time since what Christ did on the cross is "good enough" in their estimation.

[kingdomswagg7]

According to Galatians 3 because Christ hang on the tree, the blessing of Abraham came upon the gentiles(non jews)through Christ. Check the scrips, Abraham was rich according to Gen chper 13! You are suffering from chuch hurt and i can see that you were in a word church and satan stole that word from you through circumstances, but i wanna encourage you, and apologize to you, for offending you, but God still wants the best for you and your children, because you are his daughter and he LOVES YOU!

[fruitofspirit]

Yes, some people in the Bible were rich. But that doesn't mean all people have to be rich to be "right with God." In fact, that concept contradicts the book of Job & the Gospels. Mary, the mother of Christ - her offerings in the temple indicate she was among the poorest of the poor. Does this mean only poor people know God? Of course not. There is a balance. God has unique plans for unique lives. The rich younger ruler refused Christ in exchange for wealth, but another rich man bought His tomb.

[kingdomswagg7]

no one said that you had to be rich to be right with God. I said that becasue of what Christ did, we have a "promise" to be rich, but it has to be mixed with faith. Sad to say, the average believer don't know how faith works! Anyway, the rich young ruler refused to follow Christ, because he equated giving to "loss" ! But in the Kingdom of God, we give to recieve treasure in heaven, which protects us from worldly conditions;high intrest rates,recession,depression,ect­.

[fruitofspirit]

Please don't be upset with me - I wouldn't say this to be arrogant. But it's important you know, there's no promise of worldly riches or financial protection because of the cross. This is the kind of teaching Robert Tilton & others promote, but it's ploy to get people's $ & an excuse for their mansions. You love Christ, I don't doubt that. Read the New Testament again & see the lives of the Apostles. They had jail cells, not limos. You're my Christian fam. It's true God sends sun & rain to all.

[kingdomswagg7]

No offence taken. It's just sad to know that they have believers that follow a doctrine that was instituted by racists that wanted to keep people feeling inferior, so that they can have access to all of the wealth. As a result, the world has billions of dollars and they are drawing our children to them, while the body of Christ is broke busted and discused!That is sad. At my church,we have build a 23 million dollar facilty(debt free) for our childern and young adults! Tell the world to top that!

[grantward77]

23 million?? Are you proud of that?? Do we Americans need a 23 million dollar facility just so people can be comfortable? Do you know how far 23 million would go in support of missions??

[kingdomswagg7]

Very proud! Our members will not have to go to the world to have fun! Is ther're a problem with being comfortable? Why should we spend 23 million on missions trips, when we need evangilizing right here in our country! This facility is in the GHETTO! It's a tool of economic evangelism! While the world is falling,we in the Kingdom are progressing, building facilities to do outreach! We are winning people to the Lord, doing what we are doing!

[grantward77]

Yes there is a big problem with being 23 million comfortable. We do need mission work in this country but most Americans turn their nose up at it. People overseas, some who have never heard of Christ need it more than we do.

[kingdomswagg7]

GET OUT OF TOWN! No, most americans turn up their noses to jugdmental, religious fanaticks like yourself! The world wants to hear about God, but they dont want religion. They wanna see people be real. Tell me. When was the last time you stopped someone in the grocery store that was not the same color or status as you and told them that God loves them? When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone and the recieved Christ? GET REAL!

[grantward77]

First, I have not passed judgement on anyone so for you say what you did in your first sentence was nonsense. I disagree with religion...it divides. And for you to sit there and question me like you know me isn't that a little judgmental in its self? I truly feel very sorry for you and me and my family will be praying for you. God Bless.

[kingdomswagg7]

YEAH, RELIGION KILLS BRAINCELLS! No religion here, just Kingdom! Anyway, you came at me. if i hurt your feelings, i apologize! But please, feel free to pray for me. Dont say that you are and you don't. That will be a lack of integrity.

[kingdomswagg7]

and you did not answer my questions

[grantward77]

I never came at you bro. I just stated that 23 million should be put to better use. I am a minister..I minister everyday. Work, store, mall, eating...anywhere, hope that answers your question.

[kingdomswagg7]

23 million is NOTHING for God! It was a bit much for what was spent on Solomons temple, but GOD did not have a problem with it......He endorsed and commanded them to do it! Being that you are a minister, i want to encourage you to get your vision of who God is and what he is capable of doing.We built that stuff "debt free", in the midst of a recession in a poor,broken,black community.This is God showing himself strong in the earth, apart from the earth's condition! We are not off this world!

[ReadPsalms1]

"Tell the world to top that! "

We are not to glory in men... Watch out for pride, because it come before destruction. I am glad there is a place you have for the youth to be active in the activities which surround things of a kingdom perspective, but watch out that you are not bringing the world in with it. I am saddened about the youth group I am involved in, because we have sports activities available after service, but I see their attention is divided. We only have them for a short time.

[kingdomswagg7]

Yeah, they told David that he was in pride when he came to the camp saying that he could kill Goliath, so i am not surprised when people see kingdom minded people speak with kingdom authority! Anyway, i only agree with christ by him telling us that we are the Light of the world, the salt of the earth...a city on a hill cannot be hid! God said that because we harken to his word we are the HEAD and not the tail. If we are the HEAD, we can't be topped.Sorry if i burst your wineskin with that one!

[ReadPsalms1]

The Head is Christ.

[likepaul116]

I though Christ was the head of the church? We are talking about god's people compared to the world! Kingdomswagg, you are a beast homie!

[kingdomswagg7]

THanks man of God! I try to do what i can, u know! I'm just excited about where the kingdom is going in such a time as this! We gotta know who we are in our position in Christ,ya feel me?

[kingdomswagg7]

Thanks! But I'm not talking about the head of the Church. I'm talking about our position in the world. We have been the tail for to long. I'm tired of watching young, teenaged believers getting sucked into going to the club, and doing worldly stuff, because the only thing we can provide for them is "bible study"! God is concerned about those kids' social life also.

[ReadPsalms1]

The historical accounts have spiritual meanings. Certain things point to spiritual things. Remember Judah laying with Tamar? What was given as a pledge? One thing mentioned was a signet(like a seal)which resembles being seled with the Holy Spirit, our earnest until the purchased possession. In a similar way, the earthly wealth should teach us spiritual truths pointing to Christ (Jn.5:39-look for Christ/the Gospel,etc.hidden)Remember Isaiah6:9-10, Mt13:13,Mk4:11-13,Lk8:10,Jn12:­39,Acts28:27see not

[CallCentre3294]

What is "the best"? Are *you* defining the "best"? Or are you letting God, who knows what's best for you, to decide what's best?

Is the "best" having so much money that you end up becoming a slave to money rather than God?

Is the "best" having no trials in life, and so not developing perseverance, which leads to character, which leads to hope?

Are you using a worldly definition of best when you say God wants the best for his children?

[CallCentre3294]

This post was supposed to be a reply to one of kingdomswagg7's comments.

[kingdomswagg7]

The same "best" that the Father gave the prodical son when he came home! The BEST robe,shoes on his feet,a ring on his finger(BLING,BLING), and they killed the fatted calf!That's the way Father God celebrates his Children!The worldy def of best is "big car, big home, big bank account,but the kids are on drugs,the wife is a slut,and there is no real friends! God's definition is "big car,big home,big bank account,kids are saved and in ministry,wifey is commited to please hubby,and we all love God!

[CallCentre3294]

I think you might be mis-interpreting the parable.

How can you say that God's definition of best is "big car, big home, big bank account" and the rest when the Bible does not teach this? *Sometimes* those things *may* be best for a person, but it's false to say they're always the best for every person at all times in their lives. Only God knows best.

Luke 12:15 says, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a mans life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

[CallCentre3294]

It is a parable, i.e. not a factual account but a story with a message. Please don't miss the message because of greed.

In the parable, the prodigal son learned the hard way that covetousness leads to a life of dissatisfaction and disappointment. He also learned that the most valuable things in life are the things you cannot buy, nor replace. Apparently, once his wealth was gone, so were his friends. Even these unclean animals seemed to be better off than he was at this point.

cont.

[CallCentre3294]

This is a picture of the state of the lost sinner or a rebellious Christian who has returned to a life of slavery to sin (2 Peter 2:19-21). Sin promises freedom but brings slavery (John 6:23).

The son began to reflect on his condition and realized that even his father's servants had it better than him. His painful circumstances helped him to see his father in a new light and brought him hope (Psalm 147:11, Isaiah 40:30-31, Romans 8:24-25, 1 Timothy 4:10).

cont.

[CallCentre3294]

This is reflective of the sinner when he discovers the destitute condition of their life because of sin. It is a realization that apart from God there is no hope (Ephesians 2:12, 2 Timothy 2:25-26).

The son devised a plan of action. Though at a quick glance it may seem that he may not be truly repentant, but rather motivated by his hunger, a more thorough study of the text gives new insights. He is willing to give up his rights as his fathers son and take on the position of his servant.

cont.

[CallCentre3294]

He realized he had no right to claim a blessing upon return to his fathers household, nor did he have anything to offer, except a life of service, in repentance of his previous actions. With that he was prepared to fall at his fathers feet and hope for forgiveness and mercy. This is exactly what conversion is all about, ending a life of slavery to sin, through confession to the Father and faith in Jesus Christ, and becoming a slave to righteousness;

cont.

[CallCentre3294]

offering ones body as a living sacrifice (1 John 1:9, Romans 6:6-18, 12:1).

This prodigal son was satisfied to return home as a slave, but to his surprise and delight was restored back into the full privilege of being his fathers son. He had been transformed from a state of destitution to complete restoration. That is what God's grace does for a penitent sinner (Psalm 40:2, 103:4). Not only are we forgiven but we receive a spirit of sonship as His children,

cont.

[CallCentre3294]

heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, of his incomparable riches (Romans 8:16-17, Ephesians 1:18-19).

The father then ordered the servants to bring the best robe (a sign of dignity and honor, proof of his acceptance back into the family), a ring for the son's hand (a sign of authority and sonship) and sandals for his feet (a sign of not being a servant, as servants did not wear shoes, or for that matter rings or expensive clothing). All these things represent what we receive

cont.

[CallCentre3294]

in Christ upon salvation: clothed in the robe of the Redeemer's righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), made partakers of the Spirit of adoption (Ephesians 1:5), feet fitted with the readiness that come from the gospel of peace prepared to walk in the ways of holiness (Ephesians 6:15).

This was not just any party; it was a rare and complete celebration. Had the boy been dealt with according to the Law there would have been a funeral instead. The Lord does not treat us as our sins deserve

cont.

[CallCentre3294]

or repay us according to our iniquities." Psalm 103:10.

Instead of condemnation, there is rejoicing for a son who had been dead but now is alive, who once was lost but now is found (Romans 8:1; John 5:24). Note the parallel between dead and alive and lost and found — terms that also apply to ones state before and after conversion to Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5). This is a picture of what occurs in heaven over one repentant sinner (Luke 15: 7, 10).

cont.

[CallCentre3294]

[read from the bottom upwards, sorry for many posts]

So hopefully you can now see that the parable is all about sinners returning to God, and what a good thing that is. It's a parable about that not prosperity, houses or money. It's completely inconsistent with the rest of the Bible to read it as a prosperity promise. And it's a parable, so please understand its message and don't think the symbolic details should apply to each individual's life on earth.

Keep up the daily study!

[kingdomswagg7]

you went through all of that , for what? God is my Father and he loves me, and that's why he blesses me with the best! If you don't want the best, it's cool. But don't step on my toes because i recieve the 100fold return according to mark 10:30. Finally, why are you preaching against having more than enough resources. If you don't have more than enough, you cant help anyone,you can't help your local church, and you can't represent the Father well! But anyway, stay blessed!

[CallCentre3294]

You keep judging the best by wordly standards.

I would happily give up what the world calls the best if God determined it was not actually best for me.

You probably don't like to suffer. But Christians are called to suffer for the gospel (the real gospel, not the prosperity gospel). If suffering is for God's glory, then my suffering should mean nothing to me.

"Finally, why are you preaching against having more than enough resources."

Please look up "enough" in a dictionary.

[kingdomswagg7]

the only suffering we as believers should suffer is "persecution, not being understood, and crucifying our flesh, when our flesh wants drugs, alcohol, anger, gossip, unforgiveness, and illegal sex; fornication, adultry, masterbation,oral sex,anal sex, ect. Are you willing to suffer and go without any of those things of the flesh?

[jleilani12003]

To quote kingdomswagg7 "God's definition is "big car,big home,big bank account,kids are saved and in ministry,wifey is commited to please hubby,and we all love God!". Where in God's Word is that? If that was the case then why were the disciples so poor? The prosperity gospel is worldly in its nature and teaches that we can have everything we want because we are little gods. That teaching my friend is no where in the bible. Check out 2 Corinthians 8:2

[kingdomswagg7]

lol! The disciples were poor, but they were fishermen, doctors, tax collectors, and some had hired servants! WOW!

[equinoxx44]

Then go and work for free and give all your checks to the kingdom.

[kingdomswagg7]

SO I GUESS ABRAHAM WAS BAD BECAUSE HE AND ALL OF HIS CHILDREN WERE RICH! Get real mr piper!

[kingdomswagg7]

John piper talks all of that mess and he got BIG TIME CHEESE! And again, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL!

[jwuonog]

Brother John, I heard the news this week that the prosperity gospel was spreading in Africa. I wept.

Father, please, for the sake of your glory, get rid of this false gospel...

[kingdomswagg7]

YOU need to stop following John Piper and follow Christ! John piper is a jealous, bitter, angry man! He needs to forgive and pray for these people whom he "thinks" are in error, and spend more time teaching people the gospel! Why would you spend so much time preaching about what you DON"T believe!?

[fruitofspirit]

Amen at 2:54!

The "prosperity garbage" goes to show how sneaky the devil is.

I believe some prosperity teachers are so effective because they are just AS deceived as the people they con.

A pastor in an affluent church I used to attend said, "Money isn't bad...it's the LOVE of money of that's bad."

The danger is money is easy to start loving.

[kingdomswagg7]

get out of here with that garbage! I bet all of your bills are paid, so you don't have to get in faith, and put pressure on the word to get your bills paid!

[fruitofspirit]

Excuse me? I've been on food stamps, through a bankruptcy, we have a CRIPPLED CHILD - so whatever your asessment of my life is, Honey, it's WRONG.

You "put pressure on the word?"

God is not our Burger King, Sweetheart. We don't get it "our way, right away."

I don't "have to get in faith?"

My only "bills" that matter were "paid" 2,000 years ago. When I see the wounds in His hands & feet, how in the world can I complain about car payments & visa bills...of which I've have MANY.

[kingdomswagg7]

What do you mean, we don't get it our way? Christ said, whatever you ask the Father in my name shall be given? He said, ask and it shall be given unto you, give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure,pressed down, ect! He said, seek first the Kingdom and HIS rightiousness and all these THINGS shall be added unto you. He said, whatever you desire, when you pray, believe that you have recieve them, and you shall have them, i can go on and on! Our father loves us, and have provided for us!

[fruitofspirit]

All of that is true - but those verses are not the only parts of the Bible. The key phrase is, "in My name." When we ask for something He condones for us, it will be given.

See, the prosperity doctrine gives part of the picture - but not the whole one. Sometimes God has to strip us of idol obessions that distracts us from Him. He "burns away the dross." (From Malachi.) This process causes fleshly wants to die with Christ. So to find Christ's glory IN suffering is a very refining experience.

[kingdomswagg7]

First of all,God does not give us stuff, then takes it away!God is a father,not an indian giver(lol). In IITim 6 Paul instructed tim to warn the rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor TRUST in uncertain riches,but in the living God,who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;That they do good,that they be rich in good works,ready to distribute, willing to communicate;Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life.

[kingdomswagg7]

Good night, gone to bed. I will pray for you and you children. Be blessed.

[SeraphsWitness]

John Piper is amazing. Praise Jesus for this message.

[RJFerreiro]

Goosebumps. He's so passionate! And right on!

[mauriciorcardenas]

Amen, brother!!!

[barryU2gamecock]

Amen!

I pray I grow in my hatred of this false gospel, and in love for the true gospel!