John Piper's Heart in the 2008 Election

[SUBARUstiS204ltd]

Did anyone else have a laughing fit when John Piper when condemned racism immediately after saying he has a problem with women who work? I wonder if he'll ever notice the irony.

[DrJTG]

Now Obama is bombing sovereign countries, men women and children dying. And Palin's still not back in the kitchen, John. Sage advise....

[DrJTG]

Now Obama is ordering the Justice Department to stop defending "Marriage" But Palin's not in the kitchen, she's out campaigning? Who knew? Thanks John, such wisdom.

[DrJTG]

Palin would have had a team of handlers that few women would deny that as in a way a more organized and pampered life that they now enjoy in the battle of rearing children and sweating the monthly bills....No this an obvious choice for an righteous faith filled protestant Christian. This is tacit, if not overt support of Obama voiced here.

[DrJTG]

"He won't touch it with a ten foot pole- he's the most radical proponent" what would qualify as touching it, would the most radical proponent qualify as "touching" the subject? I could see why a parishioner might get so worked up with his double talk.

BTW brother john, Sodom's judgement wasn't gay activism, no it was a wee bit more significant.

[candiceevans1]

the comments under this video are some of the most unintelligent comments i have seen on YT. I feel like whenever people discuss Obama their emotions cause their brain to malfunction. Palin supporters casn be the same,,,Piper is a good man and he is entitled to his opinion. If u donbt like it then change the channel

[DrJTG]

@candiceevans1 Your Channel says you are "Pro-Freedom" yet you contend against our First Amendment Right to respond to JP's ranting? Furthermore, where is your Pro-Freedom for that genetically unique human being in the womb? John equates a pro-abortion candidate, verses a equal but different role of a gender created by God? Not a valid argument, and I will choose to unapologetically exercise my free speech here, and not change the channel.

[jeffmaraman1]

So Piper can't vote for Obama, because a fetus is just as important as a 5 year old? But even though Palin might save these "babies", he can't vote for Palin, because a woman's place is in the home.

[DrJTG]

@jeffmaraman1 Exactly! He overlooks and rationalizes the obvious moral disregard of Obama's so called Christianity. He throws out the 6th commandment - and all the Socialist Liberal policies of an Obama regime, to speak agains a Palin regime which would be solidly pro-life, and moral. We all know the POTUS is essentially a figurehead for the policies of their party. No one person could really do that job.

[miking193]

We have a foot in heaven and a foot here??????? Johnny you can't serve two masters.

[Pray4Revival]

@miking193 Phillipians 3:20 says that Christians have "citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ..." That's what he means by having a foot in heaven and a foot here.

[miking193]

@Pray4Revival Yes Amen to that, it's the part apart being here on earth and building are treasure here, that frightens me about Piper, and Rick Warren. If they were sold out on the kingdom of heaven, and talked about having two feet there, because we have given up are life here, it be a lot less alarming. It's the subtle allowance of telling people it's okay to have a foot here, when Jesus says whoever does such, it'll cost him his eternal life. God bless, and I hope you see the truth.

[Pray4Revival]

@miking193 I think you might be reading too much into what Piper said. I am a citizen of my town... I pay taxes here. I'm registered to vote here. Literally "a citizen." And I'm a citizen of Heaven. I am "seated in heavenly places." There's a natural/spiritual parallel happening in what Piper is saying. And I think it's obvious from listening to his other sermons that he believes we should serve God with our whole heart, mind and soul, becoming consumed by God's power and plan.

[miking193]

@Pray4Revival Tell that to Jesus Christ. It's like the people in Hebrews11 - I'm a pilgrim here. And I feel much more confident telling Jesus Christ I did not make any dwelling place here.

[DrJTG]

The issue at hand is not the Characteristics of God, see Spurgeon for a good review of that, the question is that Piper's discussion of the candidates. He is "torn" in this election. "Torn"and he sites "racism" as a reason he is torn. Absurd, that was the Demon-crat plan - and he fell for it.

[monergistical]

I might try to respond further to your comments, DrJTG, but I honestly cannot make sense of your ramblings. This is not just a low blow. I truly cannot understand what you are saying. Please try to post in non-run-on, complete sentences. Use proper punctuation and grammar. Communication is key if you're trying to make a point.

[DrJTG]

That someone as intelligent and wise as you might respond to my comment, what an honor.

Gee whiz, I ain't much book learning!

How might I improve my writing techniques so you might rebut me and set me on the right path? I so want to know how comparing a such a great man, one who would kill his own unborn grandchildren compares to such an awful woman who might dare take a job outside her kitchen?

[ThusFar777]

@DrJTG

I too would like to know that.

[DrJTG]

SO what would Palin do if she wasn't VP? Oh -Govenor of Alaska, so what's the point? So how does that fit into Piper's "wisdom" ? Would Palin have appointed John Holdgren and his forced abortions as a Czar? Would Palin be the Head of the UN security council? Hmmm. Good thing we got our theology strait out of the Social Justice Identity Politics playbook (the misogynist version) and not he Bible.

And now we got the Globalist Evil that's out to destroy the family and America. Thanks John.

[monergistical]

You're right DrJTG. I'll bet it all comes as a shock to God, too. It's too bad that God doesn't have the power to change hearts or to steer elections. After all, the Bible teaches that we as humans are sovereign over the destiny of this country and planet, doesn't it? God's really up a crick now that his plan is thwarted.

I'm glad you get your theology "strait" [sic] out of the Bible and not a self-exalting humanistic playbook. This fool Piper believes that God is omnipotent—how stupid.

[lukedee12]

i hope you are being sarcastic.

[monergistical]

Not sure I could be any clearer.

[lukedee12]

look up the meaning of omnipotent... if you don't believe that God is then I extremely doubt your salvation brother. If you don't believe God has unlimited power or authority, then you don't believe God is God and that is sad. And the sovereignty of humans is limited man lol... read Romans

[monergistical]

"Not sure I could be any clearer." (In other words, I'm not sure my *sarcasm* could be any clearer.)

[lukedee12]

i'm so sorry lol really i made a fool of myself. i apologize again.

[DrJTG]

God is Sovereign, and John is wrong about the Palin vs Obama, which is on it's face wrong to, as they weren't head to head.. You are wrong, and sarcastic, that doesn't mean God is not Sovereign, and John is not wrong. Stating a point of fact and using it as a wholesale support of Piper is not a way of influencing anyone.

[spellbiff]

That was brilliant by Piper! He thinks on such a deep spiritual level. I try my best to, but he sets a great example. Since God is sovereign, God may decide to bring our country to a low point in order for people to turn to Christ...for whatever reason. After all, that triumphs EVERYTHING. Remember, the world passes away, but Christ endures forever.

[DrJTG]

Paul covered that great wisdom when he rhetorically asks if he should sin to increase grace.You probably agree with the mentality of Iran's leader who wants world chaos to bring in the 5th Omam or whatever it is? Not protecting children is tantamount to a millstone around the neck. And as a person who has a vote, and a voice, we are complicit. Wake up! God will do what He does, but we need to be faithful. That's not deep, it's stupidity.

[DrJTG]

Palin will run 2012 have you heard, and although I would first want the represenative from Indiana, my

"Hope" is fools like Piper will not be leaders but we will have true Christians who will stand up behind Sarah, and speak against the baby-killing politians & preachers who do not speak out against this deplorable sheading of innocent blood, the debasing of our nation's morals..."fairness" and "tolerance" are anything but. Please you people in Minnasota, get rid of this crank actor Piper.

[mtnbigs]

1. If you don't think its Biblical for a woman to be a military commander in chief, you should read about Deborah in Judges chapters 4-5.

She was a prophet, a judge, and in that passage, she sounds a lot like an executive commander-in-chief (who ironically commands a guy named Barak), who presides over and is celebrated for a smashing victory.

2. Barack Obama was not the first African American to run for president. He was the first to win a major party's post-primary nomination.

[DrJTG]

#1, #2, #3,etc....is abortion Piper, YOU are an demented. Get out of the pulpit. Change his mind? You must be deluded. We base our Christianity on helping those who cannot do it for themselves, little ones in the womb.

No it will undue the lives of us all...Obama will persecute Christians you fool.

[DrJTG]

Correct, run Jessie run comes to mind.

Obama is the first black to have the Wall Street bankers bankroll his champaign.

[DrJTG]

How dare you attack Piper with facts. Hater.

[mrdanface]

its interesting he doesn't bring up the war. It's one of the most easily defensible arguments from a biblical perspective.

[soozinne]

God predestined those he would save. We are not perfect, we still make choices to sin or not. That is why Christ died in the first place. He died for His children.

[TheSearcher24]

So God chose people that don't live a Godly live and are still saved. That is wrong. If has to life a life that you can tell the God is in their lives.

[Bearkiller777]

amen! it really is all about God and who He is and what He did through Christ for us. That is what this life is really about! What GOD did. not what any politician did or any celebrity or other persons

[katesgrandy]

. . . because this was part of the eternal plan to show the characteristics of God, to give the Son a gift of a redeemed people to forever praise His beauty and worth, and for these redeemed people to be presented to the Father as trophie of grace. It is ALL about God, and NOT about us!

[katesgrandy]

. . . not even by being "good" enough to make the "right" choice to follow God. Without His sovereign decision to intervene in a person's sinful state -- to regenerate that person -- so that this creature with new life will now be able to accept the gift of salvation -- NO ONE would be saved. And, becaue He is God, He made the decision of who He would save before He created the world. Christ did not die because man sinned and something had to be done, He died because . ..

[katesgrandy]

Allowing others to go to the just punishment for their sins is right, for they (and we all) have sinned against the Greatest Being. God rightly demands glory for Himself. He receives this by showing for all of His attributes over time, the universe, and eternity. He alone is worthy for receive glory because of who He IS. "For by grace are you saved, through faith -- and that (faith) not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, so no one can boast". We can't earn salvation . . .

[katesgrandy]

Knowing who would accept Him makes God omnicient, but not sovereign. Choosing who He would save makes Him sovereign. We ALL deserve death and hell the first moment we sin against God (and in fact, we are born sinners), but God allows us to live for a period of time before facing that judgement. He chooses "according to His own good pleasure". Choosing to show mercy to some of the people who rebel against Him, who sin against Hm, and who hate Him, shows His mercy.

[radevil]

mmmm yes!

[TheSearcher24]

How would it be hidden? maybe words or verses were taken out so that it would be a gospel of another jesus read (2Co 11:2-4).

[TheSearcher24]

Yes The only people who do choose Him, who believe in His name, who are born again. Chose (1Pe 1:23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

[TheSearcher24]

His own had and have the chose to choses God or not to why? Gods Only Son was a "free" Gift and the "BEST" gift Ever and nothing will out do that gift. Remember a free gift is freely given not forced. Other words you can't make some one do what they don't want to do. Love is not self seeking.

[gnanner1]

The only people who do choose Him, who believe in His name, who are born again, do not do so of blood (referencing the birth into a physical family, no ethnicity gives anyone extra privilege)nor the will of the flesh (as in John 6 where Jesus explaining why the Jews failed to believe in Him declares "No one can come to me unless it is granted Him by the Father") nor the will of man (you can't make anyone believe, as best as you may try), but of GOD.

[gnanner1]

You are right to say salvation is a gift. It is a gift given to whomever the giver chooses. . . and He has the right as the divine giver to give to one and not another.

[TheSearcher24]

So John Pipper believe in Election in a way that God chose us and we didn't have a chose to choses Him. Well I wounder if John has read (Joh 1:11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

If John Pipper believes that God closed us and that we didn't chose God then I would have to ask did God chose His own not to chose Him?

------------------------------­-----------------

[kyleotto44]

Don't stop reading there...

12 But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God,

13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

...interesting, isn't it. Praise God for His sovereign-saving grace.

[gnanner1]

The "his own" referred to in John 1:11 is the nation of Israel. He is making the simple point that no one chooses Him. Not the world, (v.10) not the nation of Israel (v.11) kyleotto44 is right to encourage you to keep reading.

[sheshe84]

I LOVE YOU JOHN PIPER!!YOU ARE MY SPIRITUAL FATHER!as for CSAroughneck,stop writing things u have no clue about!!!!

[mdkbdshan]

My prayer is for an awakening and a revival in this country.

[CSAroughneck]

As far as "white guilt"??? what is that?? I have no guilt. My GG Grandparents all owned black slaves and I am just fine with that. Just like the Muz are about owning Jews and just like the real black Africans who sold each other into the slave trade and still do. They have no problem with it either I am sure. Sounds like you have some "Black Guilt". Get an education and read your bible. Quit waiting on your satanic preists to interpret it for you. What a tool.

[mariarts]

hmmnn you mainly sound smart but first of all YOU CANT BE A CHRISTIAN simply because I hear your frustration n hatered to clear to believe you are (anybody does btw) So just try to not only reading the bible but also understanding it John Piper is as much a Baptist as Obama is a black man And the part of you being fine with slavery is noth rough thats just plain DUMB in this century I'll pray for you

[CSAroughneck]

First the Calvinist statement of faith. Their words not mine. They believe in limited atonement and predestination election. That Christ only died to save a few and is not available to all. If Calvin believed John 3:16then he couldn't have made his opinion about Christ. Calvinist believe that God will only call certain people to be saved and the rest God will condem to Hell. Makes all 66 books of the bible into a lie according to calvinists. I am not protestant you tool. I am a Baptist. IFB.

[kyleotto44]

You have a distorted and false view of original theology; more commonly known as Reformed Theology.

[vico100]

lol your the one who has washer and piper video's.

[CSAroughneck]

Hussien obama is not the first black presidential candidate....Alan Keys (Republican) from Oklahoma ran twice..I supported him. This guy sounds very week. He also has NO handle on US History... he is a black apologist. He needs to turn to Jesus and trust in him only. CAUTION JOHN PIPER is a PROTESTANT CALVINIST (REFORMED CATHOLIC)not a BAPTIST and he does not believe the Bible (John 3:16).. He only believes he can be saved..he is like a jehova witness... totally perverting the Word of God.

[almanzor2006]

CSAroughneck So protestant calvinist's don't believe john3:16 ROFL read romans 8&9 and stop believing the armenian heresy cheers. (FYO i think it is your responsibility to vote and in that Piper might have missed the mark to me the election was cut and dry obama is evil, mccain is not, no conflict! But I am a minority so i don't have the white guilt thing going LOL)

[bigcowp]

man love rules okay

[GabrielGZNH]

No, this guy IS a fucking Idiot. And your religion is pathetic.

[GabrielGZNH]

The LAST thing this country needs is more Jesus..

[dave1122drum]

piper is misguided christian celebrity. The womanhood thing was for that time only not now. That church of the corinthians was in shambles at that time. Paul taught how to treat SLAVES. That doesn't mean we do it now. This world isn't passing by, it will be made new some day and we will live on earth forever, not heaven. Big myth of our time this heaven business. Christian celebrities - eh.

[mhayes1986]

abort the babies that you don't want.

[mhayes1986]

no, your pastor is an ignorant douche bag.

[mhayes1986]

this guy is a fucking idiot.

[w019mrm]

you are lame... this guy is actually very intelligent and gifted... don't be jealous 1986

[99minerkc]

@w019mrm  this guy?

[YouMustTypeAUserName]

PIPER FOR PRESDIDENT!

[joejif1]

Wow Mr. Buddhafisch! I can almost see how you might say he is a sexist, but racist? He openly said that it was exciting that there is a black candidate for president and was very happy that times have progressed from times of slavery, to racism, then having a black candidate for president! He was probably alive during that time and to see current times is such a shift for him. So I would ask that you please draw some kind of real and logical conclusion from what he says, not just spewing hatred.

[w019mrm]

John Piper couldn't have said it better! That is the most biblical answer I have heard on the topic! Amen brother! The Spirit was definitely speaking through him!

ps. buddhafisch you are just trying to skew his words, and he would have a voice no matter what... because God gave him that voice not anyone else! i mean look... even you have a voice... haha... Jesus is amazing!!

[buddhafisch]

So basically, Mr. Piper is a racist, sexist, uninformed bigot who feels that a woman's place is in the home, a black man's place is in the field, and I should only be alligned with God?

Obama was NOT the firt black man to run for President. Not even close. Am I a Christian? I counter with this. Are you sir?

I believe you are a pig, that you have the most dispicable views I ever ever heard, and if it weren't for women, black men, and gays fighting for your rights, you would have no voice.

[azexpat]

I actually agree with a Calvinist!

[bikerdisciple]

Hey that's the first step. You're on your way home. *hehe*

[Knyce924]

OUCH! .. you know it's bad when you have your pastor asking you "are you a Christian?!" LOL

[nergis65]

dumb lost stupid church (whore) goer. the only thing i agree with is that a woman should raise children because since the womens lib movement and all these women having babies and letting day care raise them we have been in big trouble...

[vico100]

John Piper rocks no mater what!

[Pamathey]

I have to say, this is the first time I've really REALLY disagreed with something Piper has said. It's not unbiblical for a woman to be commander in chief! Read about DEBORAH in Judges! Of the top 4 people (Pres & VP's) to vote for, she was the only person who loved Jesus- and THAT is more important than her sex!

[tsopatsopa]

I think, the woman should not be the commander of man. You can find that in the letters that St. Paul wrote in the bible. And that's also why women are not ordinated to be priests and pastors in some Churches. During the Creation the man was created BEFORE woman and after the first sin, God asked Adam(man) FIRST (then to Eve). And in the family, the man is the head of the family (you can also find that in the bible). I may be wrong and that was just my personal view.

[Pamathey]

In the church, yes. However, in politics, like I said, keep in mind Judge Deborah (over Barak, the army commander!) and Queen Esther (over ... a whole nation!), etc. Paul would remind you that in Christ we are all equal inheritors- neither male nor female, Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free...

[jgrig2]

well keep in mind in the case of Esther she was not a rulling queen like Victoria. She was one out of many wives to the rulling king (though a prized one). There is a clear difference. Also in the case of Deborah it can be argued due to Isaiah's comments that it was judgment of God just to have a woman leader.

[Pamathey]

Regardless- God made Deborah the ruler. And God put Esther in a place of REAL authority to affect change through the King. Esther was VP. Not just one of many queens- for Vashti was queen and banished.

The point is- God's use of women in politics is not the same as leadership in the church.

Remember Jesus saying that the Queen of Sheba was going to rule against the cities where Jesus ministered because they didn't accept him and she came to Solomon for Wisdom?

[adglight21]

Obama is not the "first African American to run for president." There were a few before him. Gotta love Piper though!

[jgrig2]

first to actually have a chance

[goavs194]

so who did he vote for? lol

[Beautyfromtheheart]

The idea to keep in mind here, I think, is that we aren't Republicans or Americans more so than we are Christians. While politically, Palin was a good choice, Biblically, women are given the responsibility of keeping the home (Titus 2:5, Proverbs 31.) While it does seem a gray area whether or not women should be in politics (I tend to think that they have that freedom), if she has children at home and a household needing her, then Biblically that's where a woman ought to try her best to be.

[psalm1413]

I thank God for the voice of wisdom and obedience from Mr Piper. he was able to verbalize my heart!

Thank you and bless you

[deany1980]

I don't think Piper was trying to say 'the World matters nothing to us at all', but that our primary allegiance is not that of our Earthly Kingdom but of our Heavenly one. You may be an American Christian, but the thing that is all encompassing is not our Nation, race, sports team, etc but our God and King Jesus Christ.

Ck87JF Re: Race. You are right, but I do not disagree with Piper either. It is an exciting time regarding your history, a few decades ago it would have been a no no.

[Ck87JF]

6. advocate for Christ, not partisan parties

I totally agree.

Still, that comment about "our allegiance isn't with America, it's with God" doesn't sit quite well with me. I think it can be both ... God wants us to affect this world, and we can't do that if we stay away from everything that matters.

[Ck87JF]

(forgot four, oops!)

4. Prophetic perspective - Voting

I agree with this ... people shouldn't be so wrapped up in politics, in the world, in worldly things. Live IN the world, but not OF it.

[Ck87JF]

5. Sovereignty of God

As Pastor King says, no matter who is elected President, God is still King. God will still handle things, will still take care of them the way He sees fit, no matter which one is elected.

The guy says that people say "God's going to judge us if we vote for a pro-life/pro-homosexual president," then he says "that IS the judgment." Okay, so then why would people vote for those things? I'm not sure I understand his argument there.

[Ck87JF]

2. race

Skin color should not be a factor ... should NEVER be a factor in voting for a president, or for anything. What does it matter that Obama is African-American? How should that help the country?

3. Abortion

The man in the video praises Obama just moments before because he's black, and now he admits that Obama is pretty much the most radical Democrat ever in office. The guy doesn't say it, but Obama believes in killing BORN babies when the parents don't want them!

[r0cknsh0pp3r]

Correction: Obama does not believe in killing born babies.TIME magazine, 10/06/2008:

"PAID FOR BY BornAliveTruth. org

TARGET AUDIENCE Voters in swing states New Mexico and Ohio

THE CLAIM The survivor of a failed abortion, Gianna Jessen, says, 'If Barack Obama had his way, I wouldn't be here'

THE REALITY As a state legislator, Obama opposed a bill that would have legally recognized as a 'human person' any baby that survived an abortion, saying he feared the bill would lead to

[r0cknsh0pp3r]

a court case that could undermine Roe v. Wade. At the time, doctors were already required under Illinois law to care for any viable baby that lived through the procedure."

[Ck87JF]

I read that, and to me, that says that Obama doesn't care about babies born alive. He may try to say that he just doesn't want any trouble for Roe V Wade, but it still comes down to the question, what do babies born alive have anything to do with Roe/Wade?

Obama doesn't want to think that a baby that's been born is a human, that is seriously wrong.

[Ck87JF]

Many pro-abortion people say that fetuses in the womb are not living, thus they cannot be killed.  However, that argument can't be viable after birth, no matter whether the birth is after an abortion or not!

[r0cknsh0pp3r]

I hear people saying that Obama opposed that bill, so clearly, he wants babies born alive to be killed. He didn't need to vote for the bill- already in place was a law requiring care for those babies.

[Ck87JF]

If there's already such a law in place, then why was the bill brought up?

And even if you discount this stuff, what about his support for partial-birth abortion?

The definition of partial-birth abortion in H.R. 1833 is "an abortion in which the

person performing the abortion partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the fetus and completing the delivery."

Would you like scissors stuck in your head, and a vacuum tube to remove your brain?

[Ck87JF]

Article quote:

"Dr. McMahon sent the Constitution Subcommittee a graph showing that, even at 26 weeks of gestation, half the babies that Dr. McMahon aborted were perfectly healthy, and many of the babies he described as 'flawed' had conditions that were compatible with long life, either with or without a disability. ..."

(continued next comment)

[Ck87JF]

"... For example, Dr. McMahon listed nine partial-birth abortions performed because the baby had a cleft lip."

I was a cleft lip baby, and even had a cleft palate. But my mom chose life, even when the doctor asked if she wanted to abort.

[jgrig2]

not pro-choice but I do not think he wants them to be killed. He just wants no restrictions on abortion.

[Ck87JF]

1b. Sarah Palin (continued)

If, God forbid, anything happens to McCain, I think she could take over without too much difficulty. Plus, she's a huge family supporter, both in the life of children, and in the life of God-given marriage between man & woman, and I think she could do great things to make sure those things stay as they should be.

[Ck87JF]

I've broken this up into multiple sections, since there's a limit.

I agree with some things this man says, but also disagree with some.

1a. Sarah Palin

He says she should be a stay-at-home mom, which for some people is fine, but I think Sarah can handle being a mother as well as being a Vice President.  Right now, she's done pretty well keeping Alaska going, and she is very mature both in the political sense and in the religious sense.

[katherinerussum]

WHERE "Biblically" does it say a woman could not be commander in chief?? Then he praises Obama for being a minority and running for president. I like John Piper, but not when he says things like this.

[flabergastedman]

He demeans Sara Palin (and all women) by saying she should be home with her child. This is a perfect example of why I have a huge problem with most pastors - they push RELIGIOUS (not Christlike) ideologies and they use religion to make people feel guilty about things they needn't. This guy belongs on one of the TV programs for "evangelists". I'll bet he'd sell you a bottle of holy water or a hanky that he blessed, and promise you a hundred times return for your investment and many blessings.

[cornyflake1121]

You obviously don't know John Piper.

[offbrand5884]

I think this satatement stands for alot of the comments here. You are judging a man on one 6 minute video. He didn't praise Obama being a minority and running, he praised the idea. and he didnt say all women should stay home, he said Palin should with her handicapped child. Her kid has downs. Politcally I tend to like Palin but the fact that she has a downs syndrome child that needs a mother and she is off campaigning kinda makes me question her.

[flabergastedman]

First,I'm not judging a man,I AM commenting about this video. Second, why idolize the idea? You think this is some new idea? If you're going to idolize an idea it could just as well have been a Woman Vice President, right? Third, you and Mr Piper demean not only women but children as well. What is the difference in a downs handicapped and ANY other child whether special needs or not? You also demean her husbands role and abilities. You feel your masculinity threatened or something? RELIGION!

[ajdtech]

I agree on the race issue. The proper response should be that it is a non-issue. A man is a man regardless of race. I do agree with Piper on the female VP issue. It's Biblical and that's most important. You would be right to criticize if this issue were extra-biblical, but the roles of male and female are clearly established throughout God's Word.

[flabergastedman]

The tenor of this video is DRIPPING WITH RELIGIOSITY - from the demeanor of the man all the way through the text and he takes the Bible out of context more than once. AND - he doesn't really say ANYTHING! What a waste of time!

[InternalBRB]

Where does he take the bible out of context?

I think he said a lot, about 6 points worth...

[flabergastedman]

listen closely to him and then check the verses out for yourself, for example 1 Corinthians 7 does not say what he said. He twists it a little. It STILL DRIPS WITH RELIGIOSITY! He says a lot of NOTHING!

[blakecomer]

we are here to advocate for Christ and him crucified.

that is what it comes down to. whoever gets elected will get elected. but God will remain in power for all eternity.

[5354marie]

Obama is the first African American to run for the office of President in the general election - in the two party system.  Jackson, Sharpeton ran in the primaries. Dr. Alan Keyes ran in primaries and as a third party candidate. So Obama is in virgin territory.

[Fair2Flair]

MY bad - I forgot that Jesse Jackson ran in the 80's - so he probably was the first. And Al Sharpeton has run a couple of times too, so Obama is definitely not the first to run.

[Fair2Flair]

Piper is wrong on one thing here right off - Barack Obama is NOT the first African American to ever run for President of the United States. That honor belongs to Dr. Alan Keyes.  Obama is the first African American to get his party's nomination for President.

[t4battro]

CJGmiami2: John is not saying back out of politics and government. That is far from what he is saying. What he is saying though, it that our hope is not found in the politics of the US or the world or in man. Our hope is in Christ. So no mater what happens - that in the perspective of the church - whether you like who gets in or not - your hope is in Christ - so rejoice in your salvation!

[LayGuy]

Piper is spot on in regards to the Sovereignty of God. God's choice will ultimately win. And everything points to Obama being His choice. If this is the case, as an Aussie, I take my hat off and wish the US all the best as it staggers off the stage as the world's superpower. Americans should take note that it is not mentioned in Biblical prophecy and it's power will be taken away. Maybe Obama's view on Israel will be the US' nail in the coffin. It happened to the Commonwealth and communism

[CJGmiami2]

Perhaps all Christians should take the prophetic perspective, and back out of politic and government as John suggests. For your claim is that your allegiance isn't here. So in the mean time, live and let live. My allegiance is my country, my rights, and the rights of humanity.

[arielle167]

Believers should be "worked up." Obama advocates for homosexuals. Homosexuality is an abomination to our God (1 Cor. 6:9, 1 Tim. 1:1) and Christians should be outraged! Obama advocates for partial birth abortion, a procedure in which scissors are jammed into a baby's skull and the brains are sucked out. Our God values the lives of the unborn (Psalm 139: 13-16). We should be outraged! If Christians do little/stand on the sidelines we can expect God's impending judgment on this nation.

[jekeaton]

After watching this video, I have trouble accepting the defeat of this nation to secularism, materialism, and godlessness. Where has the Church been while this has slowly crept into our country? I am not just going to throw my hands up and accept defeat and just say this is just the end times and its all over. Forget the world. What happened to being an American? My allegiance is to God and to the land that I was born into. I am an American Christian. I believe in democracy and freedom.

[jlel]

When I clicked on "View Comments" I was apprehensively expecting lots of negative comments and comments slamming Christian views. However, it is quite pleasing to read insightful and well thought-out comments written by everyone. I wish Youtube will be more like this sometimes.

[Spawon]

Question for the DG ppl. Can we get further clarification on what Piper means by abortion and homosexuality being Gods judgment? I always envisioned his judgment to be pillars of salt or giant rocket from Hong Kong or something. Please help us understand what he means by that.

Thanks

[patbusse]

Hi, if you read Romans 1, obviously, Paul talks of man rejecting God, though God has made His presence known in the world around us...

v 21--"foolish hearts were darkened (by God)"

v24--"God gave them up in the lusts...

v26-27--"God gave them up to dishonorable passions (homosexuality)"

So, according to this literal interpretation of Romans 1, God's judgment on man is evidenced around us in homosexuality, in worship of anything other than the LORD.

These folks deserve our love and mercy.

[YouthPastorNate]

There is a difference between Esther, leading to establish the physical earthly nation of God (now gone, since the rejection of Christ), and political leadership in the U.S. God used Esther to do what men had failed to in establishing His people. The Bible is not a book on politics, though it applies thus. Yet God never acted on the part of politics or the leadership of any old nation, but of His nation. There is no longer a physical nation of God. We look now to His second coming.

[bbsmu]

I agree! I'm Piper's biggest fan though, so partially biased. It took courage to say the first comment. I couldn't of done it, 4 the backlash I'm sure you received.(youtube can be mean)I appreciate your heart. Do you think(just throwing it out there)maybe God has a greater plan 4 Palin...maybe her exposure to all the families of special needs kids, could be a blessing for her, her son those families someday. The purpose of her in the spotlight is all 4 this little boy?I love your blog, Piper :)

[Spurgeon687]

Of course God raised up a women named Deborah in Judges 4 to lead Israel because the men were incompetent. The Virtuous wife praised in Proverbs 31 worked outside the home. At least Palin will be working at home "the Whitehouse" if elected.

[YouthPastorNate]

Being in a location and being at "home", for your children, are different things.

[Spurgeon687]

What vs tells you the women must be at home to be a homemaker? The virtuous wife managed to perform work outside the home and was a homemaker praised by God. The bible says she must manage the home. If a women has the resources and support to manage her home and also work we should not cast judgement because the scripture certainly does not.

[JohnMark8403]

That isn't what he was saying. He was saying in regards to Palin because of her special needs child. And I agree that a woman's highest calling from the Lord is not necessarily to stay at home and raise children, unless that is what a specific woman believes that is what God has called her to.

[Spurgeon687]

Obviously God gave Mrs. Palin political gifts and not her husband. As long as the home is managed and the baby cared she is manageing her household.

Pastor Piper I believe was making a case that she should not be commander in chief which is not supported by scripture.

[ukfano3]

Ah, but he does say, "I don't think Biblically a woman should be Commander in Chief of the army." So he is saying more than just "because of her special needs child." I do believe that the best case scenario is for a wife to be a stay at home mother, but it is not wrong Biblically if she does not. God used women (Deborah) as authority figures in polotics and I believe he can do so as well today. McCain/Palin 08!

[timmcneely]

Perhaps the men are once again incompetent.....

[Votersrus]

To use your position as a church leader to influence apathy among potential voters, is as wrong as not taking a Biblical stance on any issue. The way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

Bottom line-I believe GOD is in control. But to influence man's free choice does not appear to be very biblical.

[m2web]

The very act of preaching is intended to influence. As Jesus stated, his kingdom was not of this world. The church is not about politics it is about us glorifying of God and obedience to Him.

[YouthPastorNate]

The issue is not to lose site of what we are here for: bringing God glory. " "The appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away." 1 Cor. 7:29-31

[sharonesuhr]

My one question stems from his statement that abortion and homosexuality ARE the judgment we shouldn't expect God's judgment BECAUSE of these things. I know we no longer live in OT times, but I think of Sodom and Gomorah and other accounts of nations being judged BECAUSE of their sinful ways. Can anyone clarify this or add some thoughts for me? thanks

[YouthPastorNate]

Yeah. His thoughts are from Romans 1:18-32. Verses like 24, 25, 28. In response to men turning from God, God gave them over to their lusts and sinful desires, "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another," "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done," and so on.

[m2web]

I think Dr. Piper was saying that God is sovereign and the very fact that homosexuality and abortion itself was happening is part of the judgment of God.

[guitareruption]

Awesome

[boneman222]

Anyone ever tell John Piper about a woman named QUEEN ESTHER? HELLLOOOOOO.

[2onemonkeys]

What about her? Was she in a place of influence to authority or authority itself.

[Spurgeon687]

Deborah was chosen by God to lead Israel and under her leadership Israel had peace for 40 years. John has developed his opinion discarding Deborah.

[YouthPastorNate]

Deborah - Judges 4:4-9. Deborah tries to get Barak to lead; when he will not lead in what God has commanded, she does. However, he does many other things right in God's eyes, and in Hebrews 11:32 we read, in regards to people of faith, "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson,Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets." Barak, the leader, is referenced, and not Deborah. Israel was without a king at the time, and Judges led the people - Barak.

[Spurgeon687]

Judges 4:4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judgeing Israel at the time. Barak obviously was a commander in the army but was reluctant to use military force.

Funny how the name Barak is used a the wimp.

[YouthPastorNate]

Not funny at all. That's quite common of men chosen my God - Moses, Joshua. At some point all doubted God and failed Him in some way or another. And when this happened with Barack (and it was only for a PERIOD of time), a woman stepped in. But this must be taken in light of the rest of what we are told about Barack, and more importantly, the New Testament.

[bbsmu]

but in barak's book, he says after he met his wife (I think thats who you are referring to) He still doesn't know if he believes in heaven or what to tell his girls at age 8. So, I dont know if He isn't still questioning. He said he was baptized, but didn't know what it means to do such an act.

[Spurgeon687]

No I was refering to Barak in the bible who would not go to battle unless a woman named Deborah went with Him. God had chosen Deborah to judge Israel at the time and she presided over 40 years of prase for the Jews.

[YouthPastorNate]

I'm referring to the Barak in the passage I referred to, Judges 4:4-9, and Hebrews 11:32.

[Levitica]

If you were to read Judges 4:1-3 Nate it would strengthen your argument for there you see what God thinks of the whole period about to be discussed in Judges 4:4ff, i.e. God has sold Israel into bondage because of their breaking faith with their Covenant God. To use the era of the Judges as normative is problematic, especially one in which God has thrown the people into bondage because of their failure to follow the law. The didactic always interprets the narrative, never the other way around.

[YouthPastorNate]

Thank you; you are right. I had gotten frustrated with the 500 character count and trying to present an adequate argument, and failed to consider that.

[Spurgeon687]

Never the less God did choose a women to lead. Why would we think it wrong that Sarah Palin be chosen by God to lead in such a time as this? Should we not deriive our opinions from the bible and not men? We are not making her a Pastor or elder.

If we read the virtuous wife in Proverbs 31 God praises the women that works outside the home. Sarah in fact will be working "in" the home the whitehouse if elected.

[YouthPastorNate]

We must see these as two different issues. God chose a woman lead in the establishing of His earthly nation, which since the rejection of Christ is no more. This is not the same as leadership in the United States of America. We are speaking about spiritual leadership, for the purpose of the nation of Israel, versus the direction of the U.S. My opinion is derived from the Bible, and Piper is in agreement.

[Spurgeon687]

The New Testament makes mention of Lydia who worked outside the home and Proverbs 31 in which the women who sells real estate and mechandise outside the home is praised. It is silent on governmental issues regarding women so we again go to Deborah of the Old Testament whom God chose to lead. I think we can conclude it is not wrong for a women to work outside the home or to be in leadership of a Nation at certain times. What scriptures are you using to derive your opinion?

[guardncharge]

Esther was a great woman of the Bible. She was mainly guided by her cousin and adviser, Mordechai during her reign. She is put into a position where she can save the Jews, however from what I gather, Esther had no children at the time of her reign.

[Spurgeon687]

Deborah was chosen by God to lead Israel and under her leadership Israel had peace for 40 years. John has developed his opinion discarding Deborah.

[funguyom]

boneman222: But Esther did not have a "Special Needs" daughter. We should be more sensitive to Dr. Piper's heart, rather than judging him so harshly. After all, he is the Biblical scholar, not us. Thanks.

[Spurgeon687]

Piper is a man and when a man says something tha t conflicts with the bible we should turn away from that teaching. He is not infalable. God chose Deborah to lead so why can't he be raiseing up Palin to do the same?

[YouthPastorNate]

Most important is that Dr. Piper has said nothing in contradiction of the Word of God. Also, there is no nation of God's people. Man is currently living under either the curse of sin or the grace of God in Christ Jesus. We are told that before Christ comes again, every nation will raise up against His people. For now, we look towards His coming - not an earthly deliverer.

[YouthPastorNate]

While I greatly respect Dr. Piper and believe he is right on in this video, his main argument was Biblical standards, not Sarah Palin's special needs daughter. That was his personal opinion in regards to Sarah Palin's family's need for her at home. No parallel can be drawn between Esther and Sarah Palin - Sarah Palin has not been chosen to save the Jews.

[YouthPastorNate]

But women should not feel ripped off by the Bible. See Gal 3:28 (God is not biased), 1 Cor 12:17-26 (we need ALL the gifts), Math 20 (leading over a church does not make one superior to others), 1 Cor 4:1-13 (teachers of the Word will receive greater condemnation). As I said, it's about authority over men. There was a woman disciple (Acts 9:36-40), deaconess (Rom 16:1), evangelists Paul refers to as "co-workers" (Phil 4:2, Rom 16:3), and an apostle refered to as "outstanding" (Rom 16:7)

[Nehmi]

Um, why would Sarah Palin as Prez be against the Bible?  Geez.

[MrGilliardMusic]

Hey Doc,

Great video. But Barack isn't the first AA person to run for prez. He's the first one to get a major party nomination as candidate.

That's a small thing, though - the rest of your vid is on point and very needed. Thank you!