John Piper - Not OK to simply make a decision for Christ

[philipfrancey]

i realy dont understand this guy, we are all sinners so we dont love god before we get saved it takes god to change our hearts so why is he making it out we need to be perfect the decission and commitment is the start then god begins a work in someone, romans 10 v 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the lord will be saved". this means i realise im a sinner and seperated from a holy god and i ask jesus to forgive me and come into my life thats when the transformation takes place.

[Domodeath]

@philipfrancey No, try reading the Scriptures. Revelation 21:8

[craigwallace68]

@philipfrancey Hey Philip, take a look at burningclod com

[thijsspijs]

@philipfrancey i think he is talking about HOW this transformation takes place, it's by giving Jezus authority in your life as you say, and then we are going to WANT to gloryfie God, but this will still remain a decission we have to make right? and i think he is trying to say that choosing for food or pornogrophy does not lead to gloryfing God.

[dmpilarta]

God made us to magnify Him!!!

[aTruster]

Universe? that's a secular phrase. The heavens were His work and not the universe. Why use secular words? Porn, money, food, worldliness? what about the sinful nature wherein every thought, word and deed brings down wrath for on high? You break sin down into acts when sin is our very character.

I've listened to a few of your posts John and it becomes more and more obvious that you know neither the true state of man or the means that have been provided for the election of grace unto salvation.

[natgalmac]

@aTruster Universe means One-Word.  That's all it means :)

[aTruster]

@natgalmac verse has never meant word. There are a number of etymological possibilities, but uni-word is not one of them. Nice try and it did make me smile at first, but then I checked the accuracy of what you had said it didn't line up. Blessings, H.

[natgalmac]

@aTruster Ooops.... :(

[aTruster]

@natgalmac Was it meant to be a joke? If so....hahahahahha, hahahhhhaaaaaa.....hahahahahah­hahaaaaaa. :) OK?

[GoodNewsTV3]

The two most powerful words in the Universe: "Glorify God"

Whatever you treasure, there lies your heart.

[papermason]

Oh man is this convicting!!! Thank you for posting this video.

[parakeethands]

I detect the influence of Jonathan Edwards here in the sermon.  Great!

[renovatio1988]

nbennet3 i understand what you are saying and agree to a certain extent, but you must see that its lack of doctrine that led our country (if you life in U.S.) to where we are now, and where we are going in the future.

[nbennet3]

We're on here arguing about who's right and who's wrong about salvation. ...how quickly we forget our calling. We all have salvation because Christ freely gave it. Our purpose now is to live a life worthy of that salvation. We are all part of the family of Christ. We shouldn't be worrying about who's right or who's wrong on a doctrine level, but rather how we can spread the gospel and please God.

[mikevoter]

The rich young ruler was saved but refused to give up everything to serve God. Salvation is a gift that costs nothing. Service to God costs in oreder to be acceptable to God. Think of a son in contrast to being a soldier. A son is born a son but a soldier must be disciplined and trained. Mixing the 2 concepts causes much doctrinal error.

[csu12]

Mikev-the rich young ruler was saved?????? What? So u are saying that the rich guy was saved because he performed some works, and knew that Jesus was a good teacher???? That's unbelievable. So why then did he go away sad???? Can i tell u that Satan himself knows that Jesus died on the cross and that He was a good teacher. I have no idea how u can think the rich young ruler was saved. What verse makes you think that. Also, what do u think 'mocking God' means?

[mikevoter]

After studying that difficult passage for many years, I conclude that he was saved under that dispensation. I am forced into believing he was saved because we know that the bible repeatedly states that we are not saved by "selling all and giving to the poor and then following Jesus". That would be salvation by works. Christ called Him to a commitment of his life that would result in reward. Salvation is a gift which he already had. Rewards are earned, salvation is given through grace.

[csu12]

mikev- right we are not saved by works, but that's the only thing u have to say he was saved. What do u take from

(I John)? Your theology has taken the new birth out of being Born Again. So, would you say that anyone that passes a test on Jesus in a theology class (gets all the right answers) is saved?

[mikevoter]

Joh 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

So if she knew who he was she would ask for salvation and get it as a gift. Knowledge is woven into true salvation.

[csu12]

mikv- notice in the verse (If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee..). It's also about knowing the gift of God (salvation) and what it really is. Yes, there is a knowledge component to salvation, but it's not sufficient on it's own, which i think u agree with.

[sparwood8]

..and 30 years later, what I did still haunts me, in spite of 1 John 1:9. 5 weeks 'shacked up.' God word just echoed and echoed and hounded me.

I believe if you are saved, you cannot sin and feel good about it, nor can you brush it off.

"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin. Whosoever commits sin is of the devil" OUCH!!! I pled guilty and God forgave me, instantly... and I love Psalm 103

[sparwood8]

It is almost amazing that Lot made into heaven... but I believe he did. Same with Sampson, he was something of a womanizer

[mikevoter]

Its no more amazing than you and I "making" Heaven ... no one "makes" Heaven it's a gift. Lot was accepted by our Holy God because righteousness was imputed to him, the same as any believer.

[csu12]

mikv- The rich young ruler came to Christ with all his (External works). Christ knew this. Christ decided to push the issue inside (to the heart). He told the young ruler "be satisfied in Me", and so the young guy walked away, why? Well, the next verses tell u. Because with man, it's impossible, with God it's possible. The young ruler was trying to get into heaven his way, on his merit, and u think that was good enough?

[mikevoter]

I think the rich young ruler was a believer proved by his conduct. He kept the Law from his youth up, which would include the Temple sacrifices which pointed to Christ's cross. He came to Christ for instruction and meekly took the rebuke re Christ being God. He was not seeking salvation but rather reward in Heaven. Christ told him how to get rewards in Heaven thus showing that Christ knew he was saved. His instruction does not fit the case of an unsaved man.

[stick1to2the3issue]

@csu12 Im going thru something similar in my personal life. My marriage is crumbling before me and Im in a state of despair. Evidently my satisfaction is tied to my marriage (and not Christ) cuz I find it hard to even b motivated to do anything since the marriage is crumbling. Just like how Jesus was trying to get the rich young ruler to stop trying to find satisfaction in money, I believe Jesus is trying to get me to stop finding satisfaction in anything else (including my marriage) but him.

[N1mro8]

@stick1to2the3issue

I can understand the view, but have you also read Proverbs 31?

[stick1to2the3issue]

@N1mro8 yes...what is the application

[mikevoter]

The black or white, yes or no approach to who is a Christian, that the Reformed Theology people assume they have down is not correct. They worry and fret over those they suppose aren't really Christians because they don't have works.

Try feeding the new Christians instead of always expecting them to produce fruit as proof that only mature Christians have anyway. Slacker Christians should be afraid of the loss of reward they will experience at Christ's judgement seat, not loss of salvation.

[csu12]

John 15 6If anyone does not abide in me(L) he is thrown away like a branch and withers;(M) and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

40Just as the weeds(A) are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at(B) the close of the age. 41(C) The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all(D) causes of sin and(E) all law-breakers, 42(F) and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place(G) there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

[mikevoter]

No the tares or weeds are burned because the Evil One planted them. The branches are burned by men (KJV). The branch came from the VINE not the Devil as the tares. Men simply discount the life and testimony of the Christian who is not abiding in Christ. He displays no spiritual strength or characteristics because he is out of fellowship with Christ. He is like Samson with his hair cut; no POWER!

The salt that loses its savor and is thrown out to be trodden under foot of men is similar.

[csu12]

Mikev- no one is condoning looking at someone and saying "well, they're not saved, they just do what they want to do". I think it's a concern that people base their salvation on true saving faith (not morality, and not prayer formula).

[mikevoter]

That reasoning is based on believing that all Christians will display fruit. That is a mistake. All Christians do not display fruit and some who did then cease. Are they now lost? No. Christian failure is a truth of the Bible. By their fruits shall you know them was Christ talking about false teachers not Christians. That fruit is their teaching! Even fruit bearing Christians are described as producing fruit, more fruit and abundant fruit. So there is no uniformity in this matter.

[csu12]

mikev-"Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abrahams children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41You are doing the works your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God." 42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here.

[csu12]

Mikev- you are right in saying that one cannot lose their salvation. We just seem to disagree on what saving faith is, and what the new birth entails.

[mikevoter]

I'm sorry to disagree with you again as you display a very good attitude when discussing things that are very dear to both of us. I see the area of disagreement on whether a person must consistently exhibit good works as part of their salvation. My view is that Christians can fail to do so and still be saved. I do not condone such a life but I cannot deny this truth since it is scriptural.

You are following Lordship salvation theology which is incorrect as I have shown you scripturaly.

[csu12]

Mikev-i agree with you that Christians will struggle with sin, and even have seasons of sin, (4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood). This is directed at Christians. But how many people who claim to be christians do not struggle with sin, because the sins they commit they do not regard as sin (offending God) and could care less. Is it possible that they really aren't saved....i would say it's possible.

[companymanPs6811]

Sure, its possible but its also possible that people who have lots of works are not saved. For some, only God knows for sure. Have you read the sorry life of Lot recently? Looking at him as a man, I would say lost! Abraham and Peter both call him righteous. Thus he is righteous before God but unrighteous in the sight of man. A loser life laced with self interest! Jesus taught self deniel as the path for service.

[csu12]

6811- U r right, works don't make u saved. So do we not have any concern 4 those who r wordly (or those we think r lost) because Lot was deemed righteous in God's eyes? Do we tell those people "Oh keep sinning, and loving it, and don't bother examining yourself because Lot ended up making it? To me, that's laughable. If that was the case, then everyone must be saved, so why bother preaching. The whole world could have a prayer day, put Jesus in their pocket and get on to their real passions.

[companymanPs6811]

The fact is that Lot had the benefit of Abraham's example and teaching, yet he still failed to respond to the need to grow in God. Yet Abraham prayed for Him as a righteous man. We ssek not to condone sin in this life but neither to we desire to destroy the righteous with the wicked.

God will judge every believers works after this life. Lot was humiliated, lost everything except his soul. This shows the pain of sin and the faithfulness of God who keeps His promise of grace to the believer.

[csu12]

6811- was the rich young man's problem a works issue, or a heart issue? Answer, a heart issue. He could not be satisfied in Christ, so he walked away. He was willing to work for Jesus, but he was unable to be satisfied in Christ. I have 2 questions - 1. what is saving faith (and be careful because everyone knows who Jesus is)? 2. When the bible says God will not be mocked, what do u think that means?

[sparwood8]

Excellent question. 1) I can add nothing to what Christ has done to redeem me. However, the spirit filled life will produce fruit. To live that life, we must be in surrender to our Lord, as in Romans 12: 1-2.

Secondly, God is not mocked: (What a man sows, he will also reap.)

[mikevoter]

And the believer not filled with the Spirit will be saved but unable to produce fruit while losing his/her reward.

[csu12]

mikv- hi, do u think that the Holy Spirit does not abide in all believers? Also,

do u think that people that pass tests about Jesus in theology classes are all saved?

[mikevoter]

The Holy Spirit abides in all believers but He can be quenched and grieved by the Christian. The Christian is admonished to be continually being filled with the Spirit to empower him to do spiritual service. So failure is possible as we are not robots. As to answering correctly about Jesus try being saved without knowing about Jesus.

[sparwood8]

Excellent

[csu12]

mikv- i still don't see how salvation is not the issue with the rich young man. "Salvation" is described six different ways in those verses. Rewards described "0" times. Also, so are u saying that if someone passed a test on Jesus in a theology class, that they are saved? Sorry to ask again, but i want to make sure of your answer.

[mikevoter]

OK, show me a salvation passage that compares to this one. One that requires what Jesus asked of this young man.

One that does not mention faith in Christ clearly. I told you this is a difficult passage which must be understood in the light of so many clear scriptures on how to be saved as well as the transitional nature of the time; moving from the Mosaic to the church dispensation. I feel the theology question is bogus because one needs knowledge to be saved, True knowledge gives faith.

[csu12]

In Matthew 10:37 Jesus lays down the condition of loving him more than anyone else: "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." The same thing is expressed in 1 Corinthians 16:22-"If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed." And in Luke 14:33 the condition for salvation is that we be free from the love of our possessions: "Whoever does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

[csu12]

mikv-Jesus himself answered the question in a variety of ways. He said in Matthew 18:3 that childlikeness is the condition for salvation: "Truly, I say to u, unless you turn and become like children, you will never see the kingdom of heaven." In Mark 8:34-35 the condition is self-denial: "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it."

[csu12]

Mikv-The answer in John 1:12 is that we must receive Christ: "To all who receive him . . . he gave power to become children of God." The answer in Acts 3: 19 is, "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out." The answer in Hebrews 5:9 is obedience to Christ. Christ "became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him." So also in John 3:36, "He who does not obey the Son shall not see life."

[csu12]

Mikv- Saving faith is no simple thing. It has many dimensions. "Believe on the Lord Jesus" is a massive command. It contains a hundred other things. Unless we see this, the array of conditions for salvation in the New Testament will be utterly perplexing. Consider the following partial list. What must I do to be saved?

The answer in Acts 16:31 is, "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."

[mikevoter]

A sinner cannot "deny himself" to be saved. Saved people are called to have self control through the power of the Spirit.

Salvation is a GIFT; you are not honoring God by overlooking that Christ alone paid for that gift once and for all. You are adding to the Gospel and are little better off than one under the Law which demands complete love of God 24/7. We love Him, because He first loved us. He died for us while we were in our sins and is now shaping His sons into servants. Note order.

[csu12]

Mikv- ok, so tell me which verses, that i gave, u see as speaking of salvation. What was Judas' problem...his heart, or his works? His heart was the issue. He couldn't treasure Christ for who He was, so he sold Him for what he really loved...money. Also, what was the difference between Judas and the rich young ruler? To me, it seems that you would think that Judas was saved; he just didn't produce any fruit, or love Christ, which you said isn't necessary.

[csu12]

Mikv- actually, check my previous statement - Judas did have external works (appearance) - given power to cast out demons. Outsiders looking in would have thought he was saved.

[mikevoter]

You show me passages that talk about the conditions of being a disciple of Jesus and mix them with passages that speak of salvation by grace alone. That is an error. The Word is very precise. Judas met all the conditions you speak of for discipleship yet he NEVER believed.

You make salvation difficult when God has made it easy to be saved by simply trusting Christ. The Israelites, bitten by snakes, simply looked to the brass serpent on a pole 2 B healed.; a picture of salvation by faith.

[csu12]

mikv - what's the difference between Judas and the rich young ruler?

[mikevoter]

John 6:64+70,71 Show that Judas never believed on Christ who called him a devil. Its clear Judas was not ever saved even though he was temporarily empowered by Christ to even cast out demons. Also, the others respected him as shown by him being made the treasurer of the group. So much for works proving someone is saved. The rulers question and Christs reply show the subject was not personal salvation but reward in Heaven, I conclude he was saved, but not committed to Christs service.

[csu12]

mikv- what did the rich young ruler ask Jesus when he walked up on Him?

[csu12]

mikv- well, the lesson Jesus was teaching the apostles, was that salvation is impossible apart from God, do u agree, or are u saying that Jesus was saying that obtaining rewards in heaven is impossible apart from God?

[mikevoter]

Not sure you have seen all of my other answers on this subject; please scroll down. I believe the context clearly shows that Jesus was not telling the young man how to be saved. Rather, He instructed him in abundant living that would culminate in rewards in Heaven. This is evidence that Jesus knew him to be saved. "How HARDLY (just barely) shaal rich men enter Heaven! See Lot for confirmation of this truth. Rich men CAN give up everything but only through the power of God who does the impossible

[csu12]

Mikv- "How HARDLY (just barely) shaal rich men enter Heaven! Ok, "enter heaven". Does this mean rewards in heaven? no. it means "enter heaven". The apostles asked Christ "who then CAN be saved?" They knew Christ was saying a rich man can't be saved (apart from God). Salvation was the issue.

[mikevoter]

The apostles in the making were over awed that rich men had no status with Christ apart from faith. So Christ replied that it is possible to save a rich man but difficult to get him to commit to a life of service. Contrast 2Pe 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Entrance can be "abundant" or just barely.

Have you sold everything and given it to the poor? Why not if that is the way to Heaven?

[csu12]

Mikv-can you "just barely" get a camel thru the eye of a needle?,because Christ said that it would be easier to do that, than for a rich man to be saved. Have I ever literally sold evrything (house,car)? No, I don't believe that's the way to GET to heaven. I have however given my life to Christ, trust Him, and love Him, that is something I could not do apart from Him. I could however study for a test about Jesus, get all the right answers and not be saved. Knowing who he is doesnt save anyone

[mikevoter]

"No, I don't believe that's the way to GET to heaven."

Why do you make it the way for the rich man then?

[csu12]

mikv- I don't make it that way for the rich man.The rich man failed to see himself as spiritually bankrupt. Jesus didn't tell the guy to follow Him, SO THAT he wud BECOME saved, Christ's words penetrated the guy's heart, and revealed him for what he was, a lost person banking on his own merit. I believe people show evidence of the new birth. U don't. The rich man's evidence showed what he believed, and in the context, Christ wanted it that way. Did u answer the question about the theology test?

[mikevoter]

Yes, Jesus told him to follow because He knew the man was saved. Christ only gives that message to those who are saved. Only born-again believers are called to be servants. As a Jewish men, both were quite familar with the laws of inheiritance, something that only applies to sons, not servants.

To be a son of God costs nothing. To be a faithful servant costs all.

You must see the Gospels as a time of transition from the "old wine" to the "new wine". This man came from the former time.

[csu12]

mikv- was Lazarus alive before Jesus called him to come forth?

What's the difference between someone who knows who Jesus is, and someone that is saved?

[sparwood8]

1. NO

2. A personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ

[sparwood8]

and for 2: One is not born again, the other one is

[mikevoter]

Yes, he was alive before Jesus called him back to physical life. John 5:24 shows that as soon as one believes, he is given eternal life. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus (showing faith) before he died physicaly. So Lazarus cannot be a picture of a sinner brought to spiritual life as the Calvinist teaches. God is the God of the living so Abraham is alive right now as are all other believers who have passed on. Lazarus pictures the bodily ressurection of believers.

[sparwood8]

and again, your version could be right. I still say he had been dead (ok physically... as in no heartbeat)

[mikevoter]

2 types of death in scripture; physical, the spirit is seperated from the body

Spiritual death; the sinner is seperated from the life of God

Lazarus was born-again, thus alive spiritualy before he died physicaly. So Christ called him back to physical life from Paradise. If Lazarus was not saved, he would have been called back from Hell, thus getting a "second-chance" at salvation. That's a biblical no-no!

[sparwood8]

This is a bit subjective, but interesting. I see it as the rich man loved money more than the things of the Lord. OR, he lacked faith the God would provide for his needs.

[mikevoter]

Yes of course he loved money. "He went away sorrowfuly for he had many possesions."

[sparwood8]

How about this? I live in a climate that, if you have no roof over your head; you will die from hypothermia.

Where I am. life with no car is exceedingly difficult. So God would not insist I sell those two things (home and car) However, he did urge me to cut the Cable services for t.v., and I am happy I did.

That does not get me into heaven, though

[mikevoter]

No, but it makes you a more focused believer and more effective servant of the Living God.

[mikevoter]

Thats the point; he is saved but by the skin of his teeth. He failed to use his possesions wisely for God. If someone asked you how to go to Heaven, I trust you would not say, "Sell all you have, give to the poor, and follow Jesus.

So Christ's answer to the man's question shows clearly that Christ was not telling how to get to Heaven. If he asked me, I would say, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved just as Paul responded to that question. Reason with using the scriptures.

[mikevoter]

2 types of saving faith; 1 saves from comdemnation forever and 2 saves from a wasted life. As you have recieved Christ Jesus, so walk you in Him. Recieving means salvation from Hell, walking saves from a huge fire of dead works at Christ's judgement seat.

[sparwood8]

possible that they aren't really saved. eg: I once was in a relationship with a 'gorgeous babe' and we did things together etc. (30 yrs ago and I was backslid) I did break the relationship... AND.. I had not one minute's peace all the while. The Holy spirit made me restless, and I was miserable.

Once you are truly saved, you get a new conscience, IMO. Before I came to Christ, something like that would have seemed marvellous, in fact it was a goal.. I was a bit of a womanizer

[csu12]

mikev- also, 20Now,may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight. U seem to look at works as something we must do to remain saved. The bible says that God equips us and works in us to do that which pleases Him. Is this a promise of God, or does this say that He mite not equip u?

[companymanPs6811]

2 Tim. 2 11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13if we are faithless, he will remain faithful,  for he cannot disown himself

11 We died with Him so we are saved. Now, will we be overcomers? God wants us to win the battle of life, but if we fail, He still remains faithful. Salvation is free, but winning costs us

[sincitypreacher]

If we are truly born again then we are a new creature (new person), a child of God. The result of a true conversion is we: worship, love, follow, live for, serve, trust and believe JESUS CHRIST.

[mikevoter]

Lot was a true believer (Peter calls him righteous and holy) but he doesn't measure up to the qualifications you are laying down

Face it, the Scriptures teach that real Christians can be absolute failures yet they never lose their salvation. That's because it is a gift. One doesn't need outstanding qhalities to recieve a gift and a true gift is given forever. It is not conditional as to how it is used or misused.

[csu12]

mikevoter - question - do you believe that a person can go to heaven and have no love for God?

[mikevoter]

Since Christ admonishes the church at Ephesus to "return to their first love" it seems scripturaly true that true believers can go to Heaven without loving God.

Believers are new creatures forever whether they win, lose or draw. Because a believer fails to keep on believing, does God's promise fail? The fact is that believers are assured of Heaven as soon as they believe John 5:24. Grace guarantees salvation, not performance.

[sincitypreacher]

I agree, but JESUS said we will know you by your fruit. It is very easy to be misunderstood when explaining the connection of faith and works. It is clear that we are saved by grace through faith not by works...But works do matter. We are not saved BY doing good deeds HOWEVER, we are saved TO do good deeds. Works, fruit, a changed life is the EVIDENCE and RESULT of a TRUE CONVERSION. Hence, no changed life...then no evidence or fruit of a true conversion. See Eph. 2:8-10 don't forget verse 10

[mikevoter]

Problem: Ephesians had lots of good works but little love.

Psalm 1 says that fruit comes "in due season". While God wants all believers to grow and be fruitful, it's clear that many don't. See 1Co 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. Paul is hear speaking of believers who fail to mature. If it doesn't fit your doctrine, change your doctrine. It's God's Word.

[MrHappiness777]

@sincitypreacher but even these words dont explain it, because i know some people who are likely not born of the spirit and would nod their heads.. I think if you do not see yourself as wretched as deserving of punishment, if you dont see Jesus as God, and if you do not see search and seek the lord... if you are continually making up excuses to sin... you might not be saved.

[MrHappiness777]

@MrHappiness777 also if you do not understand what is sin, and do not care to analyze it.

[MrHappiness777]

@MrHappiness777 and ive also seen people who claim these things but dont believe the Bible is the word of God... which is ludicrous, because then you can just believe what you want... and considering we have access to it there is no excuse

[Terrell8976]

@MrHappiness777 Jesus did miracles, and Jesus said God is real. for God would take away blessings from a sinner. Was Jesus a sinner? The bible predicts his coming, and also predicts the Anti-Christ. The last and final one. For the bible writes all shall be decieved. But remember, the bible predicts this. So dont' bow to his image, for God will see. God bless you, and take care!

[MrHappiness777]

@Terrell8976 what are you saying?  are you saying i shouldnt bow to jesus' image? I will gladly bow to Jesus, just as he commanded.

[Terrell8976]

@MrHappiness777 Stop supplying an arguement. Do as the bible says. God bless!

[MrHappiness777]

@Terrell8976 yup-- when have i said not to?

[AMWYESHUASAVESAMW]

Piper is again right on with his message. One must make his election sure and constantly examine oneself to see if they are truly in the faith.

Paul Washer is another one who seems to have a message from God.

Decisionism is idolatry and Jesus did not preach it. Furthermore, the sinner's prayer is no where to be found in the Bible.

[sparwood8]

???" LORD, PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON ME; A SINNER!" That man went justified, more than the phairsee. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Yes, there is a sinner's prayer in the bible.

[chadsummers01]

Piper has a very weird twist on doctrine like post tribulation ideas. But then again he's a baptist, not saying that's bad, I happen to be pentecostal so obviuosly we will disagree on a lot of doctrine issues, but we have to be careful what we say to babes in Christ.

[AvshalomTube]

Fantastic Message

[mikevoter]

CSU12 I hope you are not saying that if I go to church and the praise and worship makes me have God feelings, I'm saved?

In the natural, babies arrive in different circumstances, but it is the after care they receive that makes the difference in every sphere of life. So in the spiritual! Jesus told Peter FEED my LAMBS and my SHEEP. He did not say to beat them, bleed them, or berate them. To always suggest that one is not saved because he is struggling is not Biblical and quenches hope.

[mikevoter]

This type of preaching erects spiritual moutains that baby Christians simply cannot comprehend, let alone climb.

Every Christian struggles with sin. Every Christian can grow. To teach a type of sinless perfection is counter productive.

An alternate is to study the spiritual growth process of Peter and the other dicipiles. Three years of shaping, rebuking, forgiving, correcting, prepared them for service. Hang in there fellow believers! Christ shall heal the "bruised reed" and use you!

[csu12]

Mikevoter- This type of preaching penetrates the nominalism in churches today that says ("well, I don't have any feelings toward God, or delight in Him, but I prayed a prayer 5 years ago...so I'm a christian. I have no evidence of Him in my life, but I'm goin to heaven because I know who Jesus is.") This preaching is what is desperately needed to be heard by those who think they are believers but are not.

[mikevoter]

How do you know what goes on in all these churches and in the hearts of other believers. Simply put, you don't. You are comparing your own "wonderful" experience with the pitiful performance of others. This is fueled by a selective memory that enables you to remember only your spiritual highs. Only God can judge the heart of His children.

[csu12]

Mikevoter- I don't know what's going on in these hearts, but what i do know is what i hear. I hear kids (that have no evidence of God in their lives) saying that they are saved solely because they prayed a prayer. I do know that knowing what to say when someone asks you if you are saved is not the same as being saved. No one's talking about sinless perfection. The bible calls us to examine ourselves. How many of us really do? It's just about having a concern for people that MAY be deceived.

[mikevoter]

The thief on the cross is in Heaven because he prayed a prayer.

Examine YOURSELF; you are "examining" others from afar with sketchy info! BTW, this self-exam is in regard to the faith, in this case meaning all the revealed church truth of the Bible. IOWs, am I believing all the truth in the scripture? Am I studying it to get its scope and depth? Am I adhereing to the truth that it is all God's Word?

[csu12]

Mikev- The thief is not in heaven now because he said some words. I Corinthians 16:22 If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be (AR)accursed (AS)Maranatha. God's promises never fail, because this is what He promises: Hebrews 3:14 For we have become participants in Christ if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm till the end. So, if we do not hold fast, then what...we have not become, we never became saved. John 5:24 is true, but how do u know you believe?

[mikevoter]

The branch that does not remain in the vine is unable to bear fruit yet none can deny that it found its origin in the vine. Thus we see that Heb.3 is talking about our present experience in Christ. Our eternal position is settled forever. Maintaining the vital relationship that ensures growth is not to be confused with loss of salvation. Reformed doctrine raely makes this distiction and it hurts and often cripples new believers.

[csu12]

Mikev- truth is not truth because it's easy on the ears of new believers.

the branch that does not remain in the vine is unable to bear fruit yet... (what verse is this). thanks

[mikevoter]

Actually, the truth of salvation is very sweet to the believer.

As to the branch question, I am presuming on your part a familiarity with scripture(perhaps unwarrented?) that allows us to reason from scripture. We are to compare scriptures to arrive at the truth, even as Abraham reasoned that his son would be resurrected without having it spelled out ...he was right according to Hebrews 11 ...

[csu12]

Mikev- yeah, i was just wondering what verses you used to derive your thought about the vine.

[mikevoter]

John 15

[csu12]

Mikev- even the theif on the cross showed evidence of the new birth.

[mikevoter]

Many don't, yet "He that calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved".

[sparwood8]

It presents problems for us who have been in Christ for 30+ years, too. I KNOW I fall short, HOWEVER: Jesus Christ is Lord of all, or he is not Lord at all. The question we need to deal with is: Is he Lord of every area of your life? If not, you cannot be empowered by the indwelling presence of the Holy spirit... meaning, be FILLED

And it is the Spirit that produces the fruit of the Christian life

[mikevoter]

So become a super Christian and THEN the Holy Spirit will empower you? Back to the Book for you, friend.

[companymanPs6811]

Well, it is important that your word be proved correct. That way, you can throw the discussion to personalities rather than the Scrptural errors of the Reformed doctrines.

[sparwood8]

ZZZ-zzz-ZZZ etc. This is U Tube, not a courtroom.

[RickySensei]

I have great joy in the scientific method , great joy in the Human capacity for reasoned logic . On that basis I can find no place for this superstition , which propagates primitive mythology , when reason should dispel such ideas. Read the bible by all means , but have a look through the Hubble space telescope as well . Read Genesis of course , but look at all the geological evidence that counters it. Be happy , for tomorrow you die (according to all the data available)

[Studier101]

"All of the geological evidence that counters it"

Really? Like an inconsistent geologic column and evidence for a worldwide flood? This "contradicts" Genesis?

And then what of human evil? I know, I know, we have "progressed" and whatnot, albeit that there has been more bloodshed in the 20th century than possibly every other combined; but hey, its not a problem until it happens to you, right? Does inductive examination of matter alone teach men moral right and wrong? And this is your glory?

[mdkbdshan]

We'll see how you feel in about 60 years with your "reasoned" logic.

[YoungCalvinist08]

Which message is this? I'd love to pick up a copy

[EZEKIEL3622]

his understanding of the gospel is mind blowing! what a gift to have this guy preaching!