the whole time (other than the actual service that most just wait for the ending of) no one ever brings up any of the philosophies of Jesus or asks how they can be more like Jesus, they just socialize. Well sorry folks, that is a country club, not a church. You may be in a church building, but you are members of a "church" only in name. You are a member of your local country club that also happens to prescribe to whatever sect of Christianity. I'm not saying i'm any better, but it's true.
I read the title of this video and couldn't believe it. I have been saying for years that many of the larger churches in the south that I grew up around absolutely act more like country clubs than churches. Every Sunday everyone gets dressed up to go socialize with friends. Most sit and politely nod and wait for the service to be over. Then the guys talk about guy stuff, the girls talk about girl stuff, the kids talk about kid stuff, maybe we go eat somewhere, and.. (cont)
I love John Piper and what God is doing in his life! PREACH Piper! The church is too busy being like the world just so it soothe their conscious. They (we) are afraid of looking like children of God.
It can be really difficult for Churches. I don't want to make excuses but in a country where 95 percent of Christians are just nominal Christians and where Roman Catholic Church dominates, real Churches (not just official worship) are rare. I believe God led me to Baptist Church which I found about 2 months ago (never guessed there are reformed churches in Croatia) and I love it. People are nice and help each other. I thank God for that. :)
@BritneyAddicted4EVA Your comment shows the shallowness of your belief. What shutspah to believe you have the ONLY truth. Your religion seems based on nice people.
@ndzoko Not it is not but it might sound like it. My "religion" if you want to call it is based on my assurance that in Jesus God is not for me but against me. Therefore I'm free to love others because Jesus loved me. I left RCC not because of people but because of serious doctrinal errors and because I wanted to share the Bible with people and talk about it with others. There is nothing wrong about that.
Do you want to believe that there is an all powerful, eternal entity that watches you while you sleep; can convict you of thought crime; can take your most involuntary passing thought and use it to condemn you for ever? Do you want to have invigilation every second of your life, from “before you are born” and, yes, even after death?
A celestial North Korea! That’s what you desire! Except you can get away from that despicable regime by dying!! No such luck for the religious! (CH)
@StrumstickJoe :In all Christian love, you're wrong. Number one, we don't serve a vindictive God, as you seem to believe (Eze. 18:23). God is a just God, so yes He does see all the wrong that we've done. But God loves!
That's the whole point of the Gospel that God sent His Son to die in our stead that we don't need to be held condemned for those sins (Romans 8:1). God doesn't want us to suffer, He wants us to live! We are the ones who choose sin, He offers us life!
@StrumstickJoe Okay, to answer your questions. God doesn't judge the "most involuntary passing thought" those are thoughts of the flesh, read Romans (unless you'd prefer to remain ignorant). Being judged? Yes. I believe that God is the author of morality. But you dismissed what I said before you even read it. You say God is vindictive, the Bible says He isn't. You believe in something unseen too, evolution (I assume). What makes my belief any more superstitious?
@itskragus . Number one, we don't serve a vindictive God, << Really ?. Witches, kill them. Homosexuals, kill them.fortunetellers, kill them. those who don`t listen to priests, kill them. those hitting their dad, kill them. those who curse their parents, kill them, adulterers, kill them. fornicators, kill them. people who believe in other religions, kill them. non-believers,kill them. fals prohets ,kill them. blasphemers, kill them. those who work on the Sabbath, kill them. The word of god !!
@ndzoko Are you talking about Judaism or Christianity? Do you realize that Jesus worked on the Sabbath? No? Did you read where Jesus said that there were really two commandments that mattered, to LOVE the Lord, and to LOVE one another as ourselves? Or that Jesus's last commandment was for Christians to love one another as He loved us? Jesus never endorsed killing people... Christians have f'ed up the real message that Jesus gave. The law was for the Jews, I'd explain, but I'm outta space.
@itskragus Is Jesus god ? Is the god of the New-Testament the same as the one from the Old-Testament ? Than Jesus ordered all those people killed. Period.
@ndzoko You're assuming God must've changed. The Old Testament laws (found in Leviticus) were for Israel. God gave those rules so that the people would grow and be set apart from the other nations. The laws were harsh because there was no way to cease sinning. However, when Jesus came, he gave a new covenant. It's not that those things are no longer bad, they're still bad but the payment has already been made.
It's not about God being wrathful, it's about how unbelievably loving He is.
@itskragus Sir, you just made my point. The bible cannot be true, because god`s morality cannot change according to time and place, according to what people or race it is applicable. Otherwise, what is moral today, can be immoral 2,000 years in the future .Obviously he had another morality for the jews 3,000 years ago as for us today. Therefore, the bible is nothing, but a human concoction.
@ndzoko No. His implementation of how to judge what is right and wrong changed. Thanks for putting words into my mouth. The implementation in the OT was that you had to make atonements for the sins you committed, against God or man. In the NT, God sent himself into the world to make the everlasting atonement.
Jesus bore all the punishment that we deserve under the Law for all the sins that we would commit. I'm getting a really strong feeling that you've never actually read the Bible...
@itskragus No. His implementation of how to judge what is right and wrong changed.... Your explantion is just playing with words. In the O.T. god(jesus) ordered people killed for a lot petty transgressions, but in the New Testament. this same god (jesus) preaches" love your neighbor". This is a total reversal of his morality. There is only one explanation: The bible is human JUNK
@ndzoko In the Old Testament, the Israelites (I assume that's what you're talking about) were under the Old Covenant. You're assuming that God went from a god of justice (OT) to a god of love (NT). He was always both. The fact that he allowed us to live past the flood is evidence. In the OT God elected a single person to become a nation, in the NT he elects people.
@itskragus Man, oh man. Are you living in the 21th century ? You consider the fact that god let ONE family live (in the supposed wolrdwide flood)and drowning the whole of humanity and ACT OF LOVE ? Please man get your marbles together. The holocaust must be an act of love too. Hitler let some jews live. Just to prove the silliness of your point.
@ndzoko It's not an act of love. It's an act of justice. You're trying to isolate a single attribute of God. You didn't answer whether or not you actually have read the Bible...
@itskragus What kind of DIVINE justice are you talking about ?? Capital punishment, for being a witch? For working on the sabbath ? For being a fortuneteller ? etc. etc. Is that YOUR kind of justice ?
@ndzoko That's exactly the point! It's not MY justice. It is Gods standards. In the Old Testament he gave special revelation to a single nation, telling them exactly what they ought to do. In order for them to be a holy nation he gave them rules and consequences so that they would be set apart from the pagans...
But this wasn't sufficient, almost no one could act properly and sacrifices were needed. So from the garden of Eden, God promised a Messiah, Jesus who gave us a new covenant.
@itskragus Well, sir/lady. if you want to call a god, with such standards, loving , caring, compassionate, forgiving, JUST, be my guest , I suggest you trash your bible, it is screwing your sense of justice. Once again you admit that god`s standards, regarding the jews,in biblical times were different then today. This again proves my point. God`s standards cannot change according to when and where they are applied. They must be the same everywhere,all the time. The bible is JUNK.
@ndzoko You, sir or madam, seem very closed minded. What would you prefer? No rules? That's not very loving. The rules we have in the Bible are for our own health or for our relationship with God. Check out Isiah 55:8. The rules haven't changed... neither has the punishment... but Jesus already bore our punishment. Now we're free to obey him, not out of fear of punishment, but out of love for him!
@itskragus : What would you prefer? No rules? .>>>>> You know what I prefer. You know what is JUST. Gods morality must be the same from the beginning of humanity to the end of time, and the same for all peoples of the world. THAT IS BASIC JUSTICE. Obviously god`s morality changes according to what people it is applied to.. Therefore ,the bible has no more validity as "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves "
@ndzoko I'm beginning to think that you are only reading half of my post. The rules haven't changed. God still hates sin. Sin is still sin. God hates sin because it separates us from him. Now if you want an epistemic/metaphysical debate on where those rules originate then you should read some C.S. Lewis or some William Lane Craig.
@itskragus The rules haven't changed. .... Man, do YOU read my reply !! The rules have completely changed. Does god still demands homos to be killed, witches to be killed , workers on the sabbath to be killed !! Is working on the Sabbath still a sin !! You don``t have to have any silly epistemic debate to understand this. Any 6th grader understands.
@ndzoko My Lord. We seem to be repeating the same points over and over. Those rules were for ISRAEL. You know, that country? God chose them. However, they kept failing so he sent his Son out of love to reach everyone. Those are still sins, but God never wanted those punishments out of being vindictive, they were for the people's own good. However, God sent his son to defeat Satan, sin, and death, and free us from religion!
@itskragus God sent his son to defeat Satan, >>> So god sent his son to free us from satan, whom he created., That`s GREAT love. LOL. The whole salvation story makes no sense, no matter from whatever angle you look at it. Moreover there is not a shred of evidence for salvation. NONE. And to boot, scriptures itself say that... salvation is foolishness....
@ndzoko God created beings with free will. Meaning that Satan chose to disobey him and from that absence of God, evil was born. And you're right, there is no tangible proof for salvation. There is proof for Christ's existence, his death, but not of salvation. That's why Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe." But there is a true experience that you have... but even if I'm wrong, why are you so concerned? Let me be a misguided optimist.
@itskragus I am not concerned, my friend. Tell me the whole salvation story is ONE big miracle, and no one will bother. But don`t claim to have evidence when there is none. Because reasonable, thinking people will not accept that.... "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe." ... Believers should stick to that.
@WorshipinTruth Thank you. You just proved my point. First, it's not a laughing matter. Second, marital status is not justification to ignore single or low income people fellowship especially at church. Thirdly, you suffer from the sin of perfectionism if you think the christian community is getting it right. Actions speak louder than words.
Amen brother! The Church isn't a organization, it isn't a building. It's a ORGANISM. It's made up of thousands of believers around the world. We should stand together and help our fellow brothers and sisters.
John Piper is SOOOOO gifted as a pastor/teacher. My friend Stewart Leafblad preaches so much like John. Both PASSIONATE men of Christ! Oh If I could be to that level. I feel it growing. but to see where they are in their walk. I can't wait to get there!
Thank YOU GOD for YOUR SON, our LORD and SALVATION, and YOUR HOLY SPIRIT to teach us what the definition of the church is, what it was and what it ought to be.
Hey guys, it'd be great if you could head over to the new ministry website for Gospel Eternal. It's a new ministry just starting out and the posts could really use some comments and followers. Just click on my channel link and the site is there on the channel. Thanks a lot! Can't wait to worship in heaven with you all.
Church of Fun! and and and...what is the Blood of Jesus? why does is fountain so? why do Disciples revel in it so? the imagery is worse than video games, and That Imagery should replace those games. "Train yourself" read the gospel, then read James then read 1st John then read Philippians. Don't give the local church a fair shake until you've given the Bible a "fair shake"! then and only then burst into that kirk with HALLELUYAH. PTL. and read a Proverb or six.
One of the reasons I see is that we don't believe Jesus will come during our lifetime, as first Christians did. They thought NOTHING is more important. They loved just ONE KING!
Are possibilities the world gives too enticing so we are not able to live for others, not able just to "attend the temple together day by day and break bread in our homes, to partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people"? Acts 2
Most reformed churches don't have outreach ministries to nursing homes, prisons, feeding the poor, etc. because they are too busy "exclusively" preaching doctrine. When the good samaritan stopped to help the assaulted traveler, he didn't ask him about his doctrine or if he was a member of a church somewhere, he just helped him.
What John Piper said in the video is great, but the unfortunate truth is that 95% of all reformed churches have ears but they cannot hear. The reform church has become a maintenance organization more interested in evangelism through the preaching of doctrine than evangelism through meeting the needs of poor people. Matthew 25: 31-46 has slowly been disappearing for decades and will soon be gone altogether except for a few scattered good samaritans.
Great message, but why do 95% of all reformed/calvinist churches have none to very few single or poor people in them? It's because these people are treated like second class citizens. In many of these churches single and poor people are treated like something must be wrong because they're not married or successful.
@mrchiefofsinners, I go to a reformed church and I would guess that probably 20% of the church is homeless. Maybe 30-40% are single. Maybe only a handful are upper middle class. I have not experienced what you are talking about.
@mrchiefofsinners Laugh, maybe it is because reformed/calvinist peoples understand a little more about life then your average heathen sloth. I doubt that there is any truly Christian community which looks down on single individuals since the Bible makes clear that some are created/meant for the single life while others are meant for marriage. We are the various different [diverse] body parts which make up the singularly minded Body of Christ and as such we do not live identical lives.
Screaming and laughing they are dancing in your head. The angels arrive scorched by the flames of Satan. On Sabbath day from the ashes come the demons. They are our kings of blasphemy. Sabbath day is now demon's day. Now they are the true masters of your fears. Dark clouds have obscured the sun. The demons from Hell are rising in your mind. You may run, though you can never hide. Their Satanic dancing has attacked your puny brain. You can't escape, they are the kings of blasphemy.
@RobertBaral365 RobertBaral365 Someday every Christian will see your god kneel before our GOD,as we all look on in amazement sayin,"Is this the one who caused us so much trouble?"He will be made a spectacle before the world as he confesses that Jesus is LORD!!! Then cast into THE LAKE OF FIRE!
Dark powers caressing my mind. In my unveiling, a body of shade. My heart, his infernal tongue. Blasphemous rituals lead the way to Lucifer. We adore the work of the devil. On a path of evil incarnation. He is below and above you. His life is ecstasy in yours. Under the inverted cross of the lord. See your soul in a black dimension. Pray to the weak god of infinity. Your pallid prayers are forgotten. You are the stranger to our champion. I lead you to the throne of Old Nick.
Dark powers caressing my mind. In my unveiling, a body of shade. My heart, his infernal tongue. Blasphemous rituals lead the way to Lucifer. We adore the work of the devil. On a path of evil incarnation. He is below and above you. His life is ecstasy in yours. Under the inverted cross of the lord. See your soul in a black dimension. Pray to the weak god of infinity. Your pallid prayers are forgotten. You are the stranger to our champion. I lead you to the throne of Old Nick.
Dark powers caressing my mind. In my unveiling, a body of shade. My heart, his infernal tongue. Blasphemous rituals lead the way to Lucifer. We adore the work of the devil. On a path of evil incarnation. He is below and above you. His life is ecstasy in yours. Under the inverted cross of the lord. See your soul in a black dimension. Pray to the weak god of infinity. Your pallid prayers are forgotten. You are the stranger to our champion. I lead you to the throne of Old Nick.
He says, come not near me, for I am holier than thou (Isaiah 65:5). He loves to go about in long clothing (special preacher outfits), and loves salutations in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the church- buildings, and the uppermost rooms at public social gatherings; he allows himself to be called "Reverend, Reverend", and he devours widow's houses (will take even their last nickel "for God" without guilt)...cont...
You are physically animated, yet mentally dead. I see you awake but you are not really there. You walk around in a hollow shell. Living a life of mental stagnation. Seeking the comfort of reassuring lies. Your shallow mind, in a church of fools. Living a life of willing ignorance. Never thinking, forever dim. Nothing's more pathetic than a brainless drone. Vicious cycles of lies to cover lies. Just another robot in factory of falsehoods. A hollow puppet controlled by strings.
They CALL THEMSELVES Benefactors; they exercise that same social and political authority over their "flock" that the kings of this world use to subdue and control their subjects. They occupy an 'office of worldly authority': being recognized by THE WORLD as the LEGALLY LICENSED, INSTITUTIONALLY CERTIFIED, BUREAUCRATICALLY ORDAINED, and PUBLICLY ACCEPTABLE representatives of POPULAR RELIGION. They are a part of the world's social order.
You are way off base friend. First, nobody today uses the word "benefactors." Also, pastors do not hold sway over people. The world does not recognize them as anything but a menace. They do not conform to the world, nor embrace worldly things. I would dare to say John Piper's "popular religion" isn't so popular-- even within evangelical christianity. Reformed theology is a minority...
They are a part of the World's Social Order. They sit in the town council; they influence elections; the newspaper values their opinion. They are RECOGNIZED by the WORLD as "the men of God"; while the Bible says the World knoweth us NOT: but the World DOES "KNOW THEM". (1 John 4:5)
Did you know mechanics are recognized by the world? Also pilot, engineers, salesmen, and housewives are all recognized by the world. I don't think John Piper sits on a town council. I also don't believe he influences elections-- if he does, he has failed thus far. 1John 4:2 seems to say John Piper is of God and not of the World. His message is anything but worldly. Also, notice in 1John 4:5, world, G2889("Kosmos") is used in two different ways. They are of, in, and the world.
First....1John 4:2 has to do with those doing more than just PROFESSING!.... all sorts of evil men can spout the fact that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh....as well as the multitudes who in that day say, " Lord, we did such and so in your name!"...only to be reputed into everlasting torment. Jesus himself said they would come in his name saying "he was the Christ"!...but still deceiving in the process.(Matt 24:5)... These were the ones he was speaking of, not cults like mormons etc.
The Greek word for world (KOSMOS) means "the system", and is the DIRECT EQUIVALENT to what we all call THE ESTABLISHMENT: and we all know what "The Establishment" IS: it's all those social, political, and religious structures of mankind that have common operating principles (they are bureaucracies) and work together for a unified cause. "The world", always means whatever represents or personifies the regional majority.
They see CULTURAL or POLITICAL LOYALTIES and RELIGIOUS PROFESSION as 2 equal legs on one 'whole' man. Our churches are now full of such HALF-BREEDS: Christendom may be their MOTHER, but the world; THE WORLD SYSTEM; THE ESTABLISHMENT is their father. AND..........by making common cause with The State and becoming the Public Advocates for the social concerns of the Godless Multitude, Christendom has grown from an oppressed minority into an OPPRESSING MAJORITY.
They commit spiritual adultery with The World by mingling religious, cultural, and political loyalties: when in fact, for Christians, there is only ONE FAMILY (Matt.12:46-50), only ONE CULTURE (Col.3:11), and only ONE CITIZENSHIP (Eph.2:19). The Biblical descriptions of Godliness are simply ignored whenever they appear to conflict with social and political expediencies.
Isaiah.57:3~But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.
4.Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom do ye make a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood?
I don't think it's that strange. Title are used to indicate certain things. For example, a governor governs the executive branch of states. Chief is a tribal leader. Pastor is the teacher/official of the church; along with deacons in another office. Dr. is simply a title to denote a level of education or profession. There are many titles, for example, God gave Israel Kings. Paul was an Apostle, there were elders and bishops. Prophet is even a title.
I have never said there weren't offices in the church....its the way it's used. Lording over the people by way of the Benefactor system. I don't suppose you will have the faculties to recognize this being your blindness thus far.
dude, you just mocked skolded1 for his 'blindness' after having a rant about people adopting titles... I don't know what's not to understand. Be consistent please. :(
Well.....I went and looked at your page before I decided to carry on this foolish charade and have come to the conclusion it would be almost pointless to rebuke you in your current condition. You are neck deep in false Christianity and our discussion about blindness will likely just grow ever contentious. Come out of Babylon before its too late!
and you seem to do that via attacking their personal integrity. If a man does X amount of study and academic work with an institution and they award him a doctorate, then he is free to adopt the term. Dr. Piper was a seminary professor before moving to a pastorate. He earned the title and by no means lauds it over people but accepts it as an honour from his Bible college. I think you need to seek more meritable arguments than these if your aim is to subvert Gods church.
Sorry...I don't accept these "WORLDLY CREDENTIALS" as evidence of any Merit whatsoever in "Gods Church" This Jargon falls lock step however with the Antichrist System, which apparently you belong to.
thanks for the straw man. Why don't you just admit that you are acting like a hypocrite in attacking people who disagree with you rather than the argument itself?
You don't have to accept his 'worldy credentials'. He by no means asserts his authority over you but points to the Word of God. When you are awarded a title by an institution it is an honour, just like a medical doctor, and he accepts that honour in deference to institution he studied at.
A hypocrite could hardly describe my presence in this discussion....it appears you like that straw man quite well. That's what they do; assert authority over whoever they can with their credentials. In case you weren't aware... that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15).... apparently not to you. I can only come to one conclusion here....You also are infected with the same Leaven!
i provided the evidence of this discussion to back up my assertions regarding your hypocrisy. I am not bandying words and accusations but merely writing back to you what you have already said like a mirror.
I have shown to you that Piper accepted a doctorate award in deference to his college which is in no way violation of any biblical doctrine, i have also shown that you are incredibly inconsistent in how you are arguing your points, which leads me to wonder where you learnt to do so...?
Wow....You are a Pro with the straw man! I looked back for all this evidence you claim to have provided and could find NONE! Next time Please give proof of your claims. I have "FOUND THE DONKEYS", and I can "PIN THE POINTED TAIL" on them, too. The only problem you could have with any of this would be if you felt the tack in your own behind: for one need not be a RELIGIOUS BIG-SHOT in order to play the part of a "little" ANTICHRIST.
An antichrist is one who SUPPLANTS, or REPLACES Jesus Christ. Jesus called them PSEUDO-CHRISTOS; false christs. PSEUDO means FAKE-PHONY-PRETEND. They are "imitation christs". What makes one an antichrist is NOT how conspicuously different they are from Christ; but is in how they play the role as "functional equivalent" to Christ.
mate... every claim i have made, i have referred to the dichotomy of your accusations and your remonstrations. I have shown, if you have read what i said that what you are asserting is inconsistent (and thus 'hypocritical'). I have made so such assertions myself. I do not wish to argue this fruitless point any further as you don't really seem here to explore what is reasonable (be it my view or yours) but simply to assert your view doggedly in the hope you can win people via yelling louder...
Put simply, an ANTICHRIST is an IMPOSTOR-SAVIOR; one who puts himself in the place of Jesus Christ by claiming or by INSINUATING that loyalty to him will guarantee your salvation. Every antichrist plays the same "game", and it goes like this: You bow and scrape, hand over your money, go along with his program, and call him "the man of God": in exchange for these things, the antichrist tells you what "a fine Christian" you are, and assures you of your place in heaven.
There are some things that an antichrist will NEVER do: he will never drive someone away just because they SAY they believe something that contradicts his favorite doctrines; for his chief concern is to have his pews filled and his offering-basket full. Paul said, An heretick after the first and second admonition REJECT (Titus 3:10); but an antichrist will never reject anybody unless he sees no way to use them for his own purposes.
In the end, he DOES NOT really CARE what your doctrine is, or whether you are saved or not; and he will never denounce you unless you threaten his popularity or his money
AURGG....The title DR. is FINE if you are a DR.!! and so on... Please tell me how a pastor thinks he needs the tittle DR. in front of Rev. ?? Again, the system of the World is different than the system of the Church, although I know you CAN'T see that! We don't take titles like the world does, we are known to be this or that, but we do not take title and call ourselves anything! We are not even to let ourselves be called TEACHER! (Matt 23:10) I know how Shocking this all must be to you.
The system this man is part of can't and will never be the true church! This bureaucratic worldly gentile system lusting after wealth, power and fame, have erected an idol and given themselves to it. They don't serve Christ.....they serve themselves! The whole of Christendom is head'n right down to the PIT!
They were to be in the context of brethren, such as brethren who have been faithful for longer periods of time than others. I know all the clergy will stand up and say, "that's ME" BUT IT AINT! What this bunch does is call themselves "Benefactors" (Luke 22:25) and continue to LORD IT OVER the people! All the while standing between the people and Christ. They are able to pull this over on the masses because it's is what the world sees and understands...Worldly Organizations and Benefactors!
There are qualifications for elders-- I suggest you get out your concordance and look up the word. It's Strong's G4245. Not only is it in the Old Testament but it also follows along in the New Testament. They appointed elders/overseers.
Not to mention 2000 years of christian history....
Sure, I would also appoint elders in like manner since there were none as paul went from place to place. I'm not disagreeing with this.... however the system we have today is a replica of the Mother herself in Rome! Today they carry on the same traditions and order.
I suggest you do a study of "World" and all the different Greek words and usages. John uses it any many different ways! You and I are in the world, but, not of it. He uses it to talk about creation, the Earth, all mankind, evil people, evil social systems, and even the Jews as a people. John Piper is not worldly, in the sense that he has denied his savior, nor is he of the world, because he is faithful to the Gospel of Jesus. You have a better chance of arguing that, than to make ad homs.
But some people try to make this word "world" out to refer only to "bad citizens" like drug addicts, porno peddlers, and common criminals: when in fact, by aligning themselves with secular interests and meddling in politics, THEY ARE the world. "THE WORLD" does NOT describe any little sub-group on the fringes of society.
these are all the kings of the earth, who lord it over their subjects, and CALL themselves benefactors. By duplicating the organizational principles of The World, and by acting in practical unity WITH the institutions of This World, they reveal, that what they are, in fact, is just another "department" of The World.
I can truly say that my church is God's church. AMEN...I sooo wish my Pastor could be the Pastor for all who don't go to church because of the hypocrisy....he is truly a man of God and is used in such a great way by Him. All Praise and Honor to the one and only Lord Jesus Christ!!
@UncleBernie2 Then why is he not getting results like John Wesley, William Booth, Evan Roberts, or George Whitefield.
I do not doubt his faith, but I do doubt the level of faith attributed to him by others. I pray Piper starts praying more than he reads. I will pray Piper starts praying more in church than preaching. I pray he gets rid of all the Catholic aspects that remain in the way he runs his church.
@Icannottolerateit Wow. I detect a bit of anger in your comment. I think if this is your opinion of John Piper, then perhaps instead of being a "Monday morning quarterback", why don't you use your life and do something better. So, no more wasting your time talking about how wrong you think others are ministering. Get started TODAY and make YOU make YOUR ministry the best the world has ever seen since John Wesley, William Booth, Evan Roberts, or George Whitefield. NO MORE EXCUSES!!!
@UncleBernie2 I do intend to be a part of the next revival and that does not happen without INTERCESSION, not preaching. Prayer is vastly more important than preaching
I have already started. It is not about having the best ministry, it is about living a holy life. If God wants someone else to take the front stage that is His business.
I am not making any excuses. God makes a persons ministry and tells them where and when to go, not the person.
@Icannottolerateit The next time you get out of the shower, before you dry yourself off, I want you to pretend what it will feel like standing before God. I want you to imagine yourself standing before An All Holy, All Righteous King of the Universe; who 2000 years ago, left the glories of heaven, became a man and was whipped and crucified on a cross for your sins. Standing there naked, I want you pretend you're telling GOD how deserving you are TO GO TO HEAVEN because of how 'holy' you are.
@UncleBernie2 Who said I deserved to go to Heaven? I am stating the fact that Piper is running off an outmoded and slightly Catholic form of church service.
I am not sure what you are even talking about anymore. I never justified myself, but I am not ashamed to say I know things....
In fact, I am even more responsible for all my sins after conversion because for some reason God gave me graces he did not give to everyone. The mere fact I know what church should be is burden enough.
@Icannottolerateit Truth is, none of us deserve to go to heaven. Pardon me if what I say appears to be misunderstood. I'm trying to follow your logic as best as I can but it seems that I have failed. Truth is, we are all GUILTY before God because of our sins. The only way to be justified with God is by the recognition, acceptance & trust in the ONE who paid for the penalty of our sin by His death on the cross...Jesus Christ. I hope God will help you to understand this someday. God Bless You.
@UncleBernie2 I have said nothing contrary to what you just said....You are talking elementary stuff. Let us move on to maturity as the writer of Hebrews said!
The reformation is not complete! Justification by faith is the foundation but that does not explain how church should function! All I have talked about to you is how the church should function, not anything else.
I never claimed to be righteous or deserving of anything, but I do know how church should function.
@Icannottolerateit You knowwhat? So far, your comments sound quite hostile, judgmental & demeaning but I think I detect this is coming from someone who has been very, very wounded in their life. So, at this point, I think we'll have to agree to disagree and discontinue this conversation. I certainly hope I have been nothing but a gentleman to you and I truly hope you find what you are in need of or should do. God bless you & Goodbye.
@UncleBernie2 I know, except he rejects God's Word the AV1611 English Reformation Bible (or the Original Geneva Bible). That fact alone is enough to make him suspect.
@UncleBernie2 When I say he rejects God's "Word" (didn't mean to capitalize the W), I do not mean he necessarily rejects Iesus but that he rejects the authorized English Bible which is based on the eastern MAJORITY manuscripts. The only choice other than the AV1611 or the Geneva Bible is the heretical new Bibles based on corrupted papist and gnostic manuscripts. Although Brother Piper seems to be firmly lodged in the truth, these heretical "translations" can subtly lead to apostasy.
@WorshipInTruth So, in other "W"ords (didn't mean to capitalize the W either, lol), you're saying that God, Creator & Ruler of the Universe, Maker of All Things, is not sovereign enough to protect his own "W"ord from those who have made the various translations throughout the centuries leading to today. When Jesus went to the synagogue in Luke 4:17-18 & read from Isaiah, he was reading a COPY. Jesus Himself was not reading from an ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT. You have NO FAITH IN GOD!
@UncleBernie2 Hmmm, there seems to be some kind of communication error here. I think the communication error is a result of your tiny intellectual capacity, apparently you were not able to understand what I had written. God HAS protected his word, I have a copy of it (AV1611 Bible for English speakers) with me this very moment. I just make sure the Bible version I use is based on the proper manucripts (Eastern-Byzantine style Majority Recieved Text) and not heretical ones.
If you believe all these Bible version are equal and influenced by the same spirit than it is YOU who does not believe that God has preserved his word.
He performed miracles for the man and woman He met along the way as well. Let us remember how Jesus loved and choose to love beyond our comfort zones. Let us have churches, not clubs.
We may show a bit of polite recognition by saying "you are in my prayers," but if for a close friend we would go, visit, pray, love on, invite, provide a meal, or any of the other things we can think of which we have done for a loved one in need; why is it that we stop at cordial acknowlegments for those we do not count as a part of our click? Jesus did not perform miracles for only those who were in His intimate group of followers. (cont)
I post this with tears in my eyes. I think John Piper has hit the nail on the head here. All to often we have clubs, not churches. Clubs where the ones whom we are intimately involved with outside of church get our loving attention, yet for those who...m are mere aquaintances (people we go to church with but do not socialize with outside of church activities) we do not seek to meet their needs. I am not even discussing monetary needs - but just simple love in a time of need. (cont)
We had a slightly disabled couple who arrived in a taxi to Church as their car needed a $1000 repair. They were declined a bank loan. I asked one of our Elders if we could take up a collection to help them . Reply was "No we can't do that, if we do then we have to do it for others too". My heart broke. My husband is an unbeliever, however I asked if we could pay for it. My husband asked "Is your Church going to help them?" "Sadly No" I said. "Then neither am I" came my husband's reply.
We gave a friend in need 1500 dlls,we should help others so they see the evidence of our faith.Some churches have much more than they need.Maybe look for a new church?The last church i attended,loved it,2 pastors & 4 elders, they all have full time work plus they keep a ministry,some people should be on full time ministry,there are all kinds of cases,but i think many people on full time ministry can do a lot more.Put your heart back together,and keep trying.Church is to care for widows and needy
Thanks for reply. Everything you said describes the real Church of our Lord Jesus, fantastic I love to hear that. We the people, are the Church, a living breathing unit, united together helping those who need it. Keep the faith and keep doing good till He returns:)
That is so sad ...... I think you should take up the money any way. For the Elders are not God and they do not own the Church. God rules over the Church. If $1000 is the money you need to raise then do it I'm sure everone will pich in . If the Elders reply " You foll we told you not to do that " respond "God gave the utimate sacrifice giveing his Son Jesus to die on the cross the least we could do is raise this money to help this family go to church" Pray about it God will show you the way.
I agree, what that Church is doing is NOT Biblical. Church is NOT a building, it's not a group of Pastors/Elders/Ministers who lead the sheep. We are all God's sheep, and they follow Him, just as we do.
I agree, the Church is supposed to care for people's needs, not say "give to us so we can erect buildings while you and your family suffer".
I remember that's why my Mom refused to go to Church. She used to say "All they ever do is stick out their hand and say "gimme!".
Many churches would refuse to help in this case. The Church is not a building with four walls, the church (according to scripture) is a gathering of believers. The church is to edify the body (each other) and keep them accountable for sin. As for a disabled couple coming up in a taxi, if they are not part of the church, the church does not necessarily have the obligation to help them. The churches focus should be to bring them in, assure some things (the big one being salvation)
@bassman1731 Hi thanks for your comments. The disabled couple had been coming to the Church regularly for years. The early day church of the Bible states they sold there extra material wealth and divided it up with those in the faith that didn't have much. Our church was pulling in over $1million a year back then (14yrs ago). Whatever we do for another we do for Jesus. The gathering of the Church cannot substitute for the work of the Holy Spirit but for me it keeps the fire burning within
With them being church members, and in need, the church has failed. I hope your husband understood that men of faith are still failible and that through your life and testimony, he has found Jesus!
@listening2all make them members and then help needs. If every crack addict in town walked up to your church door to meet a "need" and ran off with your money, the church would be robbed!! I know that I may sound "heartless" because the couple is disabled, but don't dare put it past a scam artist to use that. Even not, you must be firm in accordance with scripture, and be a good steward of money. It was bad for your deacon not to explain this to you!!!!! Im sorry you got hosed...
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Genocidal Christianity is a hoax. Christianity is Roman war propaganda against the Jews and nonwhites. New testament was written by Romans to demean and destroy Judaism. Titus Flavius who destroyed the Jewish Temple commissioned the Christian hoax as a replacement for Judaism. Titus' Flavius military campaign against Jerusalem was transformed into Jesus' ministry against Judaism
Again, another good Piper excerpt. Churches are no earthly good unless they appear to be of some benefit to society to those outside the coterie of sycophants. The whole Personal Jesus In My Heart thing is all nice and stuff--but there needs to be some actual kinetic activity to make the church more than just a bunch of people talking about how "close" they are to God.
We should spend more time in talking about how great God is and less time (or actually no time at all) talking about how "close we are to God" which in my opinion is not necessary and promotes arrogance and is the opposite of humility seeing that God was pleased by mere pleasure in choosing to save us. True spirituality it would seem should be focused on how great God is and what He alone has done for us feeble, weak human beings. Make much of God and little of self because that is reality. :)
I absolutely love how much passion he has for Christ, and passion for His word, and how life isn't about living for Christ, but life IS CHRIST. You want an awesome thought?! If Piper is this passionate about God's Glory, imagine how infinitely more passionate God is about His own Glory :) Put's a smile on my face!
Amen, I wish more pastors preached this truth of the body. Instead of these lies of health and wealth, pastors driving in expensive cars, living in huge houses, while the sheep can't pay for food or electric.
Except that the difference is that socialism taxes for non-Christian ends, with no regard for the rights of those being taxed. The church is to be filled with people who give willingly, without coersion, and to the end of glorifying God.
Socialism wants to borrow Christian capital for non-Christian ends.
That's why channeling all of this through government is what's wrong with this. I can't help but wonder how much more affordable health care (and everything else) would be if government had never been involved, and how much more wisely it would be used if we returned to a Biblical ethic, rather than an entitlement one.
Yes, everyone returning to a Biblical ethic would solve 100% of all our problems.
People would naturally give & they'd be no poverty as in the Acts of the Apostles.
But because so many folks reject God, their dealings get so tangled up that the govt has to step in. And the govt is just as corrupt as companies they regulate, so the problems worsen.
At any rate, I think He's getting sick of His name being used as nothing but a letterhead in our nation.
Except that government stepping in only encourages everyone to get a "piece of the pie", and the problem increases exponentially, as we're seeing now. What needs to step in is faith in God's word.
the whole time (other than the actual service that most just wait for the ending of) no one ever brings up any of the philosophies of Jesus or asks how they can be more like Jesus, they just socialize. Well sorry folks, that is a country club, not a church. You may be in a church building, but you are members of a "church" only in name. You are a member of your local country club that also happens to prescribe to whatever sect of Christianity. I'm not saying i'm any better, but it's true.
DeeZStankYNutZ 3 weeks ago 2
I read the title of this video and couldn't believe it. I have been saying for years that many of the larger churches in the south that I grew up around absolutely act more like country clubs than churches. Every Sunday everyone gets dressed up to go socialize with friends. Most sit and politely nod and wait for the service to be over. Then the guys talk about guy stuff, the girls talk about girl stuff, the kids talk about kid stuff, maybe we go eat somewhere, and.. (cont)
DeeZStankYNutZ 3 weeks ago 4
@abcd29347 Right with you on that one
JoelAuditore 3 weeks ago
i want to know why there are empty seats, if i could i would be there
abcd29347 1 month ago
I love John Piper and what God is doing in his life! PREACH Piper! The church is too busy being like the world just so it soothe their conscious. They (we) are afraid of looking like children of God.
realtalkgrace 2 months ago
are you a church, a club, or a cult
churches where one is bullied the way Piper bullies are cults
Strefanasha 2 months ago
It can be really difficult for Churches. I don't want to make excuses but in a country where 95 percent of Christians are just nominal Christians and where Roman Catholic Church dominates, real Churches (not just official worship) are rare. I believe God led me to Baptist Church which I found about 2 months ago (never guessed there are reformed churches in Croatia) and I love it. People are nice and help each other. I thank God for that. :)
BritneyAddicted4EVA 3 months ago
@BritneyAddicted4EVA Your comment shows the shallowness of your belief. What shutspah to believe you have the ONLY truth. Your religion seems based on nice people.
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko Not it is not but it might sound like it. My "religion" if you want to call it is based on my assurance that in Jesus God is not for me but against me. Therefore I'm free to love others because Jesus loved me. I left RCC not because of people but because of serious doctrinal errors and because I wanted to share the Bible with people and talk about it with others. There is nothing wrong about that.
BritneyAddicted4EVA 2 months ago
@BritneyAddicted4EVA ..Enjoy your NEW fantasy.
ndzoko 2 months ago
Do you want to believe that there is an all powerful, eternal entity that watches you while you sleep; can convict you of thought crime; can take your most involuntary passing thought and use it to condemn you for ever? Do you want to have invigilation every second of your life, from “before you are born” and, yes, even after death?
A celestial North Korea! That’s what you desire! Except you can get away from that despicable regime by dying!! No such luck for the religious! (CH)
StrumstickJoe 4 months ago
@StrumstickJoe :In all Christian love, you're wrong. Number one, we don't serve a vindictive God, as you seem to believe (Eze. 18:23). God is a just God, so yes He does see all the wrong that we've done. But God loves!
That's the whole point of the Gospel that God sent His Son to die in our stead that we don't need to be held condemned for those sins (Romans 8:1). God doesn't want us to suffer, He wants us to live! We are the ones who choose sin, He offers us life!
itskragus 4 months ago
@itskragus God sent His Son to die in our stead
God sent His Son to die in our stead
God sent His Son to die in our stead
God sent His Son to die in our stead
No matter how many times I say it - I cannot make it make sense.
It is abject, contrived, dangerous, primitive, superstitious, borrowed, vindictive and, rather silly nonsense.
You quoted your mindless pap, but you did not address my 2 questions.
Try reading them again.
You believe in magic, I don't.
StrumstickJoe 4 months ago
@StrumstickJoe Okay, to answer your questions. God doesn't judge the "most involuntary passing thought" those are thoughts of the flesh, read Romans (unless you'd prefer to remain ignorant). Being judged? Yes. I believe that God is the author of morality. But you dismissed what I said before you even read it. You say God is vindictive, the Bible says He isn't. You believe in something unseen too, evolution (I assume). What makes my belief any more superstitious?
itskragus 4 months ago
@itskragus . Number one, we don't serve a vindictive God, << Really ?. Witches, kill them. Homosexuals, kill them.fortunetellers, kill them. those who don`t listen to priests, kill them. those hitting their dad, kill them. those who curse their parents, kill them, adulterers, kill them. fornicators, kill them. people who believe in other religions, kill them. non-believers,kill them. fals prohets ,kill them. blasphemers, kill them. those who work on the Sabbath, kill them. The word of god !!
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko Are you talking about Judaism or Christianity? Do you realize that Jesus worked on the Sabbath? No? Did you read where Jesus said that there were really two commandments that mattered, to LOVE the Lord, and to LOVE one another as ourselves? Or that Jesus's last commandment was for Christians to love one another as He loved us? Jesus never endorsed killing people... Christians have f'ed up the real message that Jesus gave. The law was for the Jews, I'd explain, but I'm outta space.
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus Is Jesus god ? Is the god of the New-Testament the same as the one from the Old-Testament ? Than Jesus ordered all those people killed. Period.
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko You're assuming God must've changed. The Old Testament laws (found in Leviticus) were for Israel. God gave those rules so that the people would grow and be set apart from the other nations. The laws were harsh because there was no way to cease sinning. However, when Jesus came, he gave a new covenant. It's not that those things are no longer bad, they're still bad but the payment has already been made.
It's not about God being wrathful, it's about how unbelievably loving He is.
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus Sir, you just made my point. The bible cannot be true, because god`s morality cannot change according to time and place, according to what people or race it is applicable. Otherwise, what is moral today, can be immoral 2,000 years in the future .Obviously he had another morality for the jews 3,000 years ago as for us today. Therefore, the bible is nothing, but a human concoction.
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko No. His implementation of how to judge what is right and wrong changed. Thanks for putting words into my mouth. The implementation in the OT was that you had to make atonements for the sins you committed, against God or man. In the NT, God sent himself into the world to make the everlasting atonement.
Jesus bore all the punishment that we deserve under the Law for all the sins that we would commit. I'm getting a really strong feeling that you've never actually read the Bible...
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus No. His implementation of how to judge what is right and wrong changed.... Your explantion is just playing with words. In the O.T. god(jesus) ordered people killed for a lot petty transgressions, but in the New Testament. this same god (jesus) preaches" love your neighbor". This is a total reversal of his morality. There is only one explanation: The bible is human JUNK
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko In the Old Testament, the Israelites (I assume that's what you're talking about) were under the Old Covenant. You're assuming that God went from a god of justice (OT) to a god of love (NT). He was always both. The fact that he allowed us to live past the flood is evidence. In the OT God elected a single person to become a nation, in the NT he elects people.
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus Man, oh man. Are you living in the 21th century ? You consider the fact that god let ONE family live (in the supposed wolrdwide flood)and drowning the whole of humanity and ACT OF LOVE ? Please man get your marbles together. The holocaust must be an act of love too. Hitler let some jews live. Just to prove the silliness of your point.
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko It's not an act of love. It's an act of justice. You're trying to isolate a single attribute of God. You didn't answer whether or not you actually have read the Bible...
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus What kind of DIVINE justice are you talking about ?? Capital punishment, for being a witch? For working on the sabbath ? For being a fortuneteller ? etc. etc. Is that YOUR kind of justice ?
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko That's exactly the point! It's not MY justice. It is Gods standards. In the Old Testament he gave special revelation to a single nation, telling them exactly what they ought to do. In order for them to be a holy nation he gave them rules and consequences so that they would be set apart from the pagans...
But this wasn't sufficient, almost no one could act properly and sacrifices were needed. So from the garden of Eden, God promised a Messiah, Jesus who gave us a new covenant.
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus Well, sir/lady. if you want to call a god, with such standards, loving , caring, compassionate, forgiving, JUST, be my guest , I suggest you trash your bible, it is screwing your sense of justice. Once again you admit that god`s standards, regarding the jews,in biblical times were different then today. This again proves my point. God`s standards cannot change according to when and where they are applied. They must be the same everywhere,all the time. The bible is JUNK.
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko You, sir or madam, seem very closed minded. What would you prefer? No rules? That's not very loving. The rules we have in the Bible are for our own health or for our relationship with God. Check out Isiah 55:8. The rules haven't changed... neither has the punishment... but Jesus already bore our punishment. Now we're free to obey him, not out of fear of punishment, but out of love for him!
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus : What would you prefer? No rules? .>>>>> You know what I prefer. You know what is JUST. Gods morality must be the same from the beginning of humanity to the end of time, and the same for all peoples of the world. THAT IS BASIC JUSTICE. Obviously god`s morality changes according to what people it is applied to.. Therefore ,the bible has no more validity as "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves "
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko I'm beginning to think that you are only reading half of my post. The rules haven't changed. God still hates sin. Sin is still sin. God hates sin because it separates us from him. Now if you want an epistemic/metaphysical debate on where those rules originate then you should read some C.S. Lewis or some William Lane Craig.
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus The rules haven't changed. .... Man, do YOU read my reply !! The rules have completely changed. Does god still demands homos to be killed, witches to be killed , workers on the sabbath to be killed !! Is working on the Sabbath still a sin !! You don``t have to have any silly epistemic debate to understand this. Any 6th grader understands.
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko My Lord. We seem to be repeating the same points over and over. Those rules were for ISRAEL. You know, that country? God chose them. However, they kept failing so he sent his Son out of love to reach everyone. Those are still sins, but God never wanted those punishments out of being vindictive, they were for the people's own good. However, God sent his son to defeat Satan, sin, and death, and free us from religion!
itskragus 2 months ago
@itskragus God sent his son to defeat Satan, >>> So god sent his son to free us from satan, whom he created., That`s GREAT love. LOL. The whole salvation story makes no sense, no matter from whatever angle you look at it. Moreover there is not a shred of evidence for salvation. NONE. And to boot, scriptures itself say that... salvation is foolishness....
ndzoko 2 months ago
@ndzoko God created beings with free will. Meaning that Satan chose to disobey him and from that absence of God, evil was born. And you're right, there is no tangible proof for salvation. There is proof for Christ's existence, his death, but not of salvation. That's why Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe." But there is a true experience that you have... but even if I'm wrong, why are you so concerned? Let me be a misguided optimist.
itskragus 2 months ago
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@itskragus I am not concerned, my friend. Tell me the whole salvation story is ONE big miracle, and no one will bother. But don`t claim to have evidence when there is none. Because reasonable, thinking people will not accept that.... "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe." ... Believers should stick to that.
ndzoko 2 months ago
@WorshipinTruth Thank you. You just proved my point. First, it's not a laughing matter. Second, marital status is not justification to ignore single or low income people fellowship especially at church. Thirdly, you suffer from the sin of perfectionism if you think the christian community is getting it right. Actions speak louder than words.
mrchiefofsinners 4 months ago
Amen brother! The Church isn't a organization, it isn't a building. It's a ORGANISM. It's made up of thousands of believers around the world. We should stand together and help our fellow brothers and sisters.
thelastlonesurvivor 5 months ago
My God---John Piper you betta preach my brother---CHURCH or CLUB...simply put...now we must simply answer! I say let's be the CHURCH! AMEN!
widemanoranges 5 months ago
Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow!
AgApE010 7 months ago
John Piper is SOOOOO gifted as a pastor/teacher. My friend Stewart Leafblad preaches so much like John. Both PASSIONATE men of Christ! Oh If I could be to that level. I feel it growing. but to see where they are in their walk. I can't wait to get there!
spellbiff 1 year ago
Thank YOU GOD for YOUR SON, our LORD and SALVATION, and YOUR HOLY SPIRIT to teach us what the definition of the church is, what it was and what it ought to be.
chog8 1 year ago
Thank God for men and women of God who will speak the true Gospel of Christ unashamed...help us Lord Jesus to be what you desire~
naomigodschild 1 year ago
Hey guys, it'd be great if you could head over to the new ministry website for Gospel Eternal. It's a new ministry just starting out and the posts could really use some comments and followers. Just click on my channel link and the site is there on the channel. Thanks a lot! Can't wait to worship in heaven with you all.
gospeleternal 1 year ago
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Dr. Piper,
Please email me @ askgodwillinjesusnamedaily@gmail.com I wish to give you a goodv report. Thanks!
unlimitedaxcess 1 year ago
Church of Fun! and and and...what is the Blood of Jesus? why does is fountain so? why do Disciples revel in it so? the imagery is worse than video games, and That Imagery should replace those games. "Train yourself" read the gospel, then read James then read 1st John then read Philippians. Don't give the local church a fair shake until you've given the Bible a "fair shake"! then and only then burst into that kirk with HALLELUYAH. PTL. and read a Proverb or six.
FlyingAxblade 1 year ago
i love this
TheUNKNOWNReal 1 year ago
Another good one by Mr. Piper....
XwaiterX 1 year ago
Amen and amen, John Piper is totally spot on with this word.
hobbit14590 1 year ago
Powerful words
rajecks 1 year ago
We have went so far from loving others!
One of the reasons I see is that we don't believe Jesus will come during our lifetime, as first Christians did. They thought NOTHING is more important. They loved just ONE KING!
Are possibilities the world gives too enticing so we are not able to live for others, not able just to "attend the temple together day by day and break bread in our homes, to partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people"? Acts 2
0jars 1 year ago
Most reformed churches don't have outreach ministries to nursing homes, prisons, feeding the poor, etc. because they are too busy "exclusively" preaching doctrine. When the good samaritan stopped to help the assaulted traveler, he didn't ask him about his doctrine or if he was a member of a church somewhere, he just helped him.
mrchiefofsinners 1 year ago
What John Piper said in the video is great, but the unfortunate truth is that 95% of all reformed churches have ears but they cannot hear. The reform church has become a maintenance organization more interested in evangelism through the preaching of doctrine than evangelism through meeting the needs of poor people. Matthew 25: 31-46 has slowly been disappearing for decades and will soon be gone altogether except for a few scattered good samaritans.
mrchiefofsinners 1 year ago
living-scripture.blogspot
Jokemtv 1 year ago
i love this guy he keeps it real and u can feel his passion...
patriciacarrasco 1 year ago
I want a preacher that does not have every eye on him. I want one that starts an actual church that no longer retains Catholic formalities.
Almost EVERY aspect of Catholic church is wrong, that includes everything revolving around the preacher.
Icannottolerateit 1 year ago
Great message, but why do 95% of all reformed/calvinist churches have none to very few single or poor people in them? It's because these people are treated like second class citizens. In many of these churches single and poor people are treated like something must be wrong because they're not married or successful.
mrchiefofsinners 1 year ago
@mrchiefofsinners, I go to a reformed church and I would guess that probably 20% of the church is homeless. Maybe 30-40% are single. Maybe only a handful are upper middle class. I have not experienced what you are talking about.
jamesburdette 1 year ago
@mrchiefofsinners
Cliffordgf 9 months ago
@mrchiefofsinners Laugh, maybe it is because reformed/calvinist peoples understand a little more about life then your average heathen sloth. I doubt that there is any truly Christian community which looks down on single individuals since the Bible makes clear that some are created/meant for the single life while others are meant for marriage. We are the various different [diverse] body parts which make up the singularly minded Body of Christ and as such we do not live identical lives.
WorshipInTruth 6 months ago
Brother563: Do we not say rightly that you are a Dispensationalist and have a demon in you? :)
Irenaeus09 1 year ago
Thanks! Awesome!
yeshuateaching 1 year ago 3
That was really good. John looks way diffrent than I thought. Hes an amazing preacher though, best biblically rooted.
default1drake 1 year ago 2
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RobertBaral365 2 years ago
@RobertBaral365 RobertBaral365 Someday every Christian will see your god kneel before our GOD,as we all look on in amazement sayin,"Is this the one who caused us so much trouble?"He will be made a spectacle before the world as he confesses that Jesus is LORD!!! Then cast into THE LAKE OF FIRE!
CBALLEN 1 year ago
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RobertBaral365 1 year ago
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RobertBaral365 1 year ago
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RobertBaral365 1 year ago
He says, come not near me, for I am holier than thou (Isaiah 65:5). He loves to go about in long clothing (special preacher outfits), and loves salutations in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the church- buildings, and the uppermost rooms at public social gatherings; he allows himself to be called "Reverend, Reverend", and he devours widow's houses (will take even their last nickel "for God" without guilt)...cont...
Brother563 2 years ago
AND, if anyone putteth not into his mouth, he even prepares war against him (Micah 3:5). YOU DO KNOW WHO I AM TALKING ABOUT, DON'T YOU?
Brother563 2 years ago
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RobertBaral365 2 years ago
They CALL THEMSELVES Benefactors; they exercise that same social and political authority over their "flock" that the kings of this world use to subdue and control their subjects. They occupy an 'office of worldly authority': being recognized by THE WORLD as the LEGALLY LICENSED, INSTITUTIONALLY CERTIFIED, BUREAUCRATICALLY ORDAINED, and PUBLICLY ACCEPTABLE representatives of POPULAR RELIGION. They are a part of the world's social order.
Brother563 2 years ago
You are way off base friend. First, nobody today uses the word "benefactors." Also, pastors do not hold sway over people. The world does not recognize them as anything but a menace. They do not conform to the world, nor embrace worldly things. I would dare to say John Piper's "popular religion" isn't so popular-- even within evangelical christianity. Reformed theology is a minority...
skolded1 2 years ago
NO...today they are called Governor, mayor, Chief, Pastor Reverend, Dr., and so on.... Strange you don't recognize that!
Brother563 2 years ago
They are a part of the World's Social Order. They sit in the town council; they influence elections; the newspaper values their opinion. They are RECOGNIZED by the WORLD as "the men of God"; while the Bible says the World knoweth us NOT: but the World DOES "KNOW THEM". (1 John 4:5)
Brother563 2 years ago
Did you know mechanics are recognized by the world? Also pilot, engineers, salesmen, and housewives are all recognized by the world. I don't think John Piper sits on a town council. I also don't believe he influences elections-- if he does, he has failed thus far. 1John 4:2 seems to say John Piper is of God and not of the World. His message is anything but worldly. Also, notice in 1John 4:5, world, G2889("Kosmos") is used in two different ways. They are of, in, and the world.
skolded1 2 years ago
First....1John 4:2 has to do with those doing more than just PROFESSING!.... all sorts of evil men can spout the fact that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh....as well as the multitudes who in that day say, " Lord, we did such and so in your name!"...only to be reputed into everlasting torment. Jesus himself said they would come in his name saying "he was the Christ"!...but still deceiving in the process.(Matt 24:5)... These were the ones he was speaking of, not cults like mormons etc.
Brother563 2 years ago
The Greek word for world (KOSMOS) means "the system", and is the DIRECT EQUIVALENT to what we all call THE ESTABLISHMENT: and we all know what "The Establishment" IS: it's all those social, political, and religious structures of mankind that have common operating principles (they are bureaucracies) and work together for a unified cause. "The world", always means whatever represents or personifies the regional majority.
Brother563 2 years ago
They see CULTURAL or POLITICAL LOYALTIES and RELIGIOUS PROFESSION as 2 equal legs on one 'whole' man. Our churches are now full of such HALF-BREEDS: Christendom may be their MOTHER, but the world; THE WORLD SYSTEM; THE ESTABLISHMENT is their father. AND..........by making common cause with The State and becoming the Public Advocates for the social concerns of the Godless Multitude, Christendom has grown from an oppressed minority into an OPPRESSING MAJORITY.
Brother563 2 years ago
They commit spiritual adultery with The World by mingling religious, cultural, and political loyalties: when in fact, for Christians, there is only ONE FAMILY (Matt.12:46-50), only ONE CULTURE (Col.3:11), and only ONE CITIZENSHIP (Eph.2:19). The Biblical descriptions of Godliness are simply ignored whenever they appear to conflict with social and political expediencies.
Brother563 2 years ago
Isaiah.57:3~But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.
4.Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom do ye make a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood?
Brother563 2 years ago
I don't think it's that strange. Title are used to indicate certain things. For example, a governor governs the executive branch of states. Chief is a tribal leader. Pastor is the teacher/official of the church; along with deacons in another office. Dr. is simply a title to denote a level of education or profession. There are many titles, for example, God gave Israel Kings. Paul was an Apostle, there were elders and bishops. Prophet is even a title.
skolded1 2 years ago
I have never said there weren't offices in the church....its the way it's used. Lording over the people by way of the Benefactor system. I don't suppose you will have the faculties to recognize this being your blindness thus far.
Brother563 2 years ago
i find it odd you have a go at people for adopting titles in line with their level of study yet mock someone for their 'blindness'.
Revinius 2 years ago
I don't know what your talking about? I'm not doing either... Read my page if you want better understanding!
Brother563 2 years ago
dude, you just mocked skolded1 for his 'blindness' after having a rant about people adopting titles... I don't know what's not to understand. Be consistent please. :(
Revinius 2 years ago
Well.....I went and looked at your page before I decided to carry on this foolish charade and have come to the conclusion it would be almost pointless to rebuke you in your current condition. You are neck deep in false Christianity and our discussion about blindness will likely just grow ever contentious. Come out of Babylon before its too late!
Brother563 2 years ago 2
i too think this 'discussion' is pointless, you are making wild accusations and showing little consistency of thought.
Revinius 2 years ago
Hmmm...
Brother563 2 years ago
I don't have a GO @ people, only their FAKE, PHONY Religon!
Brother563 2 years ago
and you seem to do that via attacking their personal integrity. If a man does X amount of study and academic work with an institution and they award him a doctorate, then he is free to adopt the term. Dr. Piper was a seminary professor before moving to a pastorate. He earned the title and by no means lauds it over people but accepts it as an honour from his Bible college. I think you need to seek more meritable arguments than these if your aim is to subvert Gods church.
Revinius 2 years ago
Sorry...I don't accept these "WORLDLY CREDENTIALS" as evidence of any Merit whatsoever in "Gods Church" This Jargon falls lock step however with the Antichrist System, which apparently you belong to.
Brother563 2 years ago
thanks for the straw man. Why don't you just admit that you are acting like a hypocrite in attacking people who disagree with you rather than the argument itself?
You don't have to accept his 'worldy credentials'. He by no means asserts his authority over you but points to the Word of God. When you are awarded a title by an institution it is an honour, just like a medical doctor, and he accepts that honour in deference to institution he studied at.
Revinius 2 years ago
Hey, if the shoe fits....wear it!
A hypocrite could hardly describe my presence in this discussion....it appears you like that straw man quite well. That's what they do; assert authority over whoever they can with their credentials. In case you weren't aware... that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15).... apparently not to you. I can only come to one conclusion here....You also are infected with the same Leaven!
Brother563 2 years ago
i provided the evidence of this discussion to back up my assertions regarding your hypocrisy. I am not bandying words and accusations but merely writing back to you what you have already said like a mirror.
I have shown to you that Piper accepted a doctorate award in deference to his college which is in no way violation of any biblical doctrine, i have also shown that you are incredibly inconsistent in how you are arguing your points, which leads me to wonder where you learnt to do so...?
Revinius 2 years ago
Wow....You are a Pro with the straw man! I looked back for all this evidence you claim to have provided and could find NONE! Next time Please give proof of your claims. I have "FOUND THE DONKEYS", and I can "PIN THE POINTED TAIL" on them, too. The only problem you could have with any of this would be if you felt the tack in your own behind: for one need not be a RELIGIOUS BIG-SHOT in order to play the part of a "little" ANTICHRIST.
Brother563 2 years ago
An antichrist is one who SUPPLANTS, or REPLACES Jesus Christ. Jesus called them PSEUDO-CHRISTOS; false christs. PSEUDO means FAKE-PHONY-PRETEND. They are "imitation christs". What makes one an antichrist is NOT how conspicuously different they are from Christ; but is in how they play the role as "functional equivalent" to Christ.
Brother563 2 years ago
mate... every claim i have made, i have referred to the dichotomy of your accusations and your remonstrations. I have shown, if you have read what i said that what you are asserting is inconsistent (and thus 'hypocritical'). I have made so such assertions myself. I do not wish to argue this fruitless point any further as you don't really seem here to explore what is reasonable (be it my view or yours) but simply to assert your view doggedly in the hope you can win people via yelling louder...
Revinius 2 years ago
Put simply, an ANTICHRIST is an IMPOSTOR-SAVIOR; one who puts himself in the place of Jesus Christ by claiming or by INSINUATING that loyalty to him will guarantee your salvation. Every antichrist plays the same "game", and it goes like this: You bow and scrape, hand over your money, go along with his program, and call him "the man of God": in exchange for these things, the antichrist tells you what "a fine Christian" you are, and assures you of your place in heaven.
Brother563 2 years ago
There are some things that an antichrist will NEVER do: he will never drive someone away just because they SAY they believe something that contradicts his favorite doctrines; for his chief concern is to have his pews filled and his offering-basket full. Paul said, An heretick after the first and second admonition REJECT (Titus 3:10); but an antichrist will never reject anybody unless he sees no way to use them for his own purposes.
Brother563 2 years ago
In the end, he DOES NOT really CARE what your doctrine is, or whether you are saved or not; and he will never denounce you unless you threaten his popularity or his money
Brother563 2 years ago
AURGG....The title DR. is FINE if you are a DR.!! and so on... Please tell me how a pastor thinks he needs the tittle DR. in front of Rev. ?? Again, the system of the World is different than the system of the Church, although I know you CAN'T see that! We don't take titles like the world does, we are known to be this or that, but we do not take title and call ourselves anything! We are not even to let ourselves be called TEACHER! (Matt 23:10) I know how Shocking this all must be to you.
Brother563 2 years ago
Seems you have much to learn.
Brother563 2 years ago
The system this man is part of can't and will never be the true church! This bureaucratic worldly gentile system lusting after wealth, power and fame, have erected an idol and given themselves to it. They don't serve Christ.....they serve themselves! The whole of Christendom is head'n right down to the PIT!
Brother563 2 years ago
What system?
skolded1 2 years ago
What they call clergymen....God calls Antichrist!.....Hence.....the Antichrist system!
Brother563 2 years ago
Define "clergy." Paul spoke of OverSeers and Elders....
skolded1 2 years ago
They were to be in the context of brethren, such as brethren who have been faithful for longer periods of time than others. I know all the clergy will stand up and say, "that's ME" BUT IT AINT! What this bunch does is call themselves "Benefactors" (Luke 22:25) and continue to LORD IT OVER the people! All the while standing between the people and Christ. They are able to pull this over on the masses because it's is what the world sees and understands...Worldly Organizations and Benefactors!
Brother563 2 years ago
There are qualifications for elders-- I suggest you get out your concordance and look up the word. It's Strong's G4245. Not only is it in the Old Testament but it also follows along in the New Testament. They appointed elders/overseers.
Not to mention 2000 years of christian history....
skolded1 2 years ago
Sure, I would also appoint elders in like manner since there were none as paul went from place to place. I'm not disagreeing with this.... however the system we have today is a replica of the Mother herself in Rome! Today they carry on the same traditions and order.
Brother563 2 years ago
Apostate History!
Brother563 2 years ago
I suggest you do a study of "World" and all the different Greek words and usages. John uses it any many different ways! You and I are in the world, but, not of it. He uses it to talk about creation, the Earth, all mankind, evil people, evil social systems, and even the Jews as a people. John Piper is not worldly, in the sense that he has denied his savior, nor is he of the world, because he is faithful to the Gospel of Jesus. You have a better chance of arguing that, than to make ad homs.
skolded1 2 years ago
But some people try to make this word "world" out to refer only to "bad citizens" like drug addicts, porno peddlers, and common criminals: when in fact, by aligning themselves with secular interests and meddling in politics, THEY ARE the world. "THE WORLD" does NOT describe any little sub-group on the fringes of society.
Brother563 2 years ago
these are all the kings of the earth, who lord it over their subjects, and CALL themselves benefactors. By duplicating the organizational principles of The World, and by acting in practical unity WITH the institutions of This World, they reveal, that what they are, in fact, is just another "department" of The World.
Brother563 2 years ago
i wannna be like John Piper
Anothergreatshnazz 2 years ago 2
That's a good goal, but he would want you to be like Jesus!... :)
LinkD3 2 years ago 11
Thats cool but i wanna be like Jesus
justme228 2 years ago 2
I can truly say that my church is God's church. AMEN...I sooo wish my Pastor could be the Pastor for all who don't go to church because of the hypocrisy....he is truly a man of God and is used in such a great way by Him. All Praise and Honor to the one and only Lord Jesus Christ!!
snoland81 2 years ago
I doubt it.
Brother563 2 years ago
Pastor John Piper can say more in 2 minutes than most preachers can say over the course of a lifetime.
UncleBernie2 2 years ago 45
@UncleBernie2 Then why is he not getting results like John Wesley, William Booth, Evan Roberts, or George Whitefield.
I do not doubt his faith, but I do doubt the level of faith attributed to him by others. I pray Piper starts praying more than he reads. I will pray Piper starts praying more in church than preaching. I pray he gets rid of all the Catholic aspects that remain in the way he runs his church.
Icannottolerateit 1 year ago
@Icannottolerateit Wow. I detect a bit of anger in your comment. I think if this is your opinion of John Piper, then perhaps instead of being a "Monday morning quarterback", why don't you use your life and do something better. So, no more wasting your time talking about how wrong you think others are ministering. Get started TODAY and make YOU make YOUR ministry the best the world has ever seen since John Wesley, William Booth, Evan Roberts, or George Whitefield. NO MORE EXCUSES!!!
UncleBernie2 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2 I do intend to be a part of the next revival and that does not happen without INTERCESSION, not preaching. Prayer is vastly more important than preaching
I have already started. It is not about having the best ministry, it is about living a holy life. If God wants someone else to take the front stage that is His business.
I am not making any excuses. God makes a persons ministry and tells them where and when to go, not the person.
Icannottolerateit 1 year ago
@Icannottolerateit The next time you get out of the shower, before you dry yourself off, I want you to pretend what it will feel like standing before God. I want you to imagine yourself standing before An All Holy, All Righteous King of the Universe; who 2000 years ago, left the glories of heaven, became a man and was whipped and crucified on a cross for your sins. Standing there naked, I want you pretend you're telling GOD how deserving you are TO GO TO HEAVEN because of how 'holy' you are.
UncleBernie2 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2 Who said I deserved to go to Heaven? I am stating the fact that Piper is running off an outmoded and slightly Catholic form of church service.
I am not sure what you are even talking about anymore. I never justified myself, but I am not ashamed to say I know things....
In fact, I am even more responsible for all my sins after conversion because for some reason God gave me graces he did not give to everyone. The mere fact I know what church should be is burden enough.
Icannottolerateit 1 year ago
@Icannottolerateit Truth is, none of us deserve to go to heaven. Pardon me if what I say appears to be misunderstood. I'm trying to follow your logic as best as I can but it seems that I have failed. Truth is, we are all GUILTY before God because of our sins. The only way to be justified with God is by the recognition, acceptance & trust in the ONE who paid for the penalty of our sin by His death on the cross...Jesus Christ. I hope God will help you to understand this someday. God Bless You.
UncleBernie2 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2 I have said nothing contrary to what you just said....You are talking elementary stuff. Let us move on to maturity as the writer of Hebrews said!
The reformation is not complete! Justification by faith is the foundation but that does not explain how church should function! All I have talked about to you is how the church should function, not anything else.
I never claimed to be righteous or deserving of anything, but I do know how church should function.
Icannottolerateit 1 year ago
@Icannottolerateit You knowwhat? So far, your comments sound quite hostile, judgmental & demeaning but I think I detect this is coming from someone who has been very, very wounded in their life. So, at this point, I think we'll have to agree to disagree and discontinue this conversation. I certainly hope I have been nothing but a gentleman to you and I truly hope you find what you are in need of or should do. God bless you & Goodbye.
UncleBernie2 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2 I am upset at the state of the Church. I am angry pastors are deceiving their flock. I am angry!
Just because protestants have a better theology means nothing if the Church is operated in nearly the same fashion as the Catholic church.
The reformers were angry at the Catholic institution as well, but I do not see you going on a crusade against Richard Baxter....
Icannottolerateit 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2 I know, except he rejects God's Word the AV1611 English Reformation Bible (or the Original Geneva Bible). That fact alone is enough to make him suspect.
WorshipInTruth 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2 When I say he rejects God's "Word" (didn't mean to capitalize the W), I do not mean he necessarily rejects Iesus but that he rejects the authorized English Bible which is based on the eastern MAJORITY manuscripts. The only choice other than the AV1611 or the Geneva Bible is the heretical new Bibles based on corrupted papist and gnostic manuscripts. Although Brother Piper seems to be firmly lodged in the truth, these heretical "translations" can subtly lead to apostasy.
WorshipInTruth 1 year ago
@WorshipInTruth So, in other "W"ords (didn't mean to capitalize the W either, lol), you're saying that God, Creator & Ruler of the Universe, Maker of All Things, is not sovereign enough to protect his own "W"ord from those who have made the various translations throughout the centuries leading to today. When Jesus went to the synagogue in Luke 4:17-18 & read from Isaiah, he was reading a COPY. Jesus Himself was not reading from an ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT. You have NO FAITH IN GOD!
UncleBernie2 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2 Hmmm, there seems to be some kind of communication error here. I think the communication error is a result of your tiny intellectual capacity, apparently you were not able to understand what I had written. God HAS protected his word, I have a copy of it (AV1611 Bible for English speakers) with me this very moment. I just make sure the Bible version I use is based on the proper manucripts (Eastern-Byzantine style Majority Recieved Text) and not heretical ones.
WorshipInTruth 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2
If you believe all these Bible version are equal and influenced by the same spirit than it is YOU who does not believe that God has preserved his word.
WorshipInTruth 1 year ago
@UncleBernie2 That's because he reads more Bible in two weeks than most preachers read over the course of a lifetime.
DrMoneymanTX 1 year ago 18
@DrMoneymanTX spectacular! right on brother!
FlyingAxblade 1 year ago
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@UncleBernie2 That's because he reads more Bible in two weeks than most preachers read over the course of a lifetime.
DrMoneymanTX 1 year ago
My Church cares more about the building than the people who are in it.
blueskunk12 2 years ago
That is really sad...:(
jes381990 2 years ago
I thank all of you for your responses, So loving and full of the Lord. May God Bless you all.
jana6465 2 years ago 2
He performed miracles for the man and woman He met along the way as well. Let us remember how Jesus loved and choose to love beyond our comfort zones. Let us have churches, not clubs.
MonicaCrochets 2 years ago
We may show a bit of polite recognition by saying "you are in my prayers," but if for a close friend we would go, visit, pray, love on, invite, provide a meal, or any of the other things we can think of which we have done for a loved one in need; why is it that we stop at cordial acknowlegments for those we do not count as a part of our click? Jesus did not perform miracles for only those who were in His intimate group of followers. (cont)
MonicaCrochets 2 years ago
I post this with tears in my eyes. I think John Piper has hit the nail on the head here. All to often we have clubs, not churches. Clubs where the ones whom we are intimately involved with outside of church get our loving attention, yet for those who...m are mere aquaintances (people we go to church with but do not socialize with outside of church activities) we do not seek to meet their needs. I am not even discussing monetary needs - but just simple love in a time of need. (cont)
MonicaCrochets 2 years ago
Les agradeceria si lo pudieran sub titular a español..
Melyta7 2 years ago
hes the pastor of my church in MN :D
oikevoisbaby 2 years ago
We had a slightly disabled couple who arrived in a taxi to Church as their car needed a $1000 repair. They were declined a bank loan. I asked one of our Elders if we could take up a collection to help them . Reply was "No we can't do that, if we do then we have to do it for others too". My heart broke. My husband is an unbeliever, however I asked if we could pay for it. My husband asked "Is your Church going to help them?" "Sadly No" I said. "Then neither am I" came my husband's reply.
listening2all 2 years ago 13
We gave a friend in need 1500 dlls,we should help others so they see the evidence of our faith.Some churches have much more than they need.Maybe look for a new church?The last church i attended,loved it,2 pastors & 4 elders, they all have full time work plus they keep a ministry,some people should be on full time ministry,there are all kinds of cases,but i think many people on full time ministry can do a lot more.Put your heart back together,and keep trying.Church is to care for widows and needy
Rafamrc 2 years ago
Thanks for reply. Everything you said describes the real Church of our Lord Jesus, fantastic I love to hear that. We the people, are the Church, a living breathing unit, united together helping those who need it. Keep the faith and keep doing good till He returns:)
listening2all 2 years ago
That is so sad ...... I think you should take up the money any way. For the Elders are not God and they do not own the Church. God rules over the Church. If $1000 is the money you need to raise then do it I'm sure everone will pich in . If the Elders reply " You foll we told you not to do that " respond "God gave the utimate sacrifice giveing his Son Jesus to die on the cross the least we could do is raise this money to help this family go to church" Pray about it God will show you the way.
ilovemyipod1000 2 years ago
I agree, what that Church is doing is NOT Biblical. Church is NOT a building, it's not a group of Pastors/Elders/Ministers who lead the sheep. We are all God's sheep, and they follow Him, just as we do.
I agree, the Church is supposed to care for people's needs, not say "give to us so we can erect buildings while you and your family suffer".
I remember that's why my Mom refused to go to Church. She used to say "All they ever do is stick out their hand and say "gimme!".
blueskunk12 2 years ago 3
Wow, tell as many people that story as possible. That is an eye-opener and quite heartbreaking.
ambrosius 2 years ago
@listening2all
Many churches would refuse to help in this case. The Church is not a building with four walls, the church (according to scripture) is a gathering of believers. The church is to edify the body (each other) and keep them accountable for sin. As for a disabled couple coming up in a taxi, if they are not part of the church, the church does not necessarily have the obligation to help them. The churches focus should be to bring them in, assure some things (the big one being salvation)
bassman1731 1 year ago
@bassman1731 Hi thanks for your comments. The disabled couple had been coming to the Church regularly for years. The early day church of the Bible states they sold there extra material wealth and divided it up with those in the faith that didn't have much. Our church was pulling in over $1million a year back then (14yrs ago). Whatever we do for another we do for Jesus. The gathering of the Church cannot substitute for the work of the Holy Spirit but for me it keeps the fire burning within
listening2all 1 year ago
@listening2all
With them being church members, and in need, the church has failed. I hope your husband understood that men of faith are still failible and that through your life and testimony, he has found Jesus!
bassman1731 1 year ago
@listening2all make them members and then help needs. If every crack addict in town walked up to your church door to meet a "need" and ran off with your money, the church would be robbed!! I know that I may sound "heartless" because the couple is disabled, but don't dare put it past a scam artist to use that. Even not, you must be firm in accordance with scripture, and be a good steward of money. It was bad for your deacon not to explain this to you!!!!! Im sorry you got hosed...
bassman1731 1 year ago
Finally! A pastor in america that speaks the truth! Finally! May God continue to use him
trinislobo 2 years ago 6
Yes he is ... try David Wilkerson, Paul Washer and Donnie Swaggart in english or Armando Alducin in spanish. God bless you. Peace.
joey101980 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Genocidal Christianity is a hoax. Christianity is Roman war propaganda against the Jews and nonwhites. New testament was written by Romans to demean and destroy Judaism. Titus Flavius who destroyed the Jewish Temple commissioned the Christian hoax as a replacement for Judaism. Titus' Flavius military campaign against Jerusalem was transformed into Jesus' ministry against Judaism
Search "Joseph Atwill" -author Caesar's Messiah
See youtube video- watch?v=dCNJf83bqjs
pt1200 2 years ago
Again, another good Piper excerpt. Churches are no earthly good unless they appear to be of some benefit to society to those outside the coterie of sycophants. The whole Personal Jesus In My Heart thing is all nice and stuff--but there needs to be some actual kinetic activity to make the church more than just a bunch of people talking about how "close" they are to God.
kc7fys 2 years ago
We should spend more time in talking about how great God is and less time (or actually no time at all) talking about how "close we are to God" which in my opinion is not necessary and promotes arrogance and is the opposite of humility seeing that God was pleased by mere pleasure in choosing to save us. True spirituality it would seem should be focused on how great God is and what He alone has done for us feeble, weak human beings. Make much of God and little of self because that is reality. :)
parakeethands 2 years ago
I absolutely love how much passion he has for Christ, and passion for His word, and how life isn't about living for Christ, but life IS CHRIST. You want an awesome thought?! If Piper is this passionate about God's Glory, imagine how infinitely more passionate God is about His own Glory :) Put's a smile on my face!
bigdogboos 3 years ago
Amen, I wish more pastors preached this truth of the body. Instead of these lies of health and wealth, pastors driving in expensive cars, living in huge houses, while the sheep can't pay for food or electric.
mcguck 3 years ago 3
Comment removed
aphoxpsylemairport 3 years ago
At 1:07 - PRAISE GOD!
This verse has been on my mind - people scream "socialism" in this country at the thought of the rich being taxed more to help with health care.
You may say, "Well - that's politics, it's not the church."
But how many of us protest at the thought of taking God's name off the money & out of the courts?
If we want this to be His country with His name on it, then HIS policies should govern our politics.
fruitofspirit 3 years ago
Except that the difference is that socialism taxes for non-Christian ends, with no regard for the rights of those being taxed. The church is to be filled with people who give willingly, without coersion, and to the end of glorifying God.
Socialism wants to borrow Christian capital for non-Christian ends.
Uvissiet 3 years ago
I see that point. And I don't endorse or prefer socialism.
But sometimes I wanna vomit when the same folks who demand prayer in schools seem to spite programs for the poor & widows. (Zechariah 7:10)
I love my country, but have a hard time being a conservative democrat.
(But no, I didn't vote for Obama.)
fruitofspirit 3 years ago
That's why channeling all of this through government is what's wrong with this. I can't help but wonder how much more affordable health care (and everything else) would be if government had never been involved, and how much more wisely it would be used if we returned to a Biblical ethic, rather than an entitlement one.
Uvissiet 3 years ago
Yes, everyone returning to a Biblical ethic would solve 100% of all our problems.
People would naturally give & they'd be no poverty as in the Acts of the Apostles.
But because so many folks reject God, their dealings get so tangled up that the govt has to step in. And the govt is just as corrupt as companies they regulate, so the problems worsen.
At any rate, I think He's getting sick of His name being used as nothing but a letterhead in our nation.
fruitofspirit 3 years ago
Except that government stepping in only encourages everyone to get a "piece of the pie", and the problem increases exponentially, as we're seeing now. What needs to step in is faith in God's word.
Uvissiet 3 years ago