very good...and very true.
Matt | Homepage | 06.15.07 - 12:03 pm | #

I would have expected something else from you John...when it came to this video by John Piper. Gosh the extreme that he preaches is no different then the people he is lambasting. I may not be from the name it & claim it crowd but his view is wrong also. I am glad he wasn't around when Job was here when God "kind of blessed" him back.

The reason folks find them selves saying a big "amen" to this is the same reason folks adhere to the name it crowd....for some reason "it just feels right". There will be always something that happens that we don't have answers for like the baby he describes but have this cavalcade of emotion that is almost out of control is not good. Believe it or not, we do put ourselves in place for blessing when we align ourselves with God's plan/desire/word in our lives. There isn't a preacher out there, him included that doesn't want one of those "blessed people" to some how drop a wad of cash for their ministerial needs. Paleeeze, I have never seen anyone equate their walk with the Lord with a BMW (or what have you). Not saying it doesn't happen but to put as a point in an illustration is out of line and diminishes the effect of what you are saying.
MallardMike | 09.25.07 - 2:57 pm | #

Hmmmm.... Well MallardMike, guess I'll just have to disagree with you on this one.

I agree with you in principle if I'm reading you right. That is - God does bless his people as they are faithful to him. And like Job this may in the form of financial prosperity.

But if I understand Piper's argument here he doesn't disagree with you at all. He disagrees with the view that adds "always" to the above. That is - the view that God "always" blesses his people with health/wealth when they are faithful.

I think the force of Piper's argument here is perfectly in line with the force of the error being committed by those who are in essence selling a consumeristic, Santa Claus Jesus.

And the truth is that the prosperity gospel is getting exported around the world. Those learning this gospel are learning to equate financial prosperity with spiritual vitality. And this prosperity is symbolized by status symbols. Large houses, watches, and yes, perhaps even BMW's. Here's an interesting article: http://www.rickross.com/ referenc...general903.html

Is there something Piper says that makes you think he precludes God's blessing? Because that seems to me to be where you are disagreeing with him.
John Mark | Homepage | 09.25.07 - 4:17 pm | #