Have Tim Keller, John Piper, and Don Carson changed on matters of Christ and culture as the world around them has grown more hostile? Watch this video to find out.
Wow! Three men who have given their lives to teaching God's word. I am so filled with gratitude to God for these three men. Personally, I have learned so much from these three; their sermons - their ability to bring out glorious truths from scripture with great clarity and make our hearts burn with love and appreciation for God. I understand that it is God the Holy Spirit in us, Who does this work in us. But the contribution of these preachers is immense.
“These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith: and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the Gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God, whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life.” Source: Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 26:2
Keller: "So, today, would we be counseling people to do things differently than we would have counseled people to do things 30 or 40 years ago, because the culture has changed?" Piper: "No." *drops mic*
You have a good question; here is my partial response. He's not saying, don't bother understanding the culture. He (and Keller and Carson as well) is saying, don't let the prevailing culture change the message. Let the Bible inform not only what we say, but how we say it. If that means that we make exclusive truth claims in a pluralistic/relativistic culture, so be it. God will draw to Himself those whom He will, as He always has. I also don't think Piper would care much for the language of "success"--or, at least, he would be quick to define it the right way. In the video (around 9:40) he interacts with Keller's previous comment about "faithful presence." One of the most radical signs of discipleship is steadfastness in a constantly changing culture. We "make radical disciples" in part by being radical disciples ourselves--radical in our faithfulness to the truth we have heard from the beginning.
I'm glad that you articulated a little more about your concerns that prompted your initial comment. I too have heard the call for unity and the crickets around my follow-up question "united by what?" Too often, the unspoken response can be, "we're united by the pastor or the leadership or the mission and vision of First Nondenominational Church of The Enlivening (not a real church name, I hope)"--which, of course, is the wrong answer. A better response would be: what does the Bible say? I too have been chagrined at some of my tone-deaf brothers and sisters, who respond to the questions of their unbelieving neighbors with answers that are memorized by rote, inspired by Hallmark, and unrelated to the issues brought up. A better response would be: what does the Bible say? And I too have been disheartened when I hear a complex political issue defended by a single verse from Scripture (usually pulled out of its original context). A better response would be: what does the WHOLE Bible say? Yes, those who are not Christians would not factor the Bible into their thinking on any issue. That does not excuse Christians from failing to do so. We need more Christians whose thought processes are shaped by what the Bible actually says in its entirety. My conviction is that, as we study the Bible from cover to cover, we will understand better how this Word from God relates to all of life. As various cultural issues vie for our attention, we will already have had our minds shaped by the Spirit so that we do not need to worry about how to formulate a response. We will display a confidence in our God and Savior that the rest of the unbelieving world does not share but some will envy. We will humbly and happily give our lives so that the name of Jesus the Messiah may be exalted. I have heard that Muslims politely refer to Christians (as well as Jews) as "People of the Book." May we be found deserving of this moniker.
+Matthew Tuck "I have heard that Muslims politely refer to Christians (as well as Jews) as "People of the Book." May we be found deserving of this moniker." Or, may we be found with the same acclamation given to Daniel, to whom Nebuchadnezzar referred as a man 'in whom is the Spirit of God' (Dan. 4:8). May the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit be our assurance and our witness, amen!
As an Orthadox Christian I humbly thank God for the modern church. The modern churches are a consequence of man’s evil doing and not because of traditions. As Christians we are one body and blood in Jesus Christ,nothing more and nothing less. We are alive in the resurrection irrespective of what the world says. What is impossible for man is possible with God.
But we thank God for the Holy Spirit who sustains our faith. And we also bless God for his everlasting word that flows perfectly with (in God's perfect standard) what we know is the will of God that we aren't easily swayed into preposterous doctrines and cultures.
I know that Tim Keller & John Piper advocate & teach the Lectio Devina, a Catholic practise of saying things on rote which was & is practised in Catholic convents & Catholic monasteries. I know they are good friends & promote & admire Rick Warren, maybe he should of been with these three men & have been the fourth man during this discussion. You know the saying, birds of a feather, stick together!
I suspect you think that was an adequate evaluation of men you’ve never met and might’ve heard of soundbite or read a book from. You may consider what it might be like to minister for 40 years and then have someone sit behind his keyboard and summarize your life in one take on one doctrine.
@@pastorbills8039 Every Christian Leader - The higher the Responsibility, the higher the Accountability. Always remember in the Bible, when Paul rightfully, publicly rebuked Peter when he had gone off track. Amen.
