Christians Shouldn't Attend Weddings of Christians Who Fornicate and Believe It's OK: John Piper

"Piper spends an undue amount of time on the private lives of couples"

Is this something you know - or something you heard?

I went to the church where Piper pastored until his "retirement", and always saw a man with a shepard's heart; big on Grace, always open about his own failings (Piper would often joke saying that most mornings he wasn't a Christian until after 9AM. Apparently a morning person he was not).

"He is also unduly judgmental about Christian wives and mothers in particular- especially those who choose to work or get an education"

I never heard Piper speak in such a fashion.

That’s just the words of Paul. Not of Jesus. I’m a Christian, not a Paulian.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

...

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Acts, Catholic chapter nine, Protestant verses fifteen to seventeen,
Galatians, Catholic chapter one, Protestant verses one to twelve,
as authorized, but not authored, by King James

Piper is right. Despite how people have mischaracterized his words and stance, he is merely affirming the truth of God’s word.

Yes, we are all sinners and Christians confess this and determine that when they sin they will not be proud of it, or keep doing it, but will repent and pray and try to grow in their faith and put the sin behind them. When they see their brothers and sisters sinning, they will love them enough to try and help them out of it. They will not encourage or affirm their sin.

You see, God is love. The reason he has given us guidelines for living is because he loves us. He, as the creator, knows what is best. Sin is walking in darkness and it leads to bad consequences in this life and eternal condemnation in the next. If we grow in the likeness of God, we will not be condoning or affirming sinful behavior in others who claim to be believers.

The “discipline” Piper refers to is the Biblical progression outlined in Matthew 18 where a totally unrepentant sinner is no longer considered a member of the body of believers - the church. He may come and listen and we will pray for him to repent, but he may not take on any leadership position or participate in any church role - until he confesses and repents. That’s all.

The person or persons Piper described are those that have no regrets about their sexual activity outside of marriage. They do not see it as wrong and so they are unrepentant. Attending a marriage celebration is a non-verbal statement of affirmation for most people. You are, in effect, affirming and celebrating the relationship from start to finish. I could not do this. Am I better or more holy than anyone else? No, just another sinner trying to love my neighbor by not celebrating sin.

Looking at a lot of the reactions to this, I see the cultural influence of today’s me-centered culture. “Nobody is going to tell ME how to live MY life!” I know what is best! This is feelings based living. If it feels good - do it. But the Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

Well, I don’t know what is best for me. I am a wretched sinner. I have to depend on God’s wisdom to get me through this fallen world.

RE: Then we should attend no weddings at all, for all have sinned

I think Piper’s point is NOT that we should not attend any weddings because all have sinned, but we should not bless a wedding with our presence whose parties INSIST that their living in sin is NOT sin.

This shows an unrepentant heart and should not be supported.

It’s the same principle when applied to homosexuals. A homosexual who wants to come to church and acknowledges that he needs to change should be welcomed, supported and loved.

An UNREPENTANT homosexual who insists that his lifestyle is acceptable cannot be accepted.

Christians should not support the weddings of Christian couples who fornicate and believe it is permissible

I am of the same mind, there are only a few stories of weddings in the scriptures and i do not believe they are referring to people who is getting married for the second or third time i believe only the virgin brides has the privilege of a wedding.

I do not know of any scripture to support this but it fits with common sense and also with Gods laws.

Kind of like a hard working man raising sheep and cattle and
inviting guests to a feast which he has provided by the sweat of his brow versus a lazy good for nothing who does nothing but has his sons to go out and kill some wild hogs so that he can impress his neighbors with a feast.

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