John Piper and Theological Escapism

If there was ever a time for Christ honoring, biblically faithful street preaching, now is the time.

Case in point:

This November, the people of Minnesota will be asked to decide whether the state Constitution should define marriage as being between one man and one woman. This amendment, if passed, would limit the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples in Minnesota. My question to you is…why would a Pastor of one of the largest congregation’s in that state refrain from telling his flock to vote against this legislation?

Answer: It’s not his job. Or so he says.

Here’s a quote from well known Pastor, John Piper on why he did not urge his Minneapolis church congregation to vote “no” against this bill. Piper said to reporters, “Don’t press the organization of the church or her pastors into political activism.”

Piper said during his sermon, posted on Bethlehem Baptist Church’s website. “Expect from your shepherds not that they would rally you behind political candidates or legislative mandates, but they would point you over and over again to God and to his word.”

Now, giving Pastor Piper the benefit of the doubt, he did speak out against homosexuality and did endorse biblical marriage in his sermon BUT he slammed on the brakes when it came time to tell his people to take action against this ungodly vote.

Yes, Pastor Piper, no one expects you to endorse political candidates, but legislation? If not the Christians, then who? Should we leave it to the atheists, Buddhists, Muslims or humanists?

With all do respect to any pastor reading this and John Piper, this is completely inconsistent with biblical and historical Christianity. And not to mention, a complete embarrasment to the witness of the Christian church as a whole.

I must say very frankly (and not with the intention of insulting anyone in particular), the theological escapism/retreatism that has overpowered the pulpits in this country (and beyond) has made the Western Church look like nothing more than a self-help, get saved from hell, take me off to heaven, it’s not my job, shrink clinic.

The false notions of “Jesus didn’t get involved in social issues” and “His kingdom is not of this world” has left the church sitting on the sideline. Instead of discipling nations we’ve become nothing more than a clanging symbol. (See our “resource” section at gostandspeak.com for more info on the meaning of the scriptures above and how they often get misconstrued.)

Loving our neighbor, being salt and light, being a voice for the voiceless, exposing the deeds of darkness, being a light on the hill and discipling nations takes more than promoting personal piety or a devoted personal life…it means “speaking out” and “doing” for Christ…in every facet of life.

Don’t me wrong, we hear some preaching against sin.

But why do we sometimes hear “abortion is wrong,” but then hardly ever hear the words “go out to the clinic and protest”?

Why do we sometimes hear, “homosexuality is wrong” but the words “vote against this bill” or “protest at the statehouse” are no where to be heard?

We often hear, “the economic times are tough” but why then are biblical solutions for the economy and government never spoken of?

We always hear, “we need to be a witness” but the words “get out on the street and evangelize” are rarely heard.

We’ll hear, “flee from evil” all day and night but why aren’t the words “stand against it” ever spoken in any specific meaning?

The impotence of the Church in this nation is this generation’s responsibility. And if we wait for the pastor’s to get things in gear, as it looks, I have to sadly say I believe we will be waiting a long time. I obviously don’t speak for all pastors. Some are taking a stand. Many are not.

If you’re a street preacher, called by God and sent by your local church, then know you are needed desperately to proclaim the biblical gospel of the kingdom to this lost and dying land, both to non-Christians and Christians alike. Preach God’s Word publicly in the situation God has called you. And if you ever need a place to preach, know there’s a general call by God to stand right smack in the middle of the evil hotspots. Engage the issues of the day with the scriptures!

I guarantee the enemy isn’t sitting around arguing if they’re “called” to politics or the family or education. They feel perfectly eligible to proclaim evil in every sphere of life, gov’t, etc., but the church doesn’t?

The gospel reaches as far as sin corrupts. The earth’s rule is not split. There are no limits to Christ’s rule; geographically, spiritually, governmentally and socially- He rules all, with all power, over all creation, given to Him by the Father. With that said, “we” now have authority to go into “all” areas with “all” He has taught (Genesis to Revelation).

Let’s bring the extent of Christ’s gospel, law and redemption to all areas of life and not allow mega-pastors or anyone else for that matter to stop us.
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For more info read the article: Two Big-Name Evangelical Pastors Do Not Endorse Minnesota Marriage Amendment