Why John Piper’s “Shells” Illustration Transformed a Generation

[@davidkugel]

John Piper also tells the story of a 78 year old man who comes forward at a church to receive Jesus Christ. The old man can't stop crying, "I've wasted it (his life). I've wasted it." Piper tells us, "Don't waste your life." More important the Lord commands us in His Word, "Don't waste your life Lay up treasures in heaven." I am 65 years old. I want the rest of my life to count for the Lord.

[@sharonkinsella7435]

God bless you, David!

[@sormag]

where is this sermon?

[@davidkugel]

I believe the story is in Piper's book, "Don't Waste Your Life." I have listened to hundreds of Piper sermons over the years. Someone at desiringgod.org would know which sermon it was or could find out. 1.888.346.4700 is the phone number. I particularly like Piper's biographic sketches where in an hour so so he remembers the life of a great Christian. You can listen to them for free on desiringgod.org Some of them I have listened to over six times.

[@TheRootedWord]

@@davidkugel So you are a proselyte for John Piper. Good to know. I wonder what the Father in Heaven will think about that on the Day of Judgement.

[@uwekonnigsstaddt524]

The Rooted Word How about the Apostles? Weren’t they commissioned to spread the message of the Messiah of Israel to the Jerusalem, Samaria, and the whole world? We are not followers of Piper, or Calvin, or The Rooted Word youtube poster. We true believers are followers of the risen Messiah.

[@matthewrsmart]

I was there. I don't know much about the Passion Conference now, but a lot of us were introduced to Piper and Reformed theology through those events. It really was a life changing sermon, and it seems like only yesterday.

[@TheRootedWord]

Life changing in what way? A person who has been taken hold of by a deceiving spirit can describe it as life changing. So, can you be more specific?

[@TheRootedWord]

@@crooked-halo If you read your comment again you might notice it nullifies its own argument.

[@araceliandthings]

i was there this year and Piper was there along with Ravi Zacharias. Matt Chandler was there last year, too.

[@uwekonnigsstaddt524]

The Rooted Word How do you know it is a deceiving spirit? After all, Jesus Himself was accused by the non believing Jews of His time of performing miracles by the power of the enemy. How do I know you are OPPOSING the Truth?

[@duncescotus2342]

@@TheRootedWord Take 500 mikes minimum of LSD. Life changing like that! Amen?

[@StanJr]

You took the words right out of my mouth. This was my experience as I watched my first piper sermon. Real, Believable, Convicted, Honest, Right intentions amongst so much more good. Thank you lord for your servant John Piper.

[@TheRootedWord]

While those are necessary qualities, they do not make the content of what he preaches right.

[@StanJr]

Ron Craig I didn’t ask you for your opinion.

[@TheRootedWord]

This is an open forum of comments. So learn to live with it. People will give their opinions whether you give them permission or not. As if anyone needs your permission. What I have said is truth. The preaching qualities with which it is delivered and the conviction of the heart on the words delivered do not make them more true. Unless of course, taking a blatant example, you believe in the content of Hitler's speeches too. He was so passionate and powerful that he led MILLIONS to follow him. Do you also follow him, because of his passion and amazing delivery and sincere heart?

[@StanJr]

Ron Craig when I was younger I would argue with people on social sites but then I learned to hold my tongue. It does better for me to actually know the person and have a meaningful conversation with them that is not limited by misunderstandings of tone through text media. I know how much my flesh would enjoy debating you. I’d rather let God get the glory pray for you and keep it moving. Praying for you man. ✌🏾

[@TheRootedWord]

Thanks Stan. I appreciate your reply. Let's pray for each other that our testimony of Jesus is clear and bright. :-) Amen!

[@BloodCovenant]

I came across Pastor John in February 2021. My eyes have been opened to the gospel, grace, and the glory of God like I have never known before. Now that CRT has infected SBC, Southern Seminary would not be considered.

[@mitchynitchy]

I did my first communion message today. And the Holy Spirit reminded me of some of the words you use in here. Thanks for great inputs. Blessings

[@StephenKenW]

It was cool to listen to Piper in his podcast. He talked about this sermon and I recommend listening

[@tinacross1196]

There are some great sermons on this site however I would say that for me John pipers ‘killing sin’ had a major effect and still does on my life.. What w wonderful preacher he is. I agree that John piper is totally authentic

[@ronald968]

Piper is satanic, as is that sermon, as is Ligonier Ministries.

[@FollowingChrist44]

I love this great sermon series! Thank you Brother Tim Challies!

[@jbhines]

I listen to it yearly on the anniversary of his message.

[@hoan123]

Please continue to make these! These are so awesome and exciting to watch!

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

I've lived in Memphis all my life, but I was only 10 years old when this sermon took place. Wish I was older and had been able to be there to hear this. Or that Piper would come to Memphis to preach again.

[@jbhines]

My ten year old heard it for the first time recently.

[@joycemorrice9509]

Tim - Thanks for sharing your take of on the :Shells" sermon. How profound!

[@emm5138]

Thank you for your awesome job, Tim!

[@zotax6948]

so glad i ran into this today.

[@richmorrice5196]

I loved the way you explained Piper's sermon. Also loved your take on Matt Chandler's sermon "God is For God". Love this series on the best sermons. Your insights are wonderful.

[@tyrencooper8893]

Can you please do more of these! You have no idea how much I appreciate these

[@kzyah5484]

I’m so glad to find your Channel , I learn a lot , thank you . From 🇲🇾 Malaysia

[@gregcantu91]

Please keep doing these. And if nothing else do a video over must watch,life changing sermons. Keep up the great work y'all are awesome

[@bradrichter8452]

Its not what we do for Him, its what He does through us. set apart as holy useful tho the Master!

[@4jgarner]

Jesus's telling of the parable of the talents clearly says we will be judged for what we do for Him in this life.

[@jackjones3657]

Great video. However, I disagree that Southern Seminary is now one I would put my trust into teaching me God's Word. They have capitulated to cultural pressures in many ways recently and the firing of Russell Fuller for not endorsing certain false teachings really brought this to light.

[@Shannonegipto]

I’m 35 y.o,born and raised southern baptist christian,accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was in HS but never had a guts to share the Love of Christ even working as an RN with patient on the deathbed,I have not tried to point them to Christ to their last breath.I felt so unworhty before Him.I’ve wasted lots of oppurtunity that God has appointed me to do.I was rebuked with this sermon.

[@davidcortez552]

Love this.

[@adrianthomas1473]

I'm confused - what's wrong with a Christian having a hobby? Shells may be beautiful - are scientifically interesting - and we can love the variety of the world that God created. Elsewhere you say: “I believe God is pleased when we pursue hobbies. I also believe that we can confidently pursue them and do them for the glory of God even if there is no obviously redeeming value in them. Computer games do not have value only if I play them with my son; coloring books do not have value only if they have a Christian theme; reading does not have value only if I read Christian books. Hobbies are good in and of themselves.” I think that Piper’s message needs to be a little more nuanced. We can enjoy ourselves without feeling guilty. We can pray whilst sailing , and also when looking at our shell collection.

[@Kiikflif]

GOLD

[@sgandem]

Excellent video, many thanks!

[@nicolasn.kaminsky5232]

Boom! Baby! Piper is super cool!

[@DivineDissident]

I wish I had heard this sermon at the time. Would have been amazing to hear as a baby Christian. Never heard of the shells illustration!

[@getx1265]

Very good video! I watched Piper's video series, "Don't Waste Your Life," on RightNowMedia over a year ago and enjoyed it as well. JP has a wonderful God-given gift to inspire other Christians for goodness.

[@johnpiatt4583]

While Tim's topic of Piper's profound message is two plus years old...and that message many more than that, Piper has become and will continue to be thought of as one of the most influential persons of the 20th and 21st centuries to those who know love for God is more than a theoretical concept. And he is the first author, (in my experience as a student more than 20 years past), to give his books away freely if you couldn't afford it.

[@daynehaworth9258]

Please give John more time to preach and speak. You interrupted him so much... Great points from John Piper. If we live for this now and store treasures on earth we are missing the glory of God and are living self focused lives. My life became more "rich" meaningful and fun as I died to self and lived for others. Love Todd Whites quote: "God didn't make you for you! He made you to represent Him!"

[@silvaterese6052]

Tim, you are wonderful.

[@ImFieldy]

no music in the background would be radical and so much easier to hear the actual speaker.

[@TrustinJC]

Regarding Pete Millers comment here that: "Piper also has told many children after the death of a loved one.... God elected to send you loved one to HELL." Jesus told a man that wanted to be his disciple but who first want to bury his father: Let the dead bury their own dead. Now the meaning of this is that his father and those that were going to bury him were all spiritually dead. Which means they were all headed for hell. And if the man chose to first go and bury his father rather than immediately drop everything to follow him, he would not be worthy of the life, and would also then be counted among the spiritually dead. Many pastors will find themselves in hell because they comforted people and were sin enablers when they should have been calling people to repentance and holy and righteous living. Many people will not reject corrupt church tradition/dogma/doctrine that teaches some form of easy believism for the simple reason that if they do, it will mean admitting that many of their loved ones are either in hell, or waiting to be sent there.

[@atkuhns3562]

Thank you for your answer but it was wrong. Nobody is predestined or elected to go to hell. The Bible clearly says that God is not willing that any should perish. Thanks for playing but please, go read the scriptures for what they actually say.

[@bilbobaggins5815]

Hell is on earth.

[@coryjones8473]

Please comeback!

[@mojosbigsticks]

This series about sermons is so interesting, how the word of God is interpreted by men with radically different objectives.

[@StEvUgnIn]

3:08 We all had CD walkmen at that time :3

[@StEvUgnIn]

He used this llustration in his book : don't waste your life

[@Michael_Chandler_Keaton]

When are we gonna get some more legendary sermons Timbo?

[@MR2SpyerJournal]

God bless John Piper.

[@HearGodsWord]

Few sermons are still talked about 20+ years later. He's lead a generation of Chrsitians.

[@dagwould]

"Influential Christian Leader..." When are we going to shake off this residue of Roman priestcraft and remember that we have one leader: Christ. We are all servants. There are no 'Christian leaders' in the church but a bunch of people equipped to serve in various ways. The sooner we learn as a church that we are to work out our salvation in fear and trembling and not outsource it to a 'leader', as soon as we stop thinking of the church as a military unit or self-aggrandizing business but a community of saints filled with the Spirit of Christ, the sooner our mission will be prosecuted with vigour and full effect.

[@gerrydixon619]

Amen!

[@kylepetruzziello3321]

yes, but we as human beings need influential leaders appointed by Christ or we would be scattered. So there is no issue recognizing a leader that has been gifted by God with bold yet humble leadership.

[@gerrydixon619]

@@kylepetruzziello3321 the only ones appointed by Messiah were the disciples that became apostles! There are no appointed leaders today as we have the Bible as our guide. Remember the NT was not even put together in the early church, they only had letters of Paul and the OT. We today are privileged to have the whole Spirit Word.

[@kylepetruzziello3321]

Gerry Dixon yes I do not mean, of course, God literally appoints men as leaders today, but rather men are led by the Spirit to lead and pastor churches. These men usually exhibit gifts of the Spirit such as exhortation, humility, perception, counseling, and so on. These men are appointed or should I say urged by the Spirit to lead others to a growing faith in Christ.

[@gerrydixon619]

@@kylepetruzziello3321 lol, I have yet to meet one Kyle, to be honest. But I am sure there are some out there, but they are lost amongst the fake, sadly. A sign of the times I guess.

[@Dhalin]

Piper certainly has a lot of passion, but yet there's a small danger there. Anything, even things that _we_ think are good, if done without God's approval, will amount to nothing. We have to wait on God and follow His direction, and things that _we_ do because _we_ think they are good, can sometimes have bad effects, especially if God wanted us to do something else instead. The single most important thing I think anybody can do, is to consistently pray and ask God to show them the way forward. Not your preacher, not your parents, not your church. *God* needs to be the One to show you what direction you should walk. Piper and other preachers will talk about missionary work, but yet... not everybody is called to do that. God knows that for society to function (God wants orderly and functional society), He knows that all walks of life are necessary. There is a need for artisans, for shopkeepers, for government officials, for law enforcement. Not everybody can be a preacher, minister, or missionary worker. We are all given talents at birth, and for us to abandon them to seek what preachers tell us we should be doing I would argue is even more tragic. At the heart of every Christian's decision making should be Christ Himself. What does Christ want me to do? Am I being an honest boon to society in general, or am I being a greedy leech? Even someone like a gas station attendant, or someone who flips burgers at McDonald's can live for Christ. Even a corporate suit and tie can live for Christ, the big thing is that they pursue their given trade/job/duty with the mindset that they are doing this to the betterment of society, rather than personal greed. There's a time and a place to want a reasonable lifestyle, and there's nothing wrong with that, but when people are trying to 1-up each other trying to climb the success ladder, that's when the problems start. Good honest work helps make orderly society function, and this is what God wants. He gives people different skillsets so that the whole machine can function smoothly. Did He not bless different people in Moses's time with different skillsets that would be needed to build all the things that He needed built? Missionary work and preaching are great for those who are called to do so, but please don't use that as a measuring stick, because people who are called to be "normal" people in society might end up doubting their faith, their salvation, their work for the Lord because what they do seems so mundane by comparison. The person who works at a gas station might look at those sorts of things and go "I'm just a lame gas station attendant... am I worthless to the Lord?" The answer, I would surmise, is NO. Who knows what ripples that gas station attendant might cause that are of a benefit to Christ. We can never know ourselves, and the best thing to do is let God and/or Christ take the wheel of our life and drive it for us. He knows what roads lead where, He knows where we ought to be and what we ought to do or say at any given time, and He can see the tiniest of ripples our actions can cause, be they good or bad. Who knows, maybe while working at the gas station, the aforementioned gas station attendant might do, or say something truly incredible that seems so mundane. Maybe even cause someone to get saved, for all we know. Does the Bible not say, that anybody who lives their life in the model of Christ become a model and a reminder of Him, that they show the rest of the world His goodness? When a Christian is kind and cheerful even in the worst of times, they cause others around them to go "how can they be like that? I want some of that too!" ...? Let's not get too deep into specific works, and just focus on living our lives with Christ at the wheel, let Him make the biggest decisions for us. Whatever work you do, do it honestly and diligently as if you were working for the Lord Himself, as the Bible says that even a master of bondmen works for the Lord. Therefore, the bondmen who work for that master, are also working for the Lord. Your employer works for the Lord, therefore, you work for the Lord.

[@tomy8339]

Fantastic and thoughtful reply. I agree completely with everything you said. I feel like this sermon makes out that all who live regular lives are lesser and worthless.

[@queenofprops]

Excellent statement and perspective. Thank you. A missionary preached at our old church and said anything other than missionary work was useless. My oldest son was a college student in the sciences. He was livid at being told that the occupation he felt called to do was "worthless". I told him that God made creation for His glory and that God delights in His children discovering that creation and understanding it. There's a Bible verse to that effect, but I don't remember it right now.

[@cricketlala]

Thank you. I’m really enjoying this series!

[@patfo4129]

Every Christian leader n follower of Jesus needs to be asked this question..

[@24Revelation]

Maybe put the link in the description to the original messages in this series (Great Sermon Series)? Thank you for publishing this series. God Bless.

[@dadsanddragons875]

What are we to make of the fact that his own son is an outspoken atheist?

[@HearGodsWord]

What are we to make of the fact that he has four children following Christ?

[@sarahsong8000]

I love John Piper ❤️

[@3kidT]

I wish I had heard him many years ago. How do you not waste what remains of your life?

[@markchavez738]

Heres a link to Pipers' website answering this question. www.desiringgod.org/interviews/i-ve-already-wasted-my-life-now-what

[@rudihattingh5041]

Does anyone have a link to the original teaching?

[@GiaGirlism]

No music please

[@TrustinJC]

Thank you for stating what many people are thinking.

[@TasX]

No, music please

[@seraphmcgregor927]

Where can I listen to the full sermon?

[@juliakim9264]

Seraph McGregor here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpLNiaN-bpVrj8k

[@alanhales239]

Tim Charlie's, John Piper isn't one of the most influential people, he doesn't influence people with God's word, he influences people by letting the devil use him to spread his lies about the erroneous Calvinist's.

[@TheCannonofMohammed]

John Piper? Here’s my problem. I’m getting up in age and feeling quite feeble. My wife, on the other hand, is going full-bore. I have always driven old cars. Cars that break down with unfortunate (but understandable) frequency. I always either fix them myself, or take them in. Question: if I were to buy my wife a new car on the assumption that she will outlive me just how much of a sin would that be? I don’t want her to have to worry about break-downs, you know? I know you have said that buying a new car is a sin, yet how am I to go to my grave in peace thinking about my wife being stranded somewhere? You also say that sin will keep us from heaven (that free grace only gets “God on our side” but from then on out it is a matter of works). So if I were to buy the cheapest new car I could find, would that exclude me from Heavenly glory? Or should I keep my old car (which is currently broken down) on the hope that in doing so God will allow me admittance to His Kingdom? In addition, I own a 900 sq ft house that I fear is a nod to the American dream (even though I’m next door to a bunch of Nicaraguan migrants). How will this figure into my prospects come judgement day? Also, will God hold it against me if I have a nice family if I do NOT collect seashells?

[@r.a.miller9385]

12 People like Seashells

[@pinaytunay]

great material but the background music can be so distracting close to being annoying...kindly change pls

[@lalumierehuguenote]

Not sure if I should laugh or cry

[@AbandoneD-b8m]

This video is more about worshiping John piper, those who worship John Piper, and John papers legalistic judgments.

[@kaylamanahan2995]

Brother, I am concerned. I understand the message of this video but is it not God who gives riches and prosperity? "The Lord Himself says in 2 Samuel 12:8 " I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more." In this verse we see that The Lord has given David riches and had lavished on him love. We know that prosperity can be a sign of love from God. Here we hear from a third party and do not know if Bob and Penny praise God. We do not know if collecting seashells is their way of praising God. All we know is that they collect seashells. And God says whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Therefore, one could collect seashells and praise God for the seashells, one could play golf and praise God, one could be on their yacht and praise God. Only God knows what was in their hearts. And since we do not know if they are Christians any judgement on them would be a sin. For we ate not called to judge unbelievers but those inside the church as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside." And consider this before you judge without knowing. Jesus said in Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Consider that at the time period even the richest man would not have been as rich as you are. You have luxuries that most people would only dream of. But God who is good has given it to you. As He has given riches to Bob and Penny who may or may not be Christians. So, it is not a sin to be rich, it is not a sin to have fun, it is not a single so long as it is for the glory of the Lord and we are putting Him first. But it is a sin to judge if we don't know people are Christians and if they are we don't know their intentions and if we do to restore them gently as it says in Galatians 6:1 "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." So I urge you brother as a fellow saint and sinner to turn from this sin and I pray God continues to have you teach in a manner pleasing to Him.

[@TrustinJC]

I disagree with this guys take of the generation being tired of seeker friendly pastors and churches. Because I still see this to be the case. While they, like every generation seeks purpose, this generation more than any other wants a quick and easy purpose. One that doesn't require a lot of work. Piper even points this out. and the guy making the video points this out. Why then did he make the first statement that this generation is searching for something real? Why does it sound like at 7:20 someone says the words "bull crap"? How'd that get on the video? I agree though with Piper's assessment of the American dream, and liked that aspect of the video. I disagree though with so much emphasis always being placed on the cross, which can have different meanings for different people. No. There is a lack of emphasis placed on the living waters that flow from the mouth of Christ. For his teachings and commandments are the waters that we must have a thirst for. Because these waters save us by keeping us on the narrow and difficult path that leads to the kingdom of God. Unfortunately, this thirst is rarely taught - even by people like Piper. In short, we are saved by both blood AND water, whereby the water is both the waters of baptism and the waters that flowed from the mouth of Christ. But today, pastors focus almost entirely on the blood.

[@MElbertStafford]

at about 7:20 there is an electronic sounding voice that suddenly saying something like, "God's crap" or "______ crap" what's up with that?!?!

[@TheRootedWord]

I downloaded it and slowed it down. I am a "listener" from the Army and I concur. It says without doubt, "God's crap" and it is not electronic. It is overlaid on the audio.

[@thecrew777]

I'm glad to know I haven't suddenly started having auditory hallucinations at age 58! Yeah. That was awful. @Tim Challies can you explain this?

[@stockinettestitch]

That was creepy

[@georgeb00th2]

JOHN PIPER net worth $1-5 million today 2022. Source: people who earn money to buy his books. Thank God for both!! It's not just missionaries who count. What else did the shell collectors do?

[@sparticus1010]

That was me with the bleached hair at 11:08

[@kenobi4582]

i hope my future girlfriend talks about me like Tim talks about John Piper

[@1misslim]

😂😂 the joy he had in this video was so contagious!

[@demetriusmiddleton1246]

Skip to 8:55 Everything before is just fluff

[@maseca2397]

Bet Piper lives the American dream

[@gospelgrace2693]

Beware of False prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves! Matthew 7:15

[@rocketsurgeon1746]

Does his sermon make any sense thru a calvinist world view? You will not waste your life, if you are elect. You will definitely waste your life if you are damned(reprobate). Not even a dust mote, right?

[@jojokiba9252]

I wish if he could give an anwser to Dr. Yuval Noah Harari...

[@MrProjo]

John Piper's net worth is $17 million. Sounds like one can do both to me. Especially in the ministry...

[@HearGodsWord]

That's been debunked because he's never kept a cent of any book royalties.

[@manny3549]

Tim, your edifying videos are an incrediblye blessing but seem to have poor mixing to the point that makes the music too LOUD. It takes a cringing effort to balance between mixing/equalization flaws. Ideally, REMOVE THE MUSIC if you want the emphasis on the WORD OF GOD. Content is great but the music kills the essence of the solid truths you are sharing. Too distracting, it is like listening to your professor while there is youth fair at your college campus. Charismatics use music to keep attention captivated. Truth does not need that. Big difference when you lower the music or remove it completely. We want truth, no entertainment or pleasing of the ears. We want our hearts changed, thank you for your ministry!

[@icilahmb]

Again... Calvinist preaching like an Arminian.. Proving Calvinism is a “Shell” of truth... Respectfully.. What is the trait of Calvinism worship of their own...

[@mccalltrader]

I’m put off by zealous emotional presentations...I feel like I’m being manipulated..if what you have to say is so great, why the need for the theatrics..make your case, make it thoughtful, leave the emotion out of your rational argument or teaching Also, maybe it was just the editing..but where is the scripture in this sermon? Why wasnt anything he said grounded in biblical readings I think its weird to set up a straw man argument, to “sell” a life for Christ..of course dont waste your life, serve Christ always..but that doesnt mean you dont work hard at a job and work to be prosperous. Its a total fallacy to assume that everyone either has his idea of the American dream or a life for Christ...which makes me think that he needs the emotional presentation to turn off peoples reason faculties Love to be wrong..but this is why I dont trust sermons that dont invoke scripture for every teaching being made, and invoke passionate emotion filled presentations to make their points instead..passion fades, you need roots to with stand the storm (Mathew 13:1-13)

[@Bryntjones]

Yeah, this is the typical sales pitch that everyone ought to go into "professional" ministry. The Bible contradicts that notion. And it is not Biblical that we do things to present to Christ. He is conforming us to present to himself. It's a dangerous gray line of works over faith.

[@jl8138]

Say no to gurus with brands and yes to ecclesiology.

[@crooked-halo]

Isn't Piper a Calvinist? Tim Challies...are YOU a Calvinist? Answer and I'll go from there...

[@jgvtc559]

It's humorous the first video i saw was the false teacher one then this You know what you're cosigning and in league with no excuse

[@Midhun_Rajan]

💐💐

[@mattlove9066]

I DON'T LIKE WHEN THEY USE WORDS SUCH AS PASSION AND WHATNOT BECAUSE THAT IS AN EMOTION THING AND EMOTIONS ARE NOT A REAL THING AND COME AND GO, REAL MEN SHOULDN'T BE EMOTIONAL BUT LOGICAL

[@metodoinstinto]

Guy at 5:05 is not even listening

[@makobean]

Commentary that adds basically nothing to a sermon that speaks for itself but is already too stretched out thanks to long pauses from Piper. I don't get the point of this. It's like Wretched -- someone else says something, and now you make it take 10 times as long by constantly interrupting it to add nothing.

[@Rubberglass]

Should I save any money for retirement or no? If so, how much am I allowed to save and still be one of the good Christians that aren’t living for the ‘American Dream’?

[@BeautifulBekah28]

Drew, pray about it. It isn't really about anything other than who you put your trust in. Is your trust in your bank account or God? If you plan for retirement that doesn't mean you do not trust God. It all comes down to the condition of your heart.

[@gregcantu91]

Truly brother retirement is unbiblical. Voddie baucham has addressed it. Work for the Lord until you die and die broke. I know that's not said in the most living manner but truly truly it's out of love i share this with you

[@TheCannonofMohammed]

Save money for retirement. You are going to be old someday and to be a good steward is to plan for the future. You don't have to be a fool to be a Christian. I can guarantee you John Piper lacks no material thing (he lives modestly, but he does, indeed, live).

[@andrewclover1462]

Don't miss the point. He's not saying that money, stuff, and leisure are bad. He's challenging the American obsession with those things, the forming of one's life around them.

[@codymorris5793]

John piper wrote and excellent article on www.desiringgod.org I’d go there for some sound guidance!

[@JDJ616]

The sermon that started the woke movement. An overly simplistic illustration about seashells by American Dream hater John "Pied" Piper leads a mindless and uncritical generation to reject the blessings of American Liberty as a "tragedy". The young are so easily manipulated. Lol. There's nothing wrong with working hard and enjoying the blessings of your labor. Numerous examples throughout the Bible of that. And the most important ministry anyone has is to their own children. While Piper belittles the desire to have a family, raising the next generation to know and love God is any parents most important responsibility and greatest achievement! Replicating yourself in your children is NOT wasting your life.

[@joela.5933]

2:53 Wait John Piper preaches a gospel that says Jesus died for God and not His people?! That we are just a "by-product" (and therefore inessential) for His glory? This is concerning.

[@Isaiah-xs5jl]

If you read your bible. his message , Jesus die for God! makes perfect sense. The reason it seems strange to us is because- we want the Gospel to be about us! But is was never about us and will never be. Those who have come to understand that the Gospel is not about them: are those who fall at Jesus's feet and wept for making it all about them.

[@joela.5933]

The good news, or the gospel, is literally the story of how both the gentile and the jew can obtain salvation...it's literally the good news for humanity, that we can ALL be forgiven of our sin and be reconciled back to God. Christ died for US...period...it's what the scripture says, period. No debate. Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." it's so simple...Christ was perfect...He had ZERO reason to "die for HImself"...please explain how that makes any sense.

[@Isaiah-xs5jl]

The bible says, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, romans 3:23). Sin was not after us. God was because, of his righteousness and holiness. All our sins was committed against him. Not satan. In numbers 14:18), he promised the quality will not go unpunished. and so for him to forgive our sins, He died to make us right with Himself. Romans 3:25_6) God is passionate of His glory and everything he does is for His Glory and not for us. He loves us.yes! but He does not put us at the center of His glory. Isaiah 48:11; Ezekiel 20:9; Isaiah 43:5. When piper says Jesus died for God: he wasn't saying God was a sinner so He sent his son to die for Him, he was saying we are sinners and God was after us and so-- He sent His son to come to die to pay for the debt we owe Him. We sinned against God, God is righteous and only his blood can pay for the sins we committed. God died for us to show His glory, righteousness. God crouched His son to appease Himself for our sins!

[@Isaiah-xs5jl]

I find John piper to be a faithful teacher of the bible, however, I do not depend entirely on him for my spiritual nourishment. I am a lover of Christ and a student of God's word. I listened to John's sermon: Jesus died for God and find his interpretation to be faithful to the texts he used. Many Christians hate how he preaches since they would rather hear the Gospel that makes men the central and not God. It's a shame how we sometimes twists peoples words because if you listen to piper sermon, Jesus died for God! This is what he said in the end. "In the basis of Christ diying for "God" "He indeed died for us; to take our sins away and to subside His anger"

[@joela.5933]

@@Isaiah-xs5jl I get the idea behind the concept you are trying to explain, but i still think it's trying so hard to make nothing "man-centered" that the theology being presented ends up overshadowing some simple gospel truths, such as Jesus dying for sinners. And as for those that want to make every scripture in the bible about themselves, well that is a whole other topic (which yes, i admit is a huge problem with the Christians at-large) which has nothing to do with the point I'm making nor applies to me. I do my best to be a faithful student of the Word of God as well, letting scripture speak for itself without reading myself into it.

[@JesusNonEnviromental]

What he did was throw the baby out with the Bath water to make a simple point to live righteously and peacefully with all men. We have a woke generation who won't take on the responsibility of Marriage and Child Bearing to raise up a family in the admonishing of the Lord. We have a woke generation that doesn't detest the things of the world, but the work ethic to acquire them. We have a woke generation that will soon be totally dependent upon the Government for food, shelter and energy. We have a woke generation now that mocks the house wife the Patriarch and says the children are too expensive. You don't need to destroy a culture to teach them to live righteously and share their faith with others.

[@incredulouskirk]

watch all the Hipster pastors rush in and grab authenticity as their new method for church growth. they'll systematize it and mass-market it. I can see all of the books and conferences now.

[@duncescotus2342]

Don't waste your life in dead Calvinism. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and find out if the gifts are real.

[@HearGodsWord]

It's looking far from dead.

[@duncescotus2342]

@@HearGodsWord Oh I know you're right. Either it's me or that zombie thing. One of us has to go.

[@HearGodsWord]

@@duncescotus2342 👋👋

[@duncescotus2342]

@@HearGodsWord Thank you! I don't often get the good emojis!

[@HearGodsWord]

@@duncescotus2342 you're welcome to think thats a good one.

[@danielstocker4729]

Go see: the dumbing down of the sheep - thedumbsheep.com I think John Piper would like it

[@kassimees]

I have previously stated that Piper was in bed with the pope. I must retract this statement and admit that I was in error. It is John Arnott, along with Robison and Copeland and others who are. Though Piper promotes lectio Divina, which is a Roman Catholic practice which is really new age visualization, and teaches false replacement theology as well as Calvinism Here is a link. Once again, I was in error to state Piper being in bed with the pope. Though he seems to promote ecumenism, cristolaverdad.blogspot.ca/2015/03/evangelical-churches-involved-with.html

[@andrewh7599]

Ironically, this is one of the best anti-calvinist sermons ever preached because Piper demonstrates the illogical tenets of Calvinism when criticizing people who, according to his belief system, had no choice in their walking on the beach and collecting sea shells. What a tragic joke Calvinism is. John Piper, a reductionist/calvinist, has no idea of who God is and who people are. What a disappointing teacher. So much wasted potential. I highly encourage you to actually study the scriptures, and repent. At best you're following the doctrines of men. At worst...

[@maseca2397]

I thought it was a tragedy

[@dougcey3543]

I would never send anyone to John Piper.

[@rychartist]

Everytime I see him, I think Bernie Sanders of the church

[@joshuangiboli2759]

Yes

[@bilbobaggins5815]

RC is dead

[@TheRootedWord]

He uses the exact EXACT same hand gestures Hitler practiced to imitate the Wagner operas in his photographer's studio that revolutionized his speaking from that point on. Piper seems to have watched these same videos I saw and practiced them to the tee. He leads people to Calvinism, which is a human attempt to dissect God's will. God's will is His own. We cannot fathom it or understand it. We are only to obey it when He speaks it. Instead, this Calvinism sets itself above God and replaces the Cross with a human philosophy, subordinating the Cross.

[@patfo4129]

The failure n danger of American Christianity 2000 to 2020...exporting to the world.

[@petemiller9865]

Piper also has told many children after the death of a loved one.... God elected to send you loved one to HELL. He still has never answered the 1 Samuel 23: 7-13 issue as well. And there are literally millions that see through Piper..... don't get so cocky about his charisma and crying on demand. Galatians talks a lot about John Pipers all over the world.

[@andrewclover1462]

Pete Miller To whom did he say that? When?

[@petemiller9865]

Andrew Clover John Piper vs Ravi Zacharies On why God ALLOWS evil.....its a 9+ minute video at 7:15.. Piper spouts off ..Any one that belives in God knows that he ordanded those planes to fly into those towers.. Do you think God ordained the death of my daddy..."Piper yes the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" his reasoning....kids won't respect God or love him if the don't fear him! Say we must fear God....? We must fear his wrath/ actions for sure but not God. We are to love our Creator and who's image is upon us. God does and never has had a plan where he impressed his IMAGE upon certain human beings with the intention to send his images to HELL. Calvinism is not a correct Old Testament belief or 1 or 2nd century Hebrew. The New Testament is a commentary for the Old. And Christ is YHWH from the Old in New. God does not have a plan B. Now check out 1 Samuel 23: 7-13 and let me know how God ordained David to die... and then those planes to fly into the towers?

[@petemiller9865]

Andrew Clover I'll through one more out there go to Genesis and read where God tells his first human beings NOT to eat of the tree....But Eve did....so did God really mean eat from the tree...? Insert free will at this point and therefore rejecting predestined sin. Calvinism makes God a LIER. And that is a pretty big thing to have to answer for when you close your eyes for the last time.

[@atkuhns3562]

The Bible says that God is unwilling that any should perish yet Jesus, himself, said that broad is the road that lead to detraction and many who would find it. Obviously, things happen that God did not ordain.

[@petemiller9865]

Todd Kuhns That's kinda of the obvious try getting that through John Piper's skull. Kinda of like the problem of if God new Eve would screw up his original plan of Eden on earth. Why did he create her? This stuff is obvious if the Scriptures are read in their original context. 1 Samuel 23 7-13 is one of the obvious silver bullets to Calvinism's head. Just because YHWH has foreknowledge... doesn't mean he is going to ordain it!!

[@TheCannonofMohammed]

I like the retirement of Bob and Penny. Sounds great. Who says you can't collect shells, play softball and have a boat and love Jesus with all your heart and witness and call people to repentance? Sign me up for the sea-shells. Piper does a straw-man thing here that is below him.

[@jarredpetroff6659]

Hank Fuddle Hey Hank, I'm not asking this to condescend: have you listened to Piper's entire sermon?

[@TheCannonofMohammed]

I have listened to many Piper sermons and I like the guy. A lot. I just like collecting sea-shells, too.

[@TheCannonofMohammed]

Well, now, Mark, I never thought of myself as being overly self-centered, but if enjoying a sea-shell collection make me so, so be it.

[@TheCannonofMohammed]

Well, now, Mark, I've spent quite a lot of time with Christians who have been persecuted---specifically Copts from Egypt. And guess what? They didn't dissuade me from enjoying sea-shells. And who says God isn't pleased when we enjoy and give glory for His creation? Being a Christian and having an enjoyable life are not mutually exclusive. Au contraire, mon ami, being a Christian enables an enjoyable life and having an enjoyable life certainly enhances my Christian experience.

[@jarredpetroff6659]

Hank Fuddle okay. Well i think it'd be worth your time to listen to the entire sermon. Out of context you might get the impression that John Piper thinks it's sinful or worldly to enjoy God's creation, but his point in the sermon is not to prohibit specific activities like shell collecting, but to contrast self-serving Western materialism with self-sacrifice for the kingdom of God. I also enjoy collecting shells when I have the chance, but if that became a major focus of my Christian life it could show a failure to love my neighbor and take the spiritual needs of others seriously.

[@bilbobaggins5815]

Tim......... what's with the weird hand gestures and head bobbing? Be yourself. Go fix computers.

[@goh_team_goh]

Why are Calvinists more enamored with the idea of calvinism than they are with Jesus? They are also more devoted to the leaders of this false theology. Don't plant your flag and give your devotion to Calvin, Spurgeon, Piper, etc. If you want to worship a man, maybe at least pick Paul, although, he would warn you not to.

[@xxmanlovingdudexxlovemen6681]

Jimmy CrackedCornOrDidHe Calvinist worship Jesus more than Calvin or piper. At the reformation we separated from the Roman Catholic Church. They worshipped saints. And calvinists DONT worship Calvin and Calvin is the first one to say that.

[@paulgross1931]

These great sermons by these five men they show you all will end up in hell they're sick