Mar 11, 2008
The Holy Spirit only calls a select few to be jackasses.
At the Resurgence conference, Matt Chandler discussed how Mark Driscoll is called to be a jerk but that doesn’t mean everyone is.
[audio=http://media.switchpod.com/users/abrahampiper/MattChandler.mp3]
Update: If the above audio sounds like the Chipmunks to you, listen here instead.
[...] Piper on a Special Call Hurry and look (and then listen) at this before Abraham decides to take it [...]
Oh come on. If someone thinks Mark is a jerk then they really do need to get out more.
Ok…since you “started” this (and btw, I’m a very new lurker who LOVES your format, contrary to MY format which uses WAAAAAAAAY too many words, kinda like this parenthetical statement)–
I saw a bumper sticker the other day I REALLY wanted to blog:
(large print) JESUS LOVES YOU!
(in small print, below) everyone else thinks you’re an a$$hole
I decided it was inappropriate for me to post for a host of reasons, but it sure did make me laugh. Out loud. ALWAYS a good thing :).
[...] Piper’s blog has this classic bit of audio on from Matt Chandler where he calls Driscoll a jackass and a jerk… in love[...]
Mark Driscoll is a jerk?
And how does Abraham Piper get away with saying “j@cka$$” without the blogosphere blowing up into a Tim LaHaye sequel?
Frank,
Let’s just be glad that that group hasn’t made their way over here. :)
Headline sounds like a discussion between PIglet and Pooh, re: Eeyore’s irritating disposition.
What’s up with calling Mark Driscoll a jackass?
Frank, I really don’t want to believe that no one’s going to get upset because of Abraham’s lineage, but I suspect that may indeed be the case.
Wow.
I was kidding, but apparently that kind of joke doesn;t have an audience.
Sorry Abraham — I shouldn’t have brought it up.
Timmy? You mean the group that is bothered by Christians using foul language?
Honestly, I’m disappointed to read your comment.
Carla, Jackass is not foul language. It is a term used to refer to a male donkey or ass which is called a jack. It has come to be applied to stupid or incompetent people over time, but in no way does it speak of human anatomy that some people would consider foul.
Jim,
I wasn’t referring to that particular word, I was responding to Timmy Brister being glad the “crowd” that IS offended by foul language, hasn’t shown up here yet. It’s a little discouraging to see that “crowd” get such constant disrespect and mocking and at the same time see so many make excuses for those that do use foul language. It just doesn’t make sense to me. Or anyone else I’ve spoken to about it.
FWIW – and yes, I’m part of the crowd Brister was glad hadn’t shown up here yet.
SDG,
Carla
Amen Carla, I echo you entirely.
It’s interesting that those who find Driscoll’s language a non-issue are the same ones who are most offended that we, “the crowd”, would dare say something against his pulpit demeanor.
The great men of God we study today, (Spurgeon, Ryle, Warfield, Owen, Edwards), were men that never had to stoop to such childish antics; they simply preached the word and Christ crucified.
Grateful for The Crowd,
Cindy
The point Matt made is fantastic. If anyone ever says to me, “Wow, you sound just like John Piper” (or Mark Driscoll or anyone else I’m not), I’ll know I need to repent (there’s precious little danger of that, but I’m just sayin’…).
We need to rejoice in Gospel fruitfulness where we see it (including with Mark Driscoll) and get on with declaring the Gospel and living out its entailments as the Holy Spirit equips and compels us.
Love your blog, Abraham!
I’d be happy to be a jackass for Christ. My wife would say I’m well on my way.
Hi Carla and Frank and Timmy.
…and the rest are self-proclaimed!
I wish I could get the audio to work on my computer. It sounds like Alvin (the Chipmunk) on caffeine tabs!!
Robin, I’m sorry it sounds that way. One other person has told me that it sounds like the chipmunks, too. (So I’m assuming there are more than just the two of you.)
It works on my computer and the others I’ve checked it on so I don’t know what the problem is.
I, too, am having the chipmunk problem…sad!
not offended, only convicted
Yay!! Thank you for the non-Alvin version. As a non-Alvinist, I just could not relate!!
great point. i’m a frequent listener of MD and sometimes i am tempted to think that i can pull off the abrasiveness and directness that he manages, but in my context and with my personality and my flock it just doesn’t work. like David trying to fight in Saul’s armour…
i’m new to blogging and don’t know much about it. how exactly do you get a little mini media player like that?
To those who would concern themselves overly with course language, I would offer up one of the Apostle Paul’s better so-called inappropriate puns:
“But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!”
Circumcision … emasculate … hilarious!
The passage is fitting as well.
[...] strongly encourage you to go check out his blog. My favorites of his are here, here, here, here, here, and here. Go read the blog of a man who uses brevity to an awesome end. [...]
oy.
the “language debate” still breathes?
nobody has sufficiently explained why this is such a “deal breaker”.
Can someone please do so without being snotty, self-righteous and tedious about the “obviousness” of the Scripture?
Seriously.
Please?
I don’t think I can “explain” since I don’t sometimes understand the “to’ing and fro’ing” even in my own thoughts.
However, I wonder if some of it (being offended) isn’t simply a matter of “I’m not used to that. I don’t talk like that. I’d rather you didn’t.”
I remember a conversation with an on-again/off-again Christian (?) who was offended…because she assumed all Christians were offended and reacted when her husband drank too much on occasion (and they HEARD about it…).
I pointed out to her that (1) I had never heard any Christian even mention his drinking; i.e., “guess what, honey, the Christians aren’t standing around with bated breath, waiting to see what you do next…” and (2) I told her that I have never HAD to “be around” drinking people, I don’t care to be around drunk people, and if someone in my vicinity is getting drunk, I will leave the room or the facility. I don’t have to prove that I’m tolerant of the lowest permissible behaviors
My “offense” with foul language from Christians is simply a sense of “Aw, sheesh–aren’t you over that yet?” Is that judging? or being offended? In the eye of the beholder…?
How about: from EPH 4:
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear…
…for it is disgraceful even to speak of things which are done by them in secret…
OR:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart BE acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Ps 19:14
OR: As the Apostle Paul said:
“I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you exept Jesus Christ, an Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, am my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and in power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom…” 1Cor. 2:1-7a
Do our words matter? Absolutely. Our words matter because God has made it crystal clear as to what our speach says about our heart. Rotten words can only come from a rotten heart. For the mouth speaks what is in the heart. Words unrightly spoken are not a “language problem” and foul words are not a part of a “language debate”. This is a heart issue, not a language issue.
Interesting that so much energy is spent over so few words. Does it truly matter if the truth is spoken and grasped? Who are we to decide what the Spirit does and does not use in and through particular places and people?
I know, love, and live with people who use colorful language, and I often find they more closely embody the life of the Christ-disciple than those who would be offended by their choice of words.
We are so quick to judge those who use “colorful” language.
And yet so easily condone the humiliation, gossip, accusation, degradation and judging of another persons character.
From what I remember, Christ dined with the prostitutes and collectors, while the pharisees watched in distain and percieved righteousness.
We scorn and look down on the use of “foul” language, and then sentence to death the one whose mouth it came from.
At which of these do you think Christ would cringe at more?
Oh, that is so true!!!! I have really been blessed by both of these guys ministries. Heard of Chandler first, then Driscoll, and their styles are totally different and unique. The Holy Spirit is very cool.
That was hilarious.