That was beautiful to hear. Since a young age my husband and I have felt the calling to adopt. That is one of the many things that drew us together. We don’t have any desire to have biological children and are using safe contraceptives to support that conviction. At the same time we know God can do marvelous things and if He wanted us to have biological children, that we would become pregnant. If that happens someday then what a blessing that will be. We have been married for 3.5 years and are in the beginning stages of adopting. We are excited to become parents and show the love of Christ to a child in need. We are preparing to navigate the pain and brokenness that comes with a child who no longer can be with their biological parents. At the same time it will teach us and them so much about our own adoption as children of God. We are excited to raise our own “burden lifters”!
That’s so beautiful to hear but it doesn’t give you the right to meddle in other couples who choose to abort. Unless of course, you’re story serves the purpose of distinguishing yourself from others as the ‘better’ people, the main attraction of all religions. Vanity is also a sin.
@@jd-pf2oc which one? Those who are sniffing glue to forget they exist on garbage belts searching for food? Abused by parents that didn’t want them? Being raped by perverted tourists for 2dollar a night? Take your pick, you wonderful human being.
I'm on birth control... lately my walk with Jesus has been so great he just keeps on giving; giving wisdom and such. Been amazing and he has definitely showed me something today. Forever greatful.
This has changed my mom on having kids. I made some mistakes and I repent for these mistakes and will for the rest of my life. If God can great me another chance, my life's mission will do to serve him right. I was bl;ind but now I see. Thanks Pastor Piper for this message. I always wanted kids.
I am also a Catholic and, to me, Piper is the most sensed and the most lovable of all Reformed theologians. Indeed, I hope he applied the rigor at distinguishing and deciphering subtle meanings that he displays here on every theological issue… I definitely like the fact that he says “I believe the Reformation is not over”. All Christians must be aware that unity is a major element of God’s will, so the Reformation has to be temporary (from a historical point of view).
"How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,Who walks in His ways. When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,You will be happy and it will be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine Within your house,Your children like olive plants Around your table. Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord." Psalm 128:1-4 (NASB)
As always, John Piper is right on target. I can't begin to number the blessings he has brought to my own life by his rock-solid Biblical teaching. Grace to all.............
and " he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better." This is what I (and I believe Pastor Piper) are referring to. Part of this may be specific to the situation of the Church in Corinth, but, as with most of Paul's teachings, it is still applicable to life in Christ now. God bless!
Being infertile, this recommendation prompts my admission, I wish I'd been able to put off the demands of life and adopted. This was not God's plan for me. I will seek children, including my own, lost to miscarriages, in heaven.
Condoms are also a good option except that men sometimes don’t feel good to use them due to reduced sensation and pleasure. But modern condoms are made to be ultra thin so it could be a good alternative though the amount of pleasure and sensation still cannot be compared to not using them at all. But at least it’s better than taking a pill which would mess with the hormones of the body. NFP is not good in my opinion because couples have to avoid the days when the woman is ovulating. And we can’t deny the fact that a woman’s vagina is very well lubricated during the ovulation days plus she would have an increased desire for sex during those days.
hmm we are given the choice to surrender our wills to the Lord, we can't say that the lord will break through birth control if he wants to. No.He wants us to let go of our own ambitions, deny self, follow him because that's loving him.thats obeying him.Its fear that stops us from surrendering to Him. And the lusts of the flesh
You do not have to complete a marriage by having children. There are reasons for family planning?", "Can I afford to have children?", "Is it something I want?" "Is it the right time?" "How many can I afford?" and these are logical questions that couples should asked them selves and you really do not have to have children to complete a marriage. There are economic reason to have children and there are economic reason not to have children. Children are a major responsibility and can be an economic stress. It should not be a religious obligation to procreate for the lord, that is between the married couple only.
I certainly agree that many, if not most, people (myself included, I believe) would fall into the marriage category, but it still appears clear, according to this passage, that some may be called otherwise. When it comes down to it, the Spirit will encourage each person towards the proper conclusion. Jesus also refers to this topic, or a similar one, in Matthew 19:10-12, I believe. The good news is our freedom in Christ and our assurance of guidance by the Holy Spirit in these matters!
Me too. I think if we are going to believe that God knits the baby in the womb then he is also author of how many kids you will have and when. But I'm not married . . .lol
@Barbara Freeman careful! You are manifesting words of a murderous heart and Jesus warned us about this. He who hates hhis brother is a liar and the truth is not in him. Who ever says you fool to his brother will be subject to hellfire. Examine your heart.
Actually we lack faith and we are afraid . The ungodly world has offered us so many 'choices' not to have children that we do as unbelievers do : we take them. The fruit looks nice as it did to Eve ..but what is really in it ? Happy is the man who has his quiver full the Bible says , and the wife is seen as a fertile vineyard (Psalms 127/128). The fruit of the womb is a reward and a joy . But we lack Biblical vision , the world has a hold on us .
"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5 (NASB)
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." 1 Timothy 5:8 I agree that we should seek guidance from God before automatically turning to contraception. After all, it should be His will who exists and makes their mark upon the world. However, I don't believe contraception to necessarily be a sin. It's easy for a wealthy family like the Duggars to say that, but most people barely make enough to support two kids. It is irresponsible to raise another child when you are barely able to support your first. I believe you should consult God when it is time to have a child and when it is not. I've seen too many children raised in awful conditions because their parents were too proud or uneducated to use contraceptives.
1 Tim. 6:8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. The scripture that you stated is often taken out of context to imply that if you can't get all of your WANTS met, then you shouldn't have more kids. Vacations, big houses, 2 cars, or any other conveniences are NOT necessities. Most Americans can not distinguish between the two. So if we were honest, most American households according to biblical standards, could afford to support more than 2 children. Now this verse is actually talking about children and grandchildren taking care of widows in their family so that the church is not burdened with them. It is promoting multi-generational households, a concept that is foreign to most of us, but is probably healthier than the individualistic society we live in today. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Good point about my word choice. If you read the passage (1 Corinthians 7), it probably falls somewhere between an encouragement and a personal desire.
I love John Piper laying out the different levels of what is right and wrong... micro level. This requires intimate prayer and counsel. It is very personal. It is NOT cut and dry. I don't dig his approach to analyzing and dictating what is right n wrong.
In the beginning of the video he said he doesn't think that a woman should use birth control if the egg is fertilized, but a doctor will not give a woman birth control if she is pregnant.
Logically this makes sense, WE should focus on "God's kingdom come, God's will be done." when looking at marriage, and having children; Is it right to get married or does God want me to be single? to take it one step forward, is it right for us to have kids? am i capable, is it God's will?
What about Tubalacation . I did after my second n I wish I hadn't. I never thought bout it being wrong in God's eye. I remember my Dr wouldn't but he got someone that would. No body Ever said a thing. I was 23 n realize a young mine. We have not experienced life. I grew up in church Etc. My mom put me on birth control right before I got married she never ask or anything.
Wow, wow, wow! Thank you so much for sharing this wise explanation of family planning. You don't know how liberating it was for me to hear this, considering I was raised with the impression that planning your family in ANY form, (even without aborting), was ungodly, sinful, and a failure to believe "children are a blessing from the Lord." However, learning about a difference between the natural or creation ordinance and the Redemptive ordinance was SO greatly edifying to me. Would you please expound more on this difference in another video? Thank you again and God bless you!
The Random Station Contraception is death to the child before it is conceived just like abortion is death to the child before it is born. If you kill a baby the moment it is born, it's called murder, but if you had killed it five seconds before it left the womb, it's called abortion. Piper is saying that if you kill the baby the moment it is conceived then that's wrong, but if you can kill it 5 seconds before that then it's fine??? What would be worse? to be a baby aborted before birth, or to be a baby contracepted before conception? It seems that everyone who is for contraception has already been conceived.
"So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own." Exodus 1:20-21 (NIV)
@biblicalreality I think one of the most important questions to ask yourself is: "Am I giving everything I can to my current children to ensure they grow up well-adjusted, well-educated, and as leaders for good to be brought into the world." If so, and you have the capacity to have more kids, go ahead. If not, vasectomy time.
I think what we also have to do is consider our own practical limitations... how many kids can we adequately care for? There is only so much time in a day, and we only have so much energy, and some of us, quite frankly, are not good with children. The command to be fruitful and multiply is not also a command to be irrational and irresponsible. God will bless you within the bounds of your finite nature when you do His will.
I used to take birth control for a medical condition I have to regulate my cycles each month. I stopped because they made me sick but still, not everyone takes these for sexual reasons.
If we are giving everything to God, and putting it all in God's control, why should we not give that part of our bodies and lives to the Lord--and put those things in His control?
I would say that he was encouraging men to serve the Lord and pointing out that celibacy makes that less complicated. But he is also conceding that one's sex drive, if not properly accommodated, will be way more of a problem for one's service to the kingdom than the complications that a marriage will introduce. That's my take anyway.
We all know couples that use both birth control and condoms at the same time and they still got married. God is all powerful, if he wants your marriage to have kids, then he won't let anything get in the way of that. Adoption is so important too.
Regarding children Jesus might say Oh ye of little faith, shall the Lord give a blessing and not also give the grace to keep and provide for that blessing?
@eptx1983, I am sort of thinking what you are thinking. If "That which is not from faith is sin" how can attempting to control "closing the womb" by sight not be sin? If God is soverign, even over the womb, are we not attempting to usurp His control? If so, how can we expect HIs blessings in this area?
The "salvation" that is brought by the gospel is the deliverance of God's people from ignorance to a full understanding of their salvation. It gives them light (information) not life. "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (II Tim 1:10) Only God can impart life and he does it immediately in the new birth for all his chosen people.
@Wangoize Natural family planning is just choosing not to have sex on certain nights when the woman is pregnant. Its part about being responsible. Just because we're told to "be fertile and multiply" doesn't mean a married couple HAS to have sex every single night.
TheBarthaL He was kind of all over the map on this one. And actually didn't make sense. He said that any contraceptive that doesn't fertilize an egg is okay which is dumb, because not all birth control is foolproof.
@@15DurangoRT He made complete sense. You just don't like what he had to say. If birth control kills the fertilized egg, you should not use it. Just think what God would want. Definitely not the obstruction of human life. That is called murder.
We should not be servants of the world, but servants of Christ. He is the uplifter. Though we live on the world doesnt mean we must be a part of it. Love not the world neither the things of it. For all that of the flesh shall perish away...
Yes, they were a blessing. Every moment was precious. Was it hard, yes. Yet, their life was every bit as precious and blessed and we are blessed to have them even for a moment. Even those miscarried. Don't cheapen their value by your assessment of their "defects". I don't know your situation, or if you have (had) children. But as parent who has hurt and lost, I would encourage you to think objectively about your opinions and perhaps employ a little sesnitivity and discretion with your comments.
It Is not because they are crazy is because they depart from the first thing they see and they do not put thinking into the things you are writing, but for you to take an initiative and write those things down and feel happy on what you do and laugh at it when somebody replies and "get a kick out of it" makes YOU the crazy one.
hmn i cant find it either, i saw it on a youtube video though; keep in mind evolutionist sites would not want to post the quote up either. what about Anton Laveys (founder of the Church of satan) deathbed quote?
Please tell me where you got this information from. I may have been lax in my research, but I have many books containing quotes from Darwin and I cannot find it in any of them. Nor can I find it on line in any search engine I have tried, other than you and other Christians quoting it. However, none of you ever give the original source.
@watchful38 Hello brother - you say you are a priest so I had to add something after seeing your comment: Please watch John's response in this series (easy to find on here) regarding the question put to him: "If you had 5 minutes with the Pope - what would you say to him?" The response is very loving, but will confirm to you where he stands as a Christian...
Is John Piper Catholic. His theology is good as far as I can see! A retired Catholic priest in Canada. I have only seen a couple of his videos! But I like it when he makes distinctions. "Never deny. Seldom affirm. Always distinguish." An axiom quoted in the Middle Ages. St. Thomas Aquinas always followed this rule.
Since regeneration precedes faith, and faith is required to believe the gospel, it follows that only those who have been born again will receive and believe the gospel. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Cor 2:14)
"when Paul writes, he encourages people not to marry so that they can dedicate more time to the work of the kingdom rather than worldly things." EH Paul expressed a personal desire that people be celibate as he was but I think to say that he "encouraged people not to marry" is an overstatement. All that said, redemption is a past accomplishment of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 9:12). Our reproductive choices have NO bearing on the matter of redemption whatsoever. Do you agree?
@LinxDinx Thank You a lot. This is precisely the story which I thought of. I think that it contains real answer for contraception and J. Piper might be wrong here.
How's it going. I'm Christian and a pharmacist. When you understand the mechanisms of action (how they work) of oral contraceptives, you will see that it isn't a sin. No more than using a condom, in that the end result for both is to prevent (PREVENT, not abort) pregnancy. Please point to where in the bible God says that intercourse with your spouse without the purpose of conceiving a child is a sin. I'm really asking you for my knowledge.
I thought abortion was a good idea if you are poor etc, until i got born again and then i just knew that we can easily follow through on a pregnancy if we have faith. It became very wrong to me all the sudden. People could also try working around their cycle as a means of birth control. But yeah, as Johnathan, above, has pointed out, make sure you are operating within the will of God as these are huge things, just like marriage.
If by "determinism" you mean that "salvation is because God purposed to save a chosen people and he actually saved them" then I would say - "yes, our salvation is the result of sovereign determinism."
It's not up to us to decide if a person should be born. It is God's will. If He wants a child to come into this world and you are using contraception, you are "being sovereign" instead of Him. Birth and death belong to God. He killed a man in His anger in the OT for pulling out.
I do not doubt that Piper's comments have reference to that passage. But whatever is meant by "doing well" and "doing better" we can be certain it does NOT have any bearing on redemption - because redemption is a past monergistic accomplishment of Christ on behalf of his people (Heb 9:12) not something that we can "do well" or "do better."
The bible also teaches that regeneration (the new birth) precedes faith in time: "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God" (I John 5:1) - "is born" is literally "has been born" which is perfect tense or past completed action. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which WERE BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)
How many children does God want me to have? That's a much better question than, how many children do I want to have. Who knows if we're cutting off the next evangelist, or other great man or woman of God. Children are the one thing that are eternal, the most valuable thing we possibly could do. And we take it into our own hands?
@WoAiJesu Perhaps, but I'm very sure he wouldn't want to be identified as an Arminian believer, so it does matter somewhat. I mostly explained it because again, to the Catholic mindset "reformed" means something different than it does to Protestant believers. God Bless.
@EmuAddict So what, about this answer, is cold? He believes that a fertilized egg is human so barrier is ok. On the concept of Birth Control? He also said that a 'quiver can be full' so it may be wise to have two or three or four kids if that is the best thing for your families spiritual mission. This is heartening to me because as much as I might like to have 10 kids I do not think it would be best for my family (in terms of me leading them).
The bible also teaches that salvation does not come to us based on what we do: "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy." (Rom 9:16) "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Tit 3:5) "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works." (II Tim 1:9)
Yes kids are blessings, however not everyone can afford them and some simply wish not to because they have mental illness and can barley care for themselves. I want kids I do but if I can't afford to properly care for one I'm not gonna bring one into the world only for it to suffer .
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." -1 Tim. 5:8 You're on the right track. All will suffer nonetheless, but the thing is can you first provide?
I would respectfully disagree. The Bible also says that God provides for us- even for the smallest beings. I have seen God provide in amazing ways in my life and we certainly (by the world's standards) weren't financially well off- and I struggled with PTSD during my first pregnancy, and have attention deficit disorder. The lesson? God's will is greater than your finances, mental state etc.(2 Timothy 1:7 "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."). So the question is; does God hold up to His promises of caring for us and strengthening us, or do we shoulder the heavy worldly worries of self preservation? Both mine and others' stories all point to a God who provides and makes us to thrive.
Having trust in God is absolutely NOT an excuse to act recklessly or unrealistically, and thus I non-negotiably agree with Savanna's posting. It is crap, garbage, refuse, and rubbish to weaponize scripture to force someone to make decisions that strictly speaking are morally neutral and not anyone else's business (and based on how an individual has perhaps experienced various outcomes). Any attempt as well to judge a person for erring on the side of caution/restraint based on real-world concerns is cruel and sick and not a sign of showing the love of Christ. It is also willfully ignorant when done to try to buttress one's own zeal against sound doctrinal teaching and prudent understanding of the brokenness of our world (and it also can be extremely painful to the suffering). I will sooner run away from a feigned Christianity that incorporates that kind of attitude than tolerate a harsh judgmentalism even if other points of doctrine are correct. If wanting to encourage people to rely on God for support, please provide tangible proof for the benefit of those who are struggling, but also be prepared to be told to shut up and be denied their attention/pushed out of their lives if trying against their wishes to compel your audience to believe your own circumstances to be normative, as they often are not! Some Christians, unfortunately, excel in hurting their own wounded by trying to demand that others believe/act in a particular way even when such can be dangerous and unwise (or that opens serious wounds suffered innocently) and is often regarded as biblically questionable. This sort of practice is abominable and disgusting in my unwavering opinion.
+Nicole Perez you can use Natural Family Planning. Which you go to the doctor and ask for a chart on when you ovulate and then you can know when or when not to have sex. Do it only when you are married tho!
MaryplusFrances98 I don't really know what you mean , but please do some research about Family planning and Margaret Sanders etc .. Really really devilish . The goal is to depopulate the Western nations . Criminal abortion and abuse of birth control all in the name of women's " rights" hoax .
Ensoulment doesn't happen at conception. Identical twins form well after conception and often after the original embryo is implanted but identical twins don't share a soul. A fetus hasn't developed the capacity for sentience (by which I mean thoughts and feelings and self-interest) until around week 17. We should protect fetuses once they have developed the capability for consciousness and self interest. That's when they have a soul and personhood.
I cut my hair and its not sin, just because God create us doesn't not mean that we have to live like animals depraved of reason. Everybody cut his hair, his nails, and so, and its not sin beause we are rebelling God because you dont want to grow our hairs and nails. God gave us reason too
the issue is not about controlling the womb, it is about accepting that actions such as unprotected sex has consequences. this isn't just a woman issue, it's a man and woman issue. people have been constantly trying to find ways to undermine the concept of responsibility. Unprotected sex has consequences and both the man and the woman should always acknowledge that.
It's not about planning or technicalities. This is about theology that when you engage in marital sex with contraceptive, you are rejecting the procreation purpose component of marriage and marital act. No beating around the bush answers.
Marital sex isn't always about babies, especially not when you have children already, cant afford any more and are faced with an already rampantly overpopulated global population.
@@WH-hi5ew God made sex for two purposes namely for procreative purposes and unitive purposes (meaning to deepen the love and bond between the spouses) God never intended for the procreative purposes of sex to be separated from it's unitive purposes. So therefore for every sexual act in marriage to be chaste it must meet both the procreative and unitive purposes of sex. Birth control separates the unitive purposes of sex from it's procreative purposes so therefore it's not within God's. Natural family planning is an alternative that can be used instead of artificial birth control where a woman tracks her cycle and abstains from sex on her fertile days
Logic rationalism and humanism need to be applied. And sensible balance on difficult questions. You can't get answers in bible about modern overpopulation problems. Yes we must have kids when young (biology) with people we love (psychology) and in moderate numbers . Nowadays 5 is not so many for modern countries where average birth rate has plummeted and self extinction on the horizon. We don't all need to be average but our society should act for its own survival by providing incentives or suggestions when numbers are getting worryingly high or low. Survival logic.
man those last two minutes were awesome. "The two i'm gonna have will lift a million burdens!"
"The kids I'm going to raise, is going to lift a million burdens." So beautiful and immense conviction! 🙌🏽
Burden lifters, not burden adders....that’s good!! Very wonderful points made in this video! Thank you Pastor John!!!!
That was beautiful to hear. Since a young age my husband and I have felt the calling to adopt. That is one of the many things that drew us together. We don’t have any desire to have biological children and are using safe contraceptives to support that conviction. At the same time we know God can do marvelous things and if He wanted us to have biological children, that we would become pregnant. If that happens someday then what a blessing that will be.
We have been married for 3.5 years and are in the beginning stages of adopting. We are excited to become parents and show the love of Christ to a child in need. We are preparing to navigate the pain and brokenness that comes with a child who no longer can be with their biological parents. At the same time it will teach us and them so much about our own adoption as children of God. We are excited to raise our own “burden lifters”!
That’s so beautiful to hear but it doesn’t give you the right to meddle in other couples who choose to abort. Unless of course, you’re story serves the purpose of distinguishing yourself from others as the ‘better’ people, the main attraction of all religions. Vanity is also a sin.
Are any contraceptive actually safe? Don’t you ever wonder that you are in essence killing the children you would’ve had?
@@walterdaems57 Vanity? Shouldn’t you be worried about being a murderer?
@@jd-pf2oc which one? Those who are sniffing glue to forget they exist on garbage belts searching for food? Abused by parents that didn’t want them? Being raped by perverted tourists for 2dollar a night? Take your pick, you wonderful human being.
This is so beautiful! I have a huge heart for adoption too!
I'm on birth control... lately my walk with Jesus has been so great he just keeps on giving; giving wisdom and such. Been amazing and he has definitely showed me something today. Forever greatful.
Were you married?
This has changed my mom on having kids. I made some mistakes and I repent for these mistakes and will for the rest of my life. If God can great me another chance, my life's mission will do to serve him right. I was bl;ind but now I see. Thanks Pastor Piper for this message. I always wanted kids.
Thank you! This has been very helpful!!! Love how true this answer resonates with biblical truths! Very helpful! - Liz Rosenbaum
I'm so honored to listen to a prophet. You are a blessing to this generation
Jamaica is Paradise channel he’s not a prophet.
That was a GREAT answer..very good insight about the fall and Paul's words about marriage
Certainly. In the passage, he also says "it is better to marry than to burn with passion". It really depends on how God has created each individual.
Awesome! Thanks! I think it is also very important to discuss this with the Lord
Wow! I never thought about the "2nd Level". This is eye-opening! Praise God!!!
A really enlightening perspective. I love John Piper!
I am also a Catholic and, to me, Piper is the most sensed and the most lovable of all Reformed theologians. Indeed, I hope he applied the rigor at distinguishing and deciphering subtle meanings that he displays here on every theological issue… I definitely like the fact that he says “I believe the Reformation is not over”. All Christians must be aware that unity is a major element of God’s will, so the Reformation has to be temporary (from a historical point of view).
"How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,Who walks in His ways.
When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,You will be happy and it will be well with you.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine Within your house,Your children like olive plants Around your table.
Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord."
Psalm 128:1-4 (NASB)
As always, John Piper is right on target. I can't begin to number the blessings he has brought to my own life by his rock-solid Biblical teaching.
Grace to all.............
and " he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better." This is what I (and I believe Pastor Piper) are referring to. Part of this may be specific to the situation of the Church in Corinth, but, as with most of Paul's teachings, it is still applicable to life in Christ now. God bless!
Great answer to a good question!
Being infertile, this recommendation prompts my admission, I wish I'd been able to put off the demands of life and adopted. This was not God's plan for me. I will seek children, including my own, lost to miscarriages, in heaven.
I like pastor John....he knows his stuff...Kids are a blessing from GOD.I LOVE THEM OF ALL COLOR AND RACE...
What about Natural Family Planning instead of pills? I think that dignifies the body more than a pill...something to think about. God bless ❤
yes and has no side effects
Condoms are also a good option except that men sometimes don’t feel good to use them due to reduced sensation and pleasure. But modern condoms are made to be ultra thin so it could be a good alternative though the amount of pleasure and sensation still cannot be compared to not using them at all. But at least it’s better than taking a pill which would mess with the hormones of the body. NFP is not good in my opinion because couples have to avoid the days when the woman is ovulating. And we can’t deny the fact that a woman’s vagina is very well lubricated during the ovulation days plus she would have an increased desire for sex during those days.
@@kennethfok Use the NFP/condom combo. Get home ovulation kits, use condoms for the 3-7 fertile days, then no condom on the other days.
hmm we are given the choice to surrender our wills to the Lord, we can't say that the lord will break through birth control if he wants to. No.He wants us to let go of our own ambitions, deny self, follow him because that's loving him.thats obeying him.Its fear that stops us from surrendering to Him. And the lusts of the flesh
How soon after marriage did you get pregnant, if you don’t mind my asking?
Brainwashed bimbo. Go learn.
You do not have to complete a marriage by having children. There are reasons for family planning?", "Can I afford to have children?", "Is it something I want?" "Is it the right time?" "How many can I afford?" and these are logical questions that couples should asked them selves and you really do not have to have children to complete a marriage. There are economic reason to have children and there are economic reason not to have children. Children are a major responsibility and can be an economic stress. It should not be a religious obligation to procreate for the lord, that is between the married couple only.
@Barbara Freeman Speak for yourself.
@@kunai8604 Again, speak for yourself. It is you who are brainwashed.
Burden lifters! Oh man, that was good...
Yeah.. Such a massive truth!
"The Lord visited Hannah; and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Andthe boy Samuel grew before the Lord."
II Samuel 2:21
You are bringing burden lifters❤
Dr. Piper keeps nothing short and simple.☺
I certainly agree that many, if not most, people (myself included, I believe) would fall into the marriage category, but it still appears clear, according to this passage, that some may be called otherwise. When it comes down to it, the Spirit will encourage each person towards the proper conclusion. Jesus also refers to this topic, or a similar one, in Matthew 19:10-12, I believe. The good news is our freedom in Christ and our assurance of guidance by the Holy Spirit in these matters!
Love you brother John!
I am not a catholic- just a follower of Jesus and I don't believe in using contraception
Why?
Just curious, no argument. :)
Reverendshot777 Genesis 38:10
cohemo077 are you sure that’s about not having children than not following your duty?
Me too. I think if we are going to believe that God knits the baby in the womb then he is also author of how many kids you will have and when. But I'm not married . . .lol
@Barbara Freeman careful! You are manifesting words of a murderous heart and Jesus warned us about this. He who hates hhis brother is a liar and the truth is not in him. Who ever says you fool to his brother will be subject to hellfire. Examine your heart.
I love this guy!
Actually we lack faith and we are afraid . The ungodly world has offered us so many 'choices' not to have children that we do as unbelievers do : we take them. The fruit looks nice as it did to Eve ..but what is really in it ?
Happy is the man who has his quiver full the Bible says , and the wife is seen as a fertile vineyard (Psalms 127/128). The fruit of the womb is a reward and a joy . But we lack Biblical vision , the world has a hold on us .
I have to disagree this time
Amen
"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate."
Psalm 127:3-5 (NASB)
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
1 Timothy 5:8
I agree that we should seek guidance from God before automatically turning to contraception. After all, it should be His will who exists and makes their mark upon the world. However, I don't believe contraception to necessarily be a sin. It's easy for a wealthy family like the Duggars to say that, but most people barely make enough to support two kids. It is irresponsible to raise another child when you are barely able to support your first.
I believe you should consult God when it is time to have a child and when it is not. I've seen too many children raised in awful conditions because their parents were too proud or uneducated to use contraceptives.
1 Tim. 6:8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
The scripture that you stated is often taken out of context to imply that if you can't get all of your WANTS met, then you shouldn't have more kids. Vacations, big houses, 2 cars, or any other conveniences are NOT necessities. Most Americans can not distinguish between the two. So if we were honest, most American households according to biblical standards, could afford to support more than 2 children.
Now this verse is actually talking about children and grandchildren taking care of widows in their family so that the church is not burdened with them. It is promoting multi-generational households, a concept that is foreign to most of us, but is probably healthier than the individualistic society we live in today.
4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
wow...brilliantly answered!
Good point about my word choice. If you read the passage (1 Corinthians 7), it probably falls somewhere between an encouragement and a personal desire.
I love John Piper laying out the different levels of what is right and wrong... micro level. This requires intimate prayer and counsel. It is very personal. It is NOT cut and dry. I don't dig his approach to analyzing and dictating what is right n wrong.
Amen,am blessed
teach us to value life Lord
Jesus never stops giving.
In the beginning of the video he said he doesn't think that a woman should use birth control if the egg is fertilized, but a doctor will not give a woman birth control if she is pregnant.
Logically this makes sense, WE should focus on "God's kingdom come, God's will be done." when looking at marriage, and having children; Is it right to get married or does God want me to be single? to take it one step forward, is it right for us to have kids? am i capable, is it God's will?
What about Tubalacation . I did after my second n I wish I hadn't. I never thought bout it being wrong in God's eye. I remember my Dr wouldn't but he got someone that would. No body Ever said a thing. I was 23 n realize a young mine. We have not experienced life. I grew up in church Etc. My mom put me on birth control right before I got married she never ask or anything.
Jesus, wow 🙌🙌🙌💛🌹
Wow, wow, wow! Thank you so much for sharing this wise explanation of family planning. You don't know how liberating it was for me to hear this, considering I was raised with the impression that planning your family in ANY form, (even without aborting), was ungodly, sinful, and a failure to believe "children are a blessing from the Lord." However, learning about a difference between the natural or creation ordinance and the Redemptive ordinance was SO greatly edifying to me. Would you please expound more on this difference in another video? Thank you again and God bless you!
The Random Station Contraception is death to the child before it is conceived just like abortion is death to the child before it is born. If you kill a baby the moment it is born, it's called murder, but if you had killed it five seconds before it left the womb, it's called abortion. Piper is saying that if you kill the baby the moment it is conceived then that's wrong, but if you can kill it 5 seconds before that then it's fine???
What would be worse? to be a baby aborted before birth, or to be a baby contracepted before conception? It seems that everyone who is for contraception has already been conceived.
It's not a baby if it hasn't been conceived!
love this
Love that!!
"So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous.
And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own."
Exodus 1:20-21 (NIV)
IChronicles 29:11 And?
@biblicalreality I think one of the most important questions to ask yourself is: "Am I giving everything I can to my current children to ensure they grow up well-adjusted, well-educated, and as leaders for good to be brought into the world." If so, and you have the capacity to have more kids, go ahead. If not, vasectomy time.
Amen Brother!
I think what we also have to do is consider our own practical limitations... how many kids can we adequately care for? There is only so much time in a day, and we only have so much energy, and some of us, quite frankly, are not good with children. The command to be fruitful and multiply is not also a command to be irrational and irresponsible. God will bless you within the bounds of your finite nature when you do His will.
Its a must if you don't want children. Whether you believe or don't you do whats right for you and her.
man i love this
I used to take birth control for a medical condition I have to regulate my cycles each month. I stopped because they made me sick but still, not everyone takes these for sexual reasons.
brilliant answer John
If we are giving everything to God, and putting it all in God's control, why should we not give that part of our bodies and lives to the Lord--and put those things in His control?
I would say that he was encouraging men to serve the Lord and pointing out that celibacy makes that less complicated. But he is also conceding that one's sex drive, if not properly accommodated, will be way more of a problem for one's service to the kingdom than the complications that a marriage will introduce.
That's my take anyway.
We all know couples that use both birth control and condoms at the same time and they still got married. God is all powerful, if he wants your marriage to have kids, then he won't let anything get in the way of that. Adoption is so important too.
Regarding children Jesus might say Oh ye of little faith, shall the Lord give a blessing and not also give the grace to keep and provide for that blessing?
I love it!
@eptx1983, I am sort of thinking what you are thinking. If "That which is not from faith is sin" how can attempting to control "closing the womb" by sight not be sin? If God is soverign, even over the womb, are we not attempting to usurp His control? If so, how can we expect HIs blessings in this area?
The "salvation" that is brought by the gospel is the deliverance of God's people from ignorance to a full understanding of their salvation. It gives them light (information) not life.
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (II Tim 1:10)
Only God can impart life and he does it immediately in the new birth for all his chosen people.
Wooooow... What an amazing explanation! Thank you for going in depth about children! Burden lifters *dab*
@Wangoize Natural family planning is just choosing not to have sex on certain nights when the woman is pregnant. Its part about being responsible. Just because we're told to "be fertile and multiply" doesn't mean a married couple HAS to have sex every single night.
Can someone write here what he actually said? Because I watched it all and still don't know the answer...
TheBarthaL He was kind of all over the map on this one. And actually didn't make sense. He said that any contraceptive that doesn't fertilize an egg is okay which is dumb, because not all birth control is foolproof.
@@15DurangoRT He made complete sense. You just don't like what he had to say. If birth control kills the fertilized egg, you should not use it. Just think what God would want. Definitely not the obstruction of human life. That is called murder.
We should not be servants of the world, but servants of Christ. He is the uplifter. Though we live on the world doesnt mean we must be a part of it. Love not the world neither the things of it. For all that of the flesh shall perish away...
+Paul Raines what does that have to do with this?
So should preventive contraceptions be used or not?
Yes, they were a blessing. Every moment was precious. Was it hard, yes. Yet, their life was every bit as precious and blessed and we are blessed to have them even for a moment. Even those miscarried. Don't cheapen their value by your assessment of their "defects". I don't know your situation, or if you have (had) children. But as parent who has hurt and lost, I would encourage you to think objectively about your opinions and perhaps employ a little sesnitivity and discretion with your comments.
It Is not because they are crazy is because they depart from the first thing they see and they do not put thinking into the things you are writing, but for you to take an initiative and write those things down and feel happy on what you do and laugh at it when somebody replies and "get a kick out of it" makes YOU the crazy one.
hmn i cant find it either, i saw it on a youtube video though; keep in mind evolutionist sites would not want to post the quote up either.
what about Anton Laveys (founder of the Church of satan) deathbed quote?
Please tell me where you got this information from. I may have been lax in my research, but I have many books containing quotes from Darwin and I cannot find it in any of them. Nor can I find it on line in any search engine I have tried, other than you and other Christians quoting it. However, none of you ever give the original source.
LOL, I love Dr. Piper!
I love Dr. Piper
I also love Dr. Pepper
@watchful38 Hello brother - you say you are a priest so I had to add something after seeing your comment: Please watch John's response in this series (easy to find on here) regarding the question put to him: "If you had 5 minutes with the Pope - what would you say to him?"
The response is very loving, but will confirm to you where he stands as a Christian...
So, why didn't God just straighten them out about the spilling seed thing?
well God bless you! :D but i believe to seek his will first, sometimes our desires are not his will.
Is John Piper Catholic. His theology is good as far as I can see! A retired Catholic priest in Canada. I have only seen a couple of his videos! But I like it when he makes distinctions. "Never deny. Seldom affirm. Always distinguish." An axiom quoted in the Middle Ages. St. Thomas Aquinas always followed this rule.
Since regeneration precedes faith, and faith is required to believe the gospel, it follows that only those who have been born again will receive and believe the gospel.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Cor 2:14)
"when Paul writes, he encourages people not to marry so that they can dedicate more time to the work of the kingdom rather than worldly things." EH
Paul expressed a personal desire that people be celibate as he was but I think to say that he "encouraged people not to marry" is an overstatement.
All that said, redemption is a past accomplishment of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 9:12). Our reproductive choices have NO bearing on the matter of redemption whatsoever. Do you agree?
@LinxDinx
Thank You a lot. This is precisely the story which I thought of. I think that it contains real answer for contraception and J. Piper might be wrong here.
How's it going. I'm Christian and a pharmacist. When you understand the mechanisms of action (how they work) of oral contraceptives, you will see that it isn't a sin. No more than using a condom, in that the end result for both is to prevent (PREVENT, not abort) pregnancy.
Please point to where in the bible God says that intercourse with your spouse without the purpose of conceiving a child is a sin. I'm really asking you for my knowledge.
I thought abortion was a good idea if you are poor etc, until i got born again and then i just knew that we can easily follow through on a pregnancy if we have faith. It became very wrong to me all the sudden. People could also try working around their cycle as a means of birth control. But yeah, as Johnathan, above, has pointed out, make sure you are operating within the will of God as these are huge things, just like marriage.
If by "determinism" you mean that "salvation is because God purposed to save a chosen people and he actually saved them" then I would say - "yes, our salvation is the result of sovereign determinism."
It's not up to us to decide if a person should be born. It is God's will. If He wants a child to come into this world and you are using contraception, you are "being sovereign" instead of Him. Birth and death belong to God. He killed a man in His anger in the OT for pulling out.
Absolutely!
I do not doubt that Piper's comments have reference to that passage. But whatever is meant by "doing well" and "doing better" we can be certain it does NOT have any bearing on redemption - because redemption is a past monergistic accomplishment of Christ on behalf of his people (Heb 9:12) not something that we can "do well" or "do better."
Amen
The bible also teaches that regeneration (the new birth) precedes faith in time:
"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God" (I John 5:1) - "is born" is literally "has been born" which is perfect tense or past completed action.
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which WERE BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)
That's what the faithful ask each other endlessly isn't it?
How many children does God want me to have? That's a much better question than, how many children do I want to have. Who knows if we're cutting off the next evangelist, or other great man or woman of God. Children are the one thing that are eternal, the most valuable thing we possibly could do. And we take it into our own hands?
@WoAiJesu Perhaps, but I'm very sure he wouldn't want to be identified as an Arminian believer, so it does matter somewhat. I mostly explained it because again, to the Catholic mindset "reformed" means something different than it does to Protestant believers. God Bless.
@EmuAddict So what, about this answer, is cold?
He believes that a fertilized egg is human so barrier is ok. On the concept of Birth Control? He also said that a 'quiver can be full' so it may be wise to have two or three or four kids if that is the best thing for your families spiritual mission.
This is heartening to me because as much as I might like to have 10 kids I do not think it would be best for my family (in terms of me leading them).
The bible also teaches that salvation does not come to us based on what we do:
"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy." (Rom 9:16)
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Tit 3:5)
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works." (II Tim 1:9)
Amen. #Burden lifters.
5:25 LOL
How about a DEBATE on this topic? It could be: "Is Contraception Sinful?"
Yes kids are blessings, however not everyone can afford them and some simply wish not to because they have mental illness and can barley care for themselves. I want kids I do but if I can't afford to properly care for one I'm not gonna bring one into the world only for it to suffer .
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." -1 Tim. 5:8
You're on the right track. All will suffer nonetheless, but the thing is can you first provide?
I would respectfully disagree. The Bible also says that God provides for us- even for the smallest beings. I have seen God provide in amazing ways in my life and we certainly (by the world's standards) weren't financially well off- and I struggled with PTSD during my first pregnancy, and have attention deficit disorder. The lesson? God's will is greater than your finances, mental state etc.(2 Timothy 1:7 "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."). So the question is; does God hold up to His promises of caring for us and strengthening us, or do we shoulder the heavy worldly worries of self preservation? Both mine and others' stories all point to a God who provides and makes us to thrive.
Easier said then done with no money means no kids...
Having trust in God is absolutely NOT an excuse to act recklessly or unrealistically, and thus I non-negotiably agree with Savanna's posting. It is crap, garbage, refuse, and rubbish to weaponize scripture to force someone to make decisions that strictly speaking are morally neutral and not anyone else's business (and based on how an individual has perhaps experienced various outcomes). Any attempt as well to judge a person for erring on the side of caution/restraint based on real-world concerns is cruel and sick and not a sign of showing the love of Christ. It is also willfully ignorant when done to try to buttress one's own zeal against sound doctrinal teaching and prudent understanding of the brokenness of our world (and it also can be extremely painful to the suffering). I will sooner run away from a feigned Christianity that incorporates that kind of attitude than tolerate a harsh judgmentalism even if other points of doctrine are correct. If wanting to encourage people to rely on God for support, please provide tangible proof for the benefit of those who are struggling, but also be prepared to be told to shut up and be denied their attention/pushed out of their lives if trying against their wishes to compel your audience to believe your own circumstances to be normative, as they often are not! Some Christians, unfortunately, excel in hurting their own wounded by trying to demand that others believe/act in a particular way even when such can be dangerous and unwise (or that opens serious wounds suffered innocently) and is often regarded as biblically questionable. This sort of practice is abominable and disgusting in my unwavering opinion.
I dont want to use birth control i agree with John Piper on this....what else can i use?
+Nicole Perez you can use Natural Family Planning. Which you go to the doctor and ask for a chart on when you ovulate and then you can know when or when not to have sex. Do it only when you are married tho!
Get the book: Take Charge of Your Fertility -
+MaryplusFrances98
Family Planning is a devilish agenda.
Isabelle M Congratulations! you have stated an opinion.
MaryplusFrances98
I don't really know what you mean , but please do some research about Family planning and Margaret Sanders etc ..
Really really devilish .
The goal is to depopulate the Western nations .
Criminal abortion and abuse of birth control all in the name of women's " rights" hoax .
Ensoulment doesn't happen at conception. Identical twins form well after conception and often after the original embryo is implanted but identical twins don't share a soul. A fetus hasn't developed the capacity for sentience (by which I mean thoughts and feelings and self-interest) until around week 17. We should protect fetuses once they have developed the capability for consciousness and self interest. That's when they have a soul and personhood.
It does happen at conception
My question is if the Bible says our body is not our own, then who are we to control our womb?
I cut my hair and its not sin, just because God create us doesn't not mean that we have to live like animals depraved of reason. Everybody cut his hair, his nails, and so, and its not sin beause we are rebelling God because you dont want to grow our hairs and nails. God gave us reason too
Who are you to control the steering wheel as you drive down the road. Let go and let God.
Danny you're hilarious.
Dannyboyz lol what the world
the issue is not about controlling the womb, it is about accepting that actions such as unprotected sex has consequences. this isn't just a woman issue, it's a man and woman issue. people have been constantly trying to find ways to undermine the concept of responsibility. Unprotected sex has consequences and both the man and the woman should always acknowledge that.
and how will they hear unless someone tells them.
It's not about planning or technicalities. This is about theology that when you engage in marital sex with contraceptive, you are rejecting the procreation purpose component of marriage and marital act. No beating around the bush answers.
Marital sex isn't always about babies, especially not when you have children already, cant afford any more and are faced with an already rampantly overpopulated global population.
@@WH-hi5ew I didn't say it's about babies only. I said there is a procreation side to it.
@@WH-hi5ew God made sex for two purposes namely for procreative purposes and unitive purposes (meaning to deepen the love and bond between the spouses) God never intended for the procreative purposes of sex to be separated from it's unitive purposes. So therefore for every sexual act in marriage to be chaste it must meet both the procreative and unitive purposes of sex. Birth control separates the unitive purposes of sex from it's procreative purposes so therefore it's not within God's. Natural family planning is an alternative that can be used instead of artificial birth control where a woman tracks her cycle and abstains from sex on her fertile days
Logic rationalism and humanism need to be applied. And sensible balance on difficult questions. You can't get answers in bible about modern overpopulation problems. Yes we must have kids when young (biology) with people we love (psychology) and in moderate numbers . Nowadays 5 is not so many for modern countries where average birth rate has plummeted and self extinction on the horizon. We don't all need to be average but our society should act for its own survival by providing incentives or suggestions when numbers are getting worryingly high or low. Survival logic.