I love Steve Lawson and I hope he gets the support as well as his wife and family. Pray for his repentance and forgiveness. God loves him and hope he turns to Christ.
I followed Steve Lawson for quite a few years and I could care less who the woman is. Mr. Lawson had the responsibility of protecting his reputation as someone in the position of leadership as a shepherd. I feel betrayed by him. Not her. If it's not her it's someone else. The list of temptations is endless.
He should have been protecting her just as it says on 1 Corinthians 13. Love protects, being the more mature man,’pastor etc etc. The young woman is equally culpable by the way.
@@michaelclark2458 But at the same time the one who's the minister and the one who's the man here and an older man who has more experience or should have more experience here is Steven Lawson. Unfortunately many people want to hide him and protect him because he's a calvinist but when it was happening to other preachers who are not of that circle, Many in the reformed community were rabid and wanted to take those people apart.
@@rauldelarosa2768 I’m a covenantal Calvinist and I’m not for him being covered up whatsoever. But I wonder what the motive is for protecting the identity of the affair partner. I wonder if more men were seeing her and he just was the one to get caught publicly. She was a student at masters after all. John 8 is clear. Adultery laws need to ministered out equally. “Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; And a false balance is not good.” Proverbs 20:23
Steve Lawson had the responsibility of protecting the name and reputation of Jesus Christ. This is another warning to a sensual generation. I would be lying if I denied a sensuous past and sensual temptation that I believe will haunt my flesh till the Lord takes me or translates me. This is where the fellowship of believers plays such a huge role in the very health of the Church. We have to be diligently transparent, unafraid to discuss the struggles the flesh presents, ALL for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ, not our own. It is His name that is defamed. Lord help us, preserve us as only the Spirit can.
No desire, at all, to know the woman's identity. That is a matter for church discipline, if she is part of one at all. That is not to say that I think it should be hidden, simply saying that there is a biblical process and I'm not part of that process. I thank MacArthur for the biblical response.
John MacArthur's voice was trailing, sounded like he was about to cry. This has been so difficult for him! I agree that Steve Lawson owes a public apology. Didn't realize that he was in line for the top spot, God spared that church for sure. Christ is King!
If he was committed to exposing the truth he would of released the information on the woman as well. Only going after one guilty party is a violation of the principle set out in John 8 - woman caught in adultery. This is that where only the man gets exposed but the woman's sin is covered up. True - he has more guilt being married and a pastor; but it doesn't remove the fact that she engaged in adultery as well.
Umm, are you ok with his Calvinism? He doesn't preach the true gospel!! "Is God unfair in not chosing to save everyone? Fair world be sending everyone to Hell. You don't want fair you want mercy" quote from JMac... that is pure Calvinism.
@michaelclark2458 MacArthur exposed someone who had taught in Master's Seminary and been an integral part of conferences, etc. with MacArthur. Lawson was there paid and benefitted from MacArthur 's ministries. As far as I know, that is not true of the woman and should be dealt with in her own church. The shameful thing is Lawson has not been brave enough to comment on his behavior, so unfortunately others who are associated with him are having to speak. As far as the woman, her father was the one who alerted Trinity Church elders, and I would imagine he asked those elders for privacy for her. It's not up to MacArthur as I am sure the elders at Trinity Church know significantly more than anyone.
@mikelyons2831 Actually I totally disagree with you. I don't think any of us can truly understand God' infinite mind with our finite ones, but reading scripture faithfully for over 40 years, it clearly tells us that we have been chosen and elected. God has to do the work in even giving us a desire for Him.
@@debraswann7090 40 years? Did you miss 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Romans 5:18, John 12:32, Acts 17:26-31, Hebrews 2:9, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 2:2, John 1:29, Romans 1:18-28, Romans 11:32? Are you another Calvinistic narcissist, thinking "It's just us pre-chosen special favored elect few that will irresistibly turn to Christ, too bad most at your family reunion Mike Lyons... but God only chooses some & the rest aren't...they will get the wrath they deserve for God's glory"... hopefully you are not & will begin to study scripture apart from Gnostic influence.
My husband ordered your book for me yesterday. I don't know when it will be delivered, yet. I'd like to read it before the year is over. I'm not a fan of MacArthur, but I do like what he says @7:40. That is something my family didn't like with the church we were attending, this was way back in 2014/15 that the pastor was catering to "unbelievers" or visitors, instead of feeding the congregation. He lost a lot of believers. We went to other churches. He ended up leaving the church he created for a more lucrative position at a bigger church in another state and the church he started floundered, then all the people he brought with him to start said church left for FL as well and the small church closed. It seems as though the pastors are no longer bold in preaching God's word and are more concerned about filling seats and money/tithes. Aren't both parties supposed to be exposed, (not to the world, but to their church), confess their sin and repent to the congregation? But everyone that knew and hid it need to do the same.
Just because unnamed sources claim she is repentant doesn't mean that everything was consensual. The power dynamic in the relationship leads to the possibility of abuse, and it is common for the victim to be coerced into believing they are the guilty party. They would be playing the same game as Robert Morris did in the 80s if this turned out to be the case upon further investigation.
I agree with you; 90% of most people don't seem to! This girl was barely out of her teens when Lawson "became good friends with her family". Typical grooming pattern in place here. She's being cast as an adulterous pariah when this is ALL Lawson's fault! This makes him a predator; certainly not worth to be considered as a Christ following shepherd of a flock of believers.
I totally agree. I will not watch this channel any more as this guy does not understand what he is saying about abuse and power dynamics. Ray, you need to do some research about this before you give your opinions.
Of course, a man in his 70's would be quite disarmed when a very young woman pursues him romantically. Or don't we talk about that? She wasn't a child and he wasn't her boss. Power dynamics only explain so much. It was consensual.
I’m wondering if this scandal impugns the cessationist view of the gift of discernment. Cessationists like MacArthur generally believe that discernment isn’t a matter of supernaturally knowing whether someone is a wolf or not, but instead simply a matter of knowing “pure” theology and having the ability to compare correct theology with false theology. Because Lawson had “pure” theology, that would make him impossible to “discern” if he is in fact a wolf. My opinion is that this scandal should call into question whether the cessationist definition of discernment is correct.
This should encourage you to pray for your pastor and pray for his protection . We need to remember Jesus told Peter "Satan desires to swift you like wheat but I have prayed for you. Satan desires to swift our pastors like wheat because the ones who are preaching the truth Satan wants the most.
Satan is biblical metaphor for mans carnal nature. Or as the OT uses it as our adversary. Thats why Jesus said to Peter, "get behind me satan". Its our carnal will that tempts us to sin not a character being called Satan. Last is conceived in our own minds and when full grown gives birth to sin. A lot of people don't know this. Thats also why Jesus said we must crucify our flesh just like he did.
I love what MacArthur said, but I'm saddened by what he didn't say. He did not address Lawson's wife or family. Hardly anybody is doing that, and I think that's sad. He didn't talk about how Paul specifically states not to associate with s3xually immoral people, and to purge them from the congregation and to hand them over to the d3v1L, in order that they may be ashamed, hopefully repent, and their soul be saved in the end. I want to say also that I agree with you on not concealing the woman's identity in order to protect her from public shame and disgrace. It would be different if it was for her own safety, but this is not such a case here. She should feel extremely ashamed. Make an example out of both her and Steve, the same way that the Holy Spirit and the church of old used to make an example out of such sorts of people. Bring back the fear of the Lord in the church ✝️
@@bradrob2863 Are you suggesting that Steve Lawson's wife and kids are not part of the church, or that they aren't worth mentioning because they don't matter?
In general, and it pains me to say it, empathy seems to rank lower in Calvinistic circles than in others. Even though I am not a Calvinist, I would expect any follower of Christ not to fail the ABCs of faith.
Better Theology does not save you from bad leadership (ie Elders) and narcissistic leaders... don't be so nieve. Some pride going here ... " at least we are not Gateway.....". What nonsense to judge the hearts of others.
I think a lot of them that was the issue with some people on the other side of the spectrum of theology they would say well we are calvinistic and we're Baptist and we lean towards cessationist views (and I'm one of these cessationist leaning folks btw).. Sin can happen anywhere and it doesn't take much for us to drop our guard if we're not careful. I go to a church where people hug you and it's not rigid..and as a married man.. I'm very careful.. I won't even allow myself to be alone with another woman..or a friendship with another woman. Because it only takes a little bit of carelessness and then you are finding yourself deep in the muck of sin..
@@rauldelarosa2768 Appreciate your response. Sad to hear you are a cessationist. Life with Jesus includes hearing his voice (my sheep will hear my voice) and being guided by the Spirit and the joy in walking with Him. Blessings!
@@good4life268 you don't have to be sad because I actually came out of the charismatic signs and wonders movement over 20 years ago. And what I experienced and saw was not of God. You can't force the Holy Spirit. How many people in this movement do try to force God's hand and obligate him to move. And he is free to move and he is free to not move. That is why I lean towards cessationist views. I don't need to see another sign or a miracle as the conversion of a lost person from darkness to light is the only miracle I have to see.
@@good4life268 sometimes you only have to open his word to hear his voice friend. I went to a very prominent charismatic Bible school here twenty years ago..I was a charismatic once.
I love absolutely love Johnny Mac. He's been such a shinning bright light in my life and understanding scripture. Such a contribution to the Christian community. GOD BLESS !
Doesn't matter what he did, does or will do. The elect is just that. Not by works but by grace. Once saved always saved. Unless you think there is a lot of fine print.
Lawson is unrepentant because of his pride. His pride has hurt many people most of all his wife and his children. I agree with J Mac that our Lord is keeping his bride pure and holy.
Not a Johnny Mac fan,but i have much respect for him saying this and not blindly defend those within his own ranks who are guilty of grave sin. I respect that.
I can't see what JMac is trying to say here! He says the church in Smyrna was done but here he says his Grace Community Church is not done but is being purified. It just goes to show that your theology has nothing to do with sinful actions. JMac thinks that he's got a great discernment in choosing who preaches at his pulpit. He doesn't think that he's just a normal human who's capable of being deceived. Further, he doesn't talk about what Jesus means in Mat5:28, when He says even a lustful thought is as good as the actual adulterous act. If he believed Jesus' words, he'd have known that most guys preaching at Grace Com Church would not be fit to preach. But the true Christian born-again redeemed child of God knows that his qualification to encourage another to love & good works, doesn't come from his sinning less righteousness, but from the imputed righteousness of Christ & the permanent anointing of God's Spirit!
Pastor John McArthur cites 2.Cor.11.2 wrong. Paul never uses the word "bride" in his letters. 2 Corinthians 11:2 reads in KJ200 bible For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. A chaste virgin, not a bride. Here Paul uses the greek word "parthenos". Paul never uses the word bride in his letters. In John 3:29: He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. Here the greek word for bride is "numphe".
What about praying for his wife and children! And remember that there are thousands of faithful pastors serving the Lord and his people. Why give more attention and talk about this man? In the US they have their Evangelical popes put on a pedestal. Who invented and made up the vile description " celebrity pastors" there you have the spiritual disease and rot!
But I have noticed the last few issues of your newsletter the links don't seem to work they don't resolve at all and I don't know why I don't know if it's something with the firewall on my router or if it's the service that you're using to redirect links
If he was committed to exposing the truth he would of released the information on the woman as well. Only going after one guilty party is a violation of the principle set out in John 8 - woman caught in adultery. This is that where only the man gets exposed but the woman's sin is covered up. True - he has more guilt being married and a pastor; but it doesn't remove the fact that she engaged in adultery as well.
JMac is a self admitted Calvinist...he doesn't preach truth, he preaches John Calvin-ism. How can a mature adequately discipled believer hear him for decades & not discern that?
@@mikelyons2831well we see where you stand obviously not a Calvinist which is perfectly fine 😂 but keep in mind that sect does present the gospel more biblical and accurate than Arminians or the charismatic circle. I believe you are in error my friend to say he preaches John Calvin when he truly preaches out of the Bible and exposit it more than anyone truly even when I don’t agree with all he preaches he is more than sound than most . Anyways I pray you discern with scripture examine all spirit 1 John 4:1.
@@michaelclark2458I believe it has been exposed and will continue to expose as the light always does to darkness no one is getting a free ticket on this . God in the end will be glorified.
Not a Johnny Mac guy but I respect his bold stance and refusal to sugar coat sin. I wish more preachers would be this unapologetic and have the stones he has. This is coming from a Wesleyan arminian emphasis believer. Again..much respect given to John MacArthur and may God help him finish well!
McArthur: Yes Steve sinned, but look at all these other churches on TV and their failing pastors. At least our church is theologically sound and doesn't entertain people. We are still better than everyone else.
You have no clue what you're regurgitating! When has he ever said that we are better than others? I have been listening to him for years, and I have never, not one time, ever heard him say that he felt we are superior to anyone! In fact, he has several sermons. Where he tells His congregation, he is a wretch.
He didn’t say that directly but I definitely think there were undertones. Could he have not said “Yes, Lawson sinned and this should be a time of great humility and learning for all of us. We have pointed out the sins of others and now our own sin is being exposed. None of us is above reproach, no matter how sound we believe our theology to be.” Theology is important but character is of much more importance. None of us has perfect understanding of God and the scriptures, so let’s humbly admit that. 🕊️🙏🏻
@@emf49Beautifully stated!! Do I walk in the fear of the Lord? Do I guard my heart to not look at those things which offend Him and strive to keep my heart pure? The more I read my Bible and pray and listen to men of sound doctrine, the more my faith (and good fruit) increases. An important by-product of this lifestyle: less time and desire for sinful pursuits.
Can't disagree with you said Brother, It is great to hear that the young lady has been repentant. Not a good sign for Steve Lawson that he remains silent.
@@lorrainethomas4736 I personally don't know that for a fact. But not to say anything: Even Teary eyed Swaggart (sincere or not) stood up like a man in front of millions. He not only sinned against his wife, he sinned against God and brought a reproach against the Lord Jesus Christ. I am not in any way being Judgmental, just thinking out loud.
I don’t know how much more we need to know about the situation. The situation is very sick and sad. Does everybody think that Steve Lawson is saved? I think it would be nice to know when he repents. Or if he has repented ,maybe he has already? But if we are not part of Grace Church or Ligonier ministries or Steve Lawson’s own church in Dallas, does the public really need to know? the name of the girl and the details. I don’t think the public needs to know that personally. I think we need to pray for her and Mrs. Lawson though.
Yes, but he was in this for five years while he was preaching the gospel. Evidently living a very double life. You almost have to be mentally ill to live such a double life. I don’t understand how someone can do that. Makes no sense to me. so that’s why I asked if he could be saved and for five years be line daily hour by hour to his family and the people of the church. And I don’t know why people would need to be warned about her? I think the worst she did was hurt his wife. And his family members. But how do we know if he did not come on really strong to her and make her feel vulnerable and like she had no way out. Teachers can do that to you when you’re that young and a man is that old. I love the Lord and I love the ministry and this is all so very sad to me. I know everybody is in shock. It’s like, who can you trust. The Lord!
Lying not line. he was lying every day for five years on one side of his brain but the other side he was preaching the Gospel to thousands of people for years. That’s just plain weird.
The scandal may overthrow the faith of some, yet push others toward deepening relations with God. I used to deeply appreciate Lawson's preaching, but was always vigilant about forced impassioned preaching. I've come to realize that solemn, even plain preaching, is preferred to acting the role which many Protestant preachers pretend. Thank God for the Church Fathers, men whose teachings and preaching have been preserved for centuries, enduring through the ages, to the upbuilding of the Church. I do not find any of the various Protestant/Evangelical denominations to have the full authority and power of Christ. Study history, particularly the first four centuries post-Acts, there was only one church and she has never embraced the heresies of Protestantism. Along with Jesus Christ, if you want a mortal man who led an impeccable life, a preacher worth of the calling, seek out Bishop Fulton Sheen, one worthy of emulation. God bless you all and never stop seeking the truth.
I don’t mind Lawson being silent. I think it’s better than a “get out in front of it” and try to save my reputation approach. He needs to work on his relationship with the Savior and his wife.
Actually, Lawson was not silent. Lawson was silent AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT. BEFORE THAT (just days before) he came out with the "don't judge a man by one incident" sermon.
I was homeless, got into drugs, went into prisons, then i got to know Jesus, He changed my life.. Now i make 22k weekly. have a home, a wife, a lovely daughter... A child of God. HALLELUJAH
After I raised up to 325k trading with her I bought a new House and a car here in the states 🇺🇸🇺🇸 also paid for my daughter's surgery (Joey). Glory to God.shalom.
Now I just hope he soon addresses the issues with John Piper. I haven't heard anything said about his comments about Eros and the love God has for us. It was so erroneous I can't understand why he didn't address it.
@caroldonaldson5936 means he is missing .... kids who went missing back in the day would end up with their picture on the side of a milk carton with a caption asking if anyone had seen the child.
There is an opportunity for repentance as long as we have breath. No one is exempt from falling into the hands of the enemy, lets remember that and pray for him.
@@anajulio1283 No. You write doubt. Perhaps you are a Calvinist too. John 10:29: My Father, who gave them (the sheep) to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Compare what Macarthur said about Eileen Gray (who knows, maybe she was never really one of us) with what he said about Lawson. Why does Macarthur not say the same thing about Lawson? There are 100x the reasons to say "maybe he was never really one of us" with respect to Lawson that Eileen Gray. And, by the way, if Macarthur did not implement a directive to examine ALL the women at GCC for being in line with "submit to your husbands" then he was simply targeting Eileen Gray. which is exactly what he did. The moment shepherding her involved suffering with her, he instead crafted an approach by which he could crucify here and wash his hands of the matter, kind of like Pontius Pilate.
Especially in view of her reported repentance I don't think the woman's identity must be revealed, under the highly likely assumption that she is not herself somebody of prominence in the church. And I really hope that at no point does she fall in with the Trauma-Informed Trojan Horse crowd--Julie Roys, Wartburg Watch, Rachael Denhollander, Boz Tchividjian, Diane Landsberg, et al.
@@trappedcat3615 so you have an issue with the Law of God. Take that up with Him. I am talking about biblically how this was handled then and should be handled now...
Remember the woman caught in adultery and she was brought to the public? What did Jesus say when everyone wanted "fair game" on her? Jesus told her to go and sin no more in private after her accusers left. Maybe she needed public humiliation first?
SL is a dirt bag. Remember he is still a retired multi millionaire. So all he got was embarrassment. He was in a position of authority of this young poor girl. He manipulated her at the expense of her as a person. I hope she comes out with a tell all. This is all on him
Oooo no. He doesn’t call Steve Lawson a false teacher. But I don’t claim to have seen all the John MacArthur comments either. His conversations about Mr Lawson have been just that MacArthur is friends with him and was just as surprised when this whole thing came to light. How sad for him. Of course I believe he is still friends but he does need to respect confidentiality. We want to know but IT IS NOT OUR BUSINESS. And I would imagine there is some counseling going on. I have said before Mr Lawson can still do much for Christ and the kingdom, it’s just that his public leadership is finished. PLEASE, can you imagine the shame this man is going through? His wife? His family? Extend some grace here.
Lawson was a pulpiteer. That is someone who knows how to address a group and please the women so as to attract large audiences and money. This is success as Evangelicals measure success. The fact that MacArthur had him at his seminary teaching pulpiteering as part of training for ministry shows that there is something wrong with MacArthur's thinking.
Grow up!! Stop blaming MacArthur for what Steve Lawson did!! MacArthur wasn't Steve's teacher!! Act like a true follower of Christ, He doesn't make people take responsibility for others actions!! Why are you!!!!!
His theology was sound. His preaching was solid. His sin disqualified him from preaching but not from being a Christian. It could happen to any of us. Even the best of us. Small sins are not small, our hearts are more wicked than we realize. We truly need Godly disciplines to keep the foxes out of the vineyard. We need true intimacy daily. False teacher? I don't believe he was a false teacher. He was a sound teacher that fell into a grievous sin. Could it be true that God loves Steve Lawson enough to remove him from ministry to deepen his itimacy with him, and to draw him closer?
@@Called_Out_Ones This is a good example of the cognitive dissonance that is rampant in the American Christian community. It spits in the face of Jesus, who included us in His death and His resurrection and made us the righteousness of God in Christ, not a depraved wicked hearted sinner. Obviously you have never met Father, Son and Spirit, and walked in intimate fellowship with Them. How sad. When you begin to categorize sin, you sin, and your theology automatically eliminates everyone.
@bradharford6052 I may have never walked intimately with the Father Son and Holy Spirit but I know for a fact God has shown mercy on me. I don't deserve anything but Hell. But if God chooses to save me, it is only because He is gracious, merciful, and gives undeserved favor to me.
God did it to bless the church? Ok, I'll go along with that for a bit. So, the implied answer is so we can see how a man can have doctrinally sound preaching but be full of it. AS ONE EXAMPLE. LET'S LAY THIS SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE CASE OF EILEEN GRAY, SHALL WE? Did God do that to bless the church? Perhaps God did that to bless the church into seeing that though Macarthur preaches a lot of doctrinally accurate and sound preaching that he is actually a man who refuses to suffer with or for those he claims to serve. Let's see. He's worth about 20 million $$$$. He owns 3 homes (on the church dime), the cheapest of which is worth $800K (a few years ago). Does that look like a man who's willing to suffer with or for the church? And before you say "well, he's blessed of God" I will tell you by that thinking, the Apostle Paul was cursed: beaten, persecuted, thrown in prison. And I will also ask you to name one saint in the NT, named by name and given as an example to follow who was pampered from church offering money. Macarthur, in his self-appointed ex-communication of Eileen Gray said this of her: "Who knows, maybe she was never really one of us." Did he say any such thing about Lawson? Eileen Gray refused to submit to an abuser.who had a fist in her face, also threatening her children. Did Steve Lawson have a physical fist in his face with threat to loved ones involved? It shows the total and utter hypocrisy of men like Macarthur who just makes pronouncements based on his adamic flesh, using Scripture to justify himself. He's read all this Scripture, but apparently he hasn't understood that it is actually the Scripture that reads him.
Id arrogant to think thsy becsuse you hsve a sound doctrine, unlike those other churches, you were protected, anf not wasting the time to mention thr other churches sins??
McArthur says were surprised at the fall "because of the soundness of the theology" Kevin Thompson of BTF says Lawson did not really fall - he was already down due to his corrupt theology. Hateful Calvinistic theology corrupts the soul.
If MacArthur was committed to exposing the truth he would of released the information on the woman as well. Only going after one guilty party is a violation of the principle set out in John 8 - woman caught in adultery. This is that where only the man gets exposed but the woman's sin is covered up. True - he has more guilt being married and a pastor; but it doesn't remove the fact that she engaged in adultery as well. MacArthur is complicit covering up the woman's sin.
Christ is currently not king. Christ is Lord. Paul: Ephesians 4:4-6: 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. And Peter: 2 Peter 1:8: 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
@@cosmictreason2242 Each word has a meaning. Different words have different meanings. You see no distinctions. That is because you are far away. Come closer and you will see the beauty. The disciples called Jesus Lord and not king because Jesus never was king over Israel. But Jesus was their Lord. Paul calls Christ Lord. Peter and the other apostle call Christ Lord. We, the believers have Christ as Lord. That means we have a personal Lord and Saviour.
MacArthur is right Lawson was a false teacher, he taught lordship salvation..... Though not all the time. There was double talk, he properly taught John 3 when he did. Truth is coming out and that is revealing more and more falseness in institutional churches and unbiblical ministries.
Didn’t MacArthur say that Steve Lawson’s theology was absolutely correct? Don’t both of these men teach Calvinism, which holds to a changed life/keeping from sin as proof of someone being saved? I’m not at all clear on this, so I’m open to correction.
But…if Macarthurs theology is correct then god foreordained that Lawson be in unrepentant adultery for 5 years. It really makes the whole affair a matter of theatrics, Lawson played his part by committing adultery, now MacArthur plays his part by being indignant
Why do you assume that anything that God ordains must be something he perfectly approves of? God ordains things he hates to take place. You are not fooling anyone who actually believes the Biblical doctrine of God's decree. You clearly haven't given it much thought or study
God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass;1 yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein;2 nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established;
@@aleguitarramay God have mercy on you. Because you are clearly unable to exercise free will to believe the correct Biblical doctrine on God's sovereign decree, Man's nature, and the means of salvation - commonly nicknamed Calvinism
@@cosmictreason2242 there’s nothing I can do right ??? That’s what Paul said to de jail keeper… what must I do to be saved? Nothing! Just wait and see if God choose you
MacArthur has NO authority to speak about Steve Lawson. Steve Lawsons behavior is the business of HIS church leaders AND members. Just because the public wants a pastor or leader to comment, does not mean MacArthur or others should comment. Can we not decern sin, without MacArthur pointing it out?
@@CarrieLaffs How is MacArthur's comments on Lawson of any consequence in your Christian walk? Teaching proper doctrine at a seminary has nothing to do with personal sin of the teachers. Lawson's doctrine and behavior is the business of his church leaders and members, and any position of authority Lawson holds. Not your business.
@SheilaSmith-z8g Steve Lawson is just as much , if not MORE, a public preacher. There are many who have learned from Him, publicly... and relied on his teachings. He owes the public to whom he preached , public repentance and apology. There have to be many Christians who are hurt and confused by this and for Lawson not to take public accountability, in the very forum he preached , is not a good thing. Let me put it this way....How many local pastors have relied on Lawsons public teachings and books as study guides with their own congregations? This leaves a scar on the pure white gown of the bride of Christ. For Lawson to not address this is upsetting to many.
@@CarrieLaffs You responded to my comment with 4 rationalizations (2 were the same as why gossip is permissable. "Gossip," is my label for all the online blogs speaking about Lawson's infidelity. 1. Lawson's teaching and books are either presenting sound doctrine or they are not. His infidelity does not change that. 2."Christians are hurt and confused," by his actions. No. His wife and family are "hurt and confused." His church members are, surprised and disappointed. But strangers online are not in need of comfort or explanation regarding adultery. The public are not victims, wounded by Lawsons sinful behavior. 3. The public deserves Lawsons apology and repentance. No. God deserves his apology and repentence. His church leaders and members deserve Lawson's apology and repentence. His wife and family deserve his apology and repentence. Lawson injured, harmed them by his sin. His "accountability," is to God, his family and church. 4. Christians relied on his books. So? Again, his books are either sound, biblically or they are not, and Lawson's sin does not change that. All the above rationalizations you gave, does not justify public gossip. God spoke to us on the sin of gossip more than once in scripture. A teacher, preacher, pastor's words/commentary on the gospel is open to all for discussion. Their personal behaviors are not. Scripture is clear on gossip.
To me what is remarkable is how much lack of discernment had JMC in selecting SL to lead. This shows that His theology was not touching the heart and conscience. What kind of theology can generate such results, such lack of understanding or discernment?
The reason why Steve Lawson got away with this in a church, and church community, that doesn’t generally treat sin lightly is because it’s a church that gives male leadership a free pass. In other words, once they are “in” they couldn’t possibly do anything wrong so they are never looked at again. This is no different than the leadership bringing forth the woman caught in adultery in John 7-the man got a free pass.
Its almost comical how Arminians have taken a victory lap because a Calvinist sins....as if anybody thought Calvinists were sinless? I mean how desperate can they be to prove their obvious heresy true? haha
@@timclark2925 according to Calvinism, God unchangeably, from eternity past predetermined that Steve Lawson would sin, for God’s highest praise and glory. Who is John MacArthur to question God’s perfect decree!!
@@lovegod8582 not true....thats your ignorance of Calvinism....God determines who to save...but after were saved we have free will to choose to obey God or not to obey God...thats why we will all stand at the judgment Seat of Christ where rewards will be handed out. Not everyone will hear from God "Well done My good and faithful servant." NOTHING in tulip teaches that God determines our sins.....Where did you come up with that? Sadly thats what Arminians have to do; they create straw man arguments in their minds...thats the only way they can justify their Arminian lie....its pathetic.
@@timclark2925Calvin and most reformed philosophers disagree. But this is one of the problems in these debates. Most “Calvinists” are “partial Calvinists” who don’t believe that everything is predestined, but that’s technically what those most educated in it hold to. In debates it’s sometimes referred to as “exhaustive divine determinism,” or EDD. Even popular reformed teacher James White believes this view, although I don’t know many Calvinists in my own life except for the “partial” kind who hold to free will in everything except who gets saved, plus of course God acting freely to cause all kinds of things we won’t know about for sure this side of eternity. But the scholarly reformed thinkers consider EDD to be the “original” view of Calvin, and the only logically and biblically consistent view. This is why they belief that God has a revealed will and a secret will, and that God asks humans to do things that he secretly has made sure they are incapable of wanting to do….which the rest of us Christians find to be incompatible with the the rest of the scriptures.
@@timclark2925 Wrong. Both Calvin himself, as the Westminster Confession affirm this. They both say that nothing happens merely by God’s foreknowledge, but rather by his determination. You don’t seem to have an understanding of historic Calvinism. It’s ironic that many say “you don’t understand Calvinism,” when what is said is exactly what is stated by Calvin himself, and in the Westminster Confession. Also Calvin denies the notion of any type of free will. In fact he ridiculed the early church fathers for believing this.
@@JasonJrake The most important thing is that we study the Bible; not Calvin. And God chooses who to save and then we have free will to obey or not to obey. We have no free will to get saved; that is what the Bible clearly teaches. I honestly have not taken the time to study ALL that Calvin believed. I know what the Bible teaches...I promise you that Calvin likely had some things wrong...thats why we need to stick to the Word of God.
This scandal raises more issues that must be addressed. Those who are in church leadership must also be clean in regard to money . The calvinist elite have become very wealthy. Are they selling the gospel to enrich themselves? The amounts of money being raked in has become unseemly. Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous This is the word of the Lord concerning leadership. Greed seems to be the respectible sin of our day. Lawson was high net worth. Was he motivated by money and celb status? All the celb calvinists are in the money. It has to be cleaned up. Ministry is big business. 😮
After listening all the way through I will say I don't need to know the name of the woman and she wants to purify herself from this might be a good idea for her but I don't know that I can make that decision. I'm more upset at the pastor. And again I'll say it again if he was actually a wolf in sheep's clothing the entire time how do you trust anything he said how do you believe any of the doctrine that he has the lines with the rest of Masters Seminary and Masters University and John MacArthur this is really hard and you know what they removed all the stuff and all the references I don't really like that Calvinists like to burn this stuff and it should be contextualized so that we can learn from it.
@@cosmictreason2242 I have nothing to repent for. Or otherwise who sees the fall with somebody who has been pushed on us for so long as being this great teacher knowledgeable person and now suddenly they were never supposed to be there now I can believe that people can be fooled some of the time I don't believe that everybody can be fooled and I find it funny how the biases of the mind will want us to not look at the thing that they must have in common which are theological concerns to evaluate if maybe there's something in our theology that set up this to happen . Of course I'm not a predetermined before all of time guy for every single decision that mankind ever makes he was tempted he chose not to act wisely and send and ultimately send greatly and it is now harmed him and everybody he's attached to. That's how I see it but because I love many of these people because I do think many of them are actually saved they're just caught up on the calvinist dogmas and they're not having quite the rich Christian Life that the Lord would have for them that this is an opportunity to get them to think to get them to maybe listen to get them to consider I don't need them to tell me they've done so but when we're talking publicly about it it's easy to cast stones while trying to dodge stones that might be thrown because you share things in common and have for what 20 years was it 20 years that MacArthur said that he knew lawson? I don't remember the exact number but but 5 years ago I found a video on RUclips where Lawson introduced MacArthur to preach at some conference and MacArthur talked about how great they were and how tightly together Nick they were they were they were they were like brothers and then 5 years later this happens do they still sound like brothers were they actually Brothers now or was that facade I don't know honestly I'm not John MacArthur but the fact that I can imagine being in that position and maybe feeling that way and then wondering what was it I didn't see that Lord help me to be more Mindful and more aware of what's going on around me so I can help those around me not fall into these things. That is exactly where my heart would be
@@cosmictreason2242 you don't know that it wasn't Calvinism or that it did not play a role. In fact it's interesting to watch the reformed Circle drive to distance so quickly from someone they embraced as a brother praised and pointed to as the the kind of preacher that we needed. And then at the same time fleeing from him like he's now a plague other churches and denominations that have different theology which they say is false in some cases I may agree with them but because they're they say they're false all we are so much better because we don't do that in a classic false choice fallacy. It is possible for Calvinism to also not be 100% correct I am not calvinist I once was but I now realize the reality of the divinity Christ and the scripture the word of God which was born from Christ is such that simply putting one small little analogy on it actually limits how much you can get from it
Lawson is an example of the false "P" of the man made TULIP. He didn't persever, so I guess according to Calvanism, he wasn't "really" one of the elect, as Calvanists define the elect. Just like Ravi Zacharius, according to calvanists!
One good outcome to this affair, at least the God of Calvinism is no longer decreeing sin and glorying in it. Once the memory of Lawson fades, it'll be safe for Calvin's God to return to being the author of the sin men do.
On one hand I do agree with MacArthur that there must be something wrong with you to preach past your conscience when you're willingly involved in such sin. But I also think he's still slightly deceived because he says well we had all the right doctrinal did he I know a lot of people who thought he did and yet this thing happened. You see Doctrine doesn't save it never has only the Everlasting gospel saves. And the problem that I have with MacArthur is he's trying to find a way to slice the lost and baby into all his theology is good but he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. They removed all these references to things that he wrote and I think they did so because they have this idea of Purity but I also think they did so because if people start comparing all these past publications of Lawson and then they start examining them real closely and then comparing them to other things coming out of the two masters then people will begin to question what MacArthur is saying here was solid theology. And I maintain the Calvinism actually isn't some of theology its weak theology built on a Model that is being overly stretched in order to fit a context that is not even considered if you read the Bible in context. And I hate to poke at my brethren who are calvinist I have family who are when essentially everything he taught starts from this calvinistic obsession with predeterminism to the point that every sin every action must be directed by God removing man having any involvement really and what's going on because God is really just playing out of story a theater and I think that one premise is exactly why someone like Steve Lawson could survive for so long in the pulpit because when you can excuse bad Deeds as being ordained by God well then you can excuse your own bad Deeds right? It's not that much of a stretch that Steve Lawson would fall from this after for years knowing he was doing these things and preaching that God ordained them take a how reprehensible that is for a person who is put in a Pulpit supposed to be bringing the word of God and blaming God for the sin that he does I think Calvinists need to have a reckoning they need to get back to scripture unfortunately I think John MacArthur is too old and too set in his ways to see that connection and I'm not going to hold that against him in this case because the other things he says I think are very accurate
Both of these men combine the gospel of the kingdom with the gospel of the grace of God and then preach their own gospel and own plan of salvation. All denominations do this - that is why we have so many denominations.
@@cosmictreason2242 Difference #1 - The gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of the Prophetic Program. The gospel of the grace of God is the gospel of the Mystery Program. The gospel of the kingdom The Prophetic Program’s theme is of Christ’s reign upon the earth. Jeremiah 23:5, Luke 1:30-33. The Prophetic Program was revealed from the foundation of the world. Luke 1:69-70, Acts 3:21. The Prophetic Program is the blessing for the nation of Israel. Genesis 12:1-3, Matthew 10:5-6. The Prophetic Program is of an earthly hope for believers of the gospel of the kingdom. Job 19:26-26, Matthew 5:5. The gospel of the grace of God The Mystery Program’s theme is of Christ’s reign in the heavens. Ephesians 1:19-21, Colossians 3:1-4. The Mystery Program has been kept secret since the world began. Romans 16:25, Colossians 1:25-27. The Mystery Program is the blessing for the body of Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23, I Corinthians 12:12-13. The Mystery Program is of a heavenly hope for believers of the gospel of the grace of God. Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 1:5. I have 20 differences between the two gospels. How many do you want me to provide to you?
@@cosmictreason2242 The gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of the Prophetic Program. The gospel of the grace of God is the gospel of the Mystery Program.
@@ReformationAgain25 The gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of the Prophetic Program. The gospel of the grace of God is the gospel of the Mystery Program.
"SOUND DOCTRINE"???? Are you kidding? MacArthur, you are in the same boat. You preach a version of God, that is unlike Christ. Don't you get it? Your doctrine is NOT sound either. You have become so ANTICHRIST in your theology that it makes me angry. Wake up Church!!!! Return to the revelation of Christ. He fully revealed His Father to us.
![Digital Circus Episode 4 [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/abZtsmMUbJo/mqdefault.jpg)
I love Steve Lawson and I hope he gets the support as well as his wife and family. Pray for his repentance and forgiveness. God loves him and hope he turns to Christ.
I followed Steve Lawson for quite a few years and I could care less who the woman is. Mr. Lawson had the responsibility of protecting his reputation as someone in the position of leadership as a shepherd. I feel betrayed by him. Not her. If it's not her it's someone else. The list of temptations is endless.
It matters to God. John 8 is clear on this topic.
He should have been protecting her just as it says on 1 Corinthians 13. Love protects, being the more mature man,’pastor etc etc.
The young woman is equally culpable by the way.
@@michaelclark2458 Right and amen!
@@michaelclark2458
But at the same time the one who's the minister and the one who's the man here and an older man who has more experience or should have more experience here is Steven Lawson.
Unfortunately many people want to hide him and protect him because he's a calvinist but when it was happening to other preachers who are not of that circle, Many in the reformed community were rabid and wanted to take those people apart.
@@rauldelarosa2768 I’m a covenantal Calvinist and I’m not for him being covered up whatsoever. But I wonder what the motive is for protecting the identity of the affair partner. I wonder if more men were seeing her and he just was the one to get caught publicly. She was a student at masters after all.
John 8 is clear. Adultery laws need to ministered out equally. “Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; And a false balance is not good.”
Proverbs 20:23
Steve Lawson had the responsibility of protecting the name and reputation of Jesus Christ. This is another warning to a sensual generation. I would be lying if I denied a sensuous past and sensual temptation that I believe will haunt my flesh till the Lord takes me or translates me. This is where the fellowship of believers plays such a huge role in the very health of the Church. We have to be diligently transparent, unafraid to discuss the struggles the flesh presents, ALL for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ, not our own. It is His name that is defamed. Lord help us, preserve us as only the Spirit can.
No desire, at all, to know the woman's identity. That is a matter for church discipline, if she is part of one at all. That is not to say that I think it should be hidden, simply saying that there is a biblical process and I'm not part of that process.
I thank MacArthur for the biblical response.
There are thousands of people who owe Dr. MacArthur an apology. He has been unfairly criticized and accused and it’s a disgrace.
John MacArthur's voice was trailing, sounded like he was about to cry. This has been so difficult for him! I agree that Steve Lawson owes a public apology. Didn't realize that he was in line for the top spot, God spared that church for sure. Christ is King!
I love MacArthur's willingness to expose the truth.
If he was committed to exposing the truth he would of released the information on the woman as well. Only going after one guilty party is a violation of the principle set out in John 8 - woman caught in adultery. This is that where only the man gets exposed but the woman's sin is covered up. True - he has more guilt being married and a pastor; but it doesn't remove the fact that she engaged in adultery as well.
Umm, are you ok with his Calvinism? He doesn't preach the true gospel!!
"Is God unfair in not chosing to save everyone? Fair world be sending everyone to Hell. You don't want fair you want mercy" quote from JMac... that is pure Calvinism.
@michaelclark2458 MacArthur exposed someone who had taught in Master's Seminary and been an integral part of conferences, etc. with MacArthur. Lawson was there paid and benefitted from MacArthur 's ministries. As far as I know, that is not true of the woman and should be dealt with in her own church. The shameful thing is Lawson has not been brave enough to comment on his behavior, so unfortunately others who are associated with him are having to speak. As far as the woman, her father was the one who alerted Trinity Church elders, and I would imagine he asked those elders for privacy for her. It's not up to MacArthur as I am sure the elders at Trinity Church know significantly more than anyone.
@mikelyons2831 Actually I totally disagree with you. I don't think any of us can truly understand God' infinite mind with our finite ones, but reading scripture faithfully for over 40 years, it clearly tells us that we have been chosen and elected. God has to do the work in even giving us a desire for Him.
@@debraswann7090 40 years? Did you miss 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Romans 5:18, John 12:32, Acts 17:26-31, Hebrews 2:9, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 2:2, John 1:29, Romans 1:18-28, Romans 11:32?
Are you another Calvinistic narcissist, thinking "It's just us pre-chosen special favored elect few that will irresistibly turn to Christ, too bad most at your family reunion Mike Lyons... but God only chooses some & the rest aren't...they will get the wrath they deserve for God's glory"... hopefully you are not & will begin to study scripture apart from Gnostic influence.
thanks for sharing Ray
TY for the update.
I love how MacArthur is so direct. The question before was so long wandering around and about.
My husband ordered your book for me yesterday. I don't know when it will be delivered, yet. I'd like to read it before the year is over.
I'm not a fan of MacArthur, but I do like what he says @7:40. That is something my family didn't like with the church we were attending, this was way back in 2014/15 that the pastor was catering to "unbelievers" or visitors, instead of feeding the congregation. He lost a lot of believers. We went to other churches. He ended up leaving the church he created for a more lucrative position at a bigger church in another state and the church he started floundered, then all the people he brought with him to start said church left for FL as well and the small church closed. It seems as though the pastors are no longer bold in preaching God's word and are more concerned about filling seats and money/tithes. Aren't both parties supposed to be exposed, (not to the world, but to their church), confess their sin and repent to the congregation? But everyone that knew and hid it need to do the same.
Just because unnamed sources claim she is repentant doesn't mean that everything was consensual. The power dynamic in the relationship leads to the possibility of abuse, and it is common for the victim to be coerced into believing they are the guilty party. They would be playing the same game as Robert Morris did in the 80s if this turned out to be the case upon further investigation.
I agree with you; 90% of most people don't seem to! This girl was barely out of her teens when Lawson "became good friends with her family". Typical grooming pattern in place here. She's being cast as an adulterous pariah when this is ALL Lawson's fault! This makes him a predator; certainly not worth to be considered as a Christ following shepherd of a flock of believers.
I totally agree. I will not watch this channel any more as this guy does not understand what he is saying about abuse and power dynamics. Ray, you need to do some research about this before you give your opinions.
@@Rubycuber43 bye feminist 👋
Of course, a man in his 70's would be quite disarmed when a very young woman pursues him romantically. Or don't we talk about that? She wasn't a child and he wasn't her boss. Power dynamics only explain so much. It was consensual.
@@cosmictreason2242 Agreed!
I’m wondering if this scandal impugns the cessationist view of the gift of discernment. Cessationists like MacArthur generally believe that discernment isn’t a matter of supernaturally knowing whether someone is a wolf or not, but instead simply a matter of knowing “pure” theology and having the ability to compare correct theology with false theology. Because Lawson had “pure” theology, that would make him impossible to “discern” if he is in fact a wolf. My opinion is that this scandal should call into question whether the cessationist definition of discernment is correct.
This should encourage you to pray for your pastor and pray for his protection . We need to remember Jesus told Peter "Satan desires to swift you like wheat but I have prayed for you. Satan desires to swift our pastors like wheat because the ones who are preaching the truth Satan wants the most.
Pastors hopefully. Doesn't your church have elders?
Satan is biblical metaphor for mans carnal nature. Or as the OT uses it as our adversary. Thats why Jesus said to Peter, "get behind me satan". Its our carnal will that tempts us to sin not a character being called Satan. Last is conceived in our own minds and when full grown gives birth to sin. A lot of people don't know this. Thats also why Jesus said we must crucify our flesh just like he did.
@@rodmitchell8576 bottom line you should pray for both right ?
@@RoseSharon7777no. Satan is a personal entity as clearly shown where he TALKS TO JESUS. Jesus had no carnal/sinful nature
I love what MacArthur said, but I'm saddened by what he didn't say. He did not address Lawson's wife or family. Hardly anybody is doing that, and I think that's sad. He didn't talk about how Paul specifically states not to associate with s3xually immoral people, and to purge them from the congregation and to hand them over to the d3v1L, in order that they may be ashamed, hopefully repent, and their soul be saved in the end. I want to say also that I agree with you on not concealing the woman's identity in order to protect her from public shame and disgrace. It would be different if it was for her own safety, but this is not such a case here. She should feel extremely ashamed. Make an example out of both her and Steve, the same way that the Holy Spirit and the church of old used to make an example out of such sorts of people. Bring back the fear of the Lord in the church ✝️
His job is the church not the mans family .NOT HIS BUSINESS.
@@bradrob2863 Are you suggesting that Steve Lawson's wife and kids are not part of the church, or that they aren't worth mentioning because they don't matter?
Mac Arthur never show empathy for women. No surprise
@@aleguitarraoh a reviler of the brethren. Bye 👋
In general, and it pains me to say it, empathy seems to rank lower in Calvinistic circles than in others.
Even though I am not a Calvinist, I would expect any follower of Christ not to fail the ABCs of faith.
I heard JMac say basically that Lawson's teachings were sound, but his life was a shambles. 😥
Better Theology does not save you from bad leadership (ie Elders) and narcissistic leaders... don't be so nieve.
Some pride going here ... " at least we are not Gateway.....". What nonsense to judge the hearts of others.
I think a lot of them that was the issue with some people on the other side of the spectrum of theology they would say well we are calvinistic and we're Baptist and we lean towards cessationist views (and I'm one of these cessationist leaning folks btw)..
Sin can happen anywhere and it doesn't take much for us to drop our guard if we're not careful. I go to a church where people hug you and it's not rigid..and as a married man.. I'm very careful.. I won't even allow myself to be alone with another woman..or a friendship with another woman.
Because it only takes a little bit of carelessness and then you are finding yourself deep in the muck of sin..
@@rauldelarosa2768 Appreciate your response. Sad to hear you are a cessationist. Life with Jesus includes hearing his voice (my sheep will hear my voice) and being guided by the Spirit and the joy in walking with Him. Blessings!
@@good4life268 you don't have to be sad because I actually came out of the charismatic signs and wonders movement over 20 years ago. And what I experienced and saw was not of God. You can't force the Holy Spirit. How many people in this movement do try to force God's hand and obligate him to move. And he is free to move and he is free to not move. That is why I lean towards cessationist views.
I don't need to see another sign or a miracle as the conversion of a lost person from darkness to light is the only miracle I have to see.
@@good4life268 sometimes you only have to open his word to hear his voice friend.
I went to a very prominent charismatic Bible school here twenty years ago..I was a charismatic once.
@@rauldelarosa2768 very good. Blessings
💯% agree with John MacArthur’s statement. Great man of God.
I love absolutely love Johnny Mac. He's been such a shinning bright light in my life and understanding scripture. Such a contribution to the Christian community. GOD BLESS !
Really?? He’s a heretic Calvinite
Amen! Praise Christ. ❤
Doesn't matter what he did, does or will do.
The elect is just that.
Not by works but by grace.
Once saved always saved.
Unless you think there is a lot of fine print.
Lawson is unrepentant because of his pride. His pride has hurt many people most of all his wife and his children. I agree with J Mac that our Lord is keeping his bride pure and holy.
Not a Johnny Mac fan,but i have much respect for him saying this and not blindly defend those within his own ranks who are guilty of grave sin.
I respect that.
I can't see what JMac is trying to say here! He says the church in Smyrna was done but here he says his Grace Community Church is not done but is being purified. It just goes to show that your theology has nothing to do with sinful actions. JMac thinks that he's got a great discernment in choosing who preaches at his pulpit. He doesn't think that he's just a normal human who's capable of being deceived. Further, he doesn't talk about what Jesus means in Mat5:28, when He says even a lustful thought is as good as the actual adulterous act. If he believed Jesus' words, he'd have known that most guys preaching at Grace Com Church would not be fit to preach. But the true Christian born-again redeemed child of God knows that his qualification to encourage another to love & good works, doesn't come from his sinning less righteousness, but from the imputed righteousness of Christ & the permanent anointing of God's Spirit!
I'm confused.... I thought John MacArthur was back in the hospital again after last time? When did this q&a with JMac occur?
Q&A was last night, 10/20/24. He was away for about 3 months due to complications after another procedure.
Likely in the last week or it would've been reported earlier 💁♂️
Oh ok! Thank you! It's great to see him back 😀
Pastor John McArthur cites 2.Cor.11.2 wrong. Paul never uses the word "bride" in his letters.
2 Corinthians 11:2 reads in KJ200 bible
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy:
for I have espoused you to one husband,
that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
A chaste virgin, not a bride.
Here Paul uses the greek word "parthenos".
Paul never uses the word bride in his letters.
In John 3:29:
He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
Here the greek word for bride is "numphe".
@@bernhardbauer5301 in no way means the church is not the bride of Christ....
Thank you Ray
What about praying for his wife and children! And remember that there are thousands of faithful pastors serving the Lord and his people. Why give more attention and talk about this man? In the US they have their Evangelical popes put on a pedestal. Who invented and made up the vile description " celebrity pastors" there you have the spiritual disease and rot!
But I have noticed the last few issues of your newsletter the links don't seem to work they don't resolve at all and I don't know why I don't know if it's something with the firewall on my router or if it's the service that you're using to redirect links
Johnny Mac stands for truth !!
Let’s continue to lift Steven Lawson and our church at Trinity Bible .
If he was committed to exposing the truth he would of released the information on the woman as well. Only going after one guilty party is a violation of the principle set out in John 8 - woman caught in adultery. This is that where only the man gets exposed but the woman's sin is covered up. True - he has more guilt being married and a pastor; but it doesn't remove the fact that she engaged in adultery as well.
JMac is a self admitted Calvinist...he doesn't preach truth, he preaches John Calvin-ism. How can a mature adequately discipled believer hear him for decades & not discern that?
@@mikelyons2831well we see where you stand obviously not a Calvinist which is perfectly fine 😂 but keep in mind that sect does present the gospel more biblical and accurate than Arminians or the charismatic circle. I believe you are in error my friend to say he preaches John Calvin when he truly preaches out of the Bible and exposit it more than anyone truly even when I don’t agree with all he preaches he is more than sound than most .
Anyways I pray you discern with scripture examine all spirit 1 John 4:1.
@@michaelclark2458I believe it has been exposed and will continue to expose as the light always does to darkness no one is getting a free ticket on this .
God in the end will be glorified.
@@beelos1982 eh it's not fine. He is warped and sinning self condemned
I am an unashamed "macarthur bro" and I endorse this message
me too fr
Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. So good for you 👍
Me too.
Not a Johnny Mac guy but I respect his bold stance and refusal to sugar coat sin.
I wish more preachers would be this unapologetic and have the stones he has.
This is coming from a Wesleyan arminian emphasis believer.
Again..much respect given to John MacArthur and may God help him finish well!
McArthur: Yes Steve sinned, but look at all these other churches on TV and their failing pastors. At least our church is theologically sound and doesn't entertain people. We are still better than everyone else.
You have no clue what you're regurgitating! When has he ever said that we are better than others? I have been listening to him for years, and I have never, not one time, ever heard him say that he felt we are superior to anyone! In fact, he has several sermons. Where he tells His congregation, he is a wretch.
He didn’t say that directly but I definitely think there were undertones. Could he have not said “Yes, Lawson sinned and this should be a time of great humility and learning for all of us. We have pointed out the sins of others and now our own sin is being exposed. None of us is above reproach, no matter how sound we believe our theology to be.” Theology is important but character is of much more importance. None of us has perfect understanding of God and the scriptures, so let’s humbly admit that. 🕊️🙏🏻
@@emf49Beautifully stated!! Do I walk in the fear of the Lord? Do I guard my heart to not look at those things which offend Him and strive to keep my heart pure? The more I read my Bible and pray and listen to men of sound doctrine, the more my faith (and good fruit) increases. An important by-product of this lifestyle: less time and desire for sinful pursuits.
@@emf49 I agree theology is important but character is as much as important for we are supposed to live out our faith
Can't disagree with you said Brother,
It is great to hear that the young lady has been repentant.
Not a good sign for Steve Lawson that he remains silent.
It would appear to me….that the Lawson marriage… has been in trouble for a long time! Just saying!
@@lorrainethomas4736 I personally don't know that for a fact.
But not to say anything:
Even Teary eyed Swaggart (sincere or not) stood up like a man in front of millions.
He not only sinned against his wife, he sinned against God and brought a reproach against the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am not in any way being Judgmental, just thinking out loud.
I don’t know how much more we need to know about the situation. The situation is very sick and sad. Does everybody think that Steve Lawson is saved? I think it would be nice to know when he repents. Or if he has repented ,maybe he has already? But if we are not part of Grace Church or Ligonier ministries or Steve Lawson’s own church in Dallas, does the public really need to know? the name of the girl and the details. I don’t think the public needs to know that personally. I think we need to pray for her and Mrs. Lawson though.
So are you saved like your crap don't stink to
You think unsaved people believe and hope in the gospel? You dont think Christians can fall into sin?
The men who might be deceived into marrying her need to be warned of who she is
Yes, but he was in this for five years while he was preaching the gospel. Evidently living a very double life. You almost have to be mentally ill to live such a double life. I don’t understand how someone can do that. Makes no sense to me. so that’s why I asked if he could be saved and for five years be line daily hour by hour to his family and the people of the church.
And I don’t know why people would need to be warned about her? I think the worst she did was hurt his wife. And his family members. But how do we know if he did not come on really strong to her and make her feel vulnerable and like she had no way out. Teachers can do that to you when you’re that young and a man is that old. I love the Lord and I love the ministry and this is all so very sad to me. I know everybody is in shock. It’s like, who can you trust. The Lord!
Lying not line. he was lying every day for five years on one side of his brain but the other side he was preaching the Gospel to thousands of people for years.
That’s just plain weird.
The scandal may overthrow the faith of some, yet push others toward deepening relations with God. I used to deeply appreciate Lawson's preaching, but was always vigilant about forced impassioned preaching. I've come to realize that solemn, even plain preaching, is preferred to acting the role which many Protestant preachers pretend.
Thank God for the Church Fathers, men whose teachings and preaching have been preserved for centuries, enduring through the ages, to the upbuilding of the Church. I do not find any of the various Protestant/Evangelical denominations to have the full authority and power of Christ. Study history, particularly the first four centuries post-Acts, there was only one church and she has never embraced the heresies of Protestantism.
Along with Jesus Christ, if you want a mortal man who led an impeccable life, a preacher worth of the calling, seek out Bishop Fulton Sheen, one worthy of emulation.
God bless you all and never stop seeking the truth.
I don’t mind Lawson being silent. I think it’s better than a “get out in front of it” and try to save my reputation approach. He needs to work on his relationship with the Savior and his wife.
Actually, Lawson was not silent. Lawson was silent AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT. BEFORE THAT (just days before) he came out with the "don't judge a man by one incident" sermon.
I was homeless, got into drugs, went into prisons, then i got to know Jesus, He changed my life.. Now i make 22k weekly. have a home, a wife, a lovely daughter... A child of God. HALLELUJAH
How did you do it? Do explain please 😯
My family have been into series of sufferings lately
All thanks to Christina Ann Tucker
After I raised up to 325k trading with her I bought a new House and a car here in the states 🇺🇸🇺🇸 also paid for my daughter's surgery (Joey). Glory to God.shalom.
Wow 😱 I know her too
Miss Christina Ann Tucker is a remarkable individual whom has brought immense positivity and inspiration into my life.
Absolutely! I've heard stories of people who started with little to no knowledge but made it out victoriously thanks to Christina Ann Tucker.
A picture is circulating with Lawson sitting with this woman minus his wedding ring....at a GCC event.
Now I just hope he soon addresses the issues with John Piper. I haven't heard anything said about his comments about Eros and the love God has for us. It was so erroneous I can't understand why he didn't address it.
Why is Steve Lawson 'on a milk carton'? What does that even mean??🤷
@caroldonaldson5936 means he is missing .... kids who went missing back in the day would end up with their picture on the side of a milk carton with a caption asking if anyone had seen the child.
@@CarrieLaffs Thanks!👍❤️
@@caroldonaldson5936 YW!
According to Calvinism, God predestined Lawson's sin...
True. We pray his repentance too
🗿
Swing and a miss. Nice try, though.
You think you’re clever, but you’re not. 🤡
What’s wrong with that?
Shows mcarthurs metal.😮😮
All eyes on April 2025 TGC Conference. 👀
There is an opportunity for repentance as long as we have breath.
No one is exempt from falling into the hands of the enemy, lets remember that and pray for him.
@@anajulio1283
No. You write doubt. Perhaps you are a Calvinist too.
John 10:29: My Father,
who gave them (the sheep) to me,
is greater than all;
and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
@@bernhardbauer5301 slanderer of the church
I love John MacArthur He has been very sick. I agree with what John MacArthur said. 🙏
Compare what Macarthur said about Eileen Gray (who knows, maybe she was never really one of us) with what he said about Lawson. Why does Macarthur not say the same thing about Lawson? There are 100x the reasons to say "maybe he was never really one of us" with respect to Lawson that Eileen Gray.
And, by the way, if Macarthur did not implement a directive to examine ALL the women at GCC for being in line with "submit to your husbands" then he was simply targeting Eileen Gray. which is exactly what he did. The moment shepherding her involved suffering with her, he instead crafted an approach by which he could crucify here and wash his hands of the matter, kind of like Pontius Pilate.
Especially in view of her reported repentance I don't think the woman's identity must be revealed, under the highly likely assumption that she is not herself somebody of prominence in the church. And I really hope that at no point does she fall in with the Trauma-Informed Trojan Horse crowd--Julie Roys, Wartburg Watch, Rachael Denhollander, Boz Tchividjian, Diane Landsberg, et al.
The young men who might marry her need to be warned
Diane Langberg is not a part of the Trauma-Informed Trojan Horse crowd.🙄 How you can lump her in with the likes of Julie Roys is just plain ignorant.
I agree. Her identiity is "fair game". In Scripture all parties were exposed. The innocent should be protected and she was not an innocent...
yeah, why cover for sin?
Sin Sniffers. Modern day Pharisees. Seriously.
Ah yes, the old guilty till proven innocent. Expose, ruin, think later. 😅
@@trappedcat3615 so you have an issue with the Law of God. Take that up with Him. I am talking about biblically how this was handled then and should be handled now...
Remember the woman caught in adultery and she was brought to the public? What did Jesus say when everyone wanted "fair game" on her? Jesus told her to go and sin no more in private after her accusers left. Maybe she needed public humiliation first?
SL is a dirt bag. Remember he is still a retired multi millionaire. So all he got was embarrassment. He was in a position of authority of this young poor girl. He manipulated her at the expense of her as a person. I hope she comes out with a tell all. This is all on him
How do you know he manipulated her? How do you know she didn't tempt him? This is all on both of them?
Adulterous relationships takes two. She is equally guilty.
Oooo no. He doesn’t call Steve Lawson a false teacher. But I don’t claim to have seen all the John MacArthur comments either. His conversations about Mr Lawson have been just that MacArthur is friends with him and was just as surprised when this whole thing came to light. How sad for him. Of course I believe he is still friends but he does need to respect confidentiality. We want to know but IT IS NOT OUR BUSINESS. And I would imagine there is some counseling going on. I have said before Mr Lawson can still do much for Christ and the kingdom, it’s just that his public leadership is finished. PLEASE, can you imagine the shame this man is going through? His wife? His family? Extend some grace here.
John is a boss
Can you do a piece on your disagreements with MacArthur?
They got the wrong Steve
What Steve are you thinking of?
He is ashamed bro but yes he needs the body of Christ
Lawson was a pulpiteer. That is someone who knows how to address a group and please the women so as to attract large audiences and money. This is success as Evangelicals measure success. The fact that MacArthur had him at his seminary teaching pulpiteering as part of training for ministry shows that there is something wrong with MacArthur's thinking.
Grow up!! Stop blaming MacArthur for what Steve Lawson did!! MacArthur wasn't Steve's teacher!! Act like a true follower of Christ, He doesn't make people take responsibility for others actions!! Why are you!!!!!
So, what’s the big deal? Lawson simply did what he was predestined to do. 🤪
Exactly!
His theology was sound. His preaching was solid. His sin disqualified him from preaching but not from being a Christian.
It could happen to any of us. Even the best of us. Small sins are not small, our hearts are more wicked than we realize. We truly need Godly disciplines to keep the foxes out of the vineyard. We need true intimacy daily.
False teacher? I don't believe he was a false teacher. He was a sound teacher that fell into a grievous sin.
Could it be true that God loves Steve Lawson enough to remove him from ministry to deepen his itimacy with him, and to draw him closer?
@@Called_Out_Ones This is a good example of the cognitive dissonance that is rampant in the American Christian community. It spits in the face of Jesus, who included us in His death and His resurrection and made us the righteousness of God in Christ, not a depraved wicked hearted sinner.
Obviously you have never met Father, Son and Spirit, and walked in intimate fellowship with Them.
How sad.
When you begin to categorize sin, you sin, and your theology automatically eliminates everyone.
@bradharford6052
I may have never walked intimately with the Father Son and Holy Spirit but I know for a fact God has shown mercy on me. I don't deserve anything but Hell. But if God chooses to save me, it is only because He is gracious, merciful, and gives undeserved favor to me.
God did it to bless the church? Ok, I'll go along with that for a bit. So, the implied answer is so we can see how a man can have doctrinally sound preaching but be full of it. AS ONE EXAMPLE.
LET'S LAY THIS SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE CASE OF EILEEN GRAY, SHALL WE?
Did God do that to bless the church? Perhaps God did that to bless the church into seeing that though Macarthur preaches a lot of doctrinally accurate and sound preaching that he is actually a man who refuses to suffer with or for those he claims to serve.
Let's see. He's worth about 20 million $$$$. He owns 3 homes (on the church dime), the cheapest of which is worth $800K (a few years ago). Does that look like a man who's willing to suffer with or for the church? And before you say "well, he's blessed of God" I will tell you by that thinking, the Apostle Paul was cursed: beaten, persecuted, thrown in prison. And I will also ask you to name one saint in the NT, named by name and given as an example to follow who was pampered from church offering money.
Macarthur, in his self-appointed ex-communication of Eileen Gray said this of her: "Who knows, maybe she was never really one of us."
Did he say any such thing about Lawson? Eileen Gray refused to submit to an abuser.who had a fist in her face, also threatening her children. Did Steve Lawson have a physical fist in his face with threat to loved ones involved?
It shows the total and utter hypocrisy of men like Macarthur who just makes pronouncements based on his adamic flesh, using Scripture to justify himself. He's read all this Scripture, but apparently he hasn't understood that it is actually the Scripture that reads him.
Gray was justly excommunicated for its wicked actions
Love covers a multitude of sins.
Read the letter of 1 Corinthians from St. Paul.
Would your love cover Joel Osteen too if he committed adultery?
@@samfranklin659 been there and done that friend
@@knj24march God's love? Yes.
Grace to be more specific. Grace abounds.
Id arrogant to think thsy becsuse you hsve a sound doctrine, unlike those other churches, you were protected, anf not wasting the time to mention thr other churches sins??
McArthur says were surprised at the fall "because of the soundness of the theology" Kevin Thompson of BTF says Lawson did not really fall - he was already down due to his corrupt theology. Hateful Calvinistic theology corrupts the soul.
"Hateful Biblical theology corrupts the soul"
Now we easily see your heart
@@cosmictreason2242 AH the evil of reformed theology. How it possesses,
@@cosmictreason2242 aha you did the old switcharoo. I said calvinistic you said biblical. lololol
If MacArthur was committed to exposing the truth he would of released the information on the woman as well. Only going after one guilty party is a violation of the principle set out in John 8 - woman caught in adultery. This is that where only the man gets exposed but the woman's sin is covered up. True - he has more guilt being married and a pastor; but it doesn't remove the fact that she engaged in adultery as well. MacArthur is complicit covering up the woman's sin.
Clown world 😂😂😂😂😂
Christ is currently not king.
Christ is Lord.
Paul: Ephesians 4:4-6:
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
And Peter: 2 Peter 1:8:
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All authority has been given to me ….. that’s a King
@@preppedforeternityhomestea2848
All authority?
That is God.
@@bernhardbauer5301you are making distinctions where there are none
@@cosmictreason2242
Each word has a meaning.
Different words have different meanings.
You see no distinctions. That is because you are far away.
Come closer and you will see the beauty.
The disciples called Jesus Lord and not king because Jesus never was king over Israel. But Jesus was their Lord. Paul calls Christ Lord. Peter and the other apostle call Christ Lord. We, the believers have Christ as Lord. That means we have a personal Lord and Saviour.
@@bernhardbauer5301 you are off in the woods
MacArthur is right Lawson was a false teacher, he taught lordship salvation..... Though not all the time. There was double talk, he properly taught John 3 when he did.
Truth is coming out and that is revealing more and more falseness in institutional churches and unbiblical ministries.
Didn’t MacArthur say that Steve Lawson’s theology was absolutely correct? Don’t both of these men teach Calvinism, which holds to a changed life/keeping from sin as proof of someone being saved? I’m not at all clear on this, so I’m open to correction.
@@krissyyoung9264 I say they err. Remember, Martin Luther correctly stated "one's justification is not observable by one's sanctification".
@@krissyyoung9264 we cannot always discern true and false believers. We strive to know the brethren, it is very important.
Macarthur was right Lawson was a great teacher with sound theology. Yet God knew his sin and exposed him.
@@user-or9cj3vk6t disagreed completely. lordship salvation is not even consistent with historical calvinism.
But…if Macarthurs theology is correct then god foreordained that Lawson be in unrepentant adultery for 5 years. It really makes the whole affair a matter of theatrics, Lawson played his part by committing adultery, now MacArthur plays his part by being indignant
Why do you assume that anything that God ordains must be something he perfectly approves of? God ordains things he hates to take place. You are not fooling anyone who actually believes the Biblical doctrine of God's decree. You clearly haven't given it much thought or study
God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass;1 yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein;2 nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established;
You are right… Calvinism is absolutely nonsense
@@aleguitarramay God have mercy on you. Because you are clearly unable to exercise free will to believe the correct Biblical doctrine on God's sovereign decree, Man's nature, and the means of salvation - commonly nicknamed Calvinism
@@cosmictreason2242 there’s nothing I can do right ??? That’s what Paul said to de jail keeper… what must I do to be saved? Nothing! Just wait and see if God choose you
MacArthur has NO authority to speak about Steve Lawson.
Steve Lawsons behavior is the business of HIS church leaders AND members.
Just because the public wants a pastor or leader to comment, does not mean MacArthur or others should comment.
Can we not decern sin, without MacArthur pointing it out?
@@SheilaSmith-z8g JMac should speak out as Lawson taught at the Masters Seminary and filled in for JMac on multiple occasions. Silly statement.... imo
I value and appreciate very much what John MacArthur says. What a godly man!
@@CarrieLaffs
How is MacArthur's comments on Lawson of any consequence in your Christian walk?
Teaching proper doctrine at a seminary has nothing to do with personal sin of the teachers.
Lawson's doctrine and behavior is the business of his church leaders and members, and any position of authority Lawson holds.
Not your business.
@SheilaSmith-z8g Steve Lawson is just as much , if not MORE, a public preacher. There are many who have learned from Him, publicly... and relied on his teachings. He owes the public to whom he preached , public repentance and apology. There have to be many Christians who are hurt and confused by this and for Lawson not to take public accountability, in the very forum he preached , is not a good thing.
Let me put it this way....How many local pastors have relied on Lawsons public teachings and books as study guides with their own congregations? This leaves a scar on the pure white gown of the bride of Christ. For Lawson to not address this is upsetting to many.
@@CarrieLaffs
You responded to my comment with 4 rationalizations (2 were the same as why gossip is permissable. "Gossip," is my label for all the online blogs speaking about Lawson's infidelity.
1. Lawson's teaching and books are either presenting sound doctrine or they are not. His infidelity does not change that.
2."Christians are hurt and confused," by his actions. No.
His wife and family are "hurt and confused." His church members are, surprised and disappointed. But strangers online are not in need of comfort or explanation regarding adultery. The public are not victims, wounded by Lawsons sinful behavior.
3. The public deserves Lawsons apology and repentance. No. God deserves his apology and repentence. His church leaders and members deserve Lawson's apology and repentence. His wife and family deserve his apology and repentence. Lawson injured, harmed them by his sin. His "accountability," is to God, his family and church.
4. Christians relied on his books. So? Again, his books are either sound, biblically or they are not, and Lawson's sin does not change that.
All the above rationalizations you gave, does not justify public gossip. God spoke to us on the sin of gossip more than once in scripture.
A teacher, preacher, pastor's words/commentary on the gospel is open to all for discussion. Their personal behaviors are not. Scripture is clear on gossip.
I have no use for so called Christians who boycott Pastors and by extension God. They are self absorbed and Holier than thou.
To me what is remarkable is how much lack of discernment had JMC in selecting SL to lead. This shows that His theology was not touching the heart and conscience. What kind of theology can generate such results, such lack of understanding or discernment?
It's not a fault of the theology. That said the Reformed camp has waaaay less of this than more theologically careless camps
The reason why Steve Lawson got away with this in a church, and church community, that doesn’t generally treat sin lightly is because it’s a church that gives male leadership a free pass. In other words, once they are “in” they couldn’t possibly do anything wrong so they are never looked at again. This is no different than the leadership bringing forth the woman caught in adultery in John 7-the man got a free pass.
@@n88986 Steve Lawson is the woman in that analogy
Its almost comical how Arminians have taken a victory lap because a Calvinist sins....as if anybody thought Calvinists were sinless? I mean how desperate can they be to prove their obvious heresy true? haha
@@timclark2925 according to Calvinism, God unchangeably, from eternity past predetermined that Steve Lawson would sin, for God’s highest praise and glory.
Who is John MacArthur to question God’s perfect decree!!
@@lovegod8582 not true....thats your ignorance of Calvinism....God determines who to save...but after were saved we have free will to choose to obey God or not to obey God...thats why we will all stand at the judgment Seat of Christ where rewards will be handed out. Not everyone will hear from God "Well done My good and faithful servant." NOTHING in tulip teaches that God determines our sins.....Where did you come up with that? Sadly thats what Arminians have to do; they create straw man arguments in their minds...thats the only way they can justify their Arminian lie....its pathetic.
@@timclark2925Calvin and most reformed philosophers disagree.
But this is one of the problems in these debates. Most “Calvinists” are “partial Calvinists” who don’t believe that everything is predestined, but that’s technically what those most educated in it hold to. In debates it’s sometimes referred to as “exhaustive divine determinism,” or EDD. Even popular reformed teacher James White believes this view, although I don’t know many Calvinists in my own life except for the “partial” kind who hold to free will in everything except who gets saved, plus of course God acting freely to cause all kinds of things we won’t know about for sure this side of eternity.
But the scholarly reformed thinkers consider EDD to be the “original” view of Calvin, and the only logically and biblically consistent view. This is why they belief that God has a revealed will and a secret will, and that God asks humans to do things that he secretly has made sure they are incapable of wanting to do….which the rest of us Christians find to be incompatible with the the rest of the scriptures.
@@timclark2925 Wrong. Both Calvin himself, as the Westminster Confession affirm this. They both say that nothing happens merely by God’s foreknowledge, but rather by his determination.
You don’t seem to have an understanding of historic Calvinism. It’s ironic that many say “you don’t understand Calvinism,” when what is said is exactly what is stated by Calvin himself, and in the Westminster Confession.
Also Calvin denies the notion of any type of free will. In fact he ridiculed the early church fathers for believing this.
@@JasonJrake The most important thing is that we study the Bible; not Calvin. And God chooses who to save and then we have free will to obey or not to obey. We have no free will to get saved; that is what the Bible clearly teaches. I honestly have not taken the time to study ALL that Calvin believed. I know what the Bible teaches...I promise you that Calvin likely had some things wrong...thats why we need to stick to the Word of God.
This scandal raises more issues that must be addressed. Those who are in church leadership must also be clean in regard to money .
The calvinist elite have become very wealthy. Are they selling the gospel to enrich themselves? The amounts of money being raked in has become unseemly.
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous
This is the word of the Lord concerning leadership. Greed seems to be the respectible sin of our day.
Lawson was high net worth. Was he motivated by money and celb status? All the celb calvinists are in the money. It has to be cleaned up. Ministry is big business. 😮
@@bibleblessingsministries2964 non Calvinists have way more money. You are identifying the wrong problem
....."soundness of the theology". A subjective appraisal put forth by a much loved pastor. A huge assertion by itself regardless of who is making it.
@@donotbendtruth6120 object true cause we have a Bible
@@cosmictreason2242 Amen!
After listening all the way through I will say I don't need to know the name of the woman and she wants to purify herself from this might be a good idea for her but I don't know that I can make that decision. I'm more upset at the pastor. And again I'll say it again if he was actually a wolf in sheep's clothing the entire time how do you trust anything he said how do you believe any of the doctrine that he has the lines with the rest of Masters Seminary and Masters University and John MacArthur this is really hard and you know what they removed all the stuff and all the references I don't really like that Calvinists like to burn this stuff and it should be contextualized so that we can learn from it.
@@Veretax it was not Calvinism that made him fall. Repent
@@cosmictreason2242 I have nothing to repent for. Or otherwise who sees the fall with somebody who has been pushed on us for so long as being this great teacher knowledgeable person and now suddenly they were never supposed to be there now I can believe that people can be fooled some of the time I don't believe that everybody can be fooled and I find it funny how the biases of the mind will want us to not look at the thing that they must have in common which are theological concerns to evaluate if maybe there's something in our theology that set up this to happen . Of course I'm not a predetermined before all of time guy for every single decision that mankind ever makes he was tempted he chose not to act wisely and send and ultimately send greatly and it is now harmed him and everybody he's attached to. That's how I see it but because I love many of these people because I do think many of them are actually saved they're just caught up on the calvinist dogmas and they're not having quite the rich Christian Life that the Lord would have for them that this is an opportunity to get them to think to get them to maybe listen to get them to consider I don't need them to tell me they've done so but when we're talking publicly about it it's easy to cast stones while trying to dodge stones that might be thrown because you share things in common and have for what 20 years was it 20 years that MacArthur said that he knew lawson? I don't remember the exact number but but 5 years ago I found a video on RUclips where Lawson introduced MacArthur to preach at some conference and MacArthur talked about how great they were and how tightly together Nick they were they were they were they were like brothers and then 5 years later this happens do they still sound like brothers were they actually Brothers now or was that facade I don't know honestly I'm not John MacArthur but the fact that I can imagine being in that position and maybe feeling that way and then wondering what was it I didn't see that Lord help me to be more Mindful and more aware of what's going on around me so I can help those around me not fall into these things. That is exactly where my heart would be
@@cosmictreason2242 you don't know that it wasn't Calvinism or that it did not play a role. In fact it's interesting to watch the reformed Circle drive to distance so quickly from someone they embraced as a brother praised and pointed to as the the kind of preacher that we needed. And then at the same time fleeing from him like he's now a plague other churches and denominations that have different theology which they say is false in some cases I may agree with them but because they're they say they're false all we are so much better because we don't do that in a classic false choice fallacy. It is possible for Calvinism to also not be 100% correct I am not calvinist I once was but I now realize the reality of the divinity Christ and the scripture the word of God which was born from Christ is such that simply putting one small little analogy on it actually limits how much you can get from it
Lawson is an example of the false "P" of the man made TULIP. He didn't persever, so I guess according to Calvanism, he wasn't "really" one of the elect, as Calvanists define the elect. Just like Ravi Zacharius, according to calvanists!
@@billmartinn9851 quite likely. Stay mad
Possibly true. Hopefully he repents.
One good outcome to this affair, at least the God of Calvinism is no longer decreeing sin and glorying in it. Once the memory of Lawson fades, it'll be safe for Calvin's God to return to being the author of the sin men do.
@@DontYouWantToLiveForever you are slandering the lord and the church
On one hand I do agree with MacArthur that there must be something wrong with you to preach past your conscience when you're willingly involved in such sin. But I also think he's still slightly deceived because he says well we had all the right doctrinal did he I know a lot of people who thought he did and yet this thing happened. You see Doctrine doesn't save it never has only the Everlasting gospel saves. And the problem that I have with MacArthur is he's trying to find a way to slice the lost and baby into all his theology is good but he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. They removed all these references to things that he wrote and I think they did so because they have this idea of Purity but I also think they did so because if people start comparing all these past publications of Lawson and then they start examining them real closely and then comparing them to other things coming out of the two masters then people will begin to question what MacArthur is saying here was solid theology. And I maintain the Calvinism actually isn't some of theology its weak theology built on a Model that is being overly stretched in order to fit a context that is not even considered if you read the Bible in context. And I hate to poke at my brethren who are calvinist I have family who are when essentially everything he taught starts from this calvinistic obsession with predeterminism to the point that every sin every action must be directed by God removing man having any involvement really and what's going on because God is really just playing out of story a theater and I think that one premise is exactly why someone like Steve Lawson could survive for so long in the pulpit because when you can excuse bad Deeds as being ordained by God well then you can excuse your own bad Deeds right? It's not that much of a stretch that Steve Lawson would fall from this after for years knowing he was doing these things and preaching that God ordained them take a how reprehensible that is for a person who is put in a Pulpit supposed to be bringing the word of God and blaming God for the sin that he does I think Calvinists need to have a reckoning they need to get back to scripture unfortunately I think John MacArthur is too old and too set in his ways to see that connection and I'm not going to hold that against him in this case because the other things he says I think are very accurate
@@Veretax you need to get back to scripture you prideful unaccountable person
Please save your analysis till after thanks
That's gonna be a no from me dog.
Kinda the point of commentary my dude. Fair use won't allow reuploads without making it "transformative"
Both individuals should make public confessions sin the venues where they were featured
Both of these men combine the gospel of the kingdom with the gospel of the grace of God and then preach their own gospel and own plan of salvation. All denominations do this - that is why we have so many denominations.
There are not two gospels
What on earth are you talking about?
@@cosmictreason2242 Difference #1 - The gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of the Prophetic Program. The gospel of the grace of God is the gospel of the Mystery Program.
The gospel of the kingdom
The Prophetic Program’s theme is of Christ’s reign upon the earth. Jeremiah 23:5, Luke 1:30-33.
The Prophetic Program was revealed from the foundation of the world. Luke 1:69-70, Acts 3:21.
The Prophetic Program is the blessing for the nation of Israel. Genesis 12:1-3, Matthew 10:5-6.
The Prophetic Program is of an earthly hope for believers of the gospel of the kingdom. Job 19:26-26, Matthew 5:5.
The gospel of the grace of God
The Mystery Program’s theme is of Christ’s reign in the heavens. Ephesians 1:19-21, Colossians 3:1-4.
The Mystery Program has been kept secret since the world began. Romans 16:25, Colossians 1:25-27.
The Mystery Program is the blessing for the body of Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23, I Corinthians 12:12-13.
The Mystery Program is of a heavenly hope for believers of the gospel of the grace of God. Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 1:5.
I have 20 differences between the two gospels. How many do you want me to provide to you?
@@cosmictreason2242 The gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of the Prophetic Program. The gospel of the grace of God is the gospel of the Mystery Program.
@@ReformationAgain25 The gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of the Prophetic Program. The gospel of the grace of God is the gospel of the Mystery Program.
“Soundness of theology”
Ironic talking about a Calvinist 😅
You're wrong.
How so
Laughs in Paul
please stop pausing, not good, we get it, breaks the train of focusing
Please don’t add so much personal commentary until speakers are done thanks
"SOUND DOCTRINE"???? Are you kidding? MacArthur, you are in the same boat. You preach a version of God, that is unlike Christ. Don't you get it? Your doctrine is NOT sound either. You have become so ANTICHRIST in your theology that it makes me angry. Wake up Church!!!! Return to the revelation of Christ. He fully revealed His Father to us.
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@@mrmr5918 Do you want an answer?
All caps. You sound super cereal.
@evangelicaldarkweb hehe, I am serious but I'm not flaky 😆
@@tedbrooks-formerwordoffait1316 you're outside of grace