Very good discussion. The consequences of sexual sin are devastating and will be with you for life. Oh, the stories I could tell of my own. I grieve for Lawson for the damage this does to Christ, his(Lawson's) family, and his church. Fame is also an addictive drug and Lawson has fallen hard. I pray for his repentence and for his family.
The takeaways I’ve picked up from this are: 1. No one is above a fall. There’s your take heed ladies and gentlemen 2. It is perfectly fine to be saddened and grieved when your pastor fails 3. I’m not a pastor/elder, but I do follow the Billy Graham rule. Because I love my wife, and I don’t want anyone to think I would ever do anything like that 4. Be praying for your pastor. He too is a man who can be tempted. We ought to be doing everything we can to make sure our pastors don’t fail And finally, this was a great listen. You’ve got a new subscriber
As an elder, there are certain things that if a pastor gets involved in he disqualifies him from office permanently. Sexual sin is certainly one of these things. But the church should seek to restore him, that is to restore the fellowship he has with the church through encouraging him to repent and show signs of that repentance over a period of time. He can be restored to fellowship and can serve the church in other way as a lay person. But he is no longer qualified to be a pastor. One cannot read first Timothy and not realize this.
I appreciate Josh bringing up the issue with people saying any one of us is moments away from adultery and that sexual sin is no worse than lying, etc. These were bothering me and you articulated it well. Good podcast, guys!
Steve Lawson, more than anyone else in the many years that I have been born again, has influenced my theology and Christian life. His series on the attributes of God exposed how I had “squeezed” God into God is love, which He is, and shortsighted myself to His other attributes, such as wrath, justice, judgment, and vengeance. His teaching on the Trinitarian Jesus, the resurrected Jesus, showed how I had also locked Him into the Godman Jesus of the gospels, ignoring the resurrected Jesus who threatened churches in Revelation with serious consequences if they didn’t repent. It showed me that the Trinitarian Jesus, God the Son, is demanding when it comes to sin in the church - and in my life. Stop sinning! Steve’s teachings unmasked the sentimentalist Jesus I had grown accustomed to who is soft on sin, the Jesus of most of the American church and in my life: not the “real” Jesus. God used Steve to instill in me that Jesus “demands” me to live a holy life. I believe when saved you are saved forever. But Jesus is also my Judge, and of all born-again believers. Jesus will see the agony of His soul and be satisfied (Isaiah 53: 11); all born-again believers whom He redeemed are the agony of His soul. And I want Him to be fully satisfied with me because I took sin seriously beyond new birth to live a holy life. God used Steve Lawson to teach me it and to move forward to where I am today - and the knowledge of the Word to keep moving forward until I reach heaven. Never once did I think of him as a celebrity preacher, nor on a pedestal - only as a man who rightly divided the Word of God. Be careful how you denigrate his work. And him. You could be guilty of sin right along with Steve.
@dennisbelkofer1311 So let me ask you. Now that SL has had his 5 year plan exposed, would you point a babe in Christ towards SL’s past ministry resources? If so, would that cause a stumbling block when that babe finds out about SL’s double life hypocrisy?
I agree it is proper and right for him to be permanently removed from pastoral ministry his teachings on the other hand should not be. The Truth is the Truth and just because he was in sin, whether during the time of his teaching or not, does not make him a false teacher. A hypocrite yes, but still a man rightfully dividing the Word of God. His teachings have always been respected in the past and so if he wasn’t called out for false doctrine then, why should we erase his prolific body of work now. It’s still the Truth. He has a vast knowledge of Scripture that in my opinion is and has been extremely helpful in understanding the Bible. Sin does not change God’s Holy Writ.
"5 year" affair with a VERY young women. Preaching and writing books etc... all the while. Was he caught and had no choice but to step down? Or is this his own turning and stating his fault? Sounds like her Father found out and blackmailed him...
Perminately disqualified for futute ministry .... he is now not " above reproach" .... but repentenance would keep him in the church ... just not in leadership
Pastors, teachers, leaders of all sides are prone to sin .It is so much more glaring when a Calvinist sins like Lawson did. The reason being is that they are so condescending. I know, I was a Reformed, Orthodox Presbyterian, Calvinist for 57 years. We all idolized different past and current pillars in the faith. From Calvin, Knox, and Machen, to Sproul, McArthur, Bauchman, & Washer. We all quoted or used their sayings in our sermons, theology, and doctrinal conversations. I suspect that Reformed Baptists, and PCA folk had their own mini circle of idols like we OPCers did. Heck, I loved Piper's books, I listened to Begg for years. B.B. Warfield, Ferguson, Ryken, Horton, Beeke, & Boice were all great influences. The problem began with these Reformed Conferences the various camps started. Many of these men stopped being preachers/shepherds and became Reformed Rock Stars. White, Lawson, Washer, McArthur, and to some extent Sproul began to believe and relish this status. There is something fundamentally wrong with a doctrine and by extension a local church that allows something like Lawson's sin go on for five plus years. When Pastors are away from their churches at 2-4 day conferences as much as 3-4 times per year, there is no real accountability. "Things" begin to be neglected, wife, children, grandchildren, flock, God, etc. The elders of Lawson's church should have seen something, there is no way that Lawson could not have shown something to indicate what he was involved in. Calvinism has done more harm to the Church than anything else besides Roman Catholicism. The reason I grieve for Lawson and his ilk, is because he has a form of godliness but denies it's power. 2 Tim. 3:1-9 sums up this current situation. Lawson regularly was a boaster, proud, unloving, unforgiving, a slanderer, obviously did not have self-control, was head-strong, and obviously a lover of pleasure. Unfortunately, Calvinist's resist the truth, 2 Tim 3:8, thus are disapproved concerning the faith. Verse 9 tells us that these men will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was (Jannes & Jambres). I have watched countless videos of Reformed men and women commenting on Lawson. None of them have used Scripture to rebuke Lawson. They all have used the Scriptures to restore him. Yes, he can be forgiven and hopefully he will repent. That is important to his future. What is important to the Church, the Bride of Christ is to debunk this spurious doctrine that has plagued it for 1400 years. I implore people to get rid of your Westminster Standards, and Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion and read, study, and pray the Scriptures. Micah 6:8!
Well its not literally one step away. If were one step away were in big trouble if were LITERALLY one step away. But it is easier to fall into that condition where it IS one step away. If you entertain sinful thoughts for long enough say months without breaking that cycle things can begin to happen. Trust me.
This video is very good counsel in regard to this topic. let me add this: It is very important that we don't use this as an excuse to normalize or minimize sin, and specifically it tends to feel as if some folks are treating the adultery as if it is only about the sexual sin, as if the extreme betrayal of his wife's confidence is not a major factor which makes Lawson's sin especially abnormal amongst Christians. Even in this video's excellent discussion, that point was not directly mentioned. Human flesh does not crave betrayal the same way it craves sexual satisfaction, and so the betrayal brings an entirely new element to the temptation and the sin. Come to think of it, this matter was addressed in this video, but it was framed up in regard to power fantasy.
You shouldn't be afraid to say names!! How can we k ow ro stay away from certain teachers if you don't tell us who you're referring to. THEY are the ones who put themselves in situations....THEY are in the public eye!! THEY need to have their named mentioned as a part of responsibility.
I agree with the statement that men that may not been popular in school or with peers go into ministry for the power they have over a congregation. I was a church secretary for 25 years and saw this multiple times with pastors. Some that couldn’t have made a decent living in the secular world
? Was Steve Lawson Ever Saved to begin with ?? He previously castigates fellow believers who struggle with such sins ( Lust ) . I would like to hear Steve Lawson's testimony on how he came to Salvation.
Everything that comes to pass is ordained by God, even this, even the pain his poor wife is in, even the immortal shame the other woman has brought in her family. And it’s all for the glory of God. Praise him at all times with happy voices, even times like these.
@3:40. You cautioned not to be cautious that ‘everone is [susceptible to immorality]’. I wonder if S Lawson used to preach that sentiment before his fall? How are we learning from other’s mistakes here? 1Cor. 10:12 ‘Let him who thinks he stand take heed lest he fall’. Unless you believe in achieving sinless perfection, or received your glorified body (died the 1st death)-that applies to every one of us, including believers.
I heard he never wanted to be a pastor again after his earlier experiences. He may have had a title like “preacher”. He almost never took his wife. He pastored before in my town and it didn’t go well. I find him to be harsh, angry and arrogant- coinciding with your character comment.
You use the example that David committed adultery and murder and we have the psalms. Was he repentant and restored prior to those? I don’t think it’s the same. If SL was giving sermons, going to conferences, doing videos, writing books while practicing adultery, I can’t listen or read anything from him. I don’t mean this to be cruel. I pray for all involved. This is horrible and I do look at myself and pray I don’t fall in some way. Just some thoughts.
@@Johna4536 thank youuu!!! So much for that. That is so true. As ive said before I never followed him as in buyin his books listening to his talks everywhere... Rc Sproul is one of thee men i truly followed and still do alrhough i preffered his Calassroom lecture teacgings. Most of his sermons good.
His sin is unfortunate, yet forgivable. My BIGGER problem is his theology. Teaching Only a pre-selected elect few will irresistibly turn to Christ & all others can't they will get the wrath they deserve...is not the Good News Jesus or Paul preached.
@@mikelyons2831tell me you don’t know Church History, without telling me you don’t know Church History. Reformed Theology is directly the cause God used to bring kings under the law. Read Roman’s without stopping then get back to me.
@@mikelyons2831 yeeah i agree.. you know lately the church i guess since Reformation time whenever that occured has opened up dangerous so called churxh dogma..it all has to do with readin the Verses some cant just read it for what it says. So u get theories.and higher criticism academic theoriea into scripture and this is what we get as of know. MY concern are his followers so damaging to their spirit which can it could led to some falling awat..i believe this. Im not a memeber of any churxh here in LA. And i feelnfor them. It irritates me knowin Christ allowed this to Hap for 5yrs with someone who was in their 20s. For 5 years and it didnt affext his Conscience..also the lord allowed this without any kind of tribulations or curse on Lawson. Thats what it says in Corinthians. Lord had paul to pronounce that man to hand him over to satan so that his spirit will be presereved or saves. U know that pasaage. This upsets me. Glad i wasnt a follower of him. As ive said in these utubes his style Didnt attract perhaps Christ protected me from what was to take place and herw it is. I follow. Rc sproul..john piper.james white.martyn lloyd jones Who else not much of Macarthur these days..hank Hannegraaf..ken ham to an extent. And more
How about these: 1. Is it possible that a determinist/compatibilist soteriology may leave a person vulnerable? 2. Is it possible that we have actually the wrong structures in place, which we are not willing to abandon/reform?
Just a word to young men holding forth on this incident: in the goodness of God you have many years to live, and your words, once uploaded to the internet, will be there for years to come, to be cut and pasted into commentaries on scenarios that you presently think impossible. 'be quick to hear, slow to speak' (James 1:19) The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jas 1:19). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
I saw a YT video the other day which mentioned that SL was not in a pastoral role at TBC. He was the Lead Preacher, but did not participate in shepherding the flock. He was not an elder at TBC. It bothered me to discover this, because it seems like the biblical definition of a hireling.
One thing I don’t hear anyone considering is that if we continue to purchase and share resources from Stephen Lawson, he will continue to financially profit from it which he should not be doing.
So many You Tube videos are being made about Steve Lawson! Why so many? I can't help wonder when it will STOP? Maybe he should make a You Tube video and speak to the people & come clean? I am confused!
Teachers, politicians, lawyers, judges, police officers, etc all must follow a professional code of conduct. Otherwise they lose their job. Why should a spiritual leader not lose his right to instruct over immorality? As Protestants why is it that his “teachings” are so revered? Why do you even need them. I thought the Bible was all you needed?
On whether or not to still listen/read Lawsons content, I think it depends on the context of the scandal. Given that he put on a “Godly Christian” front for the last 5 years, there’s a major trust issue now. I could not take him seriously when listening to him or reading his books.
Is it possible that perhaps his pride is what opened the door to his fall? Most of his sermons and talks concerning sexual purity came across a bit prideful. His being a virgin at age 30 when he married and the way he bragged about how sexually pure he was came across somewhat prideful.
I think that, like cristian community we have the obligation pray for him, in midly of contrevertial situation and we are less indicated to judge him. blessing
I'm familiar with your ministry. Your interpretation of the Lawson scandal maybe meaningful especially to me since I have been one big sinner. I tire of numerous religious commentators Rushing to comment on Lawson because it seems too much like click bait. One major reason that the reformed community is extremely concerned about Lawson is the fact that Lawson was selected and being groomed by Ligonier Ministries to replace RC Sproul. Matthew Everhard commented succinctly on Lawson; I wish everyone else had left it alone: www.youtube.com/watch?
People are really crazy in thinking he could go back to ministry. Don't be ignorant! He's already 73. He's too old to be in leadership already. At what age he gonna be a pastor again? He's not gonna have the same mind he had before way back ago to write books. How long his discipline and restoration gonna last? When he almost 80? What memory he gonna have at that time? He suppose to retire already. He's old enough. He just have to ask God to forgive him and apologize with people who followed him. But he's too old to be a pastor already. He need to retire but attend to church.
I don’t care about reformed and Calvinism. I care about the gospel and keep my eyes on Jesus. If Dr. S. Lawson is reformed, what has his fall to do with Reformation at all ???
Yall don't want to know who all onew but kept using him to cash checks? You gonna let Steve keep all that money? No wonder it keeps happening, weak response
Ironically, Dr. Steven J. Lawson, a married 73 year old Calvinist preacher, and founder of One Passion ministries, also had an additional Secret Passion : he was secretly having an inappropriate relationship with a 20 something year old woman, for the last 5 years, until her father finally confronted him, and ultimately threatened to expose him unless he exposed himself, every detail of which, according to his nefarious philosophy, was already meticulously decreed before time ever began, thus giving a whole new philosophical twist to the infamous old phrase "bad grandpa"...
@@Ivanos-p4nI remember now that Mary Beeke wears a hat in church, according to the head-covering verses of I Corinthians 11, an expression of her position in relation to her husband. I think the Beekes are a beautiful example of a godly couple.
The Bible never gives anyone the title of "pastor," yet many today claim it for themselves, often to elevate their status and build their personal empires. Nowhere in Scripture do we see a single individual called to rule over a congregation with such authority. Instead, leadership was shared among humble elders, overseers, and servants of the church, not self-appointed "pastors" who fleece their flocks. Many so-called pastors today use this unbiblical title to manipulate, profit, and live in comfort at the expense of those they claim to shepherd. They sell false hope, twisting the Word of God to fill their pockets. This is not the way of Christ, who came to serve and not be served. If you call yourself a pastor while seeking personal gain, you should repent. The role of a true servant of God is marked by humility, sacrifice, and faithfulness to His Word, not by titles, wealth, or power.
We have thousands upon thousands of solid resources on just about every topic related to the Bible and biblical theology. There's no need to recommend materials that come with extra baggage.
Be careful what you say when you have no details. That is, you might be jumping to conclusions. Perhaps he is as guilty as they say - but the carefully worded statement about an "inappropriate" relationship says very little, and invites much speculation.
Not sure where you Get your info as it relates to Pastors who fall Were the first ones out in Dodgeball and the last one picked for Wiffle Ball. Steve Lawson I believe Played division 1 football at Texas A&M. You might want to Do a little more in-depth research before Making comments like that. It makes you look childish.
More silly Talk here let's step it up folks. The topic of the day that is all buzzing around is about Steve Lawson. If I go to a town and meet three people with blue eyes, I won't call home Until My friends Most everybody in this area has blue eyes. Way way to General and Sounds like You're just talking to fill the Air. The comments don't add anything to the conversation So what's the point. He's smirking as he says it. I just stumbled into your channel thinking maybe there was Some mature conversation going on but Doesn't look like it so I'll keep it moving. All you need is a Microphonein front of you And a bookshelf behind you, And people will fool themselves into thinking They have something to say. Which is really Because earlier in the discussion Someone else was Making good points about Pastors having Good character Emily As opposed to Diplomas hanging on the wall From the right schools. Major League disconnect here. Tighten things up on the ship And maybe I'll drop in again sometime.
Interestingly I realize i never was a fan of him nor his style maybe waay early like 2000 ish of his talks at Sheph. Confer. I heard yeeah we was good on fire passionate but i never really followed him It appears he wasnt preachin in the spirit albeit in a academic style...hint hint..church. Lloyd jones i wish he was here on Earth. Hes the man of awesome sermons.
@@phillipaj.5588 bless you my friend. I love his Romans wooow. I beleive he is an Amill sort of yet construed from Rim. 11 that there is hope for Israel itself ....but he believed a true israel feom Among Israel thats where todays hot topic is confused....
@@AslanRising lets ponder this rumor has it he was with a 20 ish person for 5 yrs unnoticed yet Christ seen it all...and still preachin thinkin the blessings of the most high was still upon him....we have to ponder this!!
The Bible does tell how God sovereignly uses sins & wrongdoings...but it also tells how those committing them WILL be judged. It also warns us to (as our brothers here said) FLEE them. It also says that shepherds/teachers will be held to a higher standard as they have a greater responsibility. These BIBLICAL TRUTHS/WARNINGS are important to make known (as these brothers are doing) as we follow the commands to exhort fellow believers to follow Christ & live rightly!
Being a calvinist i put the responsibility for Steve Lawsons sin and your comment as 100% human responsibility for which God will expect an account be given him
Lawson is a Calvinite who teaches that the Calvinite god DETERMINES EVERYTHING! You Calvinite’s seem to forget this when it’s convenient. Calvinism teaches that God himself PLANNED LAWSONS ADULTERY BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD! I know you don’t want to hear it but please be consistent with your own philosophy!!!!!!!!!!!
You are correct. And God did know this would happen. Who am I to question what God has planned for each and every one of us. I love the commercial where the guy trips somebody and they look up at him like he did something wrong an a second later a car would have ran that person over. This is just one more lesson that we are all sinners and even the elders sin that we look up to as teachers. I pray that Steve repents and learns from this.
And this type of thing never happens to the type of preacher you approve of?? Are you revelling in Steve Lawsons fall? Perhaps refect on what this says about your Christ likeness ?
@@PhilipBaker-sf4yv.I have no pity on Calvinite wolves . It’s the poor duped Christian who sits under his heretical teaching is who I pray for! Give me a verse where I should extend grace to wolves!!! I’ll wait. Calvinites are a cult with so many similarities to Jehovahs Witnesses. Christ died for ALL AND ANYONE CAN BE SAVED! Not just the few “reformed” gnostics!
I feel for his poor wife. The years long betrayal is pretty unforgivable. I'm not sure I could even look at his face again. Such a tragedy.
Very good discussion. The consequences of sexual sin are devastating and will be with you for life. Oh, the stories I could tell of my own. I grieve for Lawson for the damage this does to Christ, his(Lawson's) family, and his church. Fame is also an addictive drug and Lawson has fallen hard. I pray for his repentence and for his family.
The takeaways I’ve picked up from this are:
1. No one is above a fall. There’s your take heed ladies and gentlemen
2. It is perfectly fine to be saddened and grieved when your pastor fails
3. I’m not a pastor/elder, but I do follow the Billy Graham rule. Because I love my wife, and I don’t want anyone to think I would ever do anything like that
4. Be praying for your pastor. He too is a man who can be tempted. We ought to be doing everything we can to make sure our pastors don’t fail
And finally, this was a great listen. You’ve got a new subscriber
As an elder, there are certain things that if a pastor gets involved in he disqualifies him from office permanently. Sexual sin is certainly one of these things. But the church should seek to restore him, that is to restore the fellowship he has with the church through encouraging him to repent and show signs of that repentance over a period of time. He can be restored to fellowship and can serve the church in other way as a lay person. But he is no longer qualified to be a pastor. One cannot read first Timothy and not realize this.
I appreciate Josh bringing up the issue with people saying any one of us is moments away from adultery and that sexual sin is no worse than lying, etc.
These were bothering me and you articulated it well.
Good podcast, guys!
13:47-14:16: Absolutely a key component. Thank you for saying this.
Steve Lawson, more than anyone else in the many years that I have been born again, has influenced my theology and Christian life. His series on the attributes of God exposed how I had “squeezed” God into God is love, which He is, and shortsighted myself to His other attributes, such as wrath, justice, judgment, and vengeance. His teaching on the Trinitarian Jesus, the resurrected Jesus, showed how I had also locked Him into the Godman Jesus of the gospels, ignoring the resurrected Jesus who threatened churches in Revelation with serious consequences if they didn’t repent. It showed me that the Trinitarian Jesus, God the Son, is demanding when it comes to sin in the church - and in my life. Stop sinning! Steve’s teachings unmasked the sentimentalist Jesus I had grown accustomed to who is soft on sin, the Jesus of most of the American church and in my life: not the “real” Jesus. God used Steve to instill in me that Jesus “demands” me to live a holy life. I believe when saved you are saved forever. But Jesus is also my Judge, and of all born-again believers. Jesus will see the agony of His soul and be satisfied (Isaiah 53: 11); all born-again believers whom He redeemed are the agony of His soul. And I want Him to be fully satisfied with me because I took sin seriously beyond new birth to live a holy life. God used Steve Lawson to teach me it and to move forward to where I am today - and the knowledge of the Word to keep moving forward until I reach heaven. Never once did I think of him as a celebrity preacher, nor on a pedestal - only as a man who rightly divided the Word of God. Be careful how you denigrate his work. And him. You could be guilty of sin right along with Steve.
@dennisbelkofer1311 So let me ask you. Now that SL has had his 5 year plan exposed, would you point a babe in Christ towards SL’s past ministry resources? If so, would that cause a stumbling block when that babe finds out about SL’s double life hypocrisy?
I agree it is proper and right for him to be permanently removed from pastoral ministry his teachings on the other hand should not be. The Truth is the Truth and just because he was in sin, whether during the time of his teaching or not, does not make him a false teacher. A hypocrite yes, but still a man rightfully dividing the Word of God. His teachings have always been respected in the past and so if he wasn’t called out for false doctrine then, why should we erase his prolific body of work now. It’s still the Truth. He has a vast knowledge of Scripture that in my opinion is and has been extremely helpful in understanding the Bible. Sin does not change God’s Holy Writ.
His podcast Men Who Rocked The World was pivotal in me being grounded in the gospel after my high school graduation
"5 year" affair with a VERY young women. Preaching and writing books etc... all the while. Was he caught and had no choice but to step down? Or is this his own turning and stating his fault? Sounds like her Father found out and blackmailed him...
You'll never see anyone in the early church restored to episcopacy. To the church yes.
Perminately disqualified for futute ministry .... he is now not " above reproach" .... but repentenance would keep him in the church ... just not in leadership
Pastors, teachers, leaders of all sides are prone to sin .It is so much more glaring when a Calvinist sins like Lawson did. The reason being is that they are so condescending. I know, I was a Reformed, Orthodox Presbyterian, Calvinist for 57 years. We all idolized different past and current pillars in the faith. From Calvin, Knox, and Machen, to Sproul, McArthur, Bauchman, & Washer. We all quoted or used their sayings in our sermons, theology, and doctrinal conversations.
I suspect that Reformed Baptists, and PCA folk had their own mini circle of idols like we OPCers did. Heck, I loved Piper's books, I listened to Begg for years. B.B. Warfield, Ferguson, Ryken, Horton, Beeke, & Boice were all great influences.
The problem began with these Reformed Conferences the various camps started. Many of these men stopped being preachers/shepherds and became Reformed Rock Stars. White, Lawson, Washer, McArthur, and to some extent Sproul began to believe and relish this status.
There is something fundamentally wrong with a doctrine and by extension a local church that allows something like Lawson's sin go on for five plus years. When Pastors are away from their churches at 2-4 day conferences as much as 3-4 times per year, there is no real accountability. "Things" begin to be neglected, wife, children, grandchildren, flock, God, etc.
The elders of Lawson's church should have seen something, there is no way that Lawson could not have shown something to indicate what he was involved in.
Calvinism has done more harm to the Church than anything else besides Roman Catholicism.
The reason I grieve for Lawson and his ilk, is because he has a form of godliness but denies it's power.
2 Tim. 3:1-9 sums up this current situation. Lawson regularly was a boaster, proud, unloving, unforgiving, a slanderer, obviously did not have self-control, was head-strong, and obviously a lover of pleasure.
Unfortunately, Calvinist's resist the truth, 2 Tim 3:8, thus are disapproved concerning the faith. Verse 9 tells us that these men will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was (Jannes & Jambres).
I have watched countless videos of Reformed men and women commenting on Lawson. None of them have used Scripture to rebuke Lawson. They all have used the Scriptures to restore him. Yes, he can be forgiven and hopefully he will repent. That is important to his future.
What is important to the Church, the Bride of Christ is to debunk this spurious doctrine that has plagued it for 1400 years. I implore people to get rid of your Westminster Standards, and Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion and read, study, and pray the Scriptures. Micah 6:8!
Well its not literally one step away. If were one step away were in big trouble if were LITERALLY one step away. But it is easier to fall into that condition where it IS one step away. If you entertain sinful thoughts for long enough say months without breaking that cycle things can begin to happen. Trust me.
This video is very good counsel in regard to this topic.
let me add this:
It is very important that we don't use this as an excuse to normalize or minimize sin, and specifically it tends to feel as if some folks are treating the adultery as if it is only about the sexual sin, as if the extreme betrayal of his wife's confidence is not a major factor which makes Lawson's sin especially abnormal amongst Christians. Even in this video's excellent discussion, that point was not directly mentioned. Human flesh does not crave betrayal the same way it craves sexual satisfaction, and so the betrayal brings an entirely new element to the temptation and the sin. Come to think of it, this matter was addressed in this video, but it was framed up in regard to power fantasy.
You shouldn't be afraid to say names!! How can we k ow ro stay away from certain teachers if you don't tell us who you're referring to. THEY are the ones who put themselves in situations....THEY are in the public eye!! THEY need to have their named mentioned as a part of responsibility.
Amen amen
NAME NAMES
I agree with the statement that men that may not been popular in school or with peers go into ministry for the power they have over a congregation. I was a church secretary for 25 years and saw this multiple times with pastors. Some that couldn’t have made a decent living in the secular world
? Was Steve Lawson Ever Saved to begin with ?? He previously castigates fellow believers who struggle with such sins ( Lust ) . I would like to hear Steve Lawson's testimony on how he came to Salvation.
That is for God to judge. He sinned, he didn’t renounce his faith. His life going forward will be a better indicator of where he stands.
1John 3: 4-9
You are right
@@phillipaj.5588 so are claiming Christians no longer sin? The Apostle Paul disagrees.
A testimony doesn't prove or disprove anything. If he repents and continues looking to Christ, then this is the fruit of grace.
Everything that comes to pass is ordained by God, even this, even the pain his poor wife is in, even the immortal shame the other woman has brought in her family. And it’s all for the glory of God. Praise him at all times with happy voices, even times like these.
Very important point @ around 14 minutes; couples must cultivate an interest in each other.
1st Corinthians 7
@3:40. You cautioned not to be cautious that ‘everone is [susceptible to immorality]’. I wonder if S Lawson used to preach that sentiment before his fall? How are we learning from other’s mistakes here? 1Cor. 10:12 ‘Let him who thinks he stand take heed lest he fall’. Unless you believe in achieving sinless perfection, or received your glorified body (died the 1st death)-that applies to every one of us, including believers.
If Steve had killed his wife would you still say you are one step away from killing your wife? I don't think you would.
Great job, fellas!
I heard he never wanted to be a pastor again after his earlier experiences. He may have had a title like “preacher”. He almost never took his wife. He pastored before in my town and it didn’t go well. I find him to be harsh, angry and arrogant- coinciding with your character comment.
Truth is truth no matter the source
You use the example that David committed adultery and murder and we have the psalms. Was he repentant and restored prior to those? I don’t think it’s the same. If SL was giving sermons, going to conferences, doing videos, writing books while practicing adultery, I can’t listen or read anything from him. I don’t mean this to be cruel. I pray for all involved. This is horrible and I do look at myself and pray I don’t fall in some way. Just some thoughts.
Yes and all the while receiving praise from all his audience. What a hypocrite!
@@Johna4536 thank youuu!!! So much for that. That is so true. As ive said before I never followed him as in buyin his books listening to his talks everywhere... Rc Sproul is one of thee men i truly followed and still do alrhough i preffered his Calassroom lecture teacgings. Most of his sermons good.
His sin is unfortunate, yet forgivable. My BIGGER problem is his theology. Teaching Only a pre-selected elect few will irresistibly turn to Christ & all others can't they will get the wrath they deserve...is not the Good News Jesus or Paul preached.
@@mikelyons2831tell me you don’t know Church History, without telling me you don’t know Church History. Reformed Theology is directly the cause God used to bring kings under the law. Read Roman’s without stopping then get back to me.
@@mikelyons2831 yeeah i agree.. you know lately the church i guess since Reformation time whenever that occured has opened up dangerous so called churxh dogma..it all has to do with readin the Verses some cant just read it for what it says. So u get theories.and higher criticism academic theoriea into scripture and this is what we get as of know. MY concern are his followers so damaging to their spirit which can it could led to some falling awat..i believe this. Im not a memeber of any churxh here in LA. And i feelnfor them. It irritates me knowin Christ allowed this to Hap for 5yrs with someone who was in their 20s. For 5 years and it didnt affext his Conscience..also the lord allowed this without any kind of tribulations or curse on Lawson. Thats what it says in Corinthians. Lord had paul to pronounce that man to hand him over to satan so that his spirit will be presereved or saves. U know that pasaage. This upsets me. Glad i wasnt a follower of him. As ive said in these utubes his style
Didnt attract perhaps Christ protected me from what was to take place and herw it is. I follow. Rc sproul..john piper.james white.martyn lloyd jones
Who else not much of Macarthur these days..hank Hannegraaf..ken ham to an extent. And more
How about these:
1. Is it possible that a determinist/compatibilist soteriology may leave a person vulnerable?
2. Is it possible that we have actually the wrong structures in place, which we are not willing to abandon/reform?
1: No.
2: Yes.
Just a word to young men holding forth on this incident: in the goodness of God you have many years to live, and your words, once uploaded to the internet, will be there for years to come, to be cut and pasted into commentaries on scenarios that you presently think impossible. 'be quick to hear, slow to speak' (James 1:19)
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jas 1:19). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
I saw a YT video the other day which mentioned that SL was not in a pastoral role at TBC. He was the Lead Preacher, but did not participate in shepherding the flock. He was not an elder at TBC. It bothered me to discover this, because it seems like the biblical definition of a hireling.
This is an exertion of power resulting in a 5 year exertion of that power over a susceptible person.
David was a king of Israel, SL was an elder of Christ's church, two different context with two different pre-requisites.
One thing I don’t hear anyone considering is that if we continue to purchase and share resources from Stephen Lawson, he will continue to financially profit from it which he should not be doing.
I agree.
So many You Tube videos are being made about Steve Lawson! Why so many? I can't help wonder when it will STOP? Maybe he should make a You Tube video and speak to the people & come clean? I am confused!
Teachers, politicians, lawyers, judges, police officers, etc all must follow a professional code of conduct. Otherwise they lose their job. Why should a spiritual leader not lose his right to instruct over immorality?
As Protestants why is it that his “teachings” are so revered? Why do you even need them. I thought the Bible was all you needed?
On whether or not to still listen/read Lawsons content, I think it depends on the context of the scandal. Given that he put on a “Godly Christian” front for the last 5 years, there’s a major trust issue now. I could not take him seriously when listening to him or reading his books.
"he put on a “Godly Christian” front for the last 5 years, there’s a major trust issue now" exactly how I feel.
Is it possible that perhaps his pride is what opened the door to his fall? Most of his sermons and talks concerning sexual purity came across a bit prideful. His being a virgin at age 30 when he married and the way he bragged about how sexually pure he was came across somewhat prideful.
Who was that unnamed guy?
I think that, like cristian community we have the obligation pray for him, in midly of contrevertial situation and we are less indicated to judge him. blessing
Mathew 18:6- 7 ......it's a full message.
I'm familiar with your ministry. Your interpretation of the Lawson scandal maybe meaningful especially to me since I have been one big sinner. I tire of numerous religious commentators Rushing to comment on Lawson because it seems too much like click bait. One major reason that the reformed community is extremely concerned about Lawson is the fact that Lawson was selected and being groomed by Ligonier Ministries to replace RC Sproul. Matthew Everhard commented succinctly on Lawson; I wish everyone else had left it alone: www.youtube.com/watch?
I agree. Many really want to distance themselves from him for some good and not so good reasons.
Lawson is Dispy, in what way is he replacing RC?
No physical fornication!
People are really crazy in thinking he could go back to ministry. Don't be ignorant! He's already 73. He's too old to be in leadership already. At what age he gonna be a pastor again? He's not gonna have the same mind he had before way back ago to write books. How long his discipline and restoration gonna last? When he almost 80? What memory he gonna have at that time? He suppose to retire already. He's old enough. He just have to ask God to forgive him and apologize with people who followed him. But he's too old to be a pastor already. He need to retire but attend to church.
I don’t care about reformed and Calvinism.
I care about the gospel and keep my eyes on Jesus.
If Dr. S. Lawson is reformed, what has his fall to do with Reformation at all ???
I would agree a lot of pastors were nerds as kids but Lawson was the QB of a college football team.
Speaking of Billy Graham, check out a book called Billy Graham and His Friends: A Hidden Agenda? by Dr. Cathy Burns.
Yall don't want to know who all onew but kept using him to cash checks? You gonna let Steve keep all that money? No wonder it keeps happening, weak response
Ironically,
Dr. Steven J. Lawson,
a married 73 year old Calvinist preacher,
and founder of One Passion ministries,
also had an additional Secret Passion :
he was secretly having an inappropriate relationship with a 20 something year old woman,
for the last 5 years,
until her father finally confronted him,
and ultimately threatened to expose him unless he exposed himself,
every detail of which,
according to his nefarious philosophy,
was already meticulously decreed before time ever began,
thus giving a whole new philosophical twist to the infamous old phrase "bad grandpa"...
Joel Beeke refers to his wife as "The Queen." So sweet.
Hmm..not sure about this. He’s elevating his wife to a position she doesn’t have. How about his wife is just his wife?
@@Ivanos-p4n Well my Wife is my Queen.
@@princybella5386😂
@@Ivanos-p4nI am sure Mary Beeke treats him like a king, as a godly wife should.
@@Ivanos-p4nI remember now that Mary Beeke wears a hat in church, according to the head-covering verses of I Corinthians 11, an expression of her position in relation to her husband. I think the Beekes are a beautiful example of a godly couple.
The Bible never gives anyone the title of "pastor," yet many today claim it for themselves, often to elevate their status and build their personal empires. Nowhere in Scripture do we see a single individual called to rule over a congregation with such authority. Instead, leadership was shared among humble elders, overseers, and servants of the church, not self-appointed "pastors" who fleece their flocks.
Many so-called pastors today use this unbiblical title to manipulate, profit, and live in comfort at the expense of those they claim to shepherd. They sell false hope, twisting the Word of God to fill their pockets. This is not the way of Christ, who came to serve and not be served. If you call yourself a pastor while seeking personal gain, you should repent. The role of a true servant of God is marked by humility, sacrifice, and faithfulness to His Word, not by titles, wealth, or power.
That's not true. The Bible gives the title pastor to someone... his name is pastor Jesus.
(I agree with you;)
We have thousands upon thousands of solid resources on just about every topic related to the Bible and biblical theology. There's no need to recommend materials that come with extra baggage.
How dare anyone put me in the category of being one step away from cheating on my husband. Seriously do not blanket all of us with you flighty words.
Pastors are not meant to be our example.
Then why the high demands for integrity and character on Scripture?
Be careful what you say when you have no details. That is, you might be jumping to conclusions. Perhaps he is as guilty as they say - but the carefully worded statement about an "inappropriate" relationship says very little, and invites much speculation.
Well, the details have come out so nobody should be “jumping” to conclusions.
And if adultery ends up being the "nature" of the "inappropriate" relationship, shame on his church for soft pedaling it
1John 3 : 6-9
Not sure where you Get your info as it relates to Pastors who fall Were the first ones out in Dodgeball and the last one picked for Wiffle Ball. Steve Lawson I believe Played division 1 football at Texas A&M. You might want to Do a little more in-depth research before Making comments like that. It makes you look childish.
He prefaced it repeatedly that it was anecdotal
His statement was general and I didn’t take it as referencing Lawson.
More silly Talk here let's step it up folks. The topic of the day that is all buzzing around is about Steve Lawson. If I go to a town and meet three people with blue eyes, I won't call home Until My friends Most everybody in this area has blue eyes. Way way to General and Sounds like You're just talking to fill the Air. The comments don't add anything to the conversation So what's the point. He's smirking as he says it. I just stumbled into your channel thinking maybe there was Some mature conversation going on but Doesn't look like it so I'll keep it moving. All you need is a Microphonein front of you And a bookshelf behind you, And people will fool themselves into thinking They have something to say. Which is really Because earlier in the discussion Someone else was Making good points about Pastors having Good character Emily As opposed to Diplomas hanging on the wall From the right schools. Major League disconnect here. Tighten things up on the ship And maybe I'll drop in again sometime.
Voice texting and driving so sorry for some of the grammatical miscues, But you get the point
@MiniMovers4U its a trueism positions of power often attract weak men, or men seeking power.
Its a regular problem for police depts ect
Interestingly I realize i never was a fan of him nor his style maybe waay early like 2000 ish of his talks at Sheph. Confer. I heard yeeah we was good on fire passionate but i never really followed him It appears he wasnt preachin in the spirit albeit in a academic style...hint hint..church. Lloyd jones i wish he was here on Earth. Hes the man of awesome sermons.
@@phillipaj.5588 bless you my friend. I love his Romans wooow. I beleive he is an Amill sort of yet construed from Rim. 11 that there is hope for Israel itself ....but he believed a true israel feom Among Israel thats where todays hot topic is confused....
What do you mean he wasn't preaching in the spirit?
@@AslanRising lets ponder this rumor has it he was with a 20 ish person for 5 yrs unnoticed yet Christ seen it all...and still preachin thinkin the blessings of the most high was still upon him....we have to ponder this!!
What if this was part of Gods plan?? That God decreed for Lawson to fall?
Who are you O man to argue?? Isn’t God sovereign??
The Bible does tell how God sovereignly uses sins & wrongdoings...but it also tells how those committing them WILL be judged. It also warns us to (as our brothers here said) FLEE them. It also says that shepherds/teachers will be held to a higher standard as they have a greater responsibility. These BIBLICAL TRUTHS/WARNINGS are important to make known (as these brothers are doing) as we follow the commands to exhort fellow believers to follow Christ & live rightly!
Being a calvinist i put the responsibility for Steve Lawsons sin and your comment as 100% human responsibility for which God will expect an account be given him
Do you even understand what you're saying? Do you know what it means for God to decree something? Do you have any sense of the weight of mocking God?
If you are going to erase Steve Lawson, why don't you erase king David? Hypocrites!!!
Lawson is a Calvinite who teaches that the Calvinite god DETERMINES EVERYTHING! You Calvinite’s seem to forget this when it’s convenient. Calvinism teaches that God himself PLANNED LAWSONS ADULTERY BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD! I know you don’t want to hear it but please be consistent with your own philosophy!!!!!!!!!!!
You are correct. And God did know this would happen. Who am I to question what God has planned for each and every one of us. I love the commercial where the guy trips somebody and they look up at him like he did something wrong an a second later a car would have ran that person over. This is just one more lesson that we are all sinners and even the elders sin that we look up to as teachers. I pray that Steve repents and learns from this.
And this type of thing never happens to the type of preacher you approve of?? Are you revelling in Steve Lawsons fall? Perhaps refect on what this says about your Christ likeness ?
@@PhilipBaker-sf4yv.I have no pity on Calvinite wolves . It’s the poor duped Christian who sits under his heretical teaching is who I pray for! Give me a verse where I should extend grace to wolves!!! I’ll wait. Calvinites are a cult with so many similarities to Jehovahs Witnesses. Christ died for ALL AND ANYONE CAN BE SAVED! Not just the few “reformed” gnostics!
@@PhilipBaker-sf4yv. And Calvinism teaches that Lawson’s fall was a direct result of the Calvinite god PLANNING IT BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD!
@@johndisalvo6283 Is your misrepresentation of Calvinism due to a lack of understanding or malice?