The man, John Piper, probably needs no introduction into your worldview! He has been a gift to the church, and a means of God’s grace through both written and spoken word!

One of the areas that I have personally profited is in his exemplification of a third way between what can be described as a narrow cessationism and a broad charismaticism. In a debate that has been framed by presenting the opponents extreme outliers, with the charismatic, personified as biblically lite, emotionally-gooberific [Yes, I just put that together], and just plain stoopid, while the other, the cessationist, presented as an intellectually stoic, song-less, dead on arrival-avatar.  Piper’s life and ministry, speaks to both positions, accusing with his very witness that both sides are guilty in their extremes!

Recently, Piper has been given a sabbatical period from most of his public ministry, to allow him the time and opportunity to focus on more domestic callings.  However, at the recent, Desiring God National Conference 2010, there was an announcement worth noting!

Although you cannot watch the video on this page, I would encourage you to visit a soon-to-be-hyperlinked-page, where Sam Storms and Justin Taylor present a title that blows Piper’s expectations away.  As you watch, take note of Piper’s reaction and the man-love!

Man-love?

Put a man on a sports field, and you will see many moments of spontaneous outpourings of manly affection.  Change the background in the image, and the actors freeze! Why so? The changing of the circumstance does not affect the nature of the incident… the man-love, does it? Yes, the comfort levels are impacted, but who can deny seeing and believing that this interaction was the overflow of dug-down-deep [to quote a title] relationships in community!

Warning: Cuddle with Care!

Confused?

You need to go and watch the video… HERE… and don’t forget to buy the book… That’s where the Festschrift part comes into it!

For the Fame of His Name

Man of Spin

Picture of Sonny Bill Williams and Tana Umaga Embracing from… HERE!