Transgender Wedding Controversy: Alistair Begg Doubles Down, John Piper Response!

Table of Contents:

00:04 - Intro
01:19 - Begg Pastoral Counsel
04:22 - American Family Association Response
09:19 - John Piper Response
13:10 - Conclusion

Welcome to Chronicles of Clarity, where we explore the most pressing issues at the intersection of faith, ethics, and society. Today, we delve into a heated controversy that has sparked debate across the Christian community.

🔥 Controversial Stance: In a surprising turn of events, Alistair Begg, a respected Christian leader, advised a grandmother to attend her transgender grandson's wedding, a stance that goes against the grain of traditional Christian teachings. This video offers an in-depth look at his controversial counsel.

👴 John Piper's Counter: Renowned theologian John Piper has responded, arguing that Begg's advice does not align with Christian values. We dissect Piper's reasoning, contrasting it with Begg's perspective to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.

💬 Begg's Firm Stance: When questioned, Alistair Begg did not back down but reaffirmed his position. This video examines his rationale and explores the broader implications of his unwavering stance on such a sensitive and divisive topic.

👥 Community Reaction: The response from the Christian community has been varied and intense. We highlight some key reactions from different sects and individuals, giving you a pulse on the current state of the debate.

🤔 Your Thoughts: This is more than just a debate; it's a conversation about faith, compassion, and modern challenges. What do you think about Begg's and Piper's stances? Join the conversation in the comments below.

👍 Support and Engage: If you value thoughtful, balanced discussions on challenging topics, please like, share, and subscribe. Your engagement helps us continue providing in-depth analysis on issues that matter to you.

[impish]

You are the first channel that played these two comments by two well known and respected pastors, side by side. It was an important thing to do because it gave such clarity and voice to why attending a gay marriage is sin. Thank you for this very important video.

[remonel]

I went through this with my sister-in-law, who "married" a woman. I didn't go and refuse to apologize about my decision.

[kathymoussa]

Alistair Begg is still a torch illuminating the Gospel. He is a man that struggles prayerfully with decisions, as we all do, in each individual case he has to face.I am so thankful for his ministry on the TV. Even if I may not have made the same choices as he made in this particular situation. I was there in Keswick when he spoke on this particular subject. He was quite clear about his stance . He will not condone same sex marriage. Hundreds of people heard him, and heard also him saying "They are not our enemies" .The whole Tent gave him an unusual applaud. We usually don't clap ministers after they speak. Everyone was relieved that he addressed this topic, as many people have to struggle with it.
Rather Aistair Beggs ministry any day, then people who without knowing it have become only judgemental and forgotten how Jesus got down with sinners, after all that's what we all are.

[rosendegwa]

But why is EVERYONE disregarding the qualification AB gave at the beginning of that response: which is "Does your grandson understand your stance as a Christian and that you do not approve about the union"???
That to me is what everyone seems to be missing.

[abelfierro]

I would share with the grandchild my disagreement and how his decision breaks my heart and God’s heart, but I would attend, letting him know that I can’t be happy for him.

[joer]

This topic hits home. I attended an engagement party for 2 men, one of which was a nephew. I informed my family, wife and kids, that they would not be allowed to go. My mother and the entire family (not my kids and wife) saw myself as hateful. I asked my mom, where’s the party for all the rest of our sins, the adultery, the drugs, the alcohol, the lying, etc; They said that’s different. I went to the event and told everyone there I loved them but do not support this event. That was not good enough in their eyes. Let us not forget at weddings you are there affirming the sacrament. You are told to speak now or forever hold your peace because this is what God has joined. I’ve spent 50 years with my family for thanksgiving. This year was the first time I was not invited.

[bethfollowerofChrist]

Alistair Begg did a beautiful sermon on this Compassion vs Condemnation. These are very difficult times to walk as a Chirstian. He handled the sermon, so well. I am in agreement with Pastor Begg and find know biblical error in his response. Condemnation closes the door; Compassion leave it open for the Gospel. This has been helpful in knowing how to deal with family events and knowing how to respond.

[plum]

My heart breaks because I have a family member that married in a same-gender relationship. I say that it's tough, because I have real love for the person. After prayer, we decided to love the person though not "approve" of the "act" of marriage, which is not defined. Now, more than a half decade has elapsed and children are involved. We are so joyful, and we thank God continuously. We do condemn that worldly process... but condemning the people would have irreparable consequences. I do not sense the Lord telling me to hate them, but to, even now, love them. And, we do. And we praise God for every remembrance of them... yet still not approving. When we have meals together, we pray... and we are genuine in doing so. When we write, we bring the Lord into our communication. I'm not confused. I simply do not hate them... and I don't do hateful and unkind acts (or attitudes) toward them... and I seek the Lord's "help" in this, even knowing what Scriptures teach. Unless the Lord tells me, I will love them (as agape as my spirit and will can muster with His help) until the Lord calls me home or the Lord hits me on the head with a 2-by-4. May God be glorified as we move toward His perfection!

[johnheaphy]

Alistair Begg gave very specific advice to a specific person in a very specific circumstance. He made it very clear that the event was against the will of God and the grandmother had made it very clear to her loved one her position as a Christian. This grandson is living the life of an unbeliever and as such is living as an unrepentant sinner in need of redemption and needs the loving guidance of a grandmother's witness as she lives a godly life for him to see. Godly witness is loving witness not alienation through condemnation. This is a fallen world we live in already condemned by God save for the godly love of people who love God and neighbor. As that event was progressing that grandson's heart may have been stirred by the presence of his grandmother knowing her disapproval yet lovingly there. Who among us does not have loved ones living lives apart from God that we pray for continually desiring their redemption. Getting people to change their behavior doesn't save them from God's judgement and His wrath. It's not the gospel message.

[Psalmchild]

How many have knowingly attended the wedding of those:

-who were fornicators (sex before marriage)?
-who were previously married and divorced?
-who were adulterers?
-who were liars/slanderers?
-who were thieves?
-who were idolators?

And what shall we say then?

We must fully abide in the Holy Spirit and stand faithful in the truth of the Word of our Lord and we must be careful in not being quick to condemn and accuse according to the cultural evils of the day.

May the Lord give all who seek by His Spirit His wisdom and grace- May He lead us in truth on this narrow path in righteousness and humility.

[stevearcus]

I'm glad Alistair Begg is standing firm. He has made it plain his position on such marriages, but also knows to have the best outcome cutting communication and not showing Grandma's Christian beliefs will not further the gospel. For all those who disagree and condem him, if you are without sin yourselves you may cast the first stone.

[becky-hxge]

Most people that disagree are not grandparents.
This was advice to a

[lisamathis]

I don't think Pastor Begg is not supporting the lifestyle, but rather he is encouraging the grandmother to show her love, not asking to condone the grandchild's lifestyle. He is telling her she is not to judge, but to love.

[theshooterszone]

Alistair really nailed it on how the life of Christ should flow through us and not be the Pharisee on the sidelines with no love, grace, mercy and compassion all this in which we were once given and were not deserving of. Should a Christian withhold that which they were once given is the question?

[marilynnewland]

I would also not attend the wedding, but would you have the same response if the couple had gotten divorced outside of God's guidelines some years earlier and are not currently believers? I just think we have to be careful in separating this situation from other sins involving adultery in a past life. Many of my relatives are re-married and I didn't refuse to go to the wedding because of it. Alistair is not perfect so I think making a blanket rejection of his ministry is not the thing to do.

[daviddeppisch]

Everyone just take a moment and really try to understand what Begg is saying. If the grandson knows the faith and stance of the grandmother then he knows there is love, but also knows there is not approval!

[laynehansen]

Christians should stop expecting non-believers to behave like those with faith in Christ.

[esperanzagilpo]

Hard fact is, not very many of us truly grasp the whole counsel of God written in the Scripture;we tend to listen to people we assumed spiritual and mature.Let’s search the scriptures and let God speak to us.❤

[joshdrichardson]

I appreciate using John Piper to give the correct way that we should view this issue, but putting in your video title 'John Piper response' is a little misleading. It read like JP had responded to AB, which isn't the case.

[adalbertorosa]

As christians are we to show the world what we can and cannot do(Law)?Or do we show them grace(Love)? We forget this is how God dealt with us. While we were dead in sin he saved us. Homosexuals are dead in sin. You going or not going doesn’t change them. But you going and Loving them despite how you feel about the relationship opens up doors for gospel conversations. Which is what AB was saying. Have we forgotten the heart of the Gospel? Loving a fallen and broken world? Love is not just saying truth and standing by it with your chest out. Love is doing difficult things like showing up to a homosexual wedding with tears in your eyes because you oppose the marriage and giving them the Word of God as a gift. Which is what our faith is A GIFT!!! Im grateful AB gave that advice and he even stated he wouldn’t do it in every situation. I can say I agree with AB because my son got married to another man almost a year ago. I told him where I stood and dont agree . And when they said their vows we stepped out of the room. At the end he told us thank you for loving me even tho you dont agree with me. This is what God did with us. He loved us while we were rebellious. And if anyone says what we can and cannot do as a response is missing the point of what we are allowed to do which is Love. Love requires action not just words