Jim Lincoln wrote:
My pastor skipped a sermon that would be part of a series to discuss this topic and point out that,
Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ---ESV
from http://tinyurl.com/hwy283u

Geoff wrote:
Psa 50:16 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

Jim Lincoln wrote:
FG, I don't know if John Piper can be put in the same category is Rick Warren. does he have some strange beliefs? yes he's a Continuist for one thing, q.v., [URL=https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Piper_(theologian)]]]John Piper (Theologian)[/URL] .
He does show some good thinking, however, on pastor compensation. [URL=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/piper-on-pastors-pay]]]Piper on Pastors’ Pay[/URL]
Well, I don't know what I would prefer, but I don't think I like cremation - - what is some of your nerve endings are still working? there have been a few people that are found to be alive on the mortician's table! So, I wouldn't look forward to being cremated.