Rick Warren in conflict with the Word of God

Rick Warren in conflict with the Word of God

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:1

All Bible references made are from the King James Version.

“Warren predicts that fundamentalism, of all varieties, will be ‘one of the big enemies of the 21st century.’ ” “The Purpose Driven Pastor” article written by Paul Nussbaum in the Philadelphia Inquirer published on January 8, 2006.

RW “Today there really aren't that many Fundamentalists left; I don't know if you know that or not, but they are such a minority; there aren't that many Fundamentalists left in America.” Rick Warren’s interview at The Pew Forum on Religion on May 23, 2005.

The five principles of fundamentalism; the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible, the deity of Christ, the substitutionary atonement of Christ, the resurrection of Christ, and the second coming of Christ.

RW “God won’t ask about your religious background or doctrinal views” The Purpose Driven Life p. 34

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9)

RW “Try praising God without using the words ‘praise, hallelujah, thanks, or amen.” The Purpose Drive Life p. 104

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD. Psalm 106:48

Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 106:1

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven saying, Alleluia, Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: Revelation 19-1

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is jealous, is a jealous God” Exodus 34:14

RW “From the Bible we can surmise that God will ask us… What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ? The Purpose Driven Life p. 34

RW “ God won't ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him?” The Purpose Drive Life p. 34

“What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?” This question is not found in the Holy Scripture. This question is Rick Warren’s addition to the Word of God speaking on behalf of God.

“God won't ask about your religious background or doctrinal views.” This statement is not found in the Holy Scripture. This statement is Rick Warren’s addition to the Word of God speaking on behalf of God.

“The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him?”

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a mere acceptance of what He did and learning to love Him; but to repent and believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. What matter the most to the Lord Jesus Christ is the purity of the doctrine, and God’s work manifest in the believer.

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14-15

RW “I invite you to bow your head and quietly whisper the prayer that will change your eternity, ‘Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you.” “If you sincerely meant that prayer congratulations! Welcome to the family of God!” The Purpose Driven Life p. 58

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7: 13-14

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22: 19

RW “God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do” The Purpose Driven Life p.177

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 1 Thess. 4:1-2

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Phil. 1: 10-11

RW The Bible says, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11from the Messenger Version- God's purpose gives life meaning and value by Rick Warren Issue #191 1/26/2005

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Ephesians 1:11

This verse is in reference to the regenerate children of God, not for everybody. In doing so, Mr. Warren is speaking on behalf of God and adding to His Word.

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Revelation 22:18

RW “Use ‘breath prayers’ throughout the day, as many Christians have done for centuries. You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath.” The Purpose Driven Life p. 89

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matthew 6:7

RW “The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. What they need are serving experiences in which they can exercise their spiritual muscles” The Purpose Driven Life p. 231

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church’s “ Doctrinal Statement” #2-Sin- Every person, although endowed with the image of God, inherited a disobedient heart from Adam, the very first man. This attitude of disobedience (called sin in the Bible) - unless rectified through Christ - forever keeps man from forming a relationship with his Creator.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Romans 8:3

RW “The point Paul is making is that we must be willing to adjust our worship practices when unbelievers are present (1 Corinthians 14:23). God tells us to be sensitive to the hang-ups of unbelievers in our services. Although Paul never used the term ‘Seeker Sensitive,’ he definitely pioneered the idea.” The Purpose Driven Church p. 243

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 1Corinthians 14:23

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Romans 3:11

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

Mr. Warren quotes Proverbs 16:4 from the New Living Translation to make his point "The Lord has made everything for his own purposes." The Purpose Driven Life heading of Chapter 7

“The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for punishment.” Proverbs 16:4

Mr. Warren quotes Psalm 14:2 from The Living Bible to make his point “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who are wise, who want to please God.” The Purpose Driven Life p.76

“The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.” Psalm 14:2

“They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” Psalm 14:3

RW “Whenever I judge another believer, four things instantly happen: I lose fellowship with God, I expose my own pride, I set myself to be judged by God, and I harm the fellowship of the church.” Purpose Driven Church p. 164

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 1 Corinthians 2:15

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.1 Corinthians 14:29

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.1 John 4:1

RW ‘The task of church leadership is to discover and remove growth-restricting diseases and barriers so that natural, normal growth can occur.” Purpose Driven Church p.16

RW “There may be people in your church who love God sincerely, but who will never, ever change.” “I'm saying some people are going to have to die or leave.” What to do when your church hits a plateau by Rick Warren Issue #263 June 14, 2006

Dan Sutherland “ Not all of our traditional backgrounded Christians have been critical - just the ornery ones. Our second source of criticism is traditional church pastors. Again, not all traditional church pastors - just the meaner ones. Transitioning: Leading Your Church Through Change by Dan Sutherland p.116

Dan Sutherland “ If you have read Nehemiah recently, you will remember that Sanballat is Nehemiah's greatest critic and number one enemy. Let me put it plainer than that. Sanballat is a leader from hell. We all have some Sanballats in our churches. This is the guy who opposes whatever you propose.... You cannot call this guy a leader from hell to his face - but you could call him Sanballat. Transitioning: Leading Your Church Through Change by Dan Sutherland p.115

Rick Warren’s calls for the expulsion or death of born again regenerate children of God opposing the takeover of purpose driven practices in their churches. According to Rick Warren these pillars of the church are “growth-restricting diseases and barriers” to be removed. Dan Sutherland, Director of Church Transitions, goes one step further as to liken resisting Christians and the Holy Spirit indwelling in them to leaders from hell.

Furthermore the Word of God in Matthew 18:15-17 allows for the separation of a brother who has committed a sin, quite the opposite to a member in obedience to the Word of God resisting to purpose driven practices taking over our churches.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:15-17

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. 3 John 1:9-11

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 2 Timothy 3:1-3

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:19

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Matthew 5:29

Conclusion

Rick Warren’s gospel is good news for his seeker friendly Harry and Mary looking for and getting feel good positive ego enhancing experiences at market-driven assemblies, and bad news for the children of God who got kicked out of their churches and ridiculed as leaders from hell.

The Bible Gospel of God’s grace is bad news, folly, and an offence for the unregenerate Harry and Mary, and good news for the children of God who were convicted of their sins by the Holy Spirit, repented, and believing with all their hearts turned to Jesus Christ as their crucified, buried, and risen Lord and Savior.

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:12-18

Author Dr. Roger H. Brarda