Focus on Purpose

Focus on Purpose
  The webpage at Saddlebackrescources.com informs the reader:

"The key to life change is focus."


Rick Warren here advertises the sale of "six Rick Warren sermon series with six video-based small group studies by "leading authors".. to help you focus your congregation on these life issues:

•  purpose with Rick Warren
•  marriage with Gary Smalley
•  worship with Buddy Owens
•  finances with Rick Warren, Chip Ingram, and Ron Blue
•  your unique S.H.A.P.E. for life with Erik Rees
• Christian worldview with Rick Warren and Chuck Colson

Rick teaches,
"When people focus on God’s purpose for their lives, they will see and live differently."


Hebrews 12:2 says, "Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith....."

How Do You Open a Lock?.... Bible Study Methods with Rick

Another of Rick Warrens's books is titled, " Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God's Word"

It says.

"Written by America's pastor, Rick Warren, (Who's idea was that to put on this book? ) Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods will help you develop a customized approach (that is, your own approach.") to studying, understanding, and applying the Bible.

IT is an older book that he likes to mention to people, hoping they will want to learn his methods of Bible Study of course.  Amazing,.  He wants people to believe that there are somehow  TWELVE ways YOU can do this?  TWELVE! 

This is the kind of outrageous statement that Rick likest if you think about it, it can make you wonder. "If it is locked, why is there not simply a way to open it?  (like with a  "key.")  What other methods might there be, what might you use to open up a door... to "God's Word"

Does it get you thinking? 

The product description reads:

"Learn how to study the Bible the way Rick Warren does. With simple, step-by-step instructions, America's pastor guides you through twelve different approaches to studying God's Word for yourself. Doing so will help you fulfill the third purpose of The Purpose-Driven® Life: becoming more and more like Jesus

How does Rick Warren Study the Bible?  For the first twenty five years of his minitry he didn;t know God Said anything about having "compassion in the poor!"

And, really? is Rick Warren REALLY "America's pastor? "  No.

This is false advertising right there. There is no ONE PERSON who resides over, speaks for or represents all the churches in America, even though Mr. Rick Warren has attempted to put himself in that position... and many people talk him up that way and have let him do exactly that, (except, of course, ... well, MAYBE.... the Roman Catholic pope!)  

You don't have to study the Bible to know what it says, you hear it, you read it, you listen.  You can study it od course, but's it is not something you must do to believe in JEsus, the One God sent.  But here we see Mr. Warren, makes the study of it seem quite complicated.. after all it is locked... and you have to be able to find the way in..... using one of his "TWELVE methods" 

Yes, it is true, the reason that  Rick Warren has made such a claim to fame is merely the slick marketing of his purpose driven ideas...to the Church.  It's always in his revealing of "secrets" to the itching ears of God's little unsuspecting sheep. 

Rick Warren partners  with the world, and with world leaders to change the church, establish a new paradigmn of seeing things for those who can be moved, but Christians know the church is built on Christ, not purpose.  They also know that humbly bowing down before the Lord Jesus, is the very thing avoided by Rick Warren as he attempts to make us like him and train us all to serve the world... instead of make us Jesus' subject and serve Him.

Christians  know too that if it were possible, even the elect would be decieved, so they stand, on the rock  immovable, they stand strong on the word of God.  Christians know, what they know, because they know what has been revealed by JEsus Christ... That HE is God.

 Christians know that God is the one who has given to mankind the key to "Unlock His Word,"  and it's not revealed by man, not even a man named Rick.

Freedom from the bondages of sin and death, do not come from being able to understand all that is in the Bible, or from doing bible study just like Rick, being as smart as he would have us think he is, nor does it come from learning how to properly live and do all the things that Jesus did.  It comes simply by hearing the gospel truth about Jesus Christ, how he came to earth just as God promised, and how through his death he took upon himself all our sin, and how, now, through faith in him and through his death and resurrection we will be given the promise of eternal life, and a new perspective on life again.  It comes from  hearing the good news of Jesus Christ and repenting and believing on the Savior, Jesus, the one whom God sent to save the world/

Jesus said,

"Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."

 2 Corinthians 4:3----

Therefore seeing we have this ministry,  as we have received mercy, we faint not;

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully;  but by manifestation of the truth  commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God..

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,  lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God,  should shine unto them.

For we preach not ourselves,  but Christ Jesus the Lord;  and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

  

Tools that Transform

1 Kings 6:7 reads:

"The house, 

while it was being built, 

was built of stone prepared at the quarry, 

and there was neither hammer 

nor axe 

nor any iron tool heard in the house 

while it was being built."  NASB

Interesting.  

 Jesus said, he would build his church upon a rock.  He would build it.. then he called Simon, "Peter" which means, "little stone."  

Stone upon stone, this passage in Kings tell us that the temple of God was being built and no tool was being used while it was being built.  All the craftsmanship was done at the quarry where the rocks originated from... right there.  They were brought in ready for service and it was built.t. 

You have to ask then, why Rick is so intent on "using tools" within the church, to build (and grow) the church? 

Someone is building something and they are using "tools" to do it.

TOOLS
        TOOLS
               TOOLS...



Rick Warren often talks about pastors using various "tools of the trade," in fact his special website for pastors to access is his  "Ministry Toolbox."  


 But wait, there's more....



A recent ad at saddleback.com advertises preaching tools.... It reads, "Revolutionize your sermon preparation by using the library of tools that Rick Warren uses"

A Christianity Today article is titled, "Three Tools Saddleback Uses to Help People Grow."

 More "tools".... here.

One gets the impression Rick is a tool salesman.  He even sells Christmas tools.



Here a tool, there a tool, everywhere a tool, tool.  (BE sure to edit search out the word "tool" on these pages!)

There must be a lot of busy  people running around...
building
        building
                  building.


What tool do YOU use???

Rick Speaks... On Important Issues Like Homosexuality

“I oppose the criminalization of homosexuality. The freedom to make moral choices is endowed by God. Since God gives us that freedom, we must protect it for all, even when we disagree with their choices.”

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/12/15/18129

"Now let me say this really clearly: we support Proposition 8 -- and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8. I never support a candidate, but on moral issues I come out very clear."





The issues of homosexuality, and homosexual practices are much greater than simply that of a redefinition of "marriage."  And when if comes to marriage, the concern is more than simply allowing practicing homosexuals to live together and get tax benefits as a couple.  It makes a perception in culture that their sexual behavior is not aberrant, or unnatural... but "normal" and works gives homosexuals grounds to, "like a family " raise not just their own children,(since they cannot procreate together in a natural way,  but  to parent adopted children.  To this end, they will work to force acceptance of homosexual matrimony in the  "church."  but above all of that, homosexuality is a health issue for everyone.  It is a fact.... homosexual behavior is a major contributor to the spread of AIDS.

This may come as a surprise to some people,  but it is as a result of the practices of homosexuality that there are many nations being ravaged by a disease known we know know of as AIDS, a disease that is known to spread most effectively and positively through homosexual contact between people. This terrible and deadly disease has taken a great tole on humanity, particularly in Africa, and as a result, in an effort to reclaim their culture from the disease, they are trying to stop the spread of homosexual practices.  Some African nations,  like Rwanda, the first "purpose Driven Nation"  are taking a hard stand by making laws outlawing the advocacy of homosexuality.

"Rwandan Parliament is scheduled to take up consideration of a change to Rwanda’s penal code which would criminalize homosexuality with a punishment of five to ten years. It would also ban counseling and advocacy that could be interpreted as “encouraging or sensitizing” people to enter into same-sex relationships. " (Box Turtle News)

The San Fransisco Sentinel reported, that such legislation being proposed "would for the first time make homosexuality a crime, punishable by five to 10 years in prison. "

To this Rick Warren responded: “I oppose the criminalization of homosexuality. The freedom to make moral choices is endowed by God. Since God gives us that freedom, we must protect it for all, even when we disagree with their choices.”
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/12/15/18129

But then of course we all heard Rick when it came to making a law redefining the meaning of marriage.  He spoke to his congregation one Sunday about PROPOSITION 8:

"Now here's an interesting thing. There are about two percent of Americans [who] are homosexual or gay/lesbian people. We should not let two percent of the population determine to change a definition of marriage that has been supported by every single culture and every single religion for 5,000 years."


"This is not even just a Christian issue -- it's a humanitarian and human issue that God created marriage for the purpose of family, love, and procreation.   So I urge you to support Proposition 8, and pass that word on. I'm going to be sending out a note to pastors on what I believe about this. But everybody knows what I believe about it. They heard me at the Civil Forum when I asked both Obama and McCain on their views."


"Now let me say this really clearly: we support Proposition 8 -- and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8. I never support a candidate, but on moral issues I come out very clear."

IS homosexuality a moral issue?  

Does Rick support political candidates?  How?

and 

Is he really very clear about this issue?  What does Rick really think and believe?

It's hard to know.  He is full of double speak.

CNN's Larry King Live, Pastor Rick Warren apologized for his support of Prop. 8, California's voter-approved marriage protection amendment, saying he has "never been and never will be" an "anti-gay or anti-gay marriage activist."  Apparently he also privately apologized to gay friends for speaking to his congregation in support of Prop 8.  He told CNN's Larry King, "There were a number of things that were put out. I wrote to all my gay friends -- the leaders that I knew -- and actually apologized to them. That never got out,"

So, Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, apologized to his gay friends in high places?  For what?  

Does Warren support, or does he not.. Proposition 8?

Forward by Rick Warren- The Books Rick Endorses

He who lies down with dogs....

                      will rise up with fleas!"  

                                                                                    (1791, Pindar; Rights of Kings 32

  

Think Email.

When you forward an e-mail to someone what does it mean?  It means you give your approval to the message written up and that you want the recipient to read it too.  In the instances below, Rick Warren FOREWORDS these books.  Therefore, he must think that they are of value for your reading; else... why would he forward and endorse them?

If you're inclined to think that Dr. Rick knows what he is talking about when he talks about the Bible and Christianity, even Jesus Christ our Lord, then his endorsement, his name on the cover and his words opening the book, introducing it to you, the reader, will alert you that he recommends you add it to your personal reading collection.  The problem is that some of these books are anything but a reflection of scriptural thinking and wisdom.  Often they are quite contrary indeed. 

Because this is the case, some people, scratch their heads and wonder why it is that Dr. Rick is happy to "walk" with these authors, put his stamp of approval, even his "good" name on things so contrary to the word of God.  They wonder what it is that they are selling people and why such confusion is coming from the likes of Rick.  Yes, they scratch their heads in amazement....  a bit confused.... but Rick is the one doing the confusion.  One thing is for certain.  Confusion does not come from God.

 Observe Warren's Endorsements:

1.  From Learning to Soar by Avery and Matt Willis

"With the forward by Rick Warren and the preface by Henry Blackaby, this experience will allow you to grow in new ways toward spiritual maturity. discover incredible blessings in unpleasant circumstances.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES:

• Encourage you to leave your comfort zones

• Motivate you to respond to God's stirrings within your heart

• Help you take the risk of trusting God and stepping out into abundant living

• Show you how to soar to unimaginable heights with God, by faith

Did Jesus teach these talking points?  ...."leaving your comfort zone"  (Actually, no.  Jest said, "Come to me and I will give you rest." God gives comfort.) ....He never said, "risk trusting God"....(You see, t "trusting God" be a "sure thing."  Did Jesus teach anything about  "stepping out of your contentment into something called, "abundant living"?  (Well, Jesus promised eternal life; but.... "abundant living.?"  Did he teach you about soaring to "unimaginable heights"....with God.  (and this "by faith?)

If you are a Christian, and you think about it, doesn't this all sound a little reminiscent of the event in Luke chapter 9.? 

There, in the gospels, we read about  how Satan took Jesus and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time and offered him the opportunity to risk jumping and soaring to great heaights (with God.?  After which he also offered him authority and glory... aka "abundant living," (you might say.) Satan told Jesus,  (not a verbatim translation, mind you, "Throw yourself down from here...even though it is risky.  "Whats the matter dude, are you afraid to REALLY trust God? Do this, and I will give you all the kingdoms of this world.  What is the matter, JEsus, don't you have enough faith in God?"

Aparently Avery and Matt Willis want to teach you and me, "How to Soar."

  And Rick Warren, happily lends them his endorsement.

----------------------------------------------

2.  From the product description from  Why Faith Matters by Rabbi David Wolpe, (foreword by Rick Warren )  

"Why Faith Matters is an articulate defense of religion in America. It makes the case for faith and shows its relationship to history and science. Refuting the cold reason of the atheists and the hatred of the fanatics with a vision of religion informed by faith, love, and understanding, Rabbi David J. Wolpe follows in a literary tradition that stretches from Cardinal Newman to C. S. Lewis to Thomas Merton—all individuals of faith who brought religion and culture together in their own works."

It seems FAITH, not JESUS , matters most here, and note, the individuals of "faith" that matter  most here... the ones who synthesize, or rather, work "to bring religion and culture together."  We will learn from a Jewish "Rabbi," about the faith of .Cardinal Newman.... CS Lewis.... Thomas Merton, but what, exactly, is their "faith."  

The three are Roman Catholic men.  

IS it possible that Rick Warren happily endorses all religions, in particular the religion of these three religious men?

------------------------------------

3.  From the book description from Life's Healing Choices by John Baker (foreword by Rick Warren)

"A guide based on the Beatitudes of Jesus identifies eight choice-based strategies for healing and promoting personal happiness, in a resource that shares inspirational stories about people who have overcome the pain of past difficulties through their faith."

It is no surprise really that this book is endorsed by Warren because it's all about Celebrate Recovery, Rick Warren's "Christianized" version of Bill and Bob's "Alcoholics Anonymous."  Celebrate Recovery, would appear to be a scriptural program too, teaching that "sin" is really every man's ultimate problem and even offer that there is a cure (see pg.18) but the cure offered is...according to Mr. Baker... the author of Life's Healing Choices... not Jesus...

 Baker says, "the cure is strange."  He adds that is comes from a "humble heart " and "admitting weakness," (and these things are partially true...)  The cure is Rick Warren's AA program that he calls, "Celebrate Recover" and human friends.  

  "What about Jesus and faith in Him to forgive us...  and subsequently free us from our sin?"

Baker's solution does not pivot on this very Christian, biblical and most important foundation in his book... no no.  The pivot for "recovery"....,and this once the reader understands they are powerless over this sin and need some help, is.... to find someone they can confide in, a person that they can tell all their dirty laundry to... and of course, if they can find no one, they can find a Celerbrate Recovery Group in their hometown that will furnish them with exactly what they need.  Jesus isn't even mentioned at this point. 

And then... there are 8 Choices, did you count how many?  Eight, and that is a lot!  That a person who is needful now must make... and one can only hope all eight of them will not be wrong but be correct.  Contrast this to the simple directive of Jesus, the author of salvation himself, who told us what to do.  

Jesus said, "Come." and "follow me."

In all fairness, Baker does eventually talk about his own faith in the Lord Jesus in his book.  But do observe that this crucial instruction to the reader in how to be free of sin.. how to find the "CURE" excludes, not includes,  the gospel truth of Jesus Christ.  Jesus, is replaced with something else here, and Rick endorses Mr. Baker heartily because what Baker endorses is Warren's pet project, Celebrate Recover. 

--------------------------------

4. From the description of the book given on Dr, Lavern Adams' Facebook page for her 10-10-2010 book release, Driven by Destiny: 12 Secrets to Unlocking Your Future and again, note the (foreword by Dr. Rick Warren)

"In this helpful destiny travel guide, your future is presented as a “metaphorical journey” through divine dimensions that usher you into revelation, realization, and realignment with your purpose in life. This dynamic journey to transformation will get on the right road to fulfilling your destiny and cause you to be fully engaged in this dynamic process.  This destiny roadmap is your vehicle to a better life to help you to:

DIALOGUE with the Creator about your divine purpose

DISCERN the road blocks and detours to your destiny

DISCOVER the hidden riches and secrets on the inside of you

DEVELOP new disciplines to help you live the life of your dreams"

And note:

( Dr. Adams, is "Senior Pastor," " Teacher," and "Vision Architect" at the Cathedral of Praise, Community Church and International Kingdom Strategy Center For more information you can contact: Cathedral of Praise Community Church and International Kingdom Strategy Center 6400 Haverford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19151 215.474.2680 phone • 215.474.7586 fax www.CathedralofPraiseInternational.org www.TheDoctorofDestiny.com)

Offering "secrets" to the reader...( or to the hearer....) Adams offers to help one discover even more "secrets".... not the revealed things of the Bible, Jesus Christ, or the prophets, and Rick Warren endorses her book.  Dr. Adams offers to teach you about those  "secrets"  inside of you.   The purpose of it all is,  of course...  to help YOU live the life of YOUR dreams and discover what it is that is keeping you from your destiny.

Unfortunately, she seems to fail to mention  exactly what the Lord said our "destiny" is.... after life here upon the earth.... (hell) unless of course, your sin is forgiven by God in Jesus Christ... which, by the way, she fails to make mention of as well.  (This destiny in Christ, being what we commonly know is all about you having the life of your dreams.

She is interested in teaching her readers to talk to God about their purpose in life, and have them be able to discern what is keeping them from fulfilling that purpose.  She will help them draw out the good riches and secrets they can find within themselves.... and then, like Rick, (who as mentioned, forwards her book to his own audience of people, including pastors, thinking some may be itching for such material as this,) she will teach, "new disciplines" that you, the reader, can work to learn and keep..... (also known as LAW) in order to finally...."live the life of your dreams"

 Luke 12:1.

"In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude

had gathered together, so that they trampled one another,

He began to say to His disciples first of all, 

'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.'"

40 Days

40 Days 
..........of Purpose  by Rick Warren
Contents of the Book 

Introduction – What on Earth am I here for?

Worship – You were planned for God’s pleasure

Fellowship – You were Planned for God’s Family

Discipleship – You were Created to Become Like Christ

Ministry – You were Shaped for Serving God

Evangelism – You were Made for a Mission


But remember, it's not about YOU. 

The program, What is it? 

Churches are required to register with Purpose Driven Life and then to run their program at the same time as other churches around the world. Registration may be required four months in advance.

Each participant has a study package that comes with the book, the Purpose Driven Life, a small group curriculum workbook, and a memory verse key ring. Each small group also has a set of small group curriculum on video or DVD. Seven Weekend service plans include suggested sermons written by Rick Warren to be used in conjunction with the books.



40 Days....
       of Community: 
Better Together: What on Earth are We Here For? by Rick Warren
It is not about you; said Rick in the first book, now we hear who it is really about, "WE" 

Yes, now...after learning what you are here on earth for, you can now learn "what on Earth WE"are  here for?  Communism    er a Community.

And, what are we here for? 

SERVING.

 (It is like a huge service project program....)

 
Product description:  "40 days of devotional readings and journaling pages. The complete study guide for 40 Days of Community small group video lessons taught by pastor Rick Warren."


The book covers....
1.)We're Compelled to Love God's Family

2.)We're Commissioned to Reach Out Together

3.)We're Chosen to Fellowship Together

4.)We're Connected to Grow Together

5.) We're called to Serve Together and

6.)We're Created to Worship Together. 

See, It's not about you, it's about WE.



The Teaching Video Teaching Video "(DVD) contains six 25-minute videotaped sessions (taught by Rick Warren) Each session, includes a "Helps for Hosts" where the host is given coaching tips for the upcoming session.  This is to be used with the Better Together study guide and Better Together devotional/journal, so small groups will learn what it means to truly "fulfill God's purposes together and in their community."

Sessions are:
1. Why we need each other 

2. Reaching out together 

3. What destroys relationships and what builds them

4. How we help each other grow

5. Serving together

6. How to tell God you love him

7. What we have learned

More "we."  

And you thought he said it wasn't about you, you thought it would be about Jesus, but instead it is about you and you in relation to "WE."




and then there is
40 Days...
          of Peace
Making a Difference with Your Life;  by Rick Warren...  


where we learn that we are just taking up space, using up natural resources and sucking air, unless of course we are doing the Purpose Driven everything with Rick...


He says,

“God designed you to make a difference... He didn’t put you on this planet just to take up space. You’re not here just to use resources, breathe, and die.

God intends for you to make an impact with your life.  

He wants you to leave the world a better place than you found it.

And the only way you do that is........   by serving other people.

No one has ever left the world a better place by being selfish or living for themselves.  Jesus said, ‘You want to be great? Learn to be a servant of all."



(No, you  need to be a we, not a me.)







But wait....
there's more:

40 Days of Love
       by Rick Warren...
Publisher's Notes:

"The practical wisdom found in 40 Days of Love—the newest six-session group DVD study by bestselling author and one of America’s most influential pastors and spiritual leaders, Rick Warren—will help you make authentically loving God and loving others your deepest desire, highest aspiration, and constant focus. Learn to love like Jesus … in 40 days."