Four Laws of a Blessed Church
"Laws of a Blessed Church?"
Did God already set forth his commandments in stone? Didn't God already fullfill the requirements of the law on our behalf in Christ? Yes... and yes! What on earth is Rick talking about these "Four Laws of a blessed church for?
True as it is that God has already fulfilled the law in Christ, recently posted at pastors.com was this article, Four Laws of a Blessed Church, by Rick Warren. It seems to be a remake of a 2009 Purpose Driven article, of a similar title, Four Laws of God's Blessings. It's probably changed to appeal to a newer audience now, so it is slightly different, but the effect of reading it remains the same. Gullible readers will be believing that "God's blessing upon your church "brings responsibility." Apparently there are Four Laws (laws that you have to be keeping) if you are, or want to be, that "Blessed Church" Rick is speaking about.
"Laws of a Blessed Church?"
Did God already set forth his commandments in stone? Didn't God already fullfill the requirements of the law on our behalf in Christ? Yes... and yes! What on earth is Rick talking about these "Four Laws of a blessed church for?
True as it is that God has already fulfilled the law in Christ, recently posted at pastors.com was this article, Four Laws of a Blessed Church, by Rick Warren. It seems to be a remake of a 2009 Purpose Driven article, of a similar title, Four Laws of God's Blessings. It's probably changed to appeal to a newer audience now, so it is slightly different, but the effect of reading it remains the same. Gullible readers will be believing that "God's blessing upon your church "brings responsibility." Apparently there are Four Laws (laws that you have to be keeping) if you are, or want to be, that "Blessed Church" Rick is speaking about.
Rick's concepts are biblical, aren't they? After all, churches do have responsibilities to carry out. not only that, but Rick is a "pastor" and like all pastors, he uses some impressive quotes of the scripture to make his points in the mind of his readers and hearers. He even sounds quite well versed and literate because he quotes from all kinds of "Bibles."
Some readers, however, might be unaware of the difference between a translation and a paraphrase and they might just be glad to hear someone using the bible as they speak! Well hooray for them, but sad for Rick who misleads people in the hows and why's of getting God's "blessing."
Look at Rick's Laws and you will see that these "Laws" are not really "laws." He doesn't even write them that way. Rick just calls them laws as he teaches them to his hearers. Look also how he uses the Bible to back what he says.
The first law, according to Rick, is for blessing to flow outwardly.
Some readers, however, might be unaware of the difference between a translation and a paraphrase and they might just be glad to hear someone using the bible as they speak! Well hooray for them, but sad for Rick who misleads people in the hows and why's of getting God's "blessing."
Look at Rick's Laws and you will see that these "Laws" are not really "laws." He doesn't even write them that way. Rick just calls them laws as he teaches them to his hearers. Look also how he uses the Bible to back what he says.
The first law, according to Rick, is for blessing to flow outwardly.
"1. Blessing should flow outwardly."
From the Book of Genesis, he shows us how God told Abraham, "I will bless you and you will be a blessing to others."
Is that number one even a law? It sounds more like a suggestion. ("Should flow?")
What blessing is he referring to? He does not say. and while Abraham is a great example... it is notable he doesn't mention the blessings we have in Christ. Are you thinking yet that Rick is referring to earthly possessions and material blessings.... like finances?
Is that number one even a law? It sounds more like a suggestion. ("Should flow?")
"2. When we bless others, God takes care of our needs.'
Oh, now he mentions Jesus. Jesus "guaranteed," "Anyone who gives up anything for the kingdom of God will certainly receive many times more in this life and will receive eternal life in the next world to come."
Is this number two, another law? It sounds more like a principal. Furthermore, if it is a "Law" then who bound to keep this law? God?
So, when you bless others, God reciprocates? (And it's a law?) Hardly.
Rick has it backwards.
Someone even wrote a hymn that says, "Praise God from whom all blessing flows....."
"3. Our blessings to others will come back on us."
Is this number two, another law? It sounds more like a principal. Furthermore, if it is a "Law" then who bound to keep this law? God?
So, when you bless others, God reciprocates? (And it's a law?) Hardly.
Rick has it backwards.
Someone even wrote a hymn that says, "Praise God from whom all blessing flows....."
"3. Our blessings to others will come back on us."
Is this a LAW? ( If it is, it actually sounds like the Buddhist "law"of Karma. We do know that we reap what we sow... Jesus tells us that. We do know too that the measure you use, it will be measured to you.. (Luke 6:38) But Rick gives his hearers some motivation for blessing others.... (while quoting the Message by Eugene Peterson, which is not a Bible translation but a paraphrase.) Rick says, in support of blessing others, "Luke 6:38 tells us, "Give your life away and you'll find your life will be given back. But not merely given back. Given back with bonus and blessing."
Christian, are you a follower of Jesus, for "the bonus?" Are you in Christ for the bonus and the blessing Peterson and Warren insist God will be passing out if adhere to this third so-called "law" or are you in Christ because of what Christ has done for you on the cross.
4. The more we're blessed by God the more he expects us to help others."
Again, is this written as a law? (No.) More importantly, is this a law of God?
Statements like this are written in order to provoke people to give. Instead however of giving out of generosity or with a cheerful spirit, one is urged to GIVE because of guilt and out of abundance.
(Which of God's infamous Ten Commandments requires one to GIVE anything to anyone?)
To make his point, Rick uses words from the Living Bible, a paraphrase, stating that God says, in Luke 12 that, "Much is required from those to whom much is given. For their responsibility is greater." Rick neglects however to mention what verse in Luke this is and he fails to convey that this verse, in context, even in the Living Bible is about punishment specifically for those who know the master's will and do not do it. It is not about the proper reciprocation and distribution of goods or finances as Rick infers when he asks, "If your church is blessed with resources that others around the wold do not have, how do you think God wants you to use them to help (or plant) other congregations?" Rick makes blessing all about money.
Again, is this written as a law? (No.) More importantly, is this a law of God?
Statements like this are written in order to provoke people to give. Instead however of giving out of generosity or with a cheerful spirit, one is urged to GIVE because of guilt and out of abundance.
(Which of God's infamous Ten Commandments requires one to GIVE anything to anyone?)
To make his point, Rick uses words from the Living Bible, a paraphrase, stating that God says, in Luke 12 that, "Much is required from those to whom much is given. For their responsibility is greater." Rick neglects however to mention what verse in Luke this is and he fails to convey that this verse, in context, even in the Living Bible is about punishment specifically for those who know the master's will and do not do it. It is not about the proper reciprocation and distribution of goods or finances as Rick infers when he asks, "If your church is blessed with resources that others around the wold do not have, how do you think God wants you to use them to help (or plant) other congregations?" Rick makes blessing all about money.
So, what is a blessed church and what does it look like?
The picture Rick paints of a blessed church as one who has wealth and worldly possessions. His Four Laws all reflect allusions to what can only be described as monetary "blessings" from God and being given and being received back in bonus too. Rick attempts to makes your motivation for giving all about being motivated to get "God's blessings" in return. However, when it comes to serving, helping and even to "giving," Christians do not give in order to get. No, they operate under greater principles than Warren's bizarre repackaging of the "law" of Karma for Christians. They are instructed in the bible to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, (and they do) .... how he said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35)
Jesus gave us a very different picture of a church blessed by God... (Matthew 5)
The picture Rick paints of a blessed church as one who has wealth and worldly possessions. His Four Laws all reflect allusions to what can only be described as monetary "blessings" from God and being given and being received back in bonus too. Rick attempts to makes your motivation for giving all about being motivated to get "God's blessings" in return. However, when it comes to serving, helping and even to "giving," Christians do not give in order to get. No, they operate under greater principles than Warren's bizarre repackaging of the "law" of Karma for Christians. They are instructed in the bible to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, (and they do) .... how he said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35)
Jesus gave us a very different picture of a church blessed by God... (Matthew 5)
- Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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