Pope Rick

Rick Warren calls refers to himself as "Pope Rick." Yes, it is a "quote." He called himself Pope Rick.


"Relapse is part of recovery.... and if you were in the Daniel Plan 1.0 and you started gaining it back, Pope Rick says you are forgiven, It's a new day, new year, new year."  Rick Warren

Introducing the Daniel Plan 2.0 to his congregation

Rick Warren Poem Click Here

Hillsong and Rick Warren- Conference 2013

Never, never, never.  It's a little bit like, "thou shalt not."
"Never stop learning.
          Never compare yourself.
                   Never doubt God.  Never quit.....

My word to Hillsong Conference 2013 yesterday."

Rick Warren, Facebook post, July 2,2013

 Doesn't that sound encouraging?

It is common today to hear about being a "life long learner."  While it is one thing to be humble and teachable, even curious, inquisitive and learning new things every day is is also quite possible to be ever-learning and yet never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  It states so in 2 Timothy 3:7.  As Rick Warren tweeted to the world the message that he gave to the people at Hillsong's conference, he obviously thought his message was pretty profound.  He said, essentially, "never" do this or that.  This friends, is Rick Warren, preaching LAW.  This friends is rick Warren never giving his hearers a place in which to find rest.

He is not talking about rest in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, but is instead, laying burdens on those who think his words are so wise.  For people to heed his wisdom might mean they will just by the next book he writes, since he produces so many materials for people to purchase as they learn from Pastor Rick.  He also didn;t stop with "never stop learning."  No... he gave yet another imperative, "never compare yourself."

"Compare yourself" to what?  Your neighbor?  Your parents?  God's Law?  Jesus?  To whom or what? Would doing so be envy? (Envy would be a sin.)  Rick didn't say. Why should you not compare yourself?

With no direction here, no biblical understanding being given, he is simply leaving you in the dark and making himself an authority, your commander.  The man is a task master telling you what you should never do.  What would happen if you did?  Would it mess up your  S.H.A.P.E for ministry?  Rick is piling on requirements that you must NEVER do, (as if those ten commandments given by God himself were not enough.)  Worse than the burden now placed on you to NEVER compare yourself, you must also never doubt God.

What happens if you do?  What happens  if you ever did?  NEVER is a pretty absolute word, and Rick just gave us three "nevers."  If it just so happens that you break one of Ricks commandments here... how will you ever be redeemed?  Is it possible for you to never doubt God?  Moreover, "what on earth" will God do if you dare doubt him?

If you'll remember, John the Baptist doubted God.  He even sent a message to Jesus when he was having doubting issues... to ask him if He was the ONE.  John needed some reassurance.  And do you know what?  Jesus gave John an answer he could believe in.  While Rick teaches people that they are to "never doubt God," even the "greatest" among all who are born of women, John the Baptist, had doubts, just like you and I are known to do.

Did Jesus condemn John the Baptist for doubting? No.  He comforted him as he reminded him of the all the evidences of who he (Jesus) was.

If you'll remember, there was a man who prayed to God, telling him that he believed, but asking him to help him with his "unbelief."  Apparently God was able to help him with that also.  Pastor Rick doesn't teach about this man... or John, he is just giving you his own form of a, "Thou shalt not."  This is legalism.

and "Never quit."
................ "What on earth" does he mean?  (You could easily apply that to anything of your own liking.)

But now, about that Hillsong conference that Rick Warren boasted about with that tweet:

Warren could not attend the Conference personally, so he "skyped" instead.  The Christian Post ran an article last summer, titled, Rick Warren Talks Leadership Traps, Handling 'Haters and Critics' at Hillsong Conference by Nichola Menzie. Menzie reported on some things spoken by Rick.

"If you build your life on fear of man, God can't use you."   

~ Rick Warren

But let's look at what Rick does not say.

Do you know what or who, Christians are taught what to build their lives on?  It is not fear or fear of man.   Meanwhile, Rick does not tell you what to build your life upon from a Christian perspective, but he takes your attention elsewhere and talks about "not building".... that is not building your life on the fear of man.  The article told how "Warren reminded young leaders that they cannot let criticism bother them — 'keep your eyes on Jesus (and) live for an audience of one....You cannot follow God's voice while you're listening to the voice of others."
It sound like great Christian advice only it is given by Rick who doesn't tell you what to build your life upon and tells you that if you have fear of man... God can't "use you."

Did you know, do you remember, Peter himself, even though he was a disciple of the Master, experienced this "fear of man" thing.  Not only that, he denied knowing the Lord, being with the Lord Jesus, not once, not twice, but three times because of his fears of what man would do to him.  And do you know what?  God, our kind, loving, forgiving and gracious God, still found a use for Peter.

Rick is quoted in the articles as saying,   

"God uses people who believe Him," Rick Warren


So, if you do not believe God, then what? God will not "use" you? God used Cyrus, King of Persia, a pagan who did not "believe" Him. God used Nebuchadnezzar, who did't believe him either.. God is all-powerful and he actually uses whatever, whoever he desires... even a donkey.. God cause all things to work together for the good of those who love him, who are called according to His purpose.... (not our own unique ones.)


Yes, God wants us to to have faith, and to believe Him. However, he doesn't just want people who believe in God....(See James 2:19) but his desire is for us to believe on the one whom he sent.... his promised one, Jesus, for the forgiveness of sin.


Rick reportedly said,

"God does not respond to our complaints, God responds to our trust."

                             

         Rick Warren

Has Rick not read the verses in the Bible about complaints? Psalm 142:2; Psalm 55:2 and even Job, show us some examples of complaints... laments.. Fortunately for us, God is not a dictator and he treats us all with loving kindness and patience. He forgives sin, and He might even respond to your complaints. God actually has a "complaint department" called prayer, where, we can tell God anything, ask God anything, even complain. God does not turn a deaf ear on our difficulties or weakness. He answers when we cry out to him.


And while Rick Warren could not personally attend the Hillsong Conference 2013, some of the top pastors he suggest people follow on twitter did. There was his favored top pastor, Joel Osteen and another top pastor, Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.tv, and Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House, and Judah Smith of The City Church, too..


These folks have some things in common. (Please view the 10 minute video below to hear their silence on issues of faith in Jesus, what he saves us from and why we need to believe on Jesus to be saved.)  One thing they all have in common in the year of our Lord, 2013 is the Hillsong Conference.

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you...."                      2 Peter 2:1-3

Not Convinced?

Rick Warren missing the entire gospel of Jesus Christ:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F99wqWL4Zyg

(Click the link.  Sorry, I could not figure out how to embed this video.)

 Here, he is teaching about how God wants to bless people and he wants them to be healthy in body soul and spirit and live fulfilling lives.... but that God cannot do that.... unless that person does all the right steps, or does a specific "premise" to receive that promise.  Rick teaches that there are certain habits  which you have to practice if you want God's blessing of "spiritual health."  He says that one must love God more than anything else... all the time without fail.

   

The true gospel message is "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." This is because Jesus, fully God and fully man, (Colossians 2:9) loved God the father perfectly and completely, and was obedient as a son, even unto death.  God has some lists, like the ten commandments, but in reality, only Jesus, because he is perfect, holy, faithful and true, can fulfill God's law perfectly, not you.  

Jesus does this and then as the Lamb of God, he even dies for your sin, in your place, on your behalf.  This is good news for sinners who cannot do everything perfectly right all the time in order to obtain God's blessing.... and Rick circumvents that "good news" and lays God's law on you for YOU to fulfill without fail.  He makes small mention of Jesus, and then lays one you all the many things you MUST do in order to be blessed.  

Here, on Lary king, he stated that one must love Jesus AND have a purpose:

Rick Warren Interview on Larry King, March 26, 2005: 

[Excerpt from CNN Transcript]

KING: You can, though, Rick, have a purpose-driven life and be an agnostic or an atheist, can't you? Still do good, still help others, still have purpose?
WARREN: Absolutely, you can help other people. I believe that we were made for a purpose, and that purpose is really to know God and to serve God and to love God, and to serve other people by -- serve God by serving others. You know, you can't really serve God directly, Larry, not here on Earth. The only way you can serve God is by serving other people.
KING: Since you believe in God, if an agnostic or an atheist is doing good, God appreciates it, according to you, right?
WARREN: God wants us all to be loving to each other, there is no doubt about that. In fact, Jesus wouldn't have made any distinction between someone who was of a different background. The issue was, do they love him and do they have a purpose? Are they following his purpose? See, I believe that we were made by God and that we were made for God. And that until we understand that, life isn't going to make sense. Now, really when it comes to...

- See more at: http://www.inplainsite.org/html/purpose_driven_seeker_friendly.html#sthash.7tgIUBSX.dpuf

"...

 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, 

and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves 

will not move them with one of their fingers.

 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: 

they make broad their phylacteries, 

and enlarge

 the borders of their garments,

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, 

and the chief seats in the synagogues,

And greetings in the markets,

 and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; 

and all ye are brethren."

-Jesus

Here is Joel Olsteen in 2012, like Rick Warren he is also missing the point, circumventing the gospel.  He is however, convincing all who will believe him in his fancy words, like Rick Warren, that  Jesus died so that they could have everything they need in this life for an abundant earthly life of "health."

The Sleeping Giant

http://purposedriven.com/blogs/dailyhope/a-god-fashioned-life/

"The best kept secret in the Church is that people are dying to make a contribution with their lives. We are made for ministry! When everyone uses their unique, God-given SHAPE to make a difference for Jesus’ sake in your community, you’ll make a tangible, visible difference in your community. The church that understands this, and continually calls people to a vision where every member can express his or her uniqueness in ministry, will experience amazing vitality, health and growth.  The sleeping giant will be awakened and it will be unstoppable." ~Rick Warren

Restate Your Churches Vision Every 30 Days, by Rick Warren, pastors.com

The church that "continually calls people to a vision where every member 
can express HIS OR HER iniqueness in ministry" will do what?

"Experience amazing vitality, health and growth." (according to Rick Warren.)  

These "words of wisdom" about what makes for a vital and healthy church is misleading.  The church's vision is not you and your uniqueness.  The churches vision is to be, Jesus . 

Have you, church, ever sang the song, "Be thou my vision?"
Have you, Christian, ever read in the scripture about "looking" (vision) "unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith?"
People of God, did you ever read the book of John?  Do you not remember the prayer of Jesus Christ, Son of God most high, who prayed to God the Father that we all would be one? (John 17)  Do you not know, God, our Father, answers Jesus'  prayer?  Do not be mislead into believing you are God's gift to the world.  You are not; and Jesus Christ, truly is.  If your uniqueness is your vision, you might want to have your "I"s examined. 

Rick is not teaching the church to be the church; he is attempting to awaken something that is dead.  This is something that he calls "a sleeping giant."  This "giant" will (supposedly) awaken, bringing health and vitality to us all.

But God does not sleep nor slumber, (Psalm 121) and Jesus is risen from the dead.  In fact the book of Ephesians First Chapter, (read towards the end) tells us that God, Our Father, raised him, Jesus, from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and abovebevery name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. It tells us also that God has put all things under His, JEsus',  feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the Church, which is His body,and that he has RAISED us up together, and made us to sit in heavenly places in (the Anointed) Jesus.  MEanwhile Rick says the church is sleeping.... good for nothing without Rick's help, and that it's arms and legs are amputated. 

 (See "Frankenstein Jesus" on this blog)

Rick is wrong. The Lord is not slack as some count slackness, and he is not without arms and legs and hands and feet. God's holy spirit, is alive and well and doing exactly as God commanded.   Rick has some friends, who agree with him though.  They too write books and articles promoting this same nonsense, reapeating the "wisdom" of Rick while leaving their bible and doctrine behind.   .

Kenny Luck, of Saddleback Church fame, wrote a book called Sleeping Giant. that advertises "to revolutionize men’s ministry, free men spiritually and ignite spiritual health worldwide."  Let it be known, this is a Saddleback program whose target is YOUR CHURCH and it's stated purpose is to revolutionize, (in other words:alter, modify, overturn, bring down, overthrow,  or inspire) .your already established MINISTRY and then create an army... that will change things at every level of society... and make the church  "a center of masculine transformation and greatness, again."

There is a problem here.  

Jesus is the one who frees men (and women too by the way,) spiritually, but Jesus is not offered as the solution, instead this book and program are.  The claim that being part of this movement, learning from this book and materials for your church will help men "find the untapped potential in your lives and illuminate the purpose of your lives."  Thjey make no mention of Jesus.  The sleeping giant is you.... and your untapped potential.... your purpose.  This is a very different gospel message than the one already embraced by the church.  This is a very different spirit and it's in our  midst.

The teaching is to "kick some enemy butt." (see: Sleeping Giant pt 2, DVD)

........."watch this video to see how God is raising up men to form 

ranks around leaders in their church to kick some enemy butt."

Is this spirit of the Holy Spirit? (No.)

The men's pastor of Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, Kenny Luck, is teaching to men is that  "the world is waiting for us to rise." (pg 5, Sleeping Giant Core Team Workbook)  Too bad he is leading people in churches away from the Bible and into reading and studying his own book.   Instead of encouraging people who follow Jesus and serve God, to follow Jesus and serve God, he will draw them after a different gospel and train them to be Pharisaical leaders, men who have discovered their greatness, and "kick some butt" as they serve the world.  

Repeating the words of Rick Warren that the "hope of the world is the church" adding that "the hope of the church is God's men."   (see pg 20 in the Core Team Meeting  Video Session 1 Questions and Answers)   Someone needs to tell Kenny that Jesus, not his bride, (the church,)  is the "hope of the world."  "God's Men, as not the hope of the world either.  Circumventing the true  hope of the world, the one whom God sent, Jesus Christ, (see John 3:16) Kenny Luck (and his friends who repeat Rick instead of scripture)  gets things wrong. Instead of preaching the good news and making disciples, they are busy being leaders and building :leadership engines that support their own vision, and it's all about their own great uniqueness.  Rick endorsed the book saying,

“In Sleeping Giant, my men’s pastor Kenny Luck gives you a local church blue print for moving men from the audience to the army in your congregation. Let him help you build a leader making engine that supports the vision of your church.”
                               Rick Warren, senior pastor, Saddleback Church; author, The Purpose Driven Life

                                             

Read this enlightening article by Paul Proctor, asking, "Are You A Church Worshipper? 

Tim Peters at pastors.com says, "The church is the hope of the world."
James Emery White learned this "vision:" concept, from Bill Hybels, 
and shares many views  like this with Rick Warren.

"I have given them thy word; and the world hath 

hated them, because they are not of the world,

 even as I am not of the world."

~Jesus, John 17:14