The Doctrine Is In..

"Dr." Rick Warren has some explaining to do.  The doctrine is in and he just doesn't get it.  He thinks he is smarter than the scripture itself.  Warren is wrong.

2 Timothy 4: 1-5 reads, says, tells us, teaches,
(It is clearly, plainly written in black and white)

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables.”

This scripture says that a pastor is to preach the word…. And it tells us that doctrine is important.  Rick Warren, Dr. Rick Warren,  teaches something completely different.  Using the scriptures as his basis, he is making up his own philosophy, using deception he turns people away from he truth of God.

Dr. Warren wrests the scriptures right our of the ears of his hearers and tells them the Bible is not for any of the things the Bible says it is for.  Warren teaches that the Bible is wrong (and he is right.)
Warren speaking: “Now, what is the purpose of the Bible? Well, it says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "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 thoroughly furnished unto every good work."

But people misread that verse most of the time. The purpose of the Bible is not for doctrine, not for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Those are all "for this" in the Greek. ‘For this … for this … for this … in order that.’ The purpose is in order that. So doctrine in itself is not the purpose of the Bible. Reproof in itself is not the purpose – correction or training is not the purpose. The bottom line is to change lives: "That the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work." So every message must be preaching for life change."

 Preaching Magazine  An Interview with Rick Warren by Michael Duduit

http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=3419

Rick just taught you that the Bible is not what you have been taught it is.

Rick's Bible is being used to preach something besides JEsus.  He says it is to be used for preaching "life change." His preaching is also an attempt to convince you that you have something special inside of you called your purpose, just waiting to come forth and save the world through doing service projects...( what he calls "good work.")

 Paul told Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely.  This is what the  Bible tells us all to do.

And....  which "people misread that verse?" Rick doesn't give any names.... it would be too telling for him to do that.  He simply makes a sweeping category which does not include him or you, because he intends to have you thinking you are of an elite class of individuals who are not like "most people" (whoever they are... you just make them up inside your own mind.)  You and Rick who will lead you into this terrible error, will inevitably know more than  "most people."

"Most people" is  those people who do not subscribe to Rick’s teaching.  "Most people" would disagree with Rick when he is teaching this.  "Most people" (Not unbelievers, but Christians and their christian churches) might ACTUALLY believe that indeed the Bible is for doctrine and reproof and correction and instruction in righteousness, just like the good book says...  But Rick knows better than "most."  (Whosoever "most" is.)

The Bible is, "bottom line" (according to the doctor himself,).... none of those things Paul listed... nor  all those things together either.   According to Rick the purpose of the Bible is to "change lives" and cause you to do good works.  In a very SUBTIL way Warren had just grossly mishandled the word of God and said that the Bible does not say what it really says. Such tactics are highly reminiscent of exactly what Satan did in the garden with Eve.  This is some very SLICK bible twisting.

This is not just one instance.  Wresting scriptures is a habit with Rick.  Here is another quote of Rick from that same article…

Warren says, "In my two-day seminar on preaching, I just keep coming back to, ‘Now let's see how Jesus did it. Now, look how Jesus did it.’ You take the greatest sermon in the world — which is the Sermon on the Mount — and He starts off, ‘Let me tell you eight ways to be happy.’ Happy are you if you do this … You are happy if you do this. Then He talks about anger: don't get angry. He talks about divorce: don't divorce. He talks about worry — let me give you four reasons why not to worry: it’s unreasonable; it’s unnatural. He talks about all of these practical things and then He says, ‘Now, if you put this into practice you are a wise man. If you don't, you are a fool and you’re building a house on a rock.


Question for Christians:   Is building your house on a rock a bad thing or a good thing?

Take note....Warren refers to building your house on a rock as a negative thing when actually, it is a positive thing in the scripture because the wind and torrents cannot knock down a house that is built upon a rock.

Warren’s deception is cunning and crafty.  Beware little sheep.    Keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith..  And as for doctrine.. make know mistake, Paul and Peter were apostles.  Heed their advice and watch your life and doctrine closely.


Rick Warren Poem click here

On Hearing God

On the topic of hearing from God, the Bible says there needs to be one who will preach the Good News:   Romans 10:14
" How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"

Interestingly, Rick's message is different.  In order to hear from God...its not about hearing... it's not about preaching.  It's bout your position.  You must, apparently, be subject to...Rick.
He tells readers,

"You must be positioned correctly 
in order to hear God speak." -RickWarren.org december 2013

It's offered to you.... that if you listen to.... Rick, you can learn how to discern God’s voice.  This is something that is very , very important, because not being "discerning" and hearing God properly "can have eternal consequences."  If you are not discerning God's voice... it could have eternal.... eternal consequences.

(I wonder if he means you might go to hell?  This is interesting because it is through preaching that one hears God's good news of salvation. )

His website informs you that Rick wants you to be able to discern God's voice... but apparently you have to go through him.

"Pastor Rick wants you to know the difference and how to discern God’s voice, because it can have eternal consequences." -RickWarren.org

Rick will be the one to help you understand.  He will even tell you what it is that is preventing YOU from hearing God.   Pride (which is sin) and desire.  It is not just hearing, listening... thinging and reasoning.  No.  You cannot hear from God until you " REALLY REALLY" want to.

He says,

"But if you really want to hear from God — and what believer doesn't? — you have to understand what is keeping you from hearing from God."               The Three Mental Barriers to Hearing God’s Voice By Rick Warren, 12/3/2013

and,

" You’re not going to hear God unless you really, really want it."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              -Rick Warren

rickwarren.org devotional, 12/9/2013

"You need to get rid of the bitterness, fear, and pride that keep you from hearing God’s voice and living out his purpose for your life."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    -Rick Warren

Bitterness, fear and pride is keeping you...  

not only from hearing "God's voice" but is it keeping you from something else too. did you catch that? (Funny how he just kinda slipped that one in.)

Rick says,

“.... let go of your pride and stop trying to figure it out on your own. This is the key to opening your mind and heart so that you can hear from the Lord."      -Rick Warren

Opening your mind?  
Could someone point Rick to 2 Corinthians 10:5?
...................."bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

Rick is really telling you to stop thinking for yourself. and listen to his wisdom, which he claims is from God, and to read his materials, which he says is inspired by God.  Meanwhile, back in the scriptures, in Isaiah 1:18...  God's word invites you to come and use your reason, to reason with God. Meanwhile Rick infers that he and he alone holds the key.  Stop thinking, stop figuring it out.... 

Strange isn't it.
Your thinking and reasoning for yourself would be called "pride" (if you arr not in line with Pastor Rick  "hearing from God AND living out your purpose for you life. " 

Rick wants to speak into your life.  He wants you to get on his programs so he inserts little things when you least expect it and tells you to stop thinking for yourself and listen to what God had given him to give you.   Apparently, if you do not hang upon every word from Rick, you are ignoring God, because God "speaks" to Rick.... when he reads the psalms.  It as in reading a psalm that God gave Rick the inspiration for his book... the Purpose Driven Life. 

 Can't you hear?  When it comes to hearing God's voice AND living out your purpose.... you need Rick's God' inspired book.  

"....out of that Psalm, God spoke to me and He said , the purpose of influence is to speak up for those who had no influence."-Rick Warren,

 KBMI (Moody Bible) OPEN LINE PROGRAM,  October 7, 2005 with Host Wayne Shepherd

And about that book...Rick calls his own book a phenomena, "more than a message."
Rick claims to believe his success is all attributable to God's doing.... His book and meterials are, he believes, a message from God to the church.  Rick believes that his Purpose Driven Life is something special:

" It is more than just a message that God wants to get out to everyone (which is huge). I now also see that God is using this phenomena to expand the platform for us to mobilize thousands of local churches for global world missions through the PEACE plan.

-Rick Warren,

 Rick Warren's  PEACE PLAN LETTER , 2003

He is mobilizing churches to implement the P.E.A.C.E Plan.... Rick's Peace Plan, which is not the same as God's peace plan.

"But all this is not about us. God's intention is much bigger than the book. It's all about the global glory of God! We intend to leverage the attention that the Purpose Driven Life has garnered to bring about a whole new way of thinking and acting in the church"

-Rick Warren,

 Rick Warren's  PEACE PLAN LETTER , 2003

Out with the old, in with the new.
Out with justification by faith, in with justification by works,
Out with the Bible study and doctrine, in with a 40 day campaign of your own choosing.
Out with the title of pastor, in with a leader....or two

Out with figuring things out... thinking for yourself, in with being afraid to be different in a crowd.
Out with steadfastness and reliability, and in with "change."

"I hope and pray that your church won't miss out on this movement of God. I invite you to join us. We're waiting to partner with you on the journey of a lifetime!" - Rick Warren

The Most Significant Life Change Ever at Saddleback by Rick Warren

Rick Warren Poem Click Here

"It's Not About You" ( It's about Rick)

...And Rick is happy to brag and make sure you know all about himself.....

"I don't wear socks. I mentor young leaders. I lead the PEACE Plan globally, serving the poor, sick & those with AIDS. I serve Saddleback and support pastors. I live in the State of Grace "                                                        Rick Warren on Twitter.com

"We had our 25th anniversary on Easter this year. I did 12 services. We had 45,000 in attendance and I preached 12 services in a row. Two weeks later, we celebrated our anniversary and we had never had the church in one location, so we rented 
Angel Stadium and had 30,000 at Angel Stadium. 
I have 82,000 names on the church roll."~Rick Warren  

Pew Forum, Myths of the Modern Mega Church, 2005, Transcript

"I have probably led maybe 500 people to Christ with this little book.  And even though I'm a pastor, even though I’ve got an earned doctorate and two other doctorates – three total – I still use a little booklet like this."  

                                                                      Rick Warren  DISCOVERING MY LIFE MISSION C.L.A.S.S. 401  pg. 19

"There is a verse in the Bible that says the intelligent man is always open to new ideas; in fact, he looks for them. And so when Mike invited me to come to this and I saw your names, I really jumped at the chance. I enjoy these smaller, intimate meetings. You know, when you speak to 23,000, 24,000 people every weekend, crowds don't impress you anymore."

                     ~Rick Warren 

Pew Forum, Myths of the Modern Mega Church, 2005, Transcript

and his book.. well, it's amazing too...

"The Purpose Driven life is not just the best-selling book in American history; it's the best-selling book in about a dozen languages."~Rick Warren  

Pew Forum, Myths of the Modern Mega Church, 2005, Transcript

"The continuing sales of The Purpose Driven Life are quite amazing. We are almost at the tipping point where Purpose Driven Life becomes a national phenomena. It will hit 10 million copies sold by the end of December and has been on the New York Times hardback bestsellers longer than any other book this year (40 weeks) A couple weeks ago I did 6 TV interviews including Fox News Live, ABC, NBC, and CBN, so this spiritual awakening is starting to get the attention of the media. I now believe that know why God is blessing this book in such an unusual way. It is more than just a message that God wants to get out to everyone (which is huge). I now also see that God is using this phenomena to expand the platform for us to mobilize thousands of local churches for global world missions through the PEACE plan. Right now about 5,000 more churches are doing the 40 Day of Purpose campaign, and now the program has been adopted by corporations (like Coke and Walmart) sports teams (like the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, NASCAR drivers, and the LPGA) schools, civic clubs, and even prisons. Last week, Paul Harvey told everyone to go buy a copy of PDL on his ABC radio broadcast. He said "This is one of the most insightful books I've ever read and I will read it again...and again...and again." In 2004 we expect over 15,000 more churches to participate. The influence of the book keeps amazing me everyday as I get requests for autographed copies. In today's stack: I signed books for 1) All the Supreme Court Justices 2) One for Fidel Castro (!) 3) One for the President of Peru (these last 2 were Spanish editions), and I recently got a note saying that everyone on Air Force One was reading the book recently."

Rick Warren

 PEACE PLAN LETTER 

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        RICK WARREN POEM  Click Here

Rick Warren Poem

A Visit From Rick Warren

A poem about Warren P.E.A.C.E.

(or... A piece about Warren)

T'was the Sunday church service, over intercom word came,
Rick Warren was speaking, (We knew him by name.)

Campaigns selling like hot hotcakes, the bookstore was full,
Our leader had high hopes this church would soon grow.

The people. were gathered, work-books in hand,
Ready to change thinking, their hymnals, their land.
Bibles and teachers were no longer heeded
DVD players, big screen TV's and facilitators were all that they needed,

Daily Hope with Rick Warren, Purposedriven.com,
Ladies Home Journal and dear Dr. OZ,
Oprah and Larry, Ted and Piers Morgan too,
Had all worked together, bringing Warren to you.

The band began playing, the crowds sang and swooned,
All stood at attention as Rick graced the room.
When, "what"... to my ears? I was happy to hear,
"God made me for purpose" and "purpose" was here.

Be happier and healthier, "have a great day!"
Your mission is waiting... (you just have to pay...)
A ten or a twenty, thirty for two,
In a book, magazine or DVD, your dollar buys you....

The good news of weight loss, the secret to sex,
S.H.A.P.E. for a "ministry," and freedom from stress,
Your Purpose,... Recovery... a T-shirt or two,
Not Jesus, just "like" him, cuz, "It's not about you!"

On Napoleon and Einstein, on Gaelen and Jung,
Stalin and Mao.... (what his last name? ) Zadong?
with Metanoia and Repentance, you must pass the test
For a good life, a better life, (maybe even your best.

It's big think and dreaming, just dare to dream big and believe,
(One never really knows what next trick Rick's got up his sleeve.
Generosity becomes tithing, grace freely given become law,
And "hey, so what?. We were all born with flaws."

In but a twinkling, with each itch of the ear,
those newfangled “world-classers” let Rick Warren steer.
Purpose-on-purpose, change, upon change,
Pastors became ranchers with sheep grazing the range. 

The sheep were saddled for service, ready to ride,
When a word fitly spoken turned back the tide.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ," the word to me came,
"God loves you, repent, simply believe on His name." 

The man with his Bible, kneeling to pray,
Said, “Father, forgive us, it’s been quite a day.
It’s your voice we harken, it’s You we draw near,
It 's not "our passion" or "purpose"...” then his eye shed a tear.

"Away with Rick’s nonsense," I heard myself say,
"Breath-prayers and Rick's P.E.A.C.E. is not the Lord’s way.
I know true worshipers worship in spirit and truth,
They read the gospels, Psalms, Hebrews, Genesis and Ruth...

...Set free by God’ power, saved by the blood of the Lamb,
We are sheep in God’s pasture, forever safe in his hand."
Then I heard Rick exclaim, as he drove sheep out of sight,
"If you want forgiveness from God, you must ask him right."

I knew that was untrue, for Jesus simply said "Come."
and I marveled to consider that sheep were so helpless... and dumb.
But sheep have a shepherd, Jesus, whose kind voice they know,
and he leads them and feeds them, (unlike the hirelings we know.)

It was time for a rest, a long day had been had,
I'd never have guessed things could be quite so baaaaaaaaad
But God, He is kind, faithful, and true to his Word,
Let's look there for answers when life gets absurd.


L.B.


Addendum:
As Saul became Paul,
Perhaps Rick will become ___________.

(Who knows, maybe it will be Nic?)











































“"

Nothing but Impressed

  "TWO SAINTS FOR A NEW CHURCH" the headlines on the LIFE publication announced to me.  This is because Pope Francis has declared the two preceding Popes before him as "saints."  It was a historical moment.  Two popes were canonized in one day; and, (you are not going to believe this....) not every Pope gets to be a saint.  Only 81 of 265 popes are saints!  You have to be someone very special in order to have sainthood bestowed on you.

Roman Catholic teaching is that being a saint is reserved for only the elite few who attain holiness and prove themselves worthy of such status by heroism, martyrdom and the most important factor, the working of miracles on earth by this person after they have died Also you cannot be a "saint" while you are living.  you must be dead for quite a long time.... except if you are canonized by the "new"church's new pope, Francis.

Yes, Pope Francis has done a lot of unprecedented things since he has been instated as Pope and he certainly has impressed a lot of people by some of the things he has chosen to do as Pope.  Besides the canonization of two popes in one day and this without waiting decades after their death for a miracle to happen in order to do so, Francis has also done some other astonishing things.  He given a ride in his pope mobile to a young by, personally called a rape victim to comfort her, invited homeless people and their dog to enjoy his birthday meal with him, and more recently Francis made history by inviting Israeli and Palestinian presidents to pray for peace together in the Vatican gardens.  He even took a "selfie." Pope Francis, with his new way of doing things has certainly impressed a lot of people, including Rick Warren.

"I am nothing but impressed by this new Pope.  First place,  in my book, the three most important characteristics for leadership are, humility, integrity and generosity and in the first months of his a...a. of his leadership he has shown those symbolically, what he has done for a lifetime.  OK.  Ah, is humility,  of showing up... of paying his own hotel bill and checking out.....eschewing all of the... all of the the "bling" and the other things...  the accouterments of power... things like that. This is a man who spent his life working with the poor. This is a man who I happen to admire because of his work with people with HIV AIDS and as you know Saddleback has been involved in that; we just had World AIDS Day where we have been real involved in helping try to remove the stigma and end...getting to zero by the end of this decade if we can on AIDS.    And so... his integrity....I love how before he talks about businessmen being greedy he talks about bishops being greedy, OK?  and before he talks about the low morals int he world, he talks about low morals in the church OK?  Let's do a little house cleaning at home first..... and I love that."- Rick Warren,

                                                                                 12/6/2013 in conversation with Piers Morgan

Rick says emphatically, "I am nothing but impressed with this new Pope"

Pope Francis might be a nice man, but it is quite interesting to watch Rick put the Pope up onto some sort of pedestal of greatness.  Is he flattering the man?  Is he attempting to influence his own following to be impressed... just as he is?  Truth is, it really does not matter how good we think this man is or is not, our "impressions" can be wrong.  Who or what is a qualifier for "nice" or even, "good"? (Luke 18:19)

Bible says, " ...all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:24) When it comes to being impressed with someone to the point of making them the person you look to for an example.... may it always be Jesus (a.k.a. "God,") above all the rest.  (Romans 3:4)


Rick says, "First off in my book, the three most important characteristics for leadership are, humility, integrity and generosity "  

Rick neglects to use scripture as his plumb line.  Instead of the Bible, his book is made out to be the authority that you, as a disciple of Rick Warren use.  This "pastor" is not pointing you to the Bible or to Jesus...  He is pointing you to his book, and to a man who impresses you with his incredible good works, the impressive man of the moment, Pope Francis.

...." the three most important characteristics for leadership" 

And let's also note that Rick is all about "leadership," and he wants to teach you to be a great leader.  However, if you think Jesus went around making "leaders" out of people who had potential for greatness, think again.  Jesus didn't hold seminars in how to be a great anything.  Quite opposite to Rick Warren's "leadership" theories for the church, Jesus' simple words to everyone he discipled were "follow me."  

"... paying his own hotel bill and checking out.....eschewing all of the... all of the the "bling" and the other things...  the accouterments of power... things like that. "

Regarding the example of humility that Rick uses here to impress us with the actions of Pope Francis; paying his own hotel bill, is interesting.  First of all, as Pope, he owned the hotel and din;t really have to pay.  Second, if he didn't "own" it already, this is what would be expected of someone who stays in a hotel.  There is nothing particularly humble about paying your own debt that you owe, nor paying a bill that you do not have to pay for show.    

"....This is a man who I happen to admire because of his work with people with HIV AIDS.... "
Rick loves the new Pope because of his work with AIDS. There's been items in the news of course, but Rick does not say anything here about the work the Pope has done, instead, he uses this opportunity for his own self-promotion.  
  
"...and as you know Saddleback has been involved in that; we just had World AIDS Day where we have been real involved in helping try to remove the stigma and end...getting to zero by the end of this decade if we can on AIDS. "

He uses his supposed admiration of this man to further his own namesake, agenda and cause. 

"I love how before he talks about buisnessmen being greedy he talks about bishops being greedy, OK?  and before he talks about the low morals in the world, he talks about low morals in the church OK?  Let's do a little house cleaning at home first..... and I love that."

What is weird is that Rick thinks this is all somehow "cool: when it's really "church bashing."  You know, those evil greedy "bishops," (unlike any "Pope.")  No matter where you stand on this issue of greed and moral standards being met in church, you have to understand that if anyone knows how to "clean house" in Church, it would be Jesus.  

Jesus was not one to be greedy or controlled by money, he loved God with all his heart, mind and soul and he had no money to his name.  He certainly had no bad morals either.  Jesus never manipulated crowds who gathered in order to hear him teaching.... and he probably spoke to them for free, not for a fee.  He never made merchandise of men.  Let's not forget, the Pope who resides in Vatican City as well as Rick Warren, are no strangers to the many temptations that come with wealth.

Rick is so impressed with this new Pope that he gladly joins "forces" with the Roman Catholic church on every front.  Rick was a guest on EWTN where he said to everyone, even his pastors and pastors in training,  that Pope Francis is the perfect example to look to.  

" Authenticity, humility....Pope Francis is the perfect example of this.  He is doing everything right."- Rick Warren

 Rick conversing with the host of an EWTN program, World Over, Raymond Arroyo, 4-10-2014

The "new" Pope has Rick's full endorsement. 

 Rick is impressed and looking to this man and his great new leadership for the church, are you?


See: Rick Warren on EWTN.

You might choose to read this Stand-Up For the Truth article:The New Evangelization of Christians

Way-Beyond Ecumenical

Some people say Rick Warren is Ecumenical.  

Before the the Second Vatican Council, in 1962, The Pope's roman Catholic Church defined ecumenism as a relations with other "Christian" groups in order to persuade these to return to a unity that they themselves had broken... at the Reformation. The aim of the Second Vatican Council was, as the Pope at that time said, was "to seek renewal."    Rick is into "changing" the established church.  He calls it a " Second Reformation, something needed
because presumably, the church is wrong, misguided, and never doing enough without Rick's wisdom and his leadership abilities. In his outlook, it is Christians, (not the unsaved) who are in need of this "revival" and "renewal."

"If we are going to have a resurgence in our nation, a revival, a reformation, a renewal, a re-configuration of the church, when you study church history it always starts through certain stages and the first stage is personal renewal." - Rick Warren

Christian Post article, Rick Warren Shares Five things Needed For Revival to Happen in America,11/13/2013

"Father, I thank you for these who just prayed this prayer. I know that you can send a revival, a reformation, a restoration, a renewal, a resurgence that all of the forces of hell couldn’t stop. " - Rick Warren

Prayer with Mark Driscoll  at the ReSurgence Conference 2013, 

Rick prays for Christians to submit to God... but he really is getting them to pray to God about submitting to his programs and agendas that he sincerely believes are "from God."
However, Rick Warren, his thinking and his agenda of renewal is "ecumenical," quite aligned with the "renewal" of Rome.  Additionally, it is not about the church, rooted and etablished in the love of God in Christ Jesus, it goes on beyond that.  It's a new plan for the church.... a new way, a new reformation and a transformation of the old into something never seen or heard of before.  In fact, it often appears to be something at enmity with God, embracing friendship with the world. 


"The global P.E.A.C.E. coalition is a network of networks that enables strategic partnering among businesses, governments and churches...."- Rick Warren

From the Forward to a book of essays on "enterprise solutions to poverty" titled,  In The River They Swim,

 a book that Rick used as a textbook to over 400,000 church in his "network."  

" Churches and synagogues and mosques and temples and everything, we have to work together. We have to team tackle this." -Rick Warren

Pew Forum Event Transcript, The Future of Evangelicals: A Conversation with Pastor Rick Warren, 

November 13, 2009

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        RICK WARREN POEM  Click Here

Rick Roarin'

"your enemy as a roaring lion, walketh about, 

seeking whom he may devour "

1 Peter 5 2-9

"Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock." 

"Over the years, as I worked with hundreds of leaders in various projects, I’ve developed a list of what I call “Laws of Leadership” – principles that real leaders operate by. Here are six of them: "

Rick Warren

Six Laws of Leadership by Rick Warren, 11/8/2011

"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. "

"Be willing to let people leave the church. And I told you earlier the fact is that people are gonna leave the church no matter what you do. But when you define the vision, you're choosing who leaves. You say, "But Rick, yes, they're the pillars of the church." Now, you know what pillars are. Pillars are people who hold things up ... And in your church, you may have to have some blessed subtractions before you have any real additions." - Rick Warren

"Building a Purpose-Driven Church" seminar at Saddleback Church, January, 1998.

"Blessed subtractions?" 

"Real additions?"..

You do not want "pillars" around, do you?

Galatians 2:9;  Rev. 3:12; 

"Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. " 

"Most pastors do not understand the power of preaching. But even more important than that is they don't understand the purpose of preaching. I probably have the largest library of books on preaching in America. I've read over 500 books on preaching. Maybe some seminary might come close to that, but I am sure that no pastor comes close to 500 books on preaching. And as I've read them, the vast majority do not really understand...."

Rick Warren, 

 Purpose-Driven Preaching: An interview with Rick Warren, Pastors.com

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

"As Christian leaders, we need to be above reproach...That’s why I established these Saddleback staff standards for maintaining moral integrity:...."     Rick Warren  

(NOTE: Rick own "thou shall not's"  and "thou shalls" follow in a long list... Apparently Rick is a better lawgiver that God.)   The Saddleback Staff Standards of Moral Integrity by Rick Warren, 2003

 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

“Any church that fails to fulfill the five purposes Jesus established for his people is not really a church!”  Rick Warren

What a Purpose Driven Church Is Not by Rick Warren , 2005

""The secret of reaching unbelievers is learning to think like an unbeliever. But the problem is the longer you're a Christian, the less you think like an unbeliever. And if you're a seminary-trained pastor, you're even more removed from unbelievers. You think like a pastor, not a pagan. So you have to intentionally learn to think like an unbeliever again." Rick Warrren

Becoming a Purpose Driven Church Part 1, pastors.com and CBN.com

“You’ve heard me say many times that the greatest thing you can do with your life is tell somebody about Jesus … if you help somebody secure their eternal destiny, that they spend the rest of their life in Heaven not Hell …your life counts, your life matters because nothing matters more than helping get a person and their eternal destiny settled. They will be forever eternally grateful… And I’ve always said that that was the greatest thing you can do with your life; I was wrong. ” Rick Warren

Sunday Sermon at Saddleback Church, 11/2003 

 Rick Warren announces Global Peace Plan

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, 

"Faith in Jesus must be personal but it cannot be private." -Rick Warren

Rick Warren Tweet 4-22-14

"You’re going to stand before God one day and He’s going to evaluate your faithfulness. He’s going to look at eight different aspects of your life to judge your faithfulness and you should be highly interested developing these areas of your life and leadership."-Rick Warren

Rick Warren, 7 ways God Will Evaluate Your Faithfulness, 

....knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

Honorary Doctorate of Laws x 2

Christian Post (CP) reporter, Stoyan Zaimov reports that Rick and Kay Warren will each receive honorary degrees at Biola University's Spring 2014 Commencement to celebrating the couple's enbracing of "God's greater narrative."

Greater narrative?  Interesting choice of words.

What does "God's greater narrative" mean?  

Is God simply narrating some sort of a story. or is he the very word itself?  Is there a "greater" narrative than the one already told of Jesus Christ?  Is the word of God in its simple form living, active, sharp and flawless or is it lifeless until you like an actor picking up a role, take the stage?

Christian Post reports:

"Kay Warren embodies a life of faith and courage, demonstrating what it means to fully embrace God's greater narrative... Her work for the global church and those suffering from HIV and AIDS across the world is a model of the kind of conviction and courage that Biola seeks to develop in all of our graduates."                Biola President Barry H. Corey.

“It’s a way of the university recognizing them as a significant contributor to the world or to the kingdom of God.”

Brian Shook, administrative director for the office of the president of Biola.

Which is it?  A contribution to the world... or to the kingdom of God?
And are we talking dominion-ism here?
What kind of doctorate will they both recieve?

According to the Biola CMIMES, Kay and Rick will be "graduating" with the Doctorate of Laws, one of several types of degrees.  "The Doctorate of Laws is based on a generic type of public service rather than something as specific as evangelical work."

This makes sense.  Rick and Kay have definitely  been doing generic public service and NOT evangelical work, (although they have done a great job of making it look "evangelical" to a lot of people.)

 So, what is an "honorary doctorate?"  

According to wisegeek.com, the idea of conferring honorary degrees on someone may cause considerable controversy.  Critics worry that the degree and the title of "doctor" could be used to mislead others about the recipient’s qualifications.   This is because while the honor recognizes some "achievement," it does not necessarily indicate the same level of knowledge expected of someone who has completed the university's traditional doctoral program. People are also concerned that the awarding of "honorary degrees" are often given with the motive of association to that particular person based on their notoriety and fame, or to secure large donations for the university if the person is wealthy. 

In the case of the Warren's, they are both famous, and wealthy.  In fact, the money keeps rolling in as each new book, church campaign and resource or sermon they produce rolls off the press.  Sermons are not free.  People by them.  Attending church is not free either, you MUST, tithe.  Hmmm, wonder how much he gets for a speaking engagement?  When he gets important ones, what does he say neglect to say?

It might be rather "strategic" for the Warren's to attach Dr. to their names since they have mastered the art of promoting all things healthy.  There is church health and balance , (Purpose Driven Church)  sexual health, (HIV and AIDS) spiritual health, (Finding Purpose) personal physical health through diet and exercise, (via the Daniel Plan,) and most recently, mental health, (The Gathering.)  Biola U. got it right in dubbing them "Dr. of Laws"  Lots of law comes out of Rick. His bottom line is not salvation, it's change and transformation.  You have to find your purpose and be just like Jesus.

Rick might encourage you to think like Jesus, feel like Jesus, be like Jesus and act like Jesus. He will even sell you all the tools he believes you need in order that you meet that end.  However, Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father, Son of the Promise, Son of God and Son of man.  You, no matter how hard you try, will never fulfill the law of God perfectly like Jesus.  You are not co-equal to God.... Jesus, and only Jesus, is.  The way to salvation is to believe on the ONE God sent... Jesus Christ... and recieve God's gift, forgiveness of your sin and eternal life... at least that is what the Bible says.

It is not by works of righteousness that I have done, but according to his mercy he has saved us.

In case you are interested, Here is the award presentation given at Biola to the Warren's:

Dem Bones

In Ezekiel 37 we learn about a valley full of bones.

"Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord." verse 4

There's a good word from the Lord!

Rick Warren teaches about bones too:

"The bigger the animal, the bigger the bones need to be. This is what is meant about changing structure. The structure, or organization, is the bones that hold the body of Christ together. When we were children our bones were very small. As an adult we’d look quite funny if we had the same bones. Did you know that you get new bones every seven years? Your body is continually eliminating old cells from your bones and creating new bone from your marrow. Similarly this must happen in our churches as they grow." 

                                                                                                                                                               ~Rick Warren

Churches That Change to Be Healthier Experience 5 Renewals (Part 2) by Rick Warren,

Apparently, big churches need a big structure. and mega pastor Rick knows all about big.  There are little bone structures for little churches and big bone structures for big churches, according to Rick. Apparently, your body of bones is "creating new cells every seven years" (you know....eliminating those old cells) and so is your church.  You can now understand, (thanks to Rick's wisdom about "bones") how to grow your churches "bone" structure.  You can also better manage change, when you implement it, under Ricks directives and example), in your own church because certainly, if anyone knows structure, organization and God's purposes of church, its Rick.  After all, "to many, he is Pastor Rick, but to his church, he is Papa Rick—a voice of wisdom, hope, encouragement, and vision."1

 "The Purpose Driven Church, is all about purpose, renewal and how to structure and organize around God’s purposes for his church. ~Rick Warren

Churches That Change to Be Healthier Experience 5 Renewals (Part 2) by Rick Warren, http://pastors.com/5renewals-2/

Yes, do keep in mind that the Purpose Driven Church is about purpose, (not necessarily about "faith in Jesus Christ." ) You see, this is because strong, healthy, churches, (according to Rick,) are built on five things.... the five purposes of God.  In fact, "purpose" is where it all begins.

"Nothing precedes purpose." ~ Rick Warren                                                                                                                                 The Purpose Driven Church, pg. 81

(So much for John 1:1)

Also, the Purpose Driven Church concept is about "renewal"  and not necessarily about you and your neighbors finding about God's forgiveness of your sin, not about you believing God's Word or you resting in the promises of God for the salvation of your soul; by faith.  No, the Purpose Driven church is something completely different. It's not about you... it is about you finding a purpose, a cause;  and about you committing yourself to service.

And how does one church structure and organize around God's 5 purposes? By keeping up with the balancing act of course!  And dream big.  The bigger the better.  In fact, Rick suggests you unleash your imagination!  And while you are at it, think big. (This is an idea often promoted by Warren. and friends.)  Humility, modesty, simplicity, meekness, they're out.

Also, you want to eliminate those old cells:

"Your body is continually eliminating old cells from your bones and creating new bone from your marrow. Similarly this must happen in our churches as they grow."                                           ~Rick Warren

Question....                                                             

Is this supposed to make people rationalize eliminating or exchanging anything "old" for everything "new."

READ MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

When Your church Doesn't Match the Community by Rick Warren

"Reinvent your Congregation. This is your last and most difficult possibility. It’s where you intentionally change the makeup of your church in order to match a new target by replacing the old programs, structures and worship styles with new ones."

                                                                                                           2 Timothy 4: 1-3

2 Corinthians 6:14

Spiritual Maturity is for Ministry by Rick Warren

"The last thing many believers need is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. They need to exercise their spiritual muscles by serving others."

Hebrews 4:1-3

Luke 10:38-42

Take Off The Old, Put On The New by Rick Warren

" In the renewal of your mind, you’ve got to put off before you can put on."

Galatians 3:26-28

1 Corinthians 15:53

Foot Note
1. "To many, he is Pastor Rick, but to his church, he is Papa Rick—a voice of wisdom, hope, encouragement, and vision."  http://saddleback.com/visit/about/pastors/our-pastor