On "Rick Warren: What I Learned From Billy"

A recent Billy Graham focused Special Edition of Christianity Today offers to readers an article by Rick Warren whereby Rick Warren the opportunity to tell the world what he learned from Billy Graham, a famous U.S. preacher.  Rick Warren, said to be a preacher too, tells how he learned a lot from Mr. Graham and how it as that since he was just a little child, he has learned from Billy Graham and emulated Graham in his own life. Never shy about what he wants readers to think of himself, Warren says in the title that he learned "Focus, Integrity and a God directed Heart."  

Billy Graham was well known for being a preacher in his day..  Nowadays, so is "Pastor Rick."  both men have been, over the years highlighted in the media, held up as examples for Christians to follow and listen to.  With the death of Billy Graham it makes sense to look at the man's life and legacy and so that is what Rick is doing here in the magazine founded by Billy Graham in 1956..  At the end of this article Rick tells you that no one will ever be able to replace Billy Graham, but he's gonna show you that if anyone could, it would be him.  In fact, after reading this article the reader might even be lead to believe that Rick is even greater!

Just like Graham, Rick Warren can draw a crowd and just like Graham he gets lots of media attention.  Graham quoted scripture and Rick quotes scripture too, even though, unlike Graham who only used one Bible, Rick  uses them all. (Note: Rick also quotes paraphrases of the bible instead of actual translations and rarely uses the same book referenced twice.)  In this article we learn that in 1948, Billy Graham and his team formulated what Rick reports to us  is called, the Modesto Manifesto; and.... wouldn't you know,.... just like Billy Graham, Rick has, he tells us,  one of those too! 

 Well, sort of.  

Quora.com says that the Modesto Manifesto was not a real document.  Seems it was really and simply a mutually agreed upon concept that the men in Grahams ministry had with one another in regards to protecting their ministry work from accusations.  Based upon biblical principals that they all knew to be true, it was a verbal agreement...( you might think of it as a "let your yes be yes and no be no,"  Matthew 5:37  kinda thing.)  There were four main topics covered by the "Manifesto" and the issues were money, purity, integrity and humility    
Graham's Modesto Manifesto was apparently a model to Rick at his church. He tells readers that he had Saddleback staff routinely make what he called "similar covenants" and cited the Saddleback Staff Ten Commandments—  as example.  He says this was "based on the same idea."

Same idea?  Hardly.

Graham's Manifesto wasn't written down... just verbally agreed upon, it was a public declaration..  Rick out-did that though and took it to a whole new level.  Thinking ever so highly of himself.,...Rick clesarly outdid " Billy Grahams's Manifesto.  His is in writing and signed.  But i's not just a manifesto.  No, Rick Warren braggingly informs us that he created his own "Ten Commandments" for his staff. 

 Here is the Commandments he was talking about:


 " 1.  Thou shalt not go to lunch alone with the opposite sex. *
   2.  Thou shalt not have the opposite sex pick you up or drive you places when it is just the            two of you. *
   3.  Thou shalt not kiss any attendee of the opposite sex or show affection that could be  
          questioned. *
   4.  Thou shalt not visit the opposite sex alone at home.
   5.  Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex alone at the office, and thou shalt not counsel              the opposite sex more than once without that person’s mate. Refer them.
   6.  Thou shalt not discuss detailed sexual problems with the opposite sex in counseling.  
            Refer them.
   7.  Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with an attendee of the opposite sex.
   8.  Thou shalt be careful in answering emails, instant messages, chatrooms, cards, or                 letters from the opposite sex. 
    9. Thou shalt make your secretary your protective ally.
  10. Thou shalt pray for the integrity of other staff members.
* The first three do not apply to unmarried staff.

Grahams Manifesto covered four distinct areas of conduct...  1) money, 2) purity, 3) integrity and 4) humility.  Rick's  "commandments" are focused on one thing...sex. 

Having guidelines and expectations of proper conduct is one thing, but having "Commandments" is another.... "Commandments" even to the point of "thou shall" and "thou shall not."   Apparently, unmarried staff is more trustworthy than married, for some of the "commands" do not apply to unmarried people.  Additionally, Rick  Warren, at his 2017 pastors.com article titled 10 Commandments to Help Church Staff Maintain Moral Integrity, jokes:

(Or is he serious?)

"I have told my staff that if any of them even

 flirt with temptation, I will come after them with

 a baseball bat, and I’ve told them

 to do the same with me."

                                                   - Rick Warren

Ten Commandments to Help Church Staff Keep Moral Integrity by Rick Warren, April, 25, 2017

That is a little scary.  What would he do with the bat? 

Is this the way Christian pastors behave with staff?
It is even funny?

Apparently, neither God's original Ten Commandments nor Ephesians 5:3 from the Bible which says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people” is sufficient for Christians.... No. Rick has a better way and a way to make you obey him....and typical of Rick, he would gladly be perceived by Christianity Today readers as one able to outdo everything in his path.  He's not only laid down the law with his own Ten commandments.for his staff.... and the staff of pastors everywhere who follow in Rick's footsteps, but he'll enforce it... with a bat

Rick as he demonstrates here, was destined to be just like Billy Graham right from the "get-go."  And if you are impressionable, you might even percieve this all to be a "God- thing" too, after all, his very religious grandmother prayed for two people every day....little Rick and Billy Graham.  She wanted Rick to be a preacher, just like billy Graham....and God surely must have answered her prayers, because look everyone, Rick grew up to be a pastor....just like Billy Graham, maybe even more impressive.  And not only that, who are we told, by Rick, who mentored Rick?  Billy Graham!

Everything Graham did, Rick aspired to and exceeded.....  

Graham preached to millions and his evangelism was appreciated by both Roman Catholics and Protestants.  Graham, it has been said, "built bridges" between these faiths.   Rick, like graham, claims to cross denominational boundaries and  builds bridges between faiths. 

While the famed Crusades were actual wars  Billy Graham revived the word in regards to evangelism and held "crusades" in 185 counties and levered his religious and political influence in the world, rubbing shoulders with world dignitaries and U.S. presidents. 

Rick has held his own crusades in faraway lands.  Rick has worked to use his influence, all over the world taking opportunities near and far to reach the world with his message via various "campaigns."...(and subsequently sell product.)  Rick even got Grahams approval as he cleverly found "new ways" to share the "gospel."

 "In the early 1980s, Saddleback 

was the first church to use a fax machine 

for evangelism. I came up with a 

thing called "the fax of life." 

I wrote a weekly devotional, 

and we faxed it out to business leaders."-Rick Warren

Bigger, better, first and foremost, is always Rick (and Saddleback church.) 

"Saddleback was the first church on 

the internet. That was in 1992, before 

Internet Explorer, Netscape, 

or Safari. We used Gopher, 

FTP, and Mosaic, and we put up a

 little website." -Rick Warren

"Whenever anybody says, "Who's going to replace Graham?" the answer is that he's irreplaceable. There will never be another Billy Graham." -Rick Warren

 No, there will never be another Billy Graham but you dear reader are supposed to connect the dots left  undone.  Billy, is dead and gone.... or as Rick would say, 

"Acts 13:36, my life verse, is an appropriate passage to describe him. (Billy Graham) It says, "Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep." I can't think of a finer epitaph to have on your tombstone than that you served God's purpose in your generation. That says you did the timeless in a timely way. You contended for that which never changes in a society, in a world, in a culture that's constantly changing. Graham served 

God's purpose in his generation, and now that he has fulfilled that purpose, he is gone."

Yep.  Just "gone."  

In the end, it's quite a miserable existence for us, if we believe only for this life  ( 1 Corinthians 15:19,) don't you think?

Sad to say, but Rick Warren assured his readers that there is no finer epitaph than to say what he has to say about Billy Graham.... That he "served God's purpose" and how like David, Graham served God's purpose too,  Like David, apparently, Graham "fell asleep."  
Rick did not say Graham was "gone to meet his maker" or "gone to heaven." He did not say he's "now in the wonderful presence of Almighty God."  In his own tooting of his own Purpose Driven horn Warren tells us simply, that Graham served his purpose and now, "he is gone." 

The Mother Teresa Principle (by Rick Warren)

EWTN  is Rick Warren's "favorite" Christian channel, and the program, "Chaplet of Divine Mercy" is his "favorite show" (one that he likes to relax to... along with his wife Kay, after a stressful day.) It renews and restores him.... helps him to worship, relax, reflect and meditate.... or so he says:

"I’m an avid fan of EWTN. I make no bones about it. I probably watch it more than any Christian channel. Well, you know what? Because you have more, more, uh, shows that relate to history. And if you don’t understand the roots of our faith, that God had been working for 2,000 years, regardless of what brand of believer you are, God has been working for 2,000 years in His church. And if you don’t have those roots you’re like the cut flower syndrome. Or you’re a tumbleweed. One of my favorite shows, which you repeat often is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Which I love. And when I’ve had a very stressful day, I’ll come home, I’ve got it taped and Kay and I will both, we’ll listen. We’ll put it on and just sit back, relax and worship. And in the time of reflection, meditation and quietness I find myself renewed and restored. So thank you for continuing to play the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. " ~Rick Warren 

Interview with Raymond Arroyo of EWTN on his program World Over, April 2014

With all his flattery aside, the way that Warren embraces EWTN's religious television program, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy... which is reallyu more of a Rosary recital than  "program," you would think he was Roman Catholic. Maybe he is.

After all, Rick Warren, his pastors.come website, and even his wife Kay, have been known to endorse and promote people, past and present, of Roman Catholic faith in their protestant arena.  Figures like Mother Teresa,Thomas Merton,   St. John of the Cross, Brother Lawrence, and Teresa d Avil,have been talked about as Christian heroes for their listeners to admire and emulate.  Rick and friends quote them, name-drop their names and endorse their "mystical" practices as something spiritually profound, something to be desired in the walk of Christian faith.

Rick, just loves to name-drop......

"To mature your friendship, God will test it with periods of seeming separation—times when it feels as if he has abandoned or forgotten you. God feels a million miles away. St. John of the Cross referred to these days of spiritual dryness, doubt, and estrangement from God as "the dark night of the soul. Henri Nouwen called them "the ministry of absence." A. W. Tozer called them "the ministry of the night." Others refer to "the winter of the heart.""  

~Rick Warren, 

God is Real No Matter How You Feel by Rick Warren, Daily Hope With Rick Warren,  5/21/2014

He used Brother Lawrence, to teach people to practice "breath prayers' originally in his Purpose Driven Life book.   And he repeats the "Brother Lawrence" story to this day.  Now, your "work" is suddenly transformed into communication and communion with God... but only IF...you learn to develop the skill of practicing the presence of God... From Rick and Brother Larry too..

 

"Everything you do can be “spending time with God” if he is invited to be a part of it and you stay aware of his presence. The classic book on learning how to develop a constant conversation with God is “Practicing the Presence of God.” It was written in the 17th century by Brother Lawrence, a humble cook in a French monastery. Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial tasks, like preparing meals and washing dishes, into acts of praise and communion with God. "

~Rick Warren, 

Be In Constant Communion With God by Rick Warren, Daily Hope With Rick Warren,  5/21/2014

Rick often endorses Roman Catholic books.  He wrote the forward to Tom Peterson's Catholics Come Home. (Check their website and see what they have to say to Protestants and Evangelicals.) The Vatican rightly promotes the notion that Jesus Christ founded one Church, but they also falsely believe that they, (and only they,) are it, with the Pope at their head.... they say, Jesus Christ willed that the apostles and their successors - the bishops with Peter's successor at their head - should preach the Gospel faithfully, administer the sacraments, and rule the Church in love.  "This particular book by Peterson is a call to all Christians to "come home to Rome" and be Roman Catholic.  Rick Warren wrote the "forward" to it.

 (See: Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23; Psalm 118:22;   1 Corinthians 11:3; and Colossians 2:10.  Who, does scripture tell us is the head of the church?)
 

Rick often quotes  "Mother Teresa," a well-known Roman Catholic.   This is the same Mother Teresa who in her book, Life in the Spirit: Reflections, Meditations and Prayers, (Pg 81-82 ) said,

“We never try to convert those who receive [aid from Missionaries of Charity] to Christianity but in our work we bear witness to the love of God’s presence and if Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, or agnostics become for this better men — simply better — we will be satisfied. It matters to the individual what church he belongs to. If that individual thinks and believes that this is the only way to God for her or him, this is the way God comes into their life — his life. If he does not know any other way and if he has no doubt so that he does not need to search then this is his way to salvation.”

According to Mother Teresa, making humanity better--- "simply better" (not making disciples as Jesus directed)  is the point of her ministry. They do not preach the good news of JEsus, bear witness of Him, or of God's love... no.  Instead they "bear witness to the love of God's presence." (You have to wonder. Who is doing the love?)   Mother Teresa appears to believe that the way for a person to be saved is unimportant.  In fact, they are saved anyway they want to be, for what a person believes, be they Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, or agnostics, makes no difference.  

Interestingly, Mother Teresa's religious convictions....  are a lot like "Pastor" Rick's.

Rick, speaks to Muslim audiences without sharing with them the gospel.   Rick admits, Mormons are not Christian, but apparently this doesn't matter as long as they have purpose and buy his books.  With Rick, salvation via faith in Jesus Christ so that your sins are forgiven is really not his message.  His message is about how a person needs to have purpose... and health... power and influence over others. His is  "another gospel."  His message, just like Mother Teresa's is about the betterment of humanity.... the common good.   

For those who want power and influence and who desire the honor of men, Rick has devised a "principle" to live by.... one that he calls, the "Mother Teresa Principal." 

"The more you care about the powerless, the more power you have. The more you serve those with no influence, the more influence God gives you. The more you humble yourself, the more you're honored by others" -Rick Warren

 Forward to: Mother Teresa at 100, The Life and Works of a Modern Saint by Richard Lycayo, 2010 TIME Publishers

You'll notice, this "principle" is not a reflection of what Jesus taught in the Bible.  Rick, just simply made it up.  Yet, he teaches it as a "principle,"  one that.... if you follow.. and the more you do what the principle teaches,  promises to give you power, influence.  Apparently the acquisition of power and influence is important, as well as is being honored by other men.

Do you desire power, influence and the honor of other men?  Maybe it would be wise to remember who is powerful (Answer: God) and who is not.... and then remember what Jesus said:

 Luke 20: 45-47 ...."Then in the audience of all the people he (JESUS) said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts..... "

Rome-N-Rick

EWTN , the Global Catholic Network, is Rick Warren's favorite "Christian channel," and the "Chaplain of Divine Mercy" they program on their channel is his "favorite show" one that he likes to relax to along with his wife Kay, after a stressful day. It renews and restores him.... helps him to worship, relax, reflect and meditate.  (What would he do without his T.V.?)

"I’m an avid fan of EWTN. I make no bones about it. I probably watch it more than any Christian channel. Well, you know what? Because you have more, more, uh, shows that relate to history. And if you don’t understand the roots of our faith, that God had been working for 2,000 years, regardless of what brand of believer you are, God has been working for 2,000 years in His church. And if you don’t have those roots you’re like the cut flower syndrome. Or you’re a tumbleweed. One of my favorite shows, which you repeat often is the Chaplain of Divine Mercy. Which I love. And when I’ve had a very stressful day, I’ll come home, I’ve got it taped and Kay and I will both, we’ll listen. We’ll put it on and just sit back, relax and worship. And in the time of reflection, meditation and quietness I find myself renewed and restored. So thank you for continuing to play the Chaplain of Divine Mercy. " ~Rick Warren 

Interview with Raymond Arroyo of EWTN on his program World Over, April 2014

How many Christians, at thte leading of Rick will now meditate with their Televisions tuned in ...just like Rick?

It's odd to have a "pastor" of supposed Protestant persuasion, Rick Warren, repeatedly endorsing Roman Catholicism before a watchful world.  You'd expect a Roman Catholic "priest" to do this, but not a Protestant pastor.  Protestants, while they share some of the same Christian convictions of faith with Roman Catholics, do differ on some key issues.  And really, differences, some differences are expected.. they are OK.   Yet, time and Time Magazine again, we hear the world reknown Rick Warren applauding the Roman Catholic church and pointing his listening audience in that direction.  It is almost as if he is on a mission, maybe, to reunite those separated brethren with Rome. 

Currently, Rick is giving the Roman Church more than lip service.  He has traveled to Italy, and is sharing the limelight surrounding the 2014 Vatican conference on Marriage with representatives of various faiths. 

In attendance are Mormons, (Yes, even though Mormonism is known not for monogamy but for polygamy)  Jews, Anglicans, Muslims, Pentecostals, Southern Baptists and even Hindus who have gathered together to affirm the long held understanding they all apparently share and can agree upon...  that marriage is between one man and one woman.  

The conference, with its reportedly 30 religious "leaders"  has no religious title.  The gathering is not to talk about "God" or issues of Christian "faith."  They gather at "Humanum."  in the name of..... yes,  humanity.... to examine "the changing roles of marriage and family."

Rick Warren, for his part at the conference, reportedly told the crowd, "We want all marriages and families to  be healthy and strong."  He also commented on what it was like to be in the presence of the Pope.  He said, "Up Close you can feel the humility and compassion that others see from afar."

According to Juan Martinez, vice provost of Fuller Theological Seminary, Rick was a likely candidate for being invited because " he has influence in certain segments of the Christian world"..."as he speaks, people will listen.  He said that as Rick's perspectives are made public, they tend to become representative of a significant number of evangelicals."....(In other words,there are segments of Christianity that can be easily  influenced by what is publicized as coming from Rick's lips.) 


Now we wonder why the other leaders got their invites as well.

It's an amazing comment from a representative of Fuller Seminary.  And what is Rick saying to the world?

Rick told a reporter how he was really hoping to see Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Vatican while he is there for the marriage conference. (Isn't it interesting that those in Roman Catholicism who take vows of celibacy, seemingly know all about "marriage"....so they hold this conference? ) 

In reference to Pope Benedict, Rick Warren told reporters,
: “His books really influenced me, particularly his series on the life of Christ.”...... “He’s got a brilliant mind.”"

Rick Warren, OC Register article November 16, 2014

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/rick-warren-we-must-celebrate-marriage/#ixzz3JRQexU5h

Rick Warren, said to be so incredibly influential when he speaks, (at least according to Juan Martinez,) is pointing it out to others that he, being so well-read, knows a brilliant mind, (Pope Benedict,) when he sees one.  His words are then officially publicized for me and you, and if we do as expected, we will be influenced into reading and thinking just like influential Pastor Rick!

Benedict could very well be a very nice person.  He might even be a very "brilliant mind" but when it comes to faith issues, one must certainly ask Rick Warren, how's Benedict's (Ratsinger's) doctrine?  It this the person, with the brilliant mind, who knoews all about the life of Jesus, the one that we should all be be learning from and listening to?

Make no  mistake, in the heart of Pope Benedicts Roman Catholicism, you can count on rosary prayers, prayers for the dead,  and a belief in purgatory.  There's also the practice of indulgences, and the belief in the assumption of Mary into heaven,where she intercedes for those who are here on earth.  Yes, no doubt, as Pope, Benedict is contemplating and meditating on Marian mysteries and practicing lectio divina, while rejecting as heretics those who dare believe sola fide, (that salvation comes by faith in Christ alone,) unless of course, like so many religious leaders  of varying faiths, they submit, like Rick,  to the brilliance of the man and the  supremacy,  of the office hat he once held.... that has now gone to Pope Francis. 


 Rick Warren would do well to point his listeners, people of all "faiths"  to Jesus, instead he points them elsewhere... and when he is  being interviewed on on EWTN... he points people ..... to the pope.

"And—as—as—our new Pope he was very, very symbolic in, you know, in his first Mass with people with AIDS. Ah, his—his kissing of—of—this deformed man, his loving the children, this authenticity, this humility, the caring for the poor; this is what the whole world expects Christians to do. And when we—when they go, “Oh, that’s what a Christian does.” In fact, there was a headline here in Orange County—and I loved the headline—I saved it. It said, “If you love Pope Francis, you’ll love Jesus.” 

~Rick Warren

Rick Warren, 4/14/2014 EWTN Interview with Raymond Arroryo

Did you catch that?..."Our" new Pope?
The pope is Rick's pope too.

"Yeah, right. Well—and the main thing is love always reaches people. It—authenticity, humility—Pope Francis is the perfect example of this. He is, uh, he is doing everything right. You see, people will listen to what we say, if they like what they see." 

 ~Rick Warren

Rick Warren, 4/14/2014 EWTN Interview with Raymond Arroryo

Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 

 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”  Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? 

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 (John 20:24-29 ESV)

rything Peter Drucker writes. His book “The Effective Executive" is a favourite I reread every year. Long before words like “empowerment” became popular, Peter was telling us that the secret of achieving results is to focus on your strengths, and the strengths of those you work with, rather than focusing on weaknesses. In fact, Peter says, making strengths productive is the unique purpose of organization. - See more at: http://www.inplainsite.org/html/rick_warren_new_age.html#RW-DruckerI read everything Peter Drucker Writes

“I read everything Peter Drucker writes. His book “The Effective Executive" is a favourite I reread every year. Long before words like “empowerment” became popular, Peter was telling us that the secret of achieving results is to focus on your strengths, and the strengths of those you work with, rather than focusing on weaknesses. In fact, Peter says, making strengths productive is the unique purpose of organization. - See more at: http://www.inplainsite.org/html/rick_warren_new_age.html#RW-Drucker

“I read everything Peter Drucker writes. His book “The Effective Executive" is a favourite I reread every year. Long before words like “empowerment” became popular, Peter was telling us that the secret of achieving results is to focus on your strengths, and the strengths of those you work with, rather than focusing on weaknesses. In fact, Peter says, making strengths productive is the unique purpose of organization. - See more at: http://www.inplainsite.org/html/rick_warren_new_age.html#RW-Drucker

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."

R.T. Kendall and Rick Warren

"Over thirty years as a pastor I’ve found that bitterness toward God is often the primary barrier to accepting His salvation and trusting His guidance on a daily basis. I know of no one better suited than R. T. Kendall to address this deep hurt in so many lives. I’m so grateful for this book.' —Rick Warren, pastor, Saddleback Church

                                           and author, The Purpose-Driven Life

Deep hurt?

Did God deeply hurt you... so much that you need to forgive him for it?  Do you really need this book to help you "forgive God"?  What on earth is Rick talking about???  What is Kendall writing about?

Kendall states on page 9, of this book (that Rick warren so highly recommends,) that he has written this book, Totally Forgiving God, "to set you free."  He also states that "by your setting God free, you will be free."

This is really strange.  IS God bound up.... or it is you?  Will your forgiving God "set Him free?"

 How did God ever get along without Kendall's fantastical teaching in the world... that we must forgive God to set him free?... and WHO KNEW.... once we set God free (by forgiving Him) we, in turn,  could be free too.

The truth is that  our omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, ever loving, good and gracious God is not bound by anything.  He is not in bondage to me or to you or anyone else.  He also has no sin of which to repent or be "forgiven" of.... none.   Humanity, on the other hand, people like you and I are guilty of sin and are in bondage, needing to be set free.  Jesus came to seek and save the lost... and to set THEM free, by being forgiven of all their sin, by this loving and gracious God, not the other way around.  Yet R.T. Kendall, and by association and endorsement... Rick Warren, teach this.

Rick Warren endorses the teachings of R.T. Kendall. He says that he is "grateful for" this strangely titled book.  He also says that bitterness toward God is the primary barrier that prevents humans from accepting salvation.  The primary barrier is not pride... or sin.... but "bitterness towards God."  The key, (according to Kendall) is for people to forgive God, or rather,  as Kendall says, "let God off the hook."

Why should you believe Kendall on this?  Maybe because he knows so much about God?  Maybe it is because he knows a true revival of God when he see's it.... or maybe it is because he is a good speaker and knows when to yell from the pulpit to prov his point.  Maybe it is because he wants to "marry" the word with the spirit because they have been "divorced".... .   Or maybe you should not believe anything this man says?  You will have to decide.

As you decide, consider the above links.... and also consider how in this book, Kendall describes to readers how God told him that his mother would be healed from her illness... and yet she was not.

Was this God?  Does god make a declaration like this and then not do it?
(If it was God, then the healing would have happened.  God does not give false hope or even false information.) As Kendall claimed to have received this message of healing from God and the message did not come to pass, we can conclude that Kendall was not really hearing from God.

It might sound good to you and your sinful nature that exalts yourself so highly above... even God, to hear how you need to forgive God.  It might even be a draw for you to buy this book,  You might even rightly realize that you, like all other people are prone to harbor bitterness in your heart.  It is possible too that you recognize that you, like the rest of us, do need to rid yourself of sinful things like bitterness or envy, but Kendall twists the truth of this matter.  God does not need to be forgiven by almighty you.  You need to humble yourself before Almighty God and ask God to forgive YOU... not the other way around.

The beautiful thing is that you can have that forgiveness God gives to all who call upon him in spirit and in truth by simply looking to and believing in the one God sent, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, Jesus Christ.  (Who also does not need to be "forgiven by you.")

Here are some reviews of R.T. Kendall's book, Totally Forgiving God:

By Chris Brown

By Andrew Wilson

By David Anderson

Here are some thoughts on the book by title alone.

By Sam Storms

Here is a blogpost by RT Kendall ministries about the "critics" of his book:
By R.T. Kendall Ministries  (A Review  of the Reviews)

Kendall works hard to promote his book about Totally Forgiving God.  He writes articles too.  If you do not care to make him wealthy by the purchase of his book in order to read it, or you have not the time to read his book, check out on of these articles:

Christianity Magazine feature article, Why You Have To Forgive God by R.T. Kendall

Charisma Magazine, Will You Forgive God? by R.T. Kendall