A TRUE AND FAITHFUL WITNESS
Are you committed to being a true and faithful witness to the Lord Jesus Christ of the New Testament Gospel?
FORTY DAYS:
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
Did You Really Hear the Gospel?
Do Your Own “Instant Replay”
Since I was born and raised in Ohio, U.S.A., I have an embedded love for
American Football. Some things about football have changed over the
years. There are more games with television coverage, longer seasons, and
a few new rules. There is one change that stands out. It incorporates the
“fans” into the flow of any game. It is referred to as “instant replay.” It used
to be that the fans wondered the “truth” of the “official call” based on what
was seen only once, by everyone. That is not true anymore. Not for us or
the official. Now, the truth of the game can be seen in slow motion and from
many angles! The most important thing is that the officials make the “right”
call so that the game is as fair as possible.
This booklet challenges you to view an “instant replay” of the first session of
the “40 Days of Purpose” video by Rick Warren. Literally millions have been
made partakers of this “event” in their church or in a home gathering. You
should do your own “instant replay” just as I have done. This booklet
explains what I saw and heard through the first session of the video. It also
makes some references to Warren’s “The Purpose-Driven® Life” book
(“PDL”). But if you love the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel, make sure you’
re sitting down and “prayed up” when doing this. The instant replay you do
may shock you.
That Uneasy Feeling
In many instances, the “40 Days of Purpose” Campaign is a church-wide
event. It will take over all other priorities. In the fall of 2003 the leader of the
small group my wife and I were attending asked us to switch from what we
were studying to “the campaign.” We agreed and a few other people joined
our group. And although I was in the middle of teaching a Sunday school
class on a book of the Bible it was interrupted by “the campaign” also. In
fact, all Sunday school classes were essentially told by the leadership that
they were expected to teach the material that corresponded to “the
campaign’s” topic during their class time. The small groups were also
expected to meet during the week to view a video session, go through a
workbook and discuss the topic. Since I was committed to my class and the
church I jumped in with limited knowledge of Rick Warren or Saddleback
church which he pastors. I quickly realized that my commitment to the
campaign soon became a struggle and then an absolute shock.
My uneasy feeling came when I began to look at the pre-program materials
to prepare for my class. As I read through the literature, I remember telling
my wife that I had a very “uneasy feeling” about what was to happen. This
uneasy feeling turned out to be God’s way of making me pay close
attention. Thank God.
The Thief on the Cross
During the first night of the campaign, the church leadership provided for
those who had “new” or “un-churched” people in their groups to attend a
“mass” gathering in the church’s gymnasium. The purpose was to view the
first session of Rick Warren’s video which introduces the program into the
church. The leaders, along with many others, highly anticipated this event.
Because my small group leader had invited some people from outside the
church, we wanted to attend this event. The gymnasium had tables and
chairs set up and it was packed. In addition, others were to meet in their
normal small groups at various homes either that night or during the week to
view the video.
Although I had previously received some of the materials for preparation of
my Sunday school class, I had not received the actual “40 Days” video tape
which was for the leader of the small group. Therefore, I could not review it
beforehand. I assumed that the pastoral staff as well as the elected
leadership of the church had reviewed it. The first session of the tape on
“living with purpose” ended with Warren leading people in a prayer. In the
prayer he asked them to “open their life” to the “Lord.” He then
congratulated people for praying with him and welcomed them into “the
family of God.” I made eye contact with my wife. I will never forget the look
on her face. We were in complete shock. We realized there was one slight
problem. He had failed to mention in the presentation that people are
sinners in need of a Savior and that God sent His Son, Jesus, to shed His
blood at Calvary, who then rose again! He did not mention any of these
concepts during the presentation, the prayer, or the follow-up comments!
We eagerly waited to see if our pastor of evangelism, who was leading the
session, would share the true and complete gospel. We never heard it.
Certainly there would very quickly be clarification from the pulpit? We never
heard it. On the contrary, there was great excitement that a large number of
people had “prayed the prayer!”
There were three crosses at the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ: one
thief on each side of Jesus. Over the years, I have often thought about the
thief on the one side of Jesus during the crucifixion and the wonderful
salvation that became his that day as he died beside the Lord of the
universe! Do you remember his interaction with the other thief? He knew
they had done things to warrant being put to death. But he knew Jesus had
done nothing wrong! Do you remember what he said to the other thief?
“Don’t you fear God?” Yet, in our very church building that evening
someone on a video screen spoke about Christ, never mentioning that
middle cross or that Jesus had to be crucified for redemption to be
accomplished. The message that was spoken was portrayed as the gospel
and invited people into the “family of God.” Millions of people, including
pastors, have seen this “40 Days of Purpose” video. If you have left out the
fact that Jesus Christ had to die on Calvary for the sins of the world, and you
have allowed those who listened to a different “gospel” believe they are now
“children of God,” I would ask all of us – Do we not fear God?! Can we call
ourselves Christians – true Christians?
When Ministry comes looking for you!
I realized that night that I had been placed into a social setting where I
would have looked like an absolute idiot and totally out of place to stand up
and say what should have been said. It would have been totally out of place.
Or would it? “According to the Apostle Paul - that was a different “gospel”
message and it will not make anyone a member of the family of God. If the
Apostle Paul were here today he would very quickly and abruptly interrupt
this session within the framework of the authority he had as an apostle of
Jesus Christ and explain that people were misled to receive something that is
not Biblical truth.” It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that American
“evangelicals” have come to the place where they/we are so passive, timid,
and uncommitted to Jesus Christ that there is a willingness to sit in a church
and by silence bear witness to a “gospel” that is different than the one in
Scripture. How absolutely deceptive and tragic!
My mind raced to the text in Revelation where Jesus is called “The Faithful
and True Witness” and I knew I had not been a true and faithful witness of
His. And of course no one else in the church had been a real witness that
night either. Absolutely no one! How could we! God placed a yoke on me
of His making that night. It was in the form of a question. Would I be a true
and faithful witness to the real Jesus of the real gospel no matter the
situation? That is not very complicated but quite powerful (Romans 1:16)
according to Paul. “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our
Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel
according to the power of God.” (II Timothy 1:8 - NASB) This admonition is
for all the saints through the corridors of time, no matter the culture or the
condition. “Join with me,” Paul says. Will you? Will you stop saying it’s the
“job” of someone else? Will you quit believing that you pay your pastor to do
it for you? Will you quit trusting that someone else in your “evangelical”
church is doing it? Instead, will you actually listen and expect the true gospel
to be spoken and borne witness to in your church? And will you expect your
pastor to be lovingly and mercifully and truthfully straightforward about the
truth of the gospel? And will you support him in that endeavor for the sake
of the souls that both he and you say that you love? The Apostle Paul
demanded that the true gospel should be preached. “But even though we, or
an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which
we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8 - NASB)
Good Stewardship or Confiscation?
My trek through the “40 Days” was filled with landmines. I won’t bother you
with the details. Let’s just say that although I followed the outlined topics for
each week I made adjustments. Since our group leader was experiencing an
illness, he asked me to lead the weekly home Bible study session as well.
So we did not watch Warren’s video tape in our small group. I did not bother
to tell anyone why at this point. (What a sneak!) I did not sign the
“covenant” with a partner and Rick Warren on page 13 of the PDL book nor
did I ask anyone in our group to do so. There is no Scriptural precedence
for this! In fact Jesus teaches against it in Matthew 5:33-37. As it ended up,
shortly thereafter, when I had finished my current commitment to the Sunday
school class we left the church.
In leaving I had a private conversation with the pastor. I suppose for many
people this may end up being quite revealing in nature. A person may not
realize exactly how their pastor really thinks unless there is a penetrating
conversation. One thing is for sure, you should never “assume” you know.
This is not for the faint of heart but sometimes is quite necessary. I would
suppose some may end up finding that their pastor would rather not have
“overly verbal Christians committed to truth” in their church. It may “disrupt”
things.
After the “40 Days” campaign the church requested we turn in the video
tapes of the sessions. I don’t know how many did this. But what should have
been something which would seem “normal” had now become a
“confiscation” of the evidence, so to speak. Individuals in the church could
not look back and review the tapes to see what “gospel” had actually been
presented in the first session of the tape. According to Rick Warren on page
210 of his PDL, he says in regards to our mind that “Whatever gets your
attention will get you.” He was correct in this one thing. That night in our
church and various homes throughout our community, Rick Warren got our
attention. But it was with an unscriptural presentation of the “gospel” and
many didn’t even know! What a spell had been cast!
Avoiding the Cross yet coming to Faith
So how is it that in the 21st century “church” we have come to the place
where we can fail to even mention the cross of Jesus Christ in a gospel
presentation!? Not only that, but most importantly we fail to even hear that it
happened!!! How is it that people can come to “faith” through a message
both proclaimed and evidently believed that is not the Biblical gospel???
(Read I Corinthians 15:3-4 for the synopsis of the gospel Paul preached.) A
few undercurrent reasons come to mind.
My pastor said! It is all well and good that a pastor seeks that profession
if they are called of God to do so. But that does not mean we acquiesce our
own obligation to make sure we are hearing the Word of God. We must
depend on God telling us truth from His Word, the Holy Bible. Therefore, we
must depend on God leading us to a pastor who teaches from the Bible and
helps us to interface with it. Everyone needs continual illumination with truth
from the Word. But some pastors have abandoned this authority for man-
made programs and non-biblical tradition and teachings. Many pastors
today are taking their people through “books” from their pulpit and I am not
talking about books of the Bible. I am talking about books people have
written. Why isn’t the truth preached from the Bible? If a pastor gets in a
pulpit and shares from another man’s work then it is not his work in deep
study and prayer before God! Does your employer pay you to do your work
or to let somebody else do it? And the command of Scripture to any
shepherd is: PREACH THE WORD. The process of using another man’s
work can slowly wean us from the authority of the Holy Scriptures. I have
heard of some pastors spending six months preaching from another man’s
book from the pulpit. Do you see that there is something wrong with this
picture? Good books written by the saints of God are “treats” that God gives
us for our blessing and encouragement. ONLY THE WORD IS THE MAIN
MEAL FOR THE SAINTS - FROM BOTH A PULPIT PREACHED AND A
PERSONAL DILIGENT STUDY!!!
The important thing is to just have faith! No – the important thing is
the object of the faith that you have. For a Christian the object of our faith is
the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel. It is He that can save through His
gospel preached and received and therefore the Bible says that the gospel
is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). In other words, your faith
is not the power of God unto salvation. The gospel is. Faith in the real
Jesus Christ of the real gospel is the only “faith” that can save. A gospel or
Jesus “invented” different from the Lord Jesus Christ can not save. True
Biblical faith is the instrument wherein we believe and trust the real Lord
Jesus Christ who saves sinners.
All of these people can’t be wrong! Oh yes they can. I repeat – yes
they can! Thousands and thousands of people believed that their money
would be safe in Enron and WorldCom stock a few years back (this idiot
included). How did that turn out? Enron and WorldCom filed for bankruptcy
and all of us “common folk” lost the majority of our money. Did our “sincere
faith” in the bogus financial reports of the company protect our investment?
No. Thousands of people believed they were simply going to enjoy a simple,
lovely vacation on beaches and lands adjacent to the Indian Ocean during
Christmas of 2004. And that belief turned into an awful tragedy via an
oceanic earthquake and the tsunami that followed! They couldn’t have
possibly seen it coming, but it did. It used to be that literally hundreds of
thousands of people believed that the company that employed them would
never lay them off or curtail their retirement benefits! Wrong! Once again,
faith never finds its benefit in “having” faith. The greatness of “faith” is in the
trustworthiness of the object to which it is directed and that alone.
The gospel only unites! No, the gospel both unites and divides. It is
both a wonderful fragrance for those who believe and a stench for those who
reject. We want it to only unite and have a wonderful fragrance. Because if it
“divides” or has a “stench” it means we must suffer for it. Our excuse is that
we are afraid of being misunderstood. But in looking at our culture and the
lack of impact of the gospel it would seem to me only one conclusion can be
drawn. We are afraid of actually being understood. We kind of like the
accolades of men. Paul did not. And he said so. (Galatians 1:10) But we
will not do what Paul did. It is because of us the gospel has been watered-
down in our culture! And if the gospel has become so watered-down
through a lack of proclamation and defense of that gospel and willingness to
suffer for it – the results can not only be seen in our culture, it can be seen
in our churches.
Do you know that believers are no longer believers in our present
circumstance?
For example, did you know that a recent Barna study in 2005 (barna.org)
showed that “28% of born-agains agree that ‘while he lived on earth, Jesus
committed sins, like other people.’” What??? The first and immediate
question should be: of what “spirit” was someone “born-again” since the
Spirit who breathed out the Holy Scriptures bears witness to a sinless Lord
Jesus Christ? Who is their perfect sacrifice for their sin before a Holy God?
And what do you think pastors should do with such information? To offset
this culture of compromise shouldn’t a pastor go to the elders of his church
and inform them of this situation? And proceed to tell them that it may be
appropriate to “take a stand” and preach a message on the absolute
centrality of the sinless nature of the Son of God? And should he not expect
the elders to support him in this endeavor, realizing there may be
consequences in preaching this kind of message? Guarding the gospel and
our witness to that gospel is worth it! And shouldn’t he request that any in
the church who hold to a contrary belief, repent of their sin? Wouldn’t it just
be “awful” if we offended them with the cross of Christ? NO! Because the
real Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ should insist they are offended by the
truth because it is their only hope. If the heart of a person has not been
opened to gospel truth over a period of time it may be because they have
not been offended by the gospel.
But, unfortunately, many pastors have decided that they can not grow their
church by simple preaching of and obedience to the truth. And if that is the
case, we have been drawn into the process of building our church – not
Christ’s Church. In ministry we are supposed to seek the blessing of God
and not the “blessing” we can manipulate for ourselves. The blessings of
the Spirit’s power and presence only come in preaching truth! If you are a
leader or laymen within your church and you place requirements upon your
shepherd that are not Biblical requirements only, you are in sin. You should
immediately repent and seek God in prayer. The results of not doing this are
now being seen in many churches. Many believers have pointed out to their
pastor or leaders the incredible fact that a different gospel is presented
through the first session of the “40 Days” video. And then they are the ones
being ostracized while no one else even noticed! This fact is the result of a
long road of compromising decisions about how to “do church” man’s way
and not God’s way.
So You Want a Sign!
For a number of years now there has been a “movement,” first called
“signs and wonders,” and more recently known as “the third wave.” It has
captured the attention of many. It promises “power” in our evangelizing
because God will perform “signs” in the midst of our preaching and
teaching. Much of the teachings, practices and even many songs from this
movement have “infiltrated” many of our historically evangelical churches.
The movement promises deliverance of the Spirit. And certainly God should
give us a sign that He is in it.
Well – we’ve got our sign folks! We now sit in churches watching a man on a
screen, who “forgets” to “mention” that Jesus Christ had to go to Calvary and
what that means - but still tells people they are now evidently a part of the
family of God and headed toward heaven. And they believe it. And we
didn't even hear that it is not the Biblical gospel! WHAT A SIGN! And guess
what? It is a sign! Not the sign we wanted - but it is a sign. It is the sign of
God departing. It is the sign of apostasy reigning and ruling in the hearts of
people. It is the sign of minds being mesmerized while eyes are being
dazzled. It is the sign of Jesus Christ Himself now standing outside the door
of the very church itself – requesting access – while it does its’ own brand of
“evangelism.” It is the sign of ears and hearts having become calloused to
the gospel and/or seduced by worldly things.
Leaders of this “movement” now insist that they are new apostles and
prophets of the final move of God upon the earth. They say that God is now
speaking beyond and outside the teachings of the Scriptures, claiming that
the Holy Spirit is behind it all! Do you know that God is behind it? But not
like you might think. He is in sovereign control just as He said in II Thess. 2.
It is just not as we had expected.
“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly
shaken…to the effect that the day of the Lord has come…for it will not come
unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the
son of destruction…And then that lawless one will be revealed…the one
whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs
and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who
perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that
they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did
not believe the truth…”
II Thessalonians 2:1-12 (NASB)
Many important things shared in the above text might be coming true in our
day – it just depends if this is the very end of this present evil age. However,
there is one fact that I would like to point out. There is “spiritual power”
behind “spiritual deception.” Unfortunately, many believe that if something
seems “supernatural” or is “successful” then it must be God. This is not
correct thinking. The TRUTH of God has God’s supernatural power behind
it. Satan exercises his control over “this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4)
through “the rulers,…powers,…world forces of this darkness,…the spiritual
forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 - NASB) All
of that “power” that is his comes with the intent of his “lies” being received
and embraced as if they were “truths.” Being an angel of light and god of this
present evil age, Satan can be very “successful” at what he does from a
worldly perspective. The devil’s purpose is to give you “his version of the
truth” which is actually a lie. The Bible says the whole world is under the
power of evil (I John 5:19). It also says that Satan blinds the minds of
unbelievers (II Corinthians 4:4). His ability to deceive us in our innermost
being is the worst kind of lie that any human can “receive.” People are
offended if lied to by another person. Yet we are not offended when the devil
lies to us. It is because we don’t “catch” him!
The only way this dynamic deception can be circumvented is by the Spirit of
God ministering to us through the Word of God. Unfortunately, many
Christians believe that because they are “Christians” God has somehow
waved a magic wand of protection over them and all is okay. Yes, God does
protect us! But His protection does not allow us to continue in naivete. He
has given us His Word to protect us! We must employ it. If we do not
employ this “weapon of choice” we will not have the sufficient protection. We
must carefully study and apply God’s Word. This is how the Spirit ministers
to us. Furthermore, God’s Word judges us and not vice versa:
“The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged
sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and
marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And
there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid
bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
An Exercise in Truth and Futility
It is interesting what I have found as I have shared with various people my
experience with the “40 Days” tape. Many are amazed and almost
speechless. Yet they realize its dangerous implications. As a result, they
clearly wish to avoid interaction with anything that has to do with the Purpose-
Driven® phenomenon. Others sort of listen but really don’t think this will
“touch” them. Unless they are “convinced,” they continue to live in their own
little private world. But I believe they are wrong. It is becoming such a large
part of the “Christian” culture that it can not help but touch them. I have
asked some people to look at the tape. And it would seem they actually
choose to ignore it instead of face it!!!
Such is the power of deception! If what is fed to you can be controlled or
manipulated – (even if it is yourself!) you can remain enamored. Real issues
are avoided and only a certain version of “truth” is believed! And if there are
spirits behind deception, they will only give you what they know they can get
away with!!! They are called “deceiving spirits” for a reason. Thus, in your
dealings with these issues you will probably experience what I have
experienced – an exercise in both encouragement and discouragement.
The Message of Truth
Warren, in presenting his gospel, is actually presenting an “avatar of
purpose” who he calls “the Lord.” (Avatar: “an embodiment as of a concept
or philosophy in a person.”) The message is: “you don’t have purpose, but
by opening yourself up to a divine design, you can now have purpose for
your life.” But Jesus came to deliver you from your sin – to be converted.
The problem is that a person influenced by “new age thinking” or “feelings of
emptiness” or “lack of purpose” would be more than happy to “open
themselves” to this “divine” information: without conversion! Paul’s thinking
in Ephesians is NOT that you can have divine purpose by opening up your
life to it. It is that you receive the gospel message, the message of truth and
are made a new creature in Christ Jesus! Then proclaiming and/or bearing
witness to that GOSPEL message becomes your “purpose” just as it was the
apostles’ goal!
The apostle’s “goal” was not “having a purpose,” the apostle’s “goal” was
preaching the gospel that saves! Warren doesn’t get it or doesn’t see the
difference. Thus, in the first session of “40 Days” he doesn’t deliver!
It is supposed to be redemption first and only! We can’t get “in Christ” by
desiring purpose! We are placed “in Christ” when we are redeemed from
our sins! It is Jesus who does that.
Warren’s “Gospel” in PDL
Warren states on page 58 (just before he leads a prayer) that “it’s time to
settle this issue. Who are you (emphasis mine) going to live for – yourself or
God?” That is not nor ever will be the issue in anyone looking upon the Lord
Jesus Christ of Calvary! The issue and word of the cross is how can sinful
creatures be accepted before a Holy God! This word of the cross is the only
reconciling sacrifice for a bunch of rebels! You and I cannot as fallen
creatures live to the glory of God!!! That is why Jesus had to die!!! It would
seem Warren negates through his teaching the very thing that the cross of
Jesus Christ actually means!!! (This determination or self-will is also seen in
the first session of the video tape where he says, “What you do with your life
on earth will determine where you spend eternity.”) It is only after we are
“born again” via the redemption that is in Christ Jesus that we are enabled to
live to the glory of God. And as Paul says in Ephesians chapter 1 that we
are then “to the praise of His glory” because of HIS ABILITY TO GLORIFY
HIS OWN HOLY NAME IN SAVING US!!! But we cannot glorify God in any
way until this happens.
We can confirm that this is how Warren thinks by looking at the previous
page. On page 57 He says, “Jesus stood at a fork in the road. Would he
fulfill his purpose and bring glory to God, or would he shrink back and live a
comfortable, self-centered life? You face the same choice.” When I first read
this text the question that immediately came into my mind was “who does
Warren think that Jesus is?”
First, was Jesus only a man like us? Could He only live to the glory of God
or was it also possible that He could not? Is the person being described here
incarnate deity or something less? As the Lord of the universe, was He even
capable of “shrinking back?” Had he ever before “shrunk back and lived a
comfortable self-centered life”? And now because he goes to the cross it
proves he hasn’t shrunk back this time? And what makes Warren think that
Jesus could “shrink back and live a self-centered life” at any time or that
Jesus ever had such thoughts in his head?
Second, it is impossible for people to live to the glory of God like Jesus did!
Do not think that you can! The Lord Jesus Christ is totally unique from us in
that He was and is incarnate deity. Forever!!! Whether one who reads this
is a Christian already or not – Warren’s message is about you making a
false identification with incarnate deity by thinking you can live to the glory of
God like Jesus.
This is NOT the gospel “decision.” Jesus Christ went to Calvary for your
redemption! He was not a “way-shower” upon the cross. His death on the
cross was not his example to us so that we in and of ourselves can also live
to God’s glory! It wasn’t for inspiration – it was for redemption!!! He was the
perfect offering for sinners – because we are guilty before a Holy God. An
atoning blood sacrifice had to be made. He did not hang upon the cross so
that you could look at Him and say, “Wow, I want to live for God too – just like
He did.” The message of the cross is not a refocused old life but Him
sacrificing His life – which apart from Him we do not possess. His redemption
is so you will look at Calvary with a broken spirit and new God-given heart.
Then you can joyfully sing of God’s mercy and love in redeeming you, “He
bore the dreaded curse for my soul.” It was the clear demonstration of God’
s reconciling love in His freely giving His Son to redeem sinners. It was and
is His demonstration of grace: un-obligated, undeserved and non-repayable
grace.
Unfortunately, if the cross is robbed both of its’ true meaning and the true
nature of the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ who hung there, it is also
robbed of its’ power to save.
The Call of the Gospel
The call of the gospel is not “open thyself up.” This is the term/concept
Warren uses when he leads people in the prayer of decision in the video.
“Lord, I don’t understand it all, but as best as I know how, I open myself
up…” The gospel is about a message being received as the message of
truth. We may not fully understand the implications – but truth is proclaimed
and to some measure understood and received as truth. The nature of this
call is seen in a few key Scripture passages. We will start with the first
sermon preached after the day of Pentecost:
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him
both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they
heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of
the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them,
“Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For
the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many
as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.” And with many other words he
solemnly testified and kept exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this
perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were
baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And
they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:36-42 (NASB)
I want you to simply notice four things about this passage of Scripture:
1. The call of the gospel is one of promise.
It is God Himself who sent His Son Jesus Christ to be crucified for us and to
send the promised Holy Spirit. God makes a covenant with us – not vice
versa!
2. The call of the gospel is one of repentance.
“Repent” Peter says. Change your mind about God’s provision and your
condition (sin). This repentance is clearly evidenced in the conviction they
had from the Spirit of God because it says they were “pierced to the heart”.
3. The call of the gospel is one of belief.
They received the word that was spoken. They believed the truth of the
message in their own hearts.
4. The call of the gospel is one of obedience.
Their true understanding of and receiving of the promise, their belief and
their repentance is clearly evident in their obeying God.
They didn’t say “I don’t understand” (like Warren’s prayer). They clearly
were made to understand by the ministry of the Spirit as the Word was
preached! To help us confirm this message in our own minds and hearts –
let’s take a look at some passages of Scripture from the hand of the Apostle
Paul and the Apostle John.
Paul says that he was “set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised
beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son,
who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was
declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead,
according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we
have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith
among all the Gentiles, for His name’s sake, among whom you also are the
called of Jesus Christ;” Romans 1:1-6 (NASB)
John said “they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these
plagues; and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.” Revelation 16:9
(NASB)
Paul further states “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was
profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly
testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:20-21 (NASB)
These texts present the same four thematic elements that were given in Acts
2: promise, repentance, faith, obedience. These elements are made clear in
the texts.
In Summary
Have you repented and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior! I
mean - really? Is He the reason you can now live to the glory of the gospel
and to the glory of God – because as the living Lord - He saved you? Have
you believed and received the truth of the gospel? I hope that you have.
You can’t save yourself on your own nor live to the glory of God.
I hope and pray that you will complete your own “instant replay” of the first
session of Warren’s “40 Days.” After you watch the tape and realize that
what I have told you is absolutely true, please remember this: the Holy Spirit
never administrates a different gospel as if it can save. Never! No matter
what it “seemed” was happening through the message delivered, if a
different gospel was received in people’s hearts it was not the Holy Spirit of
Truth who delivered it! And because of this it is incredible that anyone would
dare to then tell people they are a part of the “family of God” based on this
“gospel.”
But Paul says that it is in the “foolishness” of the gospel preached that God
saves people. (I Corinthians 1:21 – reference NASB)
As has been the custom of what the saints have faced through the ages it is
possible that we are in the minority and the true gospel is at stake. Not only
is it at stake in the non-churched culture, it is at stake in our own
“evangelical” churches! Get ready! The signs are all around us. This may
be the last time we will be able to be true and faithful witnesses as the
people of God! I hope this little booklet doesn’t find you sitting on a fence
somewhere.
“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of
the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.”
Revelation 12:11 (NASB)
Copyright 2006, David Sheldon, all rights reserved
Permission to photocopy and distribute for free or cost of printing only.
“Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission.” (www.Lockman.org)
When referring to “PDL” references are taken from:
The Purpose-Driven® Life by Rick Warren, Zondervan Publishing,
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49530, USA, Copyright © 2002.
For More Articles Like This Go To: www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
Did You Really Hear the Gospel?
Do Your Own “Instant Replay”
Since I was born and raised in Ohio, U.S.A., I have an embedded love for
American Football. Some things about football have changed over the
years. There are more games with television coverage, longer seasons, and
a few new rules. There is one change that stands out. It incorporates the
“fans” into the flow of any game. It is referred to as “instant replay.” It used
to be that the fans wondered the “truth” of the “official call” based on what
was seen only once, by everyone. That is not true anymore. Not for us or
the official. Now, the truth of the game can be seen in slow motion and from
many angles! The most important thing is that the officials make the “right”
call so that the game is as fair as possible.
This booklet challenges you to view an “instant replay” of the first session of
the “40 Days of Purpose” video by Rick Warren. Literally millions have been
made partakers of this “event” in their church or in a home gathering. You
should do your own “instant replay” just as I have done. This booklet
explains what I saw and heard through the first session of the video. It also
makes some references to Warren’s “The Purpose-Driven® Life” book
(“PDL”). But if you love the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel, make sure you’
re sitting down and “prayed up” when doing this. The instant replay you do
may shock you.
That Uneasy Feeling
In many instances, the “40 Days of Purpose” Campaign is a church-wide
event. It will take over all other priorities. In the fall of 2003 the leader of the
small group my wife and I were attending asked us to switch from what we
were studying to “the campaign.” We agreed and a few other people joined
our group. And although I was in the middle of teaching a Sunday school
class on a book of the Bible it was interrupted by “the campaign” also. In
fact, all Sunday school classes were essentially told by the leadership that
they were expected to teach the material that corresponded to “the
campaign’s” topic during their class time. The small groups were also
expected to meet during the week to view a video session, go through a
workbook and discuss the topic. Since I was committed to my class and the
church I jumped in with limited knowledge of Rick Warren or Saddleback
church which he pastors. I quickly realized that my commitment to the
campaign soon became a struggle and then an absolute shock.
My uneasy feeling came when I began to look at the pre-program materials
to prepare for my class. As I read through the literature, I remember telling
my wife that I had a very “uneasy feeling” about what was to happen. This
uneasy feeling turned out to be God’s way of making me pay close
attention. Thank God.
The Thief on the Cross
During the first night of the campaign, the church leadership provided for
those who had “new” or “un-churched” people in their groups to attend a
“mass” gathering in the church’s gymnasium. The purpose was to view the
first session of Rick Warren’s video which introduces the program into the
church. The leaders, along with many others, highly anticipated this event.
Because my small group leader had invited some people from outside the
church, we wanted to attend this event. The gymnasium had tables and
chairs set up and it was packed. In addition, others were to meet in their
normal small groups at various homes either that night or during the week to
view the video.
Although I had previously received some of the materials for preparation of
my Sunday school class, I had not received the actual “40 Days” video tape
which was for the leader of the small group. Therefore, I could not review it
beforehand. I assumed that the pastoral staff as well as the elected
leadership of the church had reviewed it. The first session of the tape on
“living with purpose” ended with Warren leading people in a prayer. In the
prayer he asked them to “open their life” to the “Lord.” He then
congratulated people for praying with him and welcomed them into “the
family of God.” I made eye contact with my wife. I will never forget the look
on her face. We were in complete shock. We realized there was one slight
problem. He had failed to mention in the presentation that people are
sinners in need of a Savior and that God sent His Son, Jesus, to shed His
blood at Calvary, who then rose again! He did not mention any of these
concepts during the presentation, the prayer, or the follow-up comments!
We eagerly waited to see if our pastor of evangelism, who was leading the
session, would share the true and complete gospel. We never heard it.
Certainly there would very quickly be clarification from the pulpit? We never
heard it. On the contrary, there was great excitement that a large number of
people had “prayed the prayer!”
There were three crosses at the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ: one
thief on each side of Jesus. Over the years, I have often thought about the
thief on the one side of Jesus during the crucifixion and the wonderful
salvation that became his that day as he died beside the Lord of the
universe! Do you remember his interaction with the other thief? He knew
they had done things to warrant being put to death. But he knew Jesus had
done nothing wrong! Do you remember what he said to the other thief?
“Don’t you fear God?” Yet, in our very church building that evening
someone on a video screen spoke about Christ, never mentioning that
middle cross or that Jesus had to be crucified for redemption to be
accomplished. The message that was spoken was portrayed as the gospel
and invited people into the “family of God.” Millions of people, including
pastors, have seen this “40 Days of Purpose” video. If you have left out the
fact that Jesus Christ had to die on Calvary for the sins of the world, and you
have allowed those who listened to a different “gospel” believe they are now
“children of God,” I would ask all of us – Do we not fear God?! Can we call
ourselves Christians – true Christians?
When Ministry comes looking for you!
I realized that night that I had been placed into a social setting where I
would have looked like an absolute idiot and totally out of place to stand up
and say what should have been said. It would have been totally out of place.
Or would it? “According to the Apostle Paul - that was a different “gospel”
message and it will not make anyone a member of the family of God. If the
Apostle Paul were here today he would very quickly and abruptly interrupt
this session within the framework of the authority he had as an apostle of
Jesus Christ and explain that people were misled to receive something that is
not Biblical truth.” It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that American
“evangelicals” have come to the place where they/we are so passive, timid,
and uncommitted to Jesus Christ that there is a willingness to sit in a church
and by silence bear witness to a “gospel” that is different than the one in
Scripture. How absolutely deceptive and tragic!
My mind raced to the text in Revelation where Jesus is called “The Faithful
and True Witness” and I knew I had not been a true and faithful witness of
His. And of course no one else in the church had been a real witness that
night either. Absolutely no one! How could we! God placed a yoke on me
of His making that night. It was in the form of a question. Would I be a true
and faithful witness to the real Jesus of the real gospel no matter the
situation? That is not very complicated but quite powerful (Romans 1:16)
according to Paul. “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our
Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel
according to the power of God.” (II Timothy 1:8 - NASB) This admonition is
for all the saints through the corridors of time, no matter the culture or the
condition. “Join with me,” Paul says. Will you? Will you stop saying it’s the
“job” of someone else? Will you quit believing that you pay your pastor to do
it for you? Will you quit trusting that someone else in your “evangelical”
church is doing it? Instead, will you actually listen and expect the true gospel
to be spoken and borne witness to in your church? And will you expect your
pastor to be lovingly and mercifully and truthfully straightforward about the
truth of the gospel? And will you support him in that endeavor for the sake
of the souls that both he and you say that you love? The Apostle Paul
demanded that the true gospel should be preached. “But even though we, or
an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which
we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8 - NASB)
Good Stewardship or Confiscation?
My trek through the “40 Days” was filled with landmines. I won’t bother you
with the details. Let’s just say that although I followed the outlined topics for
each week I made adjustments. Since our group leader was experiencing an
illness, he asked me to lead the weekly home Bible study session as well.
So we did not watch Warren’s video tape in our small group. I did not bother
to tell anyone why at this point. (What a sneak!) I did not sign the
“covenant” with a partner and Rick Warren on page 13 of the PDL book nor
did I ask anyone in our group to do so. There is no Scriptural precedence
for this! In fact Jesus teaches against it in Matthew 5:33-37. As it ended up,
shortly thereafter, when I had finished my current commitment to the Sunday
school class we left the church.
In leaving I had a private conversation with the pastor. I suppose for many
people this may end up being quite revealing in nature. A person may not
realize exactly how their pastor really thinks unless there is a penetrating
conversation. One thing is for sure, you should never “assume” you know.
This is not for the faint of heart but sometimes is quite necessary. I would
suppose some may end up finding that their pastor would rather not have
“overly verbal Christians committed to truth” in their church. It may “disrupt”
things.
After the “40 Days” campaign the church requested we turn in the video
tapes of the sessions. I don’t know how many did this. But what should have
been something which would seem “normal” had now become a
“confiscation” of the evidence, so to speak. Individuals in the church could
not look back and review the tapes to see what “gospel” had actually been
presented in the first session of the tape. According to Rick Warren on page
210 of his PDL, he says in regards to our mind that “Whatever gets your
attention will get you.” He was correct in this one thing. That night in our
church and various homes throughout our community, Rick Warren got our
attention. But it was with an unscriptural presentation of the “gospel” and
many didn’t even know! What a spell had been cast!
Avoiding the Cross yet coming to Faith
So how is it that in the 21st century “church” we have come to the place
where we can fail to even mention the cross of Jesus Christ in a gospel
presentation!? Not only that, but most importantly we fail to even hear that it
happened!!! How is it that people can come to “faith” through a message
both proclaimed and evidently believed that is not the Biblical gospel???
(Read I Corinthians 15:3-4 for the synopsis of the gospel Paul preached.) A
few undercurrent reasons come to mind.
My pastor said! It is all well and good that a pastor seeks that profession
if they are called of God to do so. But that does not mean we acquiesce our
own obligation to make sure we are hearing the Word of God. We must
depend on God telling us truth from His Word, the Holy Bible. Therefore, we
must depend on God leading us to a pastor who teaches from the Bible and
helps us to interface with it. Everyone needs continual illumination with truth
from the Word. But some pastors have abandoned this authority for man-
made programs and non-biblical tradition and teachings. Many pastors
today are taking their people through “books” from their pulpit and I am not
talking about books of the Bible. I am talking about books people have
written. Why isn’t the truth preached from the Bible? If a pastor gets in a
pulpit and shares from another man’s work then it is not his work in deep
study and prayer before God! Does your employer pay you to do your work
or to let somebody else do it? And the command of Scripture to any
shepherd is: PREACH THE WORD. The process of using another man’s
work can slowly wean us from the authority of the Holy Scriptures. I have
heard of some pastors spending six months preaching from another man’s
book from the pulpit. Do you see that there is something wrong with this
picture? Good books written by the saints of God are “treats” that God gives
us for our blessing and encouragement. ONLY THE WORD IS THE MAIN
MEAL FOR THE SAINTS - FROM BOTH A PULPIT PREACHED AND A
PERSONAL DILIGENT STUDY!!!
The important thing is to just have faith! No – the important thing is
the object of the faith that you have. For a Christian the object of our faith is
the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel. It is He that can save through His
gospel preached and received and therefore the Bible says that the gospel
is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). In other words, your faith
is not the power of God unto salvation. The gospel is. Faith in the real
Jesus Christ of the real gospel is the only “faith” that can save. A gospel or
Jesus “invented” different from the Lord Jesus Christ can not save. True
Biblical faith is the instrument wherein we believe and trust the real Lord
Jesus Christ who saves sinners.
All of these people can’t be wrong! Oh yes they can. I repeat – yes
they can! Thousands and thousands of people believed that their money
would be safe in Enron and WorldCom stock a few years back (this idiot
included). How did that turn out? Enron and WorldCom filed for bankruptcy
and all of us “common folk” lost the majority of our money. Did our “sincere
faith” in the bogus financial reports of the company protect our investment?
No. Thousands of people believed they were simply going to enjoy a simple,
lovely vacation on beaches and lands adjacent to the Indian Ocean during
Christmas of 2004. And that belief turned into an awful tragedy via an
oceanic earthquake and the tsunami that followed! They couldn’t have
possibly seen it coming, but it did. It used to be that literally hundreds of
thousands of people believed that the company that employed them would
never lay them off or curtail their retirement benefits! Wrong! Once again,
faith never finds its benefit in “having” faith. The greatness of “faith” is in the
trustworthiness of the object to which it is directed and that alone.
The gospel only unites! No, the gospel both unites and divides. It is
both a wonderful fragrance for those who believe and a stench for those who
reject. We want it to only unite and have a wonderful fragrance. Because if it
“divides” or has a “stench” it means we must suffer for it. Our excuse is that
we are afraid of being misunderstood. But in looking at our culture and the
lack of impact of the gospel it would seem to me only one conclusion can be
drawn. We are afraid of actually being understood. We kind of like the
accolades of men. Paul did not. And he said so. (Galatians 1:10) But we
will not do what Paul did. It is because of us the gospel has been watered-
down in our culture! And if the gospel has become so watered-down
through a lack of proclamation and defense of that gospel and willingness to
suffer for it – the results can not only be seen in our culture, it can be seen
in our churches.
Do you know that believers are no longer believers in our present
circumstance?
For example, did you know that a recent Barna study in 2005 (barna.org)
showed that “28% of born-agains agree that ‘while he lived on earth, Jesus
committed sins, like other people.’” What??? The first and immediate
question should be: of what “spirit” was someone “born-again” since the
Spirit who breathed out the Holy Scriptures bears witness to a sinless Lord
Jesus Christ? Who is their perfect sacrifice for their sin before a Holy God?
And what do you think pastors should do with such information? To offset
this culture of compromise shouldn’t a pastor go to the elders of his church
and inform them of this situation? And proceed to tell them that it may be
appropriate to “take a stand” and preach a message on the absolute
centrality of the sinless nature of the Son of God? And should he not expect
the elders to support him in this endeavor, realizing there may be
consequences in preaching this kind of message? Guarding the gospel and
our witness to that gospel is worth it! And shouldn’t he request that any in
the church who hold to a contrary belief, repent of their sin? Wouldn’t it just
be “awful” if we offended them with the cross of Christ? NO! Because the
real Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ should insist they are offended by the
truth because it is their only hope. If the heart of a person has not been
opened to gospel truth over a period of time it may be because they have
not been offended by the gospel.
But, unfortunately, many pastors have decided that they can not grow their
church by simple preaching of and obedience to the truth. And if that is the
case, we have been drawn into the process of building our church – not
Christ’s Church. In ministry we are supposed to seek the blessing of God
and not the “blessing” we can manipulate for ourselves. The blessings of
the Spirit’s power and presence only come in preaching truth! If you are a
leader or laymen within your church and you place requirements upon your
shepherd that are not Biblical requirements only, you are in sin. You should
immediately repent and seek God in prayer. The results of not doing this are
now being seen in many churches. Many believers have pointed out to their
pastor or leaders the incredible fact that a different gospel is presented
through the first session of the “40 Days” video. And then they are the ones
being ostracized while no one else even noticed! This fact is the result of a
long road of compromising decisions about how to “do church” man’s way
and not God’s way.
So You Want a Sign!
For a number of years now there has been a “movement,” first called
“signs and wonders,” and more recently known as “the third wave.” It has
captured the attention of many. It promises “power” in our evangelizing
because God will perform “signs” in the midst of our preaching and
teaching. Much of the teachings, practices and even many songs from this
movement have “infiltrated” many of our historically evangelical churches.
The movement promises deliverance of the Spirit. And certainly God should
give us a sign that He is in it.
Well – we’ve got our sign folks! We now sit in churches watching a man on a
screen, who “forgets” to “mention” that Jesus Christ had to go to Calvary and
what that means - but still tells people they are now evidently a part of the
family of God and headed toward heaven. And they believe it. And we
didn't even hear that it is not the Biblical gospel! WHAT A SIGN! And guess
what? It is a sign! Not the sign we wanted - but it is a sign. It is the sign of
God departing. It is the sign of apostasy reigning and ruling in the hearts of
people. It is the sign of minds being mesmerized while eyes are being
dazzled. It is the sign of Jesus Christ Himself now standing outside the door
of the very church itself – requesting access – while it does its’ own brand of
“evangelism.” It is the sign of ears and hearts having become calloused to
the gospel and/or seduced by worldly things.
Leaders of this “movement” now insist that they are new apostles and
prophets of the final move of God upon the earth. They say that God is now
speaking beyond and outside the teachings of the Scriptures, claiming that
the Holy Spirit is behind it all! Do you know that God is behind it? But not
like you might think. He is in sovereign control just as He said in II Thess. 2.
It is just not as we had expected.
“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly
shaken…to the effect that the day of the Lord has come…for it will not come
unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the
son of destruction…And then that lawless one will be revealed…the one
whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs
and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who
perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that
they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did
not believe the truth…”
II Thessalonians 2:1-12 (NASB)
Many important things shared in the above text might be coming true in our
day – it just depends if this is the very end of this present evil age. However,
there is one fact that I would like to point out. There is “spiritual power”
behind “spiritual deception.” Unfortunately, many believe that if something
seems “supernatural” or is “successful” then it must be God. This is not
correct thinking. The TRUTH of God has God’s supernatural power behind
it. Satan exercises his control over “this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4)
through “the rulers,…powers,…world forces of this darkness,…the spiritual
forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 - NASB) All
of that “power” that is his comes with the intent of his “lies” being received
and embraced as if they were “truths.” Being an angel of light and god of this
present evil age, Satan can be very “successful” at what he does from a
worldly perspective. The devil’s purpose is to give you “his version of the
truth” which is actually a lie. The Bible says the whole world is under the
power of evil (I John 5:19). It also says that Satan blinds the minds of
unbelievers (II Corinthians 4:4). His ability to deceive us in our innermost
being is the worst kind of lie that any human can “receive.” People are
offended if lied to by another person. Yet we are not offended when the devil
lies to us. It is because we don’t “catch” him!
The only way this dynamic deception can be circumvented is by the Spirit of
God ministering to us through the Word of God. Unfortunately, many
Christians believe that because they are “Christians” God has somehow
waved a magic wand of protection over them and all is okay. Yes, God does
protect us! But His protection does not allow us to continue in naivete. He
has given us His Word to protect us! We must employ it. If we do not
employ this “weapon of choice” we will not have the sufficient protection. We
must carefully study and apply God’s Word. This is how the Spirit ministers
to us. Furthermore, God’s Word judges us and not vice versa:
“The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged
sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and
marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And
there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid
bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
An Exercise in Truth and Futility
It is interesting what I have found as I have shared with various people my
experience with the “40 Days” tape. Many are amazed and almost
speechless. Yet they realize its dangerous implications. As a result, they
clearly wish to avoid interaction with anything that has to do with the Purpose-
Driven® phenomenon. Others sort of listen but really don’t think this will
“touch” them. Unless they are “convinced,” they continue to live in their own
little private world. But I believe they are wrong. It is becoming such a large
part of the “Christian” culture that it can not help but touch them. I have
asked some people to look at the tape. And it would seem they actually
choose to ignore it instead of face it!!!
Such is the power of deception! If what is fed to you can be controlled or
manipulated – (even if it is yourself!) you can remain enamored. Real issues
are avoided and only a certain version of “truth” is believed! And if there are
spirits behind deception, they will only give you what they know they can get
away with!!! They are called “deceiving spirits” for a reason. Thus, in your
dealings with these issues you will probably experience what I have
experienced – an exercise in both encouragement and discouragement.
The Message of Truth
Warren, in presenting his gospel, is actually presenting an “avatar of
purpose” who he calls “the Lord.” (Avatar: “an embodiment as of a concept
or philosophy in a person.”) The message is: “you don’t have purpose, but
by opening yourself up to a divine design, you can now have purpose for
your life.” But Jesus came to deliver you from your sin – to be converted.
The problem is that a person influenced by “new age thinking” or “feelings of
emptiness” or “lack of purpose” would be more than happy to “open
themselves” to this “divine” information: without conversion! Paul’s thinking
in Ephesians is NOT that you can have divine purpose by opening up your
life to it. It is that you receive the gospel message, the message of truth and
are made a new creature in Christ Jesus! Then proclaiming and/or bearing
witness to that GOSPEL message becomes your “purpose” just as it was the
apostles’ goal!
The apostle’s “goal” was not “having a purpose,” the apostle’s “goal” was
preaching the gospel that saves! Warren doesn’t get it or doesn’t see the
difference. Thus, in the first session of “40 Days” he doesn’t deliver!
It is supposed to be redemption first and only! We can’t get “in Christ” by
desiring purpose! We are placed “in Christ” when we are redeemed from
our sins! It is Jesus who does that.
Warren’s “Gospel” in PDL
Warren states on page 58 (just before he leads a prayer) that “it’s time to
settle this issue. Who are you (emphasis mine) going to live for – yourself or
God?” That is not nor ever will be the issue in anyone looking upon the Lord
Jesus Christ of Calvary! The issue and word of the cross is how can sinful
creatures be accepted before a Holy God! This word of the cross is the only
reconciling sacrifice for a bunch of rebels! You and I cannot as fallen
creatures live to the glory of God!!! That is why Jesus had to die!!! It would
seem Warren negates through his teaching the very thing that the cross of
Jesus Christ actually means!!! (This determination or self-will is also seen in
the first session of the video tape where he says, “What you do with your life
on earth will determine where you spend eternity.”) It is only after we are
“born again” via the redemption that is in Christ Jesus that we are enabled to
live to the glory of God. And as Paul says in Ephesians chapter 1 that we
are then “to the praise of His glory” because of HIS ABILITY TO GLORIFY
HIS OWN HOLY NAME IN SAVING US!!! But we cannot glorify God in any
way until this happens.
We can confirm that this is how Warren thinks by looking at the previous
page. On page 57 He says, “Jesus stood at a fork in the road. Would he
fulfill his purpose and bring glory to God, or would he shrink back and live a
comfortable, self-centered life? You face the same choice.” When I first read
this text the question that immediately came into my mind was “who does
Warren think that Jesus is?”
First, was Jesus only a man like us? Could He only live to the glory of God
or was it also possible that He could not? Is the person being described here
incarnate deity or something less? As the Lord of the universe, was He even
capable of “shrinking back?” Had he ever before “shrunk back and lived a
comfortable self-centered life”? And now because he goes to the cross it
proves he hasn’t shrunk back this time? And what makes Warren think that
Jesus could “shrink back and live a self-centered life” at any time or that
Jesus ever had such thoughts in his head?
Second, it is impossible for people to live to the glory of God like Jesus did!
Do not think that you can! The Lord Jesus Christ is totally unique from us in
that He was and is incarnate deity. Forever!!! Whether one who reads this
is a Christian already or not – Warren’s message is about you making a
false identification with incarnate deity by thinking you can live to the glory of
God like Jesus.
This is NOT the gospel “decision.” Jesus Christ went to Calvary for your
redemption! He was not a “way-shower” upon the cross. His death on the
cross was not his example to us so that we in and of ourselves can also live
to God’s glory! It wasn’t for inspiration – it was for redemption!!! He was the
perfect offering for sinners – because we are guilty before a Holy God. An
atoning blood sacrifice had to be made. He did not hang upon the cross so
that you could look at Him and say, “Wow, I want to live for God too – just like
He did.” The message of the cross is not a refocused old life but Him
sacrificing His life – which apart from Him we do not possess. His redemption
is so you will look at Calvary with a broken spirit and new God-given heart.
Then you can joyfully sing of God’s mercy and love in redeeming you, “He
bore the dreaded curse for my soul.” It was the clear demonstration of God’
s reconciling love in His freely giving His Son to redeem sinners. It was and
is His demonstration of grace: un-obligated, undeserved and non-repayable
grace.
Unfortunately, if the cross is robbed both of its’ true meaning and the true
nature of the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ who hung there, it is also
robbed of its’ power to save.
The Call of the Gospel
The call of the gospel is not “open thyself up.” This is the term/concept
Warren uses when he leads people in the prayer of decision in the video.
“Lord, I don’t understand it all, but as best as I know how, I open myself
up…” The gospel is about a message being received as the message of
truth. We may not fully understand the implications – but truth is proclaimed
and to some measure understood and received as truth. The nature of this
call is seen in a few key Scripture passages. We will start with the first
sermon preached after the day of Pentecost:
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him
both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they
heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of
the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them,
“Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For
the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many
as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.” And with many other words he
solemnly testified and kept exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this
perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were
baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And
they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:36-42 (NASB)
I want you to simply notice four things about this passage of Scripture:
1. The call of the gospel is one of promise.
It is God Himself who sent His Son Jesus Christ to be crucified for us and to
send the promised Holy Spirit. God makes a covenant with us – not vice
versa!
2. The call of the gospel is one of repentance.
“Repent” Peter says. Change your mind about God’s provision and your
condition (sin). This repentance is clearly evidenced in the conviction they
had from the Spirit of God because it says they were “pierced to the heart”.
3. The call of the gospel is one of belief.
They received the word that was spoken. They believed the truth of the
message in their own hearts.
4. The call of the gospel is one of obedience.
Their true understanding of and receiving of the promise, their belief and
their repentance is clearly evident in their obeying God.
They didn’t say “I don’t understand” (like Warren’s prayer). They clearly
were made to understand by the ministry of the Spirit as the Word was
preached! To help us confirm this message in our own minds and hearts –
let’s take a look at some passages of Scripture from the hand of the Apostle
Paul and the Apostle John.
Paul says that he was “set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised
beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son,
who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was
declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead,
according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we
have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith
among all the Gentiles, for His name’s sake, among whom you also are the
called of Jesus Christ;” Romans 1:1-6 (NASB)
John said “they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these
plagues; and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.” Revelation 16:9
(NASB)
Paul further states “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was
profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly
testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:20-21 (NASB)
These texts present the same four thematic elements that were given in Acts
2: promise, repentance, faith, obedience. These elements are made clear in
the texts.
In Summary
Have you repented and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior! I
mean - really? Is He the reason you can now live to the glory of the gospel
and to the glory of God – because as the living Lord - He saved you? Have
you believed and received the truth of the gospel? I hope that you have.
You can’t save yourself on your own nor live to the glory of God.
I hope and pray that you will complete your own “instant replay” of the first
session of Warren’s “40 Days.” After you watch the tape and realize that
what I have told you is absolutely true, please remember this: the Holy Spirit
never administrates a different gospel as if it can save. Never! No matter
what it “seemed” was happening through the message delivered, if a
different gospel was received in people’s hearts it was not the Holy Spirit of
Truth who delivered it! And because of this it is incredible that anyone would
dare to then tell people they are a part of the “family of God” based on this
“gospel.”
But Paul says that it is in the “foolishness” of the gospel preached that God
saves people. (I Corinthians 1:21 – reference NASB)
As has been the custom of what the saints have faced through the ages it is
possible that we are in the minority and the true gospel is at stake. Not only
is it at stake in the non-churched culture, it is at stake in our own
“evangelical” churches! Get ready! The signs are all around us. This may
be the last time we will be able to be true and faithful witnesses as the
people of God! I hope this little booklet doesn’t find you sitting on a fence
somewhere.
“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of
the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.”
Revelation 12:11 (NASB)
Copyright 2006, David Sheldon, all rights reserved
Permission to photocopy and distribute for free or cost of printing only.
“Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission.” (www.Lockman.org)
When referring to “PDL” references are taken from:
The Purpose-Driven® Life by Rick Warren, Zondervan Publishing,
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49530, USA, Copyright © 2002.
For More Articles Like This Go To: www.atrueandfaithfulwitness.com
HOME
Rick Warren
Forty Days: False Gospel
Forty Days: A Closer Look
Forty Days: Which Jesus?
PDL: God's Wisdom
PDL: Exalting the Fallen Creation
PDL: A Purpose-Shaped
Worldview
Antichrist
Will Antichrist Be Revealed
Before the Tribulation?
The Great Harlot
"Mystery" Babylon
"Emerging" Church
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 1
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 2
Church Growth Movement
Schuller, Hybels & Warren
Review of Schuller's "Self-Esteem"
False Apostles, False
Prophets, False Revival
River of Seducing Spirits
Spiritual Warfare Script
Deception of Spiritual Warfare
Flags & Banners...Spiritual Power
Tools?
Davidic Warfare/Worship?
Jesus of the "Signs" Now the
"Christ" of Apostolic Government
Mystical Christianity?
Tenney's Mystical Deity Chase
Richard Foster: Quaker Mystic?
Willard and "The Way of Jesus"
What Oswald Chambers
Might Have Thought About
Todays "Christianity"
Rick Warren
Forty Days: False Gospel
Forty Days: A Closer Look
Forty Days: Which Jesus?
PDL: God's Wisdom
PDL: Exalting the Fallen Creation
PDL: A Purpose-Shaped
Worldview
Antichrist
Will Antichrist Be Revealed
Before the Tribulation?
The Great Harlot
"Mystery" Babylon
"Emerging" Church
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 1
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell - Part 2
Church Growth Movement
Schuller, Hybels & Warren
Review of Schuller's "Self-Esteem"
False Apostles, False
Prophets, False Revival
River of Seducing Spirits
Spiritual Warfare Script
Deception of Spiritual Warfare
Flags & Banners...Spiritual Power
Tools?
Davidic Warfare/Worship?
Jesus of the "Signs" Now the
"Christ" of Apostolic Government
Mystical Christianity?
Tenney's Mystical Deity Chase
Richard Foster: Quaker Mystic?
Willard and "The Way of Jesus"
What Oswald Chambers
Might Have Thought About
Todays "Christianity"