Warrenism: and the popular worldly gospel

Many Christians who believe in the Bible, are concerned with false teachings. We read in the New Testament, that the Apostles had to deal with several false teachings that would pervert the nature of the gospel. Most believers are familiar with two false teachings. First the Judaizers, Jewish Christians who wanted to following the Law essential to salvation, today we call them legalists. Second we saw the Gnostics who wanted to conform the gospel to Greek Philosophy warping the doctrine of Christ. Today we call them liberals. Less Christians notice the next two but they are still well discussed. In the Revelation it discusses those who follow the doctrine of Balaam which argue that we can live lawlessly and be in good standing with God. Today we call these people anti-nomians or Libertarians. Also it discusses the Nicolaitanes which were Christians who would rule over other Christians. Today we think of the Catholics. Each one of the teachings can so pervert the gospel that they can draw people away from receiving salvation.
Today, I would like to discuss one of the least known Biblical heresies. The heresy of worldliness. Paul confronts this error in the second book of Corinthians when Paul’s Apostleship is challenged against those who have fleshly motivations. It appears that they are Hellenistic Jewish Christians who claimed apostolic authority. They seemed to be well schooled in rhetoric which implies they were probably schooled in Platonism. Much like the Platonist Jewish Historian Philo. Paul understands that this is a perversion of the gospel. Today many have adapted the gospel of Christ to worldliness. This teaching eats away at the local church like termites. Worldliness is underneath the radar of the American church and must be revealed before it is too late. I believe Rick Warren and his teachings are a primary example of the worldly philosophy. Therefore, I will reveal the error of his teachings.
This is not a personal attack I do not judge Rick Warren’s soul nor do I have anything bad to say towards him as an individual. This issue is his philosophy and actions as a minister, which is duplicated by hundreds of thousands of churches around the nation and world.
First, we shall look at the passage in general to identify this teaching. Then we will examine Rick Warren His roots and his doctrine.

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
Paul understands that true Christian ministry is not consider about fleshly matters or worldly appearance.

2Co 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2Co 10:13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
2Co 10:14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
2Co 10:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
2Co 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
One of Paul’s concerns was that boasting of numbers and trying to credit yourself in ministries that was the work of God and not yourself are not ways to measure our ministry. Paul never gives us any numbers on how many people he evangelized.

2Co 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Paul’s greatest concern with the worldly apostles was that they open the church up to graver and more false teachings.

2Co 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
The truth of the gospel Paul gave for free yet he was rejected and apparently worldly apostles were charging money.

2Co 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
We should remember that these ministers were able to fool supposedly mature believers. They were very able to portray light.

2Co 11:16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
2Co 11:17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
2Co 11:18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
The problem with the worldly challenge is that they boast of accomplishments and invite others into the same. Paul must challenge their authority but he must be careful not to fall into the snare of worldly bragging. When Preacher John MacArthur
publicly criticized Warren’s church methods, reporters quickly tried to portray him as a jealous Pastor.

2Co 11:19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
2Co 11:20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
2Co 11:21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
2Co 11:22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
2Co 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
2Co 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2Co 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2Co 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2Co 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2Co 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2Co 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
2Co 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
2Co 12:16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
Paul had every qualification, which the worldly “apostles” possess and more so in the fact that he had endured persecution for Christ. Worldly Christians are very rarely persecuted because they are friends with the world. Paul also had work with the Corinthians personally and they had seen his ministry at work.

2Co 12:17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
2Co 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
2Co 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
The fruit of Worldly ministry is a sinful lifestyle.

It’s source
Fuller: Fuller Theological Seminary was once a conservative evangelical Seminary. It has since left this standard and left the understanding of an innerrant Bible. It has even taken on Heretical professors such as Nancy Pearcey who is post-modern and denies the factual nature of the resurrection. This has been the breeding ground for the modern church growth movement. This shows it’s roots and this was also the training ground for “America’s Pastor” Rick Warren.

Norman Vincent Peale
“Peale formed perhaps the most dramatic and meaningful link between religion and psychology of any religious leader in history. It is the same approachable, therapeutic brand of religion that many mega churches, including Saddleback, put forward today. It is this kind of religion that is so appealing to the masses of unchurched men and women that Rick Warren hopes to reach.”pg.94 GeorgeMair A Life with Purpose:Rev. Rick Warren the most inspiring Pastor of our time.Occult connection.
“Writing in the Lutheran Quarterly, Reverend John Gregory Tweed of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Reverend George D. Exoo of Pitsburgh wrote that many of Peales uplifting affirmations with an “obscure teacher of occult science” named Florence Scovel Shinn.” Pg98-99. GeorgeMair A Life with Purpose:Rev. Rick Warren the most inspiring Pastor of our time.
“Marilyn Helleberg suggest a meditation in which you visualize a white mist filled with myriads of little points of energy that gleam like diamonds. Scientist say this is the life substance, the life force…
“Visualize this mist High above you, around you and at your feet, cascading down like a waterfall of scintillating light.
“Then breath in the white mist, and visualize it as proceeding upward into your throat, into your nasal passages, into your brain, vitalizing, sharpening and quickening your mind, making it alive with a new power…
“I have been practicing this type of meditation for several days and I report that after using it only a half dozen times one begins to feel different. It induces a sense of vital energy; an awareness of God’s presence.
“Who is God? Some theological being? He is so much greater than theology. God is vitality. God is Life. God is energy. As you breathe God in, as you visualize his enegry, you will be reenergized!” Peale quoted from the book Beyond Seduction: A return to Biblical Christianity by Dave Hunt Peale has a story about how he developed his ideas of imaging from a Christian business man, helping him to raise money, read this excerpt carefully
“… ‘There’s a doctor downtown who will tell you that he hasn’t any money, but I’m on the finance committee at the bank and I know exactly how much he’s got. So we’re going to pray that he will give you the next five thousand dollars. We’ll not only pray, we’ll visualize him doing it. The Bible says that if you have faith even as a grain of mustard seed, nothing is impossible for you. So go downtown and see that doctor and ask for that money and get it!’ (Peale's book Dynamic imaging)Notice the business man’s remark, He asked Peale to visualize the money. Then he compared it with faith. But the questions is, is visualization a part of faith? Not according to scripture.
2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Visualization, the use of imagination and meditation techniques, is in fact the opposite of faith. It is using the power of our imagination to manipulate God (or someone else!) to grant our request.
Warren seems to possess some visualization beliefs as well. On page 43 of PDC he introduces “The Saddleback Vision” which apparently was in Rick Warren’s 1st sermon at Saddleback. He goes through there dreams of setting up missions and ministries acquiring 20,000 and so on. Also his dream includes “at least 50 acres of land, on which will be built a regional church for South Orange County”
“I stand before you today and state in confident assurance that these dreams will become a reality. Why? Because they are inspired of God!” Now I am actually open to the possibility of private revelation, however inspiration is limited to the books of the Bible. Plus I don’t know any scripture that teaches we are guaranteed 50 acres of land a fresh garden landscapes. It is obvious that Warren is using imaging techniques to realize his dream for Saddleback church.
In a worldly church paganism can many times sneak it’s way in. On Sept 29,2005 Agape press reported “A leading publisher of youth ministry material is being accused of introducing young people to practices rooted in New Age eastern Spirituality…. Cathy Mickels, co-author of the book ‘Spiritual Junkfood: The Dumbing Down of Christian Youth’, is advising youth workers and parents to distance themselves from the conference and Youth Specialties. Mickels claims Youth Specialties teaches youth pastors to introduce students to ancient eastern spiritual practices. ‘Nowhere in God’s Word does it say to take kids on labyrinth walks, that you introduce students to yoga or to contemplative prayer practices where you say a word over and over again to put yourself in what Youth Specialties says is a ‘semi-conscious state’”… Among the featured speakers at the Sacramento conference are Mark Yaconelli, who is the director of the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project, and Doug Fields, the Youth Pastor at Rick Warren Saddleback Church in California.” (www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fridaynews/news/2005/fridaynews051028.html)

False teachings

A. Social gospel) In the mid-twentieth century many churches decided to the emphasis on missions away from the proclamation of the gospel and towards charitable work. Many of the charities had a liberal socialist slant however. Rick Warren recently protested His denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention for withdrawing it’s funding to one of these liberal social gospel organizations, the Baptist World Alliance. He then contributed 25,000 dollars to them. Rick Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. plan also has many social gospel leanings. In his attempt to draw millions of dollars to Africa. Recently, the church hosted a world aids summit. One of the guest speakers was senator Barrack Obama. Obama is part of the liberal “United Churches of Christ” which is pro-homosexual. He is also a very liberal politician is an unapologetic advocate of Abortion on demand as well tax-payer government funding of abortion.

B. Global warming based environmentalism)
Warren made national news signing a document along with other evangelicals recognizing the doctrine of Global Warming and stating that it was a Christian duty to fight this phenomena.
The problem with this move is that the Bible does not command Christians to fight Global Warming. The doctrine itself has many points of debated. Whether Global Warming is happening has been debated. The idea that Global Warming is a new phenomena is under debate. The intensity of Global Warming is under serious debate. The idea that man is responsible for global warming is starting to be overturned as well.
Theologically we must also ask the question, what if Global Warming is God’s will? How could we thwart it? Plus if God is in control of the universe, how could he let it fall apart?
Where is all this money going? Many times it goes to lobbyist who also advocate other liberal causes like abortion.
C. Fundamentalism ignorance
“Now the word ‘fundamentalist’ actually comes form a document in the 1920s called the Five Fundamentals of the Faith. And it is a very legalistic, narrow view of Christianity…”(www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fridaynews/news/pdf/2005/fridaynews20050930.html)
Actually it was a twelve volumes series edited by R.A. Torrey called “The Fundamentals”, and it was published from 1910-1915. (you would think that the ‘spiritual son of conservative W.A. Criswell would at least know the facts!)
What was the narrow legalistic views of fundamentalism? That they believe in the trinity, incarnation, the virgin birth, the resurrection, substitutionary atonement, Justification by faith alone & the innerrancy of scripture. They believe that these beliefs are essential to Christianity and therefore they would not partner with those who deny this. Saddleback ironically affirms all these teachings but they have no problem leaving their pulpit open to those who are not teach against it.

False salvation & false church
A. Easy-believism a.k.a. Cheap grace) Core to Warren’s system of ministry is his doctrine of Salvation which we will call Easy-believism. From this doctrine we understand the as important as Lordship is, it is not essential to salvation that we turn from our sins.
In PDC Warren gives a visualization of his strategy the five circles of commitment. A series of rings shaped like a dartboard, show how we are to move from the Community to the core leadership of the congregation. However, some of the steps of ministry do not correlate with a biblical salvation experience. On page 130 we see in the diagram that that one wants to move the crown into becoming baptized into the congregation. Then we want them to become committed members. However, in the Bible repentance is demanded upon baptism.(Acts 2:38) So why would we need them to be committed if they already are? Obviously Saddleback does not expect repentance upon joining and being baptized. “Do you have people in your church who are Godly and growing-people who are serious about there faith-who for one reason or another are not actively serving in a ministry of your church? We call these people “committed.”
Therefore after you become saved and our received in baptism you need to grow to become someone hasn’t even offered their services to the church yet? So what does it mean to be a believer? “The crowd is made up of believers and non-believers”pg.131 Therefore, truly saved people according to Warren are people who believe and regularly attend. While turning from your sins isn’t what actually saves you, It is the product that we must expect if we are to consider anyone to be Christian.

B. Graceless Faith) The New generation of Cheap grace tends to misunderstand the role of Faith in Salvation. They may emphasize that no works are involved in salvation but they forget the real work, which is always necessary for salvation. That is the work of Christ. This fact is either omitted or denied by many contemporary Christians. Yet is the clear teaching of the New Testament.
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Phi 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Phi 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
It is this very doctrine which has in fact separated protestant and Catholic, and in fact millions of Martyrs died defending. So does Saddle back church find this doctrine worth mentioning?
“Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sins penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.”(websight Saddleback Church: What we Believe :Salvation)
Not only does this doctrinal statement not mention us being judge righteous based on the righteousness of Christ but Catholics who entirely disagree with this doctrine, would be entirely fine with the shallow wording of this statement.(except maybe the last phrase) Not only that but many cults can redefine these terms and agree with it as well.(like LDS)
C. Spiritless conversion
Church growth along with purpose driven philosophy doesn’t make room for the work of God in it’s philosophy of missions. As opposed to waiting on the Lord, PDC’s try to lure people to their church with marketing techniques. While this seems to at least put people in the position of salvation. The work of salvation is something that entirely goes on internally.
Joh 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
True rebirth can not be measured by attendance or commitment cards. In fact there is nothing in the Bible that says that ministers can produce salvation in others.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
We must remember that the Bible teaches us that unsaved people are not true seekers of truth but in fact depraved.
Psa 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
Psa 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
The only way that lost people come to Christ is through the drawing of God.
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
We only provide sinners with the true Gospel which God uses to save people with.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
The rest is between them and God.

D. Warrenism’s doctrine of worship
1. God desires our worship, and takes pleasure in it.
“God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment. You exist for his benefit, his glory, his purpose and his delight.” Pg.632. Therefore God needs worshippers.
“It proves your worth. If your are that important to God, and he considers you valuable enough to keep with him for eternity, what greater significance could you have? You are a child of God and you bring pleasure to God like nothing else he has ever created.” Pg.63
“We worship for God’s benefit. When we worship our goal is to bring pleasure to God not ourselves.” Pg.66
3. Music is neutral in worship.
“I reject the idea that music styles can be judged as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Who decides this? The kind of music you like is determined by you r background and culture.” Pg. 281
“If I were to play a tune for you without any words you wouldn’t know if it was a Christian song or not,” pg281
“To insist that one particular style of music is sacred is idolatry” pg.282
4. Therefore musical worship is whatever we imagine
“But there is no biblical style!” pg.65
“Frankly, the music style you like best says more about you- your background and personality- than it does about God. One ethnic group’s music can sound like noise to another. But God likes variety and enjoys them all. There is no such thing as ‘Christian’ music; there are only Christian lyrics. ” pg. 66
5. Through the use of our imagination and creativity in musical worship, we can grant God the pleasure he needs.
“Likewise, it does not mean giving up rational thinking. God would not waste the mind he gave you! God does not want robots to serve him. Surrendering is not repressing your personality. God wants you to use your unique personality. Rather than it’s being diminished, surrendering enhances it.”pg. 80
“Becoming like Christ does not mean losing your personality or becoming a mindless clone. God created your uniqueness so he certainly doesn’t want to destroy it. Christlikeness is all about transforming your character, not your personality.” Pg. 173
“Our motive is to bring glory and pleasure to God.”pg.66
6. Through our creative worship/work we can win God’s favor
“Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory and pleasure of God.”
“Work becomes worship, when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness to his presence.”Equalling Idolatry & works based sanctification.
Act 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
This philosophy of worship has a mortal weakness in that it implies that God makes us to worship him and therefore if He predestined it this way, then doesn’t God need our worship? We should worship God because it is good and God is worthy of it. But God doesn’t need our worship, because God does not need anything.

Deu 4:15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:
Deu 4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
Deu 4:17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
Deu 4:18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Deu 4:19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.
Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Once we allow the concept of worship to be according to our preference, then we can quickly move to the sin of idolatry. I will cover this topic more later in this article.
Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Melody ) 5567 psallo {psal'-lo}probably strengthened from psao (to rub or touch the surface, cf 5597); TDNT - 8:489,1225; v
AV - sing 3, sing psalms 1, make melody 1; 5
1) to pluck off, pull out 2) to cause to vibrate by touching, to twang 2a) to touch or strike the chord, to twang the strings of a musical instrument so that they gently vibrate 2b) to play on a stringed instrument, to play, the harp, etc. 2c) to sing to the music of the harp 2d) in the NT to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song (strong's lexicon)
Here we see a clear command to make not only psalms and hymns but also songs classified as spiritual with instrumental beats in our heart to the Lord. How can a neutral music be spiritual? We know from the context that this is that which causes us to be “filled with spirit” will produce a reaction opposite from drunkeness. This bring us to the necessary inference that spiritual music will produce the fruits of the spirit and fleshly music will bring us to the works of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16-24)
Another issue is the use of the word “Selah”. The Book of psalms uses this word about 74 times in the book of Psalms. What it means is it is a call for a musical interlude. What it says is that there was a specific form and order for instrumental worship. The fact this was worship inspired by God means that according to God there was a timing and order for instrumental worship. This means that there is good and bad musical least in the sense of order and disorder. One may argue for freedom of multiple genres of music, but to act as if music is neutral is simply a doctrine based off of the nonsensical philosophy of multiculturalism.
Besides all this, Warren contradicts His own doctrine of music neutrality in His own writings: “Aristotle said, ‘music has the power to shape character.’ The Rock lyrics of the 1960’s and 1970’s shaped the values of most Americans who are now in their thirties, forties and fifties. Today, MTV shapes the values of most people in their teens and twenties. Music is the primary communicator of values to the younger generation. If we don’t use contemporary music to spread godly values, Satan will have unchallenged access to an entire generation. Music is a force that cannot be ignored.” PDC Pg 280
If the power of Music is so great and secular music has changed us so negatively, then why is the secular beat ok? Plus, why was it ok for Rick Warren to play the anti-Christian John Lennon’s anti-religious song “imagine” as well as the drug-abuse endorsing song “purple haze” by Jimi Hendrix during church services?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
What we must keep in mind is that sanctification like salvation is the work of God and not man. In the body of Christ there is no distinction between the righteous and not-so-righteous there is just forgiven. Following God is natural and expected, Fellowship with God is not based on a point system. As we grow in faith the Spirit will change our hearts to be obedient.

Now I know that there are many out there who will probably read Rick Warren and say “What do you mean! Rick Warren just wants to please God in His worship! What’s wrong with centering everything on God?”
The problem is that Rick Warren could not be God-centered as he portrays himself while indoctrinating pastors to be man-centered as he teaches in the book Purpose Driven Church.
“The entire service, not just the invitation, must be planned with the unchurched in mind.” Pg.254
“With all the wonderful translations and paraphrases available today, there is no legitimate reason for complicating the Good News with four hundred year old English. Using the King James Version provides an unnecessary cultural barrier.”Pg.297
“With the unchurched, you will not establish common ground by saying, “Let’s open our Bibles to Isaiah, chapter 14, as we continue in our study of this wonderful book.” Pg.295
“The unchurched can’t handle long prayers; their minds wander or they fall asleep. Pastors should be wary of using the pastoral prayer to catch up on their quiet time!” 256
“The shape of your building will shape your service.” 264
“The temperature can destroy the planned service in a matter of minutes!” 267
“For the first time in history, there exists a universal music style that can be heard in every country of the world. It’s called contemporary pop/rock…. This is the primary musical style we’ve chosen to use at Saddleback.” Pg.285
“At Saddleback we believe worship is to be a celebration so we use a style that is upbeat, bright, and joyful…..Unbelievers usually prefer celebrative music over contemplative music because they don’t have a relationship with Christ.” Pg. 287
How can this philosophy of running the church worship according to the desires of non-Christians be consistent with this statement: “We worship for God’s benefit. When we worship our goal is to bring pleasure to God not ourselves.” Pg.66 PDL
Obviously Rick Warren wants godless man-centered worship to please God and believes this will please God. This is the theme of idolatry.
Deu 12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
Bible-believing Christians should not worship God based on the ideas of unbelievers.


E. Seeker sensitive/polluted church
“If your church is serious about the Great Commission you will never have a completely pure church because you will always attract unbelievers with their questionable lifestyles to your crowd services.” Pg.237
“Are there unrepentant pagans mixed into Saddleback’s crowd of 10,000? Without a doubt!” Pg.237
Warren goes on to justify this with the following text.
Mat 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
In this text, Jesus gives a parable the wheat are believers and the tares are unbelievers they will be separated on judgement day. Warren concludes.
“We are to leave the weeding to Jesus because he knows who the real tares are.” Pg.237
There are several problems with Warren’s interpretation. First of all this parable is concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. Let’s look at the context:
Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mat 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
Mat 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Mat 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
The Kingdom of heaven is representative of all saints in heaven and earth. This is not the local assembly of the saints we call the local church. Second, this activity was done by Satan while the Jesus’s men slept. Third Paul condemns idleness. (2Thess 3:6-10) Therefore, for Saddleback to bring pagans into the church is only helping Satan.
One reason why I believe we can have a totally born-again church is because the great commission does not tell us bring non-Christians into the church at all!. The Great Comission says “Go” out into the world and turn non-believers into Disciples of Christ. When they are disciples then we baptize them which makes them members of the church.

Throughout this issue I want us to end concentrate on God’s Word. It doesn’t matter whether we are disciples of Rick Warren or Bill Hybels or call ourselves any other type of Christian on earth. We need to watch out for the false gospel of Worldliness. It is the most popular lie but it is does not stand for much of anything. A worldly Christian is not necessarily a false teacher, they are not necessarily liberal or legalistic. They are neither hot nor cold. But the color Grey is not light and it is useless look at what the Bible says.
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Eph 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
We need to get away from the world and make our mindset like that of Christ. We can’t spend our time thinking like the world it just hurts us and doesn’t help them.

1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We must stay away from worldliness. This philosophy is the way of death. We can not be Godly and worldly simultaneously. Godliness is the only way for a Christian.

Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
God can not tolerate a worldly church because they are useless. Worldly churches are so focused on the material that they do not see the grave spiritual danger that they are in. The Lord cares for real Christians even if they are stuck in these pathetic excuses for bodies. The ones God loves will have adversity. Though those swallowed up by the world will not be.
Have you been seeking the world or Christ?
You get what you deserve, according to who you follow.