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Reprinted from the Baltimore Christian Conservative Examiner
Rick Warren on July 4th spoke at the Islamic society of North America’s annual conference (ISNA.) Warren talked about Christians and Muslims working together to fight what he calls the big five, spiritual emptiness, corrupt leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic disease, and illiteracy or lack of education. This sounds good until you think about it for a second.
Even though everyone should want the best for themselves and their neighbors, there is something wrong with what Warren proposes. We should love our neighbors but Warren seems to have has his priorities all wrong. The Gospel is the first priority but your lifestyle should match your beliefs. By this, I mean Christians first and most important duty, as presented by Christ is to spread the Gospel. Jesus wanted us to take care of the poor but in Matthew 26 just before Judas aggress to betray him, Jesus admonished his followers saying, “you always have the poor but you will not always have me.” There are two important points here. While Jesus was telling them that he was their priority because he was leaving soon, I think he points out that He in general is our priority. I believe He is also pointing out that there will always be poor people and it is not something that will be eliminated in this current world. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care for the poor but that a war on poverty is pointless.
In these five things Warren continually sets aside the Gospel truth. He wants to fight spiritual emptiness but what does that mean? Christ said He is the only way. If people are spiritual but don’t know Christ it is emptiness. Other religions might not agree with this but this is what makes Christianity different, it’s about a relationship with Christ not religiosity or spiritualness. Corrupt leadership, sure this is a bad thing and I think we should fight against it, but should this be a priority for a Christian leader. Did Jesus focus on fighting the corruption of Rome? Pandemic disease, I’m all for doing what we can to stop disease, including donating money. But this is best focused on by doctors and health organizations, not pastors. Illiteracy, again this is something that we as individuals can put our time into in our community and it is noble to help other organizations work to educate people so they can have a better life but I don’t see these things as a priority for a Christian minister.
Warren apologizes like Obama. Warren has apologized for the Crusades and for excess in the war on terror by Christians. First, Warren has no right to apologize for anyone but himself. Second, if Warren were a good student of history he would know that despite popular myth, the crusades were not a war on Muslims to win converts but the Crusaders took action to stop Islam from subjugating the Christian world. I’m sure wrongdoings were done by some crusaders but to give an general apology does not represent the truth.
One of the major problems is that Warren is not just willing to work with Muslims but he wants to partner with them. The Bible say we are not to be yoked together with unbelievers, I think this speaks to marriage but to other partnerships as well. Your Christian message will be watered down if you yoke yourselves with unbelievers. I am for cautiously allowing Muslims to work with Christian servant organizations, as long as they don’t preach Islam and are willing to help under the rules of the organization.
Warren stated “You know as an evangelical pastor, my deepest faith is in Jesus Christ, but you also need to know that I am committed not just to what I call the good news, but I am committed to the common good.” As a Christian pastor, Warren should realize that the only common good that counts in the end is salvation. It’s great and important to show love to others. Jesus said what you do to the least of my brothers you do to me. There is no point in doing good works for the sake of doing works though. It’s likes saying I’m committed to doing good works. It should be that you are committed to Christ and out of that, good works will flow. Also I know Warren is speaking cautiously as he is being sensitive to his audience but should he really say “what I call the good news” or should he simply say, the good news? As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the good news, not just to Christians but to the world.
“You know what I discovered is when you walk down the middle of the road you get hit coming and going,” This statement by Warren is one thing he said that I believe he should learn from. We are not called to walk down the middle of the road. We are called to take the narrow path. Jesus warned us to be hot or cold but not to be luke warm or he would spit us out of his mouth. We are to reach out to others but we should be careful not to compromise our beliefs.
Many well known Christians such as Warren and Bono and to some extent Bill Hybels are into publicly making a big deal about works and caring for others and while they’re underlying ideas are good and loving, we should be careful not to follow a gospel of social justice. The Good news is that Jesus died for us to be reconciled with the Father, while we were yet sinners. That should not be watered down with anything, no matter how nice it sounds.
Rick Warren said he is not interested in dialogue but projects. Dialogue is the most important thing because it is through dialogue that we share the truth of Christ. It is popular to say that you should spread the Gospel at all times and use words when necessary. I think our actions should speak to what we believe so that our words don’t ring hollow but dialogue is still important. If someone else said what Warren said, I would give them the benefit of the doubt. Warren however, said to the Muslim audience that he doesn’t want anyone to compromise their conviction. I think we should treat others with respect but knowing the truth how can a Christian pastor say to someone from another religion don’t compromise your conviction? How does that leave room to share the truth?
To me it just seems that everything Warren does and says seems to indicate that maybe Warren believes there are many ways to God. Jesus however said that He is the way, the truth and the life. Maybe Warren does not believe in many ways to God but his testimony of Jesus seems weekend by his actions in partnering with Muslims and fighting social issues as a priority.
A discussion has been started on this topic in the Frances and Friends Forum. Please feel free to comment here or join the discussion in the forum HERE
My husband awoke this morning from a very disturbing dream. The names Rick Warren, Tony Blair and One World Order kept coming to him over and over again. Having no idea why these 2 names were given to him along with One World Order, me and my husband began to do research on the internet. We were astonished to find many sites with these 2 names together. As we began to read them, we were horrified to discover that they both are joining forces for a One World Religion! We know without a doubt my husband was given this prophetic dream by God. This dream was confirmed via internet. Before his dream, we were ignorant and had no idea that such a twisted and anti-biblical plan was in motion from such leaders. We are so blown away! We are praying about what to do with this information. After reading some of the sites, I remember France had written an article about Rick Warren, but I never read it. So here I am. I got on this site to read what Frances has written and it is only the surface of Warren's and Tony's game plan, or should I say the devil's plan.
After learning all this stuff today, we are so grateful we have started watching Jimmy Swaggart about year ago. We see how God is strategically setting things in motion. Like my husband and I said..."Look how God has used the trial Jimmy and his family had gone through years ago to bring about the solid revelation message of putting our faith EXCLUSIVELY in Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified for such a critical time as now". A time when influencial pastors have swayed from this truth... the truth that will always keep you from wandering and being deceived by the works of the devil. If our faith is not in the cross exclusively, we will be tossed to and fro, being double-minded (2-spirited). Because it is the only thing that seperates us from other doctrines and religions, the only thing!
I know God has spoken to us through my husband's dream and again, it has been confirmed via internet. We are indebted to the true preaching of the Gospel... Jesus Christ Crucified!
Another thing. How can you bring a One World Religion, unless you are willing to give up your own convictions??? And how do you compromise the Cross? Isn't that the same concept that is being used to bring a One World Order.--socialism the pathway to communism, masked through "equality"? And another thing. If anyone thinks for one minute the Islamic world will cooperate in a One World Religion, think again. Their agenda is to destroy the power of the Cross (the same trickery Satan tried with Judas, but to no avail). And this includes destroying anyone who believes in the power of the cross--the "infidels"-- us Christians. And they will cleverly try to "appear" (Get it? "appear")to agree with born-again believers in order to fulfill their purpose. One thing I can say for the Islamic people is that they are willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill their spiritual convictions, even if it DOESN'T mean peace. Where we, as Christian Americans, are willing to GIVE UP our convictions for the sake of "man-made", so called peace. Who has what priorities in order?
Remember, there is nothing new under the sun, nothing. We have always been in a holy war. It goes back to Sarah and Abraham and their children- Ishmael (works of the flesh - Islam) and Issac (works of God - Judeo Christianity). This hatred Islam has against the believer has been embedded in their lineage from centuries ago! Never underestimate their ungodly heritage!
Google TONY BLAIR AND RICK WARREN. YOU WILL BE BLOWN AWAY! Here is one site you can start with! But first people, you've got to know your Word! Jesus is the truth, the life, the way...any other doctrine, you better run as fast as you can from such evil! Submit yourselves to God, Resist the devil, Draw near to God!!!! You better pray for unwavering conviction, found only in and through the Word and through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Check this out for yourselves.
http://truedsicernment.com/2008/06/05/rick-warren-joins-tony-blairs-inte...
Lisa, Lover of Christ Jesus
I was shocked to read that from you;
You dont seem to know much about history.
"the crusades were not a war on Muslims to win converts but the Crusaders took action to stop Islam from subjugating the Christian world"
Palestine was muslim since the end of the VII century. Christians for different reason ( religious, greed, adventures,..) decided to send some armies to take the holy land.
The crusaders did not go there to stop the muslim conquest but to take possession of the Palestine.
If they wanted to Stop the muslim conquest, they should have helped the spanish who were fighting for their survival.
You apparently have read a Liberal/Socialist Muslim version of a revisionist History Book. The main Prophet who started the deadly Lie of the Muslim religion ,Mohammed, went throughout North Africa
and made every Christian get on their knees and deny Jesus Christ or off with their heads . All Muslims like all Devils deny that Jesus came in the FLESH which no Devil will ever confess. We also know what they teach today and all Muslims who become Apostate are to be killed . Period, Iran is now using Retarded children in suicide bombings. The insane way they treat women is proof enough that it is a Evil , Wicked religion. All Muslims who refuse to renounce these
DEMON practices are also to blame . We have had many Honor killings in America + again no OUTRAGE from the Religion of Peace . It is + a;ways has been a LIE from HELL . Now Franklin Graham + others are disinvited to the National Day of Prayer ! ! This is a stench in the Nostrils of God . Obama has done violence to ISRAEL + will sufffer
the CURSES he has brought on himself. May he Repent soon .
Formermuslimsunited.org will fill you in further . They have left ISLAM + tell the TRUTH about the wickedness , unlike our President + his Godless Socialists . Let God be TRUE + every man a Liar .
Why, why why would anyone follow someone like Warren? One has only to look at what he is doing and realize that he is not right in his teaching or theology. Yet, gullible people who call themselves Christians are flocking to buy his books that are filled with errors.
The Lord has left and returned to the Father, but he gave us gifts before he left, and these gifts are still working in the true church. One of the gifts was discernment of spirits. Because many churches do not teach on the gifts of the Spirit, the people will fall for everything that comes down the line, including substituting works or good things for true salvation. Tho Jesus fed the people while he was here, that is not why he came, tho he healed people while he was here, that is not why he came, Fact is he came to die for our sins and the sins of the whole world. Lets get back to basics. Lets get back to the cross. Dr. Donald Vickery
Frances, thank you for this article and telling the truth. If people don't follow the truth, they don't like the truth. I am sick of a so called watered down gospel that doesn't offend anyone, you know, the "just love everybody" doctrine. The Bible also teaches us to not "cast our pearls before the swine". While people have been sucking up to everybody, the enemy has creeped into not only our nation, but into the churches just about everywhere and wreaking havoc. You might could tell some Muslims, "as a Christian I just love you", and turn around and walk away, and he might just put a bullet in your brain. These big time mega ministers need to stand for the truth and quit fooling around. They also need to preach the Gospel for which they were called to do, and are not doing.
Uh huh…yeah. Sure. Whatever you say Ricky Boy…..
“It is an honor to have Pastor Warren with us today...and to hear his perspective on his healthcare work in …the state of our global community…and our responsibilities to one another.
Additionally, I hope—in the spirit of Dietrich Bonhoeffer…a spirit which challenge us to advance both ecumenism and social justice—that today’s lecture will help foster dialogue and discussion………”
Remarks by President John J. DeGioia ,Introduction of Dr. Rick Warren,Gaston Hall
Georgetown University February 4, 2008
Thank for this article and shedding light in the darkness. Some of other brothers and sisters are well meaning but they create Ishmaels as they conduct their work. They are enticed away and led by satan to slaughter Christianity. On the other hand, the Lord can use any of us to do something different than the usual because He may be working a solution out in a different levels than our understanding. Therefore, let us not say we know all the levels that God goes to resolve our issues. The Word is our Guide but the Holy Spirit is our bond and we are to trust Him to lead us even in strange settings. Look at the legacy of King David and how many Strategies of survival God gave to King David. King David survived and Paul survived because they followed God and not the usual Christian establishment which refuses to live deep spiritual lives. How then will you go out among the enemy and see what He is doing and let the Lord establish a better way for us if we do not go outside of the box. It is a dangerous world and Satan has already infected and corrupted many of us. Some of us are corrupt in our Holy Living. Therefore, let us wait on God. Pray for Brother Warren and see what God is doing with him among Islam. You never know How God will solve our problems. But we must engage the enemy. So God chooses and uses His children who are pioneers to go and do what Joshua did to claim new lands for Israel. I see this happening today more and more. God cannot use those who live at surface level and refuse to go deep. Apostle Wheeler
Wow as a Christian women who read Purpose Driven and how finding my purpose in life has changed my marriage and saved my life. I am not an expert on the bible but I understand the heart of Gods word. I am a servant who serves at my Church New Hope at Manoa. Being yoked is such a harsh word. Is Pastor Warren really working together with them to serve their purpose? Did anyone ask him? Sometimes we can take the phrase out of its context. What is in Rick Warrens heart? Do we know? I would pray for him. Remember Jesus also hanged out with the sinners. Jesus had a plan? Maybe Rick a has plan? Lets spread the Gospel and not the gossip. Look at Rick Warrens fruits and his work for God. His fruits speak for himself. I dont know him personally but the diserning spirit speaks to my heart and not my head. I love this man. I wish I could Thank him personally.
I too am a Christian woman who also read Rick's book. One red flag that stuck out at me (however, not pertaining to the subject matter, but unbiblical) was when he spoke of men masterbating and it being okay and men looking at other women. Yes, that was in his book, but that is not the point here. I think many people are looking for their "purpose" including myself. But if we read God's Word, our "purpose" is to do the will of God, whatever that means and it must coincide with His Word. And I have found that the more I read His Word, the more simple this truth becomes... Love God, Love His Word, and you end up fulfilling HIS purpose in you... HIS purpose. He will guide and lead you.
I recently commented on this site, if it gets approved by the adminstrator who views all these comments, look for the title "TONY BLAIR, RICK WARREN AND ONE WORLD RELIGION". That is the title for my comment regarding Rick Warren.
I disagree with your feelings that using the word "yoked" is harsh. If you do a study of that word through scripture, you will know that being "yoked" means being tied to something. And when you are tied to something (a cause for example), that yoke causes or forces you to work along side of that which you are yoked to. You can not go against that which you are yoked to. Also, you make the statement, "Has anybody asked Rick?" In love, I think you are addressing something that you know nothing about. Perhaps you are hearing this for the first time. Before you go any further, I would really encourage you to Google: Tony Blair, Rick Warren and One World Religion. From there, you will learn some very ugly truths.
I think it is unfair for you to comment about Frances like this. Without realzing, you are assuming she doesn't know what she is talking about and is shooting from the hip.
Yes, Jesus did come to save the lost. He ate with sinners, but don't confuse those sinners who were broken and humble people WANTING THE TRUTH, verse sinners who in their direct and intentional rebellion DESPUTED AND REJECTED THE TRUTH... those guys were the religious heresies! And with them, Jesus DID NOT EAT, nor did He try to convince them of the truth. Jesus simply spoke the Word (truth) and let those who received the Word receive it. (The truth does not need any defending). He never spent time eating with the proud. In fact, the Word says, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble and both are sinners because mankind has a sinful nature...period. However, the humble are given grace to find the truth. The proud, Jesus resists because He knows you can not reach through pride, brokenness must occur first. Remember, Satan's fall came by way of PRIDE! Only the Lord is lifted up! He is the All-in-All.
I love the mankind made in God's image of Rick Warren, but I hate and I do not support his doctrine or plan, because Satan in working behind that scene. Don't be deceived or be let astray because of your emotions or how you "feel". See, all of this is not about us... It is about the Power and Purpose of Jesus Christ and the Cross. It's about spiritual warfare, principalities, and darkness. Satan tried to rid the power of the cross to no avail. Satan wants us to forget the power of the Cross and Jesus Christ. Because from there we find salvation. Satan wants us all to go to Hell with him so he can mock God!
We are still in that battle today. Jesus warned us that they will hate us for HIS NAME SAKE! We need to get out of the snare of our emotions and stand on the Word of God. WE don't have to conduct ourselves hatefully, but we better know what we are up against, and not compromise! THE JESUS AND THE CROSS IS THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER RELIGION. THE OFFENSE IS IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST, so that automatically causes us to offend others. I'm not here to be friends with the world, but to bring the world to Christ! Satan is striving hard to remove or water that truth down. Because if that gets taken away, we WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING!
I suggest that all of us finally become the Bereans that we were suppose to have been long ago... Too many Christians are just barely saved and are biblically illiterate... dumbing down the truth just has they have dumbed down our children's education--keeping the people illiterate so we can not think for ourselves.
Search out the Word, find the truth and pay attention to what is going on in the world around us.. that's a big one! Research the internet, you'll be amazed and horrified what you will find on legitmate sites.
I am blessed however, that the Lord used that book to bring healing to your marriage. God does use all things for our good.
May the Power, Wisdom and Influence of God move in the hearts and will of His children!
Lisa - Lover of Jesus Christ!
It's something to think that book can save one's life & marriage. Why did you have to buy that book, when God's word tell's you how to live & how to have a good marriage.That book did'nt save your life or marriage, only God & His Word can do that, not Rick Warren!
Amen Anonymous !!!
Why is it important to talk about this man? I least he is doing something positive.
He has done some wonderful things in the past, but what was and is are two different things....can you be specific about what are the "something positive" things he has recently done?
Lover of Jesus Christ!
I have wondered about Rick Warren and where he stands in his walk with the Lord. I cannot judge him, but he seems so liberal when I have heard him. Also, didn't he narrate one of the debates before Obama was voted in? I am glad you have that question above on Warren being yoked to Islam. I am so blessed to see your new format and also watched your Ministry on one of the Christian channels today. I have always loved Pastor Swaggerts teachings and Ministering. And, of course the blessed music as only he can sing! God bless you, Jeannie Voigts, Nevada
It appears Warren, as Paul mentions in scripture of our being "ignorant" (spiritual ignorance), lack's understanding of the Holy Scriptures and is in danger of Gods wrath. Hosea prophisies, "my people perish for lack of knowledge". It is clear to me that Warren is opperating under the law, which is a "work of the flesh", and there remains NO salvation for those who deliberately sin---in which I personally think he is doing---for he should know better to "yoke" himself together with unbelievers---espeacially the muslim faith who BELIEVE Christians are evil! We are no longer under LAW, but under GRACE! It's apparent Warren doesn't understnd the "Message Of The Cross", and for him & others, if the Cross is not understood soon enough will face a very Just & Jealous God! It is a Terrible thing to end up in the Hands of God and be on the wrong end of Salvation, which is Seperation!