Let's take a look at Rick Warren's evangelism video and then we will talk about it and see if I might have been unfair to Mr. Warren in my previous post.
Warren starts out talking about how God loves you. This is a problem if he is talking to unbelievers because God hates sinners, yes sinners, not just sin. Ps. 5:5-6 says:
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
The Holy Bible : English Standard Version., Ps 5:5-6 (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001).
Warren cites some verses that talk about believing and receiving but never once mentions repentance, this is also misleading. Also lacking in this "evangelistic" message is talk of sin. He mentions a "prideful attitude," as the source for all your troubles here on earth but never mentions sin as the source of all your troubles after leaving earth.
Rick Warren has a major misunderstanding of what preaching is about. This is not Law vs. Gospel, that is a false dichotomy, preaching must be Law AND Gospel. The good news can't be that good unless the bad news is that bad. But Warren preaches the Law AS Gospel. In his own words he says we need a new reformation this time about deeds not creeds. What is this if not preaching the Law as Gospel? Warren confuses belief as well. Belief is a fruit of the Spirit not the cause of salvation.
He also falls into the "decisional regeneration" problem so prevalent in todays Christianity. Now watch this video that explains the error of this false gospel.
One of my biggest concerns in the church today is the utter lack of discernment. It is my intention to help in whatever way I can in this regard. My goal is not to sling mud but when some are in error I will not back down in standing for the truth of God and His gospel.
P. S. Here is a short clip of what true preaching is really like. This is Paul Washer, if you do not know him I urge you to listen to as much of him as you can. He is a Baptist but we will not hold that against him, he truly preaches the Law and Gospel.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Digging Deeper Into Rick Warren.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
God loves sinners and teaches us to do likewise.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Luke 6:35 - But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
Alan wrote: Warren cites some verses that talk about believing and receiving but never once mentions repentance, this is also misleading.
You are right that Rick did not mention the word "repentance" but I think it's because he's trying really hard to use everyday language. He says receiving Christ is putting your life under new management (8 minutes into the video). I think that's just another way of saying the same thing--it's repentance--it's doing things God's way instead of continuing to sin.
Alan wrote: Also lacking in this "evangelistic" message is talk of sin. He mentions a "prideful attitude," as the source for all your troubles here on earth but never mentions sin as the source of all your troubles after leaving earth.
This is incorrect. At 60 seconds into the video Rick starts talking about sin, calling it "sin". He quotes Isaiah 59, which says your sins have separated you from God. Rick says sin is the source of all the problems in your life--he does not say "on earth." He goes on to quote Romans 3:23, the standard evangelistic verse on sin. He continues talking about sin for almost a full minute. Then he begins talking about Heaven--so, yes, he does talk about how sin will cause trouble after leaving the earth.
At the end of your post you say Rick has a major misunderstanding of what preaching is about. But Rick is obviously not preaching a sermon. He is presenting the gospel, like a video tract. It's the same material in any of the good evangelistic tracts like The Bridge Illustration, The Four Spiritual Laws, and May I Ask You a Question?
Post a Comment