Posted on 12/31/2006 8:41:18 AM PST by Gamecock
Good article. Thanks for posting.
Thankfully, Warren has shown his true colors.
Another thoughtless defense by another blind follower of the most destructive "minister" in modern times.
the most destructive "minister" in modern times.
= = = =
I don't believe that's God's perspective. I prefer God's perspective over the perspectives elaborated so pontifically on these bash RW threads.
Actually, I'm not really a follower of RW much at all. I didn't even read every line of PDL. But I do hate seeing someone so foundationally Biblical in their essential, core beliefs and practices get bashed so ruthlessly so constantly and so . . . wrongly.
Sure, I'd like to see him come 100% clean on the Syria thing and get some more wisdom in this or that area. But the bulk of the accusations are nothing more than phariseeism of the modern era. And I'm not any more in favor of that than Jesus was 2,000 years ago.
Have you read the documented accounts of the division caused within the hundreds (if not thousands) of churches by the "40 Days" Warren program? The Wall Street Journal has done two stories so far, and the editor at the WSJ could probably write a book, just from the amount of information that was gathered.
"If you just prayed that prayer for the very first time, I congratulate you. You've just become a part of the family of God."
I've never really paid much attention to this guy but the previous passage is full of crap and completely bogus.
It was missing a few things.:
Where was the acknowledgement that God created and rules everything?
Where is the acknowledgement that I have sinned and come short of Heaven?
Where is the prayer that asks Jesus Christ to become my savior and that I accept his gift?
Do all that ... THEN you're a Christian.
ping
The author of the article agreed with you. He responded to Rick Warren's statement with:
" this a response to the gospel? Where is repentance, acknowledgement of need, or confession of personal sin? Where is the cross? The Bible tells us that saving "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." [Romans 10:17-18] But none of the Scriptures that show the gospel are mentioned in this first lesson. Biblically illiterate friends and neighbors who join the group would pray this prayer without any real knowledge of the cross, of the Savior, or of God's view of sin. In fact, the meaning of salvation isn't included in the first lesson. And if it had been there, the context of the lesson would suggest that we are merely saved from a purposeless life -- not from bondage to sin."
You said -- "Do all that ... THEN you're a Christian."
Here's the very specific "formula" (if you will)
Romans 10:9-10
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
That's about it, as far as the Bible is concerned (which means, as far as God, the Holy Spirit, and, Jesus Christ are concerned).
Of course, you can add a lot more personal knowledge to that equation (by reading the Bible, studying, praying, going to church -- and so on), but you won't add any more to your salvation, than just those two verses.
Regards,
Star Traveler
That's something I didn't think of. I believe you are right!
You said -- "Article makes it clear he is a charlatan!"
Well, he very well knows the Gospel and can preach it, if he wants to. And, I believe he's a Christian (in terms of Romans 10:9-10).
But, he's got another agenda going and it's more along the lines of building a big church and developing all sorts of programs to push. And so, he's not helping a lot of others, who may end up following *him* instead of following Christ. He's only catering to those "itching ears" and saying what is easy for people to hear.
A person who goes to Rick Warren's church may or may not ever find out what it takes to be a true Christian, unless they already know before they get there.
And if that church were to disappear, along with Rick Warren, the question is -- would they be following Christ or would they look for another like Rick Warren to follow. I think that a great number of them would look for another one similar to Rick Warren and never find out what Christ is all about.
He may be a Christian, but he's not helping very many find Christ.
Regards,
Star Traveler
" Where is repentance, acknowledgement of need, or confession of personal sin?'
Where does it say that is needed? This is a protestant church, after all. Works not necessary -- futile, actually.
Well, I have not trusted that guy since the ME story came out. He is not teaching God's word but what HE believes. Why do people stay with someone like him? I know our minister teaches the Bible word for word and we are growing each year.
In general I have no problem working with the pagan on a humanitarian issue. But the pagan shouldn't be allowed in God's house as if he belongs there.
Not exactly.
Works is proof of faith.
The problem is....he might be a speaker at both conventions.
Interesting comment. I've been taught that EVERY man is welcomed in God's house, be they Christian, pagan, or pink with purple stripes.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.