Purpose Driven or Purpose Drivel?

The discerning side of my mind

[Lasher]

Would like to know if there are any other Christians out there that have not swallowed Rick Warren's version of the Gospel. I left my "seeker-friendly" Church after much prayer and ponder, and it took several months to make the split. I still must speak with my former pastor about this, so until I do, I will not name my former Church. I have noticed that most who follow the "Purpose Driven" material are emotionally attached to it, much like true Christians are emotionally tied to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Quix]

I thoroughly agree with you. On every point.

There's more occasion for humilty than otherwise0 on all sides.

I do note, in Scripture, though, that Christ was MOST FIERCE AND HARSHLY FORCEFUL with a certain kind of traditions-of-men bound mentality.

[RobRoy]

I've gone on record as saying that 80% (or more) of what we call "Christianity" in our country is purely cultural. I like to break away from the American "Christian culture" paradigm. Sometimes it is quite painful.

[Quester]

OK define what it means to be 'for christ' and 'against him' - ?

To be for Christ ...

... to be joined with Him ... following His lead ... living in His service

To be against Him (Christ)

... NOT (to be joined with Him ... following His lead ... living in His service)

[k2blader]

Good grief, just noticed that major mistake ""cold severities prigs" *LOL*!! I must've accidentally scrolled a pull-down menu during the spell check. Sorry about that. It should have said "cold self-righteous prigs," but you probably already knew that.. :-)

[k2blader]

Agreed with your whole post.

It's a little strange because I can't recall ever running into a "praying pharisee" type of Christian (one would think I'd recognize the behavior if I had!). Perhaps I'm simply blessed to be part of such a sincere and loving church family.

I also don't see Warren as misguided. I'm really appreciating reading his book. Right now I'm working through the part that discusses service and missions, something I really need to be challenged with..

[Quix]

QUITE SO. QUITE SO.

Have been shocked at the vast numbers of people who've been abused ruthlessly by every brand of congregation and denomination.

As predictable--some to ruin and some deepen their relationship with God while remaining sadly out of fellowship with any real congregation.

Been there and done that (the latter) more than I'd have preferred, for sure.

[bperiwinkle7]

wordy, aren't you, friend?

[Quix]

I've about gotten to the place but not totally

where lack of servant-hearted-sacrificial service

--especially to at least some who have no chance to repay--

is a glaring sign to me that maybe the Christianity is horribly weak and ineffectual if not nonexistent.

[Quix]

I like to think of it as iron sharpening iron, too.

Perhaps if I can pull a lot more of the sharp irons out of my back and heart, I'll feel even more that way! LOL.

[Quix]

I've, sadly, ran into plenty of the praying pharisee types. Not that I was that touched by their prayers but they felt their prayers were lofty and wonderful. Doubtful God did. Kind of like the prayers of the whitewashed sepulchers of Jesus' earthly days.

[Quix]

negative, aren't you, friend.

[Quix]

Jackie Pullilnger--who went to Hong Kong as a 19 year old from Britain to minister to the Chinese in the Walled city--no-man's lawless place . . . without Mission support etc. ended up with an incredibly powerful ministry still going on . . . often is asked if folks can come and help her out.

She's about as inclined as not or even more so--to encourage folks to reach out to the poor and others needy in their own neighborhoods and sphere's of influence. Worthy advice, imho.

Some of us do feel called to foreign lands. But I am skeptical how much good many are going to be if they manage to get there--if they have no heart for those nearby.

A heart for God and a heart for the hurting and needy tends to reach out wherever such are.

Blessings for your wise comments.

[Revelation 911]

wordy, aren't you, friend?

whats the point - youre mind is made up - as is my own

blessings

[nobdysfool]

Were you speaking to me? "Wax hysterically"? Is that polishing your car while screaming or crying?

I think you have me confused with someone else...

But then again, you knew that....

Have a nice day....

[Revelation 911]

Were you speaking to me?

yup

"Wax hysterically"? Is that polishing your car while screaming or crying?

LOL

have a great week nbf

[Quix]

TRADITIONS OF MEN

have long been the unHOLY OF HOLIES

hiding place and sanctuary

of those inwardly still wanting to be their own lords and masters in CONTROL of all within reach--deluded that they are truly in control of themselves--when, actually, Christ described it as anything but.

[HarleyD]

The scriptures always talks in terms God's purpose. For example:

Job 42:2 "I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

Pro 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.

Isa 19:17 The land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt; everyone to whom it is mentioned will be in dread of it, because of the purpose of the LORD of hosts which He is purposing against them.

Mic 4:12 "But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, And they do not understand His purpose; For He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.

Luk 7:30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.

Act 13:36 "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay;

Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Eph 1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

These are but a few of similar scriptures chosen at random. Just the title, a "Purpose Driven Life" smacks of man's attempt to define God's purpose based upon man's help or intervention. God defines the purpose, God does the driving, and God provides the life. This is nothing but a works oriented and based philosophy. Say a few prayers, do a few good deeds. Is it any wonder it is popular.

Scripture is clear. There is and should be only one purpose in every Christian's life and that is to conformed to the will or purpose of God.

[Quix]

Thanks. I see it as virtually an absolute certainty that we are seeeing both, today.

Certainly there are enough trend curves operating in such prophetic areas that we shall see before toooo many years hence.

A lot of those trend curves are not that far from maximum peaking toward fulfillment, completion.

[Quix]

HarleyD: Scripture is clear. There is and should be only one purpose in every Christian's life and that is to conformed to the will or purpose of God.

---

Rick Warren very obviously, overtly, clearly agrees with and TEACHES that assertion, fact, truth.

Denial of that fact, blindness to that fact, doesn't keep it from being the truth.

[Quix]

Not sure whether your description of the prophet was

--satire

--in jest

--blind to his intensity of feeling and statements.