INDEX TO ALL EIGHT SECTIONS
ON THIS PAGE Day 1 - It All Starts With God
Although he starts PDL by warning that it is not about us, by using a polluted version of the Bible
Warren manages to points the reader in exactly that direction Day 2
The verses quoted to prove that every person was designed with a specific purpose in mind do no such thing Day 3 - What Drives Your Life?
Misquoting Jesus words about no one being able to serve two masters. Isaiah and Job - men without purpose???
Misquoting Jeremiah 29:11. Is it true that God won't ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. And more Day 5 - Seeing Life From God's View
1 Corinthians 4:7 is NOT referring to our responsibility to take care of God's "stuff" Day 8 - Planned For God's Pleasure
Warren said that at the time Saddleback had a complete pop/rock orchestra. It seems to me that any church would want to distance themselves from "rock".... both the name and the style Day 9 - What Makes God Smile?
No! Noah didn't make God 'smile'. Day 10 - The Heart of Worship
Positively quoting Eliphaz the Temanite's wrong advice to Job.
Chapter/Day 1 - It All Starts With God.
In the very first chapter of PDL Rick Warren rightly states that it is not about us and that fulfilling God's purposes for our lives is greater than anything we could possibly imagine including our families, careers, and ambitions (Pg.17). In his words...
If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for
his purpose."
He goes on to say that "contrary to what we are told by "many popular books, movies, and seminars", we won't discover the meaning of life by looking within ourselves. (Pg. 18). He adds that many books "that suggest ways to discover the meaning of life" could be classified as "self-help" books because they "approach the subject from a self centered viewpoint, but "life is about letting God use you for his purposes, not your using him for your own purpose" (Pg. 18. Emphasis in original) Which is all true enough, however.... Romans 8:6:
....Warren then quotes the "Bible" as saying (Emphasis Added) Obsession with the self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. (Romans 8:6 The Message)
Compare this with the KJV, the NASB, and the NIV (Emphasis Added) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 KJV) For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, (Romans 8:6 NASB) The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Being "carnally minded" or having ones "mind set on the flesh" is giving in to humanity's base nature or the unrighteous inclinations of the flesh. This is very different from being obsessed with self. Additionally, Paul was no speaking of any 'dead ends' but was warning the Romans that the mind set on things of the flesh is death. In other words, those who follow the inclinations of the flesh are already dead. Read Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 2:4-6 NASB)
Matthew 16:25:
Although he starts PDL by warning that it is not about us by using a polluted version of the Bible, Warren manages to points the reader in exactly that direction at least three times. First when he quotes Matthew 16:25 from The Message that reads (Emphasis Added) Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self (Matthew 16:25 MSG)
"Finding yourself" is a very popular expression often taken to mean that a person acquires "self-knowledge, self-realization, and fulfillment". However you define the expression it is a focus on yourself - a fundamentally self-centered goal that completely contradicts Rick Warren's statement that is not about us.. In any case, I see absolutely nothing in common between the Message's rendering of the verse and a more traditional translation. Jesus was speaking of eternal life, not "finding oneself" and clearly teaching that we are to consider our lives dead in order to follow Him. (24) Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. (25) "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (26) "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26 NASB) "Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. (Luke 17:33 NASB)
Ephesians 1:11:
Rick Warren returns to the finding yourself / finding out who you are theme by quoting from The Message's version of Ephesians 1:11. (Emphasis Added)
It is in Christ if we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Ephesians 1:11. The Message)
Rick Warren uses this verse to show that God had a specific purpose for every one of us before we were born. However, a literal translation says absolutely nothing about finding out "who we are" nor discovering "our identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ". also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, (Ephesians 1:11 NASB)
It is true that verse 11 says we have been "predestined according to His purpose" however, you have to read verses 11 through 13 to catch the full import of what Paul is saying, (There's that context bit again) (11) also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, (12) to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. (13) In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation - having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Emphasis Added)
There is a distinct difference made between the 'we' of verse 11 and the 'you' of verse 13 (both in bold above ). The very fact that Paul said we are the ones "who were the first to hope in Christ" points to the fact that he was speaking of the disciples, himself, and the other apostles. However, in verse 13 Paul switches to the second-person personal pronoun - you. i(.e. the Ephesian Christians) and says after they heard and believed they were "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise". In fact, verses 3-12 use the first person plural personal pronouns - we and us. It isn't until verse 13 that Paul switches to the second person - you. In other words, the apostles and disciples were predestined to a crucial role in God's overall plan of salvation and this is not at all surprising. Certain individuals had to be chosen ahead of time to do certain things in order for God's plan to be carried out. Incidentally, the conversion of the Ephesians was called a "mystery" because the fact that the Gentiles were also invited into the Kingdom was something that had never been made known before and had only just been revealed to and through the apostles. This is not the only time Paul spoke of salvation for the Gentiles as a mystery. See Romans 11:24-25
Chapter/Day 2 (Was Every Person Really Designed With A Purpose In Mind?)
Isaiah 44:2a:
Chapter 2 You are Not an Accident is prefaced by a quote from Isaiah 442a (CEV) that says,
Quoting just part of the verse as Rick Warren has done could very well lead the reader to believe that the message directly applies to them. However, if you read the entire verse in context it clearly indicates that God is speaking to and about Israel. Thus says the Lord who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you, 'Do not fear, O Jacob My servant; And you Jeshurun whom I have chosen. (Isaiah 44:2 NASB)
The word Jeshurun occurs only three other times in the Old Testament - Deuteronomy 32:15, 33:5, and 33:26. In all cases it applies to Israel. Regardless Rick Warren goes on to say (Bold Added. Italics in Original) 1. Your birth was no mistake or mishap, and your life is no fluke of nature. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. He was not at all surprised by your birth, In fact, he expected it. Long before you were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God. 2. God prescribed every single detail of your body. He deliberately chose your race, the color of your skin, your hair, and every other feature. He custom made your body just the way he wanted it....The Bible says "You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body: You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something" (Psalm 139:15, The Message). 3. Because God made you for a reason, he also decided when you would be born and how long you would live. He planned the days of your life in advance, choosing the exact time of your birth and death. The Bible says "You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book! (Psalm 139:16, LB. The Living Bible) 4. God also planned where you'd be born and where you'd live for his purpose. Nothing in your life is arbitrary. It's all for a purpose... 5. God never does anything accidentally, and he never makes mistakes. He has a reason for everything he creates. Every plant and every animal was planned by God, and every person was designed with a purpose in mind. (You Are Not An Accident. November 2012 Edition. Pgs. 26-27)
If as Rick Warren said "every person was designed with a purpose in mind" are we to conclude that extremely evil people just never found God's purpose for their lives? But then again, Warren also said "Nothing in your life is arbitrary" (determined by chance, whim, or impulse) It's all for a purpose...". Did Hitler come to power for a purpose? Psalm 139
Let take a closer look at the Bible verses Warren uses in order to substantiate the theme of this chapter. Quite amazingly, he quotes two consecutive verses from Psalm 139 from two different Bible versions 1. The Bible says "You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body: You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something" (Psalm 139:15, The Message). 2. The Bible says "You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book! (Psalm 139:16, LB. The Living Bible) (Underlining Added)
I believe the reason Rick Warren chose the Message's version of Psalm 139:15 is because it supports his idea that "God prescribed every single detail of your body. He deliberately chose your race, the color of your skin, your hair, and every other feature. He custom made your body just the way he wanted it." And he chose to use The Living Bible's version of Psalm 139:16 because it makes it sound like God planned and scheduled every day of our lives. However, both the NASB and the Concordant Literal Version are very clear that the number of days a person has was determined before they even began. Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. (Psalms 139:16 NASB) Your eyes saw my embryo, And my days, all of them were written upon Your scroll; The days were formed When there was not one of them." (Psalms 139:16 CLV. Concordant Literal Version))
The Psalm itself is an overview of God's omniscience (Vs 1-6); Omnipresence, Vs. 7-12; Power and providence Vs.13-16; His care of the Godly, Vs. 17-18; and His opposition to the wicked, Vs.19-20; Custom Made?
And were we all "custom-made" as Rick Warren claims? To 'custom make' something is to make it according to certain specifications. As said by pastor David Kroll I see nothing in scripture that suggests that God has/is purposefully arranging the genes in every single human birth to arrive at specific "custom made" individuals. I believe it is much more reasonable to believe that God has set in motion the human creative process and that process produces a variety of human individuals with different traits. To believe that God "Custom-made your body just the way he wanted it,” as Warren would have us believe, would raise some serious questions about the way God operates. Is God directly responsible for the hundreds of thousands of babies born each year with AIDs, malformations, missing organs, brain damage, cancer, etc.etc? I don't think so! It is much more reasonable to believe that humans are what they are as a result of biological dynamics that come together each time conception takes place. These biological dynamics (i.e. genetic variations) are influenced by multiple factors. The genetics of the parents, the parent's state of health at time of procreation, environmental factors, and parental nutritional status are just some of the factors that play a role in determining the status of a newborn. To suggest that God is engineering all of this each time a baby is born in order to produce a "custom" product is nonsense. This concept of being custom make becomes even more absurd when you consider the fact that we pray to God to heal babies with the kind of problems listed above. If God "custom-makes" these kinds of children, then why are we praying that God "re-customize" them? [01]
In any case, the author of this Psalm is simply saying that God as our creator knows exactly how each one of us are made. The NASB renders this verse ... My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; (Psalms 139:15 NASB)
Psalm 138
Page 22 says ... It is not fate, nor chance, nor luck, nor coincidence that you are breathing at this very moment. You are alive because God wanted to create you! The Bible says, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me." (Psalm 138:8a NIV)
Note: This quote is from the 1984 version of the NIV which has the words his purpose in parentheses ("The Lord will fulfill [his purpose] for me"). The reason being that the words "his purpose" was inserted by the translators. In later editions the verse reads "The Lord will vindicate me". Compare the 1984 version with a later one. https://www.studylight.org/bible/eng/n84/psalms/138-8.html
http://bible.cc/psalms/138-8.htm The KJV and the NASB, render Psalm 138:8 as follows "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your loving kindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8 NASB) The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. (Psalm 138:8 KJV)
This verse says nothing about God having some purpose set in stone for every person even before they were born. In fact, as said by commentator Albert Barnes, this Psalm was... evidently written in view of trouble (Vs. 3, 7), and it expresses confidence that God would interpose in the future in behalf of the author, as he had done in the past; and it is, therefore, adapted to inspire confidence and hope in all who are called to pass through scenes of trial.
Isaiah 46: 3-4:
A little later in the chapter (Pg. 25), Rick Warren says God didn't need to create us, but wanted to make us "in order to express his love" (Emphasis his). He then quoted God as saying.
"I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. (Isaiah 46:3-4 NCV. New Century Version )
The problem is that Warren begins the quote from the middle of verse three, without giving the reader any indication that he has done so. Reading verses three and four in their entirety makes it obvious that these words were not directed at anyone who happens to pick up Rick Warren's book, but were very specifically aimed at the nation of Israel. "Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, You who have been borne by Me from birth And have been carried from the womb; Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you. (Isaiah 46:3-4 NASB)
Anyone who bothers to read the larger context will realize that chapter 46 is merely a continuation of the subject of the previous chapters ie. the promised deliverance from Babylon.
Romans 12:3:
Also on page 25 but one paragraph later Warren says that God made us for a reason and we can only understand our purpose "when we make God the reference point of our lives". In support of this Warren quotes The Message's paraphrase of Romans 12:3 that says (Emphasis Added)
Unfortunately, this is a subtle distortion of a Biblical message. Read Paul's words from more reliable translations, and in context... (All Emphasis Added) For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3 NASB)
I cannot imagine how a passage that so clearly shows that Paul was exhorting the Romans not to over-estimate themselves can be interpreted to mean the "only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us." In case there is even a shadow of a doubt, read on. Verse 4 begins with the word "for", which means it is a continuation of the subject of the previous verse which was a warning about staying humble given the pride that those who regard themselves as spiritually gifted often display. Paul pointed out that the human body has many parts, each of performs a different function yet is indispensable in it's contribution to the smooth working of the body. Similarly, God had granted certain gifts to the members of the church, each of whom had a different gift and accordingly a different function in the assembly. Therefore he wrote that the Romans needed to humbly use whichever gifts God had given them for the good of all the members of the church and the proper functioning of the body of Christ.
Chapter/Day 3
In Chapter 3... What Drives Your Life?, Rick Warren talks about several forces that tend to control people's lives and actions, such as guilt; resentment and anger; fear, materialism, and the need for approval, which he then compares with the benefits of living a purpose driven live. He quotes The Living Bible's version of Psalm 32:1. (Emphasis Mine) What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven!... What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record. (Pg. 28)
A more accurate version of the Scriptures says that the person who's transgression has been forgiven is blessed How blessed is he whose transgression (Heb. pesha) is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! (Psalms 32:1 NASB)
The Hebrew word pesha which means rebellion, sin, transgression etc. is used close to a hundred times in the Old Testament. It cannot by any stretch of the imagination be rendered guilt. Isaiah 53 foretold the sufferings and death of the Messiah which was to save us from our sins, not our feelings of guilt But He was pierced through for our transgressions (Heb. pesha), He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NASB)
Just try substituting guilt for transgression in the following verse. "But if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die. "All his transgressions (Heb. pesha) which he has committed will not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced, he will live. (Ezekiel 18:21-22 NASB)
Matthew 6:24: Two Masters ... Wealth or Approval?
In another section, Many People Are Driven By The Need For Approval, Warren writes that many people allow the expectations of others (parents, spouses, teachers, peers etc.) to control their lives, and goes on to say I don't know all the keys to success, but one of the keys to failure is to try to please everyone. Being controlled by the opinions of others is a guaranteed way to miss God's purpose for your life. Jesus said "No one can serve two masters." (Pg. 29)
While there is no question that we need to seek the approval of God rather than man, the message had nothing to do with winning the approval of others. By only quoting part of a verse (without any indication that he has done so) Rick Warren wrested something Jesus said from its context and used it to support the idea he is putting forth. The Savior was speaking about treasures on earth that do not last versus those we store up in Heaven that are permanent. He went on to say either our vision is directed at heavenly things or directed at earthly things, then added "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (Matthew 6:24 NASB. All Emphasis Added)
Isaiah and Job Isaiah
It is a little hard to believe that a Christian pastor can mention men without purpose and Isaiah and Job all in the same paragraph. Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope. In the Bible, many different people expressed this hopelessness. Isaiah complained, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in pain and for nothing." Pg. 30
An initial reading of the context of Isaiah's words show that he may have been lamenting that his ministry was having little success but consoled himself with the reflection that his cause was with God and that his labors would not go unrewarded. Listen to Me, O islands, And pay attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called Me from the womb; From the body of My mother He named Me. He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; And He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver. He said to Me, "You are My Servant, Israel, In Whom I will show My glory." But I said, "I have toiled in vain, I have spent My strength for nothing and vanity; Yet surely the justice due to Me is with the Lord, And My reward with My God." (Isaiah 49:1-4 NASB)
However, it is more than likely that these words were prophetic and belonged in the mouth of the Messiah. As Albert Barnes wrote, He (Christ) knew that God would own and accept his work though it was rejected by mankind. It indicates perfect confidence in God, and a calm and unwavering assurance of his favor, though his work was comparatively unsuccessful ... Never did he doubt that God approved his work; never did he become disheartened and desponding, as if God would not ultimately give success to his plans and to the labors of his life. He calmly committed himself to God. He did not attempt to avenge himself for being rejected, or for any of the injuries done him.
Of course you have to read the entire sentence rather than just a part of it. Job
Warren then went on to quote Job 7:6 and 7:16 to demonstrate that life without God has no purpose, no meaning, no significance and no hope. (All Emphasis Added) Job said, 'My life drags by-day after hopeless day” (Job 7:6) and "I give up; I am tired of living. Leave me alone. My life makes no sense.' (Job 7:16)
There are two points to be made here. 1) Contrary to the version that Rick Warren quotes, Job did not say "I give up" but "I waste away". He did not say "My life makes no sense" but "my days are but a breath". The Hebrew word translated into the English "breath" is hebel, which means emptiness, vanity; or something unsatisfactory. 2) A careful reading of the chapter makes it obvious that, as shown by his words to his wife, Job had never walked away from God, in spite of undergoing great physical and spiritual trials, Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 2:9-10 NASB)
Job's words cannot be used to demonstrate that life without God has no purpose or meaning but had to do with the fact that he was at a very low point in his life. Everything had been taken from him, including his children and health and he was responding as virtually all humans would under the same circumstances. Because he had no hope that his miseries were going to be alleviated Job said his life was empty and he was wasting away. In other words he was experiencing life without meaning and purpose, although he had God in his life. Depending on the circumstances at any given time life can appear to have no purpose, even if one is a staunch believer who has never wavered from the faith. Jeremiah 29:11:
Rick Warren then makes a very inflated promise on page 31. He says "If you have felt hopeless, hold on! Wonderful changes are going to happen in your life as you begin to live it on purpose. God says, "I know what I am planning for you... 'I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11 NCV)
The problem is that by quoting only a portion of what God actually said, Warren gives the impression that this was a promise made to all people, or at least to all Christians, for all time. It was, in fact, a message to the exiles in Babylon who were being led astray by false prophets. God was encouraging the people to make their lives in Babylon, with the assurance that when the seventy years were finished, they would be restored to their own land. Pl read it in context (the section quoted in PDL is in bold) "Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, (5) 'Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. (6) 'Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. (7) 'Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.' (8) "For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, 'Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams which they dream. (9) 'For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,' declares the Lord. (10) "For thus says the Lord, 'When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. (11) 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (12) 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. (13) 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (14) 'I will be found by you,' declares the Lord, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the Lord, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.' (Jeremiah 29:4-14 NASB)
Also please note that, just a few chapters later the promises take a very different turn, when the Lord rebuked the Jews in Egypt for continuing in idolatry after the terrible judgment brought on Jerusalem, and all the cities of Judah which were, until then, in ruins (Jeremiah 44:21-4) 'Behold, I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and all the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt will meet their end by the sword and by famine until they are completely gone. (Jeremiah 44:27 NASB Emphasis Added)
The Judgment Seat
On page 34, Warren speaks about each of us standing before the judgment seat of God. He went on to say
The Bible says, "Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.... Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God." Fortunately, God wants us to pass this test, so he has given us the questions in advance. From the Bible we can surmise that God will ask us two crucial questions: First, 'What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ? 'God won't ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him? ... Second, 'What did you do with what I gave you? Preparing you for these two questions is the goal of this book."
Since Paul was writing to people who were already believers they are not going to be asked whether they accepted what Jesus did for them and whether they had learned to love and trust Him. In fact Therefore the question is what the purpose of the Judgment Seat of Christ is. Unfortunately many Christians seem to have come to the conclusion that since all our sins have been forgiven, our works cannot possibly be considered at the judgment Seat of Christ. Not true according to I Corinthians 3:9-13. Apparently there are those that will make it to heaven but who have earned little or no additional rewards. The Bema judgment of Christ, will take place for the specific purpose of judging the quality of every Christian's work and deeds. 2 Corinthians 5:10 shows that at the bema seat deeds will be recompensed whether good or bad". each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward (Gk. misthos). If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 NASB) (Also See 1 Corinthians 3:8-15 and James 2:14-20) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10 NASB)
Similarly John told believers Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward (Gk. misthos). (2 John 1:8 NASB)
Note: Misthos simply means wages. The Bible uses it for recompense for good behavior and as retribution for evil acts. See 2 Peter 2:13-15. So when does this judgment take place? According to Luke 14:12-14 at the resurrection of the righteous... And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. "But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12-14 NASB)
... which takes place at the sounding of the Seventh Trumpet. See The End Of The Age Part IV... The Seventh Trumpet - Subheading - The Earth is Reaped Therefore, do not be misled by Warren's lopsided emphasis on a person's character and motives. "Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else ... God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do" (Pg. 177 Emphasis Added). "God is always more interested in why we do something than in what we do. Attitudes count more than achievements. Real servants serve God with a mindset of five attitudes." (Pg. 265 Emphasis Added).
See The Bema or Judgment Seat Of Christ and Rewards in Heaven Doctrine
Rick Warren says "God won't ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him?” (Pg. 34).
If this were true, then the Mormons who believe that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers and that we are all destined to become gods some day, the Jehovah's witnesses who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ, the Catholics who, among many other things, believe in a faith plus works based salvation, and the innumerable evangelicals that teach and practice very literal doctrines of demons are all to be counted as those that God will welcome into His kingdom. Sadly, the word "doctrine" has become associated with stuffy, suffocating and endless pages of rules and laws designed to severely limit if not completely take away all people's freedom. This is far from the truth. The word "doctrine" comes from from the Latin doctrina, which simply means instruction or teaching. Doctrine is simply what a person or organization believes and teaches which means doctrine can be true or false. Sound doctrine conforms to godliness, nourishes faith and ensures salvation. Purity of doctrine is emphasized and those who do not agree are called conceited and ignorant. In 1 Timothy 4:6-7 below, sound doctrine is contrasted with "worldly fables" and the people who contradict it are to be refuted (Titus 1:9) As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, (1 Timothy 1:3 NASB) In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; (1 Timothy 4:6-7 NASB) holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. (Titus 1:9 NASB)
All the apostles took an extremely strong stand against false doctrine (Paul going as far as to say that anyone who preaches a different one is cursed), because he, and the others well knew that, unless repented of and forsaken, false doctrines will damn even a so called believing Christian's soul.. One word that Peter when he spoke of the fate of those who introduce heresies is extremely telling. He said.. But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction (apoleia) upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction (apoleia) is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3 NASB)
The Greek word apoleia, translated destruction, is derived from apollumi, which means to be fully destroyed, or die. False doctrine can and will destroy you. See Theology and Doctrine
All too many Christians seem to be under the impression that "theology" and "doctrine" are of minimal importance withe little relevance to their religious life and practice. Other seem to think that these five dollar words are best left to those who have spent years poring over dusty tomes, or spent at least a year or two in in the halls of academia and have a string of letters after their names. Perhaps the words "theology" and "doctrine" gets Christians on the defensive, because they have been taught to believe that their faith must be based in the heart, therefore all that is important will be "experienced". Or perhaps they want no challenges to their shallow 'easy Christianity', which requires no intellectual effort, and allows people to coast along, never being stretched, or using their God given brains. The fact is that both theology and doctrine are crucial to authentic Christian faith.
Chapter/Day 5... Seeing Life From God's View
1 Corinthians 4:7:
Under the subheading Life Is A Trust, Rick Warren quotes Genesis 1:28, and rightly says
the first job God gave humans was to take care of Gods "stuff" on earth. This role has never been rescinded. It is a part of our purpose today. Everything we enjoy is to be treated as a trust that God has placed in our hands (Pg.44. Emphasis in original)
To add weight to his point he then quoted the NLT's version of 1 Corinthians 4:7b, What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own? (1 Corinthians 4:7b. NLT)
The problem is that in 1 Corinthians 4:7 Paul was not talking about our responsibility to take care of God's "stuff", but was reproving the Corinthians - a strife ridden, quarrelsome, divided church (1 Corinthians 3:3). Each boasted of who they had been converted or baptized by (Paul, Peter, or Apollos) when, as Paul told them, he and all the other apostles were only instruments which God used to bring them to the knowledge of the truth. Even the apostles work of sowing and watering the seed was of little use unless God gave the increase. Vs. 5-8, Thus they did not need to glory in men (Vs. 21-22) The theme is continued in the beginning verses of chapter 4, in which Paul goes on to tell the Corinthians "not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another" because all that they possessed had been given of God through one of the apostles who first preached the Gospel at Corinth. They themselves had no room to boast. 1 Corinthians 4:7 has absolutely nothing to do with us being caretakers of God's property (although we are) but the misplaced partisanship that the Corinthians were demonstrating.
Chapter/Day 8... Planned For God's Pleasure
Psalms 147:11
Under the sub heading Bringing Pleasure To God Is Called "worship" Warren quotes the CEV's version of Psalms 147:11.
Not so! The word used is the Hebrew yârê, which means "fear" and is usually translated so. The Lord favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness. (Psalms 147:11 NASB)
The Hebrew word for worship is shâchâh. Worship and Music
In his book, The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren says "We used classical, country, jazz, rock, reggae, easy listening, and even rap. The crowd never knew what was coming next. The result, we didn't please any body. Therefore we changed the music to one style, rock! We've often been referred to in the press as the church that likes to rock! We use the style that the majority of the people in our church like to listen to on the radio". (Page 285) "Saddleback now has a complete pop/rock orchestra". (Page 290)
In light of those statements one has to bear in mind that the very term Rock and Roll was first used in 1951 by Alan Freed, a Cleveland disc jockey. It came from the song "My Baby Rocks Me with a Steady Roll referring to sex. Besides which, no other form of music so openly and flagrantly promotes evil. Album covers and Rock associated paraphernalia are liberally festooned with Satanic symbols and show clear links with the occult. Not only does Rock lampoon every aspect of Christ's life and ministry but many of the lyrics openly denounce Christianity and present the devil as the answer while promoting violence, sex, suicide, rebellion and drugs. See Section On Rock I would not believe that ANY Christian in their right mind would claim that God invented 'rock'. But Rick Warren does. God loves all kinds of music because he invented it all – fast and slow, loud and soft, old and new. You probably don't like it all, but God does! If it is offered to God in spirit and in truth, it is an act of worship. (Pg. 65)
Additionally Rock music can and does have an tremendous effects on the human, something Rick Warren seems to realize when he says It seems to me that any church would want to distance themselves from "rock".... both the name and the style. See A Visit To Saddleback
It is hardly surprising that people flock to this 'church' and so many others mega churches like it. With their dance programs, light shows, musicians and even, in Saddleback's case, a 'Terrace Cafe' from which you can actually watch the service. These so called churches do little but entertain the masses while preaching a Gospel messages that cannot save. When you see people who come together to 'worship' the Father dressed in shorts and similar casual clothing, you know they have completely lost sight of the majesty and grandeur of God. They seem to have forgotten that the Great I AM will not tolerate such a cavalier and disrespectful attitude. As the author of Hebrews said since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service (Gk. latreuo) with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29 NASB) (Just below) Also See Tele-Evangelist Lifestyles
Welcome to the new breed of wealthy, charismatic, dynamic, and very convincing celebrity preachers who pastor mile wide and inch deep flashy mega churches And The Church Then and Now
The church has drifted so far from the original blueprint, that there is little resemblance between what takes place now, and what took place when James headed up the church in Jerusalem. In fact after studying the New Testament, one can only come to the conclusion that much of the modern church has little or no idea why it exists at all, or what it is meant to do. Much less how the meetings are supposed to be structured and who they are supposed to be led by. Worship with "Reverence and Awe"
The book of Hebrews says Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service (Gk. latreuo) with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29 NASB)
However, the very next verse contains a veiled warning when it says "our God is a consuming fire". This was taken from Deuteronomy 4:24 in which Moses used exactly the same phrase after warning the people against idolatry. "So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the Lord your God has commanded you. "For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:23-24 NASB)
That the author of the book of Hebrews should put this verse immediately after he speaks about worship should tell us that the author of Hebrews was not suggesting we worship with reverence and awe, it was warning us to do so. God was a consuming fire in the days of Moses and He is a consuming fire now, who will once more shake not only the earth, but also the Heavens. Perhaps there should be much less emphasis on what people want and like and far more on what is acceptable to God.
Day/Chapter 9. What Makes God Smile?
Chapter nine is about the person who supposedly makes God smile.
Genesis 6:8:
According to Warren God was so disgusted with the human race that he considered wiping it out. "But there was one man who made God smile. The Bible says "Noah was a pleasure to the Lord". God said, "This man brings me pleasure. He makes me smile. I'll start over with his family". (Pg. 69)
However, this is the Living Bible's version of this verse in Genesis. A word for word translations renders it a little differently.. But Noah found favor (Heb. chên) in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8 NASB) But Noah found grace (Heb. chên) in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8 KJV)
The KJV translated the Hebrew word chên into grace rather than favor as does the NASB. However, the word grace means unmerited mercy or clemency, whereas favor means to be pleased with; to regard with approval. Favor not grace, is the word supported by the context, because the very next verse tells us why Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9 NASB)
Very simply, Noah was a righteous man living in a time when, as verse 5 says, "The wickedness of man was great on the earth", and "every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually". Noah and his family were spared because he was blameless. But the fact that Noah found favor in God's eyes cannot be expanded to mean he "made God smile".
Day/Chapter 10. The Heart of Worship
It is more than interesting to note how Rick Warren uses two different versions of Scripture in the same paragraph. Under the sub heading the blessing of surrender (p. 82) , he says this
"The Bible is crystal clear about how you benefit when you fully surrender your life to God. First you experience peace: "Stop quarreling with God! If you agree with him, you will have peace at last, and things will go well for you." (Job 22:21 NLT). Next, you experience freedom: Offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits... (his) commands set you free to live openly in freedom! (Romans 6:17. MSG)
Job 22:21"
The problem is that the quote from Job was a statement made by Eliphaz the Temanite one of three of Job's 'friends' who sought to console him. With increasing severity Eliphaz reproved Job for his attempts to establish his innocence. He accused him of various sins telling him that it was because of these iniquities that he was suffering so horribly. However, in the epilogue Eliphaz and the other two friends were rebuked by God for not speaking right of Him. It came about after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has. "Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has." (Job 42:7-8 NASB)
Eliphaz's advice to Job was obviously wrong. Therefore to use his words as a proof text for how to find peace with God constitutes an extremely careless handling of Scripture. Romans 6:17:
Warren next says that people who surrender to God will experience freedom. He offers up The Message's rendering of Romans 6:17 to support his claim. Offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits... (his) commands set you free to live openly in freedom!
It is true that we have been set free in Christ, but what kind of freedom is Paul referring to? Read the verse both in context, and from a more accurate version. But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:17-18 NASB)
Paul is here speaking about freedom from sin and the hold it has on every person. And that, under grace, the Christian acquires another master and becomes a slave to righteousness.
End Notes
[01]
Continue On To PART IV - Chapters 11-20 - "Friendship" With God? HERE
PDL emphasizes friendship with God, but says nary a word about the fear of God. Some of the chapters are entitled Becoming Best Friends With God and Developing Your Friendship With God. However, using two related words - phobeo and phobos, the New Testament contains numerous warnings and exhortations to fear God, but there isn't a single text that indicates we can be friends with God. And More | 
