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Emphasis Mine In Bible Verses
Day 11 - Becoming Best Friends With God
The "Fear" of God
The Bible makes no mention of a "friendship" with God which Rick Warren assures us is what God wants and we can attain.
Yet, PDL says next to nothing about the "fear" of God that is repeatedly emphasized in the Scriptures
Day 12 - Developing Your Friendship With God
Day 15 - Formed For God's Family
Day 17 - A Place To Belong
Rick Warren actually equates being a Christian with being a member of a particular church. His sole ambition in these chapters seems to be to push church attendance. He tells his readers that "the first symptom of spiritual decline is usually inconsistent attendance at worship services", "a church family identifies you as a genuine believer", "a Christian without a church home is like an organ without a body" etc, and the church "provides the spiritual protection of godly leaders"
These claims do not find their origin in the Scriptures but were made from the viewpoint of someone who pastors a mega church. And it is no wonder that Saddleback has grown considering how much entertainment is provided.
He actively and energetically promotes "unity" without any mention of whether what is being taught is Biblical or not AND what the Bible says to do when confronted with false teachers.
NOTE: To paraphrase means to restate a text or passage in another form or other words - often to clarify meaning or make it easier to understand. It DOES NOT mean to alter the meaning of the original text which, in many cases, is exactly what the paraphrases (The Message, Living Bible etc.) have done. However, to be noted is that traditional translations have very often rendered Greek and Hebrew words according to preconceived ideas or biases. See Mishandling the Word of God.
Day/Chapter 11... Becoming Best Friends With God
In this chapter, Rick Warren begins by telling readers that more than anything else, God wants to be our friend, that "we were made to live in God's continual presence,” (Pg. 85). He teaches that in the Garden of Eden "Adam and Eve enjoyed an intimate relationship with God... but after the Fall that ideal relationship was lost".
Romans 5:11
He went on to say (underlining added. Italics in original) Note: NLT is the New Living Translation and GNT is the Good News Translation
Then Jesus changed the situation. When he paid for our sins on the cross, the veil in the temple that symbolized our separation from God was split from top to bottom, indicating that direct access to God was once again available. Unlike the Old Testament priests who had to spend hours preparing to meet him, we can now approach God anytime. The Bible says, "Now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God." (Romans 5:11 NLT).
Certainly the symbolism of the torn temple veil indicated that we now can approach God directly (rather than through the High Priest as in the Old Testament), but nowhere does it say anything about a "friendship" with God.
The Greek word that the New Living Translation rendered as friends is katallage which which means the restoring of a broken relationship with God. This only happens when the Father no longer counts our trespasses against us. It is the end of the estrangement between God and humanity caused by sin
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled (Gk. katallasso) to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled (Gk. katallasso), we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (Gk. katallage) . (Romans 5:10-11 NASB
2 Corinthians 5:18
Friendship with God is possible only because of the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. "All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends." (2 Corinthians 5:18 GNT (Good News Translation) ).
This Greek word was also used in 2 Corinthians 5:18
Now all these things are from God, who reconciled (Gk. katallasso) us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (Gk. katallage) (2 Corinthians 5:18 NASB)
Friends of God?
The word most often translated friend is the Greek philos found some 29 times in the New Testament. However, with only TWO exceptions it was NEVER used for the relationship between God and man.
Abraham:
and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "and Abraham believed god, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. (James 2:23 NASB)
The Disciples
While it is true that, as Rick Warren mentions on page 86, Jesus told His disciples
"You are My friends if you do what I command you. "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. (John 15:14-15 NASB)
However, the Savior's very next words should make clear that He was calling His disciples friends, not every Christians from then on.
"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. ....Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:16, 20 NASB)
"Fear" of God
The entire theme of this chapter resonates with today's popular version of God that is more along the lines of a benevolent grandfather/celestial-bellhop rather than all powerful, all knowing, and all holy God. PDL emphasizes friendship with God but says nary a word about the fear of God. In fact, Rick Warren's statement that "fear of God, not friendship, was more common in the Old Testament" (Pg. 86) implies that under the new covenant friendship with God is or should be more prevalent.
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 are or can be friends with God.
Do not fear (Gk. phobeo) those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear (Gk. phobeo) Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 NASB)
And his mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear (Gk. phobeo) Him. (Luke 1:50 NASB)
Therefore, knowing the fear (Gk. phobos) of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:11 NASB)
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear (Gk. phobos) of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 NASB)
and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. (Ephesians 5:21 NASB)
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear (Gk. phobos) and trembling; (Philippians 2:12 NASB)
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear (Gk. phobeo) God, honor the king. (1 Peter 2:17 NASB)
and he said with a loud voice, "Fear (Gk. phobeo) God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." (Revelation 14:7 NASB)
Exodus 34:14:
Warren adds (also on page 86)
That God would want me for a close friend is hard to understand, but the Bible says "He is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you". (Exodus 34:14 NLT [New Living Translation] )
This translation is an absolute joke. Exodus 34 uses the Greek word qanna ...
--for you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous (Heb. qanna), is jealous (Heb. qanna) God (Exodus 34:14 NASB)
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous (Heb. qanna), is a jealous (Heb. qanna) God: (Exodus 34:14 KJV)
Ganna is used a total of six times in the Old Testament. In every single case, it is translated into the English 'jealous' used of God when He warned the Israelites not to make for themselves any graven image, nor to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land lest they be invited to eat that which was sacrificed to the idols, or their sons be enticed by the daughters of the pagans to "play the harlot" with their gods. See Exodus 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 4:23-24, Deuteronomy 5:8-9.
In fact, Deuteronomy 6:14-15 specifically says God would wipe them off the face of the earth should they worship other gods.
"You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, for the Lord your God in the midst of you is a jealous (qanna) God; otherwise the anger of the Lord your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 6:14-15 NASB)
In other words, the verse does not mean that God is "passionate" about His relationship with us, but that He is a jealous God who is intolerant of disloyalty or infidelity. Note: God's description of himself as jealous only occurs in the context of idolatry.
See God and Jealousy. Scroll down to God's Jealousy In Context
Finally, Rick Warren says that not learning anything from a sermon or Bible teacher may well be motivated by pride:
Anytime you feel you are not learning anything from a sermon or a Bible teacher, you should check your attitude, especially for pride, because God can speak through even the most boring teacher when you are humble and receptive. (Pg. 188)
While there is no question that "God can speak through the most boring teacher" the operative word here is "can".
Warren never once considers that in this day and age of great apostasy there are plenty of so called Christian leaders or pastors who preach unbiblical messages many of which are positively dangerous See Doctrines of Demons. Others are so irrelevant to the times we live in so as to be a complete waste of time. Preaching on holiness, repentance, discernment, the antichrist, the Days of Noah etc. seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur. People are simply not being prepared for what the near future will bring See Why The Fire Hasn't Fallen
Day/Chapter 12... Developing Your Friendship With God
Similarly in this chapter, under the heading "I must choose to be honest with God, Rick Warren says
"The first building block of a deeper friendship with God is complete honesty-about your faults and your feelings. God doesn't expect you to be perfect, but he does insist on complete honesty. None of God's friends in the Bible were perfect. If perfection were a requirement for friendship with God, we would never be able to be his friends. Fortunately, because of God's grace, Jesus is still the "friend of sinners." (Pgs. 92-93),
Rick Warren was apparently so hell bent on proving his point from the Scriptures that he latched on to any verse that he could partially quote or wrench out of its context to do so.
1) To begin with Jesus being called a "friend of sinners" was a remark made by some of those around Him, many of whom were very critical of both Him and John the Baptist.
"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!' "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." (Matthew 11:18-19 NASB)
As said by David Servant (Emphasis Added)
Jesus indeed spent time with sinners, but He was certainly not their friend. The Bible that Jesus inspired says that anyone who is a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (see James. 4:4). Jesus was not an enemy of God, and neither was He a friend of the world. They hated Him and ultimately crucified Him. Jesus Himself declared that the world hated Him because He testified that its deeds were evil (see John 7:7). That is, He preached repentance. They didn't like His message of repentance and holiness. So let us not imagine Jesus hanging around with unrepentant people, laughing at their dirty jokes and joining in their gossip. Unrepentant sinners were extremely uncomfortable around Jesus. [01]
In the quote above Warren also says "God doesn't expect you to be perfect, but he does insist on complete honesty"... If perfection were a requirement for friendship with God, we would never be able to be his friends. (Pg. 92).
If that were true why did Matthew quote Jesus as saying,
"Therefore you are to be perfect (teleios), as your heavenly Father is perfect (teleios). (Matthew 5:48 NASB)
This verse has given many students of the Bible much food for thought because it sounds like Jesus was asking more than we can possibly do. Even Paul, author of two thirds of the New Testament, said he had not obtained perfection (Philippians 3:12
The answer lies in the meaning of the Greek word teleios which means 'brought to its end, finished; lacking nothing necessary to completeness'. This might be better understood in the context of the young man who said he had perfectly kept the law, but asked Christ what he was yet lacking. Jesus told him
"If you wish to be complete (teleios), go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (Matthew 19:21 NASB)
However, his wealth meant more to him than treasures in heaven and he went away "grieving". He was apparently reluctant to take that final step towards perfection or completeness.
Paul may not have considered himself 'perfect' but he continued working towards that goal
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 NASB)
Yet, rather than tell his readers that like Paul God expects them to strive towards perfection, Rick Warren tells them that God doesn't expect them to be perfect, but insists on complete honesty. Hebrews 12:14 says "Without holiness, No Man Shall See God!" in view of which we need to know how exactly the Bible defines holiness. DETAILS
John 4:23
Warren continues by saying "there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to worship and friendship with God. One thing is certain: you don't bring glory to God by trying to be someone he never intended you to be. God wants you to be yourself." He validates his point with a quote from The Message:
"That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.'" (John 4:23 The Message. Emphasis Added) (Pg. 103)
Except that is not what the verse says.
Reading it from a word for word translation and in context (See Context is CRUCIAL) makes it clear that Jesus was talking to a Samaritan woman. The Samaritans differed from the Jews in several key ways. They had built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, believed their line of priests were legitimate, and accepted only the Pentateuch as authoritative (the Prophets and Writings were not considered divinely inspired). Jesus' words were in reply to what the woman said to Him. (All Emphasis Added)
The woman *said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. (20) "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." (21) Jesus *said to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. (22) "You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. (23) "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. (24) "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:19-24 NASB)
Men can only worship God in truth. That is in accordance with the whole council of God's word including New Testament revelation. It was to the Jews that the promises were made and it was in their Scriptures (rejected by the Samaritans) that Jesus Christ was proclaimed and described. By building their temple on Mount Gerizim and conducting public worship and sacrifices there the Samaritans were not obeying the Father nor offering the worship which he had commanded or would approve of. Men cannot (as the Samaritans did) worship God any way they choose.
To worship in spirit" stands opposed external worship. It is concerned with the spiritual realities rather than outward blood sacrifices, shadows and types, rites and ceremonies etc.
And worshipers who meet these two criteria are the only kind of worshiper God seeks.
Romans 12:1-2:
On Page 105, under the subheading "God is pleased when our worship is practical", Rick Warren quotes the Bible as saying
"Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)
He then goes on to say
"Why does God want your body? Why doesn't he say, "Offer your spirit"? Because without your body you cant do anything on this planet. In eternity you will receive a new, improved, upgraded body, but while you're here on earth, God says, "Give me what you've got!" He's just being practical about worship.
I don't think so!
Paul's words in Romans 12:1-2 are not about God "being practical about worship" but when read in context tell a very different story. They are the words of the apostle calling on his readers to dedicate themselves to God without reserve. The verse begins with the word "therefore", which means it is related to and built on the preceding verses. (Also See Context is CRUCIAL)
In other words, chapter 12:1 is a transitional verse indicated by the very first word “therefore” In chapters 1-11 Paul showed that all were sinful by nature and that no one has any claim on God who has shown great compassion in giving his Son to die for us and in pardoning our sins. The "therefore" of Roman 12:1 begins a section on right action based on the doctrinal foundation laid down in the first eleven chapters. He was outlining how these doctrines are to be implemented in our daily lives.
In other words, this is what every believer needs to do based on what God has already done.
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 NASB)
When Paul urged Christians to present their bodies "a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God" he was referring back to the Old Testament sacrifices made on the altar. The one who offered the sacrifice released all claim or right to the offering that was set apart and wholly devoted to God. Now, under the New Covenant, instead of a dead animal Christians have to choose to actively offer their bodies as living sacrifices... bodies which are also set apart and wholly devoted to His service... just as much the Lord's property as the burnt offering was.
Note: that the very definition of the word "holy" is set apart. See What Is Holiness?
Chapter/Day 15... Formed For God's Family
According to Rick Warren God's second purpose for our lives is that we were formed for Gods family... God wants a family and he created us to be a part of it, which He planned before we were born.
"He didn't need a family, he desired one, so he devised a plan to create us, bring us into his family, and share with us all he has. This gives God great pleasure. The Bible says, "it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives, through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family." (James 1:18 LB. Living Bible)
In "paraphrasing" (see top of page)the Scriptures, the Living Bible has taken a great many liberties that Rick Warren has played up to the hilt. He used this version of the Bible because it provided the Scriptural backing he wanted except for one problem...
James said absolutely nothing about it being a "happy day" for God when He gave us our new lives.
In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (James 1:18 NASB)
See The Symbolism of the Seven Feasts of Israel (First Fruits is The Third)
The historic and prophetic significance of the Feasts is one of the most fascinating of all Biblical studies. Although believers are not required to keep them, every Christian should be very familiar with the Feasts because they not only celebrate a historical event in Israel's past but are also a prophecy of future events that concern us all. They were types that, in Christian theology, were actual historical events that were a rough draft or a glimpse, of one or more events yet to occur culminating in one final and very important event called the antitype.
Chapter/Day 17.... A Place To Belong
Rick Warren wrote (Bold added. Italics in Original)
"for the organs of your body to fulfill their purpose, they must be connected to your body. The same is true for you as part of Christ's body. You were created for a specific role, but you will miss this second purpose of your life if your're not attached to a living, local church. You discover your role in life through your relationship with others. The Bible tells us,
"Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we?" (Romans 12:4-5. The Message)
Romans 12:4 says absolutely nothing about us not 'amounting to much' should we be separated from other believers. All Paul was saying was the human body consists of many parts and although they do not have the same function each is indispensable to the smooth functioning of the whole.
Similarly, although they are individuals, church members are parts of one another and each contributes to the edification of the body of Christ according the gift that they have been given. In the following three verses (6-8) Paul instructs them how to use the gifts God has granted them.
However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8 NASB)
Warren then makes several points which I have alphabetized for convenience
a)
"first symptom of spiritual decline is usually inconsistent attendance at worship services and other gatherings of believers." (Pg. 131)
"Many believe one can be a 'good Christian' without joining (or even attending) a local church, but God would strongly disagree.” (Pg. 133)
Unfortunately, Rick Warren has neglected to say anything about the other side of the coin I.E churches that do not teach the undiluted word of God. An indisputable fact is that the Bible gives believers very definite instructions on how they are to treat teachers and practitioners of false doctrine.
Anyone that opposes or walks away from a church that is no longer true to God and His Word is simply obeying the Scriptures - far more important than loyalty to man made doctrines, regardless of who invents them. Sadly, there are those who have had no choice but to leave a church that no longer adheres to the word of God, have been unable to find another (within possible driving distance) that does so. See Fraternizing With The Enemy
b)
"A church family identifies you as a genuine believer. I cant claim to follow Christ if I'm not committed to any specific group of disciples. Jesus said, "Your love for one another "will prove to the world that you are my disciples" (John 13:35 NLT) (Pg.133)
The problem here is that while it is true that Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another it was not in the context of membership in a particular church.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35 NASB)
There are numerous signs of a true believer sprinkled throughout the New Testament. For example, keeping God's commandments (1 John 2:4), Abstaining from wickedness (2 Timothy 2:19), Demonstrating "the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-24), Practicing Good works (James 2:14), Continuing in His word (John 8:31), Not practicing sin (1 John 3:9), Not loving the world (1 John 2:15)
However, I cannot find a single verse that says anything about a genuine believer being identified by their "church family".
c)
The church is God's agenda for the world. Jesus said, "I will build my church (Gk. ekklesia), and all the powers of hell will not conquer it." (Matthew 16:18 NLT) The church is indestructible and will exist for eternity. It will outlive this universe, and so will your role in it. The person who says, 'I don't need the church,’ is either arrogant or ignorant. The church is so significant that Jesus died on the cross for it: "Christ loved the church and gave his life for it" (Ephesians 5:25 GW). (Pg 132)
Note the use of the Greek word ekklesia
Most Christians assume "church" means the organization run by ordained clergy who conduct religious ceremonies in brick and mortar buildings down the road. And I am sure is pretty much what Rick Warren is referring to. The problem is that the only Greek word that can be properly translated into the English church only occurs twice in the New Testament.
For Details See The Church - Then and Now Part I
Not by any stretch of the imagination is 'church' an acceptable translation of the Greek word ekklesia that was used of the political assembly of the citizens of ancient Greek states, a regularly convened assembly, or a select civil body summoned or convened for a particular purpose.
In other words, ekklesia refers to a group of people - believers in this case.
Yet, in almost every instance, whenever the translators came across the word ekklesia (over 100 times in the New Testament) they rendered it as "church". See More about ekklesia in Footnote I
d)
Rick Warren adds
"Except for a few important exceptions referring to all believers throughout history, almost every time the word church is used in the Bible it refers to a local, visible congregation. The New Testament assumes membership in a local congregation. The only Christians not members of a local fellowship were those under church discipline who had been removed from the fellowship because of gross public sin. The Bible says a Christian without a church home is like an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a family. It is an unnatural state. The Bible says, "You belong in God's household with every other Christian" (Ephesians 2:19 LB).
While I have already dealt with Ephesians 2:19 (above) I am afraid I totally missed where the Bible says "a Christian without a church home is like an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a family. It is an unnatural state."
e) "We need more than the Bible in order to grow: we need other believers.” (Pg. 134)
Doesn't the Bible tell us that it is the Scriptures that give us wisdom and equip us for every good work.
and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:15-17 NASB)
f) "God has assigned us as individuals the responsibility of keeping each other on track... We are called and commanded to be involved in each other's lives. If you know someone who is wavering spiritually right now, it is your responsibility to go after that person and bring him/her back into the fellowship. James tells us, "If you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back.” (James 5:19 The Message) (Pg. 135)
While it is true that believers have a responsibility to help one another and we should do whatever we can to restore people who have wandered from God's path, the apostle James did not exactly say "go after them" and "get them back". What he said was
"My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20 NASB) Emphasis Added).
In other words tell the rescuer that he has done a great work by reclaiming a wanderer from his error and bringing him back to the fold thus saving him from death.
g)
"A related benefit of a local church is that it also provides the spiritual protection of godly leaders. God gives the shepherd leader the responsibility to guard, protect, defend, and care for the spiritual welfare of his flock. We are told, "Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God.” (Hebrews 13:17 NLT).
Satan loves detached believers, unplugged from the life of the Body, isolated from God's family, and unaccountable to spiritual leaders — because he knows they are defenseless and powerless against his tactics". (Pgs 135-136)
Unfortunately, Rick Warren completely ignores the other side of the coin, which is that the "godly leaders" are getting fewer and farther between. Unfortunately, we are living in the countdown to the end of the age when, as the Bible warned us, apostasy would run rampant through the churches, beginning with the so called leadership that are all too often often very far from "godly" leading believers down some salvation threatening paths
I strongly suggest you look up the section The Contemporary Church... The Devil’s Playground
f)
"The Christian life is more than just a commitment to Christ; it includes a commitment to other Christians. The Christians in Macedonia understood this. Paul said, First they gave themselves to the Lord, and then, by God's will, they gave themselves to us as well". (2 Corinthians 8:5 TEV) Joining the membership of a local church is the natural next step once you've become a child of God. You become a Christian by committing yourself to Christ, but you become a church member by committing yourself to a specific group of believers.” (Pg 137)
The problem is that while it is without question that all Christians should have a commitment to other Christians, Warren uses Paul's words in the context of joining a local "church" a concept that the Scriptures do not support.
Paul's second letter to the Corinthians was written from Macedonia in northern Greece (2 Corinthians 7:5-7).
In 2 Corinthians 8 Paul brought up the incredible generosity of the Macedonians who gave to the poor in Jerusalem beyond their ability as they themselves were very poor. When they saw that that it was the will of God that they help provide relief for the suffering Christians in Judea, they gave unstintingly first to God then to the apostles.
The Corinthian church had evidently intended to financially contribute to the poor in Jerusalem and Titus had, according to Paul's directions, begun the process when he was in Corinth.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; (1 Corinthians 16:1-3 NASB)
However, it is equally apparent that the Corinthians had not followed through with what they originally purposed to do. Paul finished this part of the message, by urging them to finish doing what they had once been so ready to do. (See 2 Corinthians 8:8 to 8:12)
So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it. But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others. (2 Corinthians 8:6-8 BSB)
Finally
Much of what Rick Warren claims come from the viewpoint of a pastor of a mega church who seems to equate being a Christian with being a member of a particular church.
However popular and widespread that idea may be, the church is not a brick and mortar building, nor an institution. Born again believers who make up the body of Christ are the church. Thus when you become a Christian you are automatically a member of the church whether or not you ever step in the doors of a physical building.
And while again there is little question that fellowship is important to believers one cannot as Warren says, protect the unity of their "church" at all costs. See Next Chapter on Unity
See 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.
Foot Note I - Ekklesia
Although the Greek word ekklesia is a compound word made up of ek, a preposition that means out of, or out from, and a derivative of the verb kaleo, which means to "call", or "call forth", ekklesia itself is noun that means "called out".
When someone is "called out", they have to be called out from something. It is only the context in which ekklesia is used that indicates the specific reason people are called out or assembled. Thus it was used of the political assembly of the citizens of ancient Greek states, a regularly convened assembly, or a select civil body summoned or convened for a particular purpose.
It is easy enough to figure out that, in keeping with the Bible's concept of separation and holiness the NT used ekklesia to describe a body of people "called out" or called to be separate from the rest of the world.
The only time it was correctly translated was in two verses in which the word "church" would have made little sense as both refer to a 'pre-church' time. (The KJV made no such distinction translating ekklesia into 'church' in both verses.)
"This is the one who was in the congregation (Gr. ekklesia) in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you. (Acts 7:38 NASB)
saying, "I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation (Gr. ekklesia) I will sing your praise." (Hebrews 2:12 NASB) (Hebrews 2:12 is a direct quote of Psalm 22:22).
In Acts 19 ekklesia was thrice translated into the English "assembly". This simply because the paragraph in question describes an angry mob of silversmiths and other craftsmen whose livelihood depended on the statues of goddesses that they made and sold. Paul was obviously a threat to their trade and they were threatening to riot until the town clerk persuaded them to settle their grievances through the courts instead.
So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly (ekklesia) was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together... But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly (ekklesia)... After saying this he dismissed the assembly (ekklesia) . (Acts 19:32, 39, 41 NASB)
End Notes
[01] David Servant. A Silly Gospel. https://www.davidservant.com/2005_08/
Continue On To Part V - Chapter 21 - Unity
Unity at all cost is not true unity. It assumes that there is no truth that people are required to stand on and defend.
Apparently Rick Warren has forgotten that believers are instructed to withdraw themselves from people who follow false doctrine and practices. They are not to have these people in their houses nor offer them even a word of greeting.
In fact, the most solemn warnings in the New Testament concern false teachers whom Paul called "savage wolves" and predicted that they would arise from among the flock after his departure and not spare any of them. And More
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