INDEX TO ALL EIGHT SECTIONS 
ON THIS PAGE Day 21 - Protecting Your Church (at all costs)
A misleading and dangerous doctrine Discernment Is One Of The GIFTS Of The Holy Spirit Rick Warren's Proof Texts
Only Prove An Extremely Shallow Reading of The Verses Concerned Chapter/Day 21.... Protecting Your Church
This chapter is a misleading and dangerous one in more ways than one. Obviously writing from the viewpoint of a pastor of a mega-church, Rick Warren tells his readers that "It is their job to protect the unity of their churches. He adds that "unity in the church is so important that the New Testament gives more attention to it than to either heaven or hell" and "Unity is the soul of fellowship" and if we destroy it we rip the heart out of Christ's body (Pg. 160). (Bold added in all the following quotes from PDL) 1. Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than his church. He paid the highest price for it, and he wants it protected, especially from the devastating damage that is caused by division, conflict, and disharmony" (Pg. 161). 2. "We share the same salvation, the same life, and the same future — factors far more important than any differences we could enumerate" (Pg. 161). 3. "But for unity's sake we must never let differences divide us. We must stay focused on what matters most — learning to love each other as Christ has loved us, and fulfilling God's five purposes for each of us and his church. Conflict is usually a sign that the focus has shifted to less important issues, things the Bible calls 'disputable matters' (Romans 14:1; 2 Timothy 2:23). When we focus on personalities, preferences, interpretations, styles, or methods, division always happens. But if we concentrate on loving each other and fulfilling God's purposes, harmony results. Paul pleaded for this: 'Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT)" (Pgs. 161-162). 4. When you criticize what another believer is doing in faith and from sincere conviction, you are interfering with God's business It is not our job to evaluate the Master's other servants. The Bible says, "Who are you to criticize someone else's servants? Only the Lord can decide if they are doing right". (PDL 2002 edition. Hardcover. Pg 164) 5. Whenever I judge another believer, four things instantly happen: I lose fellowship with God, I expose my own pride and insecurity, I set myself up to be judged by God, and I harm the fellowship of the church. A critical spirit is a costly vice
All of which makes it seem that any criticism leveled at Saddleback would automatically be dumped into the "divisive" bin. Rick Warren also says People become disillusioned with the church for many understandable reasons. The list could be quite long: conflict, hurt, hypocrisy, neglect, pettiness, legalism, and other sins.
What he neglects to mention are those believers who become disillusioned and leave the church because it has deviated from teaching the truth. All too many of the churches today have adopted practices DIRECTLY derived from the Occult. See Doctrines of Demons. Others do not care for the circus side show and razzle dazzle entertainment that passes for church services. See The Mile Wide And Inch Deep Flashy Mega-Churches And The Lifestyles of the Tele Evangelists While there is absolutely no question that we should never let differences like personality and background cause disharmony among the brethren, the idea of unity that many Christian leaders preach and teach is not true unity. It assumes that there is no truth that people are required to stand on and defend - that how we interpret Biblical precepts is our "opinion" and it is wrong to let our "opinions" divide us. 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. If we have to shelve most of our differences and stay united, what in the world was the point of Paul's warning about the wolves in the church that would "draw away the disciples after them"?. Why was he urging the leaders to stay alert and watch out for these deceivers? (All Emphasis Added) Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. (Acts 20:28-31 NASB) Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. (Romans 16:17-18 NASB) Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6 NASB)
See Judge Not?
One of The Most Dangerous Mistakes Any Believer Can Make is to Believe That We, As Christians Are Not To Judge Anything Or Anyone... "Judge Not" is the one Bible verse that most people love to quote and although they are usually not sure where it is to be found, they do know that those were Jesus' words. However, few seem to realize that this is not a stand alone statement that He pulled out of thin air, then went off to try his hand at fishing for his lunch on the Sea of Tiberias saying no more on the matter. In fact, it has been terribly wrested from it's context. Perhaps we should allow the Lord to complete His thought AND His sentence. And, if we do, we will find that Jesus wasn't saying, or even implying, that we should never make judgments about anyone at any time, but was condemning a certain type of judging. Contrary to popular belief.. the Bible makes some very straight forward statements about judging and one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the ability to judge or determine between two things as to which is right, and which is wrong. []
Discernment Is One Of The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit.
In speaking of the "diversities of gifts" given by the Holy Spirit Paul wrote,
and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues: (1 Corinthians 12:10)
The Greek word rendered discerning, is diakrisis derived from diakrino that is made up of two other Greek words... dia which means 'through - by reason of', and krino which means 'distinguish, judge, determine'. Thus Strong's Hebrew and Greek lexicon defines Diakrino to separate thoroughly, discern, doubt, judge.
According to Merriam Webster the words to judge is 1. to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises 2. to determine or pronounce after inquiry and deliberation 3. to form an estimate or evaluation of
In other words, the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to judge or determine between two (or more) things as to which is right and which is wrong. When a person is told not to judge, they are being told that they should not consider and evaluate the evidence. How then we are to arrive at sensible conclusions regarding what we are to believe, or which path we are to follow? How are we to discern or judge between true and false doctrine and true and false teachers. How will we "Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good" (Romans 12:9) if we cannot tell the difference The fact that Rick Warren says nary a word about examining the Scriptures to see whether the things one is hearing or reading are true (Acts 17:11) is a sad commentary on a book that claims to lead believers into a "transformed" life which (one assumes,) involves reaching a higher level of spiritual maturity. Instead he tells the reader to "focus on what we have in common, not our differences."(Pg. 161). And, in order to ensure that members of Saddleback do not stir the waters, he requires each person to sign a covenant. "God blesses churches that are unified. At Saddleback Church, every member signs a covenant that includes a promise to protect the unity of our fellowship. As a result, the church has never had a conflict that split the fellowship. Just as important, because it is a loving, unified fellowship, a lot of people want to be part of it! ... When God has a bunch of baby believers he wants to deliver, he looks for the warmest incubator church he can find." (Pgs. 166-167)
In reality, the Bible's instructions on how to deal with those who teach and practice false doctrine in the church are very explicit. It is a two step process. The heresy has to be actively confronted and, if not repented of, has to be shunned. Leaving, or separating oneself from apostasy and heresy is not optional, but commanded. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. (2 Thessalonians 3:14 NASB) Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, (Titus 3:10 NASB) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. (2 John 1:10-11 NASB)
See Fraternizing With The Enemy
Rick Warren's Proof Texts
One of the statements Rick Warren made in regard to unity was (See others near the top of the page)
When you criticize what another believer is doing in faith and from sincere conviction, you are interfering with God's business. It is not our job to evaluate the Master's other servants. The Bible says, "Who are you to criticize (Gk. kríno someone else's servants? Only the Lord can decide if they are doing right".
The quote is from the CEV's (Contemporary English Version) rendering of Romans 14:4. However, most traditional versions translate krino as 'judge' simply because the word means to come to a choice (decision, judgment) by making a judgment – either positive (a verdict in favor of) or negative (which rejects or condemns). [https://biblehub.com/greek/2919.htm] So was Paul telling the Romans that they were not to judge another believer? The answer is an unqualified "no". In order to accurately understand what Paul meant we need to start at with verse 1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. (Romans 14:1 NASB)
Who were the "weak in faith" that Paul was referring to? If one were to actually bother reading the next few verses it becomes obvious that the topic of the chapter was legalism. Among other things Paul spoke about those who refused to eat meat. (We do not know why they ate only vegetables - Perhaps because they feared it was meat sacrificed to a pagan god (See Corinthians 8) or because they stuck to Jewish dietary regulations and avoided any meat that wasn't kosher). Regardless of their reasons Paul said those who only vegetables for spiritual reasons were weaker because their faith was not (yet?) strong enough to abandon the old traditions. In fact, in the very next couple of verses Paul applies the same logic to observing the rites and rituals of traditional Judaism such as the Sabbaths, Passover, Pentecost,Feast of Tabernacles etc. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. (Romans 14:5-6 NASB)
As Paul went on to say, (Emphasis Added) for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 NASB)
READ THE WHOLE CHAPTER RATHER THAN
THE BITS RICK WARREN HAS PICKED OUT AND MISAPPLIED TO SUIT HIS PREMISE
Jude 1:19
On page 165 Rick Warren says God considers people who listen to gossip as troublemakers. And "troublemakers listen to troublemakers". In this context, he quotes Jude 1:19
"these are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves"
Which the NASB renders as These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. (Jude 1:19 NASB) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 1:19 KJV)
I have absolutely NO idea how being "worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit" became "thinking only of themselves". However, the question is who exactly was Jude talking about. Read the verse in context. But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, "In the last time there will be mockers (Gk. empaiktes), following after their own ungodly lusts." These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. (Jude 1:17-19 NASB)
"There is a striking similarity between these two verses and 2 Peter 3:1-3. Both follow a description of false and dangerous teachers and both are couched almost in the same words." However, it was Peter who clarified what the "mockers" would scoff at.. This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers (Gk. empaiktes) will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." (2 Peter 3:1-4 NASB)
In other words, Jude was warning about those who scoffed at the idea of the Second Coming.
Jesus Prayed For Our Unity
So how do the many verses that tell us that we are to reject heretics square with the fact that as Rick Warren says, Jesus prayed for our unity in His final hours (Pg. 161) .
"Just like every parent, our heavenly Father enjoys watching his children get along with each other. In his final moments before being arrested, Jesus prayed passionately for our unity".
However lets examine Jesus' prayer a little more carefully... (Emphasis Added) "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. (John 17:20-23 NASB)
In both places the unity Jesus prays His followers would have was based on the unity that exists between Him and the Father. Not only were Jesus and the Father in perfect agreement, but He did the Father's bidding and reflected the image of the Father to the world. Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. (John 5:19 NASB)
Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as being the radiance of the Father's glory and the exact representation of His nature Jesus told the disciples "... the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. (JNASB) And in response to Philip request to Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus answered, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. (John 14:8-11 NASB Emphasis Added)
As Charles Spurgeon once said (Emphasis Added) Truth alone must determine our alignments. Truth comes before unity. Unity without truth is hazardous. Our Lord's prayer in John 17 must be read in its full context. Look at verse 17: "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth."
Titus 3:10
Warren also says (All Emphasis added) The Bible gives pastors very specific instructions on how to deal with divisive people in the fellowship. They are to avoid arguing, gently teach the opposition while praying they'll change, warn those who are argumentative, plead for harmony and unity, rebuke those who are disrespectful of leadership, and remove divisive people from the church if they ignore two warnings.
While I have absolutely no idea where the Bible tells pastors to rebuke those who are "disrespectful of leadership" it is true that Paul instructed Titus, a church elder, to "reject a factious man after a first and second warning" (Titus 3:10 NASB). What is to be noted however is that there were plenty of instructions to the general church as to how to treat anyone who did not teach and practice the truth. The spirit of what Paul says in the book of Titus is repeated in the sixteenth chapter of Romans. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18)
And he doesn't stop there. 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. To do so, John says is to share in their evil deeds. at the risk of repeating myself... Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6 NASB) If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. (2 Thessalonians 3:14 NASB) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. (2 John 1:10-11 NASB)
In other words, you do not blindly follow someone and believe everything they say just because they stand behind a pulpit, pastor a church, or write a book. Everything has to be checked by the word of God. I strongly suggest you read, with open Bible in hand...
The Four Most Dangerous Mistakes Any Christian Can Make
1) Believe that we, or our pastor/denomination/spiritual leader cannot be fooled, 2) Attribute every personal testimony and “sign” as being of or from God, 3) Take Bible verses out of context and 4) believe that we, as Christians, are not to judge anything or any one. IN fact, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the ability to judge or determine between two things as to which is right, and which is wrong.
Why Christians Are Deceived
The reasons that so many modern day Christians are deceived are numerous. They believe they should be "united", and are commanded to "love". They do not want to be labeled "heresy hunters", accused of quenching the spirit, found guilty of 'touching' the Lord's anointed etc. etc. However, I believe these and all other reasons deception is so rampant in the church, can be attributed to just two underlying facts... Too many Christians are Biblically illiterate, their theology confined to catch phrases, and daily devotionals of familiar passages of Scripture preferably well sprinkled with inspirational stories and jokes. This shallow understanding of their faith causes them to be more conditioned by the culture than by the Bible. Besides which, Christians seem to be very addicted to 'spiritual highs'. Fraternizing With The Enemy
Christians are Commanded To Separate Themselves From Those Who Teach, and Practice, False Doctrine
In the spirit of our overly tolerant, anything goes, society, we tend to look on confrontation as something to be avoided at all cost, but the Bible's instructions on how to deal with those who teach and practice false doctrine in the church are very explicit. It is a two step process. The heresy has to be actively confronted and, if not repented of, has to be shunned. The bounden duty of a true believer towards men who profess to be Christians yet deny the Word of the Lord, is to come out from among them. Leaving, or separating oneself from apostasy and heresy is commanded not optional and is an integral part of holiness without which none of us will see God. Continue On To Part VI - Chapters 25-40 HERE
Some of the problems in Chapters 25-40. You cannot (as Rick Warren has done) arbitrarily apply promises from the Bible to our lives when they were specifically made to a particular individual or group of people. Ex. God's words to Habakkuk in chapter 2 verses 2-3. Any person who calls himself a Christian but who obeys unrighteousness instead of the truth is not a Christian who will simply lose rewards as Warren states Also Galatians 6:4 has nothing to do with a Christian comparing his (or her) ministry with others. And More | 
