The word of God is powerful. It penetrates the soul. It reveals our true nature; our attitude and disposition toward God and truth. Without it, we are totally lost. With it, we know the why of life. Let us embrace it.

We can and must make our appeal to heaven in time of need. A bold approach is required. We are to lay it all out before God, seeking His help and comfort. His throne is a throne of grace. He is not a tyrant or indifferent toward us. Rather, He loves us and is interested in our daily struggles and trials. His desire is to bless us, help us grow, draw us closer to Him and save us in the end. Let us take advantage of God’s favorable disposition and lean on Him for our needs.

On July 4, 2009, Rick Warren addressed the Islamic Society of North America. His speech included absolutely nothing offensive to Muslims. He did not rebuke them for their unbelief or even assert that they should take a hard look at Jesus as the Christ. Rather, he talked about Christians and Muslims working together on social causes. The impression he left with them is they are perfectly fine to reject the Christ and continue in their false religion.

I wrote an article about this that appeared in the September 2009 issue of Truth Magazine. One of the readers of the article sent it on to Rick Warren at Saddleback church. His Chief of Staff, David Chrzan, wrote a reply. You can find a review of one paragraph here. Another paragraph needs attention too because the preposterous claim to biblical purity is made by Chrzan on behalf of Saddleback and Warren.

The paragraph states:

Pastor Rick is Southern Baptist. While Saddleback Church may not look Southern Baptist to most casual observers, we are down the middle Southern Baptist in our theology and doctrinal statements. We are totally committed to reaching the unchurched and contemporary in our worship style, while remaining biblically pure.

“Southern Baptist” is something that cannot be found in the Bible. Never does the New Testament mention a “Southern Baptist” person or congregation. So, how can that be biblically pure?

We can read where the people of God, Christians, were referred to as the “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2), the “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16), the “churches of Galatia” or “church of the Thessalonians” (Gal. 1:2; 1 Thes. 1:1). The latter designations describe churches by their geographical location. The other two describe the church with reference to ownership or headship—God and Christ. Other terms are found in the Bible to describe God’s people, both collectively and individually, but you will never find “Southern Baptist.” Again, we submit, it is impossible to be “biblically pure” and “Southern Baptist.”

Further, Warren and Saddleback are not just “Southern Baptist,” but “down the middle Southern Baptist.” That screams “moderate!” In other words, they are not conservative Sothern Baptist, but among those who are compromisers. From our perspective Saddleback is misrepresenting itself here. Since they compromise with Christ-denying Muslims, they are extremely liberal Southern Baptists, not “down the middle.”

On Saddleback’s web site, under the “What We Believe” section, it professes multiple things that are biblically impure.

This is what they say about salvation and baptism: “Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith,” and “baptism does not save you.” The Bible plainly teaches that faith alone does not save you. “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). It also says baptism does save you. “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism…” (1 Peter 3:21). Rick Warren and Saddleback say baptism does not save you. The Holy Spirit and Peter say it does. Which is biblically pure?

Saddleback’s site also says, “…the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.” The Bible says we must take heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Why the warning if it is impossible to fall? The fact is a Christian can fall from grace, as the Galatians did. “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). Too, Paul said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Saddleback and Warren say you cannot lose your salvation and there is nothing you can do to keep it. The Bible teaches you can fall from grace and you must put forth effort to secure your final salvation. Who do you think is biblically pure; Warren and Saddleback or Paul and the Holy Spirit?

It is ridiculous for anyone to claim biblical purity while at the same time teaching and practicing the doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:7-9). Sadly, many will not examine Warren’s teaching because of his popularity and the messages he presents are so non-offensive. This is the devil at work, getting people to drop their guard and accept error. Let us not be in that number (Acts 17:11; 1 Thes. 5:21).

Hebrews 4:1-10 centers on the “rest” for the people of God.

The promised rest was not Canaan (4:1-3; cf. Psa. 95:11) or the Sabbath (4:4-8). Rather, it is heaven (4:9, 10).

There is a rest beyond this life that far exceeds the rests of Canaan and the Sabbath. It is one into which we will enter if we are not disobedient. This promise is sure and steadfast. Nothing can keep us from it as long as we believe and obey. God is true to His word. We need to be true to Him.

In Hebrews 3:7-19, we are told what it really means to be in unbelief. It is not reserved for people who do not believe in God. Unbelief does not mean complete denial of God’s commands. Rather, denying part of what God says is just as much unbelief as atheism.

The Israelites were led out of Egypt into the wilderness. They believed God existed and followed His commands / leading to leave the land of bondage. They witnessed the miraculous plagues, saw the wonders of Sinai, and heard His voice. Still, they were disobedient when it came to entering the promised land.

The writer makes it clear that failing to heed this one command of the Lord was a failure to believe His promise. It was those who did not obey that did not believe that rebelled and paid for it with their life.

The admonition to us is: Do not follow their example! Though we may believe in God, confess Jesus as the Savior, and declare the Bible to be God’s word, we can have an evil heart of unbelief. If we deny baptism is essential to salvation, we are in rebellion (Mk. 16:16). If we doubt God gives us either the strength or ability to overcome temptation, we are in unbelief (1 Cor. 10:13). In such a state, we will suffer under the wrath of God. Let us not be in that number.

Hebrews 3:1-6 tells us three things about Christ.

1. Christ is the Apostle of our heavenly calling. He is the one sent by God to call us to redemption and heaven. Jesus is the ambassador for God.

2. Christ is the High Priest of our heavenly calling. He is the one who offered the ultimate sacrifice and the one who stands between us and God.

3. Christ is a faithful Son over the House of God. The Father has turned over authority to the Son who rules the house with complete fidelity.

We are part of the house of the Son if—big if—“we hold fast.”

Another point of interest, at least always to me, is Hebrews 3:4, “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.” Men understand this principle when it comes to buildings, homes, cars, towers, etc. However, too many see the infinitely more complex and diverse universe as an astronomical accident. How can this be? Willful ignorance and denial.

If I believe a log cabin in the woods was built by someone, then I must believe the home of humanity was built by Someone. If not, I am dishonest.

The September 2009 issue of Truth Magazine carried one of my In The News articles titled, “Megachurch ‘Pastor’ Rick Warren Abandons The Savior.” It detailed how Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven Life and many other books, spoke to the Islamic Society of North America. In his speech he said Christians and Muslims must work together to combat stereotypes, promote peace and freedom and solve global problems. Not one word about the need to believe in Jesus as the Savior or lose their souls.

One of Truth Magazine’s readers sent the article to “Pastor Rick” and received a response from his chief of staff, David Chrzan (yes, that is the spelling of his name). You can find the entire reply at here.

One of the paragraph’s stands out above the rest.

Except for his own church, Pastor Rick does very little speaking to Christian groups of believers. Instead, he invests his time speaking to groups of unbelievers that most pastors don’t have the opportunity to share with. He carefully considers the opportunities that God has given him to address these audiences. These folks that Jesus died for, but would never enter a church to hear the Good News. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Luke 5:31 (NIV) Rick believes strongly that if you want to actively demonstrate the love of Christ to others as He commands us to, then you have to reach out to a variety of audiences. No one is ever convinced of God’s love by labeling, condemnation, or anger. Rick strongly believes that if we want to behave in a Christ-like example, we must not waste any time judging others (Jesus didn’t), but instead, do everything we can to build relationships of love and respect and trust with others.

Wow! Can you believe Warren actually pretends to be a Christian, let alone a “pastor”?

There is no problem that a person would choose to speak to non-Christians as opposed to Christians. Peter labored among the Jews while Paul focused on the Gentiles (Gal. 2:8). The problem is with everything else.

To say that Muslims or anyone else “would never enter a church to hear the Good News” is just false. Congregations all over the world have non-believers visit services. Paul admonished the Corinthians to conduct their worship decently and in order so that the non-believing visitors would not think they were crazy (1 Cor. 14:20-25, 40).

“Pastor Rick’s” chief of staff is a deceiver for sure—or is totally deceived himself. Jesus did not say, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” He said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31, NIV). You see, the former quote by Chrzan is false, the latter true. If Warren actually believed what Jesus said, he would have called on the Muslims to repent of their sin of false religion, believing a false prophet, and following false scripture. However, Warren did not do that. Rather, he served up nothingness to the Islamic Society of North America (transcript available online¹).

“No one is ever convinced of God’s love by labeling, condemnation, or anger.” Really? If that is true, the every parent, employer, commanding officer, teacher, and preacher needs to quit right now.

Jesus Christ on labeling: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!…Serpents, brood of vipers…” (Matt. 23:29, 33).

Jesus Christ on condemnation: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you” (Lk. 10:13, 14).

Jesus Christ on anger: “When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables” (Jn. 2:15).

Labeling, condemnation, and anger all have their place in the religion of Christ and life of a true Christian. Error must be clearly identified, exposed, rebuked, and condemned (Rom. 16:17, 18; Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:3; Titus 1:10-13). People will not always like it, but our charge is to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).

It is because of love that they are labeled, condemned, and righteous anger is stirred. God chastens those whom He loves (Heb. 12:5, 6). The same emotions and similar actions are taken by every parent, employer, commanding officer, teacher, and preacher who loves those in their charge. Can you imagine a military commander not being angry and condemning a member of his unit who endangered the lives of all others or in rebellion endangered his own life?

Jesus did judge others. He judged all of mankind to be in sin and headed to hell unless He gave Himself on the cross. He judged the Jewish leaders to be in sin and headed to hell (Matt. 15:1-14). Because of this judgment, He warned His disciples not to follow them (Matt. 16:5-12). For anyone to claim that Jesus did not judge is either extremely ignorant of God’s word or willfully deceitful to push an anti-biblical agenda. Whichever it is, doom awaits.

“Pastor Rick” is a pathetic excuse for a preacher. He does not have the conviction or courage to “convict the [Muslims] of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (Jn. 16:8). He is the blind leading the blind. Men and women with respect for the Lord will not follow “Pastor Rick.” Rather, they will follow the great Shepherd of our souls, Jesus Christ—and rebuke and reprove all who do not.

¹Rick Warren’s Speech To Muslims Transcript

The following letter is via a third party. Read A Review Of It Here.

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Christians are soldiers of Christ. The New Testament is filled with imagery of war, battle, and fighting. It is not a carnal war, but a spiritual one (2 Cor. 10:3-5). In Ephesians 6:10-24, Paul gives a detailed description of the armor we are provided to fight and win the war.

Christians generally have done a good job of knowing about the different pieces of armor: truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, word of God. These need to be understood and used.

What we have failed at more often than not—generally speaking—is prayer (Eph. 6:18). It is the element that helps us don the armor, fight the fight, receive the strength, and press on. Paul requested the prayers of the Ephesians that he may speak boldly in teaching the gospel. How often do we pray, really pray, about the battles we are fighting?

If we will put on the armor of God and pray always, there is nothing that can stand in our way or stop our final victory.

Ephesians 5:22-33 is an overlooked, misused, and generally misunderstood section of Scripture. It is primarily addressing the relationship of the church to Christ. He is its head with the right to command it. The church is His body and subject to submit to Him. He loved the church enough to die for it. Therefore, the church owes Him respect.

To illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church, Paul uses the husband and wife.

The husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He is to sacrifice for her, and in this manner “submit” to her. He sets aside his own will, desires, pleasures, and comfort for her well being. He must cherish and nourish her; this is what she needs. If he does not do this, he will lose his soul.

The wife is to respect her husband as the church is to respect Christ. She is not his head or a co-head. When she submits to her husband, she will be happier and the home better. As long as the decisions and actions are not contrary to God’s will, she needs to support her husband.

Each have their duty. The husband is to love and sacrifice for his wife regardless of how she acts or feels. The wife is to respect and submit to her husband regardless of how he behaves. NOTE: we are not talking about sinful, abusive, illicit, or immoral behavior on the part of either the wife or husband. What we are talking about is what most couples face…a lack of care and consideration, a lack of love and respect. Stating that the husband is to sacrifice and the wife to submit does not preclude either of them voicing objections and taking reasonable actions to correct the behavior of the other. Each man and woman will have to determine the righteousness of their behavior in a given situation; they must examine themselves in light of God’s word and act accordingly.

The bottom line is that most marriages would improve drastically if the husband would love his wife and the wife would respect her husband.

Take note of three things in Ephesians 5:1-7.

First, we are to imitate God; mimic Him in love. The love is connected to the sacrifice of Christ. Hence, we are to sacrifice to please God and help others.

Second, worldly behavior—as exemplified by fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, and course jesting—is contrary to the life of a child of God; to one who walks in love. Those who live in such a manner will not go to heaven. If we really want to go to heaven, not hell, we will get rid of these things in our lives.

Third, anyone who tells you to the contrary is a liar. The devil, through his servants, will try to get you to thing fornication, uncleanness, etc. are consistent with being a child of God. It is not so. If we listen to these lies, we will face the wrath of God—remember the flood, Sodom, and other instances where God judged men in His wrath.

A saint is expected to behave in a way that is pleasing to God. Any other behavior is unacceptable and damaging to our eternal well being. Let us be faithful and consistent in our life.