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RSS This BlogShould we evaluate someone's "marketplace acceptance" to determine their spiritual maturity?
In John's book, chapter 15, it states, "If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world's terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God's terms and no longer on the world's terms, the world is going to hate you."
Last night on my Northern California talk show, we discussed the invitation of Hillary Clinton to Rick Warren's Saddleback Church for his annual HIV/Aids Conference. I like Rick Warren, and I understand what he is trying to do, whether it is successful or appropriate is a different discussion. That aside, many callers offered a statement that relates to the provided scripture verse above...and it bothered me all night.
The common statement was, "Rick doesn't have any enemies in Hollywood, politics or the 'worldly' marketplace...he is too well liked and that is a sign that he is not effective, and has compromised the Gospel in being such." What?
Let me get this straight, because Rick Warren is successful, well known and well liked, he is compromising. Is this what Jesus was referencing in John 15? I think not people, Jesus was talking about our faith, not our relationships - which we are commanded to make each day...with, and in this world.
What does it mean if we Christians believe that impacting Christians 'must be disliked' by the world, or the marketplace?
Because Rick Warren invites or hangs with "sinners" doesn't mean he is dong the same. Actually, it was Jesus who was accused of the same thing; "he eats and sits with sinners"! It sure is a shame to hear numerous Christians evaluate (can you say judge) other brothers' and sisters' faith level according to their reception by marketplace, cultural, human beings inside of today's culture.
You may disagree, or agree, with Rick Warren's efforts as it relates to HIV and Aids, but to attack him for being 'too welcomed inside of the world's marketplace' is self-righteous sinfulness on behalf of the church folk. Rick needs our prayer, our love and our encouragement - not our judgment. Support Rick Warren (and Kay), they are living in a modern-day William Wilberforce mission.
Maybe we need to pause, pray and sing John Newton's "Amazing Grace" to gain a clearer perspective on Rick Warren's heart and personal mission which has been placed a wonderous Creator, Father God for ALL people, of ALL the earth.
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Sunriverpastor
12/6/2007 12:54 PM
The question at stake here is whether Rick should have invited a woman who uses religion as a front; who has a form of godliness while denying it's power, to speak from his pulpit on an a moral issue.
While it is true that Jesus "hung out" with sinners, he did not give them a platform to speak authoratatively on moral and ethical issues of the day in the synagogue. There is a huge world of difference between establishing redemptive relationships with lost people, and giving them a forum to speak on moral issues that can only be fully addressed and resolved in biblical truth.
Consider these verses:
Ps. 1- "Blessed is the man who does not WALK in the counsel of the wicked..."
Ps. 15:4- "in whose eyes a rebrobate is DESPISED"
Prov. 22:5- "Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who gaurds himself will be FARfrom them."
2 Tim. 2:22- "...pursue righteousness WITH THOSE who call upon the Lord with a pure heart."
In light of these, both Rick & Eric miss the mark.
While it is true that Jesus "hung out" with sinners, he did not give them a platform to speak authoratatively on moral and ethical issues of the day in the synagogue. There is a huge world of difference between establishing redemptive relationships with lost people, and giving them a forum to speak on moral issues that can only be fully addressed and resolved in biblical truth.
Consider these verses:
Ps. 1- "Blessed is the man who does not WALK in the counsel of the wicked..."
Ps. 15:4- "in whose eyes a rebrobate is DESPISED"
Prov. 22:5- "Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who gaurds himself will be FARfrom them."
2 Tim. 2:22- "...pursue righteousness WITH THOSE who call upon the Lord with a pure heart."
In light of these, both Rick & Eric miss the mark.
ricbooth56
12/6/2007 10:41 AM
Eric,
Thank you for your article. I am reminded of the times Billy Graham caught some heat for visits such his trip to the Soviet Union. Jesus, as you point out, was very unpopular within the religious circles too. Perhaps many those who are leveling harsh words on Rick Warren (as in, "he's too well liked") are unwittingly making quite the opposite point.
blessings,
Ric Booth
ricbooth.wordpress.com
Thank you for your article. I am reminded of the times Billy Graham caught some heat for visits such his trip to the Soviet Union. Jesus, as you point out, was very unpopular within the religious circles too. Perhaps many those who are leveling harsh words on Rick Warren (as in, "he's too well liked") are unwittingly making quite the opposite point.
blessings,
Ric Booth
ricbooth.wordpress.com
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Which categorey is Hillary Clinton and the majority of those who are drawn to Mr. Warren? I have visited his church, when my family was in a crisis, and we were sent away, just as we came. By contrast, a small Anglican Church saw our need, and refreshed us. In whom did the love of God dwell?