by Mike Ratliff
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)
I just finished listening to an interview with Bob Dewaay on a radio program called Iron Sharpens Iron in which he discussed the Purpose Driven Church model and the Purpose Driven Life as well as his recent meeting with Rick Warren. He also responded to several phone call in questions. I found it very interesting that all objections to the message from Bob had no Biblical basis or the contention took scripture out of context. However, through it all he remained calm and replied graciously to everyone. That spoke volumes to me.
If you would like to listen to the interview then follow this link.
In any case, many of the things Bob shared spoke to my heart, especially the fact that persecution comes to Christians for preaching and doing in the name of Christ, not for just doing good. The world has no problem with Christians doing good, however, if we do it in the context of the Gospel and Jesus’ name then watch out. Of course, the PDC model stresses doing these good works, but never mentioning the Gospel. Why? It makes people angry and causes people to want nothing to do with ones ministry.
Now, I know that there are some who are not going to like what I just wrote and for that I am sorry. I didn’t write this to offend them. I know that they will say that this sort of thing is divisive and Christian brothers shouldn’t do this sort of thing. Ah, you see, that only applies between professing Christians who are like minded.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-2 ESV)
The Greek word translated as “of the same mind” means “think the same way.” This is not optional. It is not hidden in a corner and easily ignored either. It is also a theme throughout the New Testament.
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:15-16 ESV)
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8 ESV)
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, (Romans 15:5 ESV)
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV)
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. (2 Corinthians 13:11-13 ESV)
In a relativistic mind set there are no abolutes. One truth is just as good as another. However, that is a fallacy. There is absolute truth. If there are competing truths then they can’t all be right and it is stupid to insist that we must compromise and accept all competing “truths” as equal. I have found that many who want to argue against and contend with what we teach will start out with something like this, “I don’t agree with Mike.” Well that’s fine, but you see we do have the Word of God and it is truth. In fact, it is the only source of truth we have. Professing Christians who have a problem with that believe that we are only being divisive. This is why I find it so interesting that those who defend Rick Warren and Bill Hybels and the Seeker-Sensitive movement, Warren’s Peace Initiative, et cetera can not withstand an analysis of what they do if that analysis is from a genuine Biblical foundation.
What is usually said is that they just don’t agree. Okay, why? Show us from scripture why you don’t agree. We are arguing from the basis of the Bible thereby showing why the PDC and others like it are not Biblical, therefore, forget human philosophy. Forget suppositions and examples that are logically open-ended. If it cannot prove that it is Biblical then shouldn’t that show everyone that the ministry being constructed has a foundation of sand?
We are called from the Bible to be unified through humility. We are commanded to be like minded. That means that we unify around Biblical truth, not some aberration of it. These truths that the Christian must conform to in order to be truly humble are readily available for us in God’s Word. For example:
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)
Now, is it wrong to point out when certain Christian leaders have created a form of Christianity that is not Biblical? If we do not warn our brethren about the dangers of unbiblical teaching then we are in violation of Paul’s command here to look not only to one’s own interests, but also to the interests of others. If we remain silent in order to preserve a false unity then we are not being humble, but are, instead, being disobedient. It would be very easy to remain silent and write devotionals and such, but then we would be like those Germans prior to WWII who said and did nothing as the Nazis began the persecution of the Jews.
Therefore, we are calling on those in the seeker-sensitive/church growth movement to repent. We are calling them to return to Biblical orthodoxy and like-mindedness with the Body of Christ. Then we can be unified in humility as we esteem each other as more important than ourselves. However, as long as there is no repentance then we cannot be unified with them for they are creating a form of church that is not biblical.
Soli Deo Gloria
I just listened to the broadcast. He made an interesting point on how Rick Warren focused more on good deeds instead of repentance. Bob Dewaay pointed out the need to convert men’s hearts without altering the gospel. I have read his book myself. It is very informative and educational.
Rick Warren doesn’t want to offend anyone, therefore he wants to present the gospel in a manner which the world will like. The host of the program made a comment about the offensiveness of people holding street signs and handing out tracts, telling people to repent. I couldn’t tell if he was in favor of them or not, but I hope that he is. Handing out tracts and standing on a street corner with a sign will offend the unsaved, but it is an effective way of spreading the gospel. How many people have the courage to do that kind of evangelism? The world will not always welcome the true gospel with open arms.
Rick Warren has taken the pleasant feel good verses from scripture and pasted them into a book called, “40 Days of Purpose.” He doesn’t talk about judgment or repentance. He offers spiritual cotton candy only. Jesus, on the other hand, offers milk, bread, and meat. If all that you ever get to eat in life is cotton candy, you will eventually get sick and die. I don’t see any milk, meat, or bread in Rick Warren’s spiritual diet plan.
Rick Warren believes that there is more than one path to God. That is enough for me to discredit his teachings. Tamara Hartzell wrote an excellent book on Rick Warren’s false PEACE plan. She has exact quotes, with page numbers cited to expose Rick Warren’s deception. Rick’s problem is that he assumes that God is already in the heart of men who are unsaved, worshipping other gods, or unregenerate. I know that Rick Warren means well and he is sincere. But unfortunately, he is sincerely wrong.
Brother Mike, excellent post. You have put into words what I have been thinking about for some time now. You also said something that I have not thought about before.
“What is usually said is that they just don’t agree. Okay, why? Show us from scripture why you don’t agree. ”
Excellent thought. I have heard this defense repeatedly.” We will have to agree to disagree.”I have never thought about the challenge to defend each idea by scripture. It has been my experience that when this statement is made the discussion has hit the wall. There is no possibility to take the issue farther. Upon reflection this is an statement made from a hard heart . Hard hearts never serve God’s purpose, and you’re right the proper response has to be repentance.
There can be no proper unity if the foundational truth is not shared by both parties. The Bible must be our only defense in any disagreement. The truth is exclusive by nature and cannot compromise just a “little bit” for a false unity.
I remember reading a quote from Luther, I think….”Unity if possible, truth at all costs.”
We risk being labeled “narrow minded….close minded” but what other position can be taken? The Bible states that it is a narrow road we are on, I think this is uncomfortable reality we all have to endure, but what is the alternative?
John in Toronto
No other alternative John. You are right about not compromising the gospel. Compromising the gospel is pure idolatry. We can season our words with salt and correct others out of love, but even with that kind of prudence, the gospel can still come across as offensive to someone who has never heard it.
If a professing believer tries to yoke himself with the world, he runs the risk of compromising it. Luther nailed it on the head, didn’t he? His quote is a reminder to the true Bride of Christ, that following the narrow path will cost us. It can cost us relationships, our standing with the world, our finances, or whatever else the Lord may lead you to forsake in order to follow him. A holy countenance or Godly character will not come easy.
Amen Josh!
Amen John!
Pastor Bob is truly a shepherd of God’s flock. His graciousness never ceases to amaze me, I sure couldn’t do it!
I am not so sure I could either Paula.
We as Christians are ambassadors for Christ. Ambassadors do not change the message; they deliver the message and are committed to do so. The message is simple and uncompromising. God the Father tolerates no other path to the presences of His Glory. The message is God’s Testimony; the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God…” “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Any message from the Christian to the unsaved that does not contain this information has been compromised. It is now a mixed and perverted message. “As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”
In the love of Christ,
-Mel
Amen, well said Mel!
The problem is that Warren and those like him use the scriptures you quoted as proof texts for their own point of view. If you disagree with them they point to these passages and say that you are causing disunity in the body of Christ making the person standing for scriptural truth look like the one who is in the wrong. It’s hard to stand up to this and refute this while churches undergo Warrenization and church members either withdraw in silence or leave their old church. This is a nasty problem for people who live in small towns, smaller than 30,000. There is nowhere to go as all of the local churches have mutated into this humanist form so then the choice is quit going to church or suffer it out until kicked out for causing ‘disunity’.
Les,
Yes, the way you described it is exactly what I have experienced as well. You know, one of the ‘Means of Grace’ that God gave the Church was fellowship with the coming together of the body. It is important and this evil thing that R.W. has done ultimately deprives who knows how many of God’s people this means of acquiring His grace. Of course the other means of grace are often only found in church as well, such as worship, hearing the preaching of the Word, Bible Study, Communion and Baptism. These things are what we experience when we gather together. However, the RW form of church waters all of this down or changes them so much that they mean nothing.
I believe these men are filling up the cup of wrath that will be poured out against them. Let us not be close when it happens.
In Christ
Mike Ratliff
I sometimes wonder if there would be any solid pastors out there who would be willing to travel and preach in these small towns, not on Sundays but weekdays, for example. I’m thinking about the Methodist and Baptist circuit riders who would travel on horseback or buggy between towns, ranch heads, and farmsteads to preach and teach people in rural areas. I realize that gasoline is expensive but if these congregations would be willing to defray the cost would there be pastors/preachers willing to do this? I know it sounds crazy but I can’t think of any other solution.
I think someday pastors will regret this slide into humanism as they see a further decline in morals within the church and/or later on a decline in numbers as the current generation either becomes disenchanted with the fad or dies off. Maybe complacent small town pastors would change if they had some competition from out of town preachers who were faithful to God’s Word.
Les,
My grandfather was one of those who preached in a different Church every Sunday. He preached in brush arbors as well. He went to wherever there were people who would listen. He wasn’t a “Pastor,” he was more of an evangelist.
I do pray that this fad will die, but you know, what we are seeing now could be the seeds of the Great Apostasy.
In Christ
Mike Ratliff
Mike,
Excellent post. I remember reading THE PURPOSE DRIVEN CHURCH when I was a younger man in college. I felt then, as I still do now, that it is a great tragedy that these beliefs and practicies have been swallowed hook, line and sinker by so many. We have bought into the success model of the business world or rapid growth, large numbers and lots of money and applied it to the Church of he Living God. The Purpose Drive model seems to provide all that we seek in abundance. We get so caught up in desiring everyone to think well of us that we are willing to compromise the truth of the gospel in order to gain the favor of man. But as Paul said in Galatians 1:10; “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Amen Joe!!
There is a huge difference between love/respect and unity. How can two walk together unless they are agreed?
There are men who I believe are saved but whose theology or teachings are so disagreeable to mine I cannot be in unity with them. However I can find it somewhat easy to love and respect them.
There are men whose theology is so wrong and so unbiblical, that not only can I not be in unity, I often sin in my heart against them. I pray God will never allow me to get comfortable with that as well as keep me following hard to Him and His Word. The battle to stand and the battle to love is a two front battlefield upon which I can stand more easily than I can love sometimes.
We must be unified with Christ and never let earthly relationships and beliefs breach that supreme unity.
Amen Rick!
If these men continue on, and do not repent, then we should pray for God to hand them over to those idols. That may be their last and only hope.
The Greek word translated as “of the same mind” means “think the same way.” This is not optional. It is not hidden in a corner and easily ignored either. It is also a theme throughout the New Testament.
“Think the same way always” implies that you already have you have the CORRECT starting point. The pharisees wanted people to think like them. The Emergent Church wants people to think like them. I want people to think like me. We all want to create a bunch of mini-me’s (Austin Powers analogy).
As I reflect on one of my favorite TIm Keller sermons that discusses the inside out vs Outside in theology, I strongly believe Christ and the Holy Spirit always changes from the inside out as opposed to mans attempt to change from the outside in. Its a heart thing …. otherwise Christ-centered theology will fall on deaf ears.
The Gospel is seen as a mystery in how it changes people and draws them to God. The Gospel message is actually seen as the POWER of God itself(Romans 1:16). It is even called the very light of the Glory of God (2 Cor 4:4-6).
I think there are a number of instances where Christians need to LEARN to rejoice in differences too; instead of acting like Churchy fundamentalists we can rejoice in the power of the Jesus Christ and the Cross.
I, for one at am happy about Christians like Greg Boyd who, even though I disagree wih him on some items, really make me think and question myself at times.
My opinion
JS
Jon,
“Think the same way always” implies that you already have you have the CORRECT starting point.”
Yes, and that starting point is what the Bible says fully and completely with no variance and no man-made add ons or corruption. That plus the work of the Holy Spirit within us to grow us to have the mind of Christ. Then we can comply with what Paul is talking about. And, this means that when we hear people we don’t agree with much, but we listen anyway then we make a huge mistake. We are polluting what is right by allowing in the world and its ways for what is not of God is of the world. What is not of the Spirit is of the flesh.
In Christ
Mike Ratliff