Exposing Error

Rick Warren Implies an Interest
in Bible Prophecy and the End Times
is a Distraction and Sidetracks
Christians

Note from Bill:

The following is an excerpt from Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life," a book that sold a record-breaking seventeen million copies in its first 19 months, making it the best-selling hardback nonfiction book in history. In essence Warren has implied an interest in Bible prophecy and the "end times" is a distraction and it sidetracks Christians from sharing their faith.

Two friends attended Saddleback Church, in Lake Forest, California on separate Sundays in the past year and both of them told me there were no Bibles sighted. This is also prevalent in many other churches that are implementing "The Purpose Driven Life."

Rick Warren is a good man and he has many quality people who attend his church, but if you aren't teaching straight from the Word of God weekly error will enter. Additionally, it's important that people use their Bibles so the Holy Spirit can lead them to the truth and keep them from relying on what man says exclusively. The Bible also has the convicting power of repentance, salvation and redemption, which helps man work out his salvation with fear and trembling.

Two-thirds of the Bible has to do with Bible prophecy, which is very indicative of its importance. Furthermore, the Bible produces prophetic mileposts that show us the timeliness and importance of our evangelism. Moreover, our Lord has always warned his people prior to tough times and the "end times" is not excluded.

In Matthew 24:3, when Jesus Christ was asked what will be the signs of His coming and the end of the age, He gave us what is written in Matthew 24:4-44.

It is important for us to prepare spiritually and emotionally and to be drawn to a more intimate and personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, as we prepare for Jesus Christ's Second Coming.

Excerpt from Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life"

(From Pages 285 and 286, the bold highlights were added for emphasis)

God's timetable for history's conclusion is not connected to the completion of our commission.

Today there's a growing interest in the second coming of Christ and the end of the world. When will it happen? Just before Jesus ascended to heaven the disciples asked him the same question, and his response was quite revealing.

He said, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

When the disciples wanted to talk about prophecy, Jesus quickly switched the conversation to evangelism. He wanted them to concentrate on their mission to the world. He said in essence, "The details of my return are none of your business. What is your business is the mission I have given you. Focus on that!"

Speculating on the exact timing of Christ's return is futile, because Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Since Jesus said he didn't know the day or hour, why should you try to figure it out" What we do know for sure is this: Jesus will not return until everyone God wants to hear the Good New has heard it. Jesus said, "The Good News about God's kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come." If you want Jesus to come back sooner, focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy.

It is easy to get distracted and sidetracked from your mission because Satan would rather have you do anything besides sharing your faith. He will let you do all kinds of good things as long as you don't take anyone to heaven with you. But the moment you become serious about your mission, expect the Devil to throw all kinds of diversions at you. When that happens, remember the words of Jesus: "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God."

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