Musings from Murrieta, Ca.
I just returned from the Calvary Chapel Pastor’s Conference in Murrieta, Ca. A thousand or so pastors from around the nation and the globe gathered to hear from people like Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie and Mike Macintosh. Perhaps the highlight for me (besides eating a ‘double-doublewas hearing pastor Chuck sing ‘How Great Thou Art’ accompanied by Dennis Agajanian on guitar.
Perhaps the lowlight for me was a guy named Warren Smith (no relation to Chuck) speaking on the danger of the new age infiltrating Christianity. He made not-so-subtle references to Rick Warren (pastor of Saddleback) being in league with Satan’s one world/one religion agenda. I couldn’t help but be repulsed at his observations and conclusions. Though I’m not necessarily keen on his methodology, Rick Warren is a champion of the faith. I saw him give one of the most clear presentations of the gospel I’ve ever heard on ‘Larry King Live’.
While the Oprah/New Age philosophy is obviously something to be concerned about in these last days, so is slander and bearing false witness. If I was given the choice between Warren Smith and Rick Warren being on my gospel preaching team, I’d take Rick Warren in a heartbeat. I look forward to your comments.
Until He comes,
Greg
Comments
4 Responses to “Musings from Murrieta, Ca.”
Welcome back! Sounds like an amazing time with so many wonderful pastors/leaders.
How sad to hear of such slander and bearing false witness among Christian brothers and sisters. It is so damaging to those involved. It only takes one accusation to ruin a life.(Here under the sun anyway.) I don’t believe the old adage of “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you”. But the words hurt more than the person/people involved. The damage done to our witness of Jesus love to each other and to the world becomes tainted. Why would anyone outside the church choose to be a part of such sickness, when they can get that from everyday life? How gross and ugly!
I am blessed by my Lighthouse brothers and sisters. Our family has never experienced anything but the love of Jesus here. And I am truly greatful! I pray my life is such a witness.
HHhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm…… interesting subject. I have to admit, I have shared concerns over Rick Warren’s teaching. My concerns though have been regarding his failure to illustrate the full meal deal. ( since we’re talking double-double, here )What I mean is that from a distance he seems to present the more gracious side of God which is wonderful…but it is incomplete. The balance between grace and God’s justice for sin is slightly mis-stated in my oppinion. Having said that, I have to say that I once was willing to dismiss Rick Warren all together because of my observations as a luke-warm kind of guy. The truth is, Rick Warren, Mark Driscoll and others (you) have actually brought more of a sense of balance to my stringent views over the past several years. Because of the growing popularity of these guys, I have been compelled to take a closer look at how they actually align themselves with God’s word. ( My pastors have taught me to be a Berean)Although no one can represent God perfectly, I have to admit my self-challenge has brough about interesting answers and caused some much-needed change in my thinking.
The whole Oprah, new-age trash that is growing manifold is something we should all be concerned for. It is every bit as influential, seductive and consuming as Mormonism is for many. There is a line where grace meets accountability and that line is at the foot of the cross.
It is the enemy’s work is to have us go after our own.
I have a deep appreciation for the fact that my pastor- teacher is not one to jump on anyone’s band-wagon, no matter who they are, or even where they come from. Thank you, Greg for testing everything against the standard of God’s word, even your brother’s views.
Greg, I hate it when that happens. You break away for a time of encourgment and fellowship and end up sitting through someones vedetta sermon as they violate the very scritpures that they claim to uophold. I remember my first (and only) murrietta experience had the same funk about it.
I believ that it is crucial that the church stand on doctrinal truths and expose false teaching.
Even Dave Hunts latest “apostacy coneference” wreaked of the same. They even came down on coffee house style sanctuaries????? Whats up with that?
I too was impressed with Rick Warrens bold proclomation on Larry King. I cheered from my couch as he plainly and clearly confessed Jesus Christ as the only hope of salvation.
For the record, I read “purpose driven church” cover to cover and have heard Rick speak many times and seen many interviews. While I personally adhere to a different church planting philosophy I have never heard him say or read anything that I would consider heretical or unbiblical.
He seems like an upstanding man of God who is being used greatly! Good job on standing up for him. I stand with you!!!
To all those “well intended” church watchdogs.Revelation 2:2-5, I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent,
Brian Nickens
Rick Warren…”It’s not about you, it’s about God first and then others”
New Age/Oprah…”It’s ALL about YOU and the GOD in YOU blah, blah”
Ya, Rick Warren and these folks have a lot in common.
Can’t people just be happy that Christ is being preached. Maybe not in the way WE would like it, but it’s being preached.
Pastor Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life”, in my opinion, has two central themese Love God and Love others. Humm….? I’ve heard this before.
Thank you Pastor G for speaking the truth when things are just plain wrong. And this gentlemens comments were just that.