February 13, 2008 (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) -

In the November 14, 2007, issue of Ministry Toolbox, Rick Warren told pastors to get rid of troublemakers.

Warren begins with the erroneous statement that the Bible “talks more about unity of the church than it does about either heaven or hell.” In fact, the Bible speaks more about heaven and hell than about unity and it speaks far more about the importance of sound doctrine and practice and separation from error than it does about unity.

Warren makes no distinction between trouble that comes because of heresy and self-will and trouble that comes because of the truth. God’s people are nowhere instructed to blindly follow pastors. They have an obligation before God to “prove all things” (1 Thess. 5:21).

In a fashion that is one of his fearful trademarks, Warren lifts Scripture out of context to prove his point.

First, he uses 2 Timothy 2:23-26, which only deals with how to handle “foolish and unlearned questions” asked by those who are in the snare of the devil. It has nothing to do with legitimate biblical questions asked by sincere Christians who care about God’s Word. Next, he uses 2 Timothy 2:14, which is a warning about striving about “words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” Again, this is a warning about false teaching, and it has nothing whatsoever to do with sincere biblical challenges.

He also uses Titus 2:15, which is an exhortation to preachers to be bold in preaching the truth but which says absolutely nothing about kicking people out of the church because they love the truth.

He also uses Titus 3:1, which is an exhortation to be subject to the authorities that God has put in this world, but by comparing Scripture with Scripture we know that it does not entail blind submission (i.e., Acts 5:29).

Finally, Warren uses Titus 3:10-11, which contains instruction about how to deal with heretics or false teachers who are causing division based on their heresies. It has nothing whatsoever to do with those in the church who love the truth and who are sincerely trying to be faithful to Christ and His Word.

Rick Warren is the heretic who is causing divisions among God’s people through heresies. He is the one that should be rejected.

The fact that his Southern Baptist Convention keeps its mouth shut in the face of his heresies is irrefutable evidence that it is deeply compromised and is not faithful to God’s Word.