Purpose Driven Life Archive
Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" - A critical day-by-day examination of Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life from a Reformed perspective, paying special attention to the author's use of Scripture.
Rick Warren: Three Primary Concerns (11/22/05 - 0 Comments)
A few years ago I was handed a copy of The Purpose Driven Life and told that I really ought to read it. I knew almost nothing of Rick Warren or his Purpose Driven material, so decided I would read this book that, judging by the shelf space it had been given at the Christian bookstore, was "the next big thing" for Evangelicals. It turned out to be a bestseller in a class all its...
Lunch with Abanes (10/16/05 - 0 Comments)
As you may know, Richard Abanes was in town on Friday on a whirlwind promotional tour for his new book, Harry Potter, Narnia, And The Lord Of The Rings. The book, which I have not read, is a comparison and examination of the magic (and magick) in the Harry Potter, Narnia and Lord of the Rings series of books. I caught a few minutes of Abanes' interview on the local Christian television station and quite agreed with his conclusions about the difference between the magic used by Rowling and that used by Lewis and Tolkien. But perhaps I'll discuss that another day.
A Purpose Driven Hostage Update (09/27/05 - 0 Comments)
You all remember, I'm sure, the story of Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols. Nichols, of course, is the man who overpowered a deputy escorting him to a rape trial, assaulted her and then killed a judge, court reporter, and a deputy in and outside the Fulton County courthouse. Later that night he fatally shot a federal agent at his home in Buckhead. Nichols took Smith hostage in her home before surrendering to authorities. Smith later told reporters how she had read Nicholas chapters from The Purpose Driven Life and she became an instant Christian celebrity. She quickly cashed in with a book and movie deal. She is also on the speaking circuit.
Purposeful Interference - An Update (09/15/05 - 0 Comments)
Some time ago I wrote an article entitled Purposeful Interference in which I claimed that Rick Warren and his representatives within the Purpose Driven organization had suppressed the publication of the book Pyromarketing: The Four Step Strategy to Ignite Customer Evangelists and Keep them For Life by Greg Stielstra. The article coincided with another brief article dealing with the same subject that was published by Publishers Weekly. The article was widely-read and talked about within other blogs.
The Purpose Driven Life Goes Hollywood? (07/06/05 - 0 Comments)
I'll file this one away in the "just what we need" files. It is almost too crazy to believe, but it seems that there is a Purpose Driven Life movie on the horizon. Ralph Winter, who has produced a lot of major Hollywood blockbusters, such as X-Men, X-2: X-Men United, the Planet of the Apes (remake), and the upcoming Fantastic Four, in an interview with Christian Today, indicated that he has been hired to work on a Purpose Driven project.
Book Review - Deceived on Purpose (01/14/05 - 0 Comments)
Deceived On Purpose is probably the most important contribution in the ongoing discussion about Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life and all things Purpose Driven. It is one of only a couple of book-length treatments of the subject and the one that brings the most to the table. The author, Warren Smith, is a former New Ager who, after being saved, researched and has written extensively on the topic of spiritual deception. Having been immersed in the New Age movement for many years, he is sensitive to the inroads of New Age beliefs into Christianity. He says "Because of my New Age background, I have written this book Deceived on Purpose to specifically address some of the New Age implications of these purposes [for the church]." His discussion of the New Age implications of The Purpose Driven Life merits consideration by all concerned believers.
The author is clear from the beginning that this book is not a mix of positives and negatives. He believes that Rick Warren is leading the church astray and will mince no words in defending the Body of Christ. Leafing through the book, the reader might be surprised to see how much of the book is dedicated to a discussion of Robert Schuller. As a matter of fact, I suspect the book has more references to Schuller than to Warren. Why this apparently misplaced emphasis? Smith contends that many of Warren's ideas and beliefs were shaped by Schuller. Hence to learn about Schuller is to learn about Warren.
The Purpose Driven Life - Day Forty - Living With Purpose (12/22/03 - 7 Comments)
This is the fortieth and final chapter of The Purpose Driven Life. As I expected, it wraps up with a review of the five sections and encouragement to develop a personal purpose statement. Rick Warren begins the chapter with a discussion about the importance of a personal “Life Purpose Statement.” Such a statement will keep me focused on achieving all of my purposes and help me remember what is most important in my life. He...
The Purpose Driven Life - Day Thirty Nine - Balancing Your Life (12/21/03 - 0 Comments)
Blessed are the balanced; they shall outlast everyone. In chapter thirty nine of The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren describes a life of balance – a life that is equally devoted to each of our five purposes. He provides five pointers for keeping on track with a balanced life. Talk it through with a spiritual partner or group. We learn best through community, so we should be sure to share our journey with other people....
Day Thirty Eight - Becoming A World-Class Christian (12/20/03 - 2 Comments)
Day thirty eight of The Purpose Driven Life discusses the difference between a worldly Christian and a world-class Christian. Whereas worldly Christians are most concerned about themselves and their own happiness and blessing, world-class Christians are far more concerned with their mission of reaching the lost. As the world shrinks through increased transportation and communication it becomes easier and easier for Christians to fulfill their mission of reaching out to the world. Rick Warren provides...
Day Thirty Seven - Sharing Your Life Message (12/19/03 - 0 Comments)
God has given me a life message to share. From the moment I became a Christian I became a messenger of God. I have a life message that I am to share with unbelievers and this message contains four parts. My testimony. My testimony is the story of how God has made a difference in my life. My job is not to try to convict others, but simply to be a witness to them of...
Day Thirty Six - Made For A Mission (12/18/03 - 2 Comments)
Day thirty six of The Purpose Driven Life begins the discussion of my fifth and final purpose, “made for a mission.” God is at work in the world and He wants me to join Him in doing this work. I am to have a ministry within the body of believers and a mission to the rest of the world as my service to unbelievers. Warren provides several reasons why my mission is important. My mission...
Day Thirty Five - God's Power In Your Weakness (12/17/03 - 2 Comments)
God loves to use weak people. In reality if He wishes to use people to do His work on earth He does not have much choice, for we all have imperfections: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. The important thing is not whether or not we have weaknesses, but what we do with them. If we deny, excuse or hide them, we prevent God from doing what He desires in and through us. As he wants...
Day Thirty Four - Thinking Like A Servant (12/16/03 - 0 Comments)
Day thirty four of The Purpose Driven Life continues to explore servanthood. The book seems to be getting quite repetitive at this point, as this chapter finds Rick Warren simply restating things he has already said several times. He provides five attitudes that will be found in the mindset of a servant. Servants think more about others than themselves. True humility is thinking of myself less while thinking of other people more. When I stop...
Day Thirty Three - How Real Servants Act (12/15/03 - 0 Comments)
I serve God by serving others. Whereas the world defines greatness by how many others serve me, God defines greatness by how many people I serve. Rick Warren provides several ways I can discern if I have a servant’s heart: Real servants make themselves available to serve. A real servant does not fill his time up with other pursuits that will limit his availability to serve. I need to be available at any time, even...
Day Thirty Two - Using What God Gave You (12/14/03 - 0 Comments)
Because today is Sunday, this is an abbreviated look at day thirty two of The Purpose Driven Life. Warren continues his discussion about finding my SHAPE. He gives several pointers to help in discovering this. First, I need to begin by assessing my gifts and abilities. One of the best ways of doing this is by asking those around me, especially those who know me well, what they think my abilities are. An outside opinion...
Day Thirty One - Understanding Your Shape (12/13/03 - 0 Comments)
Today Rick Warren continues the discussion about my SHAPE. Yesterday he discussed Spiritual Gifts and Heart and today discusses Abilities, Personality and Experiences. Every person has some natural talents and abilities that have been given to us by God. Each of these abilities can be used either for or against Him and obviously God wants us to use these in His service. No one else can play the role God created specifically for me since...
Day Thirty - Shaped For Serving God (12/12/03 - 5 Comments)
I was shaped to serve God. Just as every creature in the world was created to play a specific role in the world, so I was created to do a specific thing. I was created to fulfill a specific ministry. God gave me abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality and life experiences so I could use them all for His glory. When I identify and understand these factors, I can discover God’s will for my life....
Day Twenty Nine - Accepting Your Assignment (12/11/03 - 0 Comments)
Day twenty nine of The Purpose Driven Life begins the section on my fourth purpose which is serving God. I was put on this earth to make a contribution and to make a difference with my life. This purpose is my “ministry” or service. I was created to serve God. I was placed on this earth for a special assignment of serving God. I was saved to serve God. God saved me so I could...
Day Twenty Eight - It Takes Time (12/10/03 - 0 Comments)
Day twenty eight of The Purpose Driven Life is the final chapter devoted to my third purpose which is becoming like Christ. Warren closes this section with a discussion of the time it takes to mature in my faith. There are no shortcuts and no easy answers to reaching Christian maturity. It takes time and perseverance. God began His work in me the minute I became a Christians, but this work takes a lifetime to...
Day Twenty Seven - Defeating Temptation (12/09/03 - 3 Comments)
God will never allow me to face a temptation that is too much for me to bear. God provides me all I need to be able to stay strong through temptation. I can do my part by following four principles: Refocus my attention on something else. If I focus on the problem I will never defeat it. Rather than focus on the temptation I am to divert my mind and think about other things. When...
Day Twenty Six - Growing Through Temptation (12/08/03 - 0 Comments)
Day twenty seven of The Purpose Driven Life deals with temptation and how every temptation is an opportunity to do good. A temptation is only a stumbling block if I react the wrong way. What Satan uses as his primary tool to destroy me is what God uses as a primary tool to develop my character. “God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you’re...
Day Twenty Five - Transformed By Trouble (12/07/03 - 0 Comments)
Because today is a very busy Sunday, this is an abbreviated look at day twenty five of The Purpose Driven Life God has a purpose behind every trouble. God uses circumstances to develop my character. God will often use tough times in life to test me and mold me into Christ's likeness. Through the hard times I need to remember that God is in control and that He has promised to work all things for...
Day Twenty Four - Transformed By Truth (12/06/03 - 0 Comments)
God’s truth transforms me. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make me like the Son of God. Unlike any other book in the world, the Bible is alive. It is the spiritual nourishment I need to grow spiritually. I need to not only read God’s Word, but abide in it. There are three aspects to this: I must accept it’s authority. The Bible needs to be authoritative in my life. I...
Day Twenty Three - How We Grow (12/05/03 - 3 Comments)
God wants me to grow up. It is God’s will that I mature as a Christian, becoming more and more like Jesus. We see that in the Christian world many people never do grow up and much of the reason for this is that people do not dedicate themselves to spiritual growth. Growth is not automatic. It takes dedicated effort and every Christian needs to make a conscious decision to grow spiritually. Nothing shapes my...
Day Twenty Two - Created To Become Like Christ (12/04/03 - 0 Comments)
Day Twenty Two of The Purpose Driven Life begins the examination of my third purpose – becoming like Christ. God’s plan for me from the very beginning was for me to become like Christ. The way to achieve Christ-likeness is through the transformation of my character. It is important to note that this does not mean losing my personality! God wants me to develop the kind of character Jesus outlined in the beatitudes and that...
Day Twenty One - Protecting Your Church (12/03/03 - 3 Comments)
It is my job to protect the unity of my church. Unity is a critical component of God’s plan for Christian community and I must do all I can to promote it. The Bible gives several pointers on how to protect the unity in my church. Focus on what we have in common, not our differences. We are called to be united, not uniform. Therefore I need to focus on what we have in common...
Day Twenty - Restoring Broken Fellowship (12/02/03 - 1 Comments)
Day twenty of The Purpose Driven Life is devoted to restoring broken fellowships. Now that I have been shown the importance of community and the ways to cultivate community it seems logical that we would discuss those with whom we no longer have fellowship. Warren provides seven biblical steps to restoring broken fellowship: Talk to God before talking to the person. Discussing the problem with God will make the rest of the process far more...
Day Nineteen - Cultivating Community (12/01/03 - 0 Comments)
Having discussed the importance of a small group community, Warren now provides pointers on how to cultivate community. Cultivating community takes honesty. Sometimes it is necessary to speak the truth in love, even when the truth hurts. To have authentic community I will have to bring problems to the forefront and not let them fester in the background. Cultivating community takes humility. Pride builds walls between people and blocks God’s race in my life. The...
Day Eighteen - Experiencing Life Together (11/30/03 - 0 Comments)
I need to belong not only to a church but also to a small group within the church. Life is meant to be shared and it is best shared with a small group of dedicated friends with whom I can experience true fellowship. The ultimate model for a small group is Jesus' twelve disciples. He realized that a group that is much bigger than that causes people to shut down. Warren gives several pointers as...
Day Seventeen - A Place To Belong (11/29/03 - 2 Comments)
God does not just call us to believe; He also calls us to belong to His family. The Bible shows that from the beginning of creation “it was not good for man to be alone.” We were formed to be part of a body of believers. The Bible speaks of a human body and shows that each part of the body is dependent on the others (though it gives no mention of the tonsils or...
Day Sixteen - What Matters Most (11/28/03 - 0 Comments)
Life is all about love. Because God is love – because He is the greatest example of love and because He embodies love – he wants me to spend my life loving others. Love is the foundation of every law and commandment He has given. Though I am called to love everyone in the world, I am to give special attention to the members of God’s family. The love that Christians show to each other...
Day Fifteen - Formed For God's Family (11/27/03 - 1 Comments)
God made me to be part of his family. So begins my study into the second purpose of my life. God, who already had perfect relationships within the Godhead, desired a family to bring Him glory. The only way to be part of God’s family is to be born again as a child of God. God has extended a universal call for all people to join His family (see my articles on Calvinism and Arminianism...
Day Fourteen - When God Seems Distant (11/26/03 - 1 Comments)
Sometimes in my life God feels distant, but I need to realize that He is real and He is there, even when it doesn’t feel like it. It is always easy to be worshipful when life is good, but when times are tough am I able to worship God? It is in the times of trouble that real relationships are forged. God may feel distant, even if I am a close friend of His. David,...
Day Thirteen - Worship That Pleases God (11/25/03 - 2 Comments)
Day thirteen of The Purpose Driven Life begins with telling me that God wants all of me. He wants me to serve Him with all of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind and all of my strength. Warren offers four characteristics of worship that please God. God is pleased when my worship is accurate. I need to worship God as He is revealed Himself in the Bible and not create my...
Day Twelve - Developing Your Friendship With God (11/24/03 - 1 Comments)
I am as close to God as I choose to be. Like any friendship, my relationship with God requires work. Just as a human relationship would die out if ignored, so my relationship with God will only improve with dedicated effort. In this chapter Warren presents several ways I can have a deeper connection with God. I must choose to be honest with God. God expects honesty. He does not want me to sugar coat...
Day Eleven - Becoming Best Friends With God (11/23/03 - 2 Comments)
God is my Creator, Redeemer, Master, Judge and Saviour. Yet about all of these, He is my friend. What an incredible thought it is, that God desires to be my friend! The Bibilical model for this friendship is what we see with Adam and Eve in their relationship to God. They delighted in God and He delighted in them. Since the fall, humans, created to live continually in God's presence, have been seperated from Him,...
Day Ten - The Heart of Worship (11/22/03 - 0 Comments)
Surrendering to God is the heart of worship. My natural response to an understanding of what God has done for me should be to surrender my life fully to Him. There are three barriers to trusting God: Fear. Before I can fully surrender myself to God I need to be able to trust Him. Fearfulness can keep me from fully trusting Him and trusting His plans for me. Pride. My human pride can keep me...
Day Nine - What Makes God Smile? (11/21/03 - 0 Comments)
Day nine of The Purpose Driven Life begins with the statement, "The smile of God is the goal of your life." And certainly Rick Warren has been building to this statement. Because pleasing God is the first purpose of my life, it is crucial that I understand how to do that. To illustrate how to please God, Warren uses the example of Noah. Noah was a man who pleased God and in his time was...
Day Eight - Planned For God's Pleasure (11/20/03 - 0 Comments)
I was planned for God's pleasure. With this sentence Rick Warren begins day eight of The Purpose Driven Life and his discussion of the first of my five purposes. The first purpose of my life is to bring enjoyment and pleasure to God. As the crowning achievement of His creation, I can bring Him pleasure like nothing else. Bringing pleasure to God is called "worship." Therefore, anything that I do that brings Him pleasure is...
Day Seven - The Reason For Everything (11/19/03 - 2 Comments)
It's all for Him. It's that simple really. The reason God created everything is to show His glory. This leads to the question of what is God's glory? Warren answers this by saying, "it is the essence of His nature, the weight of His importance, the radiance of His splendor, the demonstration of His power, and the atmosphere of His presence." I would suggest you read that again because there is some incredible depth in...
