The Masquerading Spirit

Behind The Purpose Driven Movement

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers,

transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed

into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be according to their works.

(2 Corinthians 11:15)

The success of the book “The Purpose Driven Life” has literally been out of this world.  As I heard people talking about this “incredible” book and saw multitudes of church leaders forming study groups, I wondered; “what” was “it” about this book that made it so popular?  What was “it” that captured the hearts and minds of untold thousands, perhaps millions across the world? Why was “this” must read book flying off bookshelves, while many other Christian books were left behind?  I wanted to see firsthand what all the hoopla was about so I read the book for myself.  But had I done my research about the author, Rick Warren, his church, or visited his web sites, I wouldn’t have bothered reading the book. I would have had my answers.  

My feelings about the book?   I don’t like it very much.   In fairness I must say the book does say many  worthwhile  and even true things.  It’s not a total washout.  But therein lies the problem.  It’s not exactly what’s on the surface that’s bad, but what lies beneath it that’s deceiving and harmful.  According to scripture: A little leaven leaventh the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9)  This book has a lot of leaven in it!  It is important that you understand what the word “leaven” means so you can recognize its hidden danger.  The word leaven means: To make light by a leavening agent, to mingle or permeate with a transforming element, to imbue, impregnate, infuse.  To introduce one thing into another so to affect it.   Jesus himself was concerned about his followers being led astray by deceivers and perverters of the gospel and he asked them:  How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, but ye should BEWARE of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the sadducess? Then understood they how that he bade them not BEWARE of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.  (Matthew 16:11:12)   But if you don’t know the Bible you would never taste the leaven (truth mixed in with untruth) within its pages.  You would never know anything was wrong with its teachings.  You would not recognize the imprint of the world in its words or spirit.  This is why it is so, so important that you study the word of God.  You need to know what is right based upon the pure and undefiled word of God , not upon the wisdom of men. (Or in this case, one man using fifteen phony polluted versions of the Bible)  .

Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

But shun profane and vain babblings;

for they will increase more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:15:16)

BEWARE lest any man spoil (ruin) you

through philosphy and vain deceit,

after the tradition of men,

after the rudiments (ignorance) of the world,

and not after Christ.  (Colossians 2:8)

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences

contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them.

For they that are serve not our Lord Jesus Christ,

but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches

deceive the hearts of the simple.  (Romans 16:17:18)

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,

and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible,

they shall deceive the very elect.  (Matthew 24:24). 

 Days after reading the book I still have a bad taste in my mouth, and feel a great burden in my soul to say READERS BEWARE.  On the surface it reads like a very good, well- written book, with a lot of positive, even godly ideas and beliefs, written by a man of God.  For those who are not happy, or lack meaning and purpose in their life, and seek to know God more, and live a more godly life, the book must seem like a godsend. While the Holy Word of God is a godsend from Him to the world, I’m far from convinced  “The Purpose Driven Life” would qualify as a godsend.  Why?  Because I can’t see God sanctioning a book that contains so much worldly leaven.

 Instead of seeing God’s hand in it, I see and feel a different masquerading spirit at work in its subtle, slick writing, in its message, in the power of its seduction, and in its out of this world success.  A spirit that is the opposite of God’s, with a PURPOSE that’s not of God.  The Bible teaches us that the devil is sly, cunning, and crafty, and that of all the beast of the field, he was the most subtle.  (Genesis 3:1)  This is another important word that readers need to understand.  The word subtle can  mean:  elusive, wily, cunning, crafty, contrived, ingenious, suggestive, indirect, hint, insinuate, allude. An example of something subtle would be something that you know isn’t right, but it’s not obvious why.  Something that you can’t exactly pinpoint or put your finger on, but its there and very real.  Subtlety is one of Satan’s most used tricks to accomplish his evil PURPOSES.   As I said earlier, on the surface the book reads like a really great even godly book, but there truly is more to it than meets the eye.

But after reading it, and being aware of  today’s religious climate and thinking,   I can see now why it has been so popular and on the best seller list. The book perfectly mirrors the NEW CHRISTIANITY of today, its apostate ministers and churches. The book is not offensive to the majority, nor to most so-called Christians. While the gospel is kind of mentioned, it is a somewhat (subtly)  different water-downed version.  While it talks of God often, and even mentions Jesus it’s just not the same as reading about them in the Bible.  Somehow they are different.  A different God.  A different Jesus.  It's almost as if they have been stripped of their identity, power, glory and holiness.

Perhaps this accounts for the coldness in the book, the lack of life and true spirit, and why it doesn't have the ring of truth. The true God of Heaven and Earth simply isn't in it, but rather a generic god who is whatever you think him, or want him to be. There's such a mixed theme throughout the book. On one hand the book states that it's not about you, but about God. On the other hand it's all about you finding your purpose in order to make this shadowy undefined God smile. While the author has supposedly  written this book to help you find your magical purpose in life, I'm not so sure the book  isn't just a mirage to advance his and another's unseen ambitious plans and purposes.

 In “The Purpose Driven Life” book you aren’t preached to about the depravity of man, or sin, or your need for repentance,  redemption and transformation.  Nor does it talk much about the cross of Calvary, or the blood of Jesus, or the way of salvation, or the penalty of sin.  And while heaven and hell are briefly mentioned, they, like the rest of descriptions, are generic It’s really a feel good kind of book that helps you gain a little bit of religion, painlessly.  It’s a good picture of the “new spirituality and Christianity”.  The problem with this is that it is not only a leavened gospel, but also that it contains new-age teachings that are not Christian. 

Not only does the author quote new age leaders of today, he also uses at least fifteen bible versions.  His reasons for doing so are ridiculous!.  As soon as I started reading the book this was an immediate red flag.  Basically the author uses whichever version supports a statement or belief he wants the reader to believe.  Scripture verses were taken out of context.  (But then as the author was using polluted and defiled verses, how, unless you believe and the ancient King James Version as the true word of God, can you even know which verses are the word of God or not? It is clear the author uses whatever sources (godly or ungodly) at his disposal to achieve his purposes.  Satan, the author of confusion (and the influence behind the many bible versions) does this too. 

As mentioned earlier, I wish I had done more research about the author and visited his web sites for his book and his church before I read the book.  The web sites alone would have kept me from reading the book because while clothed in the garments of sheep, they have a worldly spirit. It’s obvious the site was carefully designed to reflect the heart of the church and its leader.  The church web site shows several images of young people.  All are casually dressed.  And it looks like everyone is having fun!  They warmly invite you to come and experience the great music, the encouraging messages, friendly people and enjoyable atmosphere. Concerning the messages you could expect to hear at the church this is what they have to say “The messages focus on real life issues that can help you each day of the week.  The core is the fact that God has made all of us to live a purpose driven life. 

It’s not about religion, it’s about a relationship with God.”  If you’ve ever heard any of Robert Schuller’s messages on Hour of Power you will recognize this same voice in Warren’s messages, and for good reason. (Author Warren was once a protégé of Schuller , and the new age course - A Course In Miracles).

  As for the music in his church, Warren promises that it will be upbeat, encouraging, and energizing, saying “we want you to get a lift not a letdown when you come to church”.  And he offers three different flavors for you to choose from depending upon your (not God’s) taste or preference. 

The stage looks like the set for a rock band (and oh yes, rock and roll is on the menu), instead of a church service.  This only stands to reason as he has stated that his vision is for “a church for people who hate church”.  So he, like many others, has changed the house of the Lord, into a house of the world where the worldly can feel at home and have fun! 

To fit in all the more with the world, Pastor Rick as many calls him, dresses like the world and is known for his relaxed style of dress.  He is known for wearing loud Hawaiian shirts adorned with pineapples, spiked hair, his signature goatee, and no socks.    He is being marketed as just an ordinary everyday kind of guy we can all relate to.  And people seem to love him for this.  He is seen as “one” of us.  A “regular guy”.  But did God call us to be just a “regular” man, woman, or child?  Does his word not tell us that He desires for us to not be like the world, but to be like Him?  And to in fact separate ourselves from the world?

And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what that is that good, and acceptable,

and perfect will of God.  (Romans 12:2)

Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord.  (2 Corinthians 6:17)

For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God,

and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a PECULIAR PEOPLE UNTO HIMSELF,

above all nations that are upon the earth.  (Deuteronomy 14:2)

 I believe one of the reasons for the success of this book is in the fact that its author is experienced more as a man of the world instead of as a serious preacher of the word of God.  Add to that he also offers a generic form of godliness to the world that makes people feel good without much effort or sacrifice.   

But even though wildly successful, Rick Warren hasn’t been without critics, and according to an article written by Ken Garfield through the Knight Ridder News Service, and I quote “Warren has heard the critics who say he’s peddling a pop psychology to Christians who want their messages to go down easy.  Warren’s response?  The message that life can have meaning and purpose isn’t easy as much as it’s universal.  Bingo!  Warren says the very word I suspect is at the heart of his movement and why he has now initiated what he calls his Forty Days Of Peace Plan.  Warren has big, big, big global plans for the world.

 Aware of the reach and success of Warren’s book a journalist asked, “What part of the world is left for Warren to conquer?”.   In order to conquer the unconquered world thus far, according to this article, Warren is launching a grand plan to recruit churches, to forge peace in the world, end poverty and HIV/AIDS.   This article goes on to say that his first destination is Rwanda, as a story in the October issue of Christianity Today shared.  The magazine cover featured a striking photograph of Warren and his wife Kay, surrounded by appreciative-looking Rwandans, above the title: “Purpose Driven in Rwanda”.

“He is hopeful – even cocky – (sound like anyone else you know?) that “The Purpose-Driven Life” will become to Christians what Dr. Spock’s child-rearing book became to parents.  A Bible!  And he’s confident the Christian world will keep listening to a pastor whose Hawaiian shirts and UNIVERSAL MESSAGE make him THE EVERYMAN OF FAITH.

These words chill my soul.  As I read them I am reminded of another very ambitious personality who too has great desires, and a universal plan to conquer the world, and to receive great glory.  In God’s holy word we read of him.

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne

above the stars of God.  I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation,

in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;

I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14:13:14)

In scripture we are told about another personality that will burst upon the world scene and declare peace and himself the Christ. (Read 2 Thessalonians 2:3:4)  We are told he is the antichrist who is already at work in the world today.

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now

are there many antichrists, whereby we know that it is the last time. 

They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us,

they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made

manifest that that were not of us.  (2 John 2:18:19)

We are also told in scripture that in the last days there will be a one world religion.  The author of “The Purpose Driven Life” and “The Purpose Driven Church” who now has this new “Purpose Driven Peace Plan” teaches the lie that we are all “One” in God, and encourages us all to unite as “One”.  And he is hard at work to bring the world together as One.

FRIENDS, BEWARE!

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,

not sparing the flock.  Also of your own selves shall men arise,

speaking perverse  things to draw away disciples after them.  (Acts 20:29:30)

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears

from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  (2 Timothy 4:3:4)   

In the beginning of this article I said that the success of the Book “The Purpose Driven Life”  has literally been out of this world.  Personally I believe the reason for its success comes not from this world, but another world where the powers of darkness is being made manifest. The book itself is being described as “a groundbreaking MANIFESTO on the meaning of life.  A blueprint for Christians living in the 21^st century that challenges the conventional definitions of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. Christians don’t need another manifesto.  God has already given us one: The Holy Bible.  We just need to accept and believe in it.  We don’t need a new Gospel or a new God. But since the beginning of time, Satan has rejected the one true living God and has sought to undermine and destroy him.  He’s still at it, still working to blind the minds of people and to keep them from truth.  And millions are falling for it and being deceived.  But Christ warned us not to be taken in by seducing spirits:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times

some shall depart from the faith,

giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (I Timothy 4:1)

And he tells us to:

Enter ye in at the strait gate:

FOR WIDE IS THE GATE, AND BROAD IS THE WAY,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate,

AND NARROW IS THE WAY,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

(Matthew 7:13:15)

As I think now of the multitudes who have entered the broad way of destruction in this new Christianity era, and who are ensnarled in its leavened movement, I am saddened.   Likewise, I’m also saddened to read today that Rick Warren has been given the honor of being included as one of the best twenty five leaders in America. This is just another dark example of America’s blindness as we continue to forsake the faith of our founding fathers, and foolishly embrace false prophets and false doctrines.

Marvel not, that we have no peace or rest for our souls……….

By Nancye Sims

Thus saith the LORD,

stand ye in the ways, and see,

AND ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS,

where is the good way,

and walk therein,

and ye shall find rest for your souls,

but they said we will not walk therein.

(Jeremiah 6:16) 

The author, Nancye Sims, may be contacted at  .