Many who were once looking for the return of Jesus have fallen asleep. We now live in a period of time where numerous prominent Christian leaders are telling the Christian masses that paying attention to the signs of our times in light of the Bible is a waste of time. And many of them take it a step further and accuse those who believe what Bible prophecy says about the end of the age of being negative and self-centered.
In the still-popular Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren was actually laying ground-work for the emerging church’s new reformation, a reformation that rejects thinking about the return of Christ and works more at convincing the multitudes that Christ is already in them as a global christ-consciousness. As you will see in the following documentation, Warren has a low regard for Bible prophecy. Perhaps this helps explain why so many who once were anticipating the return of the Lord have become occupied with worldly ambitions. Warren writes:
When the disciples wanted to talk about prophecy, Jesus quickly switched the conversation to evangelism. He wanted them to concentrate on their mission in 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!”1
I find it simply astounding that a statement of this sort would be in a New York Times best-seller in the present-day Christian book market. Jesus was telling the disciples they could not know the day or the hour, but nowhere does Jesus ever indicate that “the details of my return are none of your business.” Rather than quickly changing the subject, we find in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 two of the longest passages in Scripture quoting Jesus’ own words, as He details the signs of His coming. In essence, Jesus was saying, because you cannot know the day and hour of My return, you need to educate yourself in Bible prophecy and take heed of My words about the end times. Later on, one of those disciples, John, was given an entire book to write on the details of Jesus’ coming. Jesus continually said to be alert and ready for when He returns. In both parables and straightforward talk, He spoke of this. In Luke 12:35-40, Jesus emphasized that it is essential to be prepared for His return:
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: . . . And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
And Jesus frequently referred to the Old Testament prophecies. Those prophecies became the evidence that Jesus Christ was indeed whom He said He was—“Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
But Warren tells readers to think about something other than Bible prophecy:
If you want Jesus to come back sooner, focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy.2
What’s more, Warren ends this section of his book by stating that Satan would have you “sidetracked from your mission” and by quoting Jesus out of context, saying, “Anyone who lets himself be distracted [by studying Bible prophecy] from the work I plan for him is not fit for the kingdom of God” (Living Bible). But Jesus was not referring to His return when He made that statement, which in the King James Version says: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The Purpose Driven kingdom of God leaves no room for Bible prophecy, and in fact, condemns those who study it. The apostle Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, had a different view. He writes:
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19)
Christians are called to witness and be watchmen. No Scripture exists that tells us to ignore the events that have been pointed out as signposts indicating the return of Jesus. If we do, we might be like the foolish virgins who fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13).
Endnotes:
1. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), p. 285.
2. Ibid., p. 286.
(photo from bigstockphoto.com; used with permission)
I was a member of saddleback for 16 years. By the grace of God and the prayers of the faithful saints, the veil of deception was removed and I am able to see God’s word and the false teacher that is Rick Warren. I credit this to my being saved as a child and being taught to read my Bible. My small group moved away from the saddleback small group curriculum a few years back and began just reading the Bible. Oh how the floodgates opened. I sat in the building at saddleback ( i refuse to call it a church) and heard a message given in part by Kay Warren about the kingdom of God and how it ‘is already’ and ‘not yet’ within the last year. So many are deceived. Thank you for your post.
I was a member of saddleback for 16 years. By the grace of God and the prayers of the faithful saints, the veil of deception was removed and I am able to see God’s word and the false teacher that is Rick Warren. I credit this to my being saved as a child and being taught to read my Bible. My small group moved away from the saddleback small group curriculum a few years back and began just reading the Bible. Oh how the floodgates opened. I sat in the building at saddleback ( i refuse to call it a church) and heard a message given in part by Kay Warren about the kingdom of God and how it ‘is already’ and ‘not yet’ within the last year. So many are deceived. Thank you for your post.
The tribulation period is the 70th week of Daniel. After the religious leaders killed Stephen in Acts 7 God used Peter to open the door of the gospel to the Gentiles and raised up Paul to be the apostle to the Gentiles. While individual Jews were and still are getting saved and become part of the body of Christ, Israel as a nation was set aside. Matthew 24 and 25 and most of the book of Revelation are describing Daniel’s 70th week which will culminate with Jesus’ return to save Israel.
Zechariah 12
8 In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them.
9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Zechariah 14
1 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.
2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
3 Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
which is a different event than
1 Thessalonians 4
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The word appear/appearing is an interesting “word study,” and here’s something to think about as it relates to the grand “appearance” of the LORD.
Hebrews 9:27-28 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear (G3700 / G1537) the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Strong’s G3700: to gaze (i.e. with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable;
Strong’s G1537: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):—
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1John 2:28 “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, (G5319) we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear (G5319) what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, (G5319) we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
1 Peter 5:4 “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, (G5319) ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
1 Corinthians 4:5 “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest (G5319) the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
Strong’s G5319: to render apparent (literally or figuratively):—
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1 Peter 1:7-9 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing (G602) of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls.”
Strong’s G602: from G601; disclosure:— (G601: to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:—)
[Please note: words in brackets were italicized by the KJV editiors to show they were not in the Greek text. Try reading this passage without those words—reads a little different, yes? It would appear that, as true Christians, we should be concerned about the salvation of others–not just our own salvation.
And I believe that is what Lighthouse Trails is all about—being a bright Light shining in the darkness so that others can see the Light of Christ!]
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2 Thessalonians 2:8 “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness (G2015) of his coming:
2 Timothy 1:10 “But is now made manifest by the appearing (G2015) of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”
2 Timothy 4:1 “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing (G2015) and his kingdom;”
2 Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (G2015)
Titus 2:11-15 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing (G2015) of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” AMEN!
Strong’s G2015: from G2016; a manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent [or illustrious appearance] of Christ (past or future):—
So, it would appear that Titus 2:13 does indeed refer to the “second coming” of the LORD Jesus Christ!
May God open our eyes to know the Truth!
You all are in my prayers!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
Mr. Giddens,
You seem pretty emphatic about that statement. So who do they represent? It is a very poplar teaching in regard to the “tribulation period–” that the “church” won’t be here then, but I respectfully disagree with you on your assessment of that passage.
Jesus was teaching what it will be like when He comes back for His people, and I hope you will prayerfully consider the word of the LORD.
C. Read
Matthew 25:1 “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Matthew 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
Matthew 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Matthew 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Matthew 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Matthew 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Matthew 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
The context of Matthew 24 and 25 is the tribulation period. The church is not present during this time so the virgins do not represent the body of Christ.
I re-read it. It says appearing, not return.
Yes, that is right!
And it is a Day that most preachers and teachers are not preparing God’s people for. Which is why I am so thankful for Deborah and her husband! Their ministry of Lighthouse Trails is so needed in these dark times!
Most people don’t really know what the Scriptures say about “the coming of the LORD,” but for those who are watching, it will not overtake us as a thief!
I want to encourage God’s people to stay close to the Lord in His word and prayer! He will give us hope, strength, and put love in our hearts so that we can continue standing for Him, and be able to recognize the error spoken in the name of Christ that is so prevalent in these final days!
John 2:26 “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” Amen!
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
Is this all part of the plan to bridge the gap between Protestants, in all its facets, and the RCC? This idea is not new at all. It was introduced by Augustine of Hippo, (354-430) who made this teaching popular. I think he never fully rejected his early beliefs in neo-platonism. He was also influenced by Origen, ( 185-254 ). Origen promoted a modified Gnostic view of God. He is also the first Bishop to openly promote allegoricalizing all end times prophecy.
There was a two fold motivation. It was to promote the teaching that Israel has been replaced by the church. It was to promote that the church is literally Gods presence on earth.
The compatible comparison with the , ( the kingdom is now and not yet) becomes obvious.
Appearing refers to rapture not second coming.
The rapture is not our blessed hope; Christ’s return is.
Re-read it.
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:13
Consider the words of the LORD, in response to an honest question from one of the religious leaders who came to Him privately:
John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
(Just a side note, to be “slain in the spirit” has NOTHING to do with the Holy Spirit!)
This evasive or reluctant viewpoint that Rick Warren espoused and devised in 2002 of the “not fit for the coming Kingdom of GOD” plays perfectly into the deceived mind that “the kingdom of GOD is already and not yet” perceptions (Bock & Blaising progressive dispensationalism) of those that diminish or evade the prophetic words of Scripture. I wonder what the evasive tactic that our Adversaries (Satan & 1/3 angels) are using in this deluding decree to ignore “the Prophetic Words that are made more sure to which you do well to pay attention…”
Very insightful comments!
I believe you have the right understanding of this parable. The foolish had no oil, meaning they did not have the Holy Spirit, so did not belong to the Lord. And yes, both mere professors and true believers fell asleep. The Lord says there will be people who professed to be saved, at the judgment, but he says to them “I NEVER knew you”, meaning they were never saved.
Absolutely, most organized churches are deliberately avoiding the topic of eschatology, signs of the times, the false teachings and new age/new spirituality that has inundated everything. No one is preaching about sin in a time such as this when sexual sin is being flaunted like never before, rather they are compromising with it. This is really an astounding time, we are seeing the signs in real time and there is an escalation of events taking place. We hear almost daily of wars and rumours of wars. Every single warning we read about in the Gospels and in the Epistles are before our faces, and most do not see. They have been put asleep by the false teachings of Rick Warren and his ilk, pacified into thinking the return of the Lord is yet far off and nothing to be concerned with. All the while being caught up in their church programs and entertainment. The ones who do see and try to warn are branded as being the deceivers and part of a cult. I watched this happen to two dear friends in my community who just left their independent Baptist church because of false teachings entering and continuing to be promoted in spite of various members warning the leadership. My friends finally left and wrote a letter to the leadership explaining in detail their reasons, and they are now being cast as the trouble makers and members of a cult. We can only take comfort in the words of Scripture that tell us we can rejoice when men speak evil of us. It has much to say about God’s persecuted children. It is certainly time to look up, our Lord is coming for his own very soon.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:13
Let us not be deceived by these false teachers. Look at the signs. We are living in the last days. The church age is almost over. I know I’m watching and waiting for my King to take me home!
This evasive or reluctant viewpoint that Rick Warren espoused and devised in 2002 of the “not fit for the coming Kingdom of GOD” plays perfectly into the deceived mind that “the kingdom of GOD is already and not yet” perceptions (Bock & Blaising progressive dispensationalism) of those that diminish or evade the prophetic words of Scripture. I wonder what the evasive tactic that our Adversaries (Satan & 1/3 angels) are using in this deluding decree to ignore “the Prophetic Words that are made more sure to which you do well to pay attention…”
All Scripture is profitable not just some as Paul writes in 2 Tim 3:16. Warren is lost in his own understanding. God HAS to judge this kind of spiritual pride. If a pastor does not have high regard for almost 1/3 of the Bible, he has ZERO business being a pastor. John 14:6 is clear that no one comes to the Father except through the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. I believe this is like Satan’s little prevent defense. He lets a few worship Jesus bit doesn’t give up anything big downfield. This to stop the world from seeing the glaringly obvious prophetic happenings occurring RIGHT NOW!
Same chapter Paul also declares…
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
II Timothy 3:5 ‘”
No wonder Rick hates prophecy, it speaks very poorly of him. Prophecy is the most powerful tool in the Bible. It is what we can use to reach the lost and show why only the God of the Bible is true.
Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’
Isaiah 46:9-10
24 June 2019 / 21 Sivan 5779
Hi T.I. Miller,
You said, “The rebellious religious leaders rejected the first coming and now the rebellious religious leaders are rejecting his second coming.”
Such a profound statement! And due to their darkened hearts, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day could not see that He is surely the Messiah of Israel!
May those who are walking in darkness come to the “True Light” so they can have “eyes to see” that their “vision statement,” was authored by the evil one who greatly desires to lead them to Hell!
C. Read
24 June 2019 / 21 Sivan 5779
To Roger Oakland & Lighthouse Trails:
Here’s another Scripture passage that goes right along with what you are saying in this article. Thank you both for your work for the LORD, in exposing the false prophets and teachers, and workers of iniquity!
Subterfuge is a major tactic of the enemy. Let us always be watching and attentive to the beautiful voice of the LORD, by His Spirit and His Word.
God be with you!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
Mark 13:21 “And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
Mark 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Mark 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Mark 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”
My watching tells me that so many who call themselves Christians seem uninformed and busy playing church. Their focus is their church and not on prophetic events that are happening. It is sad to see the churches not talking about our blessed hope….the soon rapture of the saints. We are living in exciting times. Thank you Lighthouse Trails for telling people what the church is not talking about.
Agree with most of what you say, Thank you. But the foolish and the prudent virgins both fell asleep. The difference being that the foolish took no oil along. our Lord said he did not know them is it because they did not receive the holy spirit ? Could it be possible they also represent the balance of true and false believers 5/5?
The Bible is full of prophecies about our Messiah’s coming (first and second) and end times. We are not to ignore them, but to be watchmen on the walls, alert and not ignorant of what is happening and what will happen. This blessed hope spurs us on to witness to unbelievers and warn them of the coming tribulation. God is not willing that any should perish.
I can see why those living in rebellion against God hate the the reality of the day of the Lord. I can understand why those souls have no desire for Jesus to return and rule over them. I can see why they would see the end of the age as the ultimate evil.
I cannot understand why anyone who is born from above who is filled with the Spirit wouldn’t long for Christs appearing, above all else.
I cannot understand why they think that their will should overrule God’s decreed will.
Has the great delusion has been sent. Is the great apostasy here and is it being promoted by our very own clergy. Evidently, Christs immanent return does not fit their ” vision statement “.
The rebellious religious leaders rejected the first coming and now the rebellious religious leaders are rejecting his second coming.