This letter was an open letter written from Dr. Opal Reddin shortly before her passing in 2005. Her hope was that Assembly of God ministers would heed her warning. I had Dr. Reddin when I attended Central Bible College and I can say not only was she easily the best professor I ever had - she was a lady who KNEW the Lord.
Friday, October 21, 2005 10:31 PM:
From Dr. Opal Reddin:
"As you have opportunity, please tell any and of our all of our A/G churches that I for one see Rick Warren and his deceptive "Purpose Driven books and practices" to be the gradual downfall to each church becoming involved. Some of my reasons:
1. His SHAPE, Jung-oriented spiritual gifts tests destroy the very meaning of "spiritual gifts", and hence all Pentecostal churches will become redundant. Those taking them as having any degree of value will find (too late) they were grieving the Holy Spirit. This is one of the main hindrances today to people receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
2. His "Gospel" excludes repentance as a necessary step toward salvation, and it IS necessary, according to Jesus. Warren's "Gospel" is "another gospel" of works," No wonder the Catholics and homosexuals feel at home in his pastor's conferences!
3. Every one who signs the covenant of membership is in the process of disobeying our Lord's commands to swear not .
4. Every A/G minister and memory should read Who's Driving the Purpose Driven Church? by James Sundquist and Deceived on Purpose by Warren Smith.
For these and other well-considered reasons, I plead with every A/G church and member to avoid Rick Warren's beliefs and practices in every way possible. We must get back to the things that brought the manifest presence of God into our midst, when gifts of the Spirit convinced unbelievers of their need to repent and get right with God. The Full Gospel will still bring sinners to salvation, and saints to full obedience as we anticipate our Lord's return in Glory.
Signed,
Rev. Opal Reddin, D. Min. Distinguished Prof. in Biblical Studies
Central Bible College
i appreciated your article on our church blog, but i'm too lazy to comment over there (since i already have a blogger account.)
ReplyDeletethanks brother.
YES! Great information here!
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of Warren (even though, sadly, our church strives to become the next Saddleback)- this precious womens letter should be sent out to many, many more churches......
Great blog! I'm passing it on to my husband at work right now!