Apparently, PEACE Plan churches will serve the first and last of those four UNESCO goals. And the key part of the transformational process will be facilitated small groups trained to dialogue, compromise (synthesize diverse beliefs) and seek an ever higher “common ground.” Formed under the banner of fellowship, healing, and discipleship, these dialectic groups will prompt members to trade individual thinking for collective thinking. And the more responsive members will be chosen to lead others into this new global paradigm envisioned by the UN, the CFR and the Bush administration.

Rick Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. Plan and UN Goals – Part 3

Whom do we serve?

by Berit Kjos

“Warren… unveiled the church’s commitment to a new reformation in Christianity and vision for a worldwide spiritual awakening in the 21st Century through the PEACE Plan that he believes will mobilize one billion foot soldiers … by the year 2020.”[1]

“The first Reformation was about belief; this one’s going to be about behavior…. The first one was about creeds; this one’s going to be about our deeds. The first one divided the church; this time it will unify the church.”[2] Rick Warren

“The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. What they need are serving experiences….”[3] Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life

As you saw in Part 2 of this series, Rick Warren’s PEACE Plan fits right into the global march toward social solidarity . The widening web of communitarian systems envisioned by Peter Drucker (Warren’s mentor ) is now embraced by pastors, politicians, rulers, and community leaders around the world. Like Pastor Warren, they all seem to agree that the rising global welfare system requires a worldwide army of “volunteer” servers.”[4]

It makes sense! In September 2005, Pastor Warren was invited to speak at the United Nations and at the Council of Foreign Relations — two powerful organizations determined to unify the world under a new set of social rules and systemic controls.[5] Both pursue a peaceful transformation that would stifle the “divisive” truths of the gospel and conform Christian beliefs to UNESCO’s Declaration on the Role of Religion . Both recognize the need to draw churches into their worldwide network of partners and servers.[6] Both realize that Rick Warren — a most magnetic Pied Piper for their transformational agenda — can serve their grandiose purposes well.

President Bush knows it, too. He met with Rick Warren and other “social entrepreneurs” at the White House on June 1, 2004. After a strategic dialogue, his new “army of compassion” was introduced to attendees at the First White House National Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives . The President announced,

“I came from a — what we call a roundtable… where I met with some healers, and doers, and community changers: … Pastor Rick Warren, of Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California — (applause)…. Jim Sprouse, the pastor of Trinity United Methodist…. Where there is despair, we must work to provide hope.”[7]

Remember, President Bush has promised billions of dollars for fighting AIDS in Africa. Not only did he usher the U.S. back under UNESCO’s socialist umbrella two years ago, he has been working closely with the United Nations in order to fulfill America’s commitment to help end poverty and develop human resources in Africa. Warren’s PEACE Plan serves his purpose.

In Parts 1 and 2, we looked at the first two points in Warren’s PEACE Plan: (1) Plant Churches and (2) Train Leaders. You met Ken Blanchard, Pastor Warren’s chosen agent for training purpose-driven leaders around the world. Now, in Part 3, we will look at the next two points: (3) Assist the poor and (4) Care for the sick.

2. Assist the poor

The drumbeat for social action aroused the masses early in July 2005. That’s when Rick Warren and World Vision joined Bono, Madonna (who promotes the mystical/occult Kabbala), Beatle idol Paul McCartney, Snoop Dog, Faithless, Bon Jovi, Slash (of Velvet Revolver), and many other famous or infamous supporters of “ONE – The Campaign to Make Poverty History.”

“I deeply believe,” said Warren, “that if we as evangelicals remain silent and do not speak up in defense of the poor, we lose our credibility and our right to witness about God’s love and Word.”[8]

“What common cause could unite Pink Floyd and Rick Warren?” asked Mindy Belz in her article, “Whose jubilee?” She continued –

“Meet Live 8, ONE, Make Poverty History, and the Long Walk To Justice…. The campaign, timed to arm-wrestle world leaders ahead of next month’s G8 summit into canceling debt against certain poor countries and increasing public aid, became so fierce last week that it reunited the ’70s band Pink Floyd and hauled Purpose Driven Life author Rick Warren onto the bandwagon….

“But offstage a band of leading economists and scholars says the G8 plan is not only misguided but harmful, particularly for church-based poverty-fighting efforts. ‘Debt forgiveness rewards the corruption and inefficiency of governments who have mishandled loaned funds.'”[9]

A few weeks later, Rick Warren flew to Birmingham, England to participate in the liberal, interfaith Baptist World Alliance Centenary Conference (BWACC). “God has called us to enjoy and fellowship with each other and work together,” he told reporters, adding a popular slogan for the envisioned solidarity: Baptists can “celebrate our diversity and celebrate our unity…. The first Reformation was about beliefs. This one needs to be about behavior.”[10]

Jimmy Carter, another keynote speaker at the BWACC, would probably agree to minimize those “divisive” old Scriptures that identified sin and called for separation. “There is an intense hunger among Christians around the world for a healing of the differences that now separate us from one another,” the former president told reporters. “…All major faiths – Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam – hold to the basic principles of peace, justice, hospitality, truth and alleviation of suffering.” As a solution to separation, he suggested “interfaith dialogue…. We need to come back together.”[11]

Back together? Leaving behind the true gospel? How would an interfaith dialogue aimed at consensus deal with the centrality of the cross and the resurrection of our Lord? Persecuted Christians have given their lives for those vital, saving truths! Would today’s “Christian” leaders prefer to trade Biblical faith for an illusion of solidarity?

Many are doing just that! Rev. Dr Michael Taylor, former Christian Aid chief executive and Baptist minister, gave this closing message:

“The only potentially realistic way to get western governments to tackle these issues is to build the strongest, most proactive networks of activists around the world. This will mean linking with other Christians and with people of other faiths, working together in different ways for the common good.”[12]

Does this sound more like the “social gospel” than the Great Commission? Has physical wellbeing becoming more important to church leaders than the truth about God and His grace? Is the fight against social, political and economic villains rather than against the “principalities… powers… [and] spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places?” [Ephesians 6:12] If so, it’s a losing battle! [13]

Of course, our God cares about the poor, and so must we. But in New Testament days, compassionate care for unbelievers was joined to evangelism — a vital ministry that Ken Blanchard, Warren’s chosen leadership trainer, apparently has abandoned. “…he said he is not interested in evangelism,” said Rebecca Barnes, editor of ChurchCentral.com.[14]

The early disciples knew well that their greatest gift to the poor and needy was the gospel, which brings conviction of sin, prompts God-given repentance, and opens the door to an eternity with Jesus. Their compassion would not only demonstrate God’s love in a harsh and hostile world; it would plant in hearts the glorious promise of God’s eternal Kingdom. That’s why the early Christians faced persecution. As Jesus explained, “…because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19)

Martyrs who were caught speaking God’s “offensive” truths could easily have escaped torture and death. Some were told only to worship other gods along with their own, but that was unthinkable to those who loved Jesus. They would rather die than betray their Lord! The stirring witness of such uncompromising faith drew countless more into the caring arms of the Church.

In the early Church, compassionate service to the poor and needy focused primarily on their own spiritual family — the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. God’s Word tells us:

“…the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’” Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 11

“…I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?’….And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:35-40

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10

“Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord… distributing to the needs of the saints….” Romans 12:9-13

But everything is changing! Marketing, manipulation, compromise, top-down standards, and intrusive assessments have become the norm. And the United Nations leads the way. [See The U.N. Plan for Your Community] UNESCO’s “Management of Social Transformations” (MOST) Programme is one of its more innovative programs. In the quote below, notice Peter Drucker‘s three-legged communitarian stool: Partnerships between public sector (government, which sets the standards), private sector (business), and social sector (civil society, especially churches). Ponder the words: social exclusion.

“Best Practices, in the MOST Database, are model projects or policies aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals or groups suffering from poverty or social exclusion. They are typically based on the cooperation between national or local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities, the private sector….

“MOST concentrates its activities on the [1] management of change in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic societies; [2] the study of cities as the sites of accelerated social change; [3] local management of economic, technological and environmental transformations; and [4] the eradication of poverty and social exclusion.”[15]

For all must be one! “Social exclusion,” like poverty, must end. All forms of social separation — whether based on beliefs, sexual preferences, moral values or anything else — must yield to solidarity. The masses will go along with the program, for only those who embrace the “responsibility” to conform will have the “right” to be free. And the war on poverty and AIDS will be used to justify this un-American transformation.

4 – Care for the sick .

This goal touches my heart. Long ago, I chose the nursing profession because I wanted to care for the sick. My “career” ended when our first child was born, but one of our sons entered medical school with the same longing to serve God by ministering to the sick. So I can understand why Rick and Kay Warren were touched by the great needs in Africa.

On a webpage titled “Personal P.E.A.C.E. Plan,” Rick Warren answers the question, “What I can do?” In the section on “Care for the Sick,” he gives the following answer:

Do an act of practical kindness to someone I know who is sick: take them a meal, offer to shuttle them to the doctor, do errands or shopping for them, watch their children, or send an encouraging note.
Pray for healing, strength, comfort, and peace with those I know who are physically suffering.
Commit to praying daily for two weeks for that person.
Communicate genuine concern by following up with that person.”[17]

He probably has a far more extensive plan for his ministry to those who suffer from AIDS in Africa. I just hope it doesn’t mean compromising God’s moral guidelines and justifying promiscuity. For He alone can lift people from spiritual bondage into liberty in Jesus Christ! But His gift of faith and freedom comes only after conviction of sin and genuine repentance. Such conversion is aborted when the true gospel is replaced with positive assurances that God sympathizes with our sins and heals our hurts no matter how stubbornly we defend our behavior.

Yet the consensus at recent international conferences on AIDS seems dead set against such “judgmental” beliefs. And Christian ministries that serve in the public limelight will surely face opposition if they spread such “moral certainties.” Indeed, the following reports illustrate the growing consensus that AIDS workers must condone rather than question sexual immorality. As you read them, remember how teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases multiplied with the demise of the stigma tied to promiscuity:

World AIDS Campaign (WAC): “…the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS… set out specific commitments the international community would work to fulfill… including prevention campaigns, reducing stigma… and ensuring treatment, care and respect for people living with HIV or AIDS. … As Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, said… ‘All of us must recognize AIDS as our problem.'”

Building partnerships is about working with others to achieve our goals [Notice the communitarian framework]: “Partners need to be united from both within and beyond the health sector, from government, non-government and the private sector, to work together towards a common goal of improving responses to AIDS…. The WAC is establishing partnerships at the international, regional and local levels. These include alliances with… faith groups, like the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance.

“Do not be afraid” – Act for peace: “The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance is compelled by the Gospel to call upon all churches, related organizations and people of faith to fulfill their role as peacemakers…. We have taken up this task with a special focus on overcoming stigma and discrimination against people affected by HIV/AIDS.”

I care, do you? The Churches say YES! “Fight HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination.”

Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance: “Christians believe that all are created in the image of God and understand that the recognition of and respect for the dignity of each human person, regardless of circumstance, is the starting point for all our actions and responses. By protecting the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS and promoting an attitude of care and solidarity which rejects all forms of stigmatization and discrimination, their dignity as human beings is best protected.

“We are called, too, to break down the barriers of “us” and “them” and join with people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS…. In response to God’s gracious and inclusive love for all of humanity, the church is called to model acceptance for all…. Certain vulnerable people who may be prone to high risk behavior (… men who have sex with men, sex workers of both sexes) require particular attention, compassion, trust, and accompaniment….

“In their prophetic role, churches should not be afraid to offer visible and strong social support for effective methods of prevention…. [Meaning: Don’t hesitate to encourage condoms, but don’t mention sin!]

“Promote full participation of positive people within faith-based organizations, civil society, and governmental responses….

“…a 12-member Strategy Group… will develop strategies, monitor the implementation….”

Vital to the implementation of this “health” system are the marketing strategies — usually surveys, force-field analysis, and high tech data systems for monitoring compliance, measuring “progress,” and analyzing “what works.” As in recent totalitarian regimes, well-chosen compensations distract the masses from the anguish of surveillance and control. In Brave New World, Aldous Huxley describes the seductive ‘feelies’ that compensate for the loss of freedom and privacy in the collective or “healthy” community. First among them is sexual license:

“As political and economic freedom diminishes, sexual freedom tends compensatingly [sic] to increase. And the dictator… will do well to encourage that freedom. In conjunction with the freedom to daydream [shifting focus from reality to fantasy or imagination] under the influence of dope, movies and the radio, it will help to reconcile his subjects to the servitude which is their fate.”[18] See Serving the Greater Whole

Aldous Huxley was no prophet, but as a Fabian Socialist in the utopian atmosphere that preceded World War II, he was well acquainted with global visions and utopian dreams. In fact, his brother Julian Huxley was chosen as the first head of UNESCO, the education and cultural arm of the United Nations. Since then, most of the warnings in Brave New World have become reality.

Rick Warren seems to have joined another group of visionaries: those who embrace a dominionist view of end times. Describing his “P.E.A.C.E. plan” as a “revolution’ for global Christianity,” he said, “I’m looking at a stadium full of people who are telling God they will do whatever it takes to establish God’s Kingdom ‘on earth as it is in heaven.’”[3] [See The Second Reformation]

But human dreams and collective deeds can never “establish God’s Kingdom ‘on earth as it is in heaven.” What counts are God’s ways, not our ways, and He has shown us an entirely different picture of the end. That’s why Jesus warned us to be alert — always watchful for the actual signs of end times (before He, not we, makes all things new). They include –

More wars and destruction. (Matthew 24:7-8)
A totalitarian world government. (Revelation 13)
An intrusive “mark” that would identify the purchasing power of each person. (Revelation 13:16-17)
Many false shepherds and prophets. (Matthew 24:24-25)
A “falling away” from Biblical faith. (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

Universal faith in the Biblical God is not part of the end-time picture, though mighty miracles will astound the masses. Yes, our God is a miracle-working God! But He warns us to “test the spirits” and be alert to deceptions:

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9:12

“…when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8

God has promised that a faithful remnant will see the glorious day when He comes for his own. By His amazing grace they will endure persecution and resist pressures to conform to the ever-changing consensus of the masses who follow the “wide” and popular ways of the world. For “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” [Matthew 7:13] Therefore,

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross….” Hebrews 12:1-3

Endnotes:

1. Rick Warren hits home run with announcement of global peace plan at http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05040087.htm. See almost identical statement at http://www.bwanet.org/Congress/congresstoday29f.htm

2. Ken Camp, “Second Reformation’ will unify church, Warren tells Dallas GDOP,” 2005, at http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8280

3. Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), page 231.

4. See #7 and www.crossroad.to/Quotes/reinventing-government/third_way.htm and www.crossroad.to/articles2/05/peace-un.htm

5. “Council of Foreign Relations” at www.crossroad.to/Quotes/globalism/cfr.htm. “Rick Warren Speaks about Purpose at United Nations,” (Sep. 14, 2005) at www.christianpost.com/article/society/1835/section/rick.warren.speaks.about.purpose.at.united.nations/1.htm and Council of Foreign Relations

6. See “Local Agenda 21: The UN Plan for Your Community” at http://www.crossroad.to/text/articles/la21_198.html

7. First White House National Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/06/print/20040601-10.html

8. “The ONE Campaign: An Advocacy Letter From Rick Warren,” the text of a letter, signed by high-profile evangelicals, challenging Pres. Bush to change U.S. policy toward the poor. June 3, 2005, at http://www.beliefnet.com/story/168/story_16821.html

9. Mindy Belz in her article, “Whose jubilee?” June 25, 2005, at http://www.worldmag.com/subscriber/displayArticle.cfm?ID=10764

10. Trennis Henderson, “Rick Warren: Global Baptists are ‘all in this together,” July 30, 2005 at http://www.bwanet.org/Congress/congresstoday29f.htm

11. John Hall, “Baptist World Congress: Baptists can help in fight against terrorism,” Texas Baptist Communications, July 32, 2005, at http://www.bwacongress2005.org.uk/information.asp?id=849

12. Michael Ireland, “Cristians must unite with those of other faiths,” ASSIST News, 7-30-05, at http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05070114.htm

13. The Armor of God at http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/Armor.htm

14. Rebecca Barnes, “No evangelism?” at http://www.churchcentral.com/dcforum/DCForumID7/68.html

15. MOST, “Successful Projects related to Poverty and Social Exclusion” at http://www.unesco.org/most/bphome.htm

16.”Rick & Kay Warren heard the call,” at http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/Events/AIDS/Overview.htm

17. “Personal P.E.A.C.E. Plan,” at http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/PEACE/Personal_PEACE_Plan.htm

18. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley (New York: HarperCollins, 1932), xvii.