Purpose Driven or Scripture Driven? - Way of Life Literature

“The church is not called to transform culture, at leastnot in the sense that most people use that phrase today. Ifby transform one means ‘convert,’ then fine. But that’snot how the phrase is being used. You cannot transformwhat is blind except by giving it sight. You cannottransform what is deaf except by giving it hearing. Youcannot transform what is stone except by making it flesh.You cannot transform what is dead except by making italive. How do you ‘transform’ something that’s dead? Ifyou happen to be supernatural, you can make it alive(John 1:13). But you cannot transform it. ... In the sameway that Christians are called to live and love like GoodSamaritans, we should always be looking for ways toserve our non-Christian neighbors--that they might begiven sight, hearing, hearts of flesh, and life!” (Leeland,Pastors’ and Theologians’ Forum on Church and Culture,http://www.9marks.org/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID314526|CHID598016|CIID2371850,00.html).God’s Word bears this out:“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, theymay by your good works, which they shall behold,glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good untoall men, especially unto them who are of the householdof faith” (Galatians 6:10).Warren’s plan also narrows Christ’s Commission byabridging and simplifying New Testament doctrine andpractice. Whereas Christ commanded that believers be taught“to observe all things whatsoever I have taught you” (Mat.28:20), Warren suggests they observe a few things that havebeen summarized and reinterpreted by a contemporarychurch growth guru.Warren’s plan also calls for broad ecumenical andinterfaith practice. He says the fulfillment of the P.E.A.C.E.plan requires a “three-legged stool” consisting ofgovernment, business, and the churches. And he means ALL56