Dear friends:

You may be like me and have read many messages and articles criticizing and attacking Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in California and author of the runaway best-selling book, The Purpose-Driven Life.

Today (Sunday), there was an insightful interview with him on NBC's Meet the Press, in which he explained his views on multiple topics, including the controversial ones.  I carefully watched and listened, weighing his words against God's Word, and seeking to read his heart and motives and help me form an accurate conclusion about him.

My conclusion was that Pastor Warren is a sincere Christian and good-hearted man who only seeks to serve and please God.  While we may not agree with him on everything and he may not be right on everything, I believe we should respect him as a man of God and a brother in Christ.

Watch, be informed, and form your own conclusion.  The replay of NBC's Meet the Press will air at 3 a.m. ET Monday morning (Christmas).  Maybe you can record it and view it later. 

Give Pastor Warren a Christmas present and pray for this highly visible man whom I believe God has chosen for this time in history to reach billions for Christ and the gospel -- billions who might not otherwise hear.

I also suggest you watch his solidly biblical mini-sermon (video), "What Does it Mean to Follow Christ," found at
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/svcc/followchrist/salvation_hi.wvx

To read what Pastor Warren and his church believe, go to http://www.saddleback.com/flash/believe2.html

Merry Christmas,

Jim