catalyst review::rick warren

I really like Rick Warren. I heard this particular talk a couple years ago at the Leadership Summit but it's worth hearing more than once. He talked about some of the biggest problems the world faces, specifically spiritual emptiness and corrupt leadership. Here are some of my notes:

• If you want God's blessing on your life then you have to get with God's agenda. Stop praying, "God bless me," and start praying, "God, help me to get on board with what you're already blessing."
• Where is the kingdom of God? Wherever Jesus is king. What is the kingdom of God? God's people fulfilling God's purpose on God's planet for God's glory.
• God's agenda is the church...it's not anything else...it's the church.
• Don't ever put down the church--it is the bride of Christ. God wants you to love the "real" church, not the "ideal" church. Then he wants you to serve in it.
• 500 years ago we had a reformation in the church. It's time for another one. The first reformation was about creeds. This one need to be about deeds.
• You were made to be loved by God...it's the reason you're here. God wanted you here. There is no such thing as illegitimate children...there are illegitimate parents but not illegitimate children.
• Stop trying to change culture...create culture. You are most like God when you are creating.
• God asked Moses: What's in your hand? (Whenever God asks a question it's never for his benefit...whenever God does a miracle it is not to show off--it's always to teach a truth.)
• Moses' staff represented three things: His identity, his income, and his influence.
• After Moses surrendered, it was never again referred to as his staff. It became the rod of God.
• What's in your hand? Talent. Background. Education. Personality. Wealth. Network.
• God's going to have two questions for us: What did you do with my Son Jesus Christ? And What did you do with what I gave you?
• Some people would rather be cool than effective. I dare you to pray the most dangerous prayer: Use me!