You have probably heard the term TBT. It stands for "Throwback Thursday," or sometimes "Throwback Tuesday." If you go on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram on Thursdays you will see lots of old pictures of people with the hastag #TBT. The reason people love TBT is because it gives them a chance to go back and remember good times in their lives. People love to poke fun at their big hair, clothing, and cultural emphasis of whatever year the photo is from. Let's face it. We all enjoy looking back at our younger, slimmer, and full heads of hair selves!
There is another important TBT coming up this week-Thanksgiving. It is a time to remember the good things God has blessed us with. Psalm 103:2 tells to, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name." The Psalmist tells us here that we are to remind ourselves of all the blessings God has given to us-forgiveness, hope, grace, peace, family, friends, material blessings, etc.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to recount all of the wonderful things God has surrounded you with. Have your own #TBT with your family. You will be surprised at the good memories you will share and create.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Monday, November 24, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
The Benefits of Loving Correction
This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching from 1 Timothy 5:1-2: "Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity."
The reality is, we all need correction from time to time. There are blind spots in our perceptions, attitudes, and actions that occasionally need adjustment. But how should we receive that kind of correction? Let me give you a few steps to implement.
1. Is the person giving the correction a trusted individual in your life?
In other words, is this a person who is close to you and knows you, your personality, and strengths/weaknesses? You do not need to give everyone the right to speak into your life. If the person is on the outside of your sphere of influence, think twice before receiving their correction.
2. Is the person giving you correction doing it publicly or privately?
Loving correction as a general rule needs to be done privately. While there are certain instances where public correction is necessary that should be the exception, not the norm. Many times an individual attempting to correct you in public has ulterior motives: cause you embarrassment, undermine you, etc.
3. What is the attitude in which the correction is given to you?
In the 1 Timothy 5:1-2, "Paul says do not rebuke..." That word rebuke carries the connotation of harshness and violence. Rather, he says, "exhort." The word exhort in the Greek conveys the idea of encouragement, walking alongside someone to help them.
If the attitude to the individual attempting correction is harsh and angry, that is a good sign you do not need to receive it. However, if the attitude of the individual is one of encouragement, and trying to help you in your walk with Christ then God is using that person as an instrument in your life.
If the individual meets these three criteria, what should be your reaction?
1. Receive it with humility.
It is never easy to be corrected, even if it is warranted and the individual does it biblically.
2. Thank the individual.
It takes great courage to lovingly confront and correct someone. Thank the person for loving you enough to want God's best for you.
3. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Ask God to show you how to implement what was said in your life.
While it might be painful, having someone lovingly correct you can be the best thing to happen to you if you receive it in a godly way.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
The reality is, we all need correction from time to time. There are blind spots in our perceptions, attitudes, and actions that occasionally need adjustment. But how should we receive that kind of correction? Let me give you a few steps to implement.
1. Is the person giving the correction a trusted individual in your life?
In other words, is this a person who is close to you and knows you, your personality, and strengths/weaknesses? You do not need to give everyone the right to speak into your life. If the person is on the outside of your sphere of influence, think twice before receiving their correction.
2. Is the person giving you correction doing it publicly or privately?
Loving correction as a general rule needs to be done privately. While there are certain instances where public correction is necessary that should be the exception, not the norm. Many times an individual attempting to correct you in public has ulterior motives: cause you embarrassment, undermine you, etc.
3. What is the attitude in which the correction is given to you?
In the 1 Timothy 5:1-2, "Paul says do not rebuke..." That word rebuke carries the connotation of harshness and violence. Rather, he says, "exhort." The word exhort in the Greek conveys the idea of encouragement, walking alongside someone to help them.
If the attitude to the individual attempting correction is harsh and angry, that is a good sign you do not need to receive it. However, if the attitude of the individual is one of encouragement, and trying to help you in your walk with Christ then God is using that person as an instrument in your life.
If the individual meets these three criteria, what should be your reaction?
1. Receive it with humility.
It is never easy to be corrected, even if it is warranted and the individual does it biblically.
2. Thank the individual.
It takes great courage to lovingly confront and correct someone. Thank the person for loving you enough to want God's best for you.
3. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Ask God to show you how to implement what was said in your life.
While it might be painful, having someone lovingly correct you can be the best thing to happen to you if you receive it in a godly way.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Monday, November 10, 2014
Heeding the Warning Signs
Hebrews 3:13: "But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception."
Imagine for a moment a world without signs. How would we even know where to go or how to get there? Think about how dangerous driving would be if all the caution signs suddenly disappeared. Consider how many people might get hurt walking too near an unmarked construction site, or taking unlabeled medicine.
Thankfully, warning signs appear everywhere. In fact, we see so many that we often times ignore the ones we see. We need the warning signs.
In verse 13 in Hebrews 13, the writer gives us a warning. We must not let the tests of life harden our hearts against God. Instead, we must encourage each other to persevere in our faith and walk with Christ.
The journey of faith is a lifelong trek, requiring us to navigate the twists, turns, and detours of life that put our faith to the test. We have a mutual responsibility to warn and encourage one another daily.
Who do you have in your life that encourages you to keep the faith? If you cannot think of anyone, it probably means you are not plugged into a local church. If not, prayerfully find a church that is doctrinally sound and seeks to build your faith.
Second, who are you encouraging in their walk with the Lord? If no one comes to mind, ask the Lord to direct you to someone who needs a kind word and prayer.
Don't neglect the warning signs in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to keep you on the right road today.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Bryan
Imagine for a moment a world without signs. How would we even know where to go or how to get there? Think about how dangerous driving would be if all the caution signs suddenly disappeared. Consider how many people might get hurt walking too near an unmarked construction site, or taking unlabeled medicine.
Thankfully, warning signs appear everywhere. In fact, we see so many that we often times ignore the ones we see. We need the warning signs.
In verse 13 in Hebrews 13, the writer gives us a warning. We must not let the tests of life harden our hearts against God. Instead, we must encourage each other to persevere in our faith and walk with Christ.
The journey of faith is a lifelong trek, requiring us to navigate the twists, turns, and detours of life that put our faith to the test. We have a mutual responsibility to warn and encourage one another daily.
Who do you have in your life that encourages you to keep the faith? If you cannot think of anyone, it probably means you are not plugged into a local church. If not, prayerfully find a church that is doctrinally sound and seeks to build your faith.
Second, who are you encouraging in their walk with the Lord? If no one comes to mind, ask the Lord to direct you to someone who needs a kind word and prayer.
Don't neglect the warning signs in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to keep you on the right road today.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Bryan
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Being Submissive to Our Government
No doubt you are aware of the situation in Houston, TX. Their openly lesbian mayor, Annise Parker has subpoenaed five area pastor's sermons in response to opposition over a city-wide policy allowing trans-gender individuals to use opposite sex public bathrooms. The blatant abuse of power is obvious and unsettling to believers. So, what does the Bible say about how Christians should relate to the government?
One of the first things I notice is that every government is put in place by God.
Jesus answered [Pilate], "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above." (John 19:11)
There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Rom. 13:1).
Second, God uses even sinful governments to do His will.
Truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you [God] anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. (Acts 4:27-28)
Third, we ought to pray for those who govern us.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings, and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Tim. 2:1-2)
Fourth, we should honor and submit to those who govern us.
Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him. (Mark 12:17)
Finally, Christians should disobey governing authorities when it directly contradicts biblical principles.
"But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
So, what should these pastor's responses be, and the Christian community at-large in Houston, TX?
1. First, these pastors should openly refuse to hand over any sermons to the city of Houston. This is in direct violation of their First Amendment right of free speech.
2. Their churches should retain legal counsel to fight these discriminatory acts.
3. Churches all over Texas and across the country should flood the city of Houston with emails, letters, and phone calls denouncing their dictatorial policies.
4. The Christians in Houston, TX should make their voices heard at the voting booths to oust Annise Parker.
5. Christians across the United States need to pray for Annise Parker's salvation. We are called to pray for our government leaders. Christ died for her and longs to see her come to faith.
Let us rally around our brothers and sisters in Houston, TX and pray for God to intervene in Annise Parker's life and let her see the error of her ways.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
One of the first things I notice is that every government is put in place by God.
Jesus answered [Pilate], "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above." (John 19:11)
There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Rom. 13:1).
Second, God uses even sinful governments to do His will.
Truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you [God] anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. (Acts 4:27-28)
Third, we ought to pray for those who govern us.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings, and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Tim. 2:1-2)
Fourth, we should honor and submit to those who govern us.
Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him. (Mark 12:17)
Finally, Christians should disobey governing authorities when it directly contradicts biblical principles.
"But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
So, what should these pastor's responses be, and the Christian community at-large in Houston, TX?
1. First, these pastors should openly refuse to hand over any sermons to the city of Houston. This is in direct violation of their First Amendment right of free speech.
2. Their churches should retain legal counsel to fight these discriminatory acts.
3. Churches all over Texas and across the country should flood the city of Houston with emails, letters, and phone calls denouncing their dictatorial policies.
4. The Christians in Houston, TX should make their voices heard at the voting booths to oust Annise Parker.
5. Christians across the United States need to pray for Annise Parker's salvation. We are called to pray for our government leaders. Christ died for her and longs to see her come to faith.
Let us rally around our brothers and sisters in Houston, TX and pray for God to intervene in Annise Parker's life and let her see the error of her ways.
Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox
Friday, August 29, 2014
Don't Let the Pigskin Hinder Your Gospel Witness
One of the best things about living in the South is the prominence college football has in culture. It has been said that there are really only two times of the year in the southeast-football season and getting ready for football season. Here in my home state of South Carolina, Clemson and The University of South Carolina dominate the headlines from late August to the holiday season.
I must add a word of confession here-I am a born and bred South Carolina fan. My mom has pictures of me at five years old wearing my gamecock pajamas (no I am not going to post a picture). I can recall growing up having a distaste for anything orange (I still do not like orange M & M's. They taste funny.) Whether you root for Clemson or South Carolina, it was instilled at an early age to loathe the opposing team's colors, university, mascot, fight song, and everything associated with it.
Growing up, I went to a great deal of Clemson home games. My dad's company always bought tickets and they would take business clients. As a perk, I got to tag along. Even though I am a South Carolina fan, I still have some good memories of going to watch Clemson play.
With the advent of social media and the Internet, you now have fan blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. to interact with people across the nation and around the world. Many times, I see on game days some good natured ribbing between friends and family members from opposing teams. Often, I see anger, virulent attacks, and slanderous comments from people who support a wide variety of teams-Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama-I could go on and on.
As football season has officially started, I began to think last night about how my passion for football-namely South Carolina football, could have a negative impact on my gospel witness.
Paul said in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV):
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
While it is perfectly fine to passionately support your chosen team, I wonder what would happen if we all committed to praying what Paul said in Ephesians 4:29 before we engaged our brothers and sisters from opposing teams. Do not misunderstand me. There is nothing wrong with joking and ribbing friends and family who know you and appreciate it. However, to someone else, it could be a stumbling block. I myself have been guilty of this in the past.
So, wear your team colors proudly this season-win or lose. Remember to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Most of all, remember that the gospel of Christ trumps all other allegiances, and dictates how we interact with others.
Best of luck and enjoy the football season!
Bryan
I must add a word of confession here-I am a born and bred South Carolina fan. My mom has pictures of me at five years old wearing my gamecock pajamas (no I am not going to post a picture). I can recall growing up having a distaste for anything orange (I still do not like orange M & M's. They taste funny.) Whether you root for Clemson or South Carolina, it was instilled at an early age to loathe the opposing team's colors, university, mascot, fight song, and everything associated with it.
Growing up, I went to a great deal of Clemson home games. My dad's company always bought tickets and they would take business clients. As a perk, I got to tag along. Even though I am a South Carolina fan, I still have some good memories of going to watch Clemson play.
With the advent of social media and the Internet, you now have fan blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. to interact with people across the nation and around the world. Many times, I see on game days some good natured ribbing between friends and family members from opposing teams. Often, I see anger, virulent attacks, and slanderous comments from people who support a wide variety of teams-Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama-I could go on and on.
As football season has officially started, I began to think last night about how my passion for football-namely South Carolina football, could have a negative impact on my gospel witness.
Paul said in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV):
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
While it is perfectly fine to passionately support your chosen team, I wonder what would happen if we all committed to praying what Paul said in Ephesians 4:29 before we engaged our brothers and sisters from opposing teams. Do not misunderstand me. There is nothing wrong with joking and ribbing friends and family who know you and appreciate it. However, to someone else, it could be a stumbling block. I myself have been guilty of this in the past.
So, wear your team colors proudly this season-win or lose. Remember to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Most of all, remember that the gospel of Christ trumps all other allegiances, and dictates how we interact with others.
Best of luck and enjoy the football season!
Bryan
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
The Changing Face of Ministry
As you well know, life is about transitions and changes. I just celebrated my 40th birthday this month. My daughter started 1st grade and my son began 5th. Next year, Zachary will be entering middle school, which is already giving my wife anxiety attacks! In other words, nothing in life ever stays static. Things are always moving, changing, transitioning-whether we want them to or not.
What is true in life is also true in the church. No matter how much we want things to stay the same, the reality is in a rapidly changing culture, the church must transition in order to meet the ministry needs that are around us today. Whereas in the past people came to church out of sincere faith, duty, or sometimes obligation, today people have no problem leaving church out of their lives. In other words, in past generations, we programmed church events and activities with the "come and see" approach. Now, the church must leave the confines of the building and seek out those who need to hear the gospel.
This means church ministry has to take on a totally different look and feel than in past generations. The church has to take ministry to the neighborhoods, schools, and businesses around them. Pastors and staff have to take on a community service mindset. This means establishing relationships with principals, business leaders, and community leaders to discern what the legitimate needs are in their communities. Then the pastors and staff came formulate ways their churches can meet those needs.
The cookie-cutter days of ministry are over. Churches simply cannot afford to copy another church's student ministry, outreach ministry, etc. Each church must do the hard work of establishing relationships in their respective communities, earning trust, discovering needs, and meeting those needs under God's grace and provision.
Jesus said in Matthew 9:38, "Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Will you be one of His laborers to go out into the fields of your community to advance the kingdom of God? Let us pray to the Lord of the Harvest for laborers for His glory.
Serving Christ, Loving Others & Growing Together,
Bryan
What is true in life is also true in the church. No matter how much we want things to stay the same, the reality is in a rapidly changing culture, the church must transition in order to meet the ministry needs that are around us today. Whereas in the past people came to church out of sincere faith, duty, or sometimes obligation, today people have no problem leaving church out of their lives. In other words, in past generations, we programmed church events and activities with the "come and see" approach. Now, the church must leave the confines of the building and seek out those who need to hear the gospel.
This means church ministry has to take on a totally different look and feel than in past generations. The church has to take ministry to the neighborhoods, schools, and businesses around them. Pastors and staff have to take on a community service mindset. This means establishing relationships with principals, business leaders, and community leaders to discern what the legitimate needs are in their communities. Then the pastors and staff came formulate ways their churches can meet those needs.
The cookie-cutter days of ministry are over. Churches simply cannot afford to copy another church's student ministry, outreach ministry, etc. Each church must do the hard work of establishing relationships in their respective communities, earning trust, discovering needs, and meeting those needs under God's grace and provision.
Jesus said in Matthew 9:38, "Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Will you be one of His laborers to go out into the fields of your community to advance the kingdom of God? Let us pray to the Lord of the Harvest for laborers for His glory.
Serving Christ, Loving Others & Growing Together,
Bryan
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Just a Little Patience
A favorite song of mine from back in the day when I had long hair (I know, you are trying to imagine it!), and my taste in music was a little more secular was "Patience" by Guns 'N Roses. While I do not endorse the band, the song is really good. It is about a person who is in a relationship and wants to see it evolve and grow, but struggles against their lack of patience and self-control in seeing it happen.
As I was reading 1 Samuel 13 that song came to my mind. Saul has been made king by God through the prophet Samuel. He is early in his reign (two years) when he undertakes an ill-advised attack on the Philistines, along with his son Jonathan. Now keep in mind, God did not command Saul to do this. As a matter of fact, the Bible explicitly states that this was Saul's decision. It does not mention anything about God directing him.
That was Saul's first mistake-he ventured out on his own in a dangerous and risky proposition that not only affected him, but the entire nation of Israel. Remember this: when you go out on your own apart from the leading of the Holy Spirit, you are setting yourself and those around you up for failure and defeat.
Well, Saul "stirred up a hornet's nest" as we like to say in South Carolina. The Philistines quickly gathered their army together. 1 Samuel 13:3 says that the army was, "thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude." Whoa. Talk about an intimidating sight. When the people of Israel saw that massive army encamped against them, ready to butcher them, they did what just about anyone would do-they ran and hid. Verse 6 of 1 Samuel 13 says, "When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits."
Here is another important spiritual principle: When you venture out on your own apart from the guidance and empowering of the Lord, you will fall victim to fear and confusion.
Now comes the culmination of Saul's impatience and independence from God. Samuel specifically told Saul that he would return in seven days to Gilgal to offer the sacrifices for Israel. Well, on the seventh day at the 11th hour there was still no Samuel. So, Saul called for the sacrifices to be brought and he offered them on behalf of Israel. Sounds like no big deal right? Wrong! Saul offered the sacrifices even though he was neither priest nor prophet.
As it turns out, just as he is finished, Samuel comes and Saul goes out to meet him. Samuel scolds Saul for his foolish behavior, but Saul places the blame on Samuel and those around him! He said in vv.11-12, "When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the appointed time...I felt compelled and offered a burnt offering."
Notice that Saul said he "felt compelled." Here is a final truth I want you to consider: Saul allows the circumstances of the moment to cloud his vision of what God has in store for him.
Saul was anointed as the prince who will deliver Israel from the power of this long-standing enemy (1 Sam. 9:16). It is for just a time as this that Saul has been made king. However, instead of trusting God to make him victorious, he takes matters into his own hands.The results are devasting.
In verse 13-14 of 1 Samuel 13 the prophet Samuel tells Saul that his reign as king will come to an end because of his disobedience. I want to leave you today with a final thought: failure to trust God and be obedient to Him always brings disastrous results.
Do not be like Saul. Wait on God, even when it seems like He has forgotten you and your circumstances are about to overwhelm you. Trust in His provision, love, and soverienty for you life. He will come through for you!
Serving Christ, Loving Others, & Growing Together,
Pastor Bryan
As I was reading 1 Samuel 13 that song came to my mind. Saul has been made king by God through the prophet Samuel. He is early in his reign (two years) when he undertakes an ill-advised attack on the Philistines, along with his son Jonathan. Now keep in mind, God did not command Saul to do this. As a matter of fact, the Bible explicitly states that this was Saul's decision. It does not mention anything about God directing him.
That was Saul's first mistake-he ventured out on his own in a dangerous and risky proposition that not only affected him, but the entire nation of Israel. Remember this: when you go out on your own apart from the leading of the Holy Spirit, you are setting yourself and those around you up for failure and defeat.
Well, Saul "stirred up a hornet's nest" as we like to say in South Carolina. The Philistines quickly gathered their army together. 1 Samuel 13:3 says that the army was, "thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude." Whoa. Talk about an intimidating sight. When the people of Israel saw that massive army encamped against them, ready to butcher them, they did what just about anyone would do-they ran and hid. Verse 6 of 1 Samuel 13 says, "When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits."
Here is another important spiritual principle: When you venture out on your own apart from the guidance and empowering of the Lord, you will fall victim to fear and confusion.
Now comes the culmination of Saul's impatience and independence from God. Samuel specifically told Saul that he would return in seven days to Gilgal to offer the sacrifices for Israel. Well, on the seventh day at the 11th hour there was still no Samuel. So, Saul called for the sacrifices to be brought and he offered them on behalf of Israel. Sounds like no big deal right? Wrong! Saul offered the sacrifices even though he was neither priest nor prophet.
As it turns out, just as he is finished, Samuel comes and Saul goes out to meet him. Samuel scolds Saul for his foolish behavior, but Saul places the blame on Samuel and those around him! He said in vv.11-12, "When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the appointed time...I felt compelled and offered a burnt offering."
Notice that Saul said he "felt compelled." Here is a final truth I want you to consider: Saul allows the circumstances of the moment to cloud his vision of what God has in store for him.
Saul was anointed as the prince who will deliver Israel from the power of this long-standing enemy (1 Sam. 9:16). It is for just a time as this that Saul has been made king. However, instead of trusting God to make him victorious, he takes matters into his own hands.The results are devasting.
In verse 13-14 of 1 Samuel 13 the prophet Samuel tells Saul that his reign as king will come to an end because of his disobedience. I want to leave you today with a final thought: failure to trust God and be obedient to Him always brings disastrous results.
Do not be like Saul. Wait on God, even when it seems like He has forgotten you and your circumstances are about to overwhelm you. Trust in His provision, love, and soverienty for you life. He will come through for you!
Serving Christ, Loving Others, & Growing Together,
Pastor Bryan
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Should a Christian Go See "Heaven is For Real?"
There has been a great deal of speculation and questioning over the movie "Heaven is For Real." Many prominent pastors, including David Platt have weighed in on the issue. You can watch Platt's scathing critique of the book and movie here: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2014/04/16/david-platt-on-why-you-should-not-believe-heaven-is-for-real/.
I respect David Platt's ministry and his scholarship a great deal. I even agree with his argument. His main concern is that Christians not elevate "experiential" episodes like those in "Heaven is for Real" above the authoritative Scriptures. I agree with Platt that this is a legitimate concern. It is natural for many people to be drawn to seemingly supernatural phenomenon. The danger here is that believers fail to rely on the Bible for their understanding of theological issues, such as the theology of heaven. Instead, they get caught up in someone's "experience" which may or may not be a legitimate expression of God's revelation.
However, I feel Platt and others have gone to the extreme in this situation. The Bible indicates that God revealed His will to selected people through dreams or visions in Scriptures such as Genesis 37:5-10; 1 Kings 3:5-15; Daniel, chapters 2 and 7; Matthew 1:20; 2:13,19; and Acts 10:9-16; 16:9.
God may communicate through dreams or visions even today, but we need to carefully check any such guidance we receive with Scripture and godly counsel to be sure it is from the Lord. Anything which contradicts Scripture is not from God. Our minds and even Satan are capable of producing great deception in such subjective areas.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 shows that God has revealed His will to us primarily through His Word. It says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
What does this mean for Christians going to see movies like "Heaven is For Real?" Is it wrong for believers to see such movies? No, as long as they do not elevate it above the authority of Scripture and compare the contents of the movie to what the Bible says about the particular subject, in this case, heaven.
Can God use a movie like "Heaven is For Real" to lead people to a saving faith in Christ? Absolutely. God can use anything He desires to accomplish His purposes. Someone far away from God may not set foot inside a church, but they might be willing to go see a movie like "Heaven is For Real." God may use that movie to begin to bring eternal questions to the mind of the unbeliever, which could lead to them investigating deeper by attending a church service. The unbeliever, under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God could be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ.
So, while I urge caution in reading these books, and watching these movies, I do not condemn it. Let us rely on the Bible and not our experiences.
Serving Christ, Loving Other, & Growing Together,
Bryan
I respect David Platt's ministry and his scholarship a great deal. I even agree with his argument. His main concern is that Christians not elevate "experiential" episodes like those in "Heaven is for Real" above the authoritative Scriptures. I agree with Platt that this is a legitimate concern. It is natural for many people to be drawn to seemingly supernatural phenomenon. The danger here is that believers fail to rely on the Bible for their understanding of theological issues, such as the theology of heaven. Instead, they get caught up in someone's "experience" which may or may not be a legitimate expression of God's revelation.
However, I feel Platt and others have gone to the extreme in this situation. The Bible indicates that God revealed His will to selected people through dreams or visions in Scriptures such as Genesis 37:5-10; 1 Kings 3:5-15; Daniel, chapters 2 and 7; Matthew 1:20; 2:13,19; and Acts 10:9-16; 16:9.
God may communicate through dreams or visions even today, but we need to carefully check any such guidance we receive with Scripture and godly counsel to be sure it is from the Lord. Anything which contradicts Scripture is not from God. Our minds and even Satan are capable of producing great deception in such subjective areas.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 shows that God has revealed His will to us primarily through His Word. It says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
What does this mean for Christians going to see movies like "Heaven is For Real?" Is it wrong for believers to see such movies? No, as long as they do not elevate it above the authority of Scripture and compare the contents of the movie to what the Bible says about the particular subject, in this case, heaven.
Can God use a movie like "Heaven is For Real" to lead people to a saving faith in Christ? Absolutely. God can use anything He desires to accomplish His purposes. Someone far away from God may not set foot inside a church, but they might be willing to go see a movie like "Heaven is For Real." God may use that movie to begin to bring eternal questions to the mind of the unbeliever, which could lead to them investigating deeper by attending a church service. The unbeliever, under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God could be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ.
So, while I urge caution in reading these books, and watching these movies, I do not condemn it. Let us rely on the Bible and not our experiences.
Serving Christ, Loving Other, & Growing Together,
Bryan
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