Rumors of God

I was a little disappointed when I received my latest book to review for Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze. I hadn't realized it was associated with Willow Creek. I'm not really against Willow Creek it is just that everything I've seen come out of there is seeker sensitive squishiness. So when I got “Rumors of God: Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard About” by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson I wasn't really expecting much.

To top it off the back of the book has in all caps and bold letters, “Where is the life God promised us?” which of course leads me to expect prosperity gospel.

Well it actually turned out to be quite the opposite. Take, for example, this exert:

"Living in a consumer culture reverses the biblical vision: 'To live is gain and to die is Christ'. It is a quiet subversion of the meaning and purpose of our lives. Accumulate as much as you can. Build bigger barns, then take life easy - eat, drink, and be merry. After enjoying the benefits of indulgent living, when you die you go to be with Christ. The great tragedy of materialistic America is not financial abundance, but spiritual poverty."

I thought that was a great piece of wisdom.

There is a lot of wisdom in the book, but ultimately it is not very unique and unfortunately doesn't use Scripture to support it's arguments. David Platt's “Radical” was a better version of the same story.

Still if you really need the extra kick in the pants then pick up a copy.

The Rest of Christ

At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

(Mat 11:25-30)

This passage has always somewhat reminded me of the poem on the Statue of Liberty.

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

And that is what must of this nation is made up of, the refuse of the world, but yet they managed to create the freest and most prosperous nation the world has ever known.

Yet, while it may remind me of it it can little compare to what God has done in taking wretched sinners as part of His kingdom.

I'm sure you've heard before that the sermon that preaches best is that which preaches to the speaker. Well I don't know if that is the case but this has been the message God has been boring into me for the last two years. It's taken two years because I'm stubborn.

Tonight I want to speak to you about the rest of Christ. An aspect of our lives that can easily be overlooked if we are not reminded often.

Those of you that know me know that I'm a person that likes big ideas. I enjoy listening to pastors that have what might be considered a “radical” edge to them. Ideas like the fact the with millions of Christians in this country we shouldn't really have to worry about gay couples adopting because we've so freely welcomed orphans into our family. Or that widows can depend on the church for all their needs and not a welfare system. Or maybe the idea that it doesn't really matter how pathetic the Church of Christ may look at times that we can hope in the promise that even “gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”

Like every promise of God these are big ideas and unless we understand the words of Christ here in Matthew 11 we have no hope of not being overwhelmed by them.

As I said God has been teaching me this for the last two years because two years ago I was overwhelmed. Some of you may remember that I had really began to do a great deal of street evangelism then which is a wonderful ministry.

But it became my sin because even though I hold to this great reformed doctrine in theory, in practice I was acting as a humanist as though it depended on me. But not just me but all those around me and since I was going out alone so often I was becoming bitter to my brothers. It lead to many nights of weeping and blaming God for the lack of fruit. In my self righteousness I even managed to compare myself to the weeping prophet Jeremiah.

It all came to a head at some point and I had a spiritual breakdown, but then God in His mercy began to teach me what these verses meant and tonight I'd like to share that with you.

We'll be looking at three areas of the rest of Christ: who we rest in, what we rest from, and that which we rest for.

This first point I will make very quickly. The one we rest is Jesus the Christ. The one who is fully God and fully man. The only one who could ever be our eternal high priest and our perfect mediator. The one who died for our sin and the one who rose again to reign forevermore. The one only the Father truly knows and the one who can reveal the Father to us. The one who is was, is and evermore shall be. This is your Lord and your God who speaks these words.

I say that because before we go any further one point must be made clear. This is not just an emotional plea from a feeble prince. This is a direct command from the one whom all creation was created in, through, and for. He is the one says “Come to me and I will give you rest.”

Do not take the words of this King lightly. As much as it is a promise it may also be deemed a threat.

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, "As I swore in my wrath, 'They shall not enter my rest,'" although his works were finished from the foundation of the world.

(Heb 4:1-3)

This is not a idle command. This is a command on which your very soul clings.”Come to me” is not a simple request that one should refuse it and go about their life, because not to “Come”means that you must continue to “Go” on that path which you are already on, a path that leads to destruction.

Hear this command!

Though yes, I do believe it is also an emotional statement. It is rather similar to Christ's statement in Matthew 23:37

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!”

(Mat 23:37)

If we know anything about our God it is that He is holy and He is good. And part of that goodness is that he “desires that none should perish, but that all would reach repentance.”

So that when he gives such a command we can trust that He is truly sincere. He is not like a politician bragging and saying that if you just make Him Lord of your life all your problems will vanish. No, He is the creator and master of all things and thus He lovingly and firmly commands all to come to Him.

And there is your hope, both for us and all who would come.

Are you longing for your children to come to Christ? Are you praying for lost friend to be found by the Good Shepherd? Did you lose a child or suffer a miscarriage?

Then let this be the first place of your rest in Christ. Continue to pray, continue to grieve over their souls, but yet take immense comfort in knowing that you serve a God that longs and desires that they should be saved. And not only is He willing, but that He is able to save. If you ever doubt this simply remember that He saved one as guilty of breaking the Law as one's like you and me.

And in that we find our second point of rest, rest from the Law and the works of it.

When speaking of Israel in Romans 11:5-6 Paul states:

“So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”

or:

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

(Rom 3:27-28)

The Law was as a master under which we were all condemned, but yet in Christ we have a King where find rest in grace.

But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

(Rom 7:6)

______

But not only do we rest from the Law of the Old Covenant, but we also rest from the laws we have fashioned for ourselves.

Like the Pharisees we often “make void the Word of God” that we may keep out own tradition.

Friends do you realize there is always more to be done and always more that someone is going to think you should or should not be doing to live up to the right standard. By the way, the right standard is always their standard and not God's standard.

We could fill all our lives just with things scheduled within the church, and I would half bet that if you're not at one of those things someone is going to think you should be if you really want to be a better Christian.

Consider all the things we have that you may be a part of:

Spanish Service

Prayer time

Sunday School

Worship Service

1^st Sunday Fellowship

Missions Meetings

Systematic Theology

Men in Ministry preaching (like this message)

Well that is just Sunday.

There is also:

Tuesday night C-Group

Wednesday night C-Group

Thursday night C-Group

Friday night C-Group

Saturday night prayer meeting

A host of other prayer meetings.

Men's Breakfast

Men in Ministry Meetings

Ladies Discipleship

Jail Ministry

Street Evangelism

Wedding Showers

Baby Shows (many, many baby showers)

Camping Trip

Bates Creek

Business Meetings

Other fellowships here and there

And for a baptist church relatively few committee meetings.

So how many of these do you need to make sure you're at to be considered a good Christian?

Not a single one. Yes, the Lord says not to forsake the gathering of the saints and I'm not going against that, but in general you are not in sin if you do not attend this or that meeting or gathering of the saints.

Many people have worn themselves out, myself being one of them, trying to be at the church every time the doors are open. Why? Because we thought we were in sin or we were worried people would think we were in sin if we did not show up.

That is a lie that will burden the soul and body if let unchecked. There will be times where you will meet with the body more than normal, but that does not mean you must.

There are so many areas where we will add to ourselves a burden that Christ removed. Whether it be am I good enough spouse, parent, employee, friend or any other thing let us not forget in our striving to improve that ultimately that all must come from God's work and not our own.

______

In a like manner in Christ we rest from our sin. In Him all is forgiven and our sins are forgotten.

As John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."

(Rom 4:7-8)

Yes, dear saint when the king looks upon you He no longer sees a sinner on whom His wrath is upon, but a saint in which His Spirit is found.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

(Isa 61:10)

How amazing is this God! The one who takes enemies and adopts them as sons sending His Spirit into us crying “Abba, Father”

We so often focus on our sin. And yes there is a place for that, but only as it points us to the one who redeems us from those sins.

We can think on who we were before Christ, we can think of who we are now in Christ, but let us not forget to think of who He is making us to be. A saint and a son saved by His magnificent grace.

And finally let us remember that not only has He given us rest from the Law, our works, and our sin, but that has given us rest from our shame!

Many of you know that I am a reformed homosexual. I like the word reformed because it partly describes what Christ did in me to give me a heart. Like all sexual sin with that comes a great deal of shame. For many years after coming to Christ and even at times of spiritual attack today I am overwhelmed by this great deal of guilt and shame. The same feelings I had before Christ because His law is written on all men's hearts. It was so overwhelming at times I remember picking up a knife and holding it to my wrist wondering why I should continue to live.

But in Christ oh the joy that floods my soul. In him am I delivered,, and in Him do I rest from that shame.

That is how good He is. That now only can He forgive my sin, but that He would take the shame.

Like a prisoner whose record is ex-sponged there is not even a trace of it.

We are like Israel coming out of slavery in Egypt. But our former masters were much more cruel than Pharoah could ever be. They work load was doubled, but yet ours would have never ended. They made bricks without straw, while we made eternal chains of sin.

But as Moses said to Pharaoh so God commanded our heart of stone. “Let my people Go.” And so out of bondage. We have come to Him in who we find rest. We have run from that City of Destruction and walk towards a Celestial City.

And like the Israelites who took with them the gold and riches of their former masters so we too may escaped with something infinitely greater, Christ Himself.

He who we rest in is also our great reward.

But we rest not just for the sake of resting. Rest is only useful we it leads us to the work we are meant to perform. When we are well rested we are only then truly fit to be ready for war, only then can we truly serve.

We are part of the body of Christ. All called to serve and work with one another.

If the feet are trying too busy doing the work of the ears then we will never move the Kingdom forward. If the teachers are too caught up in hospitality ministry then the Church will not be properly taught. Each part should work primarily on that which they are meant to do.

Of course at times you may be asked to work in other areas, but it should not be your normal function.

When we are well rested and have put off the other burdens which hold us down then we can do what God has called us to do.

Our text reads, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Yokes are meant for work. Yokes are wooden beams placed between two animals to hold them together so their work is increased.

We are yoked together with Christ Himself! Of course the yoke is easy! Imagine you a college freshman at Jeffco and through some strange program you end up teaming up with the best and brightest minds in their field who are much older with a great deal of wisdom.

While you may do some work it is these others who will complete the project.

Now consider that you are working together with the One who created the universe.

Who do you really think is going to be doing the work?

The point is that God Himself will complete the work that He has planned and all that you must do is be obedient and rest in that promise.

Whatever God wills He will bring to completion. He will finish what He started. And He will do it for your good and his glory.

If you are in Christ every sovereign decree from God will be for your good and His glory.

When you get a promotion at work it is for your good and His glory. When you lose your job it is for your good and His glory. When you are healthy and when you have cancer it is for your good and His glory. When you have a child or lose a child it is for your good and His glory.

Whatever the circumstance in life we rest in knowing that every promise of God will be completed.

And let that rest bolster us on. Let it send us to run until the race we have been given is finished.

Consider those who have already run before.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

(Heb 12:1-3)

In Him you rest and in Him you run.

Run. Run as you have never run before! Run to Christ! And as you think of that cloud of witnesses surrounding you. Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Think of Joseph and Job. Think of David and Daniel. Thank of John, Paul, and Peter.

Think of them standing there cheering you on as you run and proclaiming “His promises are true. His rest is eternal. I know because He brought even one like me a liar, an adulterer, a cheat, and He brought me to the end. And He will bring you there too.”

And as they cheer also look to the one in front of you. The one who is ever with you, and yet the one to whom you long to see. In the distance, at the finish their sits Christ. He is seated because His work is already completed. There He seats waiting. Waiting and commanding that you Come and rest!”

As I close let me offer a few suggestions that you may remember the rest Christ gives.

First, look to history. Both in and out of the Scriptures you will continually see God's gracious providence.

I understand many have been taught that history is just boring facts and figures, but when we view it correctly we will see it as a record of God using both triumph and tragedy to bring about His sovereign will.

Let me read you a quick passage of a historical figure who greatly understood God's sovereign rest.

It a brief letter from Stonewall Jackson after the death of his first wife at the time of their stillborn son.

“I have been called to pass through the deep waters of affliction, but all has been satisfied. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. It is his will that my Dearest wife and child should no longer abide with me, and as it is his holy will, I am perfectly reconciled to the sad bereavement, though I deeply mourn my loss.

“Oh! The consolations of religion! I can willingly submit to anything if God strengthens me. I have joy in knowing that God withholds no good things from them that love and keep his commandments. And he will overrule this Sad, Sad bereavement for good.“

That is just one example of many historical figures along with many event where you can more deeply understand rest in Christ.

Also you may look to who are in Christ. As I said earlier yes, you may look to your sin, but only as a springboard that it should point you to the cross where it is forgiven. Think on it that God has made you holy and righteous. That He has redeemed you and restored you. That you His adopted son, an heir of God and co-heir with Christ. That you are part of a holy priest in the Kingdom of God. Think on what He has made you.

And of course think on Christ. He has made a promise that will not be broken, a covenant that cannot be revoked. He sealed it in His own blood and will bring it to fruition.

Think on these and they will lead you to the never-ending rest of Christ.

Be The People

I just went over “Be The People: A Call to Reclaim America's Faith & Promise” by Carol M. Swain, PhD from Booksneeze to review.

When I first agreed to review this book I had a feeling it was going to be something very different. From the title I thought it would be about how we all need to be more involved in social justice, but thankful I was wrong. I'm a bit tired of being beat over the head with that stick.

Instead “Be The People” is actually about the great shift in our national identity and what we can do to bring it back. Not only does Swain identify the challenges, but she takes the reader back to the nations roots.

My favorite part of the book is the Family Matters section where she discuss the downfall of the family unit through divorce and the states removal of family authority. History is clear that as the family goes, so goes the nation.

Swain's book is a real treat and wonderful call to action. Make sure you pick up a copy today.

Jehovah Jireh: My Great Provider

I just gotta tell you about this God I know. He is truly amazing. Not only is He able and willing to save the wicked of sinners like me who hated Him until He gave me a new heart and life in Christ, but He provides over and above anything we could ask, pray, or hope for from His hands.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

What I find truly amazing is even should we lack in giving He is still faithful in returning His kindness upon us.

I want to share a story with you that just happened to a dear brother in Christ.

On Friday this brother was headed down the interstate to go to the play and support a young lady from our church who was performing in a school musical. On the way he was in a bad car accident after hitting the median to avoid another car. His car was destroyed and by God's grace he walked away with minor injuries compared to what it could have been. He did need 14 staples in his head but was home that evening with little pain.

The first way God began to receive glory in this situation (besides keeping this brother relatively safe) was by the overwhelming peace this brother seemed to possess in the situation. With limited funds and collision only insurance most people would freak out and be greatly anxious over what would be next for them. While this brother may have had some such anxiety what shone forth greatly was a peace and trust in a sovereign God. Knowing that God could easily have prevented the accident, but yet choice to ordain it that in some way He would be glorified. That is not peace that comes from within oneself, bur from the Spirit of God dwelling in a repentant heart that trusts in Christ.

God was certain to prove that trust with evidence in multiple ways including the tremendous outpouring of love from His church into this brothers life. He was sharing that a great deal of families made sure to call or text and confirm that he was okay and some checked in multiple times. He so enthusiastically spoke of this encouragement that it was a wonderful reminder of the work of God in our church for surely we eclectic, strange, nerdy group of people would never be so supportive and loving in and of ourselves.

This is the beauty of the bride of Christ, the Church. We love, care, support, and when need be even rebuke one another as we grow in holiness and the likeness of our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

There was yet one other way that God showed how great He is to His children. As this brother was sharing testimony of the outpouring of love God laid something truly exceptional on another member of the church's heart. God had worked in Him that this member would give one of his families cars to this brother.

Now that might be a nice story if this were coming from an older established family that had a nice career, but I think God wanted to show off a little bit more than that.

And when God wants to show off He doesn't take the usually take the billionaire and have him give away a couple grand. No, He takes the poor widow and blesses her to give her last few pennies.

This wasn't a widow though. This was a young couple with one child and a second on the way. Wealthy by no means and actually using a tax return to pay off the car they just gave away to this brother in need asking absolutely nothing in return. Simply seeing a member of the body of Christ in need and offering assistance.

Now those outside the Church will look at something like this and speak about how nice that couple was and how giving, but they'll miss the point entirely.

This couple isn't just nice and giving they are new creations in Christ with new hearts that love other Christians just as much if not more than themselves.

Some may mock such altruistic behavior, like Ayn Rand in Atlas shrugged, but the people of God know what a great blessing it is not only to the recipient, but for the giver as well.

That is what my God is like. He takes selfish human hearts and great them peace in dire circumstances. He pours out love through His children. He even takes a young family who many think should only be concerned with their own future and grants them a love so great they'll give away the car their just paying off.

Sure God could have just prevented an accident, but He chose to send one more reminder that He is all we need.

I pray you know my God. That you've trusted in Christ's finished work on the cross and repented of your sin. If you haven't then read His Word, The Bible. Start in the gospel of John. If you truly seek Him I know He will be found.

Advice for Old Men

Many great men of the faith have written beautiful messages to young men and women over the centuries. One of my personal favorites is “Advice for Young Men” by J.C. Ryle.

I've been thinking a lot lately and it might be appropriate and timely for a young man to write advice for old men. Not that I think a young man has much to say, but there are some things the Scriptures say that many of the wise older generations have forgotten.

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
(1Ti 5:1-2)

This verse makes clear that there is a time when the young can speak to the old, but as an encourager and not as a rebuke. I hope that anything I may say here will come across in that encouraging manner and extremely humble.


A dear older saint from my church went home to be with the LORD recently. I cannot say I knew the woman well, but I can say that I loved her well. She was only 77 but had been sick on and off since I came to my current fellowship. I believe I spoke with her more in a nursing home or hospital than I did at church. I must admit it was no where near as often as I wish I might had.

One extraordinary thing about her was that when she was the slightest bit well enough she made it to church. Oh how she loved the fellowship of the saints.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Heb 10:24-25)

I urge and beg of you not to take lightly the gathering of God's church. In old age sickness can be a great deterrent, but whenever possible please realize how much you are not only wanted but needed.

Another deterrent is the feeling of uselessness that may come with old age. While it may be true you can no longer serve as you once did or even as often, you now possess one of the greatest needs in the church, wisdom.

Yes, wisdom that has been hard won through trials and pains and victories is of the greatest need in the church. We need old men to council the young. Let us not be as Rehoboam and take the council of the young over that of the aged. We young men are often stubborn and foolish and need a persistent, loving and wise older generation to guide us (and when necessary bop us over the head).


We need the old men to remind the young of God's glory and His greatness.

And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel." And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people's weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away.
(Ezr 3:11-13)

The old men knew what the temple used to look like. They knew the glory that that LORD had received from it, but to see it now was despairing.

We need old men to remind us of what can be and has been. We need a reminder of what the house of the LORD can be like.

I don't mean simply in style or design as though we should build a larger structure, but in what the LORD has done to show His own glory and how He is victorious in generations past and faithful for generations to come.


Regretfully, many of this beloved generation have abandoned their posts when they are most needed. They have come to think they deserve a rest from their work in the fellowship of saints as though some debt has been paid. This is far from the truth. Indeed, a debt has been paid, but not by you, but by Christ on your behalf. You are still indebted and forever will be, but how great it is to have such a loving master.

You are needed now and while your rest may soon come the time is not now. There is yet work to be done for His sake. We who are young are in a more desperate need of you than ever before.

Our churches think that what we want is to hang out with one another or young, hip, pastors. NO! Perhaps it is what we desire, but never what we need. We need to know your success in life. We need to know your failures. We need to know how a faithful God has brought you through and how He has promised us the same. I beg of you declare His glory and goodness as it has been throughout the ages.

The church may no longer look like what it did when you were young. It may be more casual dress and the music may have a faster tempo, but let this not be a hindrance.

When you look around and see young generations and families coming up in the church do not be scared away, but be inspired! This is where God has called you to, not to Florida or some other warm climate. You are needed and desired here! Stay, teach, share your wisdom.

Invite young people to join you for dinner or tea or just to pray together. Make personal invitations. Develop a great desire to be hospitable.

You may be turned down or even ignored but continue to try. Remember the young are foolish and don't always know what is best for them. Persevere is good works.

You are truly loved and have much offer. Never forget that and offer it freely.

In Christ, our Hope,

Jason

Thankful for Spiritual Fathers

I think it is part of getting older and reflecting on what made us the men we are today.

As for my father, while I deeply love and respect him, he is not a Christian and so it is difficult to relate to him in most aspects of life. When it truly comes to godly wisdom and counsel he is not a man I can go to because he does not know God. I pray that will change and he will repent and believe the gospel at some point before he dies and faces the judgment of God.

So what am I to do about seeking that godly wisdom that God has made so clear that I truly need?

To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2Ti 1:2)

To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. (Tit 1:4)

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3Jn 1:4)


The Bible gives us several New Testament examples of “fathers in the faith.” These seem to be men who help to mentor and raise up fellow believers and act as an example for them to walk in holiness before the LORD.

These are men who are humble examples of Christ and strive to be more like Him.

I have truly been blessed these last few years to have several such men in my life. Men who aren't afraid to knock me around when needed or encourage me. Men who really just annoy the fire out of me at times, but even when I disagree with them I know it is always my best that is on their minds.

I'm truly thankful for men like these and I hope you have some fathers like this in your life as well.

If you do try to take the time to say thank you to both them and the heavenly Father who gave them to you.

In Christ, our Hope,

Jason Vaughn

The Gospel in Film

As I look into the world of Christian film making and work on the pre-production aspects of “The Unknown Shepherd” one question that I continually ask myself is “where does the gospel fit in?”

There are a variety of different ideas on the subject. Some think you must have a 100% clear gospel in every film that you make or it is not worthy to be called a Christian film. Others think that you never should have the gospel because it comes across as beating people over the heads. I personally disagree with both positions.

Not all movies need a to have a gospel presentation. I recently watched several films that worked perfectly fine without them (i.e. The Runner from Ravenshead, and Ace Wonder).

One of my favorite films as of late is called To End All Wars. While it does not necessarily present a completely clear gospel, it does present one of the greatest pictures of substitutionary atonement I have ever seen.

Other movies I have recently seen seem to completely whiff on the message completely by not having a clear gospel presentation. One such film is To Save a Life. The message of the movie is great (teen suicide), but the thing that really got under my skin is that the main character supposedly becomes a Christian and nowhere in the entire film does he hear the gospel. You can't get saved without the gospel.

I'm guessing that the screenwriter assumed people already knew the gospel, but as a street preacher I can guarantee they don't. Most people think that the gospel is about trying to be a better person and sadly I think movies such as this reinforce that view.

Understandably, I believe some film makers are weary of showing the gospel presentation because there have been so many cheesy examples in film in the past. Most of those examples including the “sinner's prayer.” But it doesn't have to be that way. It has been done rightly. Fireproof may be one of the best examples.

Also, we don't need to see the gospel presentation followed by an immediate change in the character. Perhaps the character doesn't get saved when hearing the gospel, or perhaps the character does come to Christ, but that is shown, not in a prayer, but in a gradual change of life that comes from a repentant heart.

One way to avoid cheesiness in presenting the gospel in films is to decide up front how you will handle sharing that and to what degree. As I said before if you have a character repent and believe in Christ then I do believe sharing the gospel is important, but the flaw seems to come when we cram it into the storyline. Know beforehand where and how the gospel will be shared and don't just tack it on for good measure.

I'm no great filmmaker. I'm barely at the beginning stages of my first major project, but these are issues I think we need to work out theologically before we ever begin.

The gospel is the greatest message man can ever know and filmmakers have so many opportunities to share that message, and its effects, that it must be seriously considered.