DEVOTION / Just like the Bible
The controversial movie The Exorcist came out when I was a teen. Our Christian teachers urged us not to bother seeing it and wasting our time. Of course, as wise teenagers, that warning led us to do just the opposite and buy tickets. I don't really remember the movie all that much, but what I do remember is hearing the people walking out of the theater in front of me and my friends exclaiming...
Wow! That was just like the Bible!
Actually, NO! It was not. Not even close.
Recently, I've attended screenings of some highly-hyped Bible-based movies both animated or with real-life actors. With social media, it's not hard to find out people's reactions. And it's often --
Wow! That was just like the Bible!
Even when that is not the case.
Now, it is certainly wonderful that movies with positive messages are being made at a time when many of today's movies are ones that God's people would have difficulty endorsing. At the same time, it is important to be discerning and to be a student of the Bible. I've heard statistics that Bible illiteracy is at all time highs in our Western culture.
In John 5:39, Jesus tells his followers to study the Scriptures because they testify about him and teach us that only through Jesus can we be certain of our eternal life. Psalm 119 extols the value of meditating, delighting, and not forgetting God's Word. Paul writes to the young pastor Timothy (2 Timothy 3:16-17) about the uses of Scripture in a believer's life.
"Just like the Bible" is not the same as the Bible.
Changing, simplifying, and watering down the truths of God's Word is dangerous. Revelation 22:19, Proverbs 30:6, and Deuteronomy 4:2 all contain hard warnings about altering God's holy Word.
NOT "Just like the Bible" -- BUT "the Bible."
316NOW is committed to sharing God's true Word with millions of our Chinese brothers and sisters around the world. Prayer: Almighty Lord, bless our words and efforts dedicated in love to You. May we share your Word in its fullness and purity.
by Dave Payne