Discerning Entertainment - Dr. Burk Parsons (editor of Tabletalk magazine) - Born into an entertainment family, Parsons was one of the original members of the Backstreet Boys. Through his experience, he has a heightened direction in leading his family in discerning entertainment choices. Entertainment can be a wonderful thing, but we still must always guard our eyes and our hearts. Hollywood has affected us all, so we must be discerning going forward. It isn't evil, but our goal remains the same - to Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
When All Things are Made New - RC Sproul (founder of Ligonier Ministries, founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., and first president of Reformation Bible College) - The problem of suffering remains a hard question in this life. In suffering, we focus on the present and secularism says the present is all there is. But in Christ we are called to consider the eternal, not ever downplaying the pain that suffering brings, but gazing upon the future. Rev. 21:3-4 says He will wipe away every tear. As a boy, needed mom to wipe every tear away as I experienced bullies and tough situations, but one day God will wipe away every tear and they will not return. And death will be no more (21:4). One day we won't know death, sorrow, crying, and pain. Right now, all of creation groans, waiting for the moment when the curse (of pain and suffering) is removed (Rom. 8:19). One day it says (22:3) "no longer will there be anything accursed." And we will see God's face (v.4). Persevere through the pain and one day we will see God's face. "These words are trustworthy and true (v.6)." If we are in Christ by faith alone, we are bound for glory when He will make all things new.
Entertainment Everywhere - Kevin D. Gardner (associate editor of Tabletalk magazine) - In the late 20th and early 21st centuries there have been rapid changes in technology. In the early 80s, MTV brought in the era of hyperkinetic editing where no shot lasts more than 3 seconds and this made its way into films and even sporting events. It trains our brains to expect new stimuli at regular intervals; we now feel bored quickly. We are also distracted easily. TV in the 1950s became the center of the home. Families in the same house yet each on their own screen or doing something different. There are simply too many options. 24 hours news came about in 1980 proclaiming the mundane as breaking news. Reality TV resulted in taking part in the latest great event - daily. In the past, life moved slowly with most significant events standing out. Now everything is significant, yet nothing really is. Don't lose sight of what really matters. All should be brought under God's authority and used for His glory (I Cor. 10:31).
The Gift of Entertainment - Nick Batzig (organizing pastor of New Covenant Presbyterian church in Richmond Hill, Georgia) - God has provided entertainment. We often use entertainment to escape life. What can we draw from scripture about entertainment? Entertainment defined -- an activity that affords pleasure, diversion, or amusement, especially a performance of some kind. It comes from a Latin word meaning "holding together" and includes rest. We need to rest from our labor. "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31). So entertaining activities should glorify God. Music, dance, art, sports, and literature play a role in our quest for joy and rest. David's dying words he referred to himself as "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Sam 23:1). King Saul summoned David to play soothing melodies for the king (I Sam 16:16) and this refreshed Saul (v. 23). Solomon had a gift of music (I Kings 4:32). David returned to Israel with the ark and danced (2 Sam 6:14) and dance is alluded to in the wisdom literature (Eccl 3:4). Athletics is mentioned in the New Testament -- running (Heb 12:1), boxing (I Cor 9:26), wrestling (Eph 6:12); they admired competitiveness (1 Cor 9:24), training (I Cor 9:25, I Tim 4:7-8), single-mindedness (I Cor 9:26), self-denial (9:27), attire (Heb 12:1), perseverance (Heb 12:2), and endurance (I Tim 4:8). Artisans were employed in the construction of the tabernacle (Ex 25:1-5, 35) and temple (I Kings 6:4); the potter and the clay (Jer 18:1-19:11; Rom 9:21) to highlight God's sovereignty. Literature through poetry (Acts 17:28), philosophy (I Cor 15:33), and fictional/apocalyptic narrative (Jude 1:9,14). Film and television seems to be a amalgamation of artwork and literature. As in everything we must be careful that entertainment doesn't turn into us engaging in immorality or idolatry; entertainment itself is not sinful. We must still glorify God in our entertainment choices.
The Danger of Entertainment - Keith A. Mathison (professor of systematic theology at Reformation Bible College) - In 1991, Nirvana's Kurt Cobain screamed the lyrics, "Here we are now, Entertain Us!" It is clear, we live in a culture that demands constant entertainment, constant diversion. As followers of Christ, living in the world, not of it, what is our response? There isn't mention of most of our entertainment choices in the Bible, so we must be guided by principles in the text. Once again, I Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." As we choose entertainment, we need to think whether our choices, at any moment, can be enjoyed to the glory of God. (I must admit, that is a hard question and in the process will remove a lot entertainment choices from my diet.) Second, in I Corinthians 8:7-13 is the example of eating food in such a way that it causes a brother to stumble and thus applying this to choosing an entertainment choice that causes a brother to stumble. While those principles are inferred, there are also direct instructions.
- Idolatry - This occurs when an entertainment choice (sports, movies, TV shows, magazines, internet -- becomes a chief end in itself and becomes an idol. (For me, the warning signs is when I am more engaged in these activities than ministry).
- Worldliness - Friendship with the world is admonished (James 4:4). A lot of entertainment is produced by non-Christians or doesn't encourage faith, but does it encourage righteous living. I think I must be careful for this. I'm encourage in the Word to think on things that are worthy of His praise (Phil. 4:8).
- Shifting our worship time to another form of entertainment is a danger some churches have fallen into, in order to be relevant and fun in the same way as the world. We must evaluate what our primary concern is in these moments. "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)”
- Danger of Distraction - With entertainment now at our fingertips, we can get distracted very easily by this in our lives. We must be careful that we don't turn these gifts into the greatest gift in our lives and pull us away from things that are more Godly and important.
Christ in Sight - Jason Helopoulos (Associate pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan) - Recalls a hiking trip to New Mexico in which he prepared but still got tired from the elevation change and got his eyes off the creation he came to enjoy and onto his boots, just walking. Often, the daily chores, routines and stresses of like take over and we start to lose our focus on the beauty of the Lord (Psalm 27:4). Each day we need discipline, mind engagement and holy pursuit to pursue Christ and seek to gaze upon His beauty. Keep Christ in view throughout my day - in my daily work, as I parent and love my spouse, pleading for a greater vision of His beauty in the morning and thanking Him every evening for the delights I've enjoyed.
Because He Loves Us - Kevin D. Gardner (associated editor of TableTalk; resident adjunct professor at Reformation Bible College) - Account of Jarius daughter that Jesus rose from the dead. Upon this happening she is told to eat (possibly to prove that life has returned). This girl had been raised privately, not publicly. Jesus met a need but Jesus also still had a mission. He loves us, everything about us. He loves people. Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, a place Jesus often went, and Jairus at the time he came to Jesus perhaps not even sure Jesus is who He says He is, but inside of Jairus I think He knows Jesus might be able to help. And He does - because He loves people. Even after raising the girl from the dead was the thought to get her something to eat. The author brings up Isaiah 43 and it is a passage reminding us that we are precious and we do not need need to fear for He is with us. He is our God. The Isaiah passage describes the redemption or God delivering the Israelites. God delivers us - always and forever. He is what we need.
Sight in the Shadow - Melissa B. Kruger (women's ministry coordinator at Uptown Church (PCA) in Charlotte, NC) - The author opens up with a person dying and in that moment, gathered around, in sorrow yet rejoicing the person is with Jesus. Reminded of Ecclesiastes 7:3 and sorrow is better than laughter. We are left here in the Shadow to remember our Purpose, our Hope, and our Home. For our Purpose, we let the busyness of life choke out what matters most - seeking the lost, sharing the gospel and making disciples. Remember our purpose: know Him and make Him known. Hope - I Peter 1:13 reminds me to set my hope fully on the grace that will be brought to me at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Death reminds me of the one day Jesus returns. Home - I am not yet home. He has gone to prepare a place for me and He will take me there (John 14:1-3). (Note: Each article on this page is linked to Ligonier.com but this one is not on their site.)
Love and Church Discipline - Jonathan Leeman (editorial director of 9Marks; elder at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC.) - Story of Michael, converted through the church's evangelism team, becoming a member, having been homeless and addicted to drugs. But then he began to steal from church member's to continue his drug addiction. The church barred him from the Lord's table and membership, thus no longer part of the "one body" (Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor 5: 10:17), though he could still attend public gatherings. Discipline is a component of discipleship as it is teaching and correcting. Our culture today struggles with discipline because it's view on love focuses on people feeling special. Romanticized love focuses on discovering and expressing yourself. But love in the Bible is holy. It makes demands, not delighting in evil but rejoicing in truth (I Cor 13:6); disciplines shows us God's love (Hebrews 12:6). It's goal is to bring the person in sin to repentance (I Cor. 5:5). It keeps the church's witness bright and attractive (Matt 5:13-16). The goal of discipline is restoration which happened with Michael when he eventually stood before the church and confessed his sin, exhorting how good God is.
Press On - Robert Rothwell (Associate editor of Tabletalk Magazine) - He mentions spending time daily doing Children's Catechism with his kids. Some days go well, but on other days the kids are restless and at times all they can do is pray and go to bed. But they press on and he mentions we are often like this in our church services as well. We are restless, our mind is distracted, thinking of lunch or something else going on in our lives, but we press on. Over time God is working in our lives and growing us and we don't want to be legalistic thinking that we must always be rigid and can never fluctuate. God is greater than this and can work through our situations.
Dealing with Disappointment - Dr. Deepak Reju (pastor of biblical counseling and family ministry at Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC.) - What do we do when life is not what we expect it to be. It happens all the time. I think of my day - an employee makes a remark about their work habits; another employee isn't doing what I am expecting them to do; my entire day is spent on things I don't really enjoy; my wife only talks about the dog now; I call my childhood friend to do something and he is too busy; work is so busy. Things don't go as expected. What am I worshipping, really? (Matt. 6:19-21 -- Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth -- but lay up treasures in heaven -- where your treasure is, there is your heart. Lord, I am selfish; change my expectations so I am more accepting of my life and each moment of it and I am more focused on things that matter to You. I should be different because of You in my life.) Overall, my natural tendency is to blame others. (Matt. 7:3-5 - Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?) The Problem or "how did i get here?" -- Sin. Sin corrupts everything in our world. Everything not of God is working against God and feeding these unhealthy desires and expectations. (Romans 12:3 - do not to think more highly than ought to think, but think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. I need help God with this. I do think too highly of myself.) The Spirit is working in me, but the flesh is also doing everything it can to undermine my life. (Gal. 5:16-25 - Walk by the Spirit - the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality...enmity...envy. Live by the Spirit. Back to the Spirit for me and living by the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.) Help. Jesus, I can't deal with this on my own. I need You. Run to the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:15-21 - If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature....I am an ambassador for Christ.) One day sin and pain will be no more. (Psalm 73:24-26 - God guides me with his counsel....My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.) In heaven, there will be no more disappointment.
How to Pray for Your Pastor - Welton L. Duncan (Ruling elder of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, SC) - We are living in an anti-Christian culture and our pastors/elders rule the church (Titus 1:5, 9 - appoint elders in every town and guard the treasures of Christ - He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.) Prayers to Offer Up: 1. That He would delight in preaching - Diligently seeking the Lord in his preparation - 2 Timothy 4:1-2 - I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2. That He would enjoy the Lord's Day - Robert Murray M'Cheyne says, "A well-spend sabbath we fell to be a day of heaven upon earth...We love to rise early on that morning, and to sit up late, that we may have a long day with God." 3. That he would lead his family well - Deuteronomy 6:7 - You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 4. That he would have a heart for the lost - have a Christlike love for the lost and a joy in telling others about the Shepherd King; a zeal for the lost. 5. That the Lord would protect him - God, provide every physical and emotional need for the call to serve; protect these men from the evil one and temptations; guard themselves and grant personal holiness; apply the means of grace to their own hearts, by God's help. 6. That he would preach the gospel - Preach Christ as set forth in the gospel; Preach the glorious Gospel of Good news, in every way, and everywhere, in public, and in private and in the pulpit.
The Antidote to Anemic Worship - R. Albert Mohler Jr (President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) - Though worship wars have resulted among churches, worship is being talked about more and emphasized. Liturgical churches believe the sacraments - Lord's Supper and Baptism powerfully present the gospel; evangelical churches believe the evangelical message is at the heart of everything in the service, and yet the focus is more on music, drama and video presentations. Our media centered culture starts to mirror itself in what we focus on in churches, replicating studio quality music in the church service. Many hours are spent preparing. Traditional churches have choirs and orchestras. Yet, even Martin Luther recognized the importance of worship and yet believed that the heart of biblical worship is the preaching of the Word. Thus, it is expository preaching that is central to the Bible's mission of authentic worship. An example is found in Nehemiah 8. In verse 8 it says, They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. The concern though in our age of entertainment is Bible preaching is more a brief message of encouragement or exhortation. So what is giving in to anemia (feeling tired and weak) or that which is lacking is expository preaching in our services.
The Church in Europe - Steffen Mueller (Pastor of Gospel Church München in Munich, Germany) - Over the past 2 centuries the church has been on a decline in Europe. From 1951 to 2017, the number of members in the two largest churches (Protestant state church and Roman Catholic Church) in Germany has decreased from 96 percent to 56 percent. For Protestants and Catholics, less than 4 percent and 10 percent, respectively attend church on any given Sunday. Meanwhile, Muslim population increasing (now 6 percent of population); 1/3rd orthodox. Yet, there are still people faithfully preaching the word of God. Many are following, though most are in smaller congregations. The community of believers is very loving. Due to proximity, many people have taken care of refugees and seen these individuals come to faith in Christ. But there are also weaknesses - liberal theology in which churches are not preaching Christ crucified. The focus in on man and making life better now. And many don't therefore know their doctrines. The number of evangelical churches has multiplied 10 times since 1945 in France.
These posts were originally published in Tabletalk magazine. To consider more about the role of entertainment in the life of a Christian, read the July 2017 issue of Tabletalk magazine on the theme of entertainment.
Excerpts from
TABLETALK | JULY 2017 | VOL. 41 | NO.7
Ligonier Ministries
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