Have you ever found yourself asking Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) Do you ever feel like there are so many opinions on an issue, you can’t possibly wade through them all and come to a personal conviction? Have you ever thought that an issue is so confusing that you can’t possibly know the right conclusion? Have you ever been overwhelmed trying to figure out how to answer a question, think through an issue, engage in a conversation, or make a decision? Yep — join the club! I’ve felt that way a lot.

However, part of what makes you and me unique, Christian, is that we have access to truth! Thomas a Kempis said, “He who hears the Word of God is freed from a multitude of opinions.” God’s Word is able to cut through the confusion and give us clarity (Hebrews 4:15). It cannot do that for everyone, but for those us of who have the indwelling Spirit of God through faith in Jesus, we can know the mind of God in His Word on all the issues of life (1 Corinthians 2:11-13).

The Word of God itself promises to equip us with knowledge, so that “we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14). In a post-modern world of relative truth, differing voices, complex issues, and volatile disagreements, you can have serene confidence as you think, discern, and decide.

But there is a price to pay for such clarity and confidence. You and I must “study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that doesn’t need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Friend, make time for God’s Word today. Life is too perplexing, the issues are too important, the decisions are too impacting, and the truth is too little known. Don’t let the opinions of others confuse you; rather, let the Word of God establish you!

The first half of 2014 has witnessed an increased share of Christian movies hitting the local theater. Predictably, these releases have created a lot of buzz in the evangelical community. For each of us, the Christlike virtue of discernment (Ephesians 5:15-18; Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Peter 5:8) becomes vitally important as we evaluate the theological content, moral teaching, and evangelistic potential of these movies.

Fortunately, each of us are able to "teach and admonish" ourselves and our brothers and sisters regarding these unique movies if the Word of Christ is dwelling in us richly (Colossians 3:16). In the list below, I've linked to several helpful reviews of some of these hottest movies. Whether or not you see these films, I trust we'll continue to think discerningly, walk distinctly, and live missionally.

NOAH

• Greg Baker — I really appreciated my friend's comments about how to share the gospel using this movie as a springboard. However, he admits that he hasn't and won't see the movie. I wonder if he does, if he will have to rewrite this article. I would like to be able to launch into a gospel presentation using this movie as a conversation starter, but it tells such an aberrant story that it's hard to reasonably climax it with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I think I would have to say something along the lines of, "I'm glad you enjoyed the movie—it sure was a cinematic masterpiece. However, do you know that the real story of Noah is actually quite a bit different than Hollywood's version, and it ends a lot better?!"
• Al Mohler — He summarizes my thoughts well: "I expected to be irritated by the movie – but I found myself grieved."
• Answers in Genesis (a longer review here)
• Quick Thoughts — (1) It visually stirs you with what the wickedness of man is like, although it misrepresents the essence of sin (i.e., against nature, not against God). (2) It condones evolution and non-marital sex. (3) It teaches that mankind's destiny was ultimately left up to Noah not the sovereign plan of God, thus suggesting a deistic view of God. (4) It essentially misses the illustration of grace divinely pictured in that story (cf. 1 Peter 3:18-20; 2 Peter 2:5), thus making it hard to climax with what that shadow is supposed to point to—Jesus Christ (cf. Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 10:1). (5) As the above articles mention, it incorporates a lot of non-biblical, extra-biblical, and unbiblical elements.
• My Bottom Line (NOTE: my opinion, not Scriptural dogma) — Feel free to watch the movie and enjoy the cinematic entertainment. However, I stand by what I posted on Facebook immediately after watching this movie, "If you haven't seen the movie Noah, but know and love your Bible, don't waste your time and vex your spirit! So grateful that the true story of Noah is a picture of sovereign grace—'good news' indeed!"

SON OF GOD

• Tim Challies (also here)
• Matthew Hoskinson
• Andy Naselli
• My Bottom Line (NOTE: my opinion, not Scriptural dogma) — I haven't seen it, but probably will when it comes out on DVD. I'm sure that I will be frustrated with some of its aberrant details, but also expect to be encouraged at times. Regardless, I agree with Any Naselli that the 2003 movie, The Gospel of John, is a better Jesus-film to watch, for its script is the word-for-word gospel of John.

GOD'S NOT DEAD

• Answers in Genesis
• My Bottom Line (NOTE: my opinion, not Scriptural dogma) — I have not watched this movie, but have read some reviews and appreciate their concerns. Having listened to those comments, I doubt this movie will prove too helpful in evangelism, but I'm sensing that if watched with discernment, God's Not Dead can be a wonderful source of encouragement and strengthening.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
(and all other such books and movies on near-death experiences in heaven or hell)

• John MacArthur
• Tim Challies
• John Piper
• David Platt
• Luke 16:19-31 — I was surprised that none of the above reviews referenced this passage, in which we are told, "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead" (v. 31). In other words, God's Word is sufficient for our understanding and faith.
  
• My Bottom Line (NOTE: my opinion, not Scriptural dogma) — I like how Tim Challies ends his review of the book, and I'm okay listening to his advice: "So reject this book. Do not read it. Do not believe it. And do not feel guilty doing so." Again, though, this topic being in the realm of Christian liberty, I am not saying that you are sinning or even being unwise if you decide to read the book or watch the movie. Do so with discernment and commitment to the integrity of, submission to, and proclamation of scriptural truth.

More nuggets from A. W. Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy in his chapter on "The Wisdom of God."  What peace these meditations give to our decision-making in life!  I couldn't help but think how applicable this was to our recent decision-making series, especially to last topic of "Decisions about Direction."

To believe actively that our Heavenly Father constantly spreads around us providential circumstances that work for our present good and our everlasting well-being brings to the soul a veritable benediction. Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart.

There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but it is a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the movement we turn in faith to Him. Here is the promise: "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them [Isaiah 42:16]."

…

With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack?