When I was a lot younger (and I mean a lot younger!), I used to watch TV shows in black and white. One of the popular shows, even though it was years later, were the ones of Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan. Johnny was an Olympic gold medal swimmer who appeared in 12 movies between 1932 and 1948. And yes, that was before my time, thank you very much. 🙂 As in most movies there were times of anxiety and tension and excitement. Living in the jungle with Jane and their son, “boy,” gave them plenty of opportunities to have all three of those criteria. One of the most frequent were when they went swimming and a crocodile would slip into the water and see a feast before him. But Tarzan always won (as you would expect). He was smart enough and strong enough to save the day.
Tragically, we cannot say the same about the church today. While there are pockets of steadfastness and people holding the line, there are greater examples of waffling and retreat. As we talk about staying true to our values in our world, I think it is much more important that the church makes it an essential part of its culture to remain true to biblical truth. Sadly, with the teachings coming out of Bethel, Hillsong and the Word of Faith movement, it is getting harder to remain Biblically solid. It is especially hard because of there being wolves in sheep’s clothing. Paul warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 of that very tactic.
Jude is aware of the creep into the church. I have entitled this first of two sermons from Jude as Look Out for Spies! I’ll cover the first 16 verses of Jude this week and then finish up the Snapshot series next week with the rest of Jude. Solomon once wrote, “Buy truth, and do no sell it.” (Pr. 23:23). That is a great admonition to us to seek the truth and not give up on it.
Please join me this Sunday at 9:00 and 10:45, either in person or via live stream. If you can’t, I would appreciate your prayers.
Jude is a good book to warn us how a church can be penetrated by ungodly people. If they are not careful, the integrity of the church begins to divide, and the church muddles down the word of God. Father keep our church, true to your word and your word alone, help us to expose those who bring harm to your word. Help us stand firm in your teachings, and keep Jesus as our only true love.
Thanks Gail. I pray OVCF will always be faithful to the Word. With folks like you keeping my feet to the fire, it will.
I loved watching the Tarzan movies as a kid. Of course, I identified with Tarzan, but my favorite character was Cheetah, who died at age 80 in 2011.
But you’re right, there is no Tarzan today to swing in on a vine and save the day.
I remember Cheetah Glynn. Even though I didn’t understand a word he said, Tarzan did. 🙂 We definitely need some Tarzans today.
Saturday mornings were not complete without watching a Tarzan episode, Bill! We’ve started going back to church, but I think we might stay home tomorrow. If so, I’ll be tuning in!
Blessings!
That is when I watched it also Martha. I’m glad you have been able to go back in person but I am also glad to hear that you might tune in. Thanks for the lift.
I remember watching Tarzan at my Grandparents house in Florida. Grandpa, my brother and I would watch it together in the afternoons. I miss those days.
Do you think the waffling and retreat is present in all churches? Or just the mentioned ones?
Not in all churches. It takes discernment to know what church tells the truth and which one doesn’t