My Response to "Heaven is for Real"

I am not one that loves to stir up controversy, but in this particular blog post the "pot might get stirred."  There has recently been a huge whirlwind of press surrounding the book, and the movie by the same name, Heaven is for Real.

I will admit something upfront in this post:  I have NOT read the book or seen the movie.  However, I do think that one can look at the premise of a book/movie (i.e., read about its main themes, storyline, etc.) and filter that information through what Scripture teaches and come to a conclusion. 

Fortunately, there are other out there in "media land" who have already done this.  I am not going to take the time here to re-hash what they have already done for us.  With that said, I am going to leave you with several links to several articles that were produced by Dr. John MacArthur and Grace to You.

I will advice you on something:  please read these articles with an open-mind and an open-heart.  Put your preconceived ideas about the book/movie aside and listen to what God has already told us about such things in His Word.  At the end of the day, what God has already told us in His Word trumps what any other book or movie might have to say.  I hope that you genuinely believe that last statement.

Without any further commentary from me, here are the links.

The Burpo-Malarkey Doctrine by Phil Johnson (October 2012)
http://www.gty.org/blog/B121018?term=The%20Burpo-Malarkey%20Doctrine

Heaven is Real; Hallucinations Are Not by John MacArthur (April 2014)
http://www.gty.org/Blog/B140428

Dead Men Tell No Tale by John MacArthur (April 2014)
http://www.gty.org/Blog/B140429

When Preschoolers Speak Ex Cathedra by John MacArthur (May 2014)
http://www.gty.org/Blog/B140501

The Idolatry of Experience by John MacArthur (May 2014)
 http://www.gty.org/Blog/B140502

Without being a raving crazy person, fill free to comment on this post and let me know what you think. 

"I Am Speaking From Experience..."

I am simply blown away.  I don't say what I am about to say with a prideful spirit.  Please know that!  I have chosen to become more faithful in my personal study of scripture.  I know what your thinking.  You are thinking, "Derek calls himself a christian, but he doesn't personally study scripture?"  You are right.  I am not always as faithful as I should be with regards to studying scripture.  Granted, I study for 3 lessons a week at church, but none of that is specifically geared for my personal walk with Christ.  I have got news for you, my friend.  YOU DON'T STUDY SCRIPTURE FOR "YOU" LIKE YOU SHOULD EITHER!!!  (If you do, well, ignore the "all caps" statement.)

Lately God has been challenging me, kicking me, slapping me, convicting me, breaking me, forming me, and speaking to me from the book of Philippians.  I think over the last several weeks I have read the book 5 times or more.  I can't get enough of it (remember what I said about being prideful above).  I am actually thinking of writing a short book on it (sounds crazy doesn't it?). 

When Jennifer and I got married in May of 2005, we recited a section of verses from the book of Philippians at our wedding.  I didn't really even think about what I was reciting.  I was just wanting the ceremony to be over.  I know that sounds harsh, but you know what I mean.  Well, at least the men reading this do. 

Anyway, God is using that section of verses in my life as of late.  As I write this post, it is Friday afternoon and I have little to do.  If you are from my church reading this post, ignore that last statement.  I decided to get my ESV Study Bible out and begin the process of really tearing the book of Philippians apart.  The following information in this post is where I have stopped and camped out today. 

Here is what Philippians 1:9-11 says, "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Let's break this down some.

1. It is my prayer.
1. What is my prayer?
1. That love may abound more and more.
1. How?
1. With knowledge
2. With all discernment
2. Why?
1. So that I can approve what is excellent.
2. So that I can be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
3. So that I can be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ
4. So that GOD WOULD BE GLORIFIED AND PRAISED!!!

THIS IS MY PRAYER.  

I desire that my love for God and for others would continually, day after day, increase.  That I would couple love with knowledge (wisdom) and discernment (good judgment).  Why do I want to do this?  Great question.  I want to do this so that I can approve and practice those things that are excellent in the eyes of God.  I want to do this so that when Christ returns He will find a joyful obedience in me.  I want to do this so that I can be filled with all those things that come from being a righteous person, knowing that those things only come through Christ.  The main reason that I want to do this is so that my God would be glorified and praised.

I want to challenge you to read and study scripture.  If you are anything like me, and I think you are, you are not as faithful to scripture as you once were or as you "once said or tricked yourself into thinking" you were.  Blessing to you and I can't wait to see what God is going to do in your life once you decide to devote yourself to His Word.  He will do something in you.  Trust me.  I am speaking from experience.

For Me Today...

I was reading Psalm 32 this morning.  It was for me.  Ask God to allow these words to infiltrate your heart today.  They are for you too. 

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!  Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!  When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.  Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.  My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.  Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.  I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD."  And you forgave me!  All my guilt is gone.  Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.  For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory.  The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway of your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.  Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."  Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.  So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!  Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!------Psalm 32 (New Living Translation)

God Bless!!!