Why I’m not preaching a 50 Shades of anything sermon series

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I’ve noticed on social media several churches/pastors who are beginning new preaching series called, or based upon, 50 Shades of Grey. I’m not surprised by this. It’s common to “borrow” themes from movies or shows, and other pop-culture things en vogue. That’s been done in the teen ministry for decades.

I don’t have a problem with someone preaching a series called 50 Shades. Some of those who are I consider friends and colleagues. But, this is why I’m not preaching a series called 50 Shades…of anything.

1. I knew what I would be preaching right now a year and a half ago.

I planned what I’m preaching right now in our church long before this movie came out. I always do. I stop at the beginning of each year, get quiet, pray, listen and think. That’s how I plan. I believe if God can show me what he want’s to me preach next Sunday, He can show me what to preach 6 months from now too. Planning this way, I couldn’t keep up with cultural trends if I wanted to.

2. I don’t need to name a series after the latest popular movie (good or bad) to be relevant.

I’m not in any way saying the church doesn’t need to be relevant. I think it does though I don’t think it’s as difficult to do as some make it out to be. But, you need to hear this:

The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God is always relevant. And it always has been.

Identifying with every aspect of culture does not make me relevant. What makes my preaching and teaching relevant is when I give my listeners tools to live in the current culture. They already know how to identify with it as I do. We live in it.

3. The equipping of the saints happens when Christ and His Word are the target, not what the world’s doing.

So, do I need to make sure I do my part to equip the church I pastor so they know the dangers of a movie like this? Of course I do. 50 Shades of Grey, from what I understand, is a movie (and book) that takes sexual perversion to a whole new level. It’s a continuation of what the culture of media set by Hollywood has be doing for decades.

How, then, I do equip them? By continually directed their attentions, and my own, to the person and holiness of Christ through worship and the Word. He is the One who equips.

So, if you or your pastor is planning a new sermons series “50 Shades” go for it. No problem here. Just make sure it’s taking attention away from a messed up, over-sexed culture and placing it on the awesome beauty of Christ. He is the ultimate measure, life-changer and relevant to the culture.

The Gospel was made for this

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I saw a video (see below) about Oprah Winfrey’s religion, which is nothing more than a mix of pluralism and panentheism. She’s even recruited Rob Bell to help her cause and is promoting her system of beliefs to millions online. The video is a warning to Christians and a call to pray. I certainly agree that Christians should pray but is Christianity in trouble because of Oprah Winfrey?

Should Christians be worried? Maybe. Or, maybe not.

  • On a side note, maybe we should be worried more about the people who are propagating a false gospel under the guise of Christianity. But, that’s a different discussion for a different day.

This video and the entire discussion of how quickly American culture is turning into a pluralistic, everyone is right, every path leads to the same place mindset gives me good reason to pause and take a fresh look at the nature of the Gospel. Why did God give us this good news? Where does it work? For what culture was the Gospel made?

You may be saying, “that video is old. I watched it a long time ago. Why are you talking about it now?” Well, according how we process information these days the video is ancient from all the way back in 2009.  Since it was published, as I mentioned above, Rob Bell has joined Oprah’s cause and her web presence and  audience has only grown. But, that actually helps me illustrate a very important truth.

 The Gospel was made for this!

Let me remind you of the cultural environment to which the Gospel was first delivered. It was as pluralistic and confused as a culture could be. There was a different god on every corner and a culture that thought knowledge and enlightenment was the key to all. This culture was also, at times, very hostile to the message of the cross. It was seen by many as a “stumbling block” and “folly,” (1 Cor 1:23)

If you are a Christian with just a little knowledge of Bible history, here’s something of which I don’t need convince you: the Gospel not only worked, but flourished, in this very culture. So much so that the early couriers of this truth were known as “men who have turned the world upside down.” (Acts 17:6)

So, should I worry about what Oprah, Rob Bell and others are peddling? I think it needs to be confronted, but, the religion she is peddling is a path that leads to nowhere. And every person who searches for truth down that path will ultimately be left wanting, just like the people who heard the Gospel at the beginning of its history and were made new and alive through Christ. Worried? No.

The Gospel was made for this!

Will it be easy for the church to reach people in this culture with the Good News of Jesus? Was it easy in the early church? No. However, those of us who have a love for God and a passion for others will reach. Why? Because the Gospel was made for this and, in the last 2,000 years, it has flourished in cultures just like this one. Never forget that.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

Christmas Adoration

Here’s a throw back a couple years to what I was thinking about Christmas. I still have the same goals for Christmas as I did 2 years ago. This year, I’m looking at the heart of Christmas.

jeffclawson's avatarForgetting Forward

The above picture is of Ebenezer Scrooge. I thought it appropriate since I don’t believe in Santa Claus. Shhhhh. Don’t tell anybody.

I got a little heat last Christmas because I mentioned in a Sunday sermon that a news anchor said that Santa didn’t exist and the television station received all kinds of angry calls and emails from parents with terror struck children who just found out the easy way that mom and dad were leaving those presents under the tree which were signed “Santa.” (Let me say here that I don’t have a problem with kids having fun with Santa.) But….

I intend to spend my time trying to convince adults and kids alike of the One who does exist, not someone who doesn’t.

I’m writing and preparing for my Christmas series that I’ll be preaching this December. As is the same every year, I’m excited about December and…

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The Heart of Christmas

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God looks on those with low estate,
the ones the world can’t see,
His light of life shines on our face,
His grace and peace; it’s Christmas.

But how will He if grace to be,
come to all who have such need?
Through angel’s speech he starts his reach,
a gift to all; it’s Christmas.

A world that’s dark with little hope,
heard herald promise long ago,
fear to flee, injustice cease,
the world is pleased; it’s Christmas.

His love uncommon ways to show,
His choice through young and poor,
Is this the way in stable stay?
This Good News; it’s Christmas.

Now light has dawned without much splendor,
the manger lay the humbled king,
a child to grow in precious wonder,
we come with gifts; it’s Christmas.

A cross this leads to answer pleas,
of what God’s plan entails,
He’ll save through death and bring to rest,
this is the heart of Christmas.

10 Things I’d Do Differently if I Weren’t a Pastor Today

Some of these things I was already doing, or not doing. But, it’s most definitely eye opening to pastor. I’m so grateful for those, and there are many, who are faithful, encourage, talk about Jesus to others and invite people to church.

Dale's avatar

Today’s blog post is one I wish I could put my name on.  It’s as though he has read my mind, and the mind of countless other pastors, especially the first three paragraphs.  Please do not pass by on this read today!  By the way, there is no agenda behind sharing this post other than what my blog is all about, “From a pastor’s heart.”

I spent most of my adult life outside vocational ministry. I’m amazed at the opportunities God has given me in ministry, but in many ways I am still a newcomer. I have just over a dozen years in this career. It’s challenging in some ways, because I see things differently from some who have only done ministry, but it also gives me a unique perspective from some pastors. I sat “in the pew” far longer than I’ve stood “behind the pulpit”.

One thing my experience…

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