Author: Dan Beaty (Page 9 of 106)
We recently saw this movie in the theatre and would highly recommend it to everyone. It is a dramatization of an important part of our American history that is not very well-known. I fully appreciate the fact that there is just too much history to cover in this period. Instead, the creators chose to skillfully weave stories and events together to capture the energy, the impact and the essence of the characters and their times.
The story begins with the meetings of the original Continental Congress in the early formation the United States. The tension in the air and the difficult issues the young country was facing are clearly seen. Then the scene changes to a weary Benjamin Franklin with his grandson, recalling the previous decades in the 13 colonies.
As he begins recalling his relationship with his old friend and preacher, George Whitefield, those early days are shown to us on the screen. Whitefield’s story begins in England, and his desire to enter the profession of stage acting. Ultimately his goals change as he later experiences the true grace of God in Christ. Now, most of all his passion is to share the Gospel to others. His transformation alone is worth the price of admission.
After that we quickly get a glimpse of the great crowds of people who gathered to hear the preaching of the wonderful grace of God, calling all people unto Himself. I like that they included John and Charles Wesley in the story as they were important in the revivals of that day. Jonathan Edwards was briefly mentioned. I would point out that his part and others in previous revivals leading up to this were also very important. Finally, my hope is that this movie will expose more people to the wonderful things that God was doing in the days before and after the American Revolution, and that this would lead to further research into that rich history.
Go see it. You might even get a revival fire in your heart as well!
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Uneducated men
There is one interesting comparison I have found when observing the modern Western churches with those of the First Century. College and seminary degrees are much more important today than they were in the First Century. The apostle Paul, a highly educated man in his time, used his education to a great advantage in the Gospel. However, Jesus and His apostles got on quite well without this advantage. (John 7:15, Acts 4:13).
This is not to say that there was no preparation or no requirements for the work they were called to do. Jesus had been in training His entire life. After a life of submission to Joseph and Mary and listening to His Heavenly Father (John 7:16), He was anointed by the Holy Spirit, tested in the wilderness and sent forth with everything He needed to accomplish His mission. (Matthew 3:16-4:17). The 12 apostles underwent several years of rigorous ministry on the road with Jesus throughout His trials and triumphs. Not only that, but from Him they received the keys to understanding the scriptures by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit! (Luke 24:45). Later when the religious leaders saw the boldness of His apostles, they realized that they had spent time with Jesus! What an education! (Acts 4:13)
Other leaders in the the Early Church submitted to certain requirements for leadership. These requirements centered less on the amount of education they possessed. More important was the quality of their character. (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9).
Even today, in certain parts of the world, believers are finding that they need not be burdened by years of studying under the influence of intellectuals. They are spending time with Jesus and learning from Him. Then they are passing down what they have learned to others that are touched by God. (2 Timothy 2:2). But we are not talking about fulfilling the roles of pastor or church leader as they are understood normally today. This role does require courses in history, psychology, politics, sociology, Greek, Latin, Hebrew and church governance. By the way, where is this role, this job description of the modern day church pastor or leader even found in the New Testament?
While I am not saying that educated men and women do not have value or are not important today, I am questioning whether they are as important as we have made them. In view of the problems and complexity inherent in the system of educating and placing them over God’s people, I think it is reasonable to ask these questions.
A college degree does usually indicate a level of effort, dedication and hard work that a person was willing to put forth. That can tell something about a person’s character. If that is what God is calling you to do, by all means pursue it. This is my hope for all of us, that we hear His Voice and follow Him.
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