The Berean Call is one of my favorite ministries. Their ministry verse is,
Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
They take being Bereans seriously, which is why they don’t shy away from tough issues. We should evaluate any teaching we’re exposed to by looking to see what the Bible says and comparing it to God’s Word. That is how we can find truth during these days of apostasy and deception.
I was reading one of their articles recently called “Flocking to Fables – Part Two.” Tom McMahon was previously a screenwriter in Hollywood. He wrote in this article:
Before I became a born-again, biblical Christian, I was a “myth-and-fable” maker. I applied that craft as a screenwriter in Hollywood. The job entailed making up original stories, or stories based upon books or peoples’ lives, or historic events. All theatrical movies are made up, even though some are promoted as being based upon actual events. “Based upon” is a phrase meaning that it’s Hollywood’s interpretation of history.
My primary function as a screenwriter was manipulating the emotions of movie-going audiences: make them laugh, make them cry, frighten them, stimulate their desires, make them cry out for vengeance, or put them in a euphoric state. If some of that wasn’t actually taking place or being entertaining and effective in the movies I wrote, it would have meant a disastrous consequence for the box-office returns. It also would make getting my next writing assignment more difficult.
https://www.thebereancall.org/content/flocking-fables-part-2
Movies and television shows can be very manipulative. Why? As Tom just showed us, they are purposely designed to be that way.
Tom also wrote later in the same article:
It’s ensnaring many of those whom you would think would have biblical discernment and especially those who have the responsibility as shepherds of protecting their sheep. Tragically, many of them are Calvary Chapel pastors. Although Greg Laurie now has his own ministry called “Harvest,” he started out in ministry with Chuck Smith. This is from an interview that Laurie did recently with Jonathan Roumie, the actor who played “Jesus Christ” in The Chosen. Roumie, by the way, is also an evangelist for the Roman Catholic Church. He took The Chosen’s writer/director Dallas Jenkins, a professing evangelical, to Rome to meet with the pope, who applauded the movie series.
Laurie stated in the interview (available on Harvest’s own YouTube channel) that “God had put [Roumie] in a very strategic place” in playing the character of “Jesus.” He then declared, “I think this series is fantastic.” Again, I’m just quoting what he said, so don’t think I’m “attacking” him. In his own words he is stating what he clearly believes. Laurie continued, “The actors are doing an amazing job in bringing Bible stories to life for a whole new generation.” No, they are not Bible stories according to screenwriter Jenkins, but rather what he calls “backstories.” They all stem from the minds and imaginations of the screenwriters of the various episodes, as well as input from the Mormon producers.
https://www.thebereancall.org/content/flocking-fables-part-2
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We have mentioned the online show The Chosen more than once. Tom saw through it immediately. How? Well for one, he was a screenwriter. And two, the show is connected with the Mormons. But, of course, three, he knew his Bible.
I think that third point needs to be a priority for all of us in the coming days. We need to know our Bibles better to keep from being so easily deceived.
Until the nets are full,
P.S. The Berean Call has a great newsletter that you really should sign up for at the following link: https://www.thebereancall.org/subscribe
Also their yearly conference is in just a few weeks. You can attend their conference in person or watch it via livestream. It will be well worth your time.
https://www.thebereancall.org/conference
P.P.S. I just saw gas priced at $3.69 at a station, and someone told me it was over $4 a gallon at a station downtown. This is getting ridiculous. It made me think it was time for a blessing. I have always been one who likes good deals, and since you folks like handing out these booklets, let’s offer them at 20% off the suggested donation. I know that discretionary income is tighter for a lot of folks, but we can’t let anything stop us from reaching lost souls during these days.
