The Da Vinci Code & Me

There's been great commotion around the Da Vinci Code in recent weeks. And the commotion aroused is primarily within the community of Christ. Christians, and less so the pagans, are being shaken. Why? The reason is simple. This book seeks to confuse and we cannot be confused unless we already have prior knowledge or information about something and now, new pieces of information (inaccurate ones in this instance!) come along to contradict what we already know.

The fact is that Dan Brown is a very skilled author and so the whole FICTION is very enticing. The confusion comes because he mixes truth with falsehood. From the perspective of a believer in Christ, there are basically 2 aspects to address the issue:

1. Know the Source of the bible
Over the centuries of human history, there are countless attempts in popular culture as well as political scene to fight the truth of the Gospel. This is the anti-christ spirit that the bible speaks about. Persecution of the church has been spoken about and it is not surprising at all. The question for each of us becomes, "do you really believe that the Holy Bible is God-inspired?"

This you can answer by:

(1) your personal encounters with God. This is something that is experienced and what is experienced is the truth and cannot be taken away. You know it and people involved in that encounter with you would know it. It is an undeniable occurrence regardless of what people say thereafter and you know it best.

(2) through scientific evidences. Even by the standard of measurement of the world, that is through archaelogical examinations (as all other historical texts and information has gone through in the academic world), the Bible has withstood the tests and in fact is found to be of far higher accuracy and consistency than any historical material ever existed in mankind. And this is by conclusion of non-believers. Why? Because the truth is the truth whether one believes in it or not.

2. Understand the main points of contention in the Da Vinci Code
There are talks by various churches and Christian organisations that are organised to address the claims of this book.

A good resource to guide us to refuting the half-truths (or rather falsehoods!) is the audio sermon called "Jesus and the Da Vinci Code" by Pastor Mark Conner of City Life Church, Melbourne which can be purchased online at http://www.attributes.com.sg/.

Also, Pastor Kong Hee of City Harvest Church, Singapore did address the mindset by which we are to approach this. You can watch this sermon entitled "Daniel among the Babylonians" at http://www.chc.org.sg/english/video_sermons/index.cfm or go to http://www.davincicode.org.sg/index.php to read/hear about the views of other Spirit-filled pastors in Singapore.

Further, a handy reference to deciphering facts from fiction may be downloaded by clicking here. For more info, you can also explore http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/06/01/05.aspx

There is a need for us to be discerning in what we allow ourselves to be exposed to. When we come across something that shakes our faith, abandon the material, seek God and pray for a renewal of your mind and a greater measure of faith. It is not about being ignorant or closed up but we have to be careful not to do things that would stumble ourselves or others.

However, with maturity in Christ, and having been illuminated in our minds with the right context and information (from trusted Christian leaders and other Christians sources) and you know in the heart of hearts that you are fully aligned to God, then we are free to hold the ground as Daniel did, being of the Spirit of God in spite of being amongst those who practise alternative spirits.

This way, the end outcome can only be one: our faith in God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, would be strengthened! Halleluyah! Remember, whenever in doubt, seek for the answers within a trusted Christian community. Do not look to the world because one thing is for sure: the truth is where God is - in His Church, His kingdom, not out there somewhere. So build up and be amongst a sound Christian fellowship so that you can stand strong in the world without having to be of it. Amen? #nelle#