Problems for Forward Church In New Tampa
There is a church in New Tampa a suburb of Tampa Florida called "Forward Church" that has received a number of complaints by Christians as of late due to a two minute and 30 second sermon youtube clip. Senior pastor Darius Arnold (picture above) was preaching a sermon on Mark 2 that has sparked controversy.
Let me be clear
Now I want to be very clear here. It is not my goal here to belittle, or make fun of, or tear down pastor Darius Arnold. I do not know the man. Nor am I trying to embarrass anyone from Forward Church. Nor, would I want to behave in anyway that is rude, or spiteful. My purpose and interest in this is a theological one. And not only that, this was brought to my attention through a lot of people on Facebook. And since this video was publically put out there. We also have a responsibility to publically critique it in a loving way!
Complaints about the message
The complaints about the sermon by Forward Church's Darius Arnold; mainly through Facebook was his rendering of scripture on Mark Chapter 2.
Mark chapter 2
Is about several main people in this passage. And a major theological, and spiritual divide, that was happening in that day. Between the people's understanding of law,sin, and grace! Here are the key people involved. Jesus, a paralytic man, and religious scribes.
Here is the passage.
Mark 2. 1And when he returned toCapernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,“Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them,“Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Forward Church's Darius Arnold said that the passage to him is about "the huge crowd of people that centered
around Jesus," and he couldn't help but think back, how when Jesus was being born there was no room for him at the Inn.
And now, look at how many people are swarming around Him in this passage.
Then Darius Arnold goes on to twist make the passage about you and me. That is, if we have not been well recieved
in the past by others basically we are going to have gigantic popularity and people will swarm around us as well.
There's the main problem
There is no mention of the sins of the paralytic being forgiven. Nor the major and sole point of this passage. And that Was, Jesus had not only the power to heal. But also the power and authority to forgive sins. Not only that, the passage tells us that Jesus Christ being omniscient he could read minds and hearts of men. Verse 8. And not only that, the paralytic man was now healed, and set free by Jesus verses 10-11.
Furthermore, there is no mention of why Christians are hated and unpopular with the world to begin with!
What's wrong with the message here?
The point of this passage is "not" for you and I to obtain popularity, success, status, or admiration from the people we've met in life.
Mark 2:1-12 is about sins being forgiving by Jesus Christ. It's about Law, Sin, and His grace. It's about how our correct response should be to glorify God verse 12 by sins being forgiven, and freedom in Christ Jesus. Be sure it's about Christ not man, or man's popularity!
Here are what many Christians are saying about Darius Arnold's treatment of the gospel of Mark chapter 2 and link to video below
I've personally known this man & his pastor parents for nearly 2 decades. They are some of the most sincere, genuine people I've EVER met! It's easy to pick apart a Portion of a sermon. I'd challenge you to visit for 3 services & get to know the heart of this Spirit-led Ministry. You'll find that you quickly become family. You'll feel that the Word was for you, personally. You'll feel encouraged & full of JOY!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading:) God bless!
I've personally known this man & his pastor parents for nearly 2 decades. They are some of the most sincere, genuine people I've EVER met! It's easy to pick apart a Portion of a sermon. I'd challenge you to visit for 3 services & get to know the heart of this Spirit-led Ministry. You'll find that you quickly become family. You'll feel that the Word was for you, personally. You'll feel encouraged & full of JOY!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading:) God bless!