"The Gospel According To Andy Griffith"

There is not many that enjoy the Andy Griffith Show more than myself. It's a classic and good fun. Why Barney Fife is the epitome of fleshliness! The reason I bring this up is for one reason: today in many places, the Andy Griffith Show has been made into a series of Bible studies! It is more popular in the southern states. Larger congregations are using it to help increase their attendance and stir a 'renewed excitement' for the local congregation. It is called "The Andy Griffith Bible Study Series." Please know that I am not finger pointing or trying to bash. That serves no purpose. What I am doing is showing how easily we can become persuaded "through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." (Col. 2:8 - emphasis mine)

Let me make some spiritual observations about such so we are not deluded by persuasive argument. (1) There is nothing wrong with using things as object lessons. God's word certainly does that, but never in a fleshly way. (2) What does God want? His word preached/taught (II Tim. 4:1-2). There are no substitutes for that. To use a man-made show to teach God's word is a little backward from what God wants. Paul said he preached nothing but Jesus and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2). When we begin to promote Barney over the teachings of Jesus or putting him beside the teachings of His apostles, there is something wrong. The Andy Griffith Show never brought anyone to knowing God (John 17:3)! The Andy Griffith Show never converted one single person to Jesus! There is no one led to Christ, baptized into His death or raised to walk in newness of life. There is no real, genuine saving faith produced, as that comes only from God's word. Yes, it has moral values, but those moral values can never be substituted for Christ and His word. God word is reality, reveals His truth and is the only source of spiritual direction! His word teaches the best morals, more than any man can dream up. (3) God confronts man with his sinfulness, showing a need for a Savior. The Andy Griffith Show never confronts the sinfulness of man but shows tolerance and acceptance. From the beginning of creation to Revelation, one message was preached and that message led people to repentance and salvation. (4) When one assembles with the saints to worship, we are to draw near to God. Mayberry has never brought anyone to worshiping God, much less drawing near to God through Jesus.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires."(II Tim. 4:3) Now that's something to take serious!