DISCERNMENT REQUIRED

"Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool." -Proverbs 26:9

One of the great blessings of living in the digital age is the sheer amount of Christian content readily available at our fingertips. At Big Island Christian Church, we recently made a valuable resource available to you and your family—free access to RightNow Media. Many have called it the "Netflix of Christian content," and it does indeed offer thousands of Bible studies, sermons, children's programs, and teaching series. But with that gift, I want to offer a loving word of caution.

This past Sunday, I referenced Proverbs 26:9, which states, "Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool." The point is simple: even something good and true can be misused or mishandled when it’s in the wrong hands—or when it’s consumed without wisdom.

A Library, Not a Seminary:

Think of RightNow Media like a public library or even like a Costco membership. It offers access to thousands of resources, but just because something is available doesn't mean it's good, beneficial, or biblical. You wouldn't assume that everything on the shelves at Costco is healthy or nourishing for your body; in the same way, not everything on RightNow Media is healthy or nourishing for your soul.

The platform’s business model is to provide content from a wide range of theological backgrounds without any theological vetting or doctrinal accountability. That means you will find excellent, biblically faithful teachers like R.C. Sproul, Alistair Begg, Kevin DeYoung, and Jen Wilkin.But alongside them, you will also find content from pragmatic, progressive, and even heretical voices such as Andy Stanley, Rick Warren, Steven Furtick, Beth Moore, Dallas Willard, Shauna Niequist, Francis Chan, and Ann Voskamp. Some of these names may be familiar and popular, but popularity does not equal sound theology.

The Bible Warns Us:

Scripture is clear about the dangers of false teaching and the subtle drift that can lead people astray. We are warned:

📖 2 Peter 2:1-3 — "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies..."

📖 1 Timothy 1:19-20 — "By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith..."

📖 Jude 3-4 — "Certain people have crept in unnoticed... ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God..."

These are sobering reminders that discernment is essential—not just for teachers but for those who listen.

Why This Matters:

One of the most trusted pastor-teachers in our generation, John MacArthur, and his ministry, Grace to You, have intentionally chosen NOT to partner with RightNow Media because of this very issue. Instead, Grace to You has made their content freely available through their website and platforms without partnering with a service that platformed voices contrary to sound doctrine.

This is not about being critical or nitpicking personalities—it’s about protecting you and encouraging you to exercise biblical discernment. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions."

Just because something is labeled "Christian" or delivered by a well-known speaker doesn’t mean it is spiritually healthy or doctrinally sound.

Your Responsibility as a Disciple:

If someone gave you a $500 Costco card, that gift would give you access—but you would still need to decide whether you’re going to buy health food or junk food. RightNow Media is the same. We’ve given you access, but it’s your responsibility to decide what you will consume and how you will grow.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us:

📖 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 — "But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."

📖 Proverbs 14:15 — "The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps."

📖 Colossians 2:8 — "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

In Summary:

Please understand that this is not a prohibition from your pastor but pastoral guidance. There is much good content on RightNow Media. But I want to lovingly caution you to approach it as a wise, discerning follower of Christ—carefully filtering everything you watch, read, or study through the lens of God’s Word and sound doctrine.

If you ever have questions about specific teachers, studies, or resources, I encourage you to reach out. I would be glad to help you navigate which voices will build you up in the faith—and which voices may subtly lead you astray.

Blessings & love,

Kevin M. Kelley

Senior Pastor

Big Island Christian Church