Francis Chan: Exposing "The Da Vinci Code"

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is a call to action for believers to take ownership of their spiritual growth and study the Word of God outside of Sunday morning. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being well-versed in biblical truth, especially when faced with popular books and movies like "The Da Vinci Code" that can be misleading and deceptive.

Key Scripture References

• Matthew 7:24-27 - This passage highlights the importance of building one's life on the foundation of God's Word, rather than on fleeting human wisdom or popular culture. The speaker encourages believers to study the Bible for themselves and not rely solely on Sunday morning teachings.
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - This passage emphasizes the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, reminding us that "all Scripture is God-breathed" and that it equips us for every good work. The speaker encourages believers to immerse themselves in the Bible and apply its teachings to their daily lives.
• Hebrews 4:12-13 - This passage describes the power of God's Word, which is "living and active" and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. The speaker encourages believers to let Scripture speak for itself and not be swayed by human opinions or cultural trends.
• Psalm 119:105 - This passage reminds us that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, guiding us through life's challenges and uncertainties. The speaker encourages believers to seek guidance from Scripture rather than relying on human wisdom or popular culture.
• 1 Peter 2:2-3 - This passage encourages believers to crave pure milk of the Word, which will give them spiritual growth and maturity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of feeding on Scripture and applying its teachings to our lives.
• Matthew 22:29-30 - This passage reminds us that the Bible is the ultimate authority on matters of faith and practice, superseding human traditions and cultural norms. The speaker encourages believers to stand firm on biblical truth and not be swayed by popular culture or human opinions.

Key Points from "The Da Vinci Code"

• The book claims that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and that she led the church after his death. However, this is a fabrication with no historical evidence to support it.
• The idea of the Holy Grail as the tomb of Mary Magdalene is also false. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus' blood was shed for our sins, and there is no indication that he had a wife or children.
• The secret organization known as the Prior of Sion is also a fictional concept with no historical basis. The documents supposedly found in Paris's Bibliothèque Nationale were proven to be planted by an anti-Semitic individual named Pierre Plantard.
• The book's claim that Leonardo da Vinci was part of this secret society and hid clues about Jesus' marriage and the Holy Grail is also unfounded. Da Vinci's artwork can be interpreted in many ways, but there is no evidence to support these specific claims.

Conclusion

This message encourages believers to take ownership of their spiritual growth by studying the Bible for themselves and applying its teachings to their lives. It also warns against being swayed by popular culture or human opinions, especially when it comes to matters of faith and practice. By standing firm on biblical truth, we can resist the deceptions of books like "The Da Vinci Code" and remain faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ.