Let's See A Movie This Year!

The stories of the Bible have always been bigger than life.  They have captivated the minds and hearts of untold millions with stories of human drama, romance, heroism, war, action, success and failure.  No wonder that it is the best selling book of all time.

Throughout this year, 2014, the movie studios (Sony, 20th Century Fox and Lionsgate to name several) will be hawking a number of films that have a Biblical or spiritual backdrop.  All of these will be comprised of a mixture of truth and artistic license and are sure to generate much discussion from both the religious and non-religious viewers and critics. 

The screens will show movies entitled:

"Son of God," which will be released in February and is the project of  reality TV pioneer Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey (of the History Channel series - The Bible fame).

"Heaven is for Real" will debut in April and is based upon the best selling book about a child's life-after-death experience.

Other movies will be "Noah" starring Russell Crowe in November and "Exodus" and "Mary, Mother of Christ" both of which are scheduled in December.

While these movies may inspire and generate positive discussion, they are fallible and will contain elements that will veer off from the Biblical record.  As Christians we will surely have opportunity to enter into conversations with our family and friends who might see these movies or ask about them; and we will have a chance to speak truth into their lives.

The Apostle Peter wrote to a group of believers and encouraged them to grow in their faith so that when the time came for real in-depth conversations about spiritual matters, they would be ready.  We read in 1 Peter 3:15 ESV ... "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Most of us have heard this statement or said it ourselves when comparing a movie and the book on which it is based, "The book is always better then the movie!"  Let's stay on our JOURNEY of reading God's word in 2014 so we will know the facts of the stories on which these movies are derived.  And let's see a movie this year! 






 

Chase On!!!!

I recently read a blog by a friend of mine and thought that I would use his idea here.

With the Super Bowl is just minutes away and it is hard to resist quoting the man for whom the trophy is named, the legendary Vince Lombardi.

He once stood in front of his Green Bay Packers and uttered these words, “Gentlemen we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while it can never be attained, but along the way, we shall catch excellence.”

Lombardi pointed out to his players that they were on a journey.  Each lifting session, each practice, each game were simply stepping stones along their journey to their goal.  He wanted them “to be all they could be” – “to reach their potential” – “to do the best that they could.” 

If I may ask, “What are you chasing after?”

For the Christ-follower the perfection that we “chase after” the model of Jesus’ llife.  The Lord lived his life daily in His Father’s presence, reading or meditating upon His Word, and relying upon the Holy Spirit to guide and empower Him in his decision making and efforts. 

The excellence we can catch is not the sinless nature of Jesus but the passionate nature of Jesus – who pleased his Father each step of His journey.

Tonight we will see two teams … loaded with talented individuals chase their dream of the Super Bowl.  They have been on a relentless journey chasing after Lombardi.

I hope that we will be challenged by their effort, their passion, and their focus …. To chase after Jesus so that we can catch his nature and model ourselves after Him.

Many will cheer on the Broncos or the Seahawks in their relentless pursuit.  I for one will cheer on those Christ-followers who want to be more like Jesus!

Be relentless.  Make Christ the model for your life.  Chase on ….