Sermon Reflections from God at the Movies "Kingdom of the Planet of Apes" | Damon Hopkins | June 9, 2024
It was a pleasure to have Damon back with us sharing his heart about God’s Kingdom. He had seen the movie, Kingdom of the Planet of Apes but did not spoil the ending for us. He summarized the action by saying the main character Noah wanted revenge for wrongs done to him and wanted the person in charge to ‘pay’. Revenge is a powerful motive in movies, novels and in real life. The Bible gives us some examples of this as well as Jesus’ point of view so that we can think biblically and not act worldly. We are to be more focused on heavenly principles and not seeking worldly answers to our problems. Exodus 2 recounts the story of Moses, the young privileged son of Pharaoh’s daughter, who goes out to watch his people, the Israelites, at hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. He killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. Later, other Hebrews confronted Moses when he asked them why they were fighting. They wanted to know if he was going to kill them too. When Pharaoh heard of the killing, he tried to kill Moses, so Moses ran away to Midian. Moses sought revenge for the brutal treatment the slaves were receiving and was forced to suffer himself. Could Moses have sought another solution to the harsh treatment? Could he have interceded for the Israelites with Pharaoh? We don’t know, but we do know that revenge caused great suffering for both Moses and the Hebrews. A New Testament story of revenge involves the Pharisees. They were driven by jealousy, greed and power to seek the end of Jesus’ life. John 11:46-48 gives us an example of their thinking, “but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” They later went to Pilate, the Roman Governor, and sought the death penalty for Jesus. John 19:15 “They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Jesus confronted them repeatedly with words of truth and justice not revenge during his three years of public ministry. Damon pointed us to Matthew 5 to take a look at Jesus’ way of compassion. The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12, speak of blessing ready for those that believe and walk in His ways. He went on to remind us of how we are to be salt and light not bearers of revenge and hate. We are to be pointing others to Jesus with our lives of love and compassion. Later in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us of the ‘old ways’ an eye for an eye, verse 38. He then leads us to a ‘new way’ that is based on love and compassion. He encourages us to go the extra mile and even to pray for our enemies. This was a new and radical way of thinking based on God’s love and forgiveness. The Bible does tell us in both the Old and New Testaments that we are not to seek revenge and that revenge belongs to God! Deuteronomy 32:43 “Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land.” Hebrews 10:30-31 “For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The Word of God is filled with stories of God defending and upholding the honor of His people. I particularly like the promises in Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “ Isaiah 49:15b-16 “yet I will not forget you. 16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” I we are not to seek revenge like the character in the movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. But, we are to be about God’s business in the ways of His Kingdom. Jesus wants us responding with compassion and love to thwart our enemies. Leave the vengeance to God, He is more than able to fight any battle. Paul reminds us that we are to be in a battle, a spiritual battle winning the world to Jesus. Ephesians 6:10-13 “ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Remember that the ways of the world put us in opposition to God’s Kingdom ways. It is a battle for sure and we can rely upon Jesus as He promised in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Linda MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass Celebrating Easter Sunday: The Resurrection and Its Transformative Power
Introduction: Easter Sunday stands as the pinnacle of the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In Luke 24, we find a vivid portrayal of this momentous event and its profound impact on the disciples and believers throughout history. This event didn't just change their context but the entirety of human history. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for our sins/brokenness, wasn't deserved or earned by humanity, but Jesus was sacrificially given to us by God because he loves us. He wanted to get us back, make us right with him, and give us new life, life eternal. On Easter Sunday, we dove deep into the narrative of Luke 24, where we uncovered the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and its enduring significance for our lives today. LUKE 24:1-8 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words. The Reality of the Resurrection: Luke 24 gives an incredible depiction of the reality of Jesus' resurrection. The empty tomb, the angels' proclamation, the women who discovered the empty tomb, and the disciples' encounters with the risen Christ all serve as undeniable evidence of this miraculous event. Just as the disciples were astonished to find the tomb empty, we too are invited to ponder the reality of Jesus' victory over death and the implications it holds for our faith. This wasn't just an important historical event, it was a life changing, history altering, hope fostering, game changing event. Jesus wasn’t just for the disciple's context or point in history, but for all Human History. Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, God would bring about redemption and reconciliation for all Humanity not just for that time or for those people. The Transformation of Believers: The resurrection of Jesus brings about a profound transformation in the lives of His followers. Initially they didn't believe. They were overwhelmed with grief because their Lord, their King, their Messiah was gone, and they didn't know what to do. They were terrified for their lives after defying the Roman Empire, so they hid in fear, filled with doubt, and full of despair. But when Jesus revealed himself to the women at the tomb, then to the two on the road to Emmaus, and finally to all of the disciples they still didn't believe because it seemed improbably, actually impossible. No one has ever been resurrected. How could Jesus be alive? In Luke 24, we witness the disciples' journey from doubt to faith, fear to courage, and despair to hope as they encounter the risen Christ and he revealed the scriptures to them. Their hearts burn within them as Jesus opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, igniting a flame of hope and conviction that propels them to boldly proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. LUKE 24:30-32 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” The Promise of Redemption and New Life: Through His resurrection, Jesus extends the promise of redemption, forgiveness of sins, and the hope of new life to all who believe in Him. In Luke 24, we witness Jesus commissioning His disciples to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, underscoring the transformative power of His resurrection in reconciling humanity to God. This promise echoes throughout the ages, inviting us to embrace the life-giving message of salvation found in Jesus Christ. There is only one path to the heavenly Father, to redemption, and reconciliation, to new life, and that is through Jesus Christ. While some may view this as narrow and limiting, it is open to all, unrestricted by race, status, or background. This reconciliation wasn’t earned or deserved by humanity but sacrificially given to us by our loving God, who embodies Love because He is Love. This divine commission echoes throughout history, beckoning all people to embrace the life-giving message of salvation found solely in Jesus Christ. In His resurrection, Jesus offers not only forgiveness of sins but also the hope of new life—an eternal inheritance that transcends the limitations of this world and promises everlasting joy in the presence of God. LUKE 24:45-48 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. What does this mean for me? As we celebrate Easter Sunday this last week and reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us be reminded of the transformative power of this momentous event. Just as the disciples were transformed by their encounter with the risen Christ, may we too experience the reality of His resurrection in our lives. May we embrace the promise of redemption and new life, and may we boldly proclaim the good news of salvation to all who will listen. Truly, Easter Sunday is a time of joy, hope, and renewal—a time to celebrate the victory of our risen Savior over sin and death. He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed! Blessing, Pastor Alex Hardt MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass |
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July 2024
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