I post in spurts. Sometimes I am very active, others… well not so much. Part of that is a function of time and opportunity, part of it is inspiration. I’ve really appreciated all the posts the ‘blog carnies’ contribute to the Blog Carnival over at Bridget Chumbley’s. This week’s topic is peace. Honestly, if I felt more at peace, I’d have something to contribute and time to do it. Trying to make deadlines and follow every blog under the sun does not bring me peace and actually sucks the joy away from keeping this blog. On the other hand, seeing so many different takes on a single subject, knowing that each are doing everything they know how to honor God, does bring me peace. So today I will find peace in the (so far) 29 posts on the subject. I hope you do too.
Nothing New to See Here
I post in spurts. Sometimes I am very active, others… well not so much. Part of that is a function of time and opportunity, part of it is inspiration. I’ve really appreciated all the posts the ‘blog carnies’ contribute to the Blog Carnival over at Bridget Chumbley’s. This week’s topic is peace. Honestly, if I felt more at peace, I’d have something to contribute and time to do it. Trying to make deadlines and follow every blog under the sun does not bring me peace and actually sucks the joy away from keeping this blog. On the other hand, seeing so many different takes on a single subject, knowing that each are doing everything they know how to honor God, does bring me peace. So today I will find peace in the (so far) 29 posts on the subject. I hope you do too.
Angels and Demons and Popcorn
The movie Legion, about an angel (Paul Bettany) fighting against God for the survival of humans, opened yesterday. Both my wife and I were captivated by a billboard advertising the movie and I had to look it up because I didn’t know anything about it. My thoughts on the preview? Meh, it looks like the Prophecy, but with roles reversed. Interesting theology though- God is fed up with humans and wants to wipe them out (despite “want[ing] all men to be saved” 1 Tim 2:4) but has to stand against the archangel Michael. The irony is that some Christian denominations believe the archangel Michael referenced in Revelation and Jude is really Jesus. Or rather, that Jesus is really the archangel Michael incarnate and Jesus does, in fact, save us from God’s wrath. Also, “Legion” is the name of the demon(s) Jesus cast out of a man into a herd of pigs (Mark 5:10, Luke 8:31).
Of course Legion isn’t the first movie of its kind, and the eternal struggle between good and evil is a common sci-fi/fantasy/horror theme as noted by a couple of recent online articles. Some movies and literature take more theological liberties than others, so we should be wary in seeking doctrinal relevance in our entertainment. In fact, oftentimes the only real spiritual linkage is a simple acknowledgement of God, Satan, and/or angels. These themes are familiar enough to appease any viewer, despite their theology, so I also wouldn’t attribute the glut of “religious” movies to any inroads the Christian consumer has made as a demographic. I don’t think the makers of Legion, or The Book of Eli, or The Road are banking on the same customers as The Passion of the Christ.
I recommend the Parallel Universe article because it references several movies categorized by spiritual themes. Some of these are classics (The Exorcist, The Omen) while others are less known (Race With the Devil, The Sentinel) and of course some are personal favorites (The Prophecy, The Seventh Sign). One glaring omission, in my humble opinion, is Denzel Washington’s Fallen. (That should keep your Netflix busy for a while)
As for comics, which aren’t as well known here’s my recommended reading list:
Deathblow (Image): A former special-ops soldier is hired by a clandestine religious order to protect a seal between Hell and Earth from being broken. The location for all you Bible scholars? The plains of Megiddo.
Hellshock (Image): About a fallen angel recruiting a young woman into his battle against evil. But is he who he says he is? (If the story doesn’t grab you, it’s worth checking out for some of the best artwork by Jae Lee ever seen)
Lucifer (DC/Vertigo): About you know who, who is tired of his role in the eternal struggle of good versus evil and leaves Hell in search of a “higher” calling.
Hellstorm (Marvel): A once campy character, was revitalized in a 1993 series written by Warren Ellis (among others). That series alone is worth checking out following a similar theme to Vertigo’s Lucifer, but in this case it is Satan’s son who is rebelling against his father.
Ghost Rider (Marvel): This character has a long history (and no, I have not seen the movie), but was recently retconned (meaning, his history was changed for the sake of story) to no longer being possessed by a demon, but by an angel. I haven’t yet checked out this storyline which started a year ago, but sounds intriguing as the Ghost Rider goes to fight against heaven, angry for being used for so long as a pawn.
Spawn (Image): A soldier dies and makes a deal with the devil to see his wife one last time. The deal? Be a soldier in Satan’s army (that for some reason fights clowns). I only followed this series for the first few years in the 90s, but it has remained popular enough that it’s still published, has had several spinoffs, and of course a visually stunning movie. (The cartoon ain’t bad either)
Of course there are others (I spent the last hour trying to find a comic that I could’ve sworn the movie Legion was based off of when I saw the font of the title in the billboard) so please share favorites. Include movies too! My Netflix queue is only 200 movies long, I could add a couple more!
Angels and Demons and Popcorn
The movie Legion, about an angel (Paul Bettany) fighting against God for the survival of humans, opened yesterday. Both my wife and I were captivated by a billboard advertising the movie and I had to look it up because I didn’t know anything about it. My thoughts on the preview? Meh, it looks like the Prophecy, but with roles reversed. Interesting theology though- God is fed up with humans and wants to wipe them out (despite “want[ing] all men to be saved” 1 Tim 2:4) but has to stand against the archangel Michael. The irony is that some Christian denominations believe the archangel Michael referenced in Revelation and Jude is really Jesus. Or rather, that Jesus is really the archangel Michael incarnate and Jesus does, in fact, save us from God’s wrath. Also, “Legion” is the name of the demon(s) Jesus cast out of a man into a herd of pigs (Mark 5:10, Luke 8:31).
Of course Legion isn’t the first movie of its kind, and the eternal struggle between good and evil is a common sci-fi/fantasy/horror theme as noted by a couple of recent online articles. Some movies and literature take more theological liberties than others, so we should be wary in seeking doctrinal relevance in our entertainment. In fact, oftentimes the only real spiritual linkage is a simple acknowledgement of God, Satan, and/or angels. These themes are familiar enough to appease any viewer, despite their theology, so I also wouldn’t attribute the glut of “religious” movies to any inroads the Christian consumer has made as a demographic. I don’t think the makers of Legion, or The Book of Eli, or The Road are banking on the same customers as The Passion of the Christ.
I recommend the Parallel Universe article because it references several movies categorized by spiritual themes. Some of these are classics (The Exorcist, The Omen) while others are less known (Race With the Devil, The Sentinel) and of course some are personal favorites (The Prophecy, The Seventh Sign). One glaring omission, in my humble opinion, is Denzel Washington’s Fallen. (That should keep your Netflix busy for a while)
As for comics, which aren’t as well known here’s my recommended reading list:
Deathblow (Image): A former special-ops soldier is hired by a clandestine religious order to protect a seal between Hell and Earth from being broken. The location for all you Bible scholars? The plains of Megiddo.
Hellshock (Image): About a fallen angel recruiting a young woman into his battle against evil. But is he who he says he is? (If the story doesn’t grab you, it’s worth checking out for some of the best artwork by Jae Lee ever seen)
Lucifer (DC/Vertigo): About you know who, who is tired of his role in the eternal struggle of good versus evil and leaves Hell in search of a “higher” calling.
Hellstorm (Marvel): A once campy character, was revitalized in a 1993 series written by Warren Ellis (among others). That series alone is worth checking out following a similar theme to Vertigo’s Lucifer, but in this case it is Satan’s son who is rebelling against his father.
Ghost Rider (Marvel): This character has a long history (and no, I have not seen the movie), but was recently retconned (meaning, his history was changed for the sake of story) to no longer being possessed by a demon, but by an angel. I haven’t yet checked out this storyline which started a year ago, but sounds intriguing as the Ghost Rider goes to fight against heaven, angry for being used for so long as a pawn.
Spawn (Image): A soldier dies and makes a deal with the devil to see his wife one last time. The deal? Be a soldier in Satan’s army (that for some reason fights clowns). I only followed this series for the first few years in the 90s, but it has remained popular enough that it’s still published, has had several spinoffs, and of course a visually stunning movie. (The cartoon ain’t bad either)
Of course there are others (I spent the last hour trying to find a comic that I could’ve sworn the movie Legion was based off of when I saw the font of the title in the billboard) so please share favorites. Include movies too! My Netflix queue is only 200 movies long, I could add a couple more!
What Do You Take For Granted?
I’ve been home sick for the past couple of days with a stomach bug. As I was lying in bed in agony yesterday I was thinking of those in Haiti who are suffering much worse. Yesterday I had a half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a banana. I didn’t even go a full 24 hours without something to eat, yet I was miserable. I imagined being in someplace like Haiti after a natural disaster, or even anywhere in the Third World where I would be grateful for a half a sandwich a day. When I went to bed last night, my head was pounding and my muscles and joints were aching- symptoms of dehydration. Yet I drank about a liter of water. Again, how many in Haiti right now would do anything for a liter of clean, bottled water?
I was miserable. But I am lucky.
The news continues to pour in, and it’s not pretty. My heart continues to hurt for the hundreds of thousands who are suffering right now. You can catch some of the updates here.
Even though the setting is different in this video, the need is the same. Can we honestly say, “I’ll follow you” anywhere when we have so much?
What Do You Take For Granted?
I’ve been home sick for the past couple of days with a stomach bug. As I was lying in bed in agony yesterday I was thinking of those in Haiti who are suffering much worse. Yesterday I had a half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a banana. I didn’t even go a full 24 hours without something to eat, yet I was miserable. I imagined being in someplace like Haiti after a natural disaster, or even anywhere in the Third World where I would be grateful for a half a sandwich a day. When I went to bed last night, my head was pounding and my muscles and joints were aching- symptoms of dehydration. Yet I drank about a liter of water. Again, how many in Haiti right now would do anything for a liter of clean, bottled water?
I was miserable. But I am lucky.
The news continues to pour in, and it’s not pretty. My heart continues to hurt for the hundreds of thousands who are suffering right now. You can catch some of the updates here.
Even though the setting is different in this video, the need is the same. Can we honestly say, “I’ll follow you” anywhere when we have so much?
Help for Haiti
Despite what Pat Robertson thinks, we shouldn’t see this tragedy as he did Katrina or the Indonesian tsunami as the objects of God’s wrath, but instead as opportunities to serve. There were already several ministries serving in Haiti when this hit and there are many more standing up to help in the recover from this tragedy. The first to come to mind is Audio Adrenaline’s Hands and Feet Project and my own church’s benevolence arm, HOPEworldwide. Please give. Please pray.
For other charities, click here.
***UPDATE: The American Red Cross’ text 90999, which automatically adds $10 to your cell phone bill has rasied over $8 Million (that’s a lot of Hamiltons!). Also, you can follow the progress of a group of missionaries from Lifechurch in Pennsylvania as they try to get into Haiti here.***
Help for Haiti
Despite what Pat Robertson thinks, we shouldn’t see this tragedy as he did Katrina or the Indonesian tsunami as the objects of God’s wrath, but instead as opportunities to serve. There were already several ministries serving in Haiti when this hit and there are many more standing up to help in the recover from this tragedy. The first to come to mind is Audio Adrenaline’s Hands and Feet Project and my own church’s benevolence arm, HOPEworldwide. Please give. Please pray.
For other charities, click here.
***UPDATE: The American Red Cross’ text 90999, which automatically adds $10 to your cell phone bill has rasied over $8 Million (that’s a lot of Hamiltons!). Also, you can follow the progress of a group of missionaries from Lifechurch in Pennsylvania as they try to get into Haiti here.***
Lust or Love?
Is it lust, is it love?
Whatever it is, I can’t get enough
Is it lust, is it love?
When I look around tell me who can I trust
Is it love?
-Scorpions, Lust or Love
A while back, I speculated on the high divorce rate in this country especially amongst christians (intentional little-c). The primary reason, I figure, is the notion of “irreconcilable differences.” In other words, you’re in an argument and you just refuse to give in. I think sadly, one of the reasons divorce is so prevalent is that our society has confused lust and love. I don’t necessarily mean the desire to marry out of carnal passion, but more the contrast of lust and love and their root in our hearts.
Consider lust: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17, NIV) Here, lust is counted as “lov[ing] the world” and is in opposition to loving God. In the NASB translation, verse 16 reads, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” So both the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh are contrary to the love of the Father. This scripture has always challenged me, because it is a harsh priority-check. Do I love God more than myself? And that’s what lust is- loving ourselves, aka selfishness.
It is obvious then that lust stands opposed to love, because love is sacrificial. And this is where society goes off on the wrong track. Often in marriages (and most other relationships) we have the attitude of “what’s in it for me?” In an argument? You want to win. Stressful day? You want to relax and be served. House a mess? You want someone else to clean. That’s what makes lust, both of the eyes and flesh, so dangerous. We become the center of our relationships. Wife not as attractive as she was when you got married? That’s ok, go look at pornography. Husband doesn’t listen? That’s ok, have an emotional affair with a coworker. Not satisfied sexually? That’s ok, have a physical affair. And it doesn’t take long before more than half of all marriages come to a sad, selfish, lustful end.
But it was never intended to be that way. Again, love is sacrificial. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). Applied to marriages, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25, emphasis added) In an argument? Be the first to say I’m sorry. Stressful day? Do something for your spouse to brighten his/her day- you’d be surprised what you get in return. House a mess? Do something about it. Wife not as attractive as she was when you got married? “Rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). Husband not listening? There’s probably something on his mind. Listen to him. Not satisfied sexually? Give like you’ve never given before and reap the benefits.
We cannot love if we are full of lust because “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and if we are lusting after the world, “the love of the Father is not in [us]”. Remember to love God first and foremost, to love ourselves last, and do not let lust rule in your heart.
Lust or Love?
Is it lust, is it love?
Whatever it is, I can’t get enough
Is it lust, is it love?
When I look around tell me who can I trust
Is it love?
-Scorpions, Lust or Love
A while back, I speculated on the high divorce rate in this country especially amongst christians (intentional little-c). The primary reason, I figure, is the notion of “irreconcilable differences.” In other words, you’re in an argument and you just refuse to give in. I think sadly, one of the reasons divorce is so prevalent is that our society has confused lust and love. I don’t necessarily mean the desire to marry out of carnal passion, but more the contrast of lust and love and their root in our hearts.
Consider lust: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17, NIV) Here, lust is counted as “lov[ing] the world” and is in opposition to loving God. In the NASB translation, verse 16 reads, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” So both the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh are contrary to the love of the Father. This scripture has always challenged me, because it is a harsh priority-check. Do I love God more than myself? And that’s what lust is- loving ourselves, aka selfishness.
It is obvious then that lust stands opposed to love, because love is sacrificial. And this is where society goes off on the wrong track. Often in marriages (and most other relationships) we have the attitude of “what’s in it for me?” In an argument? You want to win. Stressful day? You want to relax and be served. House a mess? You want someone else to clean. That’s what makes lust, both of the eyes and flesh, so dangerous. We become the center of our relationships. Wife not as attractive as she was when you got married? That’s ok, go look at pornography. Husband doesn’t listen? That’s ok, have an emotional affair with a coworker. Not satisfied sexually? That’s ok, have a physical affair. And it doesn’t take long before more than half of all marriages come to a sad, selfish, lustful end.
But it was never intended to be that way. Again, love is sacrificial. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). Applied to marriages, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25, emphasis added) In an argument? Be the first to say I’m sorry. Stressful day? Do something for your spouse to brighten his/her day- you’d be surprised what you get in return. House a mess? Do something about it. Wife not as attractive as she was when you got married? “Rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). Husband not listening? There’s probably something on his mind. Listen to him. Not satisfied sexually? Give like you’ve never given before and reap the benefits.
We cannot love if we are full of lust because “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and if we are lusting after the world, “the love of the Father is not in [us]”. Remember to love God first and foremost, to love ourselves last, and do not let lust rule in your heart.