Sermon Info
Summary
Debuting on Sunday at a Rolling Hills church campus near you: our new sermon series, At The Movies, where we’ll view some of the most popular movies through the Christian lens. The stories in movies have captured the imaginations of generations of people. They bring purpose and meaning to the characters and plot on screen. But the intriguing stories of our most popular films all borrow from the greatest story of all, which is God’s story. The good news for all of us is that stories of redemption are not confined to the box office. God set the stage of our very world and invites us into His story! Join us in the coming weeks as we explore the themes of evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, worship, and ministry as we interact with secular culture and apply the truth of Scripture to our world’s story.
Content
Movies have captured the imaginations of generations of people. What is it about them that can make us laugh, cry, and smile? What makes them relatable, inspirational, and nostalgic? Though we all may appreciate different genres of movies, one thing ties them all together: stories. Stories communicate meaning and purpose. It’s human nature to seek structure and reason behind the events of life. It’s no wonder Christians and non-Christians alike enjoy telling, watching, and hearing stories.
What is a story made of? Almost every good story has compelling characters. Sometimes we relate to them, and sometimes we just wish we could understand them. We root for the good guys, and we can’t stand the bad guys. We watch characters grow and change, and we get invested in their troubles. The other element of a story is the plot. What situation do the characters find themselves in? How does it challenge them, and even change them? With the right characters and plot, we’re always kept wondering what will happen next.
Although no two movies are ever the exact same, the stories they tell borrow from the same themes time and time again. Every great story borrows something from the greatest story ever written: God’s story. We all want redemption for our mistakes. We want to fulfill our destinies, and complete our missions. We want to be reunited with the ones we love. We want tragedies to be resolved and challenges to be overcome. We want to see these incredible narratives because we want to live them. The good news is that with God, the best stories don’t have to be confined to a screen. Sometimes, the truth is more amazing than fiction.
God set the stage when He created the earth, and He formed us as His supporting cast. Our world really is in a battle of good and evil, and every day we make decisions that will influence our corner of the story. The action is rising, and the stakes are real. We can step into our role and live out our purpose. And, best of all, we can be brave in the knowledge that there’s a good ending! Everything in our world — yes, everything — can be better understood if we know God as our main character and His plan for our story.
Debuting on Sunday at a Rolling Hills church campus near you: our new sermon series, At The Movies, where we’ll view some of the most popular movies through the Christian lens. We will allow Scripture to reveal the bits of truth presented in these hallmarks of pop culture. Together we will be discovering new starting points for spiritual conversations which can arise from our engagement with secular culture. We hope you’ll join us as we consider the underlying messages about evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, worship, and ministry hidden in the world’s favorite films. Come see how they represent only a taste of the kind of life possible with Jesus Christ.
