Mark 8:38
“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
As a young college person watching some of my favorite riveting heroes on screen, I would leave the theater somewhat perplexed. I recall completing a humanity’s course where we analyzed various movies from the director’s perspective. We learned what we saw and didn’t see was purposely conducted to produce a certain affect. Rarely nothing was shown or not shown on purpose. Everything was constructed to leave the audience with an unspoken message.
Many times I watched and enjoyed these action packed movies. Where the teenage superhero saves humanity from another world apocalypse. But I would then leave asking myself how come God is never favorable mentioned. Instead, HE is nowhere to be found. In HIS place, the super villain is given some extraordinary power of a god. And then, us less endowed humans must rise up to destroy him. God is usually entirely left out of the picture.
Movies showcase culture.
If I was God’s enemy, the plan would be never to mention HIS name. I would eliminate any symbol, knowledge, and reference to HIS existence. I would also instruct my subjects to behave in a similar manner. We see this practice lived out within communistic nations. In China and North Korea, the political party considers Christianity the enemy of the state. They do everything within their power to destroy its existence.
Where Jesus is removed from cultural significance, freedom dies.
As you watch many of the classical old movies from the early twenty century, you will see favorable references about God. Scripture and prayer was acceptable acts presented on screen. Today, if shown, they are lambasted.
Look around you. How does the culture portray Jesus? Can you find HIM in the movies? Music? Books? Is HE discussed in the classroom? Newsroom? Marketplace?
Is HE shown respect due HIM? Or simply ignored?
The founding fathers of America acknowledged HIM. They designed a governmental structure based of their understanding of human nature and its potential. They were Biblically literate. They understood and practiced the moral code defined from its roots. Perfect they were not. But they strived to live out HIS teachings.
Today, we live in a society where many have forgotten the importance of knowing Jesus. The consequences of their lives demonstrate the outcome. They seek purpose and meaning from temporary passions. They don’t understand the difference between divine and carnal desires. They have thrown away Life’s Answer in pursuit of intellectual ignorance. Love and Truth are now subjective personal constructions rather than objective eternal values. When Jesus is removed from society, the majority of people suffer. Only those who are in power benefit. Everyone else becomes their enemy. Instead of serving the masses, they exercise power over them.
Jesus knows and sees what is happening. HE birthed the Church. The Church continues to teach about HIM and HIS message. HIS ways are anti-cultural. But HE is the link who integrates everyone together. Without HIM, turmoil. With HIM, peace and grace abound. Those who already walk with HIM know the difference. Their challenge is making HIM known to everyone else. This is the saints adventurous journey in Christ!
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Books By Dr. Mike:
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ (Now Available)
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
Radical In Christ 