Matthew 5:43-45 …“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.…”
I’m a sucker for Science Fiction television shows. If you’re anything like me then perhaps you have your DVR set to record many offerings within this genre too. I’m still upset after all these years that they canceled Firefly
I digress:
The new television show “The 100” follows a group of young people (It’s like Peter Pan’s “Lost Boys” meets “Lord of the Flies”) who apparently were all imprisoned for being rebellious while on Earth’s final hope, the space station, which has been orbiting Earth for nearly a hundred years. 
Earth nearly destroyed itself through nuclear war and those who survived on the Space station currently don’t even know if Earth is able to sustain life yet. So they send the prisoners…oh here’s one more catch – the Space Station is quickly degrading and running out of oxygen. The population on the Space station has outgrown the original design of sustaining life.
back to the prisoners – 
They are sent to earth in a space pod (wow they can fit a hundred people in that thing? that must be cramped!) and each of the 100 has been given a vital signs life tracker on their wrist.
The adventure begins and the world isn’t as empty as they once suspected. There are others living on the ground that ironically the 100 pod-people label “grounders” (how original).
Long review short –
There is suspense. The directors and creators of the show ensure that you are clinging to your seat and take nothing for granted because ANYTHING could happen. Sure, it’s a teen/young adult catered audience…most actors look like aeropostale or abercrombe and fitch models…but death and betrayal permeate the plot like a pair of stinky gym socks in a locker-room.
Society and Culture:
For me, one the underlying themes of this show is that anarchy reigns within the 100 although there are a few trying to keep the order and peace. Some have their own selfish agendas, some are power hungry, and some are just psychopathic killers…this really bodes well for us on post-apocalyptic Earth! Another message – don’t trust a bunch of teenagers and young adults with an important mission to go to Earth in the hopes of saving the human race. As a matter of fact don’t trust ANY of these (or many) of these “criminals”.
It is rather telling that the Adults in Space also have ulterior motives, plots lead to real curve balls and just when you think you figured out where the writer is taking the story you get kicked to the curb.
Conclusion:
If you like a little drama/soap opera with a Science-fiction flair then perhaps you’ll like this show. One word of caution though, the writers seem intent of killing off numerous characters as the episodes continue so don’t get too invested in many of the sub-characters because anything could happen. It’s a roller-coaster sort of ride, there is some adult themes from time to time so parents please be advised!
My grade – I give it a 
But what do I know, I’m just a Sci-fi Junkie who is still bitter Firefly was canceled.
let me know what YOU think, respond below with your comments. I’m interested in your television recommendations and thoughts.
“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” –2 Corinthians 11:3
Christ-follower beware!
Salvation
is freely available…BUT
It
can
be
We have
this thing
called
Free Will
allows us to
choose It allows us to
live beneath God’s
2
Here is
a
Truth:
A Relapse
into
is a very
real
Danger!
It begins in our Hearts
&
Minds.
A Saint (that’s You & Me)
is still
to the
trappings
of
Don’t
be
swept
away
by it’s lure
and its
sultry voice.
Stand Firm…
Meditate
on
Do Not
become Prideful
and think for
one second You are
Invulnerable!
Spiritual
Relapse
is very
real!
so….
Just
more of this
Pastor’s
“Wait on the Lord…and He shall strengthen your heart.” (Psalm 27:14)
The Reasons I dislike waiting on God:
1. I am impatient.
I am not the most patient man. My children know this. I must temper this very often when things are not done now. We live in a fast paced society, it is “fast-food” driven. We even have slogans from these “fast-food” establishments that back that claim up like “have it your way”.
When it comes to waiting on God I am not patient. I often want Him to answer me now. I want instant responses and yet I know He doesn’t work like that.
2. Waiting on God reminds me of how powerless I truly am.
Besides impatience, this waiting reminds me that I live in a temporal body and ultimately I can do nothing in this body to save my self from some certainties in life. Death, sickness (in some regards), Taxes, laws of our world. I am powerless and yet I must wait with that knowledge in mind. Perhaps you can relate to me when I say that I am stubborn…are you? In my stubbornness I, at times, refuse to admit that I cannot do something. I must do the impossible. I must becomes Superman and superdad, and superpastor…but when I am forced to slow down; when I am forced to wait on God I am reminded of just how powerless I truly am.
3. Waiting on God humbles me…it’s a matter of pride.
I just mentioned how stubborn I can be. To ask for help from God and then having to wait for an answer can be a serious blow to my pride. I’m just putting it out there…I can admit that pride is sometimes often a bane of mine. I am proud of what I can do. Proud of what I can accomplish. I am proud that I am self-sufficient…and then BAM, I am knocked to my knees again. Circumstances sometimes do not go my way, things I had planned don’t pan out, and I am humbled by the outcome. Can you relate? I sure hope so. Please tell me I’m not alone in this human failing. I dislike this waiting, at times, because it means I have much more to surrender in terms of my pride to God.
BUT…
This isn’t a bad thing.
When I have to discipline my children, it’s not because I hate them or want to harm them, it is because I love them deeply and I want them to grow and make better decisions next time.
This is sometimes why I find God will at times take His time in answering me. He wants me to make better decisions. He wants me to depend more on Him. He wants me to tear down the fortresses of pride that I have erected and are now keeping me from Him. The waiting isn’t because He is withholding His love from me…no, the waiting is because He loves me so much He wants me to be willing to surrender completely. I dislike it severely at times (honestly It’s sometimes a “hate” thing), yet I know He loves me so much that He will not forget me. He will not forsake me.
FOR YOU AND FOR ME:
Truth: waiting sucks! There I said it.
But in the waiting on God the discipline of surrender and humility can further shape us. In the waiting we can also learn to trust Him more. In this waiting we can learn to love Him and discover how much He loves us.
-Just another thing for us to ponder.
I wouldn’t attempt to criticize “Christian” movies coming out onto the silver screen. I think perhaps they have a message that might reach certain people. Take the most recent movie, for example – “Heaven is for real” based on the book and real life account of Colton Burpo:
I am certainly not in a place to judge the authenticity of his story, this isn’t my purpose for this blog entry. I recognize too that Heaven is for real. That when Jesus said that He was going there to prepare a place for us (starting with His original disciples) that He meant it. Life does not end at the final exhalation of breath, but continues…How or where that will be is still a mystery to us all. But here is where faith comes in.
Still…
I don’t draw my criticism of the content of this story nor the content of other such movies recently released that also have faith-based themes. Where my criticisms lie is in the cheap budgets and production content.
I understand the need to be relevant in the world…and I don’t necessarily go to see a movie just because it is labeled “Christian” just as I don’t necessarily patronize certain businesses because they also happen to be “Christian(s)”. Does that label make the product better in some way? Will their services far exceed the services of others who don’t label themselves as “Christians”?
Another thought that comes to mind within this realm of “Christian” labeling is: Do I solely live within a “Christian” bubble then?
Every where I go, everyone I see, the things I choose to buy are they all “Christian”? Is my worldview solely engaged in other Christians out there so much so that I have no contact…with “those“. “Other“. “People“. ????
Don’t get me wrong, I need to hear encouraging and challenging teachings about Christ and about faith too, but what happens next? What will I then do with those teachings if my entire ecosystem is “Christian”? How does that impact the lost? How can I reach out a compassionate hand of understanding…if I don’t understand?
I’m not knocking the movie “Heaven is for Real”…I think there is some serious merit in exploring Eternity and our destination there one day…but what I am knocking (for lack of a better word) are Blind Label Followers.
Ephesians 6:12 says – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This is sandwiched right in between the verses about putting on the whole armor of God.
In one hand we put on our armor and gird ourselves against sin, temptation and the dark forces of evil. In the other hand we recognize that people around us who are lost (as we once were) are not the enemy! Sin is the enemy and we wage a spiritual war within this world.
If we only exist within the “Christian” label ecosystem how can we reach out to those who are completely blind to sin and its trappings?
Here’s what I am not saying:
I am not saying stop watching strictly “Christian” movies…there’s a time and place for them and at times an active evangelistic tool.
I am not saying don’t buy anything “Christian” either…that’s just plain dumb and we need edification and challenge through authentic Christ-following authors and teachers.
What I am saying:
Break the Christian bubble if you’re living in one.
Reach out into the world (don’t be conformed to it mind you) and love as Christ did to the whosoever.
Be wise and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in discerning how you should act and be instead of living through “group think”.
Live out-loud your faith but take the time to listen to the needs of the unsaved around you!
-Just a thought.
ATTENTION: Join me tomorrow as I explore what others have said about seeing Jesus face to face.
Just something else to ponder.
Please find the link to the podcast here –
http://scottstrissel.podomatic.com/entry/2014-04-20T11_12_49-07_00
Podcasts are also available for download via iTunes/Podcasts/Brainerdcorps
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25, 26 NIV)
John 20:1-9 (NIV)
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.
4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,
7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.
8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25, 26 NIV)
John 20:1-9 (NIV)
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.
4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,
7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.
8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
Sermon Podcast check it out (2 Parts links below) Also podcasts are available for download via iTunes/Podcast/Brainerdcorps
http://scottstrissel.podomatic.com/entry/2014-04-19T15_55_57-07_00
http://scottstrissel.podomatic.com/entry/2014-04-19T18_21_55-07_00
Psalm 15:1-5 (NIV)
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
Questions:
• Where do you M______a H__________ for yourself?
• Where is Your H___________?
Inward:
• What does a B____________ walk look like? (v.2a)
• How do we D____ R________________? (v.2b)
Outward:
• Inward F________ has a way of impacting our
O__________ A___________s! (vs. 3-5a)
Flip the House:
It means we MUST A__________ Faith and live F__________!
Vs 5b – “He who does these things will never be shaken!”
You are MY Hiding place!
Lord, teach me to number our days
inspire me to walk in your ways
help me to do what you say…
You are MY everything!
In my pride, tear down my walls
help me to hear when you call
and prod me when I stall…
You are MY Fortress of strength!
Lord, cleanse my lips when I speak
grant me passion for the weak
may You be the source that I seek…
You are MY Salvation and Rock!
Sometimes I think the church is more concerned about competition than it is about people.
It strikes me that many churches spend a lot of money on “church-growth” seminars and guest speakers and even other resources just to increase their Sunday attendances. I doubt many pastors are like this, but at times there is this perception that the more people a church can attract the more in tithes and offerings they will receive.
I feel it vital, for we who are church members and fellow sojourners of Christ, to stop the comparisons and the rivalries. What is the purpose of such folly? Are we fulfilling the great commission when we look across the street and the other church and covet what they have? Are we really reaching the lost and hurting in our world when we mock or slam other churches and denominations? Granted there is a time and place for theological conversations, but our unloving actions have a way of destroying any good we might do.
Fellow believers in Christ, how vital do you consider the salvation of others to be? This isn’t a question about how big or small your (our) church is, this is a question about your (our) mission and your (our) priorities. Sometimes we cloudy the already murky waters of what we do and make excuses for our busy-ness when the #1 priority is to, through the Holy Spirit’s power, help save lost souls. If what we are doing does in no way impact the potential salvation of the lost then, perhaps, we must once again re-align our priorities.
I offer you two solutions to assist in the realignment of mission:
1. Stop Coveting what you do not have!
1 Corinthians 12:12 – “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.“
We need to get back to work! Just because another church is having success doing one thing really well, doesn’t mean that we have to stop what we are doing and adopt their mission. Perhaps they are fulfilling their “part of the body” and we need to put our heads down and stop coveting what they are doing! Our mission and effective tools, given by the Holy Spirit, might be something completely different than theirs. We don’t need to have an identity crisis over this, we have to move on and prayerfully and humbly do as He (the Holy Spirit) prompts us to. We may never look like that mega-church down the street, but was that supposed to be our “model” for Holy Living in the first place? NO! Jesus should never be replaced with out covetous longings to be someone else. He has created us very differently and uniquely! So with that in mind we need to stop the comparisons and sometimes the jealousy…get on with it!
2. Start using what you do have!
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 – “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.“
The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts and dare I say even the passion to fulfill our mission of Salvation to the lost. So we must be willing to use what He has given us to use. We must stop with our identity crisis and get on with the full utilization of the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit wishes us to employ! He provides what we need, so we have to work within our giftings and abilities! Every one of us is vital to the body of Christ. It matter little if we serve in a small church or big church. The message has to be the same though the gifts might often differ.
Is Salvation important to you?
If the answer is “yes” then we need to put aside our jealousy and our frustrations. We may even have to go before the Father and ask for forgiveness because of our covetous ways. The church was never intended to be some sort of statistical competitive success drive, but rather a mission of love, compassion and grace who willingly went to the orphans, widows, the poor and hurting and those who were seeking. We are still that today? Can we put aside our ridiculous worldly desire for statistical successes and instead focus on the vital nature of the great commission and disciple making?
Perhaps it’s time for a readjustment of our motives and our missions. Perhaps it’s time to get back on our knees and allow the Holy Spirit to reignite our wandering hearts. Perhaps it is time to stop relying on our “church-self help books & seminars” (sometimes they work) and start relying more on the leading of the Holy Spirit in our churches and in our hearts. There is not some “quick” method to salvation…it begins in relationship, love and fellowship. So, without further adieu, let’s get on with it!
What if
Was all just a…
…Fairy tale.
And all of this so called
“Hope”
Was just a fancy illusion?
What if this
story of
Hope
&
was
all just some
Pipe dream
for the weak of
?
Would life still be worth
Would this
existence still matter?
How does
Into all
of
this?
Are we
Strong enough….
Can we blindly
make that
?
If
Then why not start now?
Right Here
In the
Here
AND
What difference will it make?
Is it worth your time?
Will you gain anything?
Why not make that leap?
Hope has a way
of
Faith can lead us
even when we are
blind. Why not?
What have we got to lose?
Either Jesus is God
and
or
we believe in a
fairy tale.
4me…
I would rather believe and be
Than miss out on
the greatest
The world has ever known.
So here is a MY
I willingly
to
And…
is this…
Jesus believes in YOU
and He
madly loves YOU.
Believe…are you ready to?
Pastor's Ponderings 