Bill and I went to an afternoon movie, “Risen”, with Rev. Grant and Jennifer Powell. of First Church of God of Panama City. We enjoyed the movie and the conversation about it afterward as much or more!
Pastor Grant has done a sweet service for Titus 2 this week, repairing and servicing our 4 bicycles so our ladies can enjoy this pretty weather and get some exercise. We purchased a new bike rack and have a tarp to keep them nice and clean and lubricated. Thanks, Grant for your kindness. I was tickled when your wife told me that was one of your hobbies!
After I shared this a friend asked how I liked the movie Risen…. I enjoyed it. The Apostles by and large come off looking a bit inept and scattered. LOL! And in the first 24-72 hours after the Resurrection, they probably were! But it makes their effectiveness as witnesses and messengers of the Gospel all the more amazing! The premise of the film and the redemptive outcome leaves a lot of room for the mystery of faith! I think it works best for those who are well grounded in the Word, as the artistic license may confuse otherwise. The whole story for me seems to hinge on one brief conversation between the confused and emotionally reeling tribune and Jesus in which Jesus reveals his knowledge of the tribune’s heart, as the tribune had spoken it to Pilot earlier in the film. It reminded me of the Samaritan woman’s proclamation in witnesses to her community, “He told me everything I ever did!” It does seem that the power of the Word is that it goes straight to the heart of who we really are and what we really need! Worth the price of the ticket, I think. Of course, I went to the discount matinee!
( From 2/21/2016)