Who Can You Trust?

Yesterday, I got to see the movie, Mockingjay, at my favorite downtown theater.  This is the third movie of The Hunger Games trilogy, and it was only part 1.  As with any movie that does not finish the storyline, we are left hanging for what will happen in the end.

The Insurrection of the Church

Insurrection: Organized opposition intended to change or overthrow existing authority

Yesterday, I finally found the movie, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, in a Redbox machine.  I have been checking and checking, but all the machines said it was "out of stock."  I loved this movie.  If you haven't seen this yet, I highly recommend it.  (Caution: spoiler alert)

Actions Reflect Beliefs

I watched the History Channel's The World Wars this past week.  The series was well-done, showing the connection between World War I (which started almost exactly 100 years ago) and World War II.

This is a time of history that has always fascinated me.  I often have wondered just how a man like Adolf Hitler could rise to the level of influence he had in Germany.  The writers portrayed Hitler as a poor young artist who failed at his craft, lonely, and without direction.  When Austria entered the war, he tried to enlist, but failed, due to perceived weakness.  Desperate to belong somewhere, Hitler joined the German army, and fought in the German trenches.

Beware of False Prophets

I just recently watched the movie Avengers this week, as it was released on Blu-Ray.  I admit, I didn't get to watch it on the big screen this summer, so I was a bit behind the general public.  This movie was well worth the wait!  As I watched it, I saw so many good lessons to learn.  Today, I want to discuss the power and lure of false prophets.  Loki, brother of Thor (Norse god of thunder), came to earth with the intention of ruling the world we know.  He used a scepter of power that could turn men's hearts and mind to his will.  Men like Dr. Selvig and Barton were lured by Loki's scepter (and Loki).  

Evil prophets are not limited to fictional movies and books.  Our history can remember very powerful men who claimed deity and ultimate power.  Our Bible warned us even in Jesus's day; indeed, even in the days of Adam and Eve, that there were evil men.  Today, they walk among us.  Consider the words of Peter in his letter, "But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there are false teachers among you." (2Peter 2:1a NLT)  

How can we know who is real and who is a false prophet?  Jude tell us how to recognize them, "These people - who claim authority from their dreams - live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings.  These people scoff at things they do not understand.  Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so bring about their own destruction." (Jude 8,10)

How will we know how to defeat them when they are among us?  Jude also tells us what to do, "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life.  In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love." (Jude 20-21)

Do you remember the scene in the movie when Natasha (aka Black Widow) encountered a deceived Barton (aka Hawkeye)? If you don't remember, picture how she knocked some sense into him (literally!)  Did you know that is exactly what we are to do for each other when we are deceived?  Consider more advice from Jude, "And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.  Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgement.  Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." (Jude 22-23)

We know false prophets exist, and that they walk among us.  Stay alert, mindful of the truth that comes from the Word, and rescue others who are or begin to be deceived.  Be like the Avengers and save the world from the evil ones.