The CCJ Blog

23 days and counting to the release of Star Wars Episode III. Revenge of the Seth. Okay I am a geek I admit it. But hey your reading this blog in bloggville so you might be too. Last week I promised to do my best for a weekly blog and I have two more Star Wars blogs left in me.

The cool thing about this movie series is these last three films are actually the first three installments of the Star Wars Saga. Lucas did not have the clout or the money to get them all made when he started so he just started in the middle hoping it would catch on. It kind of did. So now all these years later he went back to the beginning to tell the entire story so we could see how it all started and why the characters are who they are and do what they do. These last three movies have been interesting because we know how the story ends we just don’t know the details of how it got there.

Here is the spiritual parallel. When we look at the Bible we know how it all ends. God and His people win, good triumphed over evil and we spend eternity celebrating. There is not much question of the end. There are certainly question to the details of how it ends but the finish is the same.

Yet somehow each of us get to play a part in the end. We get the privilege in helping determine who will be on victories side. By winning the world to Christ, we get to take more people with us. So the end is not the question. What we do with the present is the only real question.

Serve him and may the true force of the Holy Spirit be with you!

As many probably know, I am a geek when it comes to Star Wars. I love every bit of it and the original trilogy is my favorite movies ever. I really love the new films as well and I can’t wait to camp out for the six and final film, Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, in theaters May 19.
Star Wars is the age old battle of good verses evil and the story of redemption. Actually the entire central plot is about Anakin Skywalker (AKA Darth Vader) and his turn to the dark side and eventually his redemption back to good. His character is the story. In many ways his story is ours which I will write about in a future blog.
Now while I am a geek about this my geekness does not compare to that of many Star Wars fans. I have grown rather tired of some of the criticism of creator George Lucus’ last three films. People have really criticized him for messing up the story or changing what they think the story should be. First of all the story has been great and the action wonderful. That aside who are they to tell the creator how to write his story. Star Wars has always been his vision from start to finish and he can write it any way he likes. His vision as I said earlier has always been about Vader’s venture from good to bad and then his return to greatness again.
That reminded minded me of the Bible. Don’t get me wrong, Lucas is not a Christian and his story does not compare to the Bible. However from this one perspective this entire Star Wars criticisms do compare. God is the author of this world and everything on it. The Bible story has always been about an all powerful creator saving His creation for His glory. He made it all so He can set any rules and guidelines He wishes. Who are we to say that it should not be a certain way. This is His story and we are privileged to get to share in it and be loved by Him.
So the next time someone says, “Well I don’t see how a loving God can allow this or that”, remind them that it is His story and only He sees the big picture. He will do what is just, loving and best for all. God bless.

The Washington Times-Herald (you may have to register for free) did a feature story on Antioch Christian Church in a recent edition. ACC is praying for CCJ and they have been an inspiration to many in CCJ’s leadership.

I am continually reminded of what is possible here in Jasper when I look at what God has done through ACC. In a town smaller than Jasper, they have grown to over 1,000 people by loving people and loving God. I believe that the people of Jasper and Dubois County are becoming more open to God’s Word and, I believe, God will use us if we are open to Him.

Just thought some of you might find the article interesting.

This coming week I am continuing the message series on the Sermon on the Mount with a sermon titled, “Love Your Enemies” from Matthew 5:38-48. This is probably as hard an area for us as Christians to live out as any. I mean it sounds great but it sure is not easy at all. Don’t hate my enemies I can handle. Be good to my enemies maybe but love that is a different story. Yet that is exactly what Jesus demonstrated himself. What are some things you do to help yourself be faithful to Jesus in this area. Truth be told we can do nothing on our own to love someone who abuses us. We must rely on Holy Spirit power. Jesus is not asking us to do the impossible. He is not even telling us to take anything. What he is telling us to do is this: Do everything you can and go that extra mile to show the world and yes especially your enemies the love and grace of God.
Good day!