Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Movie Review!
By Bill Crowder
This big-budget sequel to the previous Transformers movie has all the ingredients of a summer blockbuster. It has fast-paced action, lots of special effects, and a couple of kids trying to save the world. It also has the influence of Steven Spielberg all over it. It has everything you would want, except, perhaps for a compelling story or a satisfying conclusion (it leaves the door open for a 3rd installment in the series).
Perhaps the strength of the movie is in the effects. Many times, you watch a film and say, “Where did the $150 million go?” Not here. All the money is on the screen in special effects that are top-notch and believable.
The primary downside of the movie, for me, was the perpetual use of crude humor and sexual language that felt gratuitous. It just had nothing to do with the story, and was unnecessary. In fact, it would be valuable to note that, though based on kids’ toys, this is definitely not a children’s movie—not only because of the intensity of the action but also because of the amount of crudity used.
In terms of lessons and application, the story does speak to the important issue of what we are living for. Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) wants to live for himself, go to college and enjoy being young—but fate and circumstances conspire to make him decide if he will continue to live primarily for self, or if he will sacrifice self for the good of others. His decision to sacrifice himself on several occasions becomes integral to the story line. This can offers us, as followers of Christ, a powerful reminder that we are faced with the same choices day in and day out. What do we live for? The challenge of the Bible to us is, as Paul said, “For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:7-8). We are called to live for others and for Christ.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...feasting or fasting
June 26, 2009
READ: Matthew 9:14-15
Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast (v.15).
Recently, I was asked to teach on the subject of fasting. I knew I was dealing with a subject that is not practiced a whole lot these days. What’s more, I live in a country where the national pastime is eating. Let’s face it—we all love our edibles. So it’s kind of strange to talk about fasting to a group of people who would prefer discussing their favorite fast food!
Long ago, the disciples of Jesus were feasting at a time when fasting was considered the religiously correct thing to do. Not surprisingly, they were criticized for not fasting as the other people were doing (Matthew 9:14). Jesus stated that His disciples would fast only after He was taken away from them (v.15). Many Bible scholars believe that we are living in the time He was referring to—between His ascension and His second coming (Acts 1:9-12). If that’s true, this is the time for us to fast.
Jesus asked: “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom?” (Matthew 9:15). By this question He revealed a key reason for fasting—repentance and sorrow for sin. When convicted of idolatry, the Jews repented with fasting (1 Samuel 7:3-6). And due to national emergencies, they fasted again, humbly trusting God to act on their behalf (2 Chronicles 20:1-4; Esther 4:16).
Only one direct command to fast is found in Scripture. The Israelites were to fast once a year on the Day of Atonement. On that day, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices to atone for the sins of the whole nation (Leviticus 16:29-31).
Fasting also reminds us that it is God who sustains us. Food may keep us going physically, but God’s Word sustains us spiritually (Matthew 4:4).
Feast on God’s Word and fast when necessary! —K.T. Sim
Why would you choose to fast? Why is it vital that you not fast from feasting on God’s Word?
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...the song of the saints
Media Credit: http://www.wfu.edu/~sporsl5/FYS/lastjudgment.htm
June 26, 2009
READ: Revelation 15
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. . . . Your judgments have been manifested. —Revelation 15:4
We’ve all heard the expression, “I don’t get mad; I just get even.” Reading about the judgments described in Revelation, one might assume that God will get “even” with sinners for their phenomenal offenses throughout the history of mankind.
The truth is that God’s final judgment is a necessary expression of His holy justice. He can’t turn a blind eye to sin. In fact, if He doesn’t finally carry out justice as described in Revelation, it would be a denial of His holy character. That’s why in the midst of His judgments, the saints will sing His praise: “Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. . . . Your judgments have been manifested” (15:4). Those who know God best do not judge Him for His judgments; rather, they worship and affirm His actions.
What should surprise us is not the massive scale of God’s judgments, but that He’s waiting so long! Desiring that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), God is now mercifully restraining His judgment and giving maximum space to His marvelous mercy and grace. Now is the time to repent and take advantage of His patient love. And when we do, we’ll join the saints in praising Him for all eternity! — Joe Stowell
When God’s justice is finally and fully revealed, His praises will resound!
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Review of useful writers link
By Isaac Tan, Singapore
Recently, we at YMI, stumbled upon Young Christian Writers website. This site provides an array of writing related articles. Their writing tools section shares valuable tips for writing that is bound to get you interested in writing too. Young Christian Writers is a good website for any aspiring or budding writer who has no clue where and how to start. Check it out and put into practice all that you can learn.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Latest Comments