Who Doesn’t Like a Good Hallmark Movie?

It’s that time of year when our senses are flooded with familiar sights, sounds and smells, which can make us nostalgic and emotional. We enjoy kicking back with our hot cocoa and festive cookies to watch the many feel-good movies available. They have a way of getting us into the holiday spirit. We know their formulas and anticipate the happy endings usually sealed with a kiss. 

Although our movie watching can be enjoyable, the stories are often a mix of reality and fantasy. It is way too easy for us to be in a relaxed state and let fiction or anti-biblical philosophies become a part of our own thinking. Can we enjoy a good movie even if it includes fantasy? Sure, but we need to view our entertainment through a lens of discernment. Let me give you a couple examples of what I mean.

What about these angels?

It is easy to recognize a make-believe story when the star is Santa Claus. But what about the movie where an angel is involved?

• ​When a person dies do they become an angel?
• Can a dead person have a second chance to relive their life in a better way?
• Can an angel come to earth and decide to become a human? ​​​

​What does the Bible say about angels? ​Angles were a special creation by God. Humans were created after the angels according to Genesis. ​

People do not become angels—not even in death, nor do angels become human. Without going into a lengthy study of angelology, angels serve as God’s messengers and do His will. They also help God’s children.

“Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:14

When they appeared to people in Scripture they looked human. In fact, Hebrews 13:2 says we are to show hospitality to strangers because we may be entertaining angels without even knowing it. Angels can help humans in special ways, but in movies most of the time when an angel is one of the actors there are strange inaccurate twists. Be careful that you don’t get so caught up in the emotion of the story that your discernment of reality is clouded when an angel is involved.

Should I really follow my heart?

Another area to evaluate fact from fiction in our entertainment watching is the underlying philosophy of life in the movie. Popular advice that is given over and over again is, “Follow your heart.” ​​It sounds so right to just do what you have a desire to do, but this philosophy is anti-biblical.

The Bible says our hearts are deceiving and very wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Why would you follow something evil that you cannot trust? Of course, we know as Christians we have the Holy Spirit and the Bible, not our own hearts, to guide us into all truth. 

Enjoy this time of year. Relax when you can. Take time for traditional holiday movies. But stay sharp and discerning as you identify truth and error according to God’s Word. ​​

What other non-biblical philosophies have you picked up on in these seasonal movies? 

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​Authentic Christianity: Trading Religion and Rules for True Faith

Friend, I want to take this opportunity to share a book my sweet husband shared with me this week.

​Just read this quote from the book:

"If your life is one that reflects radical, authentic Christianity, people become either bitter or better through contact with you. But one thing cannot happen: people will never remain the same. Those who are determined to die are pushed on toward death by coming into contact with authentic Christianity. Those who are seeking to live are helped on into life. Jesus certainly had this quality about Him. No one ever came into contact with Him and went away the same." —Ray Stedman

True Christianity is more than a set of beliefs—it is a way of life. In fact, it is life itself! Jesus died for you so that He might live in you. Authentic Christianity proclaims the most liberating secret in all of Scripture: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” All of God’s plans for present victory over evil, as well as His plans for future glory, rest squarely on the amazing fact of your union with Christ.
 
Beloved Bible teacher Ray C. Stedman takes you through 2 Corinthians 2:14 to 6:13, revealing the real purpose, simplicity, and joy of true Christianity. It’s the kind of genuine, workable Christianity that is proven in the trenches of everyday living. It will bring you safely through any crisis and enable you to look back on your life and say, “I have truly known God.” --goodreads

​“Move beyond religion, beyond doctrines, beyond rules, beyond rituals, and into that life-changing experience of being intimately connected with Christ at the very core of your being—for that is authentic Christianity.”    —Ray C. Stedman

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