Flash of Faith

I was catching up on The Flash, namely the episode Invincible. In a scene Barry is consoling Caitlin after her escape from Zoom. He says the line, "if the universe is with us, how could we possibly lose?" It sparked a memory for me of Romans 8:31, "What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?"

What happened in the rest of the episode also brought home something very true to the Christian life as well. Once we have this faith that gives us unwaverying confidence, people will immediately try to shut it down. Throughout the episode the team doubted his faith and came to be worried that he was over reaching. That not giving into fear, meant he had none. As he explained; it's confidence. He understood the task at hand was seemingly insurmountable, he forged ahead in faith instead. What Cisco describes as "walking on sunshine", is the simple faith that Barry has in the higher power of the universe/speed force.

As christians we have this same faith in Jesus Christ. When evil taunts you with being good (as Zoom did with Flash towards the end of the episode), when people doubt the abilities of God, when it seems that things in life are insurmountable; stop and remember that God is for us, who can be against us? Then move forward in faith.

The will to want what's real

*We had to take a hiatus while writing this one. As a result, it's a bit dated. Hope you enjoy anyway!!*

Happy New Year from Nerd Studies! All of us here hope that you had a great Holiday season. One of the new traditions of the year for us is watching the growing, How to Train Your Dragon series. We just enjoy it so much. Last years movie was the second one and among many other messages in that movie the message of Your Will is the largest.

There are so many examples from the way Stoic reacted to seeing his wife, to Hiccup learning that the will of some is unreasonable, to the babies who don't listen to anyone; the will of the characters themselves shows who they are and what they believe in.

In so many ways this is exactly what The Bible says about our will.

In Joshua 24:15 it talks about your will to follow God. The last part of that verse is the most quoted, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." It is the will of Joshua to serve God just like it's Stoic's will to be the best leader. It's Hiccups will that gets them into the messy battle that leads to the death at the end. It's the will of the dragons that eventually decides the Alpha.

In the end it's our choices that reflect our will. What are you showing people?

It's Everywhere

I currently attended a local comic book convention called X-Con. It was great and I can't wait to go back again. What I really loved about this year was they had Sam Jones, the 1980's Flash Gordon!

I didn't get my picture with him, but I was able to attend his panel. The thing that surprised me the most was his consistent reference to prayer and letting God be part of your decision making process. He told us several stories where he and his wife prayed over a job and their prayers were answered. He talked about being humble and it being important to have Gods' hand on things when you make decisions.

All of this talk about God being involved with decisions reminded me of Matthew 6:33, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Sam Jones ended up with a career in security that allows him to travel to conventions and do his acting gigs while maintaining full time status. That's not an easy thing to come by and is a reminder to me that God watches over those people who follow his commandments.

The Temptation of the Hobbit

I was able to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It is an amazing and beautiful movie. It's always nice to see your childhood on the big screen done relatively well. While I was watching the movie, I was struck by one scene in particular. The scene where Bilbo viciously stabs the white spider that comes from up from it's hide away and is heading to pick up the ring. The part that struck me most is towards the end of the scene where he yells, "mine!". It's a very intense scene. But it made me think of how sin holds us the same way.

In the movie, Bilbo turns to the ring for reassurance and refers to it as his courage when talking to Gandalf. We do very similar things when it comes to the sins in our lives. We take our security from money and end up loving it, we call drunkenness "liquid courage" and people often times turn to inappropriate sex to feel loved and happy. When we are challenged on this, we say "Mine!" and defend ourselves in many different ways. In the end though, whoever tries to take our sin and help us to do better we are ready to stab. I know, because I've been there myself.

God provides a way out of every temptation that is here. 1 Corinthians 10:13, "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." With Jesus, we can drop our rings of power and walk away. We can let the webs of time take everything we thought we needed; because in the end all we need is Christ.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder

After a short hiatus, I'm back! While healing through injuries and several other life things. I couldn't get the last book of Christopher Paolinis' out of my head. He describes the distance between dragon and dragon rider as an unbearable ache. After leaving his dragon behind; the dragon rider missed her presence in his head. Missed having her understanding love and her disciplining care. Everything about her, he missed. I couldn't help but think of the Old Testament. About how the people and their decisions brought them closer or further away from God. The emotions all tied up in these decisions and how it is the same today for our walk with Christ.

When we make decisions for God, we are close to Him. We walk with Him and have the ties that bond us to Him. When we don't; when we decide to go out on our own, we end up with the same feelings as the dragon rider and his dragon. When we forsake prayer, Godly actions and Godly thoughts we begin to miss the still small voice of Christ. Miss his discipling care. The piece that makes us whole. He is the friend that dances with us and that tells us when we mess up. He is an integral part of ourselves. Bonded from the moment we are reborn to him and a life long friend that can always be counted to defend and love us.

As Psalms 119 says: "Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight." {111}, "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word."{114}, "Your testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors." {24}, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." {105}. His testimonies and laws and words are all God getting to know us; presenting himself to us to love and be loved in return.

What Batman taught me

My brother and I were having one of many random conversations and we meandered to the topic of what comic books taught us. Being different people we learned different things and Batman is one of my most memorable.

Batman epitomized for me the ideal of taking a horrible situation and not letting it destroy you. If Batman had given into the deaths of his parents, he could have walked the path of bitterness. He could have walked the path of destruction and disease; creating nothing but fear and death in his wake (and I'm sure somewhere someone has written an alterverse where that is exactly what he did). However he didn't give into those things.

Instead he became The Caped Crusader. Fighting for truth and justice and for the cleaner streets of Gotham. In much the same way we can also rely on Christ to help us become The Caped Crusader for the people in our lives. Genesis 50:20 says, "But as for you, you thought evil against me; God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

Even when people do evil towards us, when we lose the things we hold most dear; we can hold to the knowledge that Christ works through us all for good. To save those who we don't even know yet, to give us what we lost, to work the plans that He has for us, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Once Upon a Faith Pt. 2

Episode 22; Emma has eyes opened by faith. The message of True Love defeating all curses rings in her ears, and throughout the episode... and I can't help but think: God's Love is like this.

The truest form of Love. Caring for us before we are born (Psalm 139:13), while we do evil (Romans 5:6) and when we become his heirs (Matthew 7:9-11). He lived for us to know, died to be with us forever and came back to Love us all over again. His Love breaks any curse (sin) that holds sway over our lives, any difficult path we must follow to stay on his path (temptation) His Love makes everything right and new again ().

Just as the true Loves kiss Snow White received brought her new and happy life; so does following Christ in everything that we do. So does caring for God as our first Love (Jeremiah 2:2) always will.

Worf's Stand

Recently I was watching an episode of Star Trek: TNG where Worf makes a very unpopular decision. He refuses a blood transfusion to a Romulan. He believes that to help the Romulan would be giving aid to the enemy ; something totally against everything he stands for. Pushed, prodded, guilt tripped and made to watch the Romulan die, he still stands for what he believes.

Even when the culture around him, the government he has chosen to live under, and his closest friends disapprove; he stands firm.

This is a small picture of how we as Christians should stand for what Christ has laid out for everything (the universe, sexuality, you). Just like Daniel when he is thrown in the lions den in Daniel 6. We stand firm for Christ in our positions within friendships, cultures and the government we choose the live under, God will take care of the rest.

Fringe: Who are your choices for?

I've been catching up on Fringe. I missed so much the first time and I'm really enjoying catching up on it all. The broad message of the show is choices we make for Love.

Walters' choice for Love was to open up the fabric of space time. He based his decisions on the emotions he felt for his son and how it was to lose him. What he intended for good {save Peter from the disease that was killing him} ultimately cause destruction and pain to not only Peter but those effected by ripples Walter set in motion when he opened that tiny crack.

What Walter couldn't see was any other plan, but the one he had hatched. God always has a better plan for us. God says, "For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." {Jeremiah 29:11} Sometimes we need to be reminded that God's Love is the only plan that comes out the best. Even when we think we have the answer sitting right in front of us, staying the course of God's plan for you leads to what you lost and more than what you've always dreamed.

As we can see in Fringe even our choices made out of something as noble as love can have disastrous consequences. This is why we must always "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" {Matthew 6:33} so that the ripple effect in our lives becomes one touching all others with the hope and Love of Christ.

Brightest Day and Blackest Night Con Nooga 2012 Sermon

Just a quick 'ello! To all my new followers, so happy to see you reading this. Please feel free to interact in whatever way you are lead!

For everyone's viewing pleasure: Brightest Day and Blackest Night Con Nooga 2012 Sermon

A new blog coming soon! Until then, enjoy!

Merciful Evil and it's Pretty face

In the Doctor Who episode, "Boom Town"; the last surviving member of the Slitheen family shows back up with a dastardly plan to essentially surf her way back to the area of space where she is from.

The conversation in this episode between the Doctor and the Slitheen is what struck me most. The alien was trying to convince the Doctor that she could be good. That she had changed.
"I promise you I've changed since we last met Doctor. A young thing, something of a danger. The blood lust runs high in our family, I would have killed her without a thought; and then I stopped. She's wandering around out there somewhere right now."

The Doctors response was classic:
"It doesn't mean anything. You let one of them go, but that's nothing new. Every now and then a little victim is spared. Because he smiled, because she's got freckles; 'cause they begged. And that's how you live with yourself. That's how you slaughter millions, because once in a while, on a whim, if the wind's in the right direction; you happen to be kind."

In the end she is still cruel. Just as Proverbs 12:10 says in the last part of the verse {or part b}, "but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." Even in this spinning of the way she had changed, the slitheen was still going to kill the lady she spared, along with everyone else on earth, at the end of her master plan.

In the end even her kindest act was cruel. We are very similar to the slitheen in this way. We believe one good deed will cover all the bad ones we have committed. It's why we need a savior to save us from ourselves. It's why we need Jesus in our lives, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23). God though gives us the same chance the slitheen had at the end of the episode: to start again. John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." A chance at a life with the one who says, "Behold, I make all things new." (Revelations 21:5)

Lessons From The Good Book

Dragon*Con 2009 Sermon, "Lessons From The Good Book"

I really enjoyed this sermon. It hits home and I never saw this in the character Book.

Oh, Day 9-oh

My brother and I watch this shout caster named Day 9 {a.k.a. Sean Plott}. He casts about Starcraft and in one of his videos, he proceeds to tell us about a life lesson which he calls: Kittens and Ninja Stars.

***Warning, there is some language***

If you watched the video, and you should, you can see that Day 9 talks about a realization that is actually Biblical in nature.

Namely, that we are made for fellowship and that our emotions will fool us.

Although he is missing the key ingredient; he doesn't fall short of a full pie when he talks about being there for a friend. That actually caring for someone like a beloved family member {Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24} is what gets the point across that their is friendship, and therefore Love, here. Romans 12:5 goes on to say it even more completely, "so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." We are all one. When one of us gets a ninja star we should react as though it was our body being hit and give aid immediately. We should be there to build defenses and help each other dodge.

In this battle we can't let our emotions fool us {Jeremiah 17:9). Even when we emotionally can't stand a person, we get up pull the ninja star out, dress their wound; and in doing so, get that much closer toward what God was saying about Love. We are to love our enemiesMatthew 5:44, Love God, Mark 12:30 and Love your neighbor as though they were youLuke 10:27.

At the end of the day are you someones ninja star or kitten?

More verses showing the idea of support for each other:
Hebrews 10:25, Romans 12:10-21,

Jesus, Merlin and The Grail

I traveled down memory lane and watched the t.v. show Merlin starring Sam Neill (one of the better actors of his time, in my opinion). Netflix suggested to me that I also watch Merlins' Apprentice. Although the show makes no sense in reference to Merlin, it was enjoyable on it's own.

Toward the end of the second episode there is one quote that really reminded me of one of the core ideas from God in The Bible.

"I have never proved myself worthy. I can not do so now. I beg this gift of those who can not ask it. Undo this madness and do with me what you will." - Jack to The Holy Grail

The Grail restores the last few that were fighting for Camelot and there is a stirring speech that follows in which the character owns up to what Camelot started. He goes on to plead forgiveness, to ask them to quit the battle, go home, clean their wounds and begin a new day as citizens of Camelot.

This picture and quote is exactly the idea of salvation in The Bible. John 3:16, 30 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life... He must become greater; I must become less."

In the last few scenes of this episode Jack realizes that to have the pure heart that The Holy Grail {a.k.a. the cup of Christ} will support, you must humble yourself and realize who you are. Realize that it's loving your enemies {Luke 6:35}, putting others before yourself {Mark 12:31}, and relying on God for your rebirth/salvation/recreation {Proverbs 3:5-6} that makes you pure at heart. Not your past actions, not your own plans, and not your understanding of things. It's to give yourself up to God and let Him clean the madness of sin that runs rampant through ourselves. Then to raise up a new man walking beside Christ, forever!

Forbidden Warehouse

After reading Proverbs 10:22; it immediately made me think of Warehouse 13 and every other fairy tale story that I had ever read.

Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."

If you've seen any episodes of Warehouse 13 you know that it is expressly forbidden for any agent to use an artifact. Artifacts; no matter the good intentions or the good it appears to be doing, have down sides (usually death or dismemberment). The same, if you think about it, happens in fairy tales. When the main character tries to get a quick fix to their problem by using magic or talismans, etc. It usually has an unexpected outcome.

With Jesus, that never happens. He doesn't give you something and then slap you with a downside. He doesn't give you something and then have it back fire on you. He gives from His Love so there is no downside or unexpected outcome. Just the outcome that He says will always happen: you will know that you are Loved, that you are His, and you always will be.

Love Christ like a comicbook

Just recently I started watching Stargate SG-1 again. It's one of my favorite t.v. shows that I go through once a year. Even if I work that day I'm pretty faithful to get one or two episodes in everyday.

For a geek this activity is nothing new. We all have our favorite show that we go through or favorite movie that we watch at least once a year. We go back and visit these characters that we have bonded with, the romances we connected with, the drama and intrigue that became so much a part of us. We raise our kids with it; we watch it with friends and family; we even have parties themed with it.

As geeks, we understand Love and Devotion to ideals that echo within us. Just as these shows touch us, The Bible should live in us and through us. In Deuteronomy 6:7 and 11:19 God says to teach your children His ways in everything that you do. Just like we would introduce our kids to Star Trek, Star Wars, Comic books and all other geeky wonders we should also no forget to teach them about Christ. The Bible teaches us to pray always; to have that continual conversation with Christ. Just like our conversations with friends and fellow comic bookers, gamers, movie buffs and collectors of all types. Jesus wishes the same camaraderie. God desires a passionate relationship with you!

Genesis 29 - Leah is a geek girl, she's a source companion, People! {feel it everywhere}

In which we wonder why Jacob doesn’t check, the heart warming makes Anthony puke, The Twilight Zone is your wedding night and the permanent tan of Jesus.
(If you can guess what band provided the Title we’ll give you an internet cookie! :D)

3XODU5 guest post: Fasting and Spice and everything's coming up Beans

Genesis 25: In which we see that Abraham loved his first son, his twins are born The Con Man and The Red Son, names make Purple Kitty rage and fasting is where it's at!

The Highlander Extrapolation

In Ephesians we see Paul setting up for us the peace, love and togetherness that Jesus Christ wishes for us all to have.

Paul, when describing the way we become one with Christ and all He offers, uses the word quickening.

Every good movie geek knows, "there can be only one"! And there is only one God who gives Himself; not only in a physical manner, but who comes to join with us in our everyday life. Who gives us the gift of Himself, His memory, His Power and His Love. Just as some immortals offered themselves to Duncan McCloud giving him the gift of themselves; so Jesus did for each and everyone of us. There is only one and his name is Jesus!

Warning! Sarah dies... nothing else happens

3XODU5 doing another Geek roundtable on Genesis 23. We bash Michael Bay a bit.