Coming Up Sunday, August 5

This Sunday, we wrap up our "Summer Blockbuster Sermon Series" with a sermon based on "The Dark Knight Rises."  This film, which concludes director Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, tells the story of an aging Bruce Wayne again donning the Batman suit and saving Gotham from the threat of complete destruction.

Here is one of the trailers:



Due to the shooting in Aurora, Colorado, the movie has been at the center of tragedy.  While the movie is has quite a bit of violence, which is expected given the genre, it doesn't promote violence.  In fact, the film is about lots of people -- not just Batman -- standing up against bullying and violence.

In fact, the character of Batman/Bruce Wayne in "The Dark Knight Rises," broken-down and perhaps a shell of his younger self -- reminds me of the Apostle Paul during his last years, especially when he was imprisoned.  Later in life, Paul came to appreciate the opportunity for a transformed life in Christ while on earth, which motivated him even during the challenging times.  I think that Bruce Wayne's years in this movie -- minus the combat scenes -- touch on a similar theme: What are we supposed to live for as Christians?  What is the meaning of the "past our prime" years?