Lights, Camera, Action
I recently went on vacation to southern California with my wife where we did all of the touristy things. We went to Disneyland, Laguna Beach, and made several trips to In-N-Out Burger (a must!). One day we ventured into Hollywood where we were part of a “Price is Right” taping at CBS Studios. We had a blast and possibly even made it on TV a few times cheering and waving our hands wildly in the audience.
After the show, we decided to drive around and see the area. Well, let’s just say that the Hollywood commonly portrayed in the movies isn’t exactly like the one in reality. We saw marijuana shops (or “clinics” at they were called), slummy looking apartments, houses with iron bars over every window, strange people jumping in the middle of the road during traffic (yes this happened), and hardly any beautiful palm trees to line the streets.
Aside from Drew Carey (host of The Price is Right), the only “star” we got to meet during our time there was the brother of Marc Summers (host of the old Nickelodeon show Double Dare and the Food Network’s Unwrapped).
In other words, none of the “glamour” was visibly apparent while driving. Even the famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign wasn’t in Hollywood itself, but far back in obstructed views (which doesn’t make for a good camera shot).
This experience lines up well with our next message series we’re calling “Lights, Camera, Action”. You see, much like my idea of Hollywood was an illusion based on unrealistic portrayals, the same applies with people’s view of Christ’s bride, the Church (capital C for the Body of Christ – the Christian Church as a collective whole).
The world sees the Church as many different things, both good and bad (but mostly bad). For some it’s a place where they might get married at someday. Others it’s where they know to get some half-rusted cans of green beans and pumpkin pie filling. Then there’s those who see it as a group of hate-filled bigots who want to push agendas on the rest of the world.
Where did it all go wrong?
What was the original purpose of the Church?
Why do people get so confused and angry about Christ’s bride?
What should we as the Church be focused on?
We’ll explore these questions and more over the next few weeks. Make plans to join us!
