Remember the Titans | Unity, Leadership, and Overcoming Division
Remember the Titans | Unity, Leadership, and Overcoming Division
JULY 27th - August 1st
Welcome to “At the Movies”! This sermon series, "At the Movies," draws inspiration from the storytelling genius of Jesus, who used parables to reveal profound truths about God and our relationship with Him. By exploring familiar stories from our own popular culture, we uncover the redemptive and enduring themes that resonate with the truths found in Scripture. This week, we delve into "Remember the Titans," a powerful story of overcoming racial division, embracing unity, and the transformative power of leadership. As we explore this narrative, we will discover how its themes mirror the spiritual battles, challenges, and triumphs we face in our own lives, encouraging us to seek unity, embrace leadership, and find hope in God's promises.
There’s a lot to unpack here, so we’re going to give you all the good stuff up front so that you have everything you need to partner with the Holy Spirit this week. We believe He has something unique to say to you, so the goal of this week is simply to create space for a conversation with Him.
There’s a lot to unpack here, so we’re going to give you all the good stuff up front so that you have everything you need to partner with the Holy Spirit this week. We believe He has something unique to say to you, so the goal of this week is simply to create space for a conversation with Him.
Biblical Reflection on “Remember the Titans”
In our journey of faith, we are often called to break down barriers, embrace unity, and lead with integrity. Like the characters in "Remember the Titans," we may face divisions and challenges, but God calls us to be peacemakers and leaders who reflect His love and find unity in His sacrifice. Our trials can produce perseverance, character, and hope, and even in our failures, there is redemption through God's grace. We are not alone in this journey; we have the fellowship of believers and the promise of unity in Christ, which gives us hope and courage to face each day. Explore these Biblical truths throughout this week using the Scripture, reflection questions, and prayer prompts below and see what the Holy Spirit has to say to you!
DAILY REFLECTIONS
Day 1 | Breaking Down Barriers
READING FOR MONDAY | Ephesians 2
Journaling Questions
- Our culture encourages us to view differences as barriers that often lead to prejudice and broken relationships. What barriers exist in your life that God might be calling you to break down?
- The divisiveness demonstrated in “Remember the Titans” was not unique to the time in history. Paul’s writings in Ephesians reveal similar divides that had to be overcome in the early church, and we are certainly still experiencing them today. How can you act as a peacemaker and work towards unity in your community?
Prayer Prompt
Ask God to reveal any prejudice in your own heart that has built barriers between you and those around you, for the courage to break down those barriers and to be a peacemaker in your relationships.
Song of Reflection
Break Every Chain - Live
Jesus Culture, Kristene DiMarco
Jesus Culture, Kristene DiMarco
Day 2 | Embracing Unity
READING FOR TUESDAY | Psalm 133
Journaling Questions
- Where have you seen a lack of unity in your church, workplace, or family? How could God use you to build bridges of relationship in those spaces?
- Who do you find most difficult to understand and why (could be a group or specific individual)? What steps can you take to understand those who are different from you?
Prayer Prompt
Repent of any ways that you have contributed to disunity and division. Pray for the wisdom to see the image of God in those who you see as different from you and for the strength to love them as Christ has loved you.
Song of Reflection
By Our Love
for KING & COUNTRY
for KING & COUNTRY
Day 3 | Leadership with Integrity
READING FOR WEDNESDAY | Philippians 2
Journaling Questions
- In what areas of your life are you called to lead? How has it been challenging to lead as a Christ-follower in those spaces?
- Jesus said he came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). How can you put the needs of others before your own in your leadership?
Prayer Prompt
Ask God for the humility and wisdom to lead with integrity and to serve others selflessly in spaces where you have influence and power others may not have.
Song of Reflection
Lead Me To The Cross
Hillsong UNITED
Hillsong UNITED
Day 4 | Redemption and Forgiveness
READING FOR THURSDAY | 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Journaling Questions
- Admitting we have been wrong is not easy. In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's redemption and forgiveness?
- How can you extend this same forgiveness to others, reflecting the grace you have received from God?
Prayer Prompt
Seek God's forgiveness for any areas of your life where you have fallen short, and ask for His grace to extend forgiveness to others, and when possible seek reconciliation and healing.
Song of Reflection
At The Cross (Love Ran Red)
Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin
Day 5 | The Power of Fellowship
READING FOR FRIDAY | HEBREWS 10:24-25
Journaling Questions
- In “Remember the TItans”, the team decided to pursue unity despite the opposition they knew it would bring from their community, and they needed each other to stay strong in the face of it. If we are to look different from the world, the Church has to make the same commitment to fellowship with one another. How are you engaging in meaningful relationships with others in your church family?
- In what ways can you allow others to support you in your own faith journey?
Prayer Prompt
Thank God for the gift of fellowship and pray for opportunities to build authentic relationships so that you can encourage and support those facing challenges around you.
Song of Reflection
The Blessing - (Live)
Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship
Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship
RESOURCES | For Further Study
Books
Videos
Articles
- “Unity Unity” by Francis Chan
- The Book of Ephesians in the Bible
Videos
- "Passage Insight: Creative Nonviolence" by The Bible Project
- "Race and the Gospel" video series by Bryan Loritts & Matt Chandler
Articles
- “The Bible and Race” by Timothy Keller
- “Preparing God’s Servant Leaders for Racial Reconciliation in the Church of God” audio address from Dallas Willard at Pacific Christian College
Reader Highlight | Darlene and Lorelai (Henderson Campus) reflects on the series “The Chosen”
As part of our "At the Movies" series, we invited readers of the Daily Rhythms blog to share their favorite movies or shows that reflect biblical themes. Today, we're excited to feature submissions from Darlene and Lorelai from our Henderson Campus, who reflect on the series "The Chosen."
In the inspiring series "The Chosen," we witness the profound impact of Jesus' love, compassion, and teachings on the lives of His disciples and those He encounters. The series illustrates how Jesus' unwavering love and divine purpose lead to a deeper understanding of identity and mission among His followers.
Darlene shares, "The Chosen helps to visualize Jesus Christ in a human body form. The Wedding of Cana was a great episode. His power to perform a miracle as well as His compassion for the family who ran out of wine at their daughter’s wedding. It showed His love for His earthly mother as well."
Lorelai adds, "The Chosen literally shows the HEART of Jesus! All four of the gospels depict His truth in full! I would highly recommend it. If you don’t understand God’s love, you will after watching The Chosen!"
The series brings the Gospels to life, offering a profound understanding of God's love through the portrayal of Jesus' interactions and teachings.
In the inspiring series "The Chosen," we witness the profound impact of Jesus' love, compassion, and teachings on the lives of His disciples and those He encounters. The series illustrates how Jesus' unwavering love and divine purpose lead to a deeper understanding of identity and mission among His followers.
Darlene shares, "The Chosen helps to visualize Jesus Christ in a human body form. The Wedding of Cana was a great episode. His power to perform a miracle as well as His compassion for the family who ran out of wine at their daughter’s wedding. It showed His love for His earthly mother as well."
Lorelai adds, "The Chosen literally shows the HEART of Jesus! All four of the gospels depict His truth in full! I would highly recommend it. If you don’t understand God’s love, you will after watching The Chosen!"
The series brings the Gospels to life, offering a profound understanding of God's love through the portrayal of Jesus' interactions and teachings.