In a rushed and harried weekend, we at THE DECODER RING took some time to pause and consider the role of angels in every day life. Who are these "ministering spirits," and what do they have to tell us? Is it a message of hope from God, or could we be deceived and influenced by the evil one masquerading as an angel of light?
"City of Angels" tells the story of Seth, an angel who is so enamored with a human woman that he chooses to "fall" and become a man just so he can be with her. This incredibly romantic tale, however, has at its heart a seductive darkness. The role of God is marginalized, the fleeting pleasures of life are exonerated, and the sensuality and feelings of man are held in high regard.
We discovered that City of Angels is the American remake of Wim Wenders "Wings of Desire," a German independent film that grapples with life's hard questions including free will and the role of God in our lives. A re-imagined script was championed by the late Dawn Steel, former production head of both Paramount and Columbia Pictures. Dawn was obsessed with angels and commissioned the script to be rewritten by screenwriter Dana Stevens.
Unfortunately neither of these two talented ladies spent much time in the Bible when constructing their story. There are wonderful moments between Seth and the dying people he escorts through the afterlife, and he does pose some important questions to Maggie, a doctor having a crisis of confidence. But instead of leading her to the Bible and God, he encourages her to read secular memoirs and give herself over to sensuality.
Comparing this film with God's Word brings out a stark contrast. Angels in the Bible only communicate messages from the Lord. When the scriptures do detail the angels that fall, they don't become men and walk the earth. They turn evil, follow Satan, and are doomed to eternal destruction with him. Their only purpose is to prevent and distract us from following Jesus. Most of the time, this is not a frontal assault. They tease and tempt, seducing the lost and confusing the faithful.
The Bible tells us in EPHESIANS 6:12
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
It also instructs in GALATIANS 5:24
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."
And again in PROVERBS 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
We are to be extremely vigilant, refusing to be seduced by anything the world has to offer, lest our affections be lured away from the only one who can fulfill our every need, The Lord Jesus Christ. God loves us more than the world ever could. He alone wants to "romance" us. Our reward is a deeper relationship with Him.
Again, as is our tradition, we prayed for the cast and filmmakers. That their talents and abilities would be redeemed by the Lord to do his work, and that they would personally come in contact with those who would share with them the gospel of Christ.
God bless all of you as you live in the tension of being in the world but not of the world. See you next time at THE DECODER RING!
Got A Message For Me?
CITY OF ANGELS (1998) rated PG13
(a scene of sexuality, brief nudity, language)
Directed By
Brad Silberling
Produced By
Dawn Steel
Written By
Dana Stevens
Adapted from "Wings of Desire"
directed by
Wim Wenders
Starring
Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan, Dennis Franz, Andre Braugher, Colm Feore
Join us
SATURDAY APRIL 19 at 7:00pm
in the Chapel Room at
Calvary Chapel Burbank
Do you not know that we will judge angels?
How much more the things of this life!
1 CORINTHIANS 6:3
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