Pastor Dave shared insights from the movie "Top Gun," using it as a metaphor for personal growth and forgiveness. He emphasized that just like the characters in the film, we often struggle with letting go of our past and holding grudges that prevent us from moving forward. Drawing from scripture, he stated that to truly heal and grow, we must practice agape love, pray for those who have wronged us, and extend forgiveness without waiting for apologies. Ultimately, Pastor Dave encouraged the congregation to release their burdens and embrace a new beginning by accepting God's grace.
Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Matthew 5:43-48 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205%3a43-48&version=niv#fen-niv-23278a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Ephesians 4:32 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
At The Movies
November 17, 2024 • Pastor Dave Gargano
Pastor Dave's sermon focuses on the rising epidemic of anxiety in today's society, particularly among youth, using the animated film "Inside Out 2" as a springboard for discussion. He emphasizes that while feelings of anxiety can overwhelm us, true peace can only be found through a relationship with God and consistent prayer. Pastor Dave shares his personal struggle with anxiety, illustrating how fear can control our lives if we let it, but insists that faith and trust in God can break that cycle. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to bring their worries to God, highlighting that prayer is not just a last resort but a powerful tool for transformation and healing.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord Forever.
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
At The Movies
November 10, 2024 • Pastor Dave Gargano
Pastor Dave shared an inspiring message about the power of faith, highlighting underdog stories like that of Kurt Warner and Rahab. He emphasized that despite life's challenges and setbacks, faith can lead to unexpected victories and fulfillment of dreams. Using Rahab as an example, he illustrated how trusting in God can transform one's life, taking her from a life of shame to becoming an ancestor of Jesus. The sermon encouraged everyone to keep pursuing their dreams and not to give up, reminding them that faith empowers them to overcome obstacles and achieve their destinies.
Joshua 2:1- 5 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. 2 The king of Jericho was told, “Look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” 3 So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.” 4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5 At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.”
8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Joshua 2:12-14 “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”
14 “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.”
Matthew 1:5-6
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David.
Hebrews 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
At The Movies
November 3, 2024 • Pastor Dave Gargano
Pastor Dave emphasizes the importance of recognizing that while we may have our own life plans, God's plans often lead us in unexpected and necessary directions. He uses the character of Spider-Man, particularly in the movie "Far from Home," to illustrate how we may feel unprepared or reluctant to accept the roles and responsibilities God presents to us. Through the story, Pastor Dave encourages us to trust in God's greater purpose and to be willing to let go of our own plans in favor of His, as His intentions are always for our good. Ultimately, the sermon calls for faith and action, urging everyone to take the next step forward in their relationship with God.
Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 26:39 “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will your plan to be done, not mine.”
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
