Living A No Regrets Life Series

Living A No Regrets Life

One Month To Live (week 7)

QUESTION – does anyone here like to watch movies? DO – you have a top ten list? you have an all time favorite? NOW – my all time favorite movie came out in 1995 it was produced and directed by Mel Gibson who also starred in the title role. The movie - ‘Braveheart.’

The story is based on the life of William Wallace who lived in the late 1200’s.

In A.D. 1280 Edward I of England, known as "Longshanks," occupies much of Scotland, and his oppressive rule there leads to the deaths of William Wallace’s father and brother. AFTER – their death Wallace leaves Scotland to be rasied by His uncle. Years later, he returns and finds that his countrymen continue to live under the harsh thumb of Longshanks’. HOWEVER - Wallace is intent on simply living as a farmer and avoiding involvement in the ongoing "Troubles." HE – quickly rekindles a romance with his childhood friend Murron after showing her the carefully preserved flower she gave him as a child, and the two marry in secret. A little later on Wallace beats up a group of English soldiers attempting to rape her. IN RESPONSE - the village Sheriff publicly cuts Murron’s throat before Wallace is able to save her. Wallace is enraged – he returns to the village as if to surrender – BUT INSTEAD - with the assistance of his fellow villagers, slaughters the entire English garrison.

NOW – for years the Scots have been looking for a true leader, one whose motives are their freedom not self interests. AS – his legend spreads, hundreds of Scots from the surrounding clans volunteer to join Wallace’s militia. Wallace leads his army through a series of successful battles against the English, including the Battle of Stirling and sacking the city of York.

AS – the movie progresses Wallace experiences: victory and defeat – love and betrayl… A BETRAYL – that leads to him being brought to London to be tried for high treason.

I want to show a clip from that movie. Wallace is in prison awaiting his execution when Princess Isabelle comes to see Him…

“Every man dies. Not every man really lives.”

INCREDIBLE MOVIE… (yeah I know you want to go home and watch it again)… AND THOSE – words… MAN - they are so true. I MEAN – there are over 6 billion people who are living in this world right now… BUT - how many are alive? HOW MANY – are ‘really’ living?

AND LET’S – bring the question closer to home… THERE ARE – about 150 people in this room right now - who are living (150 hearts are beating, 150 bodies breathing in and out)… BUT – the question is, how many of us are really alive? HOW MANY OF US – are LIVING FULLY the life God created us to live? HOW MANY OF US – are actually experiencing the abundant life that Jesus bought for us on a blood stained cross 2000 years ago?

UNDERSTAND – God’s intention for us (His children… created in His image and recreated in His Christ) is LIFE! A life of:

• Inexpressible and glorious joy

• Peace beyond understanding

• Joy in the midst of hardship

• Hope that is living

• Perfect love that drives out ALL fear

• Where our deepest hungers are satisfied and our thirsty souls quenched

•

YES – God’s intention for us is life! IS – for us to be ALIVE! Fully Alive! Abundantly living! BUT – those intentions are opposed. AND - Jesus (God in the flesh) could not have made that truth any clearer then he did in John chapter 10.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full… - John 10:10

IN – his amazing and life impacting book (Waking The Dead)… John Eldredge asks this question;

Have you ever wondered why Jesus married those 2 statements? Did you know he spoke them at the same time? I mean, he said them in one breathe. And he has his reasons. By all means, God intends life for you. But right now that life is opposed. It doesn’t just roll in on a tray. There is a thief. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. IN – other words, yes, the offer is life, but you’re going to have to fight for it because there’s an Enemy in your life with a different agenda.

There is something set against us.

We are at war…

CS Lewis in Mere Christianity, put it like this, “There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counterclaimed by satan.