At The Movies 2025 | Pastor Shane Johnston | Resonate Church

Devotional

Day 1: Rescued from Darkness, Called to the Mission

God has not only rescued us from darkness but has also given us a new identity and purpose. We are no longer bound by our past or the weight of our mistakes; instead, we have been transferred into the kingdom of Jesus, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. This rescue is not just for our comfort but is a call to join God’s ongoing mission to reach others who are still trapped in darkness. As recipients of this grace, we are invited to reflect God’s love and light to those around us, becoming part of His rescue plan for the world. [41:20]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV)
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Reflection: Who in your life is still walking in darkness, and how can you intentionally reflect God’s rescue and love to them this week?

Day 2: Letting Your Light Shine

Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, not by our own strength but because He has filled us with His light. Our lives are meant to shine in such a way that others see God’s goodness and are drawn to Him. This isn’t about striving out of obligation, but about allowing the heartbeat of God to move us to action. When we follow Jesus, we don’t have to walk in darkness; instead, we become beacons of hope and life for those around us, carrying His presence into every situation. [41:49]

Matthew 5:14,16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can let your light shine in your workplace, school, or neighborhood this week?

Day 3: Faith That Acts

True faith is not passive; it moves us to action. It’s not enough to simply feel compassion or wish others well—God calls us to meet real needs and be His hands and feet in the world. When we see someone in need, our response should be more than words; it should be tangible help, generosity, and service. God’s plan is for His people to partner together, using what He’s given us to make a difference in the lives of others, both near and far. [46:30]

James 2:14-16 (ESV)
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?

Reflection: Is there a need you’ve noticed recently that you can meet this week, even in a small way? What step will you take?

Day 4: God’s Relentless Pursuit

God’s heart is always for the lost, and He never stops searching for those who have wandered away. No matter how far we may feel from Him, He pursues us with relentless love, longing to bring us home. Like the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, God rejoices over every person who returns to Him. There is no distance too great, no mistake too big—God’s pursuit is personal, and His welcome is full of joy and restoration. [52:33]

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Reflection: When have you experienced God’s pursuit in your own life, and who is someone you can pray for and reach out to who may feel far from God?

Day 5: Humility and Awe in Serving

Serving others is not about seeking recognition or applause, but about giving God all the glory. True humility means pointing to Jesus and His sacrifice, recognizing that every good thing we do is a response to His love for us. When we serve as praise, not for praise, we live in awe of God’s grace and allow our lives to be a reflection of His goodness. Let your acts of service be rooted in gratitude and wonder at all God has done, knowing that He alone deserves the honor. [57:55]

James 4:6 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Reflection: In what area of your life can you shift your motivation from seeking recognition to serving out of awe and gratitude for God’s love?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the profound truth that God is on a rescue mission for every single person, and He invites us to join Him in that mission. Drawing inspiration from the true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, who rescued hundreds of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, we are reminded that seeing a need is not enough—God calls us to respond with action. Just as Winton was moved by compassion and did not wait for someone else to step in, we too are called to be people who act, not just observe.

We live in a nation blessed with peace and abundance, and it’s easy to take that for granted. Yet, even in our comfort, there remains a spiritual need all around us. Scripture tells us that God has rescued us from darkness and brought us into the light of Christ. This is not just for our own benefit, but so that we can reflect His light to others. Jesus calls us the light of the world, and that means we are His hands and feet, carrying hope to those who are lost, hurting, or far from God.

It’s not guilt or obligation that should motivate us, but the heartbeat of God within us. When we truly grasp what Jesus has done—how He pursued us, forgave us, and brought us home—our natural response is to join Him in reaching others. Faith without action is empty; we are called to be people who see the need, are moved by compassion, and step out to make a difference, whether that’s through serving, giving, or simply inviting someone to encounter God.

Humility is key in this journey. Like Nicholas Winton, we don’t serve for recognition, but as an act of worship, pointing all glory to Jesus. The impact of our lives may not always be visible now, but God sees every act of love and obedience. One day, we will see the full impact of our faithfulness, as God reveals the lives touched through our willingness to say yes to His call.

For those who feel far from God, know that He has never stopped pursuing you. No distance or darkness is too great for His love. Today is an invitation to come home, to receive the free gift of salvation, and to step into the light and purpose God has for you.

Key Takeaways

1. Compassion Must Lead to Action It’s not enough to simply notice the needs around us or feel moved by stories of suffering. True compassion, as modeled by Sir Nicholas Winton and taught in Scripture, compels us to act. God’s rescue mission is not a spectator sport; each of us is called to step in, even when it’s costly or inconvenient, trusting that God will use our obedience to bring hope and change. [45:55]
2. We Are the Light in a Dark World Jesus declared that we are the light of the world, not by our own merit, but because His light now shines through us. This means our lives are meant to illuminate hope, truth, and love in places of darkness. Every relationship, every encounter, is an opportunity to reflect God’s heart and invite others into His rescue story. [41:20]
3. Faith Without Works Is Lifeless James challenges us to examine whether our faith is producing tangible fruit. It’s easy to offer well-wishes or prayers, but God calls us to be people of action—meeting practical needs, serving sacrificially, and partnering together for greater impact. Our faith comes alive when it moves us beyond comfort into courageous obedience. [46:30]
4. God’s Pursuit Is Relentless and Personal The heart of God is vividly portrayed in the parable of the lost sheep: He leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one. No matter how far we wander, God’s love never gives up on us. He orchestrates circumstances, relationships, and even moments like today to draw us back, reminding us that we are never beyond His reach. [53:45]
5. Humility Magnifies God’s Glory True greatness in the kingdom is marked by humility, not self-promotion. Like Nicholas Winton, we are called to serve quietly, seeking no applause but God’s. When we point others to Jesus and give Him the glory for every good thing, our lives become a living testimony to the awe-inspiring love and grace of God. [57:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:51] - Introduction to At the Movies
[34:16] - Imperfect People, Perfect God
[35:03] - Celebrating What God Has Done
[36:07] - Service Time Updates
[36:44] - Introducing “One Life”
[37:32] - The Story of Sir Nicholas Winton
[40:06] - Responding to Need with Gratitude
[41:20] - Our Rescue Mission in Christ
[43:55] - The Cost of Compassionate Action
[46:30] - Faith and Works: James 2
[47:33] - Partnering in God’s Mission
[49:15] - Sacrifice and the Heart of God
[53:45] - God’s Relentless Pursuit
[57:55] - Humility and Giving God the Glory
[65:05] - Invitation to Respond and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV) — > He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) — > “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

James 2:14-17 (ESV) — > What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 1:13-14, what has God done for us, and what does that mean for our current spiritual state?
In Matthew 5:14-16, what does Jesus call his followers, and what does he say their lives should do for others?
In James 2:14-17, what example does James use to show the difference between faith that is alive and faith that is dead?
The sermon shared the story of Sir Nicholas Winton, who saw a need and acted. What specific actions did he take, and how did that reflect the message of James 2? [[45:55]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “It’s not guilt or obligation that should motivate us, but the heartbeat of God within us.” Why is it important that our motivation for serving others comes from compassion and gratitude, rather than guilt? [[42:17]]
Jesus calls us “the light of the world.” What does it look like, practically, for someone to “let their light shine” in their everyday life? [[41:20]]
James challenges us to have a faith that produces action. What are some reasons people might notice needs but still not act? How does the sermon encourage us to move past that? [[46:30]]
The parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15) was mentioned as a picture of God’s heart. What does this story reveal about how God pursues people who are far from Him? [[53:45]]

Application Questions

The sermon highlighted that “compassion must lead to action.” Think of a need you’ve noticed recently—in your neighborhood, workplace, or family. What is one practical step you could take this week to respond, rather than just observe? [[45:55]]
Jesus says we are the light of the world. Who is one person in your life right now who might be walking in darkness or feeling far from God? What is one way you could reflect God’s light to them this week? [[41:20]]
The story of Sir Nicholas Winton shows someone who acted even when it was costly or inconvenient. What is one area of your life where you feel God nudging you to step out of your comfort zone to serve or help someone? What’s holding you back? [[45:55]]
The sermon said, “Faith without action is empty.” Are there areas in your life where you feel your faith has become more about words than action? What would it look like to bring your faith to life in those areas? [[46:30]]
Humility was described as serving “not for recognition, but as an act of worship.” When you serve or help others, do you struggle with wanting to be noticed or appreciated? How can you shift your focus to giving God the glory instead? [[57:55]]
For those who feel far from God, the message was that “God has never stopped pursuing you.” If you relate to feeling distant from God, what is one step you could take this week to respond to His invitation to come home? [[53:45]]
The sermon mentioned that the full impact of our faithfulness may not be visible now, but God sees every act of love and obedience. How does this truth encourage you to keep serving, even when you don’t see immediate results? [[59:30]]

Sermon Clips

Jesus said this in Matthew 5. He said, you are the light of the world, which is fascinating. Jesus is the light that came into the world, John says. And then Jesus says, because I have saved you and I have saved you, you are the light of the world. And then Jesus says, because I have filled you, now you are my reflection of that light to the world. It's you. It's on you. He said, let your light shine before others. [00:41:31] (20 seconds) #LightOfTheWorldReflection

He didn't just see the need. He responded. He didn't wait for somebody else to meet it. He said, I am the one called to meet this need. And it reminds me of this passage from the book of James. I love the Bible because it speaks so directly to our lives. Let's open our hearts and hear God's word speak to the kind of people of action that Christians and followers of Jesus are called to be. Come on, let's let God's word wake us up today. [00:46:09] (25 seconds) #CalledToActionNow

For myself, as a parent, I think, oh my goodness, could you imagine putting a child onto a train and waving goodbye, and knowing that you're doing it for the sake of them being in safety, but knowing the heartache you would feel of that separation. You know, the Bible actually talks about that being the heart of God, that when God is separated from you, you're separated from God, the heart of God is for you. [00:51:48] (27 seconds) #HeartOfGodForYou

I love the way they portray Nicholas in this movie as a humble man, not looking to draw attention to himself. And the Bible is very big on this idea of humility. It's not big in our culture. In fact, most things that people do today, they do for the opposite reasons to be seen for the sake of receiving the applause. But scripture says something very different than God opposes the proud. If it's about us, God is against it, but God gives grace to the humble. [00:57:44] (27 seconds) #GraceToTheHumble

Jesus on the cross shedding his blood for us to take away the sins of the world. That wasn't just a moment to show you the goodness of God. That was a once and for all eternal act to set you free, that you could know that no sin could separate you far enough from God. Nothing could stand in the way between you and the love of God. [00:58:30] (20 seconds) #FreedomThroughTheCross

A lot of us go through our lives hoping that the life we lived is good enough. And the Bible is clear. We've all gone our own way. We've all been succumbed to idolatry where we put ourselves first, where we put God second, where we put God at the end of the line. And while we were far off, the Bible says the wages of sin, it might be death. It might be distance and separation from God. But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord. And it's a free gift, meaning you don't do anything to earn it. [01:06:03] (32 seconds) #GraceNotEarned

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