LISTEN: “Star Wars” and How You Can be Delivered from the Dark Side (Gospel Light Minute X with Daniel Whyte III)

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Unless you really live in a galaxy far, far away, you already know that the seventh movie in the epic Star Wars franchise was released this weekend. Ten years after the last Star Wars film was released, The Force Awakens has tapped into the tremendous popularity of the original series. According to Forbes Magazine, Star Wars is Hollywood’s “biggest and most enduring franchise” and has been ‘consistently popular for nearly 40 years.’

Many have recognized that one reason why is because the characters and story resonate with people on a much deeper level than the on-screen spectacle may suggest. For example, the mystical “Force” of Star Wars which binds the galaxies together, reflects the truth that our universe is held together by a singular force as well. All humans are connected because we are all made in the image of God. As the Bible says, “we are all his offspring.” Speaking of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the Bible says, “By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist [hold together].”

The conflict between the light side and the dark side of the Force is a theme that also aligns with our world. The Jedi and others who draw power from the light side of the force emphasize peace, non-aggression, and ridding oneself of hate. Opposed to them are the Sith and others who draw power from the dark side of the force; they emphasize aggression, fear, anger, and hatred. Light and darkness, good and evil are also in conflict in our world. And, just as the Jedi overcome the Sith, good will win out in the end. The Bible says, “The light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Star Wars is largely the story of a young man (Luke Skywalker) trying to redeem a family member (Darth Vader) who has gone over to the dark side. The Gospel story is essentially the same. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem His creation which has succumbed to the darkness of sin. This cosmic drama plays out over thousands of years — from the garden of Eden to the manger in Bethlehem to the cross of Calvary. And it still isn’t finished. God’s ultimate goal is to restore His creation to complete union with Himself in a New Heaven and a New Earth — where He will rule and where darkness and death will have no place.

The Bible tells us that “people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.” Everyone in the world has done evil; everyone has sinned. However, the Bible also says that, through God’s Son, Jesus Christ, “Light has come into the world… in Him was life, and that life was the Light of men.” The whole purpose of Jesus coming into the world was ‘to open our eyes, and to turn us from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that we may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Christ.’ God sent Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. He invites all of His creation to come to the Light.

You can be delivered from darkness and receive forgiveness of your sins today, however you must place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. He is the only one who can save you from sin and the consequences of sin.

If you have not accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for your sins, here is how you can do that today.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Now that is bad news, but here’s the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.

Romans 10:9 & 13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved from Hell and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God! Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read “What To Do After You Enter Through the Door.” Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

Believe by faith. Share the faith. And keep the faith! God Bless You!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over forty books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts/podcasts, which include: The Prayer Motivator Devotional, The Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message, the Prophet Daniel’s Report, the Second Coming Watch Update and the Soul-Winning Motivator, among others. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Religion, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Master of Theology degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for over twenty-seven years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com. Follow Daniel Whyte III on Twitter @prophetdaniel3 or on Facebook.