Wicked: Where Faith Meets Film | Rev. Adam Hamilton | Church of the Resurrection

About this sermon

In this powerful message, Pastor Adam explores the themes of fear, friendship, and transformation through the lens of the film Wicked and the timeless story of The Wizard of Oz. He shares how the story of Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch, reveals what happens when someone is marginalized, bullied, and judged for being different—and how compassion can change everything. Pastor Adam reminds us that Jesus consistently befriended and lifted up those the world called unworthy, showing radical love to the poor, the outcasts, and the hurting. The sermon also uncovers how fear has been used throughout history by leaders and societies to divide people and maintain power, fueling bigotry and prejudice. From biblical times to recent history, Pastor Adam challenges us to recognize how easy it is to let fear shape our view of others, whether it’s those of different races, backgrounds, or beliefs. He points to Scripture’s call to choose trust and perfect love over fear, reminding us that fear traps us, but love sets us free. Through this message, we learn that real transformation happens when we build genuine friendships across differences, when we see people’s humanity, and when we choose love over suspicion. We’re invited to reflect on whether we are the kind of friends who make others’ lives better—and whether we allow Jesus, the ultimate friend, to change us for good. Don’t miss this life-changing sermon. Watch now and discover how God’s love and your friendships can change lives—including your own—for the better. Highlights: [0:00] - Welcome [0:36] - Reading of Scripture [1:17] - Intro Video [2:09] - Sermon Intro: The History of Wicked [5:22] - It Starts With The Color of Her Skin [8:35] - Elphaba Has Been Marginalized. Are You? [10:26] - Jesus Befriends People Who Felt Small and Marginalized [14:37] - As Christians, Are You Like Galinda or Jesus? [18:11] - Evil Unifies Us To A Common Enemy [24:37] - Who Are You Afraid Today? [26:21] - How Do We Overcome Our Fears and Prejudice? [29:06] - Change Happens When We Get To Know People [33:00] - Both Are Transformed By One Another [35:05] - Are Your Friends’ Lives Better Because You Are Their Friend? [37:14] - Conclusion [38:06] - Closing Prayer [39:09] - Thank You For Watching Visit our website: https://resurrection.church/ Connect with us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareresurrection Twitter: https://x.com/umcresurrection Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resurrectionumc/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChurchoftheResurrection Learn more from us at https://resurrection.church/next #ResurrectionAUnitedMethodistChurch #WhereFaithMeetsFilm #WickedMovie

Topics

• Faith
• Church & Fellowship
• Resurrection
• The Church