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“…just on one Christmas, I'd like to see the meek inherit the Earth.” - The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

11/29/2022

Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – this episode of TV series The Twilight Zone (“The Night of the Meek”, Season 2 – Episode 11) is rated ‘PG’. No Christian content advisory is currently available for this episode.

In March 2021, I wrote a piece on an episode of Rod Serling’s classic television series, The Twilight Zone – which I had recently discovered and fallen in love with. Over a year later, I remain obsessed with the series, having bought the complete collection on Blu-ray and even picked up Dann Michalski’s book God in The Twilight Zone: Spiritual Lessons from the Fifth Dimension to accompany me on my various forays into the depths of the unknown... And each trip has been better than the last – I’ve found more faith connections than I initially thought possible and have also been thrilled by the show’s mix of fantasy and Sci-Fi. Now, if I may, I’d like to highlight one other episode for you, dear readers: The Night of the Meek, which debuted on December 23rd, 1960. Yes, a Twilight Zone Christmas special! But not quite one for all the family, perhaps…

This yuletide episode begins cheerily enough – amid the hustle and bustle of a department store on Christmas Eve, children are eagerly queuing to visit Santa Claus, desperate to unload their long lists of gift requests upon him, in the hope that their dreams will come true upon Christmas morning. However, Ol' Saint Nick (Art Carney) is nowhere to be seen and the children are growing increasingly impatient. Unbeknownst to them, Santa is being portrayed by a man named Henry Corwin, who’s currently holed up at the local bar, drinking himself into oblivion. He even unsuccessfully attempts to steal a bottle of alcohol from the bar’s owner; one might say he’s the original ‘Bad Santa’. By some miracle he returns to the local department store and resumes his post, only to collapse and embarrass himself. He’s subsequently fired on the spot by his mean, irate manager Mr. Dundee (John Fielder). But somehow, after receiving a barrage of abusive comments from shop patrons and his manager, Corwin stands tall before everyone, and delivers a rousing speech about what Christmas means to him:

“…Christmas is more than barging up and down department store aisles and pushing people out of the way… Christmas is another thing, finer than that. Richer, finer, truer, and it should come with patience and love, charity, compassion… I'm an aging, purposeless relic of another time, and I live in a dirty rooming house on a street filled with hungry kids and shabby people, where the only thing that comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve is more poverty.”

Though Mr. Dundee initially attempts to silence Corwin, a captive audience stands before him – visibly moved. He continues:

“Do you know another reason why I drink, Mr. Dundee? So when I walk down the tenements I can really think it's the North Pole and the children are elves and that I'm really Santa Claus, bringing them a bag of wondrous gifts for all of them. I just wish, Mr. Dundee, on one Christmas, only one! That I could see some of the hopeless ones and the dreamless ones, just on one Christmas, I'd like to see the meek inherit the earth. And that's why I drink, Mr. Dundee. And that's why I weep.”

Corwin, desperate and dejected, then attempts to return to the local bar, seeking to dull the pain of watching those around him live in great poverty. But when he’s refused re-entry into the bar, Corwin staggers aimlessly into a nearby alley, whereupon he hears sleigh bells passing overhead. Confused and bewildered, he turns around to find that a sack of rubbish he initially kicked aside, is now overflowing with sparkling, individually wrapped gifts. Not only that, but he soon comes to realise that the sack itself is able to produce any item that someone asks of it. His wish has been granted! Corwin can now ensure that this Christmas, the meek (from within his town at least) will inherit great gifts of joy and hope.

Such a fantastical premise might draw comparisons to Frank Capra’s socially conscious & beloved It’s a Wonderful Life, especially with its wholesome and heart-warming message. But here we see an average Joe become the real Santa Claus - first by inhabiting the ability to dispense copious amounts of amazing presents to those around him, and then eventually ride off into the night on his sleigh, pulled along by flying reindeer. All of this is magical, aided in part by a stripped-down, glockenspiel-heavy arrangement of The First Noel. But the episode is also centred upon real-world concerns. Those whom Corwin blesses with gifts are the meek, of whom he refers to near the beginning of the episode. They aren’t the rich & powerful of society, but those who lack necessities, such as gainful employment or clothes upon their backs. These are humble people who choose to patiently endure hardship, showing both self-restraint and gentleness, rather than strength in anger. They’re also those whom Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5, throughout His Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (5:5, NIV).

However, God’s concept of blessedness is different to writer Rod Serling’s. For if we look to the Greek word “makários”, which is translated as “blessed”, it can also be understood to mean “happy”, too. This indicates that those who are meek will be joyful and contented, but such an understanding must derive from a godly context. For a state of happiness understood within a worldly context is but momentary, and typically relates to one’s state of comfortability, most often brought about by possessions or status. Such worldly happiness is never guaranteed, nor is it permanent: “Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children. We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us” (Ecclesiastes 5:14-15, NLT). However, godly blessedness is something else entirely. According to William Barclay, it is “…joy which is completely independent of all the chances and the changes of life… The Christian blessedness is completely untouchable and unassailable”. For when we come to know Jesus Christ personally, our sorrow is turned into great joy! We receive the gift of salvation and are “raised to new life with Christ” (Colossians 3:1, NLT), experiencing a great many blessings such as God’s presence with us in the everyday (the Holy Spirit). But it also means that we can set our “sights on the realities of Heaven” (3:1), such as the promises that death, sorrow, and pain will one day cease to exist (Revelation 20:14, 21:4). Such are the many gifts that God so readily wishes to give to us, and this is only made possible by Jesus’ death on the cross, which paid the price for our sin (1 John 2:2).

If we look back to The Twilight Zone, however, we find that the gifts given by Corwin are only physical – smoking jackets, toys, expensive alcohol... They all have an expiration date, whether due to wear & tear or physical consumption. And the poverty experienced by these unfortunate characters will remain, but their joy at receiving the gifts will not. Therefore, I’m grateful that The Night of The Meek prompts me to return to the One who’s desire is to give overwhelmingly wonderful joy to all those who come to Him – both now and for eternity. Corwin might have a magic sack of gifts which bring us our hearts desires, but it can’t give the greatest gift of all: a relationship with Jesus Christ. And neither can the gifts we’re about to receive, this Christmas…

Though Corwin is unable to bring the gift of great joy (in the Christian sense of the word), his actions commendably mirror those of Christ. Upon leaving the local precinct following a misunderstanding with the police (how can one account for such an abundance of gifts?), Corwin continues to distribute gifts to his neighbours for the remainder of the evening until the bag is inexplicably empty. He gives of himself completely, until there’s nothing left in the sack – taking nothing for himself, not one thing. An elderly resident named Burt, who previously received a new smoking pipe from Corwin, soon recognises this and questions whether he should have just a little something for himself. But all Corwin wants to do, he says, is give, not receive. We see this in Corwin’s visit to the Delancey Street Mission House, as he excitedly hands out gifts to derelict men attending the Christmas Eve service. Sister Florence is irritated by the disruption, leading her to call the police. It seems that she’s more interested in the number of those attending her service, than taking notice of the signs hanging behind her, which read: “Faith, Hope and Charity”, and “Love Thy Neighbour”…

But just as Corwin is undeterred in his mission to become the biggest gift giver of all time, Christ was undeterred in His own mission to show the world that He is the very best gift one can receive, sent by the greatest gift giver of all time: God the Father. We know this, for the Scriptures say: “…this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:16-17, NLT). Yes, Jesus gave something that Corwin, or anyone else for that matter, could never give. He gave His sinless life on a Roman cross so that we sinful people (Romans 3:23) who are bound to be separated from God in Hell for eternity, might live in freedom from the chains of our sin by accepting the free gift of God, which is life forever, through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). Corwin’s generosity came at a cost, but the cost of Christ’s was far greater. And yet, Jesus said: “No one takes my life away from me. I give it up of my own free will” (John 10:18, GNT). So, Jesus desperately wants us to experience the gift of eternal life today and in Heaven, after we die, but we must receive it by believing in Him by faith and asking for the forgiveness of our sins. It’s only then that we can receive the gift which keeps on giving, all the way into eternity.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch this Twilight Zone episode for themselves? Use the show’s themes to ask them what they thought of the episode, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to the subjects brought up throughout.

If you feel able to, why not start a conversation with them and use the following questions?

1. What’s the greatest blessing you’ve ever received?

2. This Christmas, your family and friends may want to give you a variety of gifts that have been specifically chosen, paid for, wrapped, and offered to you. But they won’t really become yours until you choose to take and call them yours. It is the same with the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Will you turn to Jesus today, ask Him to come into your life, and accept the gift of His salvation?

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them (maybe use the Junction 316 website?), encouraging them in the knowledge that by turning away from our sin and asking Jesus into our lives, we can step into life-giving, purpose-giving relationship with Him, that lasts for eternity. Why not offer them prayer, as well, if time allows?

Prior to watching the episode for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the show. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film/TV-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this piece of entertainment, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. May I then use this film to speak of you to those who are lost and in great need of salvation. Amen.

The Twilight Zone is currently available to rent through Amazon Prime Video (U.K.) & other streaming services.

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Surprised by (the power of) Joy - The Most Reluctant Convert (2022)

6/9/2022

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Please note: The following text may contain spoilers for The Most Reluctant Convert. Viewer discretion is also advised, as this film is rated ‘12’. For information about the film’s content from a Christian perspective, read Focus on The Family’s review, over at their sister site, Plugged In:

https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/most-reluctant-convert-2021/

Adapted from the celebrated 2016 stage play, C.S. Lewis on Stage: The Most Reluctant Convert by Max McLean (based on Lewis' semi-autobiographical book, Surprised by Joy), writer/director Norman Stone’s The Most Reluctant Convert is a brisk, whistle-stop tour through the life of acclaimed author C.S. Lewis. Unlike another, recent biographical drama, Tolkien, which focussed more closely on one of Lewis’ contemporaries, The Most Reluctant Convert squeezes key events of Lewis’ life into several minutes (or sometimes mere moments) of screentime.

At just 73 minutes, the result feels less like a feature film and more like a filmed testimony (albeit with impressive production design and cinematography), that doesn’t quite manage to transcend its stage-play roots.Thankfully, however, this is an honest and thoughtful portrayal of an imperfect man, which charts (in full) Lewis’ journey from aligning himself with atheism, then theism and his eventual conversion to Christianity. It’s a faith-building, intelligent film which carries with it real emotional power, and speaks to one of the many ways in which God intentionally draws humanity to himself.

Lewis’ reluctance to truly accept Christ as His Lord and Saviour, apparently stems from a variety of events which took place throughout childhood and later, as a teenage Lewis grew into adulthood. For instance, we learn that at the tender age of nine, Lewis watched as his mother succumbed to a battle with cancer. This not only led him to experience great emotional pain, but also fractured his father’s relationship between him and his brother, Warren (or Warnie). Lewis later served in the First World War, where he experienced trench warfare whilst on the front line in France. He was soon wounded, and two colleagues were killed during an offensive, when a British shell fell short of its intended target, elsewhere in France. The combined trauma of losing his mother, “unhappiness in school”, and “participation in war”, all contributed to Lewis’ “pessimism and his atheism”[1]. There was apparently little joy to be found in the life of this young man, and to counteract the pain caused by the most tragic moments of his life, Lewis sought to satisfy his own worldly desires in response. As a young boy, he admittedly lusted after his dance teacher and later, as a young man, explored elements of the occult throughout a period of his life that Lewis identified as a ‘Spiritual Lust’. Upon reflection, Lewis regrets those actions and notes that he was desperately searching for that which the world could not grant him: a pure, true, undefiled sense of joy. This led him to later reason that, “If I find in myself a desire that no experience in this world could satisfy, the most probable explanation: I was made for another world”.

In looking to the Bible, we find that God’s teachings affirm Lewis’ sentiment. Yes, there’s an undeniable sense of joy that comes from many things the world offers to us, but the Bible teaches that much of that is just the “fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrew 11:25, NLT), and will not endure. This can even apply to ‘good’ things such as relationships with those around us, which on the face of it are inherently good, but can’t promise to sustain us (what happens when they break down? Etc.). Even King Solomon, with all his riches, fame & opportunity, believed this: “I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?”” (Ecclesiastes 2:1-2, NLT). The ‘joy of the world’, therefore, isn’t a sustainable foundation upon which we can hope to build our life – it’s here today, gone tomorrow. Truly, we cannot get enough of it. The Bible teaches, however, that true joy and contentment can be found in a relationship with the Lord God Almighty – maker of Heaven and earth. For whilst the Devil, or the “thief’s purpose”, “is to steal and kill and destroy”, taking from us the little joy we find in the world (John 10:10, NLT), God’s purpose “is to give them (you and I) a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10) which is full of joy and wonder. This comes from knowing God, asking Him to live in our hearts, and being filled with the Holy Spirit – the ‘helper’ who sustains and provides for us in the everyday. Lewis then, was especially correct when he said that we are made for another world: Heaven, a place in which we can receive fullness of joy forevermore.

Aside from the film’s stirring exploration of joy, one of its many other strengths lies in the affirmation of culture as a tool which is used by God to draw humanity to Him. For example, Lewis notes how various books and ideals from some of the world’s sharpest minds contributed to both his initial rejection, and eventual embrace of God the Father. We see this first-hand when Lewis spends time reading the classics and is instructed by an older tutor to always base his thoughts and opinions on that which is concrete, just as the great thinkers did. Thankfully, this process greatly influences Lewis in the years to come, most notably when he seeks to explore Christianity for himself. He explores faith with reason, by searching for the facts, and is positively overwhelmed by what he finds. At another point, he read the fantasy novel Phantastes, which introduced him to the concept of joy (that which was severely lacking from his atheism) and impacted him greatly: "That night my imagination was, in a certain sense, baptized; the rest of me, not unnaturally, took longer.”

The Apostle Paul, in his efforts to reach all whom he met for Christ, were further enhanced by embracing the culture of his day – in particular, the work of Greek poets. Throughout the book of Acts, for instance, we witness Paul drawing upon the “3rd century Stoic author Aratus”, in his attempt to reinforce his preaching.[1] He writes in Acts 17:28-30 (NRSV), “…some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold…”. Without being aware of it, Aratus wrote something which is true of the God we Christians serve. And in quoting Aratus, Paul’s intention was not to re-appropriate or endorse the writings of Aratus, but awaken those around him (and later, his readers) to an already undeniable similarity to Christian teaching, which would later help them to understand something of the Good News. Even with the culture of his day, Paul was sensitive to the “glimmerings of truth”, “these insights from general revelation”, which can be detected in the work of non-Christian artists.[2] Paul invites us too, his readers, to now be sensitive to culture, so that we too might catch a glimpse of material to be considered as signposts of the faith.

We thank God that He began drawing himself to C.S. Lewis through Phantastes, thereby signalling the start of a journey of faith discovery for Lewis, and eventually leading him to become one of the great Christian apologists. Most encouragingly, this film shows how the God of the universe pursues humanity in ways which speak personally to us, such as through literature. And we know that God pursues us because Jesus’ mission on earth was to “seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10, NLT). For someone to seek a person out is to pursue them, and God did this most explicitly through the life, death & resurrection of Jesus, which speaks to God’s love for humanity and His great desire for us to be united to Him. If God went to such great lengths to pursue Lewis, first through Jesus and then through the things of our world (e.g., utilising literature, Christian friends, intellectual conversation), I thank God that He will do that for anyone and everyone who is lost.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch The Most Reluctant Convert for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, why not start a conversation with them and use the following questions?

1. Where do you find joy in your life? Share that for those who believe in Jesus, we receive the joy of the Lord through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and can “rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy” which lasts, because of all that He has done and continues to do in us (1 Peter 1:8, NLT).

2. Throughout the film, we learn that God is speaking to Lewis through a variety of means. Do you believe that God speaks today? Why or why not? Share that one of the ways God speaks today is through His followers (His witnesses), who share the Good News with whoever they meet (Matthew 28:18-20). God is calling all people back to Him through the sharing/preaching of the Good News – but will you put your hope and trust in Jesus today?

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that by turning away from our sin and asking Jesus into our lives, we can step into life-giving, purpose-giving relationship with Him, that lasts for eternity. Why not offer them prayer, as well, if time allows?

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the film. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. May I then use this film to speak of you to those who are lost and in great need of salvation. Amen.

The Most Reluctant Convert is currently available to rent through Amazon Prime Video (U.K.) & other streaming services.

[1] Marie A. Conn, C.S. Lewis and Human Suffering: Light Among the Shadows. Pg. 21

[2] John Stott, The Message of Acts. Pg. 286

[3] Stott, The Message of Acts. Pg. 286

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“…there is no Hell. Although, I hear Los Angeles is getting pretty close.” - Defending Your Life (1991)

3/9/2022

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Defending Your Life is rated ‘PG’. Information about the film’s content from a Christian perspective, is currently unavailable.

Depending on who you ask, there are many thoughts and opinions on what happens after you die. Some people maintain that we fade away into nothingness, whilst others cling firmly to the hope that they will enter eternal life with God, in Heaven. Writer/director Albert Brooks, however, seemingly isn’t a fan of those views, as suggested by the tagline for his film Defending Your Life: “The first true story of what happens after you die.” In this, his ‘New Age’ comedy, Brooks vividly imagines what life after death might be like, offering a visually fresh perspective that simultaneously draws comparisons to purgatory, whilst also touching upon the idea of reincarnation.

The result is a charming mix of romance, comedy, and fantasy – one that entertains, but also prompts us to ask, ‘What will eternity look like?’. Thankfully, the Bible offers not only the answer to this age-old question but points us to the One for whom we can – with certainty – enjoy spending eternity in the presence of: our Creator, God.

On the day of his 39th birthday, upon which he gifts himself a plush, new BMW, advertising executive Daniel Miller (Brooks) is tragically – if amusingly – killed in a car accident. Moments later he’s welcomed into Judgement City – a utopic ‘holding place’ for the deceased, where it’s always 74 degrees & sunny and all-you-can-eat buffets never affect your waistline. Whilst it initially sounds heavenly, Daniel is soon troubled to learn that this isn’t Heaven, nor is it Hell. He’s in Judgement City, an eternal destination where deceased people are put on trial, before two judges. Expecting to learn that he’s on trial for his various wrongdoings, Daniel learns that he will instead be judged on whether he allowed fear to negatively impact his life. The outcome will then determine whether Daniel will move forward to become a ‘citizen of the universe’ or return to earth in a reincarnated form to try again. To defend his life, Daniel is introduced to one Bob Diamond (Rip Torn), his defence attorney, but also crosses paths with the beautiful Julia (Meryl Streep) – a seemingly fearless woman who might be able to teach Daniel a thing or two about what it means to be courageous.

Spending time with Daniel in Judgement City is, admittedly, a joy. We see him react to discovering that his total brain usage was somewhere in the 3-5 percent range (Bob condescendingly explains that this is perfectly normal), and view clips of his ‘past lives’ in the Past Lives Pavilion, that both bemuse and startle him. Is this what eternity holds for us, according to the Bible? Are we to spend a portion of our eternal existence constantly being poked fun at, as we prepare to return to earth to ‘try again’, or simply watch our past selves fail, over and over? Thankfully, no. In Hebrews 9:27 we read that “each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” From a biblical standpoint then, it’s very clear – all humans are destined to live one life that will someday end, and then we’ll meet God face-to-face, to determine whether we’ll spend eternity in His presence. If it all sounds quite serious, that’s because it is. But at least in eternity, we (thankfully) won’t need to be judged over the course of a week-long hearing before two judges, who’ll need to listen to a prosecutor and a defence lawyer, before determining if we’ve been ‘good enough’ to be rewarded in eternity. No, God has already seen and knows what our lives will have consisted of – for as the Psalmist once said, “You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. Even before I speak, you already know what I will say” (Psalm 139:3-4, GNT). The question is, however, what will he say to us at the end of our lives? If “it is to him that we must…give an account of ourselves” (Hebrews 4:13, GNT), will He welcome us into His Kingdom, such as we are?

Writing on the idea of Defending Your Life and the subject of being ‘judged’, Albert Brooks once said the following: “Imagine if you had to sit in a courtroom and watch your life. I don’t care who you are, if you committed a crime and you had to have all…your emails searched and made public, who on this planet could survive that? Nobody.” Here, Brooks taps into the difficult reality for everyone who will stand before God in eternity, with their life laid bare before him – warts and all. We’re told that the “Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought” (1 Chronicles 28:9, NLT), and He has watched humanity rebel against Him since Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden. According to His Word, “everyone has sinned” and “fall(en) short of God’s glorious standard” for living (Romans 3:23, NLT). This means that each of us have had impure thoughts, spoken insulting words, and committed physical wrongdoing with our own bare hands. And it’s because of all that, God demands a rightful payment (or restitution) must be made for our mistakes; that payment is eternal death & separation from the God who made us (Romans 6:23). If we return to Brooks’ comments about ‘surviving judgement’ from a Christian perspective then, we couldn’t possibly survive God’s passing of judgement upon us – we wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. All we could do is admit our sin before Him, just as King David once did: “Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgement against me is just.” (Psalm 51:4, NLT). So then, what hope is there for us?

Though “your sins (and mine) are like scarlet”, God can and promises to “make them as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18, NLT). He can remove the stain of sin upon our souls when we accept God’s grace, ask for His forgiveness, and receive the gift of His salvation, which was made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is only through Jesus’ sacrifice, for all humanity, that we may be cleansed, redeemed, and thereby made fit for Heaven. The wonderful promise is that if anyone has “washed their robes with the blood of the Lamb”, they will be declared by God to have been made “clean and white” (Revelation 7:14, ICB) before Him, and can enter Heaven. We don’t have to worry about coming before a court, and being made to defend ourselves, or ever concern ourselves with ‘trying life again’. No, we can know that we’ll be united with God in Heaven, after we die, if we’ve put our hope and trust in Jesus: “we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:1-9, NLT). And how wonderful it is to know that this holy city will be unlike anything we’ve ever experienced – it’s without anything to compare it to, “no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, ICB). So, whilst I’m thankful for Mr. Brooks’ humorous look at the afterlife, I give praise to God that it will never be as this man sees it! For unlike in this film, there will be no more tears, pain, sorrow, or separation – death itself has been conquered, and we will “see Him (God) as He really is" (Revelation 21:4, 20:6, 1 John 3:2 – ICB). There’s no need to defend our life, but there is a need for it to be saved – and how wonderful salvation is, both now and in eternity.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Defending Your Life for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, why not start a conversation with them and use the following questions?

1. What do you believe will happen after you die? After discussing this question between yourselves, take some time to explain (from a biblical perspective) that one’s eternal destination depends upon whether a person is found in Christ, and Christ lives in them. For example, we’re told by Jesus in John 3:18 (NLT) that “there is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him”, who is God’s Son. Later, this truth is reinforced when John the Baptist says, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life” John 3:36 (ICB). However, those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Saviour, will be separated from Him in eternity, experiencing eternal punishment. These people, the Word tells us, will be “thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:12, NLT). But, praise God, if “you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NLT). So, what’s stopping you from declaring Jesus as your Saviour, today?

2. Throughout the film, the subject of being ‘good enough’ to move on into the next stage of eternity, arises frequently. Do you feel that you would be accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven, as you are now? Why or why not? Go on to explain that unlike the viewpoint presented in the film, being welcomed into God’s presence isn’t about being ‘good enough’ – simply because nobody has done enough ‘good’ to enter the presence of God. No, we will be judged on what we did, didn’t and should have done, in line with God’s holy laws. What matters then, is that we’re redeemed by God through the cleansing power of the Jesus. Read Romans 3:23-24 together – take a moment to explain the gift of God’s grace, and how He’s offering it to all who wish to receive Him, be changed by Him, and saved by Him, today.

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that by turning away from our sin and asking Jesus into our lives, we can step into life-giving, purpose-giving relationship with Him, that lasts for eternity. Why not offer them prayer, as well, if time allows?

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the film. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. May I then use this film to speak of you to those who are lost and in great need of salvation. Amen.

Defending Your Life is currently available to rent through Amazon Prime Video (U.K.) & YouTube (U.K.).

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“I’m God’s instrument; there are no accidents.” - Simon Birch (1998)

1/25/2022

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Simon Birch is rated ‘PG’. Information about the film’s content from a Christian perspective is available from Christian Spotlight on Entertainment’s website:

https://christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/pre2000/i-simonbirch

Loosely adapted from John Irving’s 1989 novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, Simon Birch is certainly an odd fit in the Disney catalogue. Whilst the film is an overly sentimental crowd-pleaser (reinforced by a typically sweeping orchestral score and tear-jerking plot developments), it’s also concerned with unusually weighty, even lofty themes such as death, spirituality, and complicated family dynamics. It’s a far cry from anything Mickey Mouse and his friends ever had to face, that’s for certain, but these are some of Simon Birch’s unique strengths; like the titular character, there’s more to this film than initially meets the eye.

Set in a beautiful, New-England town throughout the 1950s and 60s, Simon Birch introduces us to best friends Simon (Ian Michael Smith) & Joseph (Joseph Mazzello) – two young, well-intentioned outsiders who find comfort in one another’s friendship. Due to being born with dwarfism, Simon is consistently undervalued, undermined, and verbally abused by his own family and townspeople. And Joseph, whilst he doesn’t struggle with a physical disability, is a child born out of wedlock and doesn’t know the identity of his father, which has proven to be a local scandal. So, the two outsiders find acceptance in one another, and set out to aid the other in discovering the answers to their biggest questions: What is the identity of Joe’s biological father, & what is God’s plan for Simon?

One of Simon Birch’s applaudable strengths is the relatable honesty with which director & screenwriter Mark Steven Johnson depicts Simon’s tireless, frustrating pursuit of uncovering God’s unique plan for his life. Fully aware that he’s the smallest baby ever delivered in the history of the town’s hospital, and that he was declared a miracle by the medical staff, the young boy can’t help but believe God must have a plan for his life – especially since many expected he wouldn’t survive. So, along with the help of Joseph, he sets out to discover his purpose, trying his hand disastrously at baseball and finding that acting is certainly not in his repertoire. Dejected, Simon looks for affirmation from his church family, but finds none. For both his Sunday School teacher Miss Leavey (Jan Hooks), and Reverend Russell (David Strathairn) deny that he is special, or that God even has a plan for his life:

Simon: “Does God have a plan for us?”

Rev. Russell: “I'd like to think he does.”

Simon: “Me too. I think God made me the way I am for a reason.”

Rev. Russell: “I'm glad that, um, that your faith, uh, helps you deal with your, um, you know, your condition.”

Simon: “That's not what I mean. I think I'm God's instrument. He's going to use me to carry out his plan”

Rev. Russell: “It's wonderful to have faith, son, but let's not overdo it.”

Both Miss Leavey and Reverend Russell’s attitude toward Simon is certainly unbiblical. Not only are they failing to honour God by loving their neighbour (Matthew 22:37-40), but they’re also ignoring such scripture which clearly indicates time and time again, that God does indeed have a plan and purpose for the individual, precious lives that He creates. For example, Psalm 138:8 (NLT) finds King David declaring how he trusts and knows that the Lord will direct His steps: “The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever”. Elsewhere, Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT) finds God directly addressing Jeremiah about his purpose: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

Now, Simon might not have been appointed as a prophet to the nations, but he exhibits unique qualities that, whilst overlooked by some, prove useful in certain situations. For example, Simon calms a young child who’s fearful of performing in the church’s Nativity play, noting to Joe that the children listen to him because of his physical appearance and kindness of heart. And later, at the film’s climax, we realise that he was indeed born and given certain abilities – just as Queen Esther was – “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14, NIV). For when the school bus careers off an icy road and plummets into a lake, Simon utilises his abilities to command the school children’s attention and hold his breath underwater for long periods of time, to save everyone. Simon’s perceived disabilities and seemingly unimpressive qualities then, become his unique strengths for use in the service of others.

Screenwriter Mark Steven Johnson may have (intentionally or unintentionally) watered down the source novel’s Christian elements in his adaptation, but the fact remains: Simon, albeit flawed, cannot help but let the love of Jesus shine through him as God’s self-proclaimed “instrument”, thereby changing the lives of those around him for the glory of God (more on that in a moment). In so doing, he discovers his spiritual giftings and sets out to use them, blessing people with “encourage(ment)” (Romans 12:8, NLT) and showing “kindness to others” (12:8), whilst exhibiting “great faith” (1 Corinthians 12:9, NLT) in the process. As he honours God and people, the Lord steadily reveals Simon’s unique purpose, which ultimately becomes an act of valour.

The film is beautifully bookended by moving scenes featuring an adult Joe (Jim Carrey), who has come to visit Simon’s grave and reflect upon their friendship together. In voiceover narration, Joe explains that he will always “remember a boy with a wrecked voice – not because of his voice or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother’s death, but because he is the reason I believe in God.” (A moving sentiment, no doubt, yet the source novel phrases Joe’s expression of faith more pointedly: “I am a Christian because of Owen Meany.”) This is more than likely due to Simon expressing his faith proudly and publicly, but also because of the encouragements and (sometimes explicit) challenges that he brought to Joe’s life: “I have faith; the problem with you is you don’t have faith. Faith is not a floor plan.”

In making God known to those around him, Simon spoke of what God is capable of and how He changes his life in the everyday, which seemingly impacted many for God’s glory. Perhaps Simon’s most significant expression of faith in God, however, came when he rescued the children in the bus crash. Later, in hospital, Simon reminds Joe that it was only him who was able to lead the children to safety, and that the window through which the children escaped “was just my size”, thereby indicating that God indeed used him as His instrument. Perhaps that was the day in which Joe’s faith began to develop? “With Simon’s help”, Joe later recalls, “I found my real father.” One can’t help but imagine that Joe wasn’t simply referring to his biological father, but also his heavenly one.

Simon ultimately knew that it was God’s plan for us to come to know our Heavenly Father personally, within whom we can work out our general purpose (to daily live out our faith in Christ) and fulfil our specific purposes in life (using the spiritual gifts we have been given to change the world around us for good), thereby entering into all that we’re supposed to be. And we can do that today, starting now, because of Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross for all of humanity. In accepting Him into our lives, we find forgiveness, freedom from sin, and the gift of eternal life forever. We find our heavenly father and the reason for our being – that which our human hearts long for, all in one.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Simon Birch for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, why not start a conversation with them and use the following questions?
1. Do you believe that God has a special purpose for your life? After discussing this question between yourselves, take some time to explain (from a biblical perspective) that God forms and instils within us a clear sense of purpose, which can be carried out using the unique abilities He has gifted to us. If you can, cite some examples of people in the Bible who discovered God’s purposes for their lives, such as the Apostle Paul.

2. Throughout the film, we see two examples of fatherly love – one is with complication and issue (Rev. Russell), the other (Ben Goodrich) is unconditionally loving and attentive. Did either of these fatherly characters remind you of your own experiences? Why or why not? Chat through God being our Father in Heaven and explain some of the reasons for why He is a wonderful, loving father (cite John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10, Romans 5:5 if there’s time). Do they see God as their loving father? Why or why not?

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that by turning away from our sin and asking Jesus into our lives, we can step into life-giving, purpose-giving relationship with Him, that lasts for eternity.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the film. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. May I then use this film to speak of you to those who are lost and in great need of salvation. Amen.

Simon Birch is currently available to stream via Disney+ (U.K.)

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“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” - A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

12/26/2021

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – A Charlie Brown Christmas is rated ‘U’.

“Good grief”, those two simple words immortalised by the beloved comic creation Charlie Brown, put into words how I often react when walking around London, at Christmastime. The bright lights, partying, frantic gift-buying… At times it can all seem a little too commercial, especially when it seems that the true meaning of Christmas is hidden away from plain sight, only to be found by those who dedicate themselves to seeking it out. But please hear me right – I’m by no means a Scrooge or a Grinch when it comes the season’s festivities, and I certainly don’t bemoan anyone who makes merry in whichever way they choose. But I can’t help but feel that even as I indulge in some delicious Christmas treats and get caught
up in the seasonal cheer, there’s something, or someone who’s
desperately missing from it all…

At times it seems as if I’m one of the few people who feel this way, but I know I’m never alone. Good old Charlie Brown, although fictional, is just as upset by the distinct lack of a reason for the season, when he says:

“…there must be something wrong with me Linus. Christmas is coming but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards, and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.”

It’s highly unusual to hear a child express that they feel depressed around the festive season, when one considers just how wonderful it can be. Even more so in a Christmas-themed TV special, that one would expect to exist only to bring joy and good cheer to its young audience. But anyone who’s ever spent any time with the Peanuts crew knows that each special works quite differently to other animated productions – especially for its time. Each short moves at a glacial pace and prioritises sharing a thoughtful message over simply being ‘entertaining’. Yes, there’s slow space in this film series, but it’s never wasted space.

For in the first few minutes of A Charlie Brown Christmas, writer (and Peanuts creator) Charles M. Schulz is laser-focussed, making a point about Christmas’ overcommercialisation in the special’s first few minutes, when Charlie expresses his sadness with Linus. Though he listens intently, Charlie’s thumb-sucking, blanket-bearing young friend just doesn’t seem to understand what he’s experiencing. And neither do most of his friends, for that matter – many of them are just desperately trying to win contests to obtain more ‘stuff’, whilst others are daydreaming about all the toys and money they’d like to have. But it seems that Schulz might understand Charlie perfectly, for as a Christian, it is likely that he was familiar with biblical teaching on the condition of the human heart (emblematic of our fallen, sinful nature), and how, when humans give themselves over to its own selfish pursuits, is never satisfied or its intentions pure: “Out of the mind come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, stealing, lying, and saying bad things against other people” (Matthew 15:19, ICB), “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NLT).

So often we feel that simply having more ‘stuff’ or chasing our dreams will make us feel more complete, or more fulfilled. But the initial excitement at receiving even the most thoughtful of presents at Christmas time can soon dissipate, and then the cycle begins again when our eyes latch onto the next item we lay our eyes upon. As humans, the Bible teaches us that we are all inbuilt with a longing for connection with God, our creator (see Genesis 1). But sadly, choosing to live in our sinful state wherein which we chase the selfish desires of our hearts, means that our relationship with Him has been severed, and we’ve been searching for substitutes to fill that God-shaped hole ever since. Relationships, money, possessions, job roles… We often look to be satisfied by all these things, but they often fail us and leave us wanting more. And so, we become occupied with the foolhardy pursuit of “chasing after (the) wind” (Ecclesiastes 6:9, NRSV). And so, we can all get to a place just like Charlie Brown, where we feel genuinely depressed, empty & even lost.

So, what’s the solution to Charlie Brown’s (and humanity’s) own brokenness and emptiness? Our solution is found only in the relative simplicity of the birth of Christ, the Son of God, who wasn’t born in a luxurious palace, but the squalor of an animal’s feeding trough. Jesus’ birth might not have seemed like a big deal, that first Christmas, but it marked the arrival of the King of Kings who was sent to save and redeem the world. He might not have appeared to be the Son of God, but it was through His birth, life, death, and resurrection that we could be reunited with God forever. And we see some semblance of this referenced in an impassioned account of the Angels’ message to the Shepherds, and to us, unexpectedly delivered by Linus. At the point of Charlie nearly tearing his hair out for not being able to find anyone who knows the true meaning of Christmas, Linus takes centre stage (literally, in their school auditorium) to recount scripture from Luke 2 (“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people…”) and ends by simply stating: "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." What follows is a stunned silence, the warming of Charlie’s heart, and the children slowly embracing a dilapidated Christmas tree over a sparkly one, which unites them. It furthers the point that what’s most important isn’t often the flashiest, newest things we can find, but the somewhat simplistic, ‘old-hat’, or the small, in the eyes of the world.

And the crux of the Christmas story is recognising that God, in His mercy and great love for the world, has provided us with all that we ever need to be satisfied in our present lives and eternity, in the person of Jesus. It is because of His birth, and later His sacrifice on the Cross, that we can know God personally. Knowing Jesus might not seem very exciting and fulfilling in the eyes of the world, but it is in Him alone that we can experience the satisfaction our hearts long for. If we choose to follow and accept Him, we will never need to look for satisfaction in gifts, relationships, money, or anything else – for in Him, we can “have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, ESV) this Christmas, and beyond.

Challenge:

In this festive season, why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, begin your conversation by asking them if they’ve ever felt like Charlie Brown before, and why. Ask them if their hopes for Christmas have ever failed to come to fruition, and how it made them feel.

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that when we recognise that Christmas is about Jesus and we choose to worship Him (not being consumed by the decorations, family gatherings and gifts), we find the King of Kings who brings eternal life and light to all.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the film. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. May I then use this film to speak of you to those who are lost and in great need of salvation. Amen.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is currently available to stream via Apple TV+ (U.K.)

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“Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole…”- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

11/30/2021

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – It’s a Wonderful Life is rated ‘U’. Information about the film’s content from a Christian perspective is available from Christian Spotlight on Entertainment’s website:

https://christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2001/itsawonderfullife.html

When it comes to the cinematic works of famed Hollywood director Frank Capra, I’m certainly no expert. In truth, I’ve only ever seen one of his forty-one features (excluding his propaganda films) and it’s the one that has undoubtedly received the most recognition out of his entire filmography. Of course, I’m referring to the beloved Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, starring the late, great (and much-underappreciated) Jimmy Stewart.

The story is simple: George Bailey (Stewart), a mild-mannered resident and family man of Bedford Falls, selflessly cares for his fellow residents – yet he longs to see the world. He devotes himself, through the work of the family’s building and loan company, to ensuring that the disadvantaged are given a decent roof over their heads and aren’t made to live in poverty. However, when some misplaced company funds are found and subsequently hidden by the unscrupulous businessman Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), George realises that this loss will cause irrevocable damage to family business, thereby allowing Potter to assume financial control over those whom George vowed to help. Believing that he’d be worth more to his family and friends dead than alive (his life insurance policy will more than cover what is owed to the bank), George considers suicide. Meanwhile, in Heaven, an angel is dispatched to earth, to show George just what life would have been like, if he had never been born…

When I finally caught up with the film for the first time, four years ago, I realised just how embarrassingly late to the party I was (I know, I know, call myself a film fan). Friends of mine had been actively encouraging me to watch it for quite some time, but I guess I just wasn’t sold on the idea of what I thought would be a schmaltzy, loose retelling of the already perfect Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Well, I’m happy to say that I was proved most wrong. It’s a Wonderful Life might have been unfairly labelled as “Capra-corn” by its critics, but the sentiment of this seventy-five-year-old classic rang completely true then and now. Its motifs are timeless: selflessness (even at great cost to oneself), integrity, good triumphing over evil, the importance of community… The film even spoke to me of the Gospel message, which prompted me to encourage you, dear reader, to take a closer look at it again this Christmas - even if you do consider the film to be “Capra-Corn”. Here are some of my own spiritual reflections that I recently had, upon revisiting this festive favourite…

1) What is it that truly matters?

In one scene, set in Peter Bailey’s office, George spots a framed motto which hangs beneath a picture of his father: “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away”, it reads. It’s arguably a proverb, but one which functions as a key motif that runs throughout the entire film – for it prompts us to consider the question, ‘What truly matters in this life of ours?’. It seems clear to me that Capra and his fellow screenwriters believed not only in achieving the “American dream”, but also in the notion that the way in which we treat one another, even in the tedium of everyday life, is of greater, lasting consequence than what we seek to do for ourselves in the here and now.

This worldview is explored through the contrasting characters of Mr. Potter, and George. On the one hand, we have a merciless & heartless businessman who cares only for accruing great wealth, irrespective of the personal cost it brings to those around him. (It seems that Barrymore might have tapped into his former role of Ebenezer Scrooge, from his twelve-year run on the airwaves, to draw out such wickedness in his character.) And on the other, we have George – a man who’s hopes, dreams, and ambitions, lie far beyond the borders of Bedford Falls. But when George must step up to the plate for the sake of his family, friends, and the people of Bedford Falls, he does so willingly – even at great personal cost to himself. I believe he does this because he knows that one’s earthly possessions and experiences are not the ultimate treasure which leads to lasting contentment. For in Potter, he sees only a "warped, frustrated old man", even though he controls most of the town and is obviously very rich indeed.

And this reflects, in part, God’s view upon worldly possessions. He teaches us, in the Bible, that our worldly possessions will only pass away – that’s because this planet and our lives are temporary, so by extension then, so too are material possessions. Jesus therefore encourages all who follow Him in this way: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20, NLT). He’s encouraging us to look to God above and ensure that our only treasure is found in Him alone – for a relationship with the living God will save us and last for eternity, whereas that which we cling so tightly to now, will not: “Those who depend on their wealth will fall like the leaves of autumn, but the righteous will prosper like the leaves of summer” (Proverbs 11:28, GNT). We are, however, called to be good stewards of the gifts we’ve been given in our world. For example, George has the buildings and loan company, which he believes should be utilised for the good of those around him. This reminded me of 1 John 3:17 (GNT), in which believers who are well-off, are encouraged to exhibit love through financial giving: “If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God?”. So then, what truly matters is the way in which we treat those in our lives today (for this will be remembered for eternity), and where our treasure is found. The good that we do today, for not only those around us but primarily for Christ, will last for eternity – will you choose to bring honour and glory to God today?

2) Self-sacrifice …sure – but at what cost, exactly?

One could argue that It’s a Wonderful Life’s most challenging theme is that of almost total self-denial – embodied completely by George. He abandons his own interests, longings and needs, to take up a life-long posture of self-sacrifice. We first see this modelled in George valiantly rescuing Harry from drowning, but at the cost of losing hearing in his left ear. Later in life, George postpones his travel to run the family business, following the death of his father, and at the request of the company’s board members who are desperate for the company not to fall into the hands of Potter. Again, this costs him greatly in relation to his plans for travel and tuition. But in giving of himself sacrificially, to his family and to the people of Bedford Falls, we watch as George inherits that which is far greater than what he could have imagined: he marries the wonderful Mary, starts a family, and helps local people to escape poverty. He makes a difference in this world, despite his sacrifice.

In living his life sacrificially, George imitates Christ himself (whether he knows it or not). Yes, he struggles with the crushing loss of watching his younger brother Harry living out the life he had planned for himself and watches on in deep sorrow as a train leaves Bedford Falls – it’s only natural. But even that which he wouldn’t have planned for himself, was arguably planned by God to bring blessing to those who needed it most, and even George himself. There’s no guarantee that George would have even been content with the life he had planned for himself. After all, he wouldn’t have married Mary or had children with her and would look on as Potter destroyed the lives of those whom he loves. But the life that Jesus calls us to live is one of self-denial, and self-sacrifice. It isn’t easy, but it commands a blessing: “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26, NLT). In following him, we deny the sinful ways of the world and follow God’s way – even when His plans might not match up with ours. But that’s more than okay, because everything we lose is worth far less than what we gain: salvation, relationship with the God who made you, peace, love, joy, hope and so much more! To know Jesus personally is to have “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10, NLT), far beyond our comprehension. George Bailey realised what it meant to live a rewarding life, but with God, we can live out one of abundance today, because Jesus made a way for us to be rescued from sin and death, when He died on the cross, and rose from the dead on the third day. Will you choose God’s way, today?

Challenge:

In this festive season, why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch It’s a Wonderful Life for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, begin your conversation by asking them about how they would have felt if they were in George’s difficult position. Would they have responded with mercy and compassion to those around them, or would they have pursued their dreams no matter what? Regardless of their answer, ask them why. Afterwards, prompt them to consider their place in the world, in reflecting upon Clarence’s line: “One man’s life touches so many others, when he’s not there it leaves an awfully big hole”. How might they feel they’re contributing to the world, and would it be a different place without them?

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that God has plans for us that are far greater than anything we can imagine for ourselves. Let them know that whatever we lose in this life isn’t even comparable to a life without Christ, who sacrificed himself to give us eternal relationship with God in Heaven, when we come to Him and turn from our sinful ways, which lead only to eternal separation from Him.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the film. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. May I then use this film to speak of you to those who are lost and in great need of salvation. Amen.

It's a Wonderful Life is currently available to stream for free, with advertisements, on IMDb TV (through Amazon Prime Video), or rent on all good streaming services (U.K.).

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“My life is full because I know I am loved.” - The Elephant Man (1980)

10/28/2021

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – The Elephant Man is rated ‘12’. Detailed information about the film’s content from a Christian perspective, is currently unavailable.

Who could imagine that one of the most poignant, warm, and virtuous films of the 1908s might have originated from the mind of director David Lynch – a truly idiosyncratic filmmaker, primarily known for creating nightmarish cinematic visions which bemuse and unsettle? On paper, this marriage of subject and director simply doesn’t add up. And yet, as we enter the real-world nightmare that - for some time - was sadly the life of John Merrick (John Hurt), we come to understand why Lynch was exactly the right director for the job…

Set in Victorian London, in the late 1800s, we follow the tragic, if fascinating true story of one John Merrick - an ill-treated freakshow performer who was afflicted by horrific, congenital deformities that affected both his skeleton and areas of soft tissue. One day, whilst being exploited for profit via public exhibition, Merrick is spotted and subsequently rescued by celebrated surgeon Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins). In taking pity upon Merrick, Treves sees beyond his shocking appearance to encounter a tender, capable, and intelligent man – one who might be able to teach even a knowledgeable person such as himself, what it means to be a human being who is loved.

Upon being relocated to the London Hospital, and thereby saved from the abusive ringmaster Mr. Bytes (Freddie Jones, unnerving), Merrick is clothed, fed, and coaxed out of his timid state by Treves, who patiently teaches him to speak. At first, Merrick merely imitates Treves – much to the disappointment of the hospital’s governor, Francis Carr Gomm (John Gielgud), who asks Merrick to speak for him during what begins as an unsuccessful interview. Whilst Merrick’s fear initially gets the better of him, the young man eventually plucks up the courage to recite the entirety of the 23rd Psalm. Although a Psalm of David, one cannot help but think that when Merrick speaks of the “shepherd” who “refreshes my soul”, “guides me” and empowers people so that they might “fear no evil”, he is also boldly announcing that the same Lord is also his shepherd. Ill-treated by both his father and stepmother, Merrick reportedly found little affection within his home-life but appears to have found solace and loving acceptance in the all-embracing arms of Jesus. It’s just as King David also wrote in Psalm 27 (NIV), “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”

Having spoken the Psalm aloud with fervour, Treves and Carr Gomm stand before Merrick awestruck, now realising his true capabilities. It’s as if the two men had witnessed something miraculous. “I don't understand”, says Carr Gomm in a state of shock. “Tell me, John, how did you know the rest of the 23rd Psalm?”, asks Treves (for he had taught but only a small portion to Merrick). Merrick, having regained his composure, responds with a rather unexpected answer: “I... I used to read the Bible every day. I know it very well. The Bible, and the Book of Common Prayer. The 23rd Psalm is beautiful, it’s my favourite.” Merrick’s gentle response, coupled with the knowledge that he kept a Bible at his bedside throughout his time at the London Hospital, speaks to how important his faith was to him. But the way in which he conducted his behaviour, also indicated to me that he found all that he needs in the Lord – not in materialism nor fame, or the seeking of medical treatment to somehow alter his appearance. No, Merrick reportedly lived a simple life within his small quarters in the hospital, and seemed to be genuinely content, even when faced with such tragic circumstances, the reality that he in fact owned very little and his low standing in society. Can we too find ever hope to find such contentment?

The Bible teaches that we too can trust God to take complete care of our lives and richly provide us with everything that we need, according to His divine will. How do we know this? Jesus himself informed His followers (and by extension, us) that those who love and know Him, simply don’t need to worry about accumulating possessions and wealth – for we need only trust that God will provide us with what we consider to be the ‘essentials’, in the everyday. We just need to ask Him to “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11, NIV), trusting that because He is our heavenly Father who loves His children, He will not give “a stone” to those who “ask for a loaf of bread” (Matthew 7:9, NLT). Rather, He will “give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11, NLT), just as earthly fathers would seek to treat their children well. And this is something we don’t ever need to worry about or doubt. For Jesus noted that “the crows… don't plant seeds or gather a harvest; they don't have storage rooms or barns”, yet “God feeds them!” (Luke 12:24, GNT) And those who are His children, “are worth so much more than birds!” (Luke 12:24, GNT). All we must do then, Jesus says, is “seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need” (Luke 12:31, NLT).

Merrick is said to have lived his life as a devout Christian, firmly placing his hope and trust in Jesus Christ. And the film communicates well Merrick’s overall contentment and knowledge that even when he had nothing in the eyes of the world, he had everything in Christ – for He is Merrick’s shepherd who accepted him with open arms, despite what some would call imperfections or flaws. In one tender moment, Merrick – having been extended great kindness by Treves and other hospital staff – calmly explains to him that despite once being exploited for profit, he is “happy every hour of the day” and that “my life is full, because I know that I am loved”. He is referring to the love shown to him by Treves, yes, but also Christ. And we too can know our hearts to be made full by the generous love of Jesus, who “came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10, NLT) through His atoning sacrifice on the Cross and subsequent resurrection, so that we might “have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, NRSV). In Christ alone, we find our redemption, salvation, sanctification, worth and so much more. And this is all because of Jesus – only Jesus.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch The Elephant Man for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, ask them how they would have felt if they were in Merrick’s position. Would they have hidden themselves away from society and given in to bitterness because of being born with such terrible afflictions? Or would they have responded like Merrick, with praise and thanks for his creator, God? Regardless of their answer, ask them why. Afterwards, prompt them to consider Merrick’s love for the shepherd (God), whom he trusts in completely, to provide all that he needs – are they able to put such great trust in those around them? Could they consider putting their trust in the Lord who is, to so many, their shepherd?

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that God loves His creation no matter what. His love for humanity isn’t dependent upon one’s looks, occupation, status, wealth, or anything else. He simply loves us and longs for us to come into life-saving relationship with Him. And we know this, because He sent His One and only Son Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sin, in dying on the cross – thereby making a way for us to be able to come before God and ask for His forgiveness. In doing so, we are redeemed, given the gift of friendship and eternal life in Heaven with Him (after we die), and accepted into His family. No matter where we’ve been, what we’ve done or what we look like, the Good News of Christianity is that we all may draw near to God, who gives us fulness of life. Ask them if they’ve ever considered what it might mean to live an abundant life, and if they’d like to explore for themselves.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the show. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.

The Elephant Man is currently available to rent on all good streaming services (U.K.).

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Calculating The Incalculable – Worth (2021)

9/24/2021

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Worth is rated ‘12’. For more details on the film’s content from a Christian perspective, read Plugged In’s review, from Focus on The Family:

https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/worth-2020/

In our day-to-day evangelistic activities at K180, we distribute countless quantities of Christian literature - from Bibles to Gospel flyers. One such flyer, entitled “How Much Are You Worth?”, often proves to be the most challenging for those whom we engage with in conversation, out on the streets. As I’ve drawn countless peoples’ attention to this question, reactions have varied widely. “I’m not worth much at all”, said one man. “I’m worth 1 million pounds”, said another. Others have stood before me stunned and unsure of how to respond altogether.

The links between every response that I’ve ever heard, however, is simple: nobody can ever answer that question swiftly, without hesitation, and asking “worth in terms of what?”. Granted, it’s an abstract and difficult question that many people have apparently never considered for themselves. But it is difficult precisely because one cannot successfully measure their self-worth through worldly constructs such as financial wealth, or relationships. For if wealth or relationships bring worth to our lives, what happens when we find ourselves destitute or alone?

Discovering the futility of such measures by which we determine our self-worth, from a philosophical and spiritual standpoint, could leave us devastated and frantically searching everywhere for validation. But what if we dare ask ourselves, “How much am I worth to God?”, would that change one’s outlook on humanity’s self-worth, as we acknowledge our creator God as the one who “knit me together in my mother’s womb (and you in your mother’s)”, and sent His only son Jesus Christ to die for us that we may live? In my heart, I know it would. But specifically, in regard to Worth, what if Kenneth Feinberg – an American attorney who headed up the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund – asked that question not only of himself, but also the victims of 9/11, when determining the monetary value of those who perished? I’d like to think that Feinberg might have learnt that he was calculating the incalculable. And to some extent (as depicted in the film), he does. We watch as Feinberg moves beyond distancing himself from the grief-stricken victims’ families, to come to see them and their loved ones as real people – not numbers – who were valued beyond all the money in the world. And so then, everybody counts for something. But what exactly is that something?

Worth opens in a classroom at Columbia University, wherein attorney Kenneth Feinberg (Michael Keaton) is confidently teaching students that in the eyes of the law, and the case of a lawsuit for example, almost any level of monetary value can be placed upon a human being’s life. Feinberg believes this because, for him, determining exactly how much somebody is worth isn’t a question of philosophy. No, to him, a number can be generated through rigid formulas which don’t entertain leeway or special dispensation. Such formulas are robust and allow for a clean and efficient outcome (provided emotions aren’t brought into play of course). So, when Feinberg is appointed by the US government to distribute funds from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, he does what he knows best: apply a strict formula to the legal proceedings.

And so, alongside his team, Feinberg then determines that each family’s pay-out should be calculated by their loved one’s income, generated from their positions within the companies affected – ranging from caretakers to high-ranking financiers. Without realising the case may require more of a personal touch, Feinberg presents the fund and its rules to the families in an impersonal manner. But in their grief and anger they turn on him. Many of them despair at the thought that the life of a “pencil-pusher” in the financial sector might be considered worth more than that of their loved ones, who cleaned and served food in the towers, or died trying to save others. The group of the victim’s families agree unanimously: the fund is broken, and the compensation offered by Feinberg’s team isn’t nearly enough to support those left behind.

It's in these emotionally raw moments that Feinberg first encounters the difficulty and insensitivity of attempting to determine one’s monetary worth. He’s conflicted. Even a desire to serve his country in their time of need, doesn’t negate the fact that he is doing a disservice to those whom he is serving. It’s only when Feinberg and the team begin to meet with the victim’s families personally, that they begin to understand that a one-size-fits-all pay-out is not only dishonouring to them, but completely insufficient for many of the families who live on the breadline. So, they spend time getting to know the families and their backgrounds, listening to stories about their loved ones, to help determine how much they may need to get by or what might be considered a ‘fair’ amount of money, given the circumstances. But even after the fund awarded $7 billion to its applicants, and Feinberg (alongside his team) is revealed to have helped countless grieving families, we’re still faced with a poignant realisation: this money will never be enough to heal the wounds of losing someone who will be worth more to their families, than Feinberg – or anyone else – will ever know.

For our human worth to be determined based upon what we say or feel about ourselves, or the opinions of others, is ultimately to be disappointed. After all, our self-esteem can be damaged, and we may fall out of favour with people who have previously affirmed us. The Bible teaches then, that there is but one who is qualified and authorised to determine just how much we’re worth: God in Heaven. He’s qualified because this is the being who created us in His own image (Genesis 1:26–27), which means that in forming our being, we were specifically chosen to reflect God’s attributes – even though in our behaviour, we so often fail to do so. He knows us better and has invested more in us than anyone else ever could, for he “…made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13, NLT) and has numbered every hair upon my head and yours (Luke 12:7, NLT).

He loves us more than anyone else ever could because he paid the highest price imaginable: sending His one and only Son Jesus to die for you and for me, so that we may be saved. God decided that we’re worth the death of Jesus, even though we’ve turned our backs on Him and done so much wrong against Him (Romans 3:23). We deserve to make the payment for our sin (which is eternal separation from God), but God chose Jesus to take our punishment upon himself by dying upon the Cross, so that we may have the debt wiped away: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV). But Jesus didn’t remain dead, because God “…raised him back to life” (Acts 2:24, NLT) so that through his death on the cross & resurrection, we might “have life… and have it to the full” in friendship with Him now, and in Heaven for all eternity. If we choose to accept Him into our lives today, turn from our sin and receive His forgiveness, it’s only then that we can begin to understand our infinite worth in Him – the One who paid the highest price imaginable for us, loves us with an everlasting love and is willing to forgive us of all sin. Outside of Him, we can never be worth as much as we are to God. Contrary to what Feinberg and the filmmakers may think, our worth and value is not dependent upon external factors. If we are found in Jesus, we have infinite self-worth which we can rely on and that will never let us down.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Worth for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, ask them how they would have approached the task at hand if they were in Feinberg’s position. Would they have stuck to the formula, or gone down a more personal route to determine someone’s financial worth? Regardless of their answer, ask them why. Afterwards, prompt them to consider how they might determine how much they’re worth. Are there any methods they’d use to measure it?

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that we are worth so much to God. Explain that we’re important to Him, and we know this because He made us with love and care (Psalm 139:13, Jeremiah 1:5). He also watches over us no matter where we are, which also indicates how precious we are to Him (Psalm 139:1-3). But be sure to explain that our worth is most evident in Christ, who gave His life for humanity, so that we might live with our heavenly Father for eternity. Ask them if they have ever considered their worth to God, and if they’d like to explore for themselves.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the show. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.

Worth is currently available to stream on Netflix (U.K.)

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“Do not fear, only believe.” - I Still Believe (2020)

8/18/2021

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – I Still Believe is rated ‘PG’. For more details on the film’s content from a Christian perspective, read Focus on The Family’s review, from Plugged In:

https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/i-still-believe-2020/

After having watched I Still Believe, the story of Melissa and Jeremy Camp’s courageous battle with cancer, I almost immediately reached for the phone to call my girlfriend. I hadn’t planned on calling her at that time, but after the whirlwind experience that was watching this moving, if sometimes painful film (the very embodiment of a tearjerker, really), I needed to get some air and process what I’d just experienced, in conversation with another human being.

Sure enough, Emily soon asked me for my verdict, and I explained to her how the film had really moved me to the point in which I’d even cried – a surprise to her, but even more so to myself! You see, I’d been a tad unfair to the filmmakers behind I Still Believe. Prior to even watching the film, I’d already written it off as being yet another preachy, cringey and incompetently made product of faith-based entertainment. I expected nothing of it, and yet it moved me to tears, blessed my day, and even prompted me to pray for Jeremy Camp, his family, and his ministry. Now, if such a film – albeit based on a true story – can do that, then surely, it’s of both artistic and spiritual merit?

Directed by brothers Andrew & Jon Erwin (leaders and co-founders of Kingdom Story Company), I Still Believe tells the true-life story of Christian musician Jeremy Camp’s rise to prominence, his romance with Melissa, and their shared determination to seek God’s face during times of great suffering and adversity. But whilst many other biopics and ‘based on a true story’ films might seek to deliver a straightforward account of a story, the filmmakers behind I Still Believe seem to have prioritised sharing the powerful testimony of Jeremy and Melissa, with a specific emphasis on the lessons that was God was trying to teach them both at that time – lessons which, whilst difficult, have inspired and encouraged many who find themselves looking heavenward, in desperate situations.

One such lesson is that suffering - no matter how great - doesn’t have to destroy or discount one’s faith in God – it can in fact refine it. From the outset, Melissa and Jeremy are both depicted as believers who read the Word, pray, and have a belief in God. They believe that God has a plan for their lives and has given them abilities to bless those around them. But as their love for one another blossoms and Jeremy’s music career takes off, Melissa is tragically diagnosed with cancer. They don’t understand why this is happening, or what will come of it, but the couple pray for healing and encourage others to do the same. Even in the uncertainty of where God is in all of this, the couple don’t abandon their faith – they run toward their Father in Heaven, no matter how hard it may be to do so. And as Melissa and Jeremy place their continued hope and trust in God, whilst praying for the eradication of the cancerous cells, we see the pair find peace amid turbulent times.

Such an inspiring response reminded me of Paul’s reaction to his own suffering, which is recorded in 2 Corinthians, when he begged the Lord to take away an issue he described as “the thorn in my flesh” (12:7). The Lord responded to him in verse 9, saying: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul then realises that “the power of Christ can work through me” because he has given over the “hardships” to the One who strengthens us, which gives him the ability to stand firm and even “take pleasure in my weaknesses” (12:10). We witness such remarkable resilience in the lives of Melissa and Jeremy too, who – like Paul – choose to trust and obey and are subsequently sustained by the Lord’s strength. Even amidst times of further suffering, they both experience real joy in their relationship.

As their trust in God grows, Melissa and Jeremy soon make plans to marry. However, they soon receive a troubling diagnosis, which Melissa’s doctors recommend be met with immediate surgery. Reluctantly, the couple agree, and whilst awaiting the surgery, set to praying for full, restorative healing. To their amazement, God hears their prayer – Melissa is miraculously declared cancer-free on the day of her surgery. News soon spreads of the miracle, which leads to many giving thanks and praise to God. Six months later however, following their marriage ceremony and honeymoon, the couple discover that the cancer has not only returned, but is too aggressive to be operated on. Melissa and Jeremy are both crushed, but Jeremy begins to question his faith and where God is in their suffering. Though even in her weak state, Melissa encourages Jeremy to refer back to the song he wrote whilst on their honeymoon, named Walk By Faith. With a heavy heart, Jeremy sings it to Melissa at her bedside: “I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see. Because this broken road, prepares your will for me”.

Soon after, Melissa’s condition worsens, and she passes away. Beforehand though, she expresses to Jeremy that the pain “doesn’t hurt anymore”, she “can’t feel it”, and that she’s “okay”. It seems that in her final moments, Melissa was liberated from her pain as she looked toward Heaven, and her imminent, eternal reality spent with God. In fact, we later learn through a letter she wrote to Jeremy, that her spiritual posture throughout that time of suffering, seems to have been very much based on the teachings of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “…we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” Her hope was never placed in the world, the healthcare system which treated her, or her husband. Melissa’s hope was placed solely in God and His plan of eternal salvation for both hers and Jeremy’s lives. And in so doing, Melissa pointed to a heavenly reality in which there will no longer be any suffering, sickness, or weeping. Both she and Jeremy experienced what it meant for God to use their pain for good, when their testimony of how God sustained them throughout times of great human difficulty, went out into the world and touched the lives of millions – thereby redeeming their pain (Romans 8:28).

Jesus teaches that we too can place our whole hope and trust in Him today – just as Melissa and Jeremy did – because no matter what happens to us today, we can experience His unique promise of hope for tomorrow. But how do we know this? Well, Jesus once told His followers in John 16:33 (NLT), “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world”. He was alluding to the fact that because of His coming sacrificial death on the Cross, Jesus was going to conquer the power that eternal death had over humanity, because of our sin. It’s faith in Him alone (the Way, the Truth and the Life) which will save us from eternal death, and bring us unequalled peace in the everyday: “Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die” (John 11:26, NLT). To have the peace and hope in our hearts that Melissa had, we need but come to Jesus, ask Him to forgive us of our sins and be cleansed by Him. With Jesus by our side, He is truly enough.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch I Still Believe for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, ask them what they think of Jeremy and Melissa’s decision to continue worshipping God amid times of uncertainty and great suffering. Do they believe that their pursuit of God is misplaced? Regardless of their answer, ask them why they believe that. Also, prompt them to consider the potential good that can come from even the most tragic situations, by pointing to the couple’s inspiring testimony – explain that Melissa and Jeremy remained close to God, and he remained close to them.

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that whilst sickness and suffering exists in this life, we can place our hope in the One who will be with us every step of our lives, and gives us eternal life in Heaven – a place where there is no sickness and suffering, only peace and joy. Invite them to explore Jesus for themselves, explaining that He can liberate them from the sickness of sin today, give them the gift of eternal life and friendship with Him, if they simply turn from their sin.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the show. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.

I Still Believe is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video (U.K.)

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The Creeping Fear(monger) – Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

7/19/2021

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is rated ‘12’. For more details on the film’s content from a Christian perspective, read Focus on The Family’s review, from Plugged In:

https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/starwarsepisodeiiirevengeofthesith/

It’s no secret that I’m far from what you might call a Star Wars nut. Whilst I grew up watching the original films on VHS tapes, played the video games (Star Wars Battlefront II – legendary) and even owned a talking Yoda toy, I have no allegiance toward the Rebels or the Galactic Empire.

No, I can accept that the films of the Skywalker Saga (Episodes 1-9) are somewhat flawed – most notably due to their on-the-nose dialogue and ropey performances – but also note their ability to be vastly entertaining and emotionally affecting in the same breath. The series’ overall scope, themes, visual design, and artistic vision that was developed and executed by George Lucas is undeniably impressive and rivalled by few other cinematic properties.

Perhaps the strongest element of the series, however, is found in its handling of various themes throughout, such as light versus darkness, finding our place in the universe, the alluring, but dangerous draw of temptation and the negative lifelong effects it so often brings – the latter of which Revenge of The Sith handles movingly. But in Episode III, we see less of the Star Wars charm and light-heartedness we’ve come to expect from the series and are forced to watch as our hero makes a pact with Lucas’ equivalent of the devil, and then descends into darkness. It may surprise you then, to know that it’s for this reason that Revenge of The Sith is my favourite of the three prequel films. Unlike The Phantom Menace and Attack of The Clones before it, this is Star Wars at its most thematically raw and mature. Lucas explores what humans do in the face of uncertainty, how far we’ll go to protect a loved one (which may begin positively, but turn evil quickly), the appealing but dangerous lure of the ‘dark side’ and the crippling power of fear. It all makes for a more depressing, if grounded kind of Star Wars, but Episode III prompted me to reflect upon the tactics of the devil (or Darth Sidious here) and how the Lord implores us to cling to Him as the One who brings life in all its fullness, protects us, and will never lead us astray.

In this final instalment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, we witness Anakin’s long-expected turn to the dark side, which includes defecting from the Jedi order to become the apprentice of Darth Sidious and his grotesque, physical transformation into the fearsome Darth Vader. Of course, none of this happened overnight in the world of Star Wars, as it has been leading to this moment from The Phantom Menace onwards. We watch throughout the series as Anakin struggles to control his anger, abandon his pride and stop fear from gaining a foothold in his life. And in this third instalment, we see all of that materialise and more, when Anakin is unexpectedly denied the rank of Master and a seat on the Jedi Council, as well as having frightening visions of Padmé (Natalie Portman), his secret wife (Jedi, dying in childbirth. All of this is too much for the young Jedi to bear, and in his distrust of the Jedi Council, he confides in his friend Senator Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) who, unbeknownst to Anakin, is a lethal Sith Lord. The Supreme Chancellor takes Anakin under his wing but uses the Jedi Knight’s distrust of the Jedi Council and his fear of losing Padmé, to his advantage – he secretly means to turn him to the dark side.

Everything about Palpatine/Darth Sidious’ behaviour points to the Bible’s description of the devil and his tactics. Like the devil, Palpatine “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8), scheming from within the shadows to then prey upon the weak and the desperate. As Supreme Chancellor, his role is to serve the Senate and ensure that democracy is protected across the galaxy. And yet, he stands before the senate a liar – it’s almost as if he “disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14, NRSV). And his latest victim is Anakin, whom he deceives, filling his head with lies about the Jedi which causes him to doubt the virtues of the Jedi Order:

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine: “Remember back to your early teachings. ‘All who gain power are afraid to lose it.’ Even the Jedi.”

Anakin Skywalker: “The Jedi use their power for good.”

SCP: “Good is a point of view, Anakin. The Jedi point of view is not the only valid one. The Dark Lords of the Sith believe in security and justice, also. Yet they are considered by the Jedi to be...”

AS: “Evil?”

SCP: “The Sith and the Jedi are similar in almost every way, including their quest for greater power. The only difference between the two is that the Sith are not afraid of the Dark Side of the Force. That is why they are more powerful.”

In that exchange, Palpatine attempts to make evil look good and twists a foundational truth which the Jedi has built their very order upon: the desire to use their power for good. Later, he even tempts him with the “pride of life” (1 John 2:16). In appealing to his ego, he tempts the Jedi with the desire to become more powerful than any of his contemporaries (“Don't continue to a be a pawn of the Jedi Council! Ever since I've known you, you have been seeking a life of great significance, far more than any Jedi…”), and promises him that in joining forces with one another, they will be able to find a way to save Padmé from dying – thus alleviating his fears. To any Christian who has experienced any form of spiritual warfare, it’s clear that he knows Anakin’s weak spots and is looking for opportunities to lead him astray, just as the devil does for us too.

Yet we know that whilst Palpatine is a formidable opponent who has now assumed control of the galaxy in which Star Wars is set, he ultimately sits upon a throne of lies - which by the Skywalker trilogy’s end will crumble, because “everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all” (Luke 12:2, NLT). And the devil, whilst he too has placed the whole world under his rule (1 John 5:19), remains “a liar and the father of all lies” (John 8:44, GNT), as well as a “thief” who “comes only… to steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10, GNT). But God is infinitely greater and more powerful than the enemy, and His desire is that we would not fall under the devil’s control, but experience “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10, NLT) found in Him. Thanks to the atoning work of Jesus on the Cross, we can be forgiven of our sin, reconciled to Him and experience a life in which we need not fear, or seek to boost our ego through the things of this world, because we can find everlasting love and our complete worth in Christ alone. Unlike Anakin, we need not allow ourselves to give in to the temptations of a trickster who doesn’t care about us in the slightest, because if we invite Jesus to come and live within our hearts, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NRSV) and we can trust, as well as cling to Him.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, ask them if they believe in the existence of both light and darkness in this world – the latter of which is vying for our attention? If they answer yes, ask them why they believe that. Prompt them to consider the existence of God and the devil but share about how whilst the enemy makes many attempts to control our lives, God wants to bring us freedom found in relationship with Him.

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that whilst the enemy is cunning, we believe in the One who is more powerful than anyone and has overcome the world, so that we might be united with Him – now and forever! So, why not invite them to turn from their sin, put their trust in Him and walk into dependable friendship with Him, today?

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the show. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, as I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is currently available to stream on Disney+ (U.K.)

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“…just on one Christmas, I'd like to see the meek inherit the Earth.” - The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

Surprised by (the power of) Joy - The Most Reluctant Convert (2022)

“…there is no Hell. Although, I hear Los Angeles is getting pretty close.” - Defending Your Life (1991)

“I’m God’s instrument; there are no accidents.” - Simon Birch (1998)

“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” - A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

“Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole…”- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

“My life is full because I know I am loved.” - The Elephant Man (1980)

Calculating The Incalculable – Worth (2021)

“Do not fear, only believe.” - I Still Believe (2020)

The Creeping Fear(monger) – Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Articles written by
Scott Gentry
scott@k180.org

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Articles written byScott Gentry​scott@k180.org

Archives

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Articles written by
Scott Gentry
scott@k180.org