K180
  • Home
  • THE STREETS
    • Ealing Street Ministry
    • Big 3
    • Euro Street Teams >
      • Belgium
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • North Macedonia
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • UK
      • Ukraine
    • London GO
    • On The Streets Conference
    • The Journey
    • Help Train Your Church
  • Evangelists
    • Behold Europe
    • Emerging Evangelists' Institute >
      • Academy of Evangelism Russia
      • EEI UK
      • Eldhugar Iceland
      • RJEF
      • Messenger Network Italy
      • PN Germany
      • RedTimoteo
      • Albania
      • Lisbon
    • K-Accelerate
    • Kschool
    • Music
    • Faith & Film Blog
    • Trainees
    • Unashamed Course >
      • Unashamed Course English >
        • Upcoming courses
        • Unashamed subscribe
        • Register your Course
      • Unashamed Course French >
        • Cours a venir
        • Unashamed s'abonner
        • Inscrivez votre cours
      • Unashamed Course Spanish >
        • Proximos Cursos
        • Unashamed suscribirse
        • Inscriba su curso
    • Unashamed+
  • HistoryMakers
    • HM Overview
    • Bold Obedience Walk
    • HM Europe Summit
    • Country Journeys >
      • BSL HM
      • HM Albania
      • HM Armenia
      • HM Balkans
      • HM Baltics
      • HM Belarus
      • HM Belgium
      • HM Bulgaria
      • HM Croatia & Slovenia
      • HM Czech Republic
      • HM Finland
      • HM France
      • HM Georgia
      • HM Iceland
      • HM Italy
      • HM Luxembourg
      • HM Moldova
      • HM Montenegro
      • HM North Macedonia
      • HM Poland
      • HM Romania
      • HM Russia
      • HM Serbia
      • HM Spain
      • HM Switzerland
      • HM UK
      • HM Ukraine
  • Donate
    • Ukraine Appeal
  • Store
  • About us
    • About us
    • Mission and Beliefs
    • News
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
    • Maritza Gonzalez

A Kind and Steady Heart Can Change the World – Babe: Pig in The City (1999)

6/28/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Babe: Pig in The City is rated ‘U’. For more details on the film’s content from a Christian perspective, read this review from Christian Spotlight on Entertainment:

https://christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/pre2000/i-babecity.html    

Never would I have imagined that the writer & director behind the Mad Max franchise and The Witches of Eastwick, George Miller, could ever produce something so inoffensive and completely wholesome as Babe and its sequel, Babe: Pig in The City. And yet somehow, it’s true, and I’m so glad that it is. In re-watching this madcap sequel to its critically acclaimed predecessor (emphasis on madcap), I spotted a large amount of Miller quirks and eccentricities that audiences have come to recognise as being distinctly ‘Miller-esque’. Take for example the wild, inventive action set-pieces with so many moving parts (Babe’s near escape from two vicious pit bulls is a marvel), or the oddball, eclectic family of animals who live within a townhouse unbeknownst to the neighbours – complete with a choir of singing cats, a finely-dressed chimpanzee family and their master, a drunken clown, played by Mickey Rooney. If it all sounds utterly bonkers, that’s because it is. After all, in what world would you expect a ‘children’s film’ to display a pig’s life flashing before its eyes, or that same animal questioning the reason for the existence of evil in the world by asking “Why?” in the face of great hate? And yet, despite everything we see throughout, this film isn’t simply a bizzarro, escapist pleasure. It’s the tale of an innocent young pig with a “kind and steady heart”, who in all things, offers humility, grace, and love to those around him. In other words, it’s a distinctly George Miller production marked by real biblical principles that are not only championed, but actively encouraged…

Picking up almost immediately after Babe’s triumphant and unexpected victory at the local sheepherding competition (he’s now a prize-winning ‘sheep-pig’), Pig in The City finds the plucky young pig eager to continue serving his master, Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell). Sadly, the young pig is not so adept when it comes to helping with DIY (shockingly) and inadvertently causes an accident in the farm’s well which severely injuries his beloved human and prevents him from working. Soon, the farm draws the attention of bankers who seek to foreclose on the property, unless sufficient funds can be secured. To save the farm, Babe must make a well-paid guest appearance at a fair in a distant land, whilst accompanied by Mrs. Hoggett. However, through a series of misadventures, the pair are left stranded in a strange, dangerous city named Metropolis - a striking amalgamation of Venice, Los Angeles, Sydney, and New York. But through the kindness of a stranger, Mrs. Hoggett learns of a solitary, illegal hotel which gladly accepts both humans and pets. Once settled in, however, tragedy strikes, and the animals are separated from their humans. With no one to guide them, who will up rise and lead the animals out of such a dire situation? Enter their unlikely saviour: Babe.

Picture
Throughout Pig in the City, we come to realise that Babe’s sense of kindness, compassion, and grace (which he offers out so liberally) is the key to the film’s beating heart. Not only does the young pig direct such virtuous behaviour toward those who we might deem to be ‘worthy’ of it - he also treats even the ‘unworthy’ with grace and dignity too. The most prominent example of this is when Babe is almost led to the slaughter by some chimpanzees who wish to use him as a distraction to fulfil their own crafty ends. They falsely promise Babe that he might find sheep to herd from behind some fence panelling, but the defenceless young pig comes face-to-face with two vicious guard dogs who mean business. They give chase, only for Babe to fall into a canal and one of the dogs to have its chain become entangled in a bridge’s railing, when it leaps to catch Babe. Unable to free itself and left dangling above the river, with its body half-submerged in the water below, Babe’s attacker begins to drown. The surrounding animals look on in shock yet choose not to help (the isolated sound and image of the animal as it struggles to survive, is almost unbearable). But suddenly, we hear a splash and see that Babe has gone to the dog’s rescue, using his snout to push the animal onto a nearby dinghy, thereby saving its life.

You must ask yourself, is this sequence not the very definition of biblical grace itself? Here, Babe extends undeserving favour toward an unworthy creature and counts them worthy to receive it, although they had previously responded to Babe’s kindness and love with vicious, unprovoked violence. Despite the dog’s wrongdoing and its clear desire to take a life, Babe chooses to forgive the wild animal and seeks to restore it back to full health. On reflection, the scene reminded me of Romans 5:6-8, which reminds us that humanity was “living against God” (ICB) and became “utterly helpless” (NLT) because of their sin. And yet, “Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6, ICB) - He came to save us even though “we were still sinners”, which thereby exhibits “His great love for us” (Romans 5:8, ICB).

​
Picture

​​This is very the essence of the Gospel message, demonstrated so beautifully (and unexpectedly) by even a young pig in his attempt to save this seemingly worthless, uncared-for dog. But in so doing, Babe does so much more than just save a life in the physical sense – this pit bull finally sees the error of his ways, seeks to protect Babe and, by the film’s end, becomes more than a simple, mindless killing machine. Yes, the pit bull might not outright apologise for his wrongdoing, but he clearly intends to turn away from it, which brings him hope for a new, different future. And we see something very similar in Christianity because Jesus came to die on a cross in our place, so that all who believe in Him might be saved from the sins of our past and the people we’ve become, to be changed into a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV). If we are in Christ, we become renewed people who are no longer dead in our sins and on a course set for eternal separation from Him. We’re no longer mindlessly wronging ourselves and others to satisfy the desires of our flesh. No, when we choose to respond to the saving grace of Jesus Christ (similarly to how the pit bull responds to Babe’s act of saving grace) by following Him alone, asking for forgiveness of our sin and turning away from our dark past into His light, we become spiritually renewed people who will show a distinct change in who we are to society: “(God) saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5, NLT).

Before accepting Jesus into our lives, we’re all a lot like that pit bull – driven solely by our sinful desires and blinded to the light of Jesus. But God, in expressing His great love & mercy for us by sending Jesus to save us, is the gracious beacon of hope which says that we need not continue in the path we’re on. Jesus’ sacrifice means that the price for our sin is already paid for – we only need to call on the name of Jesus to now find salvation in eternity, and the renewal of our minds today, in this life. Who’d have thought that a little pig could remind me of all of that? “That’ll do pig, that’ll do”.

​
0 Comments

Confession Is Good For The Soul - Get Low (2009)

6/14/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Get Low 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:

www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/getlow/​

Whilst Hollywood releases films in their droves, year after year, so few of them are ever spiritually conscious enough or caring enough to tackle life’s ‘big questions’ in a faithful, artful and engaging manner. The subject of spirituality is often mentioned, yes, but such action sadly appears to serve only as a somewhat tick-box exercise to appeal to Christian audiences. So, when it comes to selecting a suitable new film for the Faith & Film blog – one that specifically engages with Christian spirituality consistently throughout - I’m often left with no other option but to fervently pray that the Lord would highlight a film to me that may have flown under my radar, before the looming deadline.
​
And whilst yes, I admit that prayer is and should always be my first port of call here at the blog, I’m thankful that the Lord heard my prayer and drew me to Get Low – a small, quietly thoughtful film which intertwines poignant human drama with spiritual discourse, highlighting issues which effect and apply to us all. Granted, the circumstances in which our protagonist Felix Bush (Robert Duvall, in full grumpy mode) finds himself are wholly unique to him, but we come to learn that he – just like any other human being – seeks to process and rid himself of the emotional and spiritual burdens he has been caused to bear in life. But how does one find a release from their shame and guilt, and receive forgiveness when others won’t forgive them, or they cannot find it in their heart to forgive themselves? Get Low has but one answer, and pleasingly, you won’t have to look very far to find it…

Marking the directorial debut of Aaron Schneider (and later, 2020’s Greyhound), Get Low is based upon a “true tall tale” of a hermit in 1930s Tennessee, who decided to organise a funeral party for himself whilst he was still alive. Now an old man, Felix understands that it won’t be too long until he’s got one foot in the grave. And so, in his determination to pre-empt it, he turns what could be a macabre moment into an event to which he invites the entire community – albeit one that is wary of the old man and spreads unsavoury rumours about him… But you see, that’s exactly what Felix is interested in. He’s grown curious about what the townsfolk think of him and wants to give them the opportunity to voice their opinions publicly, to him. Felix, however, has a story of his own to share – a public confession of his shame and guilt for his part in a tragic occurrence that occurred forty years ago, which he has only ever shared with a local preacher (Bill Cobbs). But can he muster up the courage to speak the truth so this tortured soul might be forgiven and freed?

Picture

​At times, Get Low appears to be less interested in the motifs that it raises, than the curmudgeon at its core. For instance, director Schneider and his screenwriters (Chris Provenzano, C. Gaby Mitchell & Scott Seeke) often choose to revel in Bush’s unpredictable, eyebrow-raising tendencies - most notably his inability to smile for a photographer, and his admission that he no longer wears any underwear. But when the filmmakers attempt to get underneath Bush’s hardened emotional exterior and oddball nature, we find a man who’s longing to re-join society, after imprisoning himself within a place of solitude for forty years. He longs not only to be set free physically, but emotionally and spiritually. So, he visits a local preacher (Gerald McRaney), presents him with a large amount of cash and asks for a living funeral. Naturally, Rev. Horton is perplexed and asks Bush to explain, to which the old-timer simply replies: “(It’s)…’bout time for me to get low”. One would assume that Bush is referring to one’s physical and spiritual posturing before the Lord, when a person typically decides to surrender their life to God. He describes it as simply “(getting) down to business”, followed by presenting Rev. Horton with a balled-up wad of money and requesting that he provide him with a living funeral, in which people will be invited to share their thoughts and stories on Mr. Bush, unfiltered, directly to his face. 

​
Rev. Horton naturally tries to dissuade Bush from permitting such gossip to spread throughout a house of God, and rightfully draws the old man toward the most pressing of matters: not what people say about Him, but what God will say about him when the judgement comes. “…what matters when you come to the end of your life is that you're ready for the next one. Have you made peace with God, sir?”, he asks. Bush, confused, protests: “I paid”. Horton attempts to correct him again:

Horton: “Well… You can't buy forgiveness, Mr. Bush. It's free. But you do have to ask for it.”

Bush: “Nothing in this world is free, preacher.”
​
Picture

​In spite of Horton’s faithful witness, Bush just can’t seem to understand the simplicity of what it means to ask for forgiveness from the Lord. For forty years, he’s lived a life wracked with shame and guilt for his mistakes. He’s believed that to receive forgiveness and be granted absolution by God and those around him, he must pay – monetarily speaking, but also by punishing himself through living in crushing isolation. For Bush, his cabin in the woods is more of a jail cell, than a sanctuary. But we know that God promises for those who come before Him in penitence and faith, confessing their sin and asking for forgiveness, He freely grants it because of the saving work of His Son Jesus Christ: “…if 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 1:9, NLT). Whilst Bush believes that he doesn’t deserve forgiveness, or if he can receive it, must pay for, and earn it in the eyes of God and others, the remarkable accomplishment of Jesus’ atoning, sacrificial work on the cross says otherwise. In Christ alone, we find freedom from the burdens of our sin and complete forgiveness, even when the world won’t forgive us. We may not deserve it for all the wrong that we’ve done, and yet, He is merciful. Just as it was a perplexing reality for those who have been saved, it is also for Bush. Thankfully, it isn’t so perplexing that we must distance ourselves from the God who loves us so dearly.

In its final third, Get Low shows a darker side to Bush – seen in the very public revelation of his past indiscretions. With the help of another local preacher named Rev. Charlie Jackson (Bill Cobbs), Bush is finally compelled to confess to his actions and ask for forgiveness in front of the entire town, at his funeral party – but also to a local woman named Mattie (Sissy Spacek), with whom he once shared a romance and later hurt her. At first, he protests to Jackson that his act of penance (locking himself away for forty years) is enough to make amends or to atone for his sins. But Jackson disagrees: “…you know it isn’t (enough)”, he says to Bush. And so, at the funeral party, Bush finally begins to tell all:

Bush: “When I told Charlie what I'd done, he told me to confess to God and the law… so I could get forgiveness. But I didn't want forgiveness. I needed to hold on to what I did. To be sick from it every day of my life. So, I never told nobody else.”
​

Picture

​In preparing to go on with his story, Bush stumbles – he’s unsure of how to go on with telling the truth. But he sees Mattie in the crowd, and he directs his confession toward her. He continues, speaks the truth, and soon finds an emotional release from the burdens of his mind and heart – seen in the joyful reconciliation between him and Mattie, but also in his physical appearance. He looks healthier, lighter – free. In that moment, Bush’s actions show the healing power of confession. It mends relationships around him and (to some extent) himself. For an act that he dreaded for so long, he never knew how liberating it could be to be released from such darkness within his heart. And this is what God wants for His creation. He longs for us to seek forgiveness and repentance first from Him (for the sake of our souls), and then from others: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16, NLT). Truly then, “Confession is good for the soul.” For if we, who have sinned against God and others, truly confess, and turn away from our sins with the help of our Father in Heaven, our souls will be mended and saved: “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved…” (Romans 10:9-10, ESV).

​The film isn’t clear on whether Bush sought out and received forgiveness from the Lord, but his story serves as a beautiful reminder of the freeing power of confession. It shows that the act of confession, seeking forgiveness and turning away from our sinful ways brings restoration between friends. But how much more important is it that we seek all of that from our Creator, God, who is supposed to be our closest friend? Ultimately, Get Low teaches that confession is good for us now, but biblical confession is essential for the soul now, and in eternity.
0 Comments

Unbelievable(?) Good News - Finding Nemo (2003)

6/1/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Finding Nemo is rated ‘U’. 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/findingnemo/

Recently, I made the mistake of debating with my girlfriend, Emily, as to what makes a top-tier, Disney Pixar film. My criteria are simple: It must bring me to tears, teach me something about the human experience, further the limits of animation and bring me joy. (The Incredibles, Inside Out & Toy Story all meet these criteria.) Naively, I thought she would agree with my picks, but after looking at my listed Pixar rankings (https://boxd.it/xKVa) however, it turned out that we both differ on a few of our respective choices (Wall-E should be top 3 territory, apparently). Is it enough of an issue to classify it as a ‘dealbreaker’? Of course not, as there is grace for all who truly repent, after all! Thankfully, though, I was eventually able to move past our little disagreement, following the discovery of our mutual love and appreciation for Finding Nemo. It meets our own personal criteria, and features (for both of us) one of the most delightfully simple Gospel links in recent cinematic memory…

In essence, Finding Nemo is another of Pixar’s journeys into uncharted cinematic territory - or in this case, uncharted cinematic waters. Never have we seen the Great Barrier Reef look quite as beautifully realised as it does in Finding Nemo – a widespread cinematic canvas, bursting forth with colour and teaming with life. And although animated, Nemo is a tale that’s authentic to marine life – both in terms of fish biology and behaviour. Not only do we see the beauty of ocean life, however, but we also see the horrors: a barracuda attacks and almost wipes out an entire family of clownfish, and later, divers (unknowingly) separate the remaining two from one another – the overprotective and neurotic Marlin (Albert Brooks) and his spirited, but headstrong son, Nemo. Determined to bring him safely home, Marlin abandons the security and comforts of life on the reef, and heads into the dangerous unknown of the ocean to save him.
​

Picture

​Perhaps the most pertinent biblical parallel one could make in reference to Finding Nemo is the Parable of the Lost Son. Comparisons abound particularly early in the film, when we witness Nemo dishonour his father just as the son did in Luke 15:11-32, by ignoring instructions from his father, informing him that “I hate you”, and recklessly touching the hull of a boat. Soon enough, Nemo’s actions lead to him being whisked away to a far-off place (Luke 15:13) by a team of divers, who take him further away than he ever wanted to go. The comparisons to Luke 15 continue when we see Marlin actively search for Nemo – encountering a whole host of colourful characters along the way. For just as the father in Luke 15 was searching for his son, despite him being “still a long way off” (V20), Marlin does the same and determinedly scours the ocean for him. The pair are later reunited in an overwhelmingly joyous moment of love between the two (just as in the parable from Luke), but it’s an earlier moment from within the film which demonstrates even more powerfully what it meant for Marlin to arrive at that point. And this is achieved through the power of story.

Taking place at Nemo’s lowest point, when he believed that he’d never see his father again, we watch and listen as the young clownfish is told by a pelican of how his father has been searching for him across the ocean, stopping at nothing to get his son back. Like all great stories, it’s one that has travelled a great distance and spread to countless characters who are subsequently touched by Marlin’s great love for his child. But nobody reacts quite like Nemo – he’s overjoyed, but in shock that his father would risk everything for him. At first, he doesn’t even believe that the story is referencing his own father! But he soon comes to realise that it’s true. Marlin has indeed been searching for Nemo and is calling him home.

Do you remember when you first heard the Good News for yourself? Did you react with disbelief like Nemo, not trusting that your heavenly Father was able to or wanted to save you from the effects of your sin? Or did you believe it immediately, accepting it for the truth that it is? Regardless of how you initially reacted, we cannot deny that there is distinct power in the Good News of Jesus - for through it we learn that the Father is searching for and is beckoning us home to Him. But in Nemo’s case, we see that such good news prompted him to be uplifted from his sorrow and spurred him on to return to his father as soon as he could. And the Good News of Jesus works similarly for those who believe and trust in it. As the hymnist John Newton once observed, the Good News and the name of Jesus is “sweet” to those who believe it – for it “soothes our sorrows” and “heals our wounds”. Those who trust in it to be saved will be so – for they “know it is the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18, NLT) itself.


Picture

Perhaps many like the lost son or Nemo, long to come back home, but feel that there is no way home. Thankfully, there is with Jesus. For we read that God – like Marlin – fought through everything in His path to save humanity. He destroyed the power that sin has over us, by sending Jesus to take our place on the cross and pay the penalty for our mistakes. He “personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right” (1 Peter 2:24, NLT) He made a way where there wasn’t previously a way, to return home to the Father’s house. But will you now tell of His wondrous story across our lands, speaking of how the Father fought for us to be made safe, so many would be caught up (like Nemo) in the wonder of the cross?

0 Comments

Faith & Film – An Unlikely, Yet Often Fruitful Partnership…

5/10/2021

2 Comments

 
Picture

​Since the inception of the Faith & Film blog, I’ve frequently noted and maintained the idea that film can be used for evangelistic purposes – specifically by drawing out Christian themes from films, and initiating conversations about Jesus with our friends. And in this week’s blog, I felt prompted to explain my spiritual/theological rationale for this initiative by communicating its foundations in Scripture and offering advice on how to engage with films spiritually, to further encourage and spur you on for the task of evangelism, using film.

Since June 2020, I’ve continually written articles on 30+ films in the hope that I may equip others to share Jesus in this relevant, innovative, and exciting way. Naturally, some may be wary of this approach to evangelism. To some, it may seem as if I am “market(ing) the Gospel” in the same manner as “modern businesses” who wish to “sell their products”.
[1] But I assure you, my intention is not to redesign, or shoehorn the powerful, lifesaving Good News into a universally ‘palatable’ format, which simply appeals to the masses. For you and I both know that the Gospel already boasts humanity-wide appeal: Romans 3 teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, and in Luke 19, Jesus came to “seek out and to save the lost”, which encompasses all of humankind.[2] Therefore, personally encountering Jesus, confessing that He “is Lord” and believing that “God raised Him from the dead” will be the only thing that saves us from eternal separation from God.[3] So, the Gospel message already addresses humanity’s greatest need and therefore, its potency has no expiration date and does not require me to ‘market’ it.

The challenge, however, arises in our God-ordained mission to alert people to what we know to be the truth. After all, Jesus commissioned his disciples and us by extension, to go and “make disciples of all nations”.[4] How are we to do that, then, if the Gospel message doesn’t always suit a “promotional plan” or causes offence because of the Cross?[5] Many have turned to culture as a means of introducing practices which entertain, do not easily cause offense and have wide appeal, to ensure that a non-believer’s interest remains steady. And suddenly, the Faith & Film blog begins to sound a lot like this. And in a way, it does. The blog offers a ‘seeker friendly’ blend of faith and culture which many are understandably wary of - for culture is often known and considered to be “hostile to the very ideas of truth and assurance”.[6] But in spite of this, we know that the Lord does not want “any to perish, but all to come to repentance”, so that they might be saved.[7] With that in mind though, it seems unlikely that the Lord would object to the inclusion of cultural relevance, in order to complement the work of evangelism.
​
Picture

​It is my belief, then, that the Faith & Film blog furthers the evangelistic work we have been commissioned for, specifically because it introduces non-Christians to a form of faith exploration which always points back to the Gospel message, but also entertains. As many of you know, I do not shy away from explaining the full Gospel message, here at the blog. For just as the Apostle Paul proclaimed that he is “not ashamed of the Gospel”, because of its unique power to save all of us, I too believe that the whole unadulterated truth of the Gospel must be shared.
[8] This blog, therefore, is culturally relevant, but does not compromise upon the Gospel message in its attempts to reach all for glory of God, and the salvation of the lost.

Prior to reaching out to those who do not yet know the Lord, however, we must first grasp the importance of learning to position ourselves spiritually, so that we might hear God speak to us even as we watch the films noted here on the blog, or indeed suitable others. For as you and I are both aware, God’s Spirit has been known to speak to people through purely “aesthetic experiences”, including that of “shared meals”, or perhaps the “awesome beauty of nature”.
[9] As a result, the Faith & Film blog exists to help Christians facilitate opportunities for film-watching, discussion, and Bible reading, for within which God is more than able to reveal something of himself to Christians and non-Christians alike.

We know and trust that the Lord does not “speak in a whisper” or from a “dark corner” that is easy to miss, or attempt to deceive us.[10] Rather, the Lord’s “transmitter” is not faulty, but it is “our receiving equipment” which often “leaves a lot to be desired”.[11] John 3 informs us that the wind “blows where it chooses” and is detectable, yet we “do not know where it comes from” or “where it goes”.[12] In this exchange with Nicodemus, Jesus is describing the Holy Spirit and its ability to move and rest upon whoever, whenever. Its unpredictability means that we “cannot command the Spirit of God to speak to us” at any given time, just because we feel like it.[13] We therefore cannot confirm that as we watch a film and discuss it with friends, that God’s Holy Spirit will always be speaking to us. Yet, we do know that “where two or three are gathered” in the name of Jesus, He will be “among them” and we can trust that if God intends to speak to anyone in a given moment, He may indeed use culture to achieve that. This should encourage us to actively wet our fingers, hold them up high in the air and keep them there to “feel for the Spirit’s wind”, so that we might hear from God.[14] But put simply, it involves praying before watching a film with others, and throughout, so that we might welcome in God’s still, small voice. And, as I have encouraged readers many times before, we can do so using this example of prayer:

“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.”
​
Picture

As you prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch one of the blog’s highlighted films with you, why not take a moment to pray that God’s Holy Spirit presence would rest upon that meeting? Afterwards, if you felt God move throughout that time, please consider getting in touch at the following email address, to share a testimony of how God used film to draw people to Him: scott@k180.org.
Thank you.

Footnotes:
​
[1] John MacArthur, Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World (United States: Crossway Books, 2010). Pg. 37
[2] Romans 3:23, Luke 19:10
[3] Romans 10:9
[4] Matthew 28:19
[5] John MacArthur, Ashamed of the Gospel. Pg. 38
[6] Ibid. Pg. 23
[7] 2 Peter 3:9
[8] Romans 1:16
[9] Elijah Lynn Davidson, How to Talk to a Movie: Movie-Watching as a Spiritual Exercise (United States: Cascade Books, 2017). Pg. 3
[10] Priscilla Shirer, He Speaks to Me: Preparing to Hear the Voice of God (United States: Moody Press, 2007). Pg. 14
[11] Ibid.
[12] John 3:8
[13] Davidson, How to Talk to a Movie. Pg. 7
[14] Ibid.
2 Comments

Truth? But Who’s truth? - Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

4/26/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

​Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Wonder Woman 1984 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/wonder-woman-1984-2020/

Delayed multiple times due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and largely dismissed by critics upon its eventual release on streaming, Wonder Woman 1984 seemed doomed to ever grace my television set from the off. And yet, I was consistently drawn to it – due in part to the film’s neon-soaked aesthetic, and the promise of being able to see which evil foe would dare to face off against Diana Prince (AKA Wonder Woman), following her electrifying battle with Ares, the fearsome god of war. My key reasoning, however, was this: Without exaggeration, Wonder Woman (2017) is one of the most strikingly virtuous and borderline spiritually conscious Hollywood offerings in recent memory. It encapsulates beautifully and movingly, the biblical ideal that whilst humanity isn’t deserving of salvation (due to its fallen nature and consistent desire to itself apart) it is worth fighting for and saving – even to the point of great sacrifice. For example, when Ares notes that humanity is completely deserving of their destruction because of their sin, Diana responds by noting that they’re “capable of so much more” and chooses to have mercy upon them. The Gospel, anyone!?

Naturally then, I was intrigued to see if the sequel would further explore similar thematic concerns. And indeed, it does – after all, I’m writing this piece, aren’t I? Set in the burgeoning age of infomercials, workout fads and highly impractical clothing such as parachute pants, we see the focus of Patty Jenkins’ follow-up shift from ruminations upon human worth, to questions surrounding one’s understanding of truth, it’s importance as a bedrock for human existence and the dangers of undermining/neglecting it in favour of self-gratification. If that all sounds a little heavy for some popcorn entertainment, you’d be forgiven. But the impressively choreographed set pieces we’ve come to expect from such tent-pole filmmaking are present and correct – and often infused with those thoughtful ruminations, which include the idea that one can and should only live a life founded on truth, which is wholly sufficient for all. Or is it? For within the plot of Wonder Woman 1984, truth and the acceptance of reality is questioned, when a conniving, desperate businessman named Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) steals an ancient artifact called the Dreamstone from the Smithsonian Institution. Having learnt that it mysteriously grants its holder one wish, Maxwell sets about wishing to become the Dreamstone itself and becoming the world’s richest person overnight. He encourages people to “want it all” through the power of the Dreamstone.

Picture

​Unbeknownst to Maxwell, however, the Dreamstone was created by the Duke of Deception – a mischievous god who grants users their wishes but takes something from them in return. The trio of Maxwell, Diana & Barbara Minerva (a co-worker of Diana’s) all use the stone to fulfil their heart’s desires, but soon find that the cost involved is far greater than they could have ever imagined: Maxwell falls ill, Diana loses her powers and Barbara’s humanity is no longer. With the world on the brink of collapse due to everybody seeking after selfishness and greed, Diana must decide: choose the truth of reality (albeit an occasionally painful one, but ultimately beautiful), or live in a fantasy that will only bring pain to others…

Having fallen prey to temptation caused by the Dreamstone and Maxwell’s influence, Diana wishes that she could be reunited with her one true love, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), who gave his life to save others in the original film. Her wish is granted, but it contributes to the wider instability within the world because of all the rampant selfishness & greed, and strips her of her powers. Realising that she’s made a severe judgement of error, Diana admits that she has been deceived, thereby exchanging the truth of her existence and who she is, for an attractive, but ultimately hollow lie. Maxwell, fully aware of the evil contained within the Dreamstone, is then revealed as a deceiver, knowing full well that use of the Dreamstone will only ever bring destruction upon its users. Maxwell’s behaviour then, is noticeably consistent with the devil’s, who Jesus said is “the father of lies” (John 8:44, NLT). Much like Satan, Maxwell masquerades as someone who wants to help the disadvantaged and desperate, like seeking to “disguise himself to look like an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14, GNT) to make his speech and actions seem truthful. But sooner or later, Maxwell is reduced to a blubbering mess, and those around him quickly learn that his appearance is false.

​
Picture

​Diana’s experiences with Maxwell call to mind for her the teachings of her aunt and mentor, Antiope, who taught her that the “truth is all there is” and “no hero is born from lies”. In a moment of clarity, Diana then realises that living in reality and thereby standing firm upon what she knows to be good and right, is to experience truth. Whilst she is unable to receive every desire of her heart (like so many others), she sees the great beauty and wonders on display in our world that are far better for us to long after and enjoy, rather than the destructiveness of selfishness and greed. In a sense, the film’s worldview isn’t entirely wrong. However, it’s understanding of truth is limited. For whilst the filmmakers appear to believe that the truths of this world are the bedrock upon which someone should build their life, how can we distinguish the truth from the lies? How do we know what is absolute truth that we are able to depend upon?

God, in His word the Bible, teaches that for all the perceived truths of this life, there is but one unmistakable, pure truth that we can (in a sense) put to the test: Jesus. Whilst others are called into question or disputed, He taught that “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me|” (John 14:6, GNT). By this he meant that He is absolute truth within whom we can put our trust today and for eternity. Yes, some may not believe in Jesus and declare that He is a work of fiction. But He clearly said that if anyone comes to repentance, begins a personal friendship with Him and follows His teachings, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NLT). We will be able to experience Him today! Yes, Jesus is truth personified – the One who is uniquely able to help us experience a hopeful reality with Him, both now and forever, because He sacrificed himself on the Cross in the place of humanity. He made a way to save those whose lives were tainted by sin! And although He perished physically, He did not die spiritually and neither did His truth – for He rose again 3 days later to many witnesses, having defeated, and disarmed the power of death over our lives when He took it to the grave. In doing so, Jesus proved that He is truth and continues to do that today, when He beckons us to repent and thereby leave our sin behind us and come and follow Him – to experience His dependable Holy Spirit, love, joy, hope and peace. For those who love Him, “this truth gives them confidence (like no other) that they have eternal life, which God — who does not lie — promised them before the world began.” (Titus 1:2, NLT). Therefore, we need not look to the truths of this world, but to the One who wants you to know Him personally, today.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Wonder Woman 1984 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 there is such a thing as absolute truth in today’s world – if they answer yes, how do they know that? Ask them to consider whether Jesus is could be classed as dependable truth in the everyday – regardless of their answer, ask them why they feel that way.

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that whilst there are lies in today’s world and we often find it difficult to distinguish truth from the lies, Jesus is truth that we can stand firmly upon in the everyday – in fact, He invites us to reach out to find Him and experience His saving power for ourselves today! 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.
 
Wonder Woman 1984 is currently available to rent on all good streaming services.


0 Comments

Faith, Love & Determination - The Finest Hours (2016)

4/12/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – The Finest Hours 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/the-finest-hours/

Whilst researching to find films that would be suitable for upcoming Faith & Film blog posts, I was pleasantly surprised to come across a description of Disney’s The Finest Hours – mistakenly, I must admit. Advertised as a powerful tale of simple heroism, this old-school adventure film surprised me with its many links to the Gospel message, despite the film making little-to-no reference of God, Jesus, or salvation, overall. Nevertheless, the film’s mere existence is very much rooted in Christianity, for one man, Bernard 'Bernie' Webber (Chris Pine), had a faith in God which helped him to weather the most fearsome storm of his life, on the night of February 18, 1952. For when an oil tanker off the coast of Cape Cod, New England, is literally ripped in half, Bernie and four fellow members of the Coast Guard set off on but a small lifeboat, to rescue 33 sailors of the SS Pendleton. In braving the harshest of conditions – 70-foot-high waves, strong winds, chilling temperatures – despite it being practically labelled a suicide mission, they admirably chose to answer the cries of those who were perishing and did not abandon them.

From the offset, director Craig Gillespie and his team of screenwriters establish effectively, the very real dangers faced by those employed within the Coast Guard. On many occasions throughout the film, various characters express fear and trepidation about being able to successfully “cross the bar” – a nautical term used to describe the crossing of sand, which has risen from the bed of a body of water, near to the surface. Such a crossing is incredibly dangerous for any vessel, even when the waters are still. But Bernie, resolute in his mission given to him by his commanding officer, Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana), presses on in commandeering a small motor lifeboat – one that he knows will not improve his odds of success, yet he presses on in the rescue operation. Later, in preparing to head out to sea, Bernie is continually tempted to turn back from his mission by various distractions, including a ringing phone with a call from his sweetheart, and the self-preservationist tendencies of some of his fellow Coast Guardsmen. Even the local fishermen offer some ‘mark my words’ sentiments towards Bernie, informing him that to deceive his commanding officer in pretending that he was unable to breach the bar, wouldn’t be shameful. Bernie, whilst tempted to turn back, for the sake of his own safety and comfort, chooses the harder path instead. He stays resolute in the face of such a trial.  
​
Bernie’s behaviour in these scenes, and throughout the entirety of The Finest Hours for that matter, is consistently Christ-like. His choices aren’t guided by selfish ambition or even honourable pursuits, such as the desire to marry his fiancée – no, Bernie (more than likely) kept in mind what God would have Him to do, which leads him to make choices which honours God first. He follows the Holy Spirit’s leading, from which flows many of its fruits, made visible on screen: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” and “gentleness” (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT).
​

Picture

Bernie also submits to the knowledge that his rescue operation will (most likely) claim his life. He may not have wrestled with his calling just as agonisingly as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, but Bernie’s facial expressions consistently convey that this isn’t the path he would like to take. Far from it, in fact! Yet he submits completely to the orders of his superior, knowing there is no other way the lives of these men can be saved. Jesus himself knew that to save others there must first be a sacrifice – in His case, an atoning death upon the cross in the place of humanity, to save them. Knowing what he was about to undergo, Jesus cried out to His Father in Heaven: “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me” (Matthew 26:39, ESV). Even Jesus, the Son of God, who was sent to earth to complete the most important saving act of all time, struggled with His calling, for He became a man in the flesh (whilst also remaining as God) who would naturally express the human desire to avoid intense suffering. But He knew that there was no other way in which His task could be accomplished, for “everyone has sinned” (Romans 3:23, NLT) and therefore nobody is innocent in the eyes of a holy God. But Jesus is perfect – completely devoid of sin and fully able to take our sin upon himself and then to the grave, which destroys its power forever. Jesus did this for you and me, but it did not kill Him in the eternal sense – He rose again three days later, for He is infinitely more powerful than the powers of darkness. However, humanity isn’t – it cannot survive death to sin. But Jesus can – He’s beaten it and paid the price of death for our sin so that we might be able to walk blamelessly into eternal life with God and away from eternal, spiritual death: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT).

In one exhilarating and genuinely terrifying moment, Bernie and his fellow crew mates’ vessel is completely submerged, due to a gigantic wave, which results in the loss of the lifeboat’s compass. The crew begin to lose heart, suggesting that they turn back since it’s a miracle they’ve stayed afloat to this point. Bernie, however, can’t believe what they’re saying and is determined to press on for the sake of those men who cannot save themselves. He may have lost his physical compass, but the determination to follow his God-centred, moral compass, remains. And for Bernie, this means going out into deep, choppy waters, because he knows that each human being’s life is precious and of value to God. From scripture, we know that God is constantly and tirelessly a pursuer of all people who are lost and in need of being found – the Shepherd who tends to His flock and is the rescuer for our souls! In John 10, Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd and says: “I have other sheep…that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd” (John 10:16-17, NLT). This indicates that He longs for all men and women to come into life-saving relationship with Him – to be united with Him in Heaven, after they die: “(The Lord is) not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NRSV).

​So, Jesus, in dying for humanity, displays that He is our Good Shepherd, for all to see, for all-time. And since He wishes to pursue God’s creation, just as the shepherd pursues the lost sheep, all have value and are worth saving. Bernie, having grown up with a father who was in fact a reverend, was likely to have been aware of this – especially since he didn’t believe that any one of those men should die, but that all were worth saving. And we can take heart in knowing that today, the Good Shepherd believes that you and I are worth saving too – we need only look toward the cross to know that He has pursued us, and upon accepting Him into our lives, will return us to His family, the flock. For whilst the journey to saving the remaining men aboard SS Pendleton was tough, Bernie did the right thing and succeeded. Similarly, going to the cross was exceedingly difficult for Jesus, but He ultimately chose the will of His Father, over His own: “I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39, ESV). He sought out humanity, though we found ourselves in danger, and provided our means of rescue – not giving us the promise of a lifeboat which can sink, but the certain promise of eternal life for all who live in friendship with Him.

Picture
Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch The Finest Hours 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.

Ask them what they would have done if they found themselves in the same position as Bernie and his fellow Coast Guardsmen. Would they have risked their lives to save those men, despite the odds being stacked against them? Or would they have conserved their resources, knowing that the task was practically impossible? Use their answers as an opportunity to share about Jesus and His mission to save humanity, sharing that even though it was uncomfortable and painful for Jesus to go through that process, He did it because of the value which His Father, God, has placed upon humanity. Also, ask why they think Bernie was so committed to saving the crew of the sinking ship – use this as an opportunity to speak of the value that the film, and Jesus, place on human life.

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that even though humanity is lost in their sin, God has made a way for us to be found in Him, and lead us into new life today, through His son Jesus Christ, who offers salvation to all who call upon Him. So, why not invite them to turn from their sin, and receive Him for themselves, 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.
 
The Finest Hours is currently available to stream on Disney+ (U.K.)
 
0 Comments

Marched Out in Freedom, Into the Promised Land - The Prince of Egypt (1998)

3/29/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

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

www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/princeofegypt/

Without meaning to complain, I often take issue with the use of exaggerated, ecstatic praise that is bestowed upon films or television, when critics offer their thoughts and opinions on them. Such critics have a tendency to overexaggerate just how good a piece of entertainment can be, which is often down to a film capturing the cultural zeitgeist but directing such unholy reverence toward a piece culture is something I just cannot understand. I can actually call to mind various examples of critically lauded films that were dubbed ‘life-changing’, or ‘deeply moving’, which only elicited for me that ‘meh’, shoulder-shrugging response. But in a way, that’s unsurprising – after all, our opinions of entertainment and culture are purely subjective. But if I was to ever consider bestowing such rapturous praise upon a film, calling it ‘awe-inspiring’ or truly ‘life-changing’ (that old chestnut!) it could only really be directed in earnest toward The Prince of Egypt. Yes, I’m contradicting myself, but I have no issue in directing such rapturous praise towards this contemporary, animated classic. Why, you ask? Well, for starters, the merits of this animated film all work to artfully depict the awesome, mighty power of a saving God – one who remains active, and intent upon saving all who turn to Him, today. Not only is this film (and the particular message it carries) completely relevant, but it’s also essential…

Whilst The Prince of Egypt was created in the darkness of Hollywood, this is an unexpected, largely faithful retelling of the Exodus story – due in large part to its respectful creative team who sought the advice of theologians and faith leaders from various communities, to ensure that the film was told as accurately as possible. The core elements of the story remain (although accompanied by and/or represented through musical numbers): Miraculously rescued at birth from the clutches of the murderous Egyptians, Moses grows up in the care of Pharoah’s household, completely unaware of his heritage and the plight of his people, the Israelites, who are being enslaved by the Egyptians. Upon being awakened to the truth and exposed to the cruelty inflicted upon his people, the Israelites, Moses kills an Egyptian slavedriver in a fit of rage and flees the region. There, in the wilderness, he encounters God personally, learns of His plans to liberate the Israelites, and discovers his calling. Naturally, Moses is frightened, confused, and doubtful of the mission’s potential for success – for who could possibly dream of waltzing into the mighty nation of Egypt, demanding “Let my people go!”? Although difficult, Moses (and by extension, us) soon learns that what is impossible with man, is entirely possible with God.


They say that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Well, the same can be said of Ancient Egypt - a civilization built upon the blood, sweat and tears of slaves. And of the many who were oppressed in Egypt, God’s enslaved people, the Hebrews, were oppressed to the point in which they “groaned because they were forced to work very hard” and “cried (out to God) for help” (Exodus 2:23, ICB). Within the film’s opening segment, we even hear them sing a song of lament, entitled: “Deliver us!”. Such pain, anguish and abuse are difficult to watch, especially because the filmmakers depict God’s people as having fallen into despair, and lost hope in their creator. But as we read in Exodus 2:24 (ICB), God “heard their cries”, “and he remembered the agreement he had made with” their forefathers. In The Prince of Egypt, God does indeed hear his people’s cry, and acts, preparing the way for their salvation through the purposeful sending of Moses into the path of Pharoah’s household. Here, we see that God is not dead, or inactive. He is completely alive and active, ready to liberate His people.
​

Picture

It is God’s desire to see His creation (for we were all formed by Him in our mother’s wombs) freed from the grip of sin on their lives, and like His movement of power in Egypt so long ago, He has moved in power since, and continues to do so today, through Jesus Christ – His one and only Son. His movement of power, though different, is just as incredible: Each and every one of us have “sinned and is far away from God's saving presence” (Romans 3:23, GNT). So far, in fact, that we cannot liberate ourselves from its grasp. We are all slaves to sin – the darkness that we choose to surround ourselves within, in our daily lives: “Jesus said to them, “I am telling you the truth: everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” (John 8:34, GNT). And there is an eternal consequence to our actions (as well as sometimes, a present one): “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20, ESV).

But God, like in His interaction with the Hebrews, does not wish for us to remain enslaved. Rather, he would always want to see us freed and enter into close friendship and relationship with Him today, through His Son Jesus Christ: “He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.” (2 Peter 3:9, GNT). He achieved this through sending His one and only Jesus, “who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT). When Jesus died upon the Cross, having taken upon himself your sin and mine, and rose from the grave three days later, He made a way for us all to walk out of our spiritual tombs, brought upon by our slavery to sin. And just like the Israelites, who could march out in freedom if they wanted to, we could choose to do that today. However, we have to make a choice: Remain in our own Egypt’s – places of spiritual slavery, but comfortability – or step out into new life, in the knowledge that we are free. One way or another, we must choose – for the eternal “payment for sin is death” (Romans 6:23, ICB). But God, in His great love and mercy, offers us “the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, ICB), today. Will you allow Him to lead you out of Egypt today?
​
Picture
Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch The Prince of Egypt 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 about the film’s representation of Moses as a reluctant hero – what would they do if placed in that same position?
At one point, Moses is accused of never having cared for the Hebrew slaves, despite them being his own people. He says, “I did not see because I did not *wish* to see”. Ask your friend if they too have ever chosen to look away in the face of people’s suffering – why is that?

As noted by David Pawson in his book Unlocking The Bible (pg. 99), “Exodus is the story of the biggest escape in history”. Why? It tells of how God’s chosen people, the Israelites, effectively walked out of one of the most heavily guarded, fortified and sophisticated civilizations of their day, and stepped into freedom from captivity, in relationship with God. It is a truly awesome tale. Although one might class it as one of the biggest escapes on biblical record, there is one even greater than this: Salvation from the grip of sin and death upon our lives.

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that even though humanity is enslaved by their sin, God is offering to lead us into new life with Him today, through His son Jesus Christ, who offers salvation to all who call upon Him. So, why not invite them to turn from their sin, and receive Him for themselves, 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 of 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 Prince of Egypt is currently available to rent through Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Movies and AppleTV.
​
0 Comments

All Is Lost… Or is it? – All Is Lost (2013)

3/15/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – All Is Lost 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/all-is-lost/

Our Man (Robert Redford): “…I'm sorry. I know that means little at this point, but I am. I tried; I think you would all agree that I tried. To be true, to be strong, to be kind, to love, to be right. But I wasn't. And I know you knew this. In each of your ways. And I am sorry. All is lost here, except for soul and body, that is, what's left of them, and a half day's ration
.”
​
All Is Lost, whilst functioning as an enthralling nautical adventure, is in essence a stripped-down tale of a man in crisis. From the moment the film begins, we’re given little-to-no details in regard to who he actually is – he is nameless, and the purpose for his voyage upon the Indian Ocean is virtually unknown – but we do know that he is “sorry” from a letter he presumably writes to some loved ones, towards the end of the film. Perhaps he left his life behind, as he can’t forgive himself for who he has become to those closest to him? The opening narration certainly suggests that. Maybe it’s unwise though, to try and guess who he is, especially since the screenwriter specifically named him “Our Man” and might therefore be a character who is representational of others. But regardless of his identity or reasoning for wanting to seek solitude on the high seas, Our Man is in trouble: the film opens with him awakening to find water flooding his cabin, following a collision with a wayward shipping container. With supplies dwindling, Our Man must gather his wits and find the strength needed to survive a battle with fearsome, and ever-threatening adversaries: the unpredictability of nature and death itself.  

The YouTube community is always an ‘interesting’ place to find oneself, but in watching and then scrolling through the various comments of praise and detraction aimed towards a scene from All Is Lost, I noticed that some viewers had offered numerous, thoughtful interpretations regarding the film’s ending, whilst others simply criticised the film, due to various decisions made by the character that were deemed unwise. Perhaps such decisions were misguided, but if you were to be placed within that self-same situation, would you not make some of ‘mistakes’ yourself? Personally, I didn’t consider Our Man’s actions to be especially foolish overall – he utilises every supply at his disposal, from reading literature on celestial navigation to creatively managing to patch up the hull, thereby ensuring his survival. But time and time again, he comes to find that the hope he places in his own strength & intelligence, or various objects around him, is in fact misguided. Whilst Our Man initially salvages his radio transmitter upon which he places so much hope, it eventually crackles and ceases to transmit. When water fills the cabin, he fashions a makeshift handle for the vessel’s broken bilge pump, but soon finds that there is far too much water for him to remove manually and must accept defeat. Time and time again, Our Man discovers the hard truth that what he believes will promise him security, actually leads him to only experience further insecurity.



Picture

So much of the contents and structure of his vessel are finite (food, water) or unstable (the structural integrity of the hull), offering him little to no security which actually dwindles as time goes by. It’s a disheartening experience for the man, and painful for the audience to watch. But such developments of the plot enforce the biblical view that our security and our hope is misplaced, when it isn’t found in God our Father. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV), we read that the rich (and all people by extension) who mistakenly put their hope and trust in the things of this world, are encouraged to “put their hope in God” alone, who is a “firm foundation”, that we might “take hold of the life that is truly life” found in relationship with God. To do anything else, the Bible teaches, is to find ourselves bitterly disappointed and, much like our protagonist, completely lost – for the things of this life often fail or disappoint us, whereas God promises that He will never do so.

Time and time again, however, Our Man attempts to prolong and save his life, only to discover that all of his great efforts are made forfeit. He uses fishing wire to catch a fish, but only witnesses it becoming a tasty meal for a passing shark. Even the use of signalling flares to gain the attention of two passing container ships, fails him in the end. For our man, all is truly lost. And in a moment of desperation towards the end of the film, he even
tears pages from his journal to create a signal fire, but soon finds that the fire grows out of control and consumes his life raft, leading him to abandon it. Up until this point, we’ve only ever seen Our Man desperately trying to save his life with whatever means are available to him. And such efforts reminded me of the words of Jesus: “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.” (Luke 17:33, NLT). It’s here, in Luke’s gospel, that Jesus is sharing the hope of the Gospel message once again – noting that if we simply relinquish control over our lives (living life our own way, in our own strength), thereby acknowledging that we are in need of assistance that comes from God alone, we will receive the gift of eternal life with God and be saved from eternal separation from God.   


Picture

​Now, Our Man doesn’t do exactly that – this is, after all, a Hollywood film. But Our Man is seen to relinquish control over his situation and also his life, when he appears to realise that there is nothing he can do in his own strength, to preserve or save it. Instead of frantically trying to grab hold of whatever’s left of his life raft, he just bobs along in the water, and looks intently, up at the sky. It’s as if he’s praying to God and asking him for help, thereby relinquishing his grip upon his life and acknowledging that he is in need of a saviour. And the Bible teaches that we, like Our Man, are all in need of a saviour – that our life is much like his sinking vessel, but has instead been pierced by sin, and is rapidly filling with darkness which will claim our very souls. Writing in Romans, the Apostle Paul reflected upon this when he wrote that “No one is righteous – not even one”, for “no one is seeking God” and “all have turned away” (Romans 3:10-13, NLT).  Therefore, according to God, “everyone has sinned” and “…we all fall short of (His) glorious standard” (Romans 3:23, NLT), which cannot be reversed in our own strength – no matter what we do. No, we need a saviour because of the grave effect sin has on our lives: “The payment for sin is death” in eternity, for the wrongdoing we have committed against God (Romans 6:23, ICB).

In the end, Our Man begins to sink to the depths below, believing that there is nothing more he can do or cling to, in order to save his life. And that is true. But then along comes the rescue – a boat with a search light approaches his burning raft, which prompts him to swim towards the surface and grasp an outstretched hand, which then pulls him out of the depths, and into the light. It’s a perfect picture of what God has done for a world that is in desperate need of a saviour to pull them from the depths of their sin. For over 2000 years ago, He sent His One and only Son Jesus to take the weight of our mistakes upon Himself and destroy their power forever, through His death and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:21). In that moment, he made a way for us to be united in relationship with our Father in Heaven both now, and in eternity, by reaching out His hand of salvation to us. Like Our Man, however, we must grasp that outstretched hand, turning away from our old, sinful lives and toward God – for without Him, we simply exist “in this world without hope” (Ephesians 2:12, GNT) and all – eternally speaking – is truly lost. Yet, if we accept the offer of “His grace”, we will be “put right with God”, pulled out from our depths of sin, and receive “possession of the eternal life we hope for” (Titus 3:7, GNT). With Jesus then, all is never lost.


Picture

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch All Is Lost 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 about the film’s view of Our Man, and his efforts to save himself. Was he right to do everything in his own power to save himself, or should he have done something else to ensure his survival? What would they have done if they were in Our Man’s position – pray, fall into despair or something else? Ask them to think about Our Man’s desperation to save himself from death, as well – do they think about preserving their life, and if so, how would they seek to do that? Go on to point out that it’s not Our Man’s efforts that save him, but the efforts of someone else entirely. But how do they interpret that scene – was Our Man saved from death by someone human, or perhaps by God himself? Then discuss with them the need for humanity to be saved from their own sinful depths, asking if they see their own need to be saved. Whether yes or no, ask why.

Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that even though we are all sinking because of the weight of sin in our lives, we can be saved by an outstretched hand from above – the hand of Jesus, who offers salvation to all who call upon Him. So, why not invite them to receive Him for themselves, 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 of 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.
 
All Is Lost is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video (U.K.)

0 Comments

Elephants, Whos and Cultivating Faith - Horton Hears a Who! (2008)

3/8/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – Horton Hears a Who! is rated ‘U’. 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/drseusshortonhearsawho/


I’m so glad that the story of Horton Hears a Who! exists – both in the form of literature yes, but particularly in regard to its cinematic & television adaptations. Not only is the tale wildly imaginative, but it carries messages worthy to be instilled within all of us. Without contest, however, my favourite of the book’s adaptations is 2008’s Horton Hears a Who! – it’s playfully zany, epic in scope, and thankfully retains the allegorical messages which are commonplace, in the Dr. Seuss oeuvre. Most notable is that of a message conveyed by Horton himself: "A person's a person, no matter how small”. And whilst the film’s strikingly simple messages have been interpreted by various people, in numerous ways, the fact remains that they have key links to Gospel Message which cannot be ignored…

Apparently eager to return to the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss, Jim Carrey energetically voices the eponymous, care-free pachyderm, whose misadventures lead him to experience what he describes as “an amazing cosmic convergence”: Someone from a tiny planet, situated on a speck of dust, lets out a tiny yelp. In attempting to contact its microscopic inhabitant, Horton makes the (audible) acquaintance of Mayor Ned McDodd (Steve Carell), who informs him that Horton is in fact carrying the entire city of Whoville and its inhabitants. Realising that the Whos are in grave danger, due to threat of the jungle landscape and some unsavoury characters, Horton is filled with compassion and pledges to make a home for their ‘speck’, atop Mt. Nool - the safest place in the jungle.

Whilst the story is fondly remembered for an overarching message that closely resembles the pro-life viewpoint, I’ve come to find that the relationship between Horton and Mayor Ned, functions as a worthy allegory for having faith in that which is unseen. From the very beginning, when Horton is first alerted to the idea that someone on the speck actually let out a sound, he struggles with the idea that such an anomaly could actually exist. This is fuelled by Sour Kangaroo, an uppity animal who refuses to believe that the Whos exist, because she “can’t see, hear or feel” them. But Horton reasons that there is indeed a small civilisation living upon the speck, because he says (and knows), “I heard you”. Without ever being able to see a single Who, Horton wholeheartedly believes they exist and that he has a duty of care to them and their world. Of course, our human minds would consider such behaviour as irrational, just as the fellow animals of the jungle do. But Horton knows in his heart what is true, and because he draws close to the voice, actually comes to learn of the Whos existence and the entire world inhabited upon the speck.

Picture
​​
​Unbeknownst to him, Horton is living out the biblical definition of faith as written in Hebrews 11:1 (GNT): “…faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see”. Whilst he cannot see the Whos themselves, Horton remains open and willing to actively believe that there is life existing upon the speck, beyond what he can see. And this is the same kind of faith that God calls for humanity to have in Him, because His desire is for all “
people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”, which can only be found in relationship with God (1 Timothy 2:3-4, NIV) when we put our faith and hope in Him. But there are many whom we encounter in our day-to-day lives who live just as the Sour Kangaroo does, believing that the message of Jesus is foolishness: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14, ESV). However, the Bible teaches that those who earnestly call upon the name of Jesus, regardless of what the world says, will be sustained by Him as they journey through this life, drawing ever closer to eternity spent with Him. It is them whom the Bible teaches will “rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy” in the present, because they know and are known by God, but will later receive the “salvation of (their) souls” as a reward for “trusting Him” (1 Peter 1:8-9, NLT). Yes, Horton encounters a great many difficulties in his dedication to saving the Whos, but there is also great rejoicing for Him at the film’s end. For we know he has ‘kept the faith’ in spite of everything and not compromised his beliefs to appease others or save himself, which ultimately saves Whoville.

There is also a duality to the allegory of faith, featured within Horton Hears A Who! Not only does Horton himself go on a journey and exploration of faith, but so too does Mr. Mayor. Whilst he believes wholeheartedly in Horton’s existence (he hears his voice, witnesses his control over the weather when he puts the ‘speck’ in the shade…), He too struggles with voices around him who don’t believe in the existence of Horton, whom he communicates with through a modified pipe which has been fitted with a gramophone horn, for amplification. Try as he might, the town simply won’t listen to Mayor Ned – even when he informs them of their impending doom, due to Whoville being the size of a speck and situated on a clover which certain characters in Horton’s world, are seeking to destroy. No, they are a happy to go on with their lives as usual, because they
“can’t see, hear or feel” the dangers which surround them, or Horton himself. They are satisfied in continuing to live their life as if they weren’t at risk of destruction at all. Even when these are visible signs which clearly point to the dangers Mayor Ned refers to, they seek to rationalise such things and cast them aside. Humanity, by and large however, are just the same. We have all lived from a place of ignorance, choosing to reject God, thereby remaining blissfully unaware of the eternal consequences for our sin: “…what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19–21, ESV). Like the Whos, humanity has been so wrapped up in its own sinful desires that we reject the only One who can save us (God alone), those who point us to Him by labelling them “crazy” or “deluded”, and then fall prey to Satan: “They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4, GNT). But we are in need of a saviour, and His name is Jesus Christ – the One who took the weight of our mistakes upon Himself and destroyed their power forever through His death and resurrection, making a way for us to be united with our Father in Heaven both now, and in eternity.
​
Picture

​And Mr. Mayor, in his desire to save the town, knew that they too were in need of a saviour. So, he continues to tell everyone of Horton’s existence, encouraging them to simply believe in and call out to him with a loud cry, so that they might be saved. And, by some miracle, they do – which enables Horton to point certain villains to tangible evidence, which proves their existence. Of course, humanity is not at all in need of trying to prove their existence to an almighty God. However, we are in equally desperate need of Him, within whom we can place our hope. Thankfully, we need not petition Him, for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13, NLT).

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Horton Hears A Who! 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 about the film’s understanding of faith, and the characters themselves – do they develop some semblance of faith in something or someone, throughout the course of the film? If so, what does that look like? Might they have faith in something or someone, in a similar way to these characters? Ask them how such a faith influences their life.

Take the opportunity to also discuss with them the unbelief of various characters throughout the film, such as the Kangaroo. Ask them to imagine that they were in Horton or the Mayor’s shoes - if they didn’t believe you, what would you do? Have they been in that position before? If so, what did it feel like? Or have they ever been in the position of having unbelief towards something? If you feel prompted to, ask them at this moment what it is that might hold them back from believing in Jesus and why. Take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, encouraging them in the knowledge that Jesus wants to be in close, tangible friendship with them today because of what Jesus has done for us, by dying on the cross and rising again three days later, which defeated the power of death and darkness. Finish by letting them know that we need only put our hope and trust in Jesus today (even if the world berates us for it), so that we can be forgiven and receive the blessed assurance of salvation, that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Why not invite them to receive Him for themselves, 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 of 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.

Horton Hears A Who! is currently available to stream on Disney+ (U.K.)
​
0 Comments

“Heaven, I’m In Heaven(?)” - The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

3/1/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

Please note: The following text contains spoilers. Viewer discretion is also advised – this episode of TV series The Twilight Zone (“A Nice Place to Visit”, Season 1 – Episode 28) is rated ‘12’. (No Christian content advisory is currently available for this episode.)

In mid-January, I wrote a piece in which I admitted to you, my dear readers, that I had “broken the sacred rules” of the Faith & Film blog. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly but did so for your benefit, in writing about an episode of spiritually significant, compelling television, over a film. But I must confess, I remain unrepentant – especially since I’ve recently discovered the strikingly prescient morality tales of Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone…

In its original five season run (1959–1964), Serling’s ground-breaking show explored pressing issues of the day such as the fight for social justice, atomic war and government control – to name a few. One might even argue that Jewish-born Serling (who later converted to Unitarianism), also utilised the format of the anthology drama as a platform for sharing his love and passion for morality, with the world. Regardless of whatever issue Serling might have been addressing at any given moment, the through-line of his extraordinary series is that he continuously sought to leave the viewer with a challenging lesson to ruminate upon, in their day-to-day life – from learning that there are mysteries to the universe that even our greatest minds cannot solve (S2, Ep. 12), to the plea that humanity must do well to fight against its fallen nature (S1, Ep. 22). And yet, of all the episodes that my family and I have devoured so far (we’re currently working our way through Vulture’s 50 Best Episodes of The Twilight Zone), only one has lingered with me in a manner which has made me – as a Christian - both fearful, and simultaneously hopeful: “A Nice Place to Visit”.

Following the signature introduction informing us that we are now entering an entirely different dimension to our own, the episode opens with dramatic urgency: small-time crook Rocky Valentine (Larry Blyden) is seen hastily robbing a pawnshop, and then attempting to evade capture from the police on foot, when the heist suddenly goes south. Under a hail of gunfire, Rocky dives into a nearby street, but finds himself cornered and is subsequently gunned down by the authorities (cue ‘fade to black’). Miraculously, however, he soon awakes in the same location we last saw him and in perfect condition. Except now, he finds himself in the company of Mr. Pip – a large, bearded gentleman dressed all in white. He politely introduces himself to Rocky as his “guide”, informing him that he is required to give him everything he could ever want. Naturally, Rocky is suspicious of Pip, but soon finds that the jolly fellow is in fact telling the truth, when he gifts him a beautiful apartment to call his own. Rocky still can't quite believe his luck (literally, too, when he begins winning every casino game imaginable), but eagerly requests that Pip bestow upon him money, women, fast cars and so much more – essentially, everything that his heart ever desired. And whilst Rocky soon embraces this life in the fast lane, something still doesn’t seem quite right:

Rocky: “What's going on here? Where am I?”
 
Mr. Pip: “Mr. Valentine, do you remember when we met earlier today? I told you I was in a sense, your guide and you said you needed a guide like a hole in the head.”
 
Rocky: “Yeah.”
 
Mr. Pip: “Well, as a matter of strict fact, you had a hole in the head only a short time before: a bullet hole.”
 
Rocky: “Yeah, that's right. The cops, they... Then I must... I must be dead!”
 
Mr. Pip: “Mmm-hmm.”
 
Rocky: “If I'm dead, then all of this, the joint, the clothes and the booze… I must be in heaven. Yeah! That's it! That's it! I'm in heaven, right? And you're my guardian angel, something like that?”
 
Mr. Pip: “Oh, something like that. Yes, Mr. Valentine.”
​
Picture

​Rocky is elated to learn that he ‘made the cut’ to enter Heaven, but is still a tad perplexed – how could a less than gentlemanly thief have everything he ever wanted, and make it into Heaven? Even he can’t seem to remember doing many or any good deeds at all throughout his time on earth, that could warrant such eternal bliss. In seeking reassurance from Pip that there hasn’t been some sort of mix-up with the almighty, Rocky is informed that there is a file kept on him in the Hall of Records, that would detail every action taken within his lifetime. At Rocky’s request, Pip leads him to the aforementioned hall, and then to a filing cabinet, from which he removes the file. Reading it aloud, Rocky soon realizes that his life was completely devoid of any good at all, for his file is simply a record of all that he has ever done wrong – and nothing more. Noticeably worried and confused, Rocky begins to panic. But Pip assures him that nobody could have made a mistake and that he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be. Whilst his fears initially subside, Rocky soon tires of being waited on, hand and foot, yelling: “If I gotta stay here another day, I’m gonna go nuts! I don’t belong in heaven, see? I want to go to the other place.” Pip, taken aback, flashes a wry smile, saying: “Whatever gave you the idea that you were in heaven, Mr. Valentine? This IS the other place!”. You didn’t see that coming, now did you?

At the top of this article, I mentioned that A Nice Place To Visit made the Christian in me both fearful, and simultaneously hopeful. Why might that be, you ask? Well, I was initially fearful because the episode prompted me to consider if God keeps a record of our mistakes, and in particular, my own. It’s a scary, heavy thought for anyone to consider, but consider it we must. For if God is all-knowing, then He is more than able to call to mind the wrongdoing we have committed against Him, and others. And in the Book of Revelation, that is revealed to be true, as it is written that our sins (the wrong we do in the eyes of a holy God) are recorded in a heavenly book and used to pass judgement upon us: “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” (Revelation 20:12, NIV). One could easily feel dejected at such news – knowing that God is completely aware of all our wrongdoing, both in the public and private sphere, but also of the sins we committed and can no longer remember. After all, nobody would like to admit their own wrongdoing and would much rather hope that their good deeds outweighed the bad. But the biblical truth remains that “everyone has sinned” against God (Romans 3:23, GNT), and in His eyes, “our righteous deeds…are nothing but filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6, NLT). But perhaps more serious is that the Bible teaches our “payment for sin is (eternal) death” (Romans 6:23, ICB), meaning that those who are sinful will be separated from such a holy God. Therefore, if we are judged by God’s complete record of our many sins (just as in the case of Rocky Valentine) then perhaps you and I are also due to receive eternal punishment?
​
Picture

​Well thankfully, there is Good News (hence my reasoning for being hopeful). Although our sins are both numerable and exceptionally evil in the eyes of a holy God, there is grace and mercy available to all. For to everyone who genuinely puts their faith, hope and trust in Jesus, the Son of God - asking Him to forgive them of their mistakes and turning away from them - will find that their ‘sinful record’ is wiped completely clean. But this was only made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was sent to earth to die for us on the cross, taking the penalty that we deserved for our many sins we had committed against God, so that we might be set free from death itself: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT). Thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus, “if we confess our sins” to Him, “He is faithful and just and will forgive us (of) our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV).

Unlike the concept of God in this episode of The Twilight Zone, God in His great love for humanity chooses not to keep an uncleanable, glaring record of our sin, but has made a way for it to be wiped completely clean for those who seek His forgiveness: “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool” (Isaiah 1:18, NLT). Whilst yes, God has a clear knowledge of the sins we have committed against Him, He does not seek for us to be eternally condemned by the record of them. For “If you (God) kept a record of our sins, who could escape being condemned?” (Psalm 130:3, GNT), the Psalmist writes. Instead, God “forgives us…so that we should stand in awe of” Him (Psalm 130:4, GNT), turning from our wicked ways which only bring death, to then draw upon His love, forgiveness and mercy, which bring life everlasting. Heaven then becomes a destination that isn’t simply A Nice Place To Visit (something the Rocky Valentine character would very much like to do) or a place to dream of visiting, but it becomes a wonderful place that you and I can call home, with certainty, today.


Challenge:
 
Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch this episode of The Twilight Zone for themselves? Use the TV 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 this subject.

If you feel able to, ask them what they think about the episode’s understanding of what it means ‘make the cut’ and be accepted into Heaven. Do they think that God keeps a record of their mistakes on file somewhere? If so, how does that make them feel – anxious or afraid, perhaps? Do they feel that God might also keep a record of their good deeds too? If so, do they think that such good deeds might balance out the negative aspects of their lives, thereby providing them with access to Heaven? Be honest, if you can, in asking them if they think they’ve been ‘good enough’ to be accepted into Heaven. Regardless of their answer, be sure to then explain that nobody (humanly speaking) has ever been good enough to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, as our sins prevent us from getting there. But take the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them, by encouraging them in the knowledge that we can enter into Heaven because of what Jesus has done for us, by dying on the cross and rising again three days later, which defeated the power of death and darkness. Finish by letting them know that God has made a way for our ‘record’ to be wiped clean through the cleansing power of Jesus, and invite them to receive Him for themselves, today.

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 of your future, film & TV-watching experiences:
 
Dear Lord, as I watch this TV show, 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 Twilight Zone – Season One, including the episode “A Nice Place To Visit”, is currently available to purchase through Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV and Google Play.
​
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>
    Subscribe here

    Articles written by
    Scott Gentry

    ​scott@k180.org

    Cinema has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. It's thrilled me, challenged me, and even been used by God to draw me closer to Him.
    ​
    Now, in every film-watching experience, I try to remember the advice of John Calvin, who said not to be dismissive of truth wherever it shall appear, which I can in turn champion and use for God's purposes.
     
    ​Inspired by Calvin's words, I was eager to begin talking about the 'good' that appears in film, so that others can not only discover it, but share it for the sake of the Gospel. It's for that reason that this blog now exists, and I pray that these articles will bless you in your evangelism.


    ​Scott's Favourite Films:
    - True Grit (2010)
    - Barry Lyndon (1975)
    - Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)
    -  The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
    - On the Waterfront​ (1954)
    - Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
    - The Mission (1986)

    Archives

    November 2022
    June 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Training
Emerging Evangelists Institute
History Makers
Sharing Jesus
Who are you following?
Music
​Join us on the streets?
Donate
More about us
Contact us
Newsletters
​Privacy Notice