Directed by: Ryan Murphy
Written by: Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Salt
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins
Rated: PG-13
About the film:
A woman embarks upon a personal journey of self-discovery… leaving her everyday world behind to experience other cultures in the hopes to awaken a sense of who she is… or better yet… discover who she could be.
Movie Quote:
“That’s what you do. It isn’t who you are.”
Luca Spaghetti (Giuseppi Gandini) In Eat Pray Love (2011)
Bible Quote:
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)
Commentary:
Doing and thinking are two completely separate acts. How often do we think about a situation without doing anything about it? Other times may find us doing something without giving it one moment of thought. Some people have even mastered the deceptive art of doing one thing while thinking another.
So why is it that people seem to want to define us by what we do? What we do is not nor has it ever been a good and accurate indicator of what is in our hearts. And, as God reminds us, what we hold in our hearts is the only true test of who we really are.
Actions may speak louder than words but our private, unprompted, uncalculated thoughts of the heart speak even louder. It is certainly what God sees and hears when he looks at us. Not our words or deeds… but our innermost thoughts.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Why was Liz so dissatisfied with her life? How would you have counseled her?
2. Is Liz truly a “different” person at the end of the film? Why or why not?
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Saturday, April 10, 2010
REPO MAN (2010)
Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik
Written by: Eric Garcia, Garrett Lerner
Studio: Universal Pictures
Starring: Jude Law, Forest Whitaker,
Rated: R
About the film:
In the future, medical technology has become so advanced that critically-ill patients can have expensive mechanical parts transplanted in them to prolong their life. The problem is when the patient falls behind in their payments, the company sends a “repo man” to recover their property.
Movie Quote:
“If you want to change who you are, you have to change what you do.”
Remy (Jude Law) in Repo Man (2010)
Bible Quote:
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 2:37-38 (KJV)
Commentary:
No one likes to change. And yet, we all must. If we want to have any hope of improving our lot in life and receiving the fullness of God’s promise to man, we must first undergo a fundamental change… to go from a man or woman dead in sins and without God in this world to a born again believer filled with power from on high and able to manifest that power in this world.
Becoming born again of God’s spirit is one of the easiest changes we’ll ever go through. God and his son have already accomplished the hard work. But there’s much more to a Christian walk than simply the pedigree that God bestows upon us. To live as an ambassador for Christ requires a major change in our thinking and our behavior. Changing our “old man nature” is a 24 hour – 7 days a week exercise. But the rewards of our success are immeasurable. By changing what we do, we indeed have the ability to change who we are.
Because our salvation is fully paid for, we need not fear a spiritual “repo man.” Our spiritual change is once and forever. Our mindset therefore must be to walk worthy of God’s calling. Knowing that we have been chosen of God, we should conduct ourselves in a manner befitting that remarkable reality.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Why do we resist change if change is a necessary part of life? What can we do to lessen our resistance?
2. Who in the Bible demonstrates a dramatic change in their manner or thinking? What can we learn from them?
Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Eric Garcia, Garrett Lerner
Studio: Universal Pictures
Starring: Jude Law, Forest Whitaker,
Rated: R
About the film:
In the future, medical technology has become so advanced that critically-ill patients can have expensive mechanical parts transplanted in them to prolong their life. The problem is when the patient falls behind in their payments, the company sends a “repo man” to recover their property.
Movie Quote:
“If you want to change who you are, you have to change what you do.”
Remy (Jude Law) in Repo Man (2010)
Bible Quote:
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 2:37-38 (KJV)
Commentary:
No one likes to change. And yet, we all must. If we want to have any hope of improving our lot in life and receiving the fullness of God’s promise to man, we must first undergo a fundamental change… to go from a man or woman dead in sins and without God in this world to a born again believer filled with power from on high and able to manifest that power in this world.
Becoming born again of God’s spirit is one of the easiest changes we’ll ever go through. God and his son have already accomplished the hard work. But there’s much more to a Christian walk than simply the pedigree that God bestows upon us. To live as an ambassador for Christ requires a major change in our thinking and our behavior. Changing our “old man nature” is a 24 hour – 7 days a week exercise. But the rewards of our success are immeasurable. By changing what we do, we indeed have the ability to change who we are.
Because our salvation is fully paid for, we need not fear a spiritual “repo man.” Our spiritual change is once and forever. Our mindset therefore must be to walk worthy of God’s calling. Knowing that we have been chosen of God, we should conduct ourselves in a manner befitting that remarkable reality.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Why do we resist change if change is a necessary part of life? What can we do to lessen our resistance?
2. Who in the Bible demonstrates a dramatic change in their manner or thinking? What can we learn from them?
Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
THE GREAT DEBATERS (2007)
Directed by: Denzel Washington
Written by: Robert Eisele
Studio: MGM
Starring: Denzel Washington, Denzel Whitaker, Jurnee Smollet
Rated: PG-13
About the film:
Based on a true story, professor and poet Melvin Tolsen organizes and coaches a debate team for Wiley College, a small, Negro liberal arts school. Their phenomenal success leads to an invitation to debate the national champions of Harvard University.
Movie Quote:
“The time for justice, the time for freedom, the time for equality, is always right now.”
Samantha Booke (Jurnee Smollet) in The Great Debaters (2007)
Bible Quote:
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11 (NIV)
Commentary:
The power of “now” often goes unstated and therefore unrecognized by most of us. It is gone in an instant. Fortunately there is always another “now” to take its place. And the “now” is always overflowing with potential. Procrastination serves nobody but our spiritual adversary and delivers nothing but missed opportunities.
I cannot understand the logic of people who make their New Year’s resolutions and then count down the days until they have to start them. If there is benefit to be had by adhering to the resolution, why not start it “now?”
Every change that ever took place in our lives – be it societal, cultural, or spiritual – can be traced to that single moment in time when we decided to take action to make the change. Embracing the potential of our “now” moments is fundamental to our getting the most out of the lives we’ve been given. God has designed life to give us an endless supply of “now” moments. It is up to us to use them to our benefit – and for the benefit of those around us.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What were the moments of decision in the lives of these characters? Can you spot their “now” moments and how they handled them?
2. A good debater should be able to argue either side of any issue. Why is this important? How can this lesson aid us in facing those who may disagree with our beliefs?
Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Robert Eisele
Studio: MGM
Starring: Denzel Washington, Denzel Whitaker, Jurnee Smollet
Rated: PG-13
About the film:
Based on a true story, professor and poet Melvin Tolsen organizes and coaches a debate team for Wiley College, a small, Negro liberal arts school. Their phenomenal success leads to an invitation to debate the national champions of Harvard University.
Movie Quote:
“The time for justice, the time for freedom, the time for equality, is always right now.”
Samantha Booke (Jurnee Smollet) in The Great Debaters (2007)
Bible Quote:
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11 (NIV)
Commentary:
The power of “now” often goes unstated and therefore unrecognized by most of us. It is gone in an instant. Fortunately there is always another “now” to take its place. And the “now” is always overflowing with potential. Procrastination serves nobody but our spiritual adversary and delivers nothing but missed opportunities.
I cannot understand the logic of people who make their New Year’s resolutions and then count down the days until they have to start them. If there is benefit to be had by adhering to the resolution, why not start it “now?”
Every change that ever took place in our lives – be it societal, cultural, or spiritual – can be traced to that single moment in time when we decided to take action to make the change. Embracing the potential of our “now” moments is fundamental to our getting the most out of the lives we’ve been given. God has designed life to give us an endless supply of “now” moments. It is up to us to use them to our benefit – and for the benefit of those around us.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What were the moments of decision in the lives of these characters? Can you spot their “now” moments and how they handled them?
2. A good debater should be able to argue either side of any issue. Why is this important? How can this lesson aid us in facing those who may disagree with our beliefs?
Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com
Sunday, February 7, 2010
ROCKY IV (1985)
Directed by: Sylvester Stallone
Written by: Sylvester Stallone
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
Rated: PG
About the film:
After his friend, Apollo Creed, is killed in a bout with Ivan Drago, a chemically enhanced Soviet fighter, Rocky agrees to fight the Russian on his home turf. During the grueling match, Rocky learns something about himself and the nature of people.
Movie Quote:
“I guess what I’m trying to say is, if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change.”
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in Rocky IV (1985)
Bible Quote:
“Repent then, and turn to God, so that you sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Commentary:
Rocky expresses one of the fundamental blessings which God has bestowed upon man. We have the right to change and grow – not only as individuals but as spiritual beings.
Spiritually, we all start from the same place. We are born as individuals “having no hope, and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12) How then do we gain a relationship with God and access to all His promises? Very simply, we must change. And because God is a loving creator, He has given each and every man, woman and child the free will ability to do so.
When we confess Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts that God has raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10), we are changed. We move from being a “natural man” with body and soul, to a threefold being: body, soul and spirit. God restores us to complete wholeness by creating within us the “earnest (token) of our inheritance” which is spirit.
Since God is spirit (John 4:4), our change is essential if we are to join in full fellowship with Him, His son Jesus Christ, and all who call upon the name of the Lord. Change can be a good thing and, when we are talking spiritually, it can be the best decision we will ever make.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Note the differences between the way Ivan Drago trains and the way Rocky trains. Which is more rewarding and why? What biblical principles does this reflect?
2. What was it that got the crowd to change its opinion of Rocky? What does that tell us about how to respond when we face negative reactions from those we encounter?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Sylvester Stallone
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
Rated: PG
About the film:
After his friend, Apollo Creed, is killed in a bout with Ivan Drago, a chemically enhanced Soviet fighter, Rocky agrees to fight the Russian on his home turf. During the grueling match, Rocky learns something about himself and the nature of people.
Movie Quote:
“I guess what I’m trying to say is, if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change.”
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in Rocky IV (1985)
Bible Quote:
“Repent then, and turn to God, so that you sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Commentary:
Rocky expresses one of the fundamental blessings which God has bestowed upon man. We have the right to change and grow – not only as individuals but as spiritual beings.
Spiritually, we all start from the same place. We are born as individuals “having no hope, and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12) How then do we gain a relationship with God and access to all His promises? Very simply, we must change. And because God is a loving creator, He has given each and every man, woman and child the free will ability to do so.
When we confess Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts that God has raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10), we are changed. We move from being a “natural man” with body and soul, to a threefold being: body, soul and spirit. God restores us to complete wholeness by creating within us the “earnest (token) of our inheritance” which is spirit.
Since God is spirit (John 4:4), our change is essential if we are to join in full fellowship with Him, His son Jesus Christ, and all who call upon the name of the Lord. Change can be a good thing and, when we are talking spiritually, it can be the best decision we will ever make.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Note the differences between the way Ivan Drago trains and the way Rocky trains. Which is more rewarding and why? What biblical principles does this reflect?
2. What was it that got the crowd to change its opinion of Rocky? What does that tell us about how to respond when we face negative reactions from those we encounter?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
JOSHUA (2002)
Directed by: Jon Purdy
Written by: Brad Mirman, Keith Giglio
Studio: Artisan Entertainment
Starring: Tony Goldwyn, F. Murray Abraham, Kurt Fuller
Rated: G
About the film:
A man moves into a small town in the US and begins to make his impact known. It soon becomes clear that he may be the personification of Christ himself, come to deliver a message to the people of today. He delivers that message through his example as he begins to rebuild a storm ravaged church.
Movie Quote:
“Sometimes you have to tear something down in order to build it back up.”
Joshua (Tony Goldwyn) in Joshua (2002)
Bible Quote:
“You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)
Commentary:
Joshua clearly represents Christ in this parable of salvation and renewal. His words which have been quoted here were in response to townspeople questioning his dismantling of a storm-ravaged church building before he begins to restore it. The analogy goes further than that. His words can also apply to our lives.
In order to put on a new suit, one first has to take off what one is already wearing. So it is with our spiritual walk. By the time we believe to be born again of God’s spirit, we will have already developed what the Word of God calls “old” or “natural” man habits.
Although our sins are truly washed away, the habit patterns we’ve built in our lives have left their mark. These habits must be unlearned so we can replace them with the characteristics and behavior befitting of our new standing in Christ.
If we try to “put on” our “new man” without first “taking off” the old, all we are doing is covering our bad or sinful habits and they will eventually reappear to taint any new habits we might be trying to adopt in our lives.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Do you have any “old man” habit that may be preventing you from manifesting the full blessings of God in your life?
2. How did the reactions to Joshua vary from the different Christian denominations that were represented in the film? What was the filmmaker trying to communicate through those reactions?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Brad Mirman, Keith Giglio
Studio: Artisan Entertainment
Starring: Tony Goldwyn, F. Murray Abraham, Kurt Fuller
Rated: G
About the film:
A man moves into a small town in the US and begins to make his impact known. It soon becomes clear that he may be the personification of Christ himself, come to deliver a message to the people of today. He delivers that message through his example as he begins to rebuild a storm ravaged church.
Movie Quote:
“Sometimes you have to tear something down in order to build it back up.”
Joshua (Tony Goldwyn) in Joshua (2002)
Bible Quote:
“You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)
Commentary:
Joshua clearly represents Christ in this parable of salvation and renewal. His words which have been quoted here were in response to townspeople questioning his dismantling of a storm-ravaged church building before he begins to restore it. The analogy goes further than that. His words can also apply to our lives.
In order to put on a new suit, one first has to take off what one is already wearing. So it is with our spiritual walk. By the time we believe to be born again of God’s spirit, we will have already developed what the Word of God calls “old” or “natural” man habits.
Although our sins are truly washed away, the habit patterns we’ve built in our lives have left their mark. These habits must be unlearned so we can replace them with the characteristics and behavior befitting of our new standing in Christ.
If we try to “put on” our “new man” without first “taking off” the old, all we are doing is covering our bad or sinful habits and they will eventually reappear to taint any new habits we might be trying to adopt in our lives.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Do you have any “old man” habit that may be preventing you from manifesting the full blessings of God in your life?
2. How did the reactions to Joshua vary from the different Christian denominations that were represented in the film? What was the filmmaker trying to communicate through those reactions?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Friday, October 2, 2009
THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER (1941)
Directed by: William Dieterle
Written by: Dan Totheroh
Studio: RKO Radio Pictures
Starring: Edward Arnold, Walter Huston, Jane Darwell
Rated: Not Rated
About the film:
A farmer named Jabez Stone is, like many of his neighbors, going through some hard times. He makes a deal with the devil in order to gain seven years of prosperity. Afterwards, when it comes time to collect on the debt, orator Daniel Webster steps forward on behalf of the fearful farmer and challenges the devil in court on the basis that every man has the right to own his soul.
Movie Quote:
“A man can always change things. That’s what makes him different from the barnyard critters.”
Ma Stone (Jane Darwell) in The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)
Bible Quote:
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent.”
Acts 17:30 (NIV)
Commentary:
We can thank God that the words of Ma Stone are true. One of the most magnificent abilities man has is his God-given ability to change. It is fundamental to our character and certainly essential to our spiritual walk. Without our ability to change, we would be doomed to be forever living with (or wallowing in) every single mistake we ever made. All we would have to look forward to is a lifetime of misery.
To repent is not merely to feel bad about doing something. Quite the contrary, God never commands us to “feel bad.” There is no deliverance or profit in having negative emotions. In fact, having such emotions will often lead us to self-condemnation which is something God specifically tells us to avoid.
True repentance indicates a change of behavior, attitude and thought. Repentance is more than an emotive reaction. It is a deliberate action or a change of direction. To repent requires the changing of one’s ways in order to return to the ways of God. Such an action will always have a dramatic and positive effect upon one’s life.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. In the film, Jabez makes a deal with the devil in order to gain prosperity. How do his actions contrast with the biblical story of Jabez recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10?
2. What are some biblical examples of men or women who chose to repent and what were the results of their decisions?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Dan Totheroh
Studio: RKO Radio Pictures
Starring: Edward Arnold, Walter Huston, Jane Darwell
Rated: Not Rated
About the film:
A farmer named Jabez Stone is, like many of his neighbors, going through some hard times. He makes a deal with the devil in order to gain seven years of prosperity. Afterwards, when it comes time to collect on the debt, orator Daniel Webster steps forward on behalf of the fearful farmer and challenges the devil in court on the basis that every man has the right to own his soul.
Movie Quote:
“A man can always change things. That’s what makes him different from the barnyard critters.”
Ma Stone (Jane Darwell) in The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)
Bible Quote:
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent.”
Acts 17:30 (NIV)
Commentary:
We can thank God that the words of Ma Stone are true. One of the most magnificent abilities man has is his God-given ability to change. It is fundamental to our character and certainly essential to our spiritual walk. Without our ability to change, we would be doomed to be forever living with (or wallowing in) every single mistake we ever made. All we would have to look forward to is a lifetime of misery.
To repent is not merely to feel bad about doing something. Quite the contrary, God never commands us to “feel bad.” There is no deliverance or profit in having negative emotions. In fact, having such emotions will often lead us to self-condemnation which is something God specifically tells us to avoid.
True repentance indicates a change of behavior, attitude and thought. Repentance is more than an emotive reaction. It is a deliberate action or a change of direction. To repent requires the changing of one’s ways in order to return to the ways of God. Such an action will always have a dramatic and positive effect upon one’s life.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. In the film, Jabez makes a deal with the devil in order to gain prosperity. How do his actions contrast with the biblical story of Jabez recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10?
2. What are some biblical examples of men or women who chose to repent and what were the results of their decisions?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Friday, September 18, 2009
RATATOUILLE (2007)
Directed by: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava
Written by: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco
Studio: Pixar Studios
Starring: Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano, Brad Garrett
Rated: G
About the film:
A young rat has a passion for cooking and finds himself with the unique opportunity to showcase his culinary skills at a famous French restaurant. But though his food may be heavenly, will anyone accept his talents once they find out that he’s vermin?
Movie Quote:
“Change is nature, the part that we can influence, and it starts when we decide.”
Remy (Patton Oswalt) in Ratatouille (2007)
Bible Quote:
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.”
Revelation 3:15 (KJV)
Commentary:
For a common rat, Remy has a remarkable handle on the eternal truths that shape this world. We would all do well to heed his words which reflect an understanding far beyond his rodent exterior.
The key to Remy’s comment is found in the latter part of his quote… “it starts when we decide.” Because God granted us the incredible power of free will, our decisions become the catalyst for great things to take place in our lives.
The four D’s of a disciplined life are (in order of their occurrence): Decision, Desire, Details, and Deliverance. We decide to believe or to take an action. Based on that decision, we begin to desire to see the results of the decision. We then must faithfully continue to take the action(s) required by our initial decision. And, in time, we will receive the results or the deliverance that is promised by our God.
Often, we try to skip the decision-making step to let desire rule our lives. That is always a grievous mistake. God gave us free will and a sound mind to exercise it. When we do, according to His standards, the results will not only please God… they will greatly exceed our own expectations. When we don’t, we open ourselves up to two other “Ds” deception and disappointment.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What decisions had to be made by the characters in this film for the story to have the happy ending it did?
2. The catch phase “Anyone Can Cook” can be modified and applied to a Christian viewpoint. What scriptures indicate God’s willingness to accept anyone into His family?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco
Studio: Pixar Studios
Starring: Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano, Brad Garrett
Rated: G
About the film:
A young rat has a passion for cooking and finds himself with the unique opportunity to showcase his culinary skills at a famous French restaurant. But though his food may be heavenly, will anyone accept his talents once they find out that he’s vermin?
Movie Quote:
“Change is nature, the part that we can influence, and it starts when we decide.”
Remy (Patton Oswalt) in Ratatouille (2007)
Bible Quote:
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.”
Revelation 3:15 (KJV)
Commentary:
For a common rat, Remy has a remarkable handle on the eternal truths that shape this world. We would all do well to heed his words which reflect an understanding far beyond his rodent exterior.
The key to Remy’s comment is found in the latter part of his quote… “it starts when we decide.” Because God granted us the incredible power of free will, our decisions become the catalyst for great things to take place in our lives.
The four D’s of a disciplined life are (in order of their occurrence): Decision, Desire, Details, and Deliverance. We decide to believe or to take an action. Based on that decision, we begin to desire to see the results of the decision. We then must faithfully continue to take the action(s) required by our initial decision. And, in time, we will receive the results or the deliverance that is promised by our God.
Often, we try to skip the decision-making step to let desire rule our lives. That is always a grievous mistake. God gave us free will and a sound mind to exercise it. When we do, according to His standards, the results will not only please God… they will greatly exceed our own expectations. When we don’t, we open ourselves up to two other “Ds” deception and disappointment.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What decisions had to be made by the characters in this film for the story to have the happy ending it did?
2. The catch phase “Anyone Can Cook” can be modified and applied to a Christian viewpoint. What scriptures indicate God’s willingness to accept anyone into His family?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
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