The Past, Present, and Future of Reel Parables! (A look back at 2015 and what’s coming in 2016)

The Past (a look back at 2015)

Reel Parables had an awesome 2015! We reached 48 different countries and continued to support our favorite missionary. Here are the top 10 posts that made that possible!

Wreck-it Ralph and Disney’s Frozen easily take the top spots accounting for 6 of my top 10 posts.

Also, I find it funny that only part 2 of a 3 part series made the top 10!

The Present (recent changes)

Because Wreck-it Ralph and Disney’s Frozen are still so popular, I’ve redesigned our Menus and gathered all their content onto one easy-to-find and use page.

Just go to Movies and then select the movie from the drop-down menu. Going forward I will add all movies that get more than a few posts here so that they are easier to find.

I’ve also added a Categories feature to the sidebar with some of the more popular or interesting Categories. Again, the idea is to make it easier for you to find what it is you are looking for.

The Future (what’s coming in 2016)

In addition to writing more about music, I also want to post more regularly. This will look like smaller/shorter, but far more purposeful and actionable, posts.

The Reel Parables Movie Awards

2016 will also be the first year of the Reel Parables Movie Awards! Like the Golden Globes and the Oscars, we will look at the year’s best movies. Unlike those awards, we will look at them through the eyes of Reel Parables and Sharing God’s Story.

I have wanted to do this for some time and am super excited!

Reel Parables TV

Possibly the thing I am most excited about…. 2016 will also see the launch of Reel Parables TV!

I enjoyed experimenting with the podcast, but we talk about movies, and movies are visual! (Besides, I always wanted to have my own TV show, not my own radio show!)

I will use the audio to feed the podcast, for those that prefer to listen, but plan to move it to a more visual presentation. I plan to interview Christian leaders in the entertainment space, and pastors and teachers who are currently using movies in their preaching and teaching.

Oh yea, I even got my favorite Christian musician and director (STEVE TAYLOR!) to record a brief into to it.

I am beyond excited.

New Devotionals

I was a bit surprised to see Finding Nemo cracking the top 10. I guess I shouldn’t be with Finding Dory coming soon. To get us ready for Finding Dory, I am finishing up my Sharing God’s Story with Finding Nemo devotional. I will let you all know when it is available. Until then check out our Store for our other movie based devotionals.

Along with Finding Nemo, I am also working on a few more Youth Group specific items and a Super Hero Summer series. I will keep you posted.

[Tweet “Check out a better kind of Christian movie review over at Reel Parables”]

Hey, would you please do me a favor? Would you share this with someone you think would enjoy it? And If you haven’t already, will you please like us over at Facebook (click below) and sign up for the Reel Parables email list?

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out our new Start Here and About pages!

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to See God’s Story in Movies.”

And be sure to check out our new Start Here and About pages!

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

January 8, 2016February 14, 2018

Wreck-it Ralph Christian Movie Review – Resurrection

Sharing God’s Story with Wreck-it Ralph

This Reel Parable has major spoilers, and I mean major. Major like “did you know Old Yeller dies?” major. This movie bible study assumes that you have seen Wreck-it Ralph or don’t care if we spoil it for you. We warned you…

This is part 6 of a 6 part Christian movie review of Wreck-it Ralph. You can find all of our Wreck-it Ralph content here.

Sharing God’s story with Wreck-it Ralph

It’s no secret that I love Wreck-it Ralph. The way that it shows us what the resurrection looks like is one big reason why! Not only do we get to the a “new heaven and a new earth,” but we also get to see a resurrected/glorified body AND our true identity!

Run the Race

Because of Ralph’s sacrifice, Vanellope finished the race. She finished the race. That alone is quite biblical!

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! (2 Timothy 4:7)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us… (Hebrews 12:1)

With the help of her “cloud of witnesses,” her community, Vanellope was able to run the race and finish the race.

Don’t give up the race. And don’t give up on your community.

But wait, there’s more!

A New Heaven and a New Earth

By finishing the race – by crossing the finish line – the world of Sugar Rush is reset. The corrupt and counterfeit world, ruled by the counterfeit king, was made new!

Sugar Rush was made right. The old went away. The new came.

The corrupted (hacked by King Candy) world of Sugar Rush was made new and restored back to its original creation!

The fallen world of Sugar Rush was made new and restored back to its original creation!

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… (Revelations 21:1a)

For look, I am ready to create new heavens and a new earth! The former ones will not be remembered; no one will think about them anymore. (Isaiah 65:17)

While waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God? Because of this day, the heavens will be burned up and dissolve, and the celestial bodies will melt away in a blaze! But, according to his promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness truly resides. (2 Peter 3:12-13)

We know our “end” is not really the end, but a new beginning. Someday this painful, hurtful, vengeful world will be made new, just like Sugar Rush!

[Tweet “Yes, someday our broken world will be made new, just like Sugar Rush was made new!”]

Someday this ugly world will be made beautiful!

But wait, there is *still* more!

Princess Vanellope

Not only was Sugar Rush made new, but so was Vanellope!

The once glitchy “mistake,” the perishable little girl could not leave the game because she would die, was raised imperishable!

It is the same with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. (I Corinthians 15:42)

So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new has come! (II Corinthians 5:17)

Don’t miss the story here.

Ralph offers himself as a sacrifice to save not just Vanellope, but all of Sugar Rush.

Because of his sacrifice Vanellope able to finish the race and cross the finish line!

The game – the world of Sugar Rush – is made new and restored to its perfect and original creation.

Vanellope, too, is made new and raised up in her new and perfected body!

But wait, there is still even more!

Not only is Vanellope made new, but her *true* identify is revealed.

Vanellope, this glitchy nobody, is actually Princess Vanellope. Yeah, Princess. So, yeah, she is the daughter of the one true king!

The same is true for Christians!

But when the appropriate time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if you are a son, then you are also an heir through God. (Galatians 4:4-7)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself bears witness to our spirit that we are God’s children. And if children, then heirs (namely, heirs of God and also fellow heirs with Christ). (Romans 8:14-17a)

Yes, as Christians we are sons and daughters of the one true King! We are fellow heirs with Jesus Christ himself!

[Tweet “Like Vanellope, we too are sons and daughters of the one true King!”]

This should be so encouraging to you. Just like Vanellope we all have our own “glitches.” We are all fallen and broken in some way.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3″23)

But just like Vanellope we too can be royalty. She was saved by Ralph’s sacrifice, we are saved by Jesus’ sacrifice!

We, too, can be made new. When we believe in Jesus we join God’s family.

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31a)

I assume that if you are reading this then you do believe. If not, then today is the day!

Prince-and-Princess-Crown-Cut-Outs (Right click and save)

Here is a great way to share God’s story with your kid(s). Make and decorate a Prince and/or Princess crown! Be sure to write Prince/Princess and your name and your kid’s name. And wear them proudly!

[Tweet “Check out this better kind of Christian movie review of Wreck-it Ralph!”]

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out my About page for more info on what I do around here at Reel Parables.

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

Sharing God’s Story with Wreck-it Ralph

December 14, 2015

Music Monday – New Order’s Restless

The only thing I may enjoy more than movies is music.* I even work to music. I am one of those people who has a soundtrack to my day, to my work day, to my life, going at almost all times. I often answer questions or respond to comments with a song, or at least with a lyric from a song. I get music. Music moves me.

My newest musical obsession is the newest New Order release, Music Complete.

The whole release is amazing (assuming you like New Order and their kind of music) but Restless stands out to me as a fantastic musical Reel Parable.

[youtube id=”8c_3Afx9ZGE”]

Yeah, I really like the music. But more importantly than that, Restless is an AMAZING look into the book of Ecclesiastes.

Restless basically addresses Ecclesiastes 1:2:

“Futile! Futile!” laments the Teacher, “Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!”

“Restless”

What can you buy
That lifts a heavy heart up to the sky?
What makes your day?
What miracle of life
Has come to stay?

These are hypothetical questions and, in the context of the song, the answer is nothing. There is nothing we can buy to truly make us happy or to make the miracle of life stay.

This sounds a lot like Ecclesiastes 2:10-11.

I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted; I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure. So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort. Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: “All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless – like chasing the wind! There is nothing gained from them on earth.”

I don’t know what Bernard Sumner (the lead singer and songwriter) means by this, but here is how I hear it. There is a certain “miracle” to life. We often talk about the “miracle of childbirth.”

Life *is* special.

But life leads to death.

As you may know, my wife and I have lost a son to brain cancer. (I wrote about it during Lent 2015.) Life is amazing, but death is inevitable. What is the best part of your day today? No matter what it is, death will (eventually) impose on your life.

It did mine.

It will to yours.

A taste of love
So sweet, so real you can’t let go

And how does it feel?
It feels so good…

But how much do you need? How much, how much do you need?
How much do you need? How much, how much do you need?

Yeah, sex is powerful, awesome, wonderful, amazing, complex and occasionally complicated. But sex is ultimately temporary.

Not only is it the basis of the “world’s oldest profession,” but even King David, a man after God’s own heart, succumbed to its pleasure.

But at the end of the day, sex is so very temporary. No one ever has a sexual experience that leaves them so satisfied that they never want to have sex again. Just as Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 tell us:

I thought to myself, “Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.” But I found that it also is futile. I said of partying, “It is folly,” and of self-indulgent pleasure, “It accomplishes nothing!”

So how much do you need? More than could ever truly satisfy.

I want a nice car
A girlfriend who’s as pretty as a star
I want respect
As much, as much as I can get

But how much do you need? How much, how much do you need?

How much do you need? How much, how much do you need?

Bernard wants stuff – a nice car – a pretty woman, and as much respect as he can get. Who doesn’t, right?

Ecclesiastes 7:1-2 even says that our reputation (some translation say respect) is better than precious perfume.

A good reputation is better than precious perfume; likewise, the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. It is better to go to a funeral than a feast. For death is the destiny of every person, and the living should take this to heart.

How much respect is enough?

It doesn’t matter. Those who are respected and those who are not all end the same way – death comes for us all.

Restless, I feel so restless

And in this changing world

I am lost for words

I feel so restless

Ain’t got no interest
I couldn’t care less
Can’t be a success

So what does all this wanting and feeling lead to? Restlessness.

No matter what he gets it is not enough. No matter what he does, it is never enough. He is – and we are – never satisfied.

All this monotony is tiresome; no one can bear to describe it: The eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear ever content with hearing. (Ecclesiastes 1:8)

We are restless.

We are left wanting.

Nothing we know of – or can get – can truly satisfy.

Due to current studies

The fiscal climate isn’t looking good
Get out of town
The streets are running rivers full of blood

Life – and this world – is full of worry. As I write this there is a shrinking Middle Class. We are still coming out of the most recent recession. Most of us are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

Even if you are doing great financially, we always seem to be on the brink of war. Most recently it was Paris and San Bernardino. Who knows where it will be tomorrow.

Life is hard. Who much his enough? I don’t know. It seems to me that no one is really satisfied with what they have.

The more I see
The less, the less that I believe
The more I hear
The less, the less that I perceive

Restless, I feel so restless

And in this changing world

I am lost for words

I feel so restless

Ain’t got no interest

I couldn’t care less

Can’t be a success

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will evaluate every deed, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Fear God and obey Him. Pursue God and not simply pleasure.

Or, as the classic kid’s song goes:

Trust and obey

For there is no better way

to be happy in Jesus

than to trust and obey

So, you can be restless or you can rest in God. Take your pick.

If you think you would like this, go check out New Order’s Music Complete!

PS: If you don’t know about New Order you may still know Blue Monday. This was their biggest song

[youtube id=”9GMjH1nR0ds”]

PSS: I like New Order so much that I have told my kids that I want their song True Faith played at my funeral.

[youtube id=”v=mfI1S0PKJR8″]

*This is, of course, a comment on entertainment and pop culture and not a comment on my faith or my family. Yes, I love God and my family more than music and movies.

December 11, 2015February 15, 2018

Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen – Kristoff & Community

Today’s post is from the Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen bible study.

This movie based bible study uses Disney’s Frozen and therefore contains spoilers.

Be sure to check out our Frozen page for more ways to share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen.

Almost everything Anna does, she does in the community.

Early in Disney’s Frozen, Anna has her family. When her parents die, she still has Elsa, for a while. She longs for the gates to open so she can join the community outside her castle walls. She also had the company of Kristoff and Sven while she was searching for Elsa.

Anna loves community.

The same is true for Kristoff. Not only does he have Sven, but he also has the trolls.

Elsa, on the other hand, has no one.

She hides from Anna and eventually runs away. She leaves her kingdom, where she should be queen, to set up her own lonely kingdom. Instead of a community, Elsa pursues solitude.

We are made for community.

The triune God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – live in a community. Before there was anything, before Genesis 1:1, there was God and there was a community.

God told Adam that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). We are created for community.

The Bible assumes that we will live in a community.

And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

We cannot spur one another on to love and good works if we are not with one another.

We cannot encourage each other if we are not with each other.

So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness. (James 5:16)

We cannot confess our sins to one another if we are not with one another.

Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

We cannot carry one another’s burdens if we are not with one another.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15)

We cannot rejoice with those who rejoice or weep with those who weep if we are not with those who are rejoicing and weeping.

Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you. (Luke 6:31)

Back to the Golden Rule – We cannot treat others the way we want to be treated if we are not with others.

[Tweet “We cannot treat others the way we want to be treated if we are not with others.”]

God – and the Bible – assume that we are in a community.

Are you currently in a community?

If not, do you miss community?

Do you avoid community?

If so, why do you avoid community?

One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment. (Proverbs 18:1)

Do you isolate yourself? If so why?

Are you hiding something?

Remember, you cannot hide your actions (sins) from God. He sees everything. He knows everything. And he still loves you.

I would encourage you to find a good Christian/Church community if you are not already in one. You were made for community. You need to be in community.

If you are already a part of a good Christian/Church community, seek out someone who is not. Invite someone to join you in your faith community. Find an outsider on the fringe of your faith community and help them become a real part of it.

Live life with others.

More than likely you are in some sort of community. For some of us, it is related to our favorite sports team or college alma mater, a favorite movie or TV show (I’m looking at you Trekkies!), a favorite band, etc. Everyone, to some degree, is in a community. The community we need, however, is more than just like interests. We need a faith community. These other communities are great, but they should never replace our faith community.

Like this? Be sure to head on over to Amazon and check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen!

Sharing is caring! Would you please share this post? I truly appreciate it.

Also, here are some free downloads to help you share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen!

SharingGodsStorywithFrozen (Frozen and the “Romans Road”)

SharingGodsStorywithDisneysFrozenandtheWordlessBook (Frozen and the Wordless Book)

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out my About page for more info on what I do around here at Reel Parables.

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

December 9, 2015February 15, 2018

Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen – True Love’s Kiss

Today’s post is from the Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen bible study.

This movie based bible study uses Disney’s Frozen and therefore contains spoilers.

Be sure to check out our Frozen page for more ways to share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen.

Be honest. When you heard that “only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart,” you figured some young handsome prince would come in and save the day, didn’t you? Yeah, I did too. That is what Disney does, right?

But as Disney’s Frozen unfolds we see that an act of true love is actually a sacrificial act (Agape), and not simply a romantic act (Eros).

No one has greater love than this – that one lays down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Frozen is not the first time that Disney has played with this idea of true love.

Have you seen Disney’s version of the Jungle Book? (Spoilers!)

Thinking that Baloo the Bear had sacrificed himself to save Mowgli, Bagheera says, “Now, now. I know how you feel. But you must remember, Mowgli: ‘Greater love hath no one than he who lays down his life for his friend.’ ”

True love is a sacrificial love.

This is the way that Baloo loved Mowgli.

This is the way Anna loved Elsa.

This is the way that God loves you.

This is the way we are to love others, for this is true love.

But, as Disney’s Frozen also shows, it is not the only kind of love. Both Philia and Eros are also important and good. They should both, however, be informed by and developed from Agape love. Both Philia and Eros should grow out of, and be defined by, Agape love.

Philia Love

Disney’s Frozen is about two princesses, Elsa and Anna. These two sisters share a strong sisterly – familial – love. These two sisters share Philia love.

It is this love that moves the story forward.

Elsa, out of fear of hurting the sister she loves so much, locks herself in her room. This love actually drives her away when she is older. Afraid of hurting Anna, Elsa decides to simply run away from her. Anna, who misses the sister she loves so much, chases after her when she runs away.

But Philia love is not enough. Philia love should build upon Agape love. Agape love – unconditional love – is what causes Anna to chase after her sister. It is the love that will eventually lead her to sacrifice herself to save Elsa.

Philia love – brotherly/sisterly love – should build upon unconditional love.

Eros Love

Yes, love is also romantic. Disney’s Frozen has a lot of fun with this in the relationship between Anna and Hans. How many times did we hear someone say, “You can’t marry someone you just met!”?

Romantic love is not bad. It is actually amazing in its proper place and time. How many times does the Song of Solomon remind us, “Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases!”

Romantic love does have a time.

Romantic love does have a place.

But romantic love is not the only or most important, kind of love. As we have seen, there is a love deeper and stronger than romantic love.

This is unconditional love. This is the way Anna loved Elsa. This is the way that Kristoff eventually loves Anna. This is the way that God loves us.

While not the point of Disney’s Frozen, we do see the sacrificial side of romantic love. When Kristoff finally realizes that he loves Anna and that Anna loves him, he sets off to save her with “true love’s kiss,” regardless of the dangerous situation into which he puts himself.

[Tweet “Frozen reminds us that true love is a love that thinks of others as greater than oneself.”]

When it comes to love – Philia love, Eros love and Agape love – remember the “golden rule.”

Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you. (Luke 6:31)

Whom do you love?

Do you love someone with Philia love? A best friend? A mother, a father, a brother, a sister or a child? A co-worker? A classmate? Do you treat them the way you want them to treat you? Do you love them unconditionally? Do you put their needs before your own?

Do you love someone with Eros love? A spouse? A boyfriend? A girlfriend? A finance? Do you treat them the way you want them to treat you? Do you love them unconditionally? Do you put their needs before your own?

Write down the name of someone you love with Philia love or Eros love. Pray for and look for ways that you can love them unconditionally over the next week. Write down and list the ways you can love them and then do it. Afterward, be sure to mark it off of the list you made. Love does. Go and do.

Like this? Be sure to head on over to Amazon and check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen!

Sharing is caring! Would you please share this post? I truly appreciate it.

Also, here are some free downloads to help you share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen!

SharingGodsStorywithFrozen (Frozen and the “Romans Road”)

SharingGodsStorywithDisneysFrozenandtheWordlessBook (Frozen and the Wordless Book)

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out my About page for more info on what I do around here at Reel Parables.

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

October 25, 2015

Sharing God’s Story with Music

I envy people who worship easily because I don’t. There are songs I won’t sing (“It Is Well With my Soul”, because it’s not) and there are lines of songs I won’t sing (“Jesus you are all I want”, because He’s not). I envy people who can sing these songs because they are true for them. I also envy people who can sing these lines because they want them to be true for them. I can’t. I envy people who can worship for the way it will be like. I don’t. But I do worship.

pro·fane (pr-fn, pr-) adj.

1. Marked by contempt or irreverence for what is sacred.

2. Nonreligious in subject matter, form, or use; secular: sacred and profane music.

[youtube id=”LviI36RVJXk”]

I even love some traditional hymns, especially “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”

I can worship with Robert Robinson when he says,

Prone to wonder Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.

I feel that way sometimes. I, too, am prone to wonder. I, too, am prone to leave the God I love.

I get that.

I also love Amazing Grace. I can worship with John Newton when he says,

Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.

I get these hymns.

I feel these words.

[youtube id=”8okACq1TowQ”]

I even like some modern worship/praise songs, especially “Blessed be Your name.”

I can worship with Matt Redman when he says,

Blessed be Your name. When the sun’s shining down on me. When the world’s all as it should be. Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name. On the road marked with suffering. Though there’s pain in the offering. Blessed be Your name

Most modern praise songs tend to be about the bright and shiny parts of life.

I like that this one is also about the darker and dirty parts.

Because that’s my life.

My life does indeed have the bright and shining moments! Much of my life is amazingly beautiful!

But I have also walked the “road marked with suffering.”

And there has been “pain in the offering.”

My life has both. And so this becomes my prayer.

But more often than not I worship with a profane worship.

I worship with songs written by people who don’t believe in – and are at times even hostile towards – the God love.

Regardless of what I do with Reel Parables, I don’t tend to see God everywhere or in everything.

I don’t usually see a beautiful sunrise (like the ones I’ve seen off the coast of Florida) or a beautiful sunset (like I’ve seen off the coast of California and Mexico) and immediately praise God or thank Him for His amazing creation.

Worship does not always come easily for me.

But I do feel what others feel. And sometimes it’s the non-religious ones that capture my feelings the best.

[youtube id=”l-wVo1WX2fo”]

The Sinner in Me – Depeche Mode

When Dave Gahan sings,

If I could just hide, the sinner inside, and keep him denied. How great life would be, if I could be free, from the sinner in me.”

I know what he means.

I am very aware of my sin.

This song becomes my song of confession and gives me the outlet to confess my sins to God. (I John 1:9-10)

I don’t wallow in them.

I’m reminded of them.

I confess them.

And it reminds me that God already took care of them. And that draws me closer to God.

Why? Because he loves me unconditionally.

Put another way, God loves me despite all of my past, current or future sh!t.

See also Depeche Mode’s Wrong and Social Distortion’s I was Wrong.

[youtube id=”89aKm-7WwLQ”]

Unconditional – the Bravery

I’ve spent my whole life surrounded and I’ve spent my whole life alone.

I wonder why I never wonder why the easiest things are so hard.

I just want, I just want love. I just want, I just want love. I just want, I just want love.

I just want something, something for nothing. Something, something for nothing.

I get this song. I too want unconditional love (see above).

And when Sam Endicott wonders why the easiest things are so hard, I get it!

This song becomes my prayer as I wrestle with how God could love me so unconditionally.

For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want – instead, I do what I hate.

Romans 7:15

Indeed. Why are the easiest things so hard?

Regardless, I found what the Bravery longs for. I found my unconditional love.

But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

God loved me before I every loved Him. His love for me is not conditional on my love for Him.

God loves me unconditional.

When I sing this song I praise God that He loves me that way.

I praise God that He loves me unconditionally.

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out our new Start Here and About pages!

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

August 25, 2015

How to See God’s Story in Movies (Part 2)

(This is part 2 of a 3 part series. Parts 1 & 3 are here: How to see God’s Story in Movies Part 1 & How to see God’s Story in Movies Part 3)

This is part 2 of my attempt to answer the most common question I get about Reel Parables, “How do you do it?”

Part 1 was all about seeing a pattern.

There is a corrupt world, usually with a counterfeit king or ruler.
There is typically an outside – and dual natured – hero (savior) who is not a part of the corrupt world.
The Hero will almost always sacrifice something, often his/her life.
If the hero dies, he/she will often be resurrected or reborn. If the hero does not die, the world is often restored to its former glory. Also, relationships are restored and reunited.
This resurrection/restoration usually leads to community (restored relationships) and a calling.

In part 2 we will see how this pattern shows itself in a “Lost Parables.”

Jesus and the Lost Parables

In Luke 15 Jesus told three Lost Parables; one about a lost sheep, one about a lost coin, and another about two lost sons.

In each of these stories we get to see what Jesus is like.

The shepherd went looking for one lost sheep, even though he had 99 others. Why? Because that one sheep was important to him. We are that important to Jesus. Jesus loves you the same way.

The woman went looking for one coin, even though she has 9 others. Why? Because that one coin was valuable to her. You are that valuable to Jesus. Jesus loves you the same way.

Finally, a father had two sons. While both wanted the father’s blessing/wealth, neither wanted the father. One got his inheritance early, ran away, and blew it. The other stayed, had access to all the father’s blessings, but ignored it.

Both sons had issues, not just the proverbial “Prodigal Son.” The father loved – and longed for – both sons.

In each of these stories we see Jesus’ character.

Jesus loves and cares for us the way the shepherd loved and cared for the one lost sheep.
Jesus finds us valuable in the same way that the woman found the one lost coin valuable.
Jesus longs to be with – and share His blessing – with us, just like the father wanted to give his blessing on his two sons.

Adam and Eve and the Lost Parable

This story – God looking for what was lost – goes all the way back to the beginning, all the way back to Genesis.

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God moving about in the orchard at the breezy time of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the orchard. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” The man replied, “I heard you moving about in the orchard, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” (Genesis 3:8-10)

Adam and Eve had sinned.

Adam and Eve were ashamed.

Adam and Eve tried to hide from God.

But God went looking for them. Yea, I know God knew where they were. But He was calling out to them, “Where are you?” They were lost and God went out to find them.

You and Me and the Lost Parable

These three lost parables retell our story. Like the sheep, like the coin, and like the children (sons), we too are lost.

But your sinful acts have alienated you from your God;your sins have caused him to reject you and not listen to your prayers. Isaiah 59:2

Because of our sins we are separated from God. Me. You. Your parents. Your kids. Everyone.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

But just like the shepherd searched for the sheep, just like the old woman searched for the coin, and just like the father was looking out for his son, Jesus chases after us.

But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Yes, while we were still sinners – and therefore lost (separated from God) – Jesus demonstrated His love for us by dying for us.

Jesus died for us while we were sinners.

Jesus died for us while we were still lost.

Jesus died for us while we were separated from God.

Hollywood and the Lost Parable

FYI – Hollywood can’t stop remaking and retelling the Lost Parable.

Finding Nemo

Nemo is literally “caught up in his sin.” He disobeys his dad, Marlin, and is caught by a diver with a net. How do you know Marlin still loves Nemo, even though he disobeyed? Because he went looking for him!

Finding Nemo is the parable of the lost fish.

The next time you watch Finding Nemo with your kids remind them that they are like Nemo and lost because of their sin. But also remind them that Jesus loves them the way Marlin loved Nemo! And just like Marlin went looking for Nemo, because he loved him, Jesus is looking for them (and died to save them)!

Frozen

Elsa, ashamed and afraid of her own actions, runs away. She is the lost sister. But Anna, the sister she left behind, loves her and went out looking for her lost sister.

In this story we are Elsa, the lost ones, and Anna is the Christ character. She even died to save Else like Jesus died to save us.

And just like Jesus rose from the dead, so did Anna!

“Only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart.”

Jesus loves us the way Anna loved Else.

The next time you watch Frozen with your kids remind them that they are like Elsa and lost because of their actions. But also remind them that Jesus loves them the way Anna loved Else. Not only did she go out looking for Elsa, but she died to save her. Just like Jesus died for us.

Saving Private Ryan

Not all Hollywood Lost Parables are for kids. Saving Private Ryan is a Lost Parable for adults.

Private Ryan is lost at war and a group of soldiers are sent to find him.

Like Jesus did for us, these men sacrificed their own lives to save Private Ryan.

Yes, Jesus demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, He died for us!

Yes, the Lost Parables are powerful. We get them. We understand them. They move us.

Why? Because the Lost Parable is our story.

Be on the look out for this type of Reel Parable.

Someone is lost, usually due to their actions (sins).
Someone, the hero and Christ-figure, will chase them and try to find them.
This hero will usually sacrifice something to save them, usually their life.
That sacrifice usually leads to resurrection or restoration or reunion.

You can share God’s story the next time you see this Lost Parable in a movie!

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10)

I know this is a lot, so In addition to the worksheets above, I have also combined all three parts into one free e-book, How to Share God’s Story with Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out our new Start Here and About pages!

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

July 23, 2015February 16, 2018

The 3 Best Movies for Sharing God’s Story with Kids

Kids love a good story. And you know what? They should!

Even God likes stories.

When God chose to reveal Himself to us in the Bible He did it with story. A huge chunk of the Bible is story (narrative). Jesus also loved story. Specifically, Jesus often taught and preached with stories, we call them parables. (Hence the name of this site, Reel Parables!) There is something about a good story that we just get. That is why using movies to share God’s story is such a good idea. We love stories and they often teach us about God and His story. So, without further ado, here are the best three movies for sharing God’s story with younger kids.

(Be sure to also check out the 3 best movies for sharing God’s story with teens. and the 3 best movies for sharing God’s story with adults.)

Frozen

No, I can’t just let it go! (See what I did there?) Frozen is a great movie with which to share God’s story.

Frozen tells us the gospel story. And is a great way to share that good news with kids!

Also, this past Lent we looked at Disney’s Frozen in the context of being emptied and humbled (Philippians 2). We went a bit deeper than usual, but this is a great complimentary read for the parents, teachers, and pastors:

Emptied & Humbled – Disney’s Frozen:

Finally, we also have two free infographics that outline how to share God’s story with Disney’s Frozen:

Free Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen Infographics

Free Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen and the Wordless Book

Wreck-it Ralph

Much like with Frozen, Wreck-it Ralph shows us the gospel story. There is a fallen world with a fake ruler. There is an outside savior (Ralph) who is willing to sacrifice himself to save Sugar Rush. There is the restoration – the resurrection – of the world (of Sugar Rush), specifically with Vanellope, who ends up being a Princess – the daughter of the REAL king. Just like those of us who are Christians, we’ve been adopted into God’s family and are fellow heirs with Christ!

As we did with Frozen, we went a little deeper with Wreck-it Ralph over Lent. Again, this may be a bit deep for kids but makes for a great devotional for parents, teachers, and pastors.

Emptied & Humbled – Wreck-it Ralph:

Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is a great Reel Parable to follow Jesus’ Lost Parables; The lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost sons, and Finding Nemo.

Nemo is “lost” because he disobeyed his father. Marlin said not to go past a certain point. Nemo rebelled and disobeyed and was literally caught (in a net!) in his sin.

But even though Nemo sinned, his father still loved him and went looking for him, just like the shepherd, just like the woman, and just like the prodigal son’s father.

That is our story too. Because of our sin, we are separated from God, but God comes looking for us also.

But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

God did not wait for us to come to Him. While we are sinners – and lost from Him – Jesus died for us.

God pursues us!

Just like Marlin pursued Nemo.

It is an easy story and a great way to show kids that God loves them, even when they sin. Just like Marlin still loved Nemo after he sinned.

We also have something a bit deeper for you parents and teachers and pastors.

Emptied & Humbled – Finding Nemo

Honorable Mention – The Classic Jungle Book

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS2dDDsrIwk

No one has greater love than this – that one lays down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

(Drops mic and walks away….)

Get my free e-book, How to See God’s Story in Movies. This free download will help you share God’s story with your kids and students by showing you how to see God’s story in movies.

Not only will this guarantee that you get the latest Reel Parables posts, but you will also get my most popular downloads, including “How to Time Travel.”

And be sure to check out our new Start Here and About pages!

Until next time, God bless.

Simon L Smith

February 9, 2015

3 Ways to Share God’s Story on a Snow Day

White-as-Snow

A snow day is a great way to share God’s story! In addition to simply playing in the snow, you can teach your child about creation, salvation, and sanctification.

So go ask your child if they want to build a snowman and then share God’s story!

Creation – You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

As you build your snowman, to talk to your child about creation. Let them know that in the same way you are creating the snowman, God created them. Talk about creation and then read or quote Genesis 1:27.

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

In the same way that you are making this snowman, God made you and your child!

Regardless of how grand your snowman ends up looking, talk to your child about how wonderful it is! As you do, remind them that you, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made! Quote or read Psalm 139:14.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your work, and m soul knows it very well.

Let your child know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Why? Because God made them. And God does not make mistakes.

Salvation – Some people are worth melting For.

Even though we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God and He does not make mistakes, we still sin. Shortly after creating the first man and woman, man disobeyed God and sin entered into our world.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)

Like Olaf, the snowman from Disney’s Frozen said, “Some people are worth melting for.” Olaf knows that true love is a sacrificial love.

Tell your child that they are worth melting for!

Melting-For

Let them know that Jesus died – melted – for them!

But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Jesus loves us the way Olaf talks about love. Instead of melting for us, Jesus died for us. Jesus died for you. Jesus died for your child.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Sanctification – Make You White as Snow.

Finally, remind your child that when we believe in the Lord Jesus, we are saved! (Acts 16:31).

We are also made clean!

Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow! (Isaiah 1:18)

Pure-Snow

Purify me.. and I shall be clean. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Sin is dirty, but when we trust God, He takes our sin and makes us as white as snow!

Yeah, we will still sin, but God even takes care of that. Quote or read I John 1:9.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse of from all unrighteousness.

We don’t just trust God to save us, we confess our sins to God believing that He will cleanse us.

So yeah, a snow day is a great way to share God’s story!

Build a snowman and talk about how we are wonderfully made.
Remind your child that they are worth melting for, and that Jesus melted – died – for them.
Let them know that when we believe and trust in Jesus, He makes our dirty sin as white as the snow you are playing in.

Go enjoy a snow day and use it to share God’s story!

If you liked this be sure to check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen, a movie based bible study.

And don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list so that you don’t miss anything Reel Parables.

Until next time,

Simon L Smith

Tired-of-Snow

Don’t get tired of snow. Use it to share God’s story!

January 12, 2015

The Prodigal __________.

Sometimes, the simplest stories are the most powerful.

After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, why was He looking for them in the garden?

In Jesus’ “lost” parables in Luke 15, why was the woman searching for the coin? Why was the shepherd out looking for the one lost sheep? Why did the father run out to welcome his prodigal son home?

Because even though they had sinned, God still loved Adam and Eve.

Because the coin was valuable to the woman.

Because the sheep was important to the shepherd.

Because even though he ran away, the father still loved his son.

This story – God’s story – is a power story that has been told many, many times.

In Wreck it Ralph, why did Ralph decide to save Vanellope?

In Disney’s Frozen, why did Anna chase after Elsa when she ran away?

In Finding Nemo, Why did Marlin go searching for Nemo after he was caught because he disobeyed his father?

In Saving Private Ryan, why did Tom Hank’s character’ risk his own life to save Private Ryan’s life?

In Schindler’s List, why did Oskar Schindler sacrifice so much to save the Jews in his factory?

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (For rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person perhaps someone might possibly dare to die.) But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8

While some are cute and others serious, all of these movies tell a powerful story because all of these movies tell God’s story.

God wants to save you the way Ralph saved Vanellope. God is chasing after you the way Anna chased after Elsa. God is searching for you the way Marlin searched for Nemo. God sacrificed for you the way Tom Hank’s character sacrificed for Private Ryan and the way Oskar Schindler sacrificed for his factory workers.

Yes, God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God demonstrated his own love for you, in that while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you. And God demonstrated his own love for your kids, in that while they were still sinners, Christ died for them.