Sharing God’s Story with Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

I love Tim Burton movies. Not only is he one of my favorite directions, but some of his movies are high up on my list of favorite movies. While I don’t care for horror or slasher films, but I do enjoy a good dark Gothic tale. And Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is one of those movies!

Spoilers Ahead!
The following discussion assumes that you have already seen Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, do not plan to see it but want to discuss it what friends and family who have, or simply don’t care if the movie is “spoiled.” Consider yourself warned.

Although Corpse Bride is not my favorite Tim Burton movie, it is worth a watching!

Simply put Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is about a Gothic love triangle. The Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham Carter – Voice) loves Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp – Voice).Victor, however, loves Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson – Voice), who loves him back. The hitch is that Victor, though a small misunderstanding, marries the Corpse Bride. What plays out is a stunningly subtle love story extolling the importance of sacrifice and humility.

Corpse Bride, a Reel Parable

While there is much that many Christians/Churches may not like about this movie (a non-biblical view of the afterlife, ghosts, hauntings, occult-like images, etc.) there is much about Corpse Bride that is actually very biblical. At its core, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is indeed a Reel Parable teaching us two very specific biblical truths;

True love is a sacrificial love.
The afterlife is not something to fear but is instead freeing, liberating, and to be enjoyed forever.

While a small part of the film, the end of Act II, where Victor is willing to die for the Corpse Bride, and the end of Act II, where the Corpse Bride is willing to sacrifice for Victor, illustrate that true love is a sacrificial love. As the individual character’s storylines collide into the climatic ending we see the Corpse Bride show her true love for Vincent by sacrificing her own interest for him. She loves him so much that she is willing to sacrifice what she wants to give him what he wants. As Jesus said:

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

True love sacrifices for the object of that love.

A man will sacrifice for the woman he loves.A woman will sacrifice for the man she loves.

A child will sacrifice for the video game he loves.

God will sacrifice for the creation He loves.

Why? Because of true love sacrifices.

While the ending is a good illustration of true love, the entire film is a parable teaching us about death and the afterlife. Tim Burton very carefully visualizes the difference between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The world of the living is dark, dreary drab, and very monochrome in color. There are a lot of blacks and whites with a little gray thrown in for color. : )

The world of the dead, by contrast, is full of color, music, feasting, enjoyment, merriment, etc. In the Corpse Bride death is not something to fear, but is instead something to look forward to!
In the Corpse Bride, we see that death is freeing.

In death, we are free from the trappings and concerns of the world.

In death we are free!

This is illustrated in the Corpse Bride by the use of butterflies. At the beginning of the movie we see Victor drawing a butterfly, then letting it go, and it flying away to freedom. At the end of the movie, after the Corpse Bride has emptied herself of her own ambitions for Victor’s sake, we see her turn into hundreds of butterflies, which fly off to the same freedom as our first butterfly. It can be no accident that Tim Burton used the butterfly, a symbol of rebirth, as a metaphor for true freedom.

Death is not final.

Death is not something to be feared.

Death – like the butterfly illustrates – can be about rebirth.

This is true.

It is not true because Tim Burton says it is true.

It is true because God says it is true.

Regardless of your understanding of the specifics of what the Bible says about the afterlife (whether we spend eternity in Heaven, on a new Earth, etc.) the Bible clearly teaches that death does not have to be feared and that death is not the end. As Paul said to some friends in Corinth;

O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? (I Corinthians 15:55)

(FYI, this quote is in all caps because the New Testament writer, Paul, borrowed this saying from the Old Testament, specifically Hosea 13:14.)

Like Tim Burton, Paul tells us that death is not something to fear. Paul even says in a letter to his friends in Philippi that;

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better. (Philippians 1:21-23)

Do you fear death?

If so there is no need to. Although Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride deals with death, it does not deal with redemption. Paul, however, makes it clear that death and redemption are tangled up in the dance of salvation. Salvation is not, and never has been, free. It may be a “free gift” to us, but God paid a great price in Jesus’ death. Death need not be feared because Jesus conquered it once and for all through His death and resurrection.

Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. 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. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; (John 3:14b-18a)

[Tweet “God found beauty in the ugliest thing. God found beauty in death.”]

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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

March 27, 2017February 14, 2018

Emptied & Humbled: Frozen – Choice

This is part of Emptied & Humbled, a movie based Lenten devotional. The whole devotional can be found here.

As we saw in Spider-man 2, Wreck-it Ralph, and Guardians of the Galaxy, Lent is about choice. Specifically, Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus chose to empty himself and to humble himself and that we are to do the same.

We all make choices every day. That is one reason Disney’s Frozen is so awesome. Just about every single character must make a choice.

Elsa wants solitude so she does not hurt anyone and chooses to run away.

Anna, her little sister who wants her big sister’s company, chooses to run after her.

At first, Kristoff wants to work hard and keep his job. As the movie plays out, he wants Anna.

Hans, who says he loves and wants to marry Anna, really wants to kill her so he can become King!

And Olaf, sweet Olaf, wants the very thing that will hurt him, warm hugs.

Yes, everyone in Disney’s Frozen wants something. Some of these things are good, some of them are not. Regardless, each character makes a choice – based on their integrity or lack of it – to get what they want.

We’ve seen that we, too, must make choices because of our own wants, desires, and ambitions.

Philippians 2 tells us to treat others as more important than ourselves and to concern ourselves with the interests of others.

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. (Philippians 2:3-4)

We all want things. We all have desires. To empty and humble ourselves is to look at others’ wants and desires as more important than our own.

What about you? What do you want? What choice must you make to get it?

What has God been working on with you this Lent season?

What is God currently asking you to choose between?

Are you currently acting selfishly? Or are you acting humbly?

Or do you, like Olaf, want something that is actually bad for you?

Did you know I wrote a whole devotional based on Frozen? You can check out Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen over at Amazon. Also, here are two free downloads that help share God’s story with Frozen. The first one applies Frozen to the Wordless Book. The second illustrates the “Romans Road” using the storyline of Frozen. Just right-click, “save as” and enjoy!

SharingGodsStorywithFrozen

SharingGodsStorywithDisneysFrozenandtheWordlessBook

This is part of Emptied & Humbled, a movie based Lenten devotional. The whole devotional can be found here.

[Tweet “Check out Emptied & Humbled, a movie based Lenten devotional.”]

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

February 16, 2016

Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and Ecclesiastes

The last two Music Monday’s ended up in Ecclesiastes. Both New Order’s Restless and Twenty One Pilots’ Stressed Out point us to Ecclesiastes, and for Good reason. There is nothing new under the sun. Not even the idea of “Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll.”

Go read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11. Notice that Solomon sounds a lot like “kids today.”

Or the way I must have sounded to my parents.

Or even the way my parents must have sounded to my grandparents.

Or the way… well, you get it.

Anyway, this idea that sex, drugs, and rock & roll will somehow make us happy and fulfilled is not new.

Sex

Sex is not new. I know that every generation acts like they discovered it. But it’s not new.

As long as there have been people there has been sex. As long as there has been sex, we’ve used and abused sex.

But sex is not the issue, right?

Here is what Solomon had to say about sex.

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!” (Ecclesiastes 2:1-2)

I acquired male singers and female singers for myself, and what gives a man sensual delight – a harem of beautiful concubines! (Ecclesiastes 2:8b)

Sex is not the issue. The issue – the error – is when we use sex to find happiness and fulfillment.

Yes, sex is awesome.

But sex does not satisfy.

No one has sex and says, “That was so good I am now done with sex forever!”

Drugs

Drugs are not new either. Sure, some *types* of drugs are new(ish), but we’ve altered our state of consciousness for almost as long as we’ve abused sex.

All the way back to Genesis 9 we read that Noah, after getting off the Ark and praising God, “drank of the wine and became drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent.”

This godly and blameless man who found favor in the sight of God got butt-naked drunk.

(I have a little fun with this over at my personal site.)

So what does Solomon have to say about drugs, in the form of wine?

I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives. (Ecclesiastes 2:3)

I increased my possessions: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself. (Ecclesiastes 2:4)

Again, wine is not the issue. It was/is part of Passover and Jesus served it at the Last Supper.

It is the abuse of wine (drugs) that is the problem.

The problem is when we use wine (drugs) to find happiness or fulfillment. The problem is when we use wine (drugs) to excess.

Even Ephesians 5:18 says don’t be drunk on wine. Notice it does not say don’t drink wine.

But like with sex, wine can never truly satisfy.

Rock and Roll

So what about Rock and Roll?

While the music was most certainly different, Solomon did indeed indulge in musical entertainment.

I acquired male singers and female singers for myself, and what gives a man sensual delight – a harem of beautiful concubines! (Ecclesiastes 2:8b)

Notice that Solomon ties “sensual delight” to his singers. Yes, there *is* a sense of sensuality – sexuality – tied to music.

But again, music itself is not the problem. Remember, some of the Psalms are for the choir director!

The problem is when we turn to rock and roll, music, entertainment, for fulfillment or meaning or significance.

It may sound silly, but no one hears a song, finds fulfillment, and never needs/wants to hear another song.

Music is great – amazing even – but it is ultimately temporary and futile.

So What?

After chasing sex, drugs, and rock & roll, Solomon concludes that they are all profitless.

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.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11)

So if sex, drugs, and rock & roll can’t satisfy, what can?

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. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Ecclesiastes eventually points us to God.

Since everything, especially sex, drugs, and rock & roll, are temporary (at best) and ultimately futile, we are told to pursue God.

God is eternal. His kingdom is eternal. His love is eternal.

So stop trying to find fulfillment, purpose, or happiness in the temporary things of this world, and pursue the eternal God.

[Tweet “Solomon was right; sex, drugs, and rock & roll cannot satisfy.”]

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

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

July 22, 2014February 15, 2018

Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen – Dancing with the Devil

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.

When did you know that Hans was the bad guy? Where you surprised? If so, why were you surprised that he ended up being the bad guy?

How did you know that Hans was the bad guy?

Why was Hans the bad guy? What did he want? What was he willing to do to get what he wanted?

How would you describe Hans before you knew he was the bad guy? How would you describe Hans after you knew that he was the bad guy?

What changed? (Not attitude, but actions?)

What did Hans want and desire? (To be king!)

To whom did Hans lie? What was his lie? Why did he lie? What did he hope to gain by lying?

Whom did Hans deceive? Why did he deceive Anna?

If Elsa represents us (the lost ones who need a savior) and Anna represents Jesus (the savior we need), then who does Hans represent?

From the beginning, he appears to be a handsome and honorable young prince.

(From the beginning the Devil seems to be honorable, “surely you won’t die! God knows that you will know good from evil!”)

But is Hans as honorable as he appears?

Does he have the honor that he portrays?

Is he sincere? Or does he have a secret?

Simply put, does Hans have an image or does Hans have integrity?

Hans is all image with no integrity! He wrapped himself up in a very nice, attractive and appareling image (like an angel of light!) so he can trick Anna, gain her trust, and steal the kingdom.

II Corinthians “for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Hans presents a perfect image. But inside he lacks integrity.

And this makes Hans the true enemy; the devil of the story, the Satan of the story, and the true evil of Frozen.

Like the devil, Hans looks good on the outside but is bad on the inside.

Like the devil, Hans wants a position that is not his (Isaiah 14:13-14). He wants it so badly that he is willing to lie and kill for it (John 8:44), deceive for it (Revelation 12:9), and blind others to the truth to get it (2 Corinthians 4:4)!

While Anna emptied herself of selfish ambition, Hans filled himself up with it!

Yes, Elsa certainly plays the role of the antagonist; she ignores/abandons Anna, she causes the curse and appears to be the “enemy.” But Hans, who appears to be an ally, is the real evil in Frozen!

Hans has vain ambition in that he wanted something that was not his. He is a liar. He is a deceiver. Hans is a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He will do whatever it takes to win!

He lied, but like the devil did so in a way that sounded good, beautiful, and true. He said all the right things. He appeared to do all the right things. He told Anna what she wanted to hear.

We know Hans is the true bad guy because he is willing to lie, deceive and kill for something that is not his. Just like the devil.

[Tweet “Yea, Hans is more like the devil than most devils in movies.”]

Vain Ambition

Read Isaiah 14:13-14.

You said to yourself, “I will climb up to the sky. Above the stars of El (God) I will set up my throne. I will rule on the mountain of assembly on the remote slopes of Zaphon. I will climb up to the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High!”

Most bible scholars attribute this part of Isaiah to the Devil, Lucifer and use it to show what the devil is really like. The devil wanted to be like the “Most High,” a common name/description of the one true God. In an act of rebellion the Devil – one of God’s created beings (angels) – wanted to be like God. He did not want to be with God but wanted to be like God or to replace God. The devil wanted a position that was not his. He wanted to a position that was not his. He was prideful. He had vain ambition.

In the same way, Hans wanted a position that was not his; he wanted to be king of Arendelle.

If the devil’s first (main?) sin was rebellion – wanting to replace God – are there areas in your life where you are in open (or not so open) rebellion? Are there areas of your life where you want to be God?

If so just remember that God already knows and still loves you! Just please don’t take His patience as a sign that He doesn’t know or that He doesn’t care. He is slow to anger and His patience with us has a purpose.

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

God is patient with us so that we will repent and draw near to Him.

Angel of Light

Read 2 Corinthians 11:14-15.

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.

As we have already seen Hans looked good on the outside, but was ugly on the inside. He had a wonderful image but lacked integrity.

Contrary to most movies, the devil doesn’t really scare us. Why would he? If he showed up looking ugly and scary most of us would know to stay away! Instead, he shows up looking like an “angel of light,” pretty, appealing, and looking good.

His goal is not to scare us. His goal is to trick us.

How does the devil trick us? How did Hans trick Anna?

Deceiver

Read Revelation 12:9.

So that huge dragon – the ancient serpent, the one called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world – was thrown down to the earth, and his angels along with him.

(To deceive is to cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically to gain some personal advantage.)

The devil doesn’t need to scare us. Instead, he wants to deceive us.

Isn’t this what Hans did? Who all did Hans deceive? Why did he deceive these people?

Murder and Liar

Read John 8:44.

You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Again, this describes Hans. He liked, to just about everyone, and even tried to kill Anna!

But why? Why did Hans want to kill Anna?

Blinds to the Truth

Read 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.

Again, this describes Hans!

He blinded everyone to the truth and then tried to get his own way.

Hans is an amazing representation of the Devil.

He is a liar, a cheater, and a murderer.

He longs for something – a position – that is not his and will do anything, even kill, to get it.

Watch out for the Hans in your life.

Remember, the devil is not out to scare you, he is out to trick and deceive you!

[Tweet “Yes, Frozen can even teach us about how the devil works!”]

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

July 10, 2014February 15, 2018

Sharing God’s Story with Disney’s Frozen – Sacrifice

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.

Early in Frozen we are told that,

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

This is a very powerful – and biblical – idea.

Our frozen hearts separate us from God. But God demonstrates His love for us by chasing us down.

Our hearts are frozen because we are under a curse. But like in Frozen, there is someone who can break that curse and thaw our hearts!

Anna chased after Elsa like God chased after Adam and Eve and chases after us!

This is because Anna loved Elsa like God loves us.

Knowing this, and knowing that Anna is the one that loved Elsa so much that she went looking for her, what role might Anna play in Elsa’s redemption?

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

Not only did Anna go out and find Elsa but she demonstrated her (agape) love for Elsa by sacrificing herself to save her.

Anna demonstrated her love for Elsa by dying for her, by dying in her place.

Anna, who did nothing wrong, died to save Elsa.

Anna certainly did not deserve to die. She didn’t freeze the kingdom. She didn’t leave her sister, her home, and her kingdom.

She didn’t do anything wrong. Elsa did.

But Anna died.

Why?

Because she loved Elsa the way Jesus loves us.

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. Philippines 2:3-8

This very much describes Anna!

If she had stayed in Arendelle then SHE would have been the queen! But instead of looking out for herself (selfish ambition) or her position (becoming Queen) she humbled herself and went out to find – and save – Elsa.

You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross!

She had the same attitude towards Elsa that Christ has towards us. She left her glory (her kingdom where she would have become the queen) and went out looking for Elsa so that she could save her.

And in the same way that Christ humbled himself to the point of death, so did Anna! As we already stated Anna humbled herself to the point of death so that she could save Elsa.

In this Reel Parable, we are Elsa, separated because of our actions and in need of help Anna is Jesus, the one who sacrificed himself so we can have eternal life.

Why did Anna save Elsa?

Did Anna deserve to die?

Why was this an act of “true love?”

How was this act of true love (agape) different from a simple “true love’s (Eros) kiss?” What’s the difference between the two?

If you are not a Christian, what actions separate you from God?

If you are a Christian, what actions negatively affect your relationship with God?

Who deserves to be punished for those sins?

Why would Jesus take the punishment – die for – your actions?

Why would Jesus love you that much?

Have you confessed those actions (and your sinfulness in general) to God?

Remember 2 Peter 3:9 and I John 1:9:

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

You are not getting away with anything. You may not have been caught yet, but you are not off the hook. Someday you will give an account for your sins. Some of you may feel that you are doing that now (sin does, after all, affect relationships) and some of you may feel like you are getting away with something. Please know that God will make all of us give an account.

God is patient so that you will repent.

Justice will be served. Please, I beg you, don’t take God’s patience as a sign that you are getting away with it. God’s patience towards you is so that you will repent – turn from your sins and turn towards God – and “get right” with God.

The goal is not to “get away” with it, the goal is to “get right” with God. Repent while God is still showing His patience.

That’s where the confession comes in for both Christians and non-Christians.

But if we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)

In the same way that an “I’m sorry” can restore a broken human relationship, an “I’m sorry” can also restore a broken relationship with God.

If you are not a Christian then this is an act of faith; Repent (turn from your sin and turn towards God) and confess your sins to Him.

As Christian, we will still sin. Although our sins have been forgiven (justice already served!) they can still negatively affect our relationship with God. Some people will say it like this; sin breaks our fellowship with God. We don’t lose our salvation, but we can break our fellowship with God.

And because God knows that we will still sin this applies to Christians also. We need to restore that fellowship by confessing our sins. This is our “I’m sorry” to God.

[Tweet “Remember, Anna loved Elsa the way that Jesus loves us.”]

When Elsa was out of fellowship with Anna, Anna chased her down.

God has done the same for us.

Notice also that Elsa apologizes to Anna, the one whom she has sinned against.

We need to do the same with God. We need to apologize (repent and confess) for our sins so that we can restore our relationship (fellowship).

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