Blockbusters and the Bible Big Idea of the Series: Movies capture our imagination. They make us laugh and cry. They make us happy and sad. This 4-week series uses four much used storytelling methods/genres to illustrate important truths from the Bible. Note: Under each message big idea is a list of films with themes that connect in someway to the primary text of the sermon. It would be beneficial to pull clips from one of these movies (or another you can think of) and use them to illustrate your message. Recent releases are highlighted in bold. Week 1 Films often involve a character overcoming insurmountable odds to save themselves and others. This week’s text tells a similar story. Text: I Kings 19:1-18 – Elijah Topic: Difficulty, Depression, Giving Up Big Idea of the Message: In a moment of desperation, God revealed Himself through a gentle whisper to Elijah, assuring the prophet that though the Lord does not always operate in the realm of the spectacular, his work is not in vain. Though we are sometimes tempted to give up in the face of difficult circumstances, God has not left us alone. Films that could serve as illustrations: Gravity, Apollo 13, The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings, Tomorrowland, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Jurassic World

Week 2 A film isn’t great because of the special effects or the action sequences. We love stories with well-developed characters. Notably, characters who change (for the better) over the course of a particular movie. Text: Acts 9:1-9 (Saul’s Encounter on the Damascus Road) Topic: Transformation, The Past Big Idea of the Message: It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, God can transform your life in an instant. Films that could serve as illustrations: Despicable Me, The Grinch, Return of the Jedi (Anakin Skywalker), A Christmas Carol, Furious 7, Avengers: The Age of Ultron, Ant-Man Week 3 We can’t forget the ever popular romantic-comedy! This week, you’ll be looking at a “rom-com” in the Bible, learning what it teaches us about God’s love. Text: Ruth 4:1-12 Topic: God’s Providence and Provision Big Idea of the Message: Just like God provided for Ruth through Boaz, he also provides for his people today. Films that could serve as illustrations: Casablanca, Pride and Prejudice, The Princess Bride, Gone with the Wind, The Age of Adaline, Aloha Week 4 Cinema is obsessed with the end of the world. Here’s what the Bible says about the apocalypse. Text: Revelation 21:1-8 Topic: Eternal Life, Reward, Faithfulness Big Idea of the Message: An eternal life, filled with peace, hope, and happiness, is promised to those who follow Jesus. Films that could serve as illustrations: I am Legend, any Zombie Film, Godzilla, Wall-E, Planet of the Apes, Terminator: Genisys, Mad Max: Fury Road

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