Movie Clip Discussions

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March 4, 2010

(20th Century Fox)
Main Point of Discussion: There is an unseen world that exists alongside the world we live in where a spiritual battle between God and Satan rages every day. As Christians we need to stay vigilant and aware so we don’t end up being a casualty of war.

The Movie Clip: “Not in Kansas”
The movie AVATAR, director James Cameron takes us to a spectacular world beyond imagination that goes by the name Pandora. In this world, we meet a reluctant hero – an injured marine – who has embarked on an epic adventure, though he doesn’t know it, yet. Ultimately, the hero has to decide who he will fight for – his own kind, or the alien world he has learned to love.

Introducing the Clip:
I want to show you a clip from the movie “Avatar.” This is a movie that’s set in the future and revolves around a soldier named Jake, a paraplegic war veteran. Jake has been brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. The humans from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the opposing culture. In this scene, the war hero Colonel is trying to prepare the troops mentally for the hostile conditions that exist on Pandora. Take a listen to see if any of this sounds familiar to you.

Important Leader Note:
Please preview this clip. You may want to edit or proof this video clip (OR ANY CLIP) before showing to your students, as the clip has one bit of inappropriate language.

Show The Clip:
(This clip can be found on YouTube or you can rent or purchase the DVD and cue it up to the scene mentioned here.

Transitional Statement:
The Colonel believes that many of the troops aren’t aware of the dangers that await them on the seemingly innocent and beautiful planet known as Pandora. But he’s been there and done that…and has the scars to prove it. The Colonel just wants his men to know what they’re truly up against. This scene is a great reminder of the dangers on planet Earth that we often ignore…and maybe even dispute the existence of.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

AROUND THE CIRCLE: Before we begin, tell everyone your name and whether or not you would want to visit Pandora?

ASK A FEW: What did Colonel Quaritch mean by “you’re not in Kansas anymore?” (Leader: This is a reference to The Wizard of Oz and is used to make the point that the world the men found themselves in was not an innocent and safe one.)

ASK A FEW: How would you have reacted to his speech if you were there?

ASK A FEW: Would his warning motivate you to be aware of the dangers and prepare for them? Why or why not?

ASK A FEW: How would it feel knowing that around every turn there is something or someone who wants to hurt you?

ASK A FEW: Based on the description that the Colonel gave, would you take the mission to Pandora? Why or why not?

ASK A FEW: How would your life be different if the warnings the Colonel gave were really true?

Read the following passage:

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.”

ASK A FEW: What does it mean to for believers to “stay alert?”

ASK A FEW: Why do you think Peter compares Satan to a roaring lion?

ASK A FEW: In what ways do Peter’s warnings seem similar to the warnings Colonel Quaritch gave in the clip?

ASK A FEW: Another translation of the same Scripture passage says we should stay “self-controlled.” How can losing self-control make us easy prey for Satan?

ASK A FEW: What are some ways we can “stand firm” like Peter says for us to do?

ASK A FEW: What does it mean for a Christian to have a “strong mental attitude?”

ASK A FEW: Where do you think most Christian teenagers are the weakest in “staying alert” and “standing firm?”

AROUND THE CIRCLE: What are one or two ways you can “stay alert” and “stand firm” this week?

Wrap Up:
One of the ways every soldier prepares for battle is to make sure he/she is wearing protective gear. I’m going to pass out a list of the armor God instructs us to put on everyday and give you a chance to do that right now.

Pass out a copy of the paragraph below and ask students to pray through the list. After they are finished, spend a few minutes sharing how doing this could make a difference in their lives if they did it every day, then close in prayer and invite students to trust Christ for salvation.

The Belt Of Truth

The Breastplate Of Righteousness
On my heart I put the breastplate of righteousness. I can fight any battle today because of the righteousness of Jesus, not my own! Jesus I declare that you are my righteousness and that though the victory of the cross I can stand victorious against temptation, sin and the attacks of our enemy. (2 Corinthians 5:12)

The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
On my feet, I put the shoes of the gospel. Father, prepare me by helping me know Jesus in a deeper way. Let your word become the guiding light for every step I take today and let the knowledge of the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection be my source of peace. (Romans 5:1)

The Shield Of Faith
In my hand I take up the shield of faith. Father, by faith, connect me to the power of Jesus. My desire is to trust in you and your strength alone. Protect me from the arrows of the enemy today as I rely on your power. Give me faith so I may go forward doing your will. (Hebrews 11:33–34)

The Helmet Of Salvation
On my head, I receive the helmet of salvation. Jesus, you are my salvation. You are my deliverance. Deliver me from all sins and weaknesses – spiritual, physical, and emotional. Cover me with strength, peace and anointing and bring me to complete wholeness in you. (1 Thessalonians 5:8–9)

The Sword Of The Spirit
In my hand I take up the sword of the Spirit, the powerful word of God. Jesus, you are the living version of God’s Word. May God’s Word give me wisdom to apply the Word to life’s situations and today’s troubles. (Hebrews 4:12)

Close in Prayer

Written by Lane Palmer