If Only We Would...

VICTORY

IN SPITE OF ALL TERROR
Restoring America's Nation Purpose

if my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven
and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.
2 CHRONICLES 7:14

Join us
as we pray for our nation and our leaders
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 at 7:00pm
in the Chapel Room
at Calvary Chapel Burbank

I Believe I Am Being Of Some Use

We had a thought-provoking and emotional DECODER RING last time as we watched the film adaptation of the John Irving novel, "The Cider House Rules." Set in the Maine of Hollywood Americana, young Homer Wells works in an orphanage run by his mentor, Dr. Wilbur Larch. Tutored in all aspects of gynecology, Homer balks at performing one type of procedure, what Dr. Larch calls "a simple D&C."

Homer leaves with a young couple who visited the orphanage for an illegal abortion. He is introduced to a whole new set of characters while working at an apple orchard. Homer learns to work, falls in love, and gets into "trouble." When a horrible incident occurs, he intervenes by performing that which he never had before. An abortion.

Homer returns to the orphanage to take up the mantle of Dr. Larch, under false credentials but with a renewed "compassion." Everyone welcomes him with open arms and they await the time when the rest of the country catches up with their medical philosophy.

The Cider House Rules has, within its New England setting and compassionate exterior, some incredibly insidious ideas. It's no surprise that this pro-abortion tale would contain other worldviews that conflict with God's plan for life. The rejection of rules, the lack of physical restraint, and the seemingly benevolent use of lies permeate the film. In the midst of so much confusion, we turned to God's Word for clarity.

To put it bluntly, abortion is the murder of an unborn person. The Bible talks about how God has created each and every one of us:

"your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be."

PSALM 139:16

We discussed the 5 main arguments used by those who prefer women to have the choice of abortion. These points have not changed since Roe V. Wade in 1976. But it all comes down to this: Does life, any life, have intrinsic value simply because it is life? How you answer that question says a lot about you.

Thankfully, the Bible has plenty to say on that subject as well. In fact, there is no one who has a higher view of man than God. God loves us so much that,

"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

ROMANS 5:8

That "us" as all of us! So, as always, we ended our time together with prayer for John Irving, Lasse Hallstrom, Tobey Maguire, and the rest of the cast and crew, that they would be impacted by God's love and use their talents to honor Him.

Thanks for coming to THE DECODER RING. We'll see you next time.

We are supposed to make our own rules.

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES
rated PG13
(mature themes, a scene of sexuality, brief nudity)

Directed by
Lasse Hallström

Written by
John Irving

Starring
Tobey Maguire, Michael Caine, Charlize Theron,
Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, and Kieran Culkin


Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
PSALM 119:150


Join us
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 at 7:00pm
in the Chapel Room
at Calvary Chapel Burbank

Anyone? Anyone?

At the last DECODER RING, we were bombarded by the conservative polemic EXPELLED: NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED. The filmmakers purport that the creation-evolution debate has reached a fever pitch and all of academia is working in lock step to quash even the smallest inquiry into the validity of Darwin's theory.

We wrestled with the certitude of scientists who support biological evolution and absorbed the tales of others who have lost their positions because of Intelligent Design. Frustrations flared up after realizing that EXPELLED never fully explains the basic tenets of ID, and questions arose concerning even the definition of evolution.

This debate mirrors a lot of what is going on in our culture today. There is so much noise, yelling, name-calling, anger and vitriol that nobody is taking the time to actually engage the arguments! We too, can get caught up in our own web of propaganda, making it impossible to gently instruct.

So we stepped back from the fray, centered ourselves in God's Word, and found true peace of mind.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

PROVERBS 9:10

For since the creation of the world
God's invisible qualities—

his eternal power and divine nature—

have been clearly seen,

being understood from what has been made,

so that men are without excuse.

ROMANS 1:20

SPACE SPACE SPACE

All a man's ways seem right to him,

but the LORD weighs the heart.

PROVERBS 21:2

SPACE SPACE SPACE

What God revealed to us is that we need to focus on the heart of people first and foremost. Their minds are darkened and their thinking is futile without Jesus in their lives, so we need to address the real problem. The problem of the heart. By praying, fasting, loving, and speaking the word, even the most bitter, hardened heart can turn to Christ.

SPACE SPACE SPACE

Look at what happened to Saul. God gave him a new heart and a new name. And Paul the Apostle, empowered by the Holy Spirit, changed the world.

SPACE SPACE SPACE

So we prayed for the scientists and philosophers who oppose the truth and ask our infinitely loving and patient God to lead them to Himself. May this be our prayer, not just at every DECODER RING, but every day. See you next time!

"Religion... It's Just Fantasy."

EXPELLED: NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED

rated PG
(for mature themes)

Directed by
Nathan Frankowski
Written by
Kevin Miller
Ben Stein
Narrated by and Starring
Ben Stein

Join us
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 at 7:00 PM
in the Chapel Room
at Calvary Chapel Burbank

"For since the creation of the world
God's invisible qualities—
his eternal power and divine nature—
have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made,
so that men are without excuse."
ROMANS 1:20

You want a character debate, Bob?

THE DECODER RING made a triumphant return last Saturday night! With all the issues, crises and controversies bombarding us these days, we were reminded how important it is to let God do the leading.

We watched "The American President" and were swept into the high profile world of politics. A popular president is up for re-election when he shakes the status quo by dating a lobbyist and refusing to engage attacks on his character. He's a widower, raising a daughter on his own, and is likable, friendly, and smooth. But as the attacks come from his political opponent, the issues all boil down to character.

We delved into the inspiration for the movie (the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal), and the intentions of both Director Rob Reiner and Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, who make no secret about their Liberal political affiliations.

I wanted to steer away from politics (which just tends to make people angry) and center on the one scene in the movie that almost seems like an afterthought. On their third "date," the woman the president is seeing comes to visit him at the White House. He tells her about his plan for their relationship: "We're going to slow down." When he turns around, she is standing next to the bed, wearing only his shirt. After some clever dialogue, they kiss and sleep together (off-screen).

Just as this scene ends, the movie cuts to the president's political opponent, who in a disparaging tone, sternly promotes "family values." This scene typifies two things in our culture. One, that premarital sex is now considered a given. And two, that people who speak up for modesty and character are dismissed and/or negatively portrayed in the media.

Now my original plan for the study was to focus on what the Bible says about sexual purity and his parameters for physical intimacy. While that is certainly an important topic, God had other plans for the evening.

We evaluated selected scenes from some of Mr. Sorkin's other works, all of which center around characters identifying themselves as believers in Jesus Christ. Despite how these characters are treated in the narrative, it's obvious that the conflict between Christians and Politics is foremost on Sorkin's mind. What's curious is how in his later projects he gives Christian characters ample screen time to defend and express themselves.

The Lord took hold of the evening and guided us to focus our prayers specifically for Aaron Sorkin, that he would be saved and his incredible talent would be redeemed in service to the Lord.

Do not despair. God is moving in Hollywood. The cultural climate is revealing where people stand on a variety of issues. And God is still in the business of changing hearts and minds. Remember,

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,
as some understand slowness.
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance.
2 PETER 3:9

Amen. See you Saturday, October 25th at the next DECODER RING!

Here's my plan.

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT
(1995) rated PG13
(for language, mature themes)

Directed by
Rob Reiner
Written by
Aaron Sorkin
Starring
Michael Douglas, Annette Bening,
Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox,
David Paymer, Richard Dreyfuss

"Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?"
PROVERBS 5:16

Join us SATURDAY,
SEPTEMBER 27 at 7:00pm
in THE CHAPEL ROOM
Calvary Chapel Burbank

See you there!

Equip Your Mind. Engage the Culture.

A movie ministry designed to help believers
discern the hidden agendas behind modern media
and boldly engage our culture with truth and love.

Be part of a challenging Bible study
as we screen a film and compare its messages with scripture.

Enjoy fellowship with believers in and out of the Industry.

Go to the front lines as we pray for the filmmakers
and engage our mission field: the Hollywood community.

Our next meeting is Saturday, September 27 at 7pm
in the Chapel Room at Calvary Chapel Burbank. See you there!

Questions? Email ministry leader Steve Kwant at thedecoderring@yahoo.com

That is heresy. That is the truth!

Wow. The lengths that people will go to deny the existence and worship of God.

Philip Pullman, the author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, of which The Golden Compass is the first volume, is a gifted storyteller. The fable he created concerning Lyra Belaqua and the mystery of Dust has captivated readers all over the world. Aimed at children, The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass have rocked the world of literature. They have received countless prestigious awards, and Pullman's books have sold over 27 million copies worldwide. The film adaptation of The Golden Compass debuted last December.

Many people, however, do not realize that Philip Pullman is also committed atheist. His views regarding Christianity are well-voiced and his agenda is clear. His intent is to drive out the teaching of Scripture with wordly morality tales from fiction. The Bible speaks of people like this:

But there were also false prophets among the people,
just as there will be false teachers among you.
They will secretly introduce destructive heresies,
even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—
bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Many will follow their shameful ways
and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
In their greed these teachers will exploit you
with stories they have made up.
Their condemnation has long been hanging over them,
and their destruction has not been sleeping.
2 PETER 2:1-3

The film and books remain a powerful means of twisting minds to foster rebelliousness, anti-authoritarianism, promote moral confusion, and inflame hatred of the Church. (My original review of the film along with some additional research can be found by clicking here.)

We discussed the insidious lie of Atheism, and worked through the cultural trends leading to Postmodernism to better understand why our society is so confused when it comes to matters of truth.

We learned the true story behind the Fall of Man in Genesis 3, that Man did not achieve enlightenment from eating the forbidden fruit. Instead, he introduced sin and separation from God into the world. The Bible speaks constantly of the value of knowledge, but always in the context that the source is God himself (Proverbs 2:6).

So what is our response to movies and books that espouse such falsehood? Arguments? Boycotts? Picket lines?

God's heart is for the lost, so we dove deep into prayer for everyone involved with the film. We lifted each of them up, thanked God for their talents and gifts, and asked the Lord to surround them with His love. Personally, I would much rather see Mr. Pullman beside me in Heaven than any other fate that might befall him. And I know that Jesus feels the same way.

Thanks so much for everyone who came out last Saturday night. It's tough to have your beliefs challenged, but so rewarding to learn God's truth through his Word and the assurance that comes from the knowledge of Him. See you next time at The Decoder Ring.

War Is Coming, Lyra

THE GOLDEN COMPASS
(2007) rated PG13
(for scary situations, violence)

Written and Directed By
Chris Weitz

Adapted from the novel
"Northern Lights" By
Philip Pullman

Starring
Dakota Blue Richards,
Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig,
Freddie Highmore, Ian McKellen,
Sam Elliott, Eva Green

Bring a friend and join us
SATURDAY JUNE 14 at 7:00pm
in the Chapel Room
Calvary Chapel Burbank

Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas
of what is falsely called knowledge,
which some have professed
and in so doing have wandered from the faith.
1 TIMOTHY 6:20b-21a

You Know Better Than That

In a rushed and harried weekend, we at THE DECODER RING took some time to pause and consider the role of angels in every day life. Who are these "ministering spirits," and what do they have to tell us? Is it a message of hope from God, or could we be deceived and influenced by the evil one masquerading as an angel of light?

"City of Angels" tells the story of Seth, an angel who is so enamored with a human woman that he chooses to "fall" and become a man just so he can be with her. This incredibly romantic tale, however, has at its heart a seductive darkness. The role of God is marginalized, the fleeting pleasures of life are exonerated, and the sensuality and feelings of man are held in high regard.

We discovered that City of Angels is the American remake of Wim Wenders "Wings of Desire," a German independent film that grapples with life's hard questions including free will and the role of God in our lives. A re-imagined script was championed by the late Dawn Steel, former production head of both Paramount and Columbia Pictures. Dawn was obsessed with angels and commissioned the script to be rewritten by screenwriter Dana Stevens.

Unfortunately neither of these two talented ladies spent much time in the Bible when constructing their story. There are wonderful moments between Seth and the dying people he escorts through the afterlife, and he does pose some important questions to Maggie, a doctor having a crisis of confidence. But instead of leading her to the Bible and God, he encourages her to read secular memoirs and give herself over to sensuality.

Comparing this film with God's Word brings out a stark contrast. Angels in the Bible only communicate messages from the Lord. When the scriptures do detail the angels that fall, they don't become men and walk the earth. They turn evil, follow Satan, and are doomed to eternal destruction with him. Their only purpose is to prevent and distract us from following Jesus. Most of the time, this is not a frontal assault. They tease and tempt, seducing the lost and confusing the faithful.

The Bible tells us in EPHESIANS 6:12

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

It also instructs in GALATIANS 5:24

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."

And again in PROVERBS 4:23

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

We are to be extremely vigilant, refusing to be seduced by anything the world has to offer, lest our affections be lured away from the only one who can fulfill our every need, The Lord Jesus Christ. God loves us more than the world ever could. He alone wants to "romance" us. Our reward is a deeper relationship with Him.

Again, as is our tradition, we prayed for the cast and filmmakers. That their talents and abilities would be redeemed by the Lord to do his work, and that they would personally come in contact with those who would share with them the gospel of Christ.

God bless all of you as you live in the tension of being in the world but not of the world. See you next time at THE DECODER RING!

Got A Message For Me?

CITY OF ANGELS
(1998) rated PG13
(a scene of sexuality, brief nudity, language)

Directed By
Brad Silberling

Produced By
Dawn Steel

Written By
Dana Stevens

Adapted from "Wings of Desire"
directed by
Wim Wenders

Starring
Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan, Dennis Franz, Andre Braugher, Colm Feore

Join us
SATURDAY APRIL 19 at 7:00pm
in the Chapel Room at
Calvary Chapel Burbank

Do you not know that we will judge angels?
How much more the things of this life!
1 CORINTHIANS 6:3

Movies, a Message, and a Mission!

Welcome to THE DECODER RING!

A movie ministry designed to help believers
discern the hidden agendas behind modern media
and boldly engage our culture with truth and love.

We'll munch some popcorn, watch a throught-provoking film,
and compare its messages with God's Word.

We had a great time at our last screening
and I can't wait to see how God will challenge us in the future!

Our next meeting is coming up in April.
See you there!

I've let the Devil grab hold of me in ways I never imagined!

THERE WILL BE BLOOD
rated R
(for violence, extreme brutality and language)
space space space space space
Written and Directed by
Paul Thomas Anderson
space space space space space
Starring
Daniel Day-Lewis
Paul Dano
space space space space space
space space space space space
space space space space space
space space space space
There is no story. There is no point. There is no arc, no purpose. Nothing. Just two and a half hours spent in bad company with a musical score full of drowning violins that sound like a bunch of cats being strangled. Hatred, violence, religious mockery, complete and utter darkness of body, mind and soul. And if you can take all that, your final reward for enduring this cinematic turd until just before the credits roll is that it doesn't even have an ending.

Why was this film made? Why does it even exist? Why on earth could it ever even possibly be considered to have any worth or value at all? For the life of me I cannot tell you why. I am completely and totally bewildered.

I'm not taking any high moral ground here. I'm not extending beyond the bounds of reason. I'm not crazy. I'm not stupid. I'm not naive. I'm simply asking how anyone, ANYONE can be completely transparent and intellectually honest and tell me this is a good film.

Seriously, there must be some kind of mental psychosis. Something, some reason, a chemical imbalance, a neurological disorder that could explain why anyone, even film critics could ever appreciate this. Of course the question will inevitably asked, "Well, you did come away from the film with a very strong opinion about it, didn't you? Isn't that the mark of a great artist?"

I thought the mark of a great artist was to communicate a message effectively. Not one that leaves you feeling exactly the same way you came in, not one that beats the tar out of you for watching it, not one where you can literally feel the life being sucked out of your soul just for being in the same room with it.

If I absolutely had to offer some praise, if I strained my imagination as far as it would go until the veins protruded out of my forehead and the blood vessels in my eyes popped, if the very life of my family hung in the balance and they would only be spared if I could muster up just one tiny iota of merit or significance in this film at all, I would say...

Daniel Day-Lewis is a good actor who completely dissolved into the role.

The production was realistic, believably showing the hard work and danger involved in early 1900's oil drilling.

There. That's it. That's all I've got.

This is a terrible film.

"There Will Be Blood" is only, I repeat,
ONLY for cinematic masochists.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

You're Messing With Their Entire Universe

THE DECODER RING returned in full force on Saturday with our screening of Gary Ross' secular humanist fairytale "Pleasantville." Big thanks to all the souls who braved the wind and the rain to join us that night.

Usually the films we decode have subtle, hidden messages. Pleasantville is not one of those films. The worldview of this movie is patently obvious. And the director is wonderfully transparent and candid about his biases and philosophy, which is refreshing. So we dove right in and started to unpack it all.

In the most basic sense, Pleasantville is a twisted take on the Garden of Eden story as found in Genesis 3. Instead of viewing Adam and Eve's singular act of disobedience as The Fall of Man, "Pleasantville" holds it up as the defining moment of human enlightenment.

When sin enters the black and white world of the town, color is seen for the first time. Unchecked passion, in whatever form it takes, sprouts forth in glowing Technicolor. Knowledge itself is placed on the throne, and worshipped by all evolving humanity. Traditionalists (who stay in black and white) and those with moral codes, are "educated" by the new and improved Adam and Eve so they all can live a more exciting, fulfilled, completely liberated life.

We saw through the hollow arguments and misguided philosophies of the film and got right to the heart of the matter. What the world offers as a means to freedom, is in fact just another form of slavery. But it's slavery to sin and death. The bible states, not once, but twice,

"There is a way that seems right to man,
but in the end it leads to death."
PROVERBS 14:12 and 16:25

I don't know about you, but any time God has to repeat Himself, I take notice!

In the truest biblical sense, none of us are ever truly free at all. But we do have a choice: be a slave to Christ or a slave to sin. There is no middle ground here. Wonderfully, the bible also says

"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts."
PSALM 119:45

After our study we prayed for the filmmakers, cast and crew of Pleasantville, as well as the family of Heath Ledger, whose talents and gifts were so abruptly cut short last week. Maybe this tragedy will spark some in the Industry to seek out the Lord and discover his great compassionate love for them.

Take care everybody. See you next time at THE DECODER RING.

What's outside of Pleasantville?

THE DECODER RING ENCORE SERIES

PLEASANTVILLE (1998)
rated PG13
(sexual situations, language)

Written and Directed by
Gary Ross

Starring
Tobey Maguire
Reese Witherspoon
Joan Allen
Jeff Daniels
William H. Macy
J.T. Walsh

Join us

Saturday, January 26 at 7:00pm

in the Chapel room at

Calvary Chapel Burbank

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God."

EPHESIANS 6:17

Read more about Pleasantville on IMDB