ABOUT THE BIBLE STUDY GUIDE BIBLE STUDY INTRODUCTION

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1 STUDY GUIDE

2 ASSESS THE ENEMY ABOUT THE BIBLE STUDY GUIDE The Bible discussion guide draws on the themes in the film and provides an opportunity for personal study or group discussion of such topics as assessing the tactics our biblical enemy uses; the reason to form a battle plan and ways for a believer to stand strong; why pride can bring about destructive behavior and disfavor from God; and what choosing to follow Christ can mean in one s life. Each topic will reflect on biblical applications as well as illustrating how God s truth through the scriptures can truly set us free. BIBLE STUDY INTRODUCTION Rumors of Wars portrays how society, as we know it today, has ultimately declined and how that has affected Christians of the future. In this study, we will explore parallels in the film with our present day, applying them to a biblical perspective. THEME... THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE 2 In Rumors of Wars, Zurn Global presents a new philosophy to the American populace as a means to a perfect life. However, there are consequences for joining the prestigious movement one with a hidden agenda. Let s compare how the Enemy mentioned in the Bible portrays a worldly lifestyle in much the same way. 1. Zurn Global introduces the microchip as a glorious opportunity to enhance an individual s life. But once it is embedded in the hand, there are costs associated with it. List today s worldly opportunities (for example illegal drugs) that at first appear to be a way to have more fun or an exciting life. Read Genesis 3:1-7 for an example of a tempting opportunity. 2. When we make poor choices they become entrenched in our minds and bodies, much the same as the electronic chip depicted in the film. Refer to your list of opportunities and evaluate the costs of each one. Consider the consequences for King Soloman in I Kings 11: Professor Dietrich is wary of the microchip touted by Zurn Global s college representative, Lee Richardson, and voices his concerns in the classroom and again later in the cell phone video. In our present day, how can we help others see the pitfalls of poor choices presented as light? Read I Timothy 4:11-12, 16 and John 8: Christ was presented with an opportunity to change His destiny. Read Matthew 4:1-11 and see how He deflected Satan s attempt to derail Him from His God-given purpose. What are some of the ways the Enemy tries to derail you from being the best person you can be? 3

3 PREPARE A BATTLE PLAN At first glance, the film s glitzy Zurn Global organization appears to be an up and coming entity with which to align. Promises of a perfect world and personal achievement beyond one s wildest dreams seem too good to be true and they are. There is a hidden agenda, one that will have consequences. Similarly in our lives, we may be presented with thoughts and ideas that seem enticing. For example, friends may engage us with their experiences with an illegal drug, relating the thrill it brings; a co-worker may confide how pornography enhances his life and could do the same for you; or a winning at a gambling casino beckons with the promise of more, if we will only continue to play. Whether it s alcoholism, drug, porn, or a gambling addiction, even an extramarital affair, all start with what seems innocent in the beginning. In the film, Roxy is an army of one seeking the truth about Zurn Global and its agenda. Although she is forced to accept the microchip, the college student documents their activities in her diary, preserving the truth as a way to battle this enemy. Let s think about how we are confronted by the biblical enemy, Satan, and our need for a battle plan. Everyone has a weakness and Satan appears as an angel of light. When Satan tempts us and he will assess where this alluring action will take you and the consequences that are certain to follow spiritually, physically and relationally. Stay close to God through prayer and the scriptures. Also, be accountable to a trusted friend who will support you in prayer and encouragement if you are faced with what could be a regrettable choice. Remember, even Christ was tempted to change his destiny. Don t let Satan keep you from God s purpose for your life with a false promise of something better. The Truth: For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 4 1. Mr. Zurn promotes his strategies to worship the Calf at the meeting Roxy attends with Lee Richardson. In our culture today, we can be urged to adopt a set of values that differ from the Bible. What morals and ethics do you see promoted in our society that are unacceptable to God? Consider Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 3:510, Romans 12:2 and Titus 2:11-12 as you answer this question. 2. When Roxy is confronted with the choice to get the chip, she runs. For us, how important is our mindset before we are asked to go against our principles? In Proverbs 1:10-15 and I Corinthians 6:18-20 find a recommended plan of action. What is it? Now read Daniel 1:8 to learn the importance of a preplanned strategy. Give an example of how to apply this principle. 3. In Rumors of Wars, Shaw and The Alliance confront noncompliers while wearing extensive protective gear difficult to penetrate. For believers today, the Bible tells us there is spiritual armor available to us when we battle our enemy, Satan. Read Ephesians 6:11-17 and list the protection mentioned in these scriptures. 4. In a scene from the future, Shaw stands by while books are burned and he says, Books [knowledge] are the disease plaguing our society. In our world today, the Enemy would like to destroy our belief in God s word. Read 2 Timothy 3:16, John 8:32 and Psalm 119:11-16, 105 and think on the importance of these words in regards to being prepared to defend your faith. 5

4 DEFY EGOTISM Rumors of Wars portrays a brave new world; one Mr. Zurn encourages the crowds to join. It s hip, cutting- edge and a movement that invites followers to leave traditional values and beliefs behind. Although there isn t a Zurn Global in our society today, there is a subtle movement changing conventional principles. For example, the entertainment industry regularly promotes sex before or outside of marriage; lewd behavior onstage is often celebrated; films occasionally degrade religion, and ideas counter to biblical teachings are embedded in pre-teen movies, television dramas and sitcoms. A steady dose of these messages, along with other avenues such as college professors who deny God s existence, can skew how we view life and how we live. We can begin to believe that human life is disposable; that a falsehood rather than truth is acceptable; that it is OK to take advantage of the system to get ahead; perfectly fine to pilfer from an employer, and it is better to be dependent rather than achieve. When Zurn Global makes its appeal to be part of their organization offering success and perfection, it plays to egotism inherent in mankind. In the film, years later, self-importance once again plays a prominent role as people affiliate with the One World government and join The Alliance. Let s consider how pride has played historically and in our present day. To combat this philosophy that is pervasive, we need to be prepared with a plan. First, believers must read their Bible daily, seeing the truths and commandments within its pages. Secondly, be spiritually prepared for each day with prayer, standing strong in the biblical armor ready to deflect Satan s attacks. By memorizing God s word we can hold-on to its truths and promises when temptation comes, or when we need its knowledge to respond to challenges about our belief system. Importantly, know your values and what you stand for before you re confronted with the opposition that appears as light. The Truth: When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability. Proverbs 28:2 (NLT) 1. In the film, Mr. Zurn is The Man greeted by accolades and applause a person who has become a leading celebrity. Name several current public personalities and people of power who are viewed as superstars in our culture. Why are they admired? What can this kind of fame do to one s ego, if not careful? 2. If someone were to say to you in regards to the pursuit of perfection, There s nothing we can t achieve with our minds. You just have to unlock it, as was said by Zurn, how would you feel about yourself? About your need for God? Now, read Genesis 11:1-4 and compare it to the concept Zurn promoted and the propaganda of the film s One World government. When is ambition problematic? 3. Pride is spoken of frequently in the Bible. Read the following scriptures and then consider the dangers of a prideful heart and how God feels about it: Proverbs 6:16-19, Psalm 10:2-11, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Acts 12: There is a positive side to pride. When can it be appropriate? Read Romans 15:17, 2 Corinthians 5:11-12 and James 4:13-16 and then apply this to areas in your life where pride can be acceptable. 6 7

5 FOLLOW THE ONE Imagine hearing these words, We are our own gods and if we unlock our minds there is greatness within us. It s the arrogant creed advanced by members of the One World government portrayed in Rumors of Wars words that appeal to man s desire to be significant. Now enter into our current world and consider the desire for at least 10-minutes of fame. YouTube videos abound and selfies proliferate on social media; friends and followers are indicative of one s popularity. But self-importance isn t something new to this generation only. Critical life and death decisions face Christians in Rumors of Wars as The Alliance searches relentlessly for their hiding places. Our decisions certainly differ, but believers daily choose whom and what they will follow. Let s explore this topic. The Bible gives a perfect example in the story of the tower of Babel where the goal was to raise a shrine flaunting their greatness and this pride didn t sit well with God who took measures to strike it down. In the scriptures, we see that haughty eyes are at the top of the list of seven things the Lord despises. Pride can lead to destructive behavior such as taking too much credit, becoming judgmental and wanting our own way, to name a few. It s not that we can t have ambition to satisfy our God-given longing for lasting accomplishment, but it falls short when it s about making a name for ourselves. What we are passionate about can be an avenue to give God glory, showing gratefulness for the talent and abilities He has created in us. That s a healthy sense of pride as well as being proud of family members. But always remember to turn away from egotism, the idea that it s all about me. 1. In our culture, there are lifestyles we want to emulate or principles we want to follow to achieve our personal goals. Make a list of these principles or lifestyles. Now evaluate their importance to you and why you choose to follow or adhere to them. 2. In the film, Christians choose to not align with the principles of the One World government. Nowadays, why would we choose to follow Christ? Read John 3:16, John 14:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 3:16-19, Isaiah 26:3 and Galatians 5: Choosing to follow the One, Jesus Christ, brings a new set of principles for living. Read Ephesians 4:21-32, Luke 17:4 and Matthew 5:43-44 and discuss how these verses apply to living as a believer. 4. In the film, we see how religion has become the enemy, mocked by The Alliance as primitive thinking. Can you think of any present-day figures or groups who have suffered for their faith? Read John 15:18-21 and Acts 7:52-8:3 to understand the courage of early Christians. 5. As a believer, have you ever been ridiculed or sidelined for your faith, the fact that you follow Christ? Read Romans 12:9-21, Luke 6:27-31 and Psalm 91:1-2 and then reflect on the refugees in the film and how these verses were illustrated. The Truth: God delivers the humble but humiliates the proud. Psalm 18:27 (NLT) 8 9

6 NOTES : Confronted with following the One World government s philosophy a belief that God is nonexistent and therefore worship the Calf many Christians in the film choose to hold fast to their faith. This means sacrifice and almost certain death. Presently in our world, we are seeing persecution of Christians abroad on a larger scale than ever before. But in America, we still have religious freedom, the right to attend the church of our choice and follow our chosen faith. Although there may be subtle mockery of believers, we do not live in fear because we follow Christ. And why do we choose to follow Him? Isaiah 9:6 prophecies of Jesus Christ s birth, the Messiah who is the Son of God. Through His death and resurrection, we can be made whole totally forgiven of our past. When we surrender our hearts to Jesus, we live in His presence here on earth through the Holy Spirit. And commitment to biblical principles outlined in the scriptures means a new way of living, being a light in the world through our example. In the film, Shaw was moved to accept Christ by the love and forgiveness he found in the remnant of believers a decision that meant sacrifice. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, then be a light in the darkness through your lifestyle and love. However, if you are only a fan and not a follower, make the decision that will change your life. The Truth: I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won t be stumbling through the darkness, because you have the light that leads to life. John 8:12 (NLT) 10 11

7 RUMORS OF WARS R umors of Wars is a suspenseful, action packed film with two converging storylines, the first one centering around an aspiring college journalist named Roxy (Jennifer Cooper), who finds herself searching for answers when she investigates endtime prophecies for a term paper. Recording her research in a diary, her findings prove to have more of an impact than she could have ever imagined. Her diary is discovered years later in the rubble of a post apocalypse society filled with decay and violence. With the truth of what really happened to the world in its pages, the book finds its way into the hands of an officer named Shaw (Ben Davies) in the New World Army. But what will he do with this newfound truth? The film is a Bearfruit production directed by Paul Tomborello and written by Paul Tomborello (screenplay) and Phillip Abraham. THE BIBLE STUDY draws on the themes in the film and provides an opportunity for personal study or group discussion of such topics as assessing the tactics our biblical enemy uses; the reason to form a battle plan and ways for a believer to stand strong; why pride can bring about destructive behavior and disfavor from God; and what choosing to follow Christ can mean in one s life. Each topic will reflect on biblical applications as well as illustrating how God s truth through the scriptures can truly set us free. For more information visit