A small group dvd curriculum series presented by michael w. smith volume one love at first sight
Love at First Sight Study Guide 2008 by Randall House Published by Randall House 114 Bush Road Nashville, TN 37217 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other means except for brief quotation in critical reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher. All Scripture quotations are taken from The New International Version of the Bible (NIV) 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. 13-ISBN 9780892656660
Session One Connect: Watch the movie Unite your group by welcoming them. Begin the class with an icebreaker. Then, simply insert DVD and watch complete movie. Icebreaker Ideas (5-10 minutes) - Ask the group one or more of the following: What is your favorite movie about love? Name a famous movie couple and see if the rest of the group can guess the title of the movie or the actors who played the parts. Name an actor and actress who have played a couple in more than one movie. Watch Movie 23 minutes Critique: Group Discussion 30-40 minutes Leading the group discussion: As discussion begins among the group, make sure opinions are respected and no one person dominates the discussion. Consider sharing those ground rules with the entire group. After the first viewing, it is important to focus on one major topic of discussion. Let the group discuss some general items and basic themes in the beginning, but at some point the discussion should be narrowed to the theme of the week. After the first viewing, the main discussion should be on the subject of love. If discussion doesn t naturally begin among the group, then move to the movie critique area to get things started. Movie critique: 1. Allow the group to share a critical review of the movie. 2. Analyze use of a wide variety of movie types in the overall story. 3. Let the group share what type of movie they watch most often. Love - Questions to spark discussion: 1. Why do Dane and Jessica criticize the other s movie choice without even seeing it? 2. What makes a movie labeled the greatest love story of all time so popular? 3 What does the sports announcer s endorsement of Love at First Sight say about our culture and its priorities? Do reviews from others influence what you choose to watch? 4. Why would Labour of Love seem to be a more genuine love story? 5. Where do you think Dane s attitude on love came from? Concepts to review for discussion: 1. The concept of true love evades many because they are searching for the movie version. List some dangers in expecting love to happen as it does in a movie scene. 2. What is it that makes people say it was? Is there any validity to that claim? 3. Discuss the topic of love being a process rather than an instant feeling. Is physical attraction or common interests a stronger bond? 4. Is it necessary to have an initial physical attraction? 5. If God is left out of the process of searching for love, what is likely to happen? Movie feedback leading to critical thinking: 1. Give one sentence to describe the message of the movie as it relates to true love. 2. In your opinion, what influenced Dane to doubt? What influenced Jessica to believe in the concept? 3. List other movies that fall under the category Dane labels cliché romantic dramas. 4. What do you recognize about the nature of relationships and romantic connections in other movies? 5. Discuss the potential danger in defining true love based on what is seen in movies. Conclude: That s A Wrap 10-15 minutes This is a key portion of the small group study. It is through the examination of Scripture that a solid biblical worldview is built. The goal as a leader is to give your students a filter through which concepts and ideas pass, giving them the necessary skills to achieve critical thinking. Share the concepts listed below to build a foundation so the group discussion can interface with faith. Share the passages listed below to encourage everyone to make a personal application of God s Word to each part of life, including entertainment.
God gives wonderful examples in the Bible of true love stories. Look at those relationships and find the source of stregth that sustained them despite human character flaws. Observe how God directed in the lives of each person as individuals and then as a couple. Haven t you read, he replied, that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, and said, For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. Matthew 19:4-6 Jacob and Rachel Review Genesis 28-29 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, I ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel. Laban said, It s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me. So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. Genesis 29:18-20 (More Scripture to share: Genesis 2:18-24, Hebrews 13:4) The entire book of The Song of Solomon is about the love relationship between a husband and his wife. It speaks to the value God places on that relationship to have an entire book of the Bible dedicated to it. Boaz and Ruth Review Ruth 2-4 Hosea and Gomer Review Hosea 1-3 Joseph and Mary Review Matthew 1; Luke 1-2 We do well to remind ourselves that God s examples are what we should pattern our lives after rather than love shown in a movie. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all is the greatest love story of all time. Christ displayed a love for mankind beyond the realm of our imagination. Everyone should find comfort in knowing that depth of love in life. Accepting God s love for us gives opportunity to share that love with others. It is truly a personal experience yet meant to be shared with the world. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (More Scripture to share: Romans 5:6-8, 1 John 4:10,11, Matthew 16:21, 1 John 3:16) If you know the love of God, you should be sharing that life-changing truth with others. God created man and woman for each other and gave them the institution of marriage as a place where true love is displayed. The world may try to give this union less value and even destroy it, but God holds it to the higest standard. We should do the same. God defines genuine love in clear language. The world attempts to add variables to any definition and often creates a confusing picture. The Scriptures are the true source of a love that is enduring. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:4-13 (More Scripture to share: Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:12-14, 2 John 1:6, Galatians 5:22, 1 Peter 4:8) We must be careful not to let our definition of love come from movies or any other form of entertainment.
Session Two OPTION TO CONSIDER: If there are no new members for the study, it is recommended you skip to Session 3 and watch the bonus features provided on the DVD. Then your group will have discussion based on the questions listed in Session 3 of the study. Session 2 will then become Session 3 allowing your group to view the entire movie through a new set of eyes as your last session together. Connect: Watch the movie Unite your group by welcoming them. Begin the class with an icebreaker. Then, simply insert DVD and watch complete movie. Icebreaker Ideas (5-10 minutes) - Ask the entire group to participate in one or more of the following: Quote a line from a movie and have the group guess the title of the movie or which character said the line. Share a story of how a movie scene influenced your view of love. Sing a few lines from a movie soundtrack and see if the group can guess the title of the song, the movie, and the performer of the song. Watch Movie 23 minutes Concepts to review for discussion: 1. Dane and Jessica are discussing a serious subject, but they do not let anger become part of the debate. 2. Talk about the different kinds of people who rented Love at First Sight and why they chose it. 3. Since Dane loves cliché action movies, is his attitude toward cliché love stories hypocritical? Why? Movie feedback leading to critical thinking: 1. Is it easy to fall into the pattern of judging others? Why? 2. What s another movie involves a debate between the two main characters? 3. Why do so many movies make the disagreement between a man and a woman? 4. Does the mindset in movies transfer over into our lives as it relates to judging others? 5. How much of an influence do movies have on our thinking? 6. Is it possible to watch a movie and not let it impact you? How do you do that? Conclude: That s A Wrap 10-15 Minutes Encourage the group to apply truth to their lives this week: This is a key portion of the small group study. It is through the examination of Scripture that a solid biblical worldview is built. The goal as a leader is to give your students a filter through which concepts and ideas pass, giving them the necessary skills to achieve critical thinking. Share the concepts listed below to build a foundation so the group discussion can interface with faith. Share the passages listed below to encourage everyone to make a personal application of God s Word to each part of life, including entertainment. We need to be on guard against speaking words of judgment towards others. It is our nature to be quick to argue our own point, but God gives clear instruction to guard our words. Critique: Group Discussion 30-40 Minutes Allow any new group members to share a critical review of the movie. Judging Others - Questions to spark discussion: 1. Why was Dane so sure is impossible? 2. What does Jessica s statement about Dane s Hobbit feet say about her? 3. Why did Dane and Jessica think it was strange for the last customer to rent Love at First Sight? He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs 21:23 (More Scripture to share: James 1:26, Colossians 4:16,17, 2 Timothy 2:16, Proverbs 13:3) The tongue is powerful and will do a great deal of damage if not controlled.
We should carefully examine ourselves before passing judgment on others. It is very easy to judge based on superficial elements such as looks. However, we tend to judge incorrectly when using a small amount of knowledge to form the basis of our judgment. Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:1-4 Tell us about a small independent film or foreign film you enjoyed watching. What movie do you consider the greatest love story of all time? If you could act in a remake of a classic film, what character would you like to be? What is your favorite movie that would fit in the same category as Zomleah? Watch Bonus Features Behind The Scenes 27 minutes (More Scripture to share: James 4:12, Psalm 9:7,8, James 2:12,13) God reminds us to examine ourselves rather than looking outward to pass judgment. Do not let disagreements leave unresolved anger among you. We must work to resolve the conflict before it builds and causes more damage to the relationship. In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:26,29 (More Scripture to share: Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:31, 32, James 1:19, 20, Proverbs 13:10) Disagreements are a natural part of relationships, but unresolved anger resulting from disagreements will destroy relationships. Session Three Connect: Watch the Bonus Features on the DVD Unite your group by welcoming them. Begin the class with an icebreaker. Then, simply insert DVD and watch the bonus features. Icebreaker Ideas (5-10 minutes)- Ask the entire group to participate in one or more of the following: Critique: Group Discussion 30-40 minutes Bonus Features Questions to spark discussion: 1. How do you feel about the director s comments on the importance of casting? 2. Does music draw you in to the story? How? 3. Which fictional movie shown would you like to see in full length? Why? 4. People shared that the witness of the directors on set was evident. How do we make sure our witness is evident to those with whom we work? 5. Just for fun share your version of the wicked Zomleah laugh or your this is what falling in love looks like face. Differing Opinions - Questions to spark discussion: 1. What is the difference between a conversation, a discussion, and an argument? 2. What are some topics that are often discussed during a heated debate or argument? 3. What forces us to the point that we raise our voice or force our opinion on someone else? Concepts to review for discussion: 1. Discuss the fact that through experience we may realize our ideas were not true. 2. How do we know that someone s opinion is one that we should accept?
3. Can a believer have an intelligent debate with a non-believer? If so, how do they participate in the discussion without being swayed away from the truth? Movie feedback leading to critical thinking: 1. How would you describe the exchange of opinions between Dane and Jessica? 2. Give an example of a movie that swayed your opinion. 3. Name a director who is known for strongly displaying a certain belief system in movies. 5. In what ways does society look to movies to form a belief system? others if we are willing to listen to them. Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20 (More Scripture to share: Proverbs 22:17a, Proverbs 19:2, Proverbs 12:15) Our responsibility is to use good advice given to us by those who are wise. Visit C2dvd.com/leaders for a bonus a free take-away for the movie viewer. Conclude: That s A Wrap 10-15 minutes This is a key portion of the small group study. It is through the examination of Scripture that a solid biblical worldview is built. The goal as a leader is to give your students a filter through which concepts and ideas pass, giving them the necessary skills to achieve critical thinking. Share the concepts listed below to build a foundation so the group discussion can interface with faith. Share the passages listed below to encourage everyone to make a personal application of God s Word to each part of life, including entertainment. We must not be quick to argue. It is respectful to allow others to share their opinions. We are called to have a discerning heart and avoid strife. It is to a man s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 20:3 (More Scripture to share: Proverbs 14:29, 1 Peter 3:8, Proverbs 17:14) Knowing when to listen instead of speaking is a sign of maturity. Consider the source and remember that we can gather good advice from