Music & media

Group, Mar/Apr 2001

music & media*biblical discussion starters

lifehouse

song: "Sick Cycle Carousel" (from No Name Face)

theme: Grace

synopsis: The singer realizes he can do nothing to earn grace, he only needs to accept it.

background: Lifehouse's debut CD No Name Face may not appear spectacular at first listen. Singer/songwriter Jason Wade (whose voice is reminiscent of Scott Weiland's) crafts slick power-pop songs akin to Matchbox 20's. Musically, Lifehouse'doesn't break any new ground, but their hopefilled lyrics set them apart from the multitude of bands fighting for your ear. Though not explicit about faith in Christ, Lifehouse's songs focus almost exclusively on matters of faith-how faith affects a person's life journey and how God provides all the answers. It's interesting that Wade (who grew up an m.k. in exotic locales such as Hong Kong) continues his parents` proselytizing by using the "devil's music" to spread a message of grace and redemption.

discussion questions: Ask: Exactly what does "grace" mean? When has someone extended grace to you? What happened? Play the song. Ask: Do you relate to "trying to earn your way" to God? Why or why not? Read aloud Ephesians 2:8-9. Ask: Why do we try so hard to earn grace rather than accept it? How can you rest in God's grace this week?

polarboy

song: "At Least I Tied" (from 4008)

theme: Sharing Qur faith

synopsis: The singer commits to share the gospel with his family, even though they aren't receptive.

background: Polarboy's sophomore release stands on solid songwriting and strong musicianship.

The music is basic acoustic rock with organic touches of subtle guitar effects, country elements (Dobro and banjo), and even some old-time gospel singing. The lyrical depth makes 4008 compelling. These songs speak with honesty, directly to the heart, and offer up hope in the midst of life's struggles. Polarboy doesn't paint their musical canvas full of roses, but they point out the rays of God's light that hit the darkened landscape. People who discover this gem will be encouraged and challenged.

discussion questions: Ask,.ave you ever shared your faith with a close friend or family member? What happened? Play the song and read aloud Matthew 28:18-20. Ask: Why is it sometimes hard to share our faith with the people we love? What are some of the reasons we have for not talking to friends and family about our faith? What are you doing to exemplify Christ to them now? What are some new ways you can share the gospel with your loved ones this week without saying a word?

is it live?

America's newest fascination chokes the airwaves: We want the cameras running all day, every day, uncut, and uncensored. What started fairly innocently with the Real World and COPS has descended into a cesspool of "reality." Darwin's survival of the "fittest" is affirmed on Survivor; The Mole shatters the fabric of trust; Jack*** documents every lewd act that Johnny Knoxville can inflict upon himself; monogamy and love walk the plank on Love Cruise; and Temptation Island...say no more.

While many see the reality craze as harmless, its affects can be sinister because these shows give a false sense of reality. Most people don't realize that reality shows are scripted-through casting choices, editing, behind-thescenes rules, and orchestrated situations. Because "real" people act this way, it becomes acceptable for others to follow suit. These shows can also lead people toward voyeurism-living out forbidden desires by watching others act them out. Challenge kids to guard their minds from the underlying themes of reality TV.

Ask: If you could be on any reality TV show, which one would it be and why? Why do people like these shows? What makes the term "reality TV" so ironic? Read aloud Romans 12:1-2. What are the underlying messages of reality TV shows? How might continual exposure to these messages affect your real, everyday life?

galaxy quest (pg)

theme: Integrity

scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-22

clip location: 25:45 through 27:30*

synopsis: The Thermians have watched the Galaxy Quest crew's adventures from their planet light-years away. (They believe that the canceled TV series is actual history.) They tell the crew that their help is needed to fight General Sarris, who seeks the Thermians' extermination.

gospel filter: We never know when someone is watching as, We represent Christ here on earth to people who don't know him. We often have no idea that people are watching us or how our actions affect them. Get kids talking about the importance of living by Christ's high standards so that everyone who watches our lives will be drawn to Jesus.

discussion questions: Ask: Have you ever been disappointed by someone's actions when that person didn't know that you were watching? What happened? Read aloud 1 Peter 2:21-22. Ask: How are you following Christ's example? How do your actions reflect upon Jesus? Is there something you're involved in or an attitude you have that would be embarrassing for someone to see? How can you rid your life of un-Christlike actions and attitudes?