Zombieland: The Search for Family
Coming up on the Men at the Movies podcast, we enter the world of Zombieland. Columbus’ life was dominated by fear, which lead to rules leaving him alone and searching for family. Through forgiveness and breaking the rules for love, he found the family he had been looking for all along. Time to nut up or shut up, and join us as we discover God’s truth in this movie.
About Joshua
Joshua is a Jesus Freak and adventurous nerd, who loves the outdoors. He's the award-winning and best-selling author of the zombie apocalypse series, The Brother's Creed. When he’s not escaping into the mountains, he can be observed living in Northern Wisconsin with his wife, two sons, guns and katanas. He has a love for all things imaginary and finds inspiration in the wilderness, away from the distractions of life. He's currently pursuing a career as an indie author and writing coach. Some of his other passions include hunting, shooting, board & video games, hard rock, reading, and anything fantasy & sci-fi.
Quotes
We try to do it in our strength instead of doing it in his strength.
We become a family by the battles we go through together.
You don’t have to do the hardships well, but if you do the reconciliation well, it will only strengthen the relationship.
We create the rules because we feel like that’s where we will find life.
In order to find your family, you have to face what you fear the most.
Themes
Rules of community
We’re made for community. Meant to be a part of our lives.
They will get on our nerves.
Relationships are hard.
We have to understand that our rules are not everyone’s rules.
Community is not safe.
Have to face your fears
Surviving vs living
Survival is through lack of attachments-because of fear
Survival is shown by the pressure we live under.
Our rules are made by fear. We think if we keep the rules we’ll find life.
Living starts with forgiveness.
Are our rules made from fear or love?
Resources
Joshua C. Chadd’s website
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” - Hebrews 10: 25 ( NLT)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” - Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
“I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.” - Psalm 119:16 (NLT)
“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.” - 1 John 4:16-19 (NLT)
Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what. - Maya Angelou
Questions
How far would you go to protect the ones you love?
What’s the difference between surviving and living?
What standard do you hold yourself to as a dad or husband? How reasonable is that standard? How do you feel when you fall short?
Where do you put extra pressure on yourself?
Who do you need to forgive to grow in community?
How has fear impacted your relationships?
What rules are you living by? Do they come from love or fear?
More info
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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
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