City Bible Forum City Bible Forum

Unsung Hero


Russ Matthews & Laura Bennett attended the Sydney Premeire with the family of For King and Country and had a thrilling night. Yet, the film took the whole experience to the next level. This wonderful story will captivate anyone who comes along. The Samllbones journey from Australia to the United States proved to be one of faith, family and fatherhood.

Have your say on their take or just drop us a comment at hopepodcast.com.au.

Film Summary: Based on a remarkable true story, Unsung Hero follows David Smallbone as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realise the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: five-time GRAMMY Award®-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.

[video: https://youtu.be/E2Ak31F-6bM?si=IteAEyb-eIhnF0Rl]


We've got a lot of ground to cover!


So many shows, so little time. At least it feels like it. Between all the different streaming platforms and the blockbuster movies coming to cinema trying to get audiences back in a post-COVID world, we are spoilt for choice on screen – and yet, still “have nothing to watch”.


Deciphering all the voices in entertainment and how to think about the themes raised in movies, TV, and streaming is tough: enter our new podcast The Watchlist.


Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Prime Music or Google Podcasts

Watch on Youtube

IF


Russ Matthews & Laura Bennett discuss the film IF directed by John Krasinski and starring Ryan Reynolds. They explore the concept of imaginary friends and how it relates to faith and the need for support beyond ourselves. The film delves into the importance of imagination and curiosity in both childhood and adulthood. While it may not be what viewers expect from a Ryan Reynolds film, it offers a heartfelt and thought-provoking experience for the whole family.

Have your say on their take or just drop us a comment at hopepodcast.com.au.

Film Summary: Bea (Cailey Fleming) has gone through the highs and lows of her young life, and at the age of 12, she has left behind childish things and has attempted to grow up. Yet, she is confronted with her past and the realm of fantastical creatures that inhabit the lives of children around the globe, IFs (Imaginary friends). When she returns to live with her grandmother while her father (John Krasinski) is in hospital, the young girl meets Cal (Ryan Reynolds), the neighbour who lives upstairs, trying to match old imaginary friends with new children. The pair go on a journey to meet and connect these whimsical and loving creatures with those who need their love and care.

[video: https://youtu.be/FIHGr9K6Jvg]


We've got a lot of ground to cover!


So many shows, so little time. At least it feels like it. Between all the different streaming platforms and the blockbuster movies coming to cinema trying to get audiences back in a post-COVID world, we are spoilt for choice on screen – and yet, still “have nothing to watch”.


Deciphering all the voices in entertainment and how to think about the themes raised in movies, TV, and streaming is tough: enter our new podcast The Watchlist.


Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Prime Music or Google Podcasts

Watch on Youtube

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes


Russ Matthews & Laura Bennett talk about the franchise that has been part of our lives for over five decades. The premise introduced by Pierre Boulle in his novel Planet of the Apes, which reverses the relationship between man and primate. In 1968, Charlton Heston brought this futuristic idea of the world being run by apes and humanity being relegated to a hunted herd species. Yet, over the years, this concept has taken on different alliterations, eventually introducing the saviour figure, Caesar.

Film Summary: Jumping ahead 300 years since the recent series ended, the world of apes has developed into various clans since Caesar led to their domination over humanity. Noa (Owen Teague) is a chimpanzee who lives amongst the eagle clan and trains the birds to assist their kind in hunting and protection. All goes on in their idyllic atmosphere until a young human girl named Mae (Freya Allan) crosses paths with the inventive chimp. Curiosity turns to necessity as Noa’s family is kidnapped by a horde sent by the ape king Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand). The pair must work with the wise orangutan, Raka (Peter Macon), to save his clan and help Mae find her people. As they venture outside of their familiar surroundings, each learns more about the vicious world that has developed around them and must decide how they will help remedy the evil striving to take over the world.

[video: https://youtu.be/FIHGr9K6Jvg]


We've got a lot of ground to cover!


So many shows, so little time. At least it feels like it. Between all the different streaming platforms and the blockbuster movies coming to cinema trying to get audiences back in a post-COVID world, we are spoilt for choice on screen – and yet, still “have nothing to watch”.


Deciphering all the voices in entertainment and how to think about the themes raised in movies, TV, and streaming is tough: enter our new podcast The Watchlist.


Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Prime Music or Google Podcasts

Watch on Youtube

NIcholas Winton's story in the beautiful film, One Life, shows how one life can affect scores of others, since he was the organiser of the Kindertrains that saved hundreds of children prior to World War II. This story shows how a person's decisions have effects that ripple throughout time.


One Life is a reflection of the words of Jesus: "Love your neighbour as yourself."


This sounds easy enough and straightforward, but proves to be challenging to do. Why? Because the ability to practice loving our neighbours can only be based on the first part of Jesus' original quote.


You see, loving others can only truly be experienced by first loving God, because He first loved us.


To be clear, people can love without God, but it is only by God's power that we truly can understand what it means to love our neighbour.


Love God, love others. They go hand in hand.


"File:Statue of Nicholas Winton in Prague.jpg" by Jenda H. is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The most dangerous time to reach for a snack might be the hour before dinner is served. You've finished most of the day's tasks and your body is sending you signals that it's time to eat!

Our bodies tell us what we need. But so do our souls.


There is a hunger in each of us that food cannot satisfy.


It may surprise you that Jesus offers Himself as the bread of life. Bread was and is a major source of sustenance.


Jesus offers Himself as our source of sustenance and satisfaction.


He doesn't just offer us a temporary fix to our needs, but an eternal, fulfilling and rich feast.

So the next time you go to make a sandwich or a piece of toast, remember that Jesus offers us more than just energy,


but meets our hunger for eternity by offering Hijmself as the bread of life.

Recently, I went online to buy some tickets to see Taylor Swift. We'd missed out in the first round, but in the second round, much to my surprise, we got onto the ticket platform and found some tickets.

But as I went to finalise the transaction, I forgot my password to the ticketing platform. I frantically tried to remember, but I couldn't and so the transaction timed out and we missed out.


We missed out because I forgot one piece of information.


So, will this be how God lets people into heaven?


That if we panic and forget the right words (or password), we'll miss out on eternity with Him?


Well, no. A relationship with God is different. For not only is there unlimited space, but Jesus knows His people, died for them and prepares a place for them,


to ensure that His people will never miss out on life with Him.