Life Explored is an exciting new way to share the gospel in today's highly visual culture, and a great reminder for Christians that enjoying God brings happiness, satisfaction and peace. Developed by Christianity Explored Ministries, the seven sessions feature a combination of short films - shot around the world - and Bible interaction. It can be run before or after CE, or completely independently of it.
We all want to be happy. Why is lasting happiness so hard to find?
Life Explored is an exposé of the little gods that promise us so much happiness, yet deliver so little. As it explores the Bible story (creation, fall, redemption, new creation), Life Explored shows how our deepest desires for happiness can only be satisfied in one person, Jesus Christ. The best gift God can give us is himself.
Life Explored has been designed to speak powerfully to those who don’t consider themselves to be religious and have never read the Bible. But it will also provoke good discussions among followers of Christ, too.
The short films on Life Explored are intended to create in our viewers “Nathan moments” which help people to see themselves as they really are – and God’s grace as it really is. These short films are scheduled for a global premiere on ShortsHD, an international cable and satellite television channel dedicated to short films, including Academy Award nominated short films.
It’s been written by Barry Cooper and Nate Morgan Locke of Christianity Explored Ministries. The presenters are Barry Cooper, Nate Morgan Locke and Rico Tice.
The films are produced and directed by Dot&Cross, whose previous work includes Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God, Francis Chan’s Basic, and the Nooma series.
There are two short films to watch in each session. The first is an original story set around the world, and in different points in history. The stories are designed to engage emotions as well as minds, as they open up an aspect of life which people may recognise in themselves. Each highlights a particular “idol” and reveals its’s tragic shortcomings. Participants discuss a simple question based on this parable-like first film.
Following a Bible reading, the second film is shown. The teaching films explore the Bible passage, are presented by evangelist Rico Tice, and the course authors Barry Cooper and Nate Morgan Locke.
Participants then look at the Bible passage together and answer some questions.
Summary
• Film 1 (10 minutes)
• Discussion 1 (5 minutes)
• Bible Reading (2 minutes)
• Film 2 (15 minutes)
• Bible Reading (3 minutes)
• Discussion 2 (25 minutes)
The timings are flexible. You can run a whole session in an hour, but if you have more time, we suggest using that extra time for Discussion 2.
Life Explored is as flexible as you are. It’s been designed to be run one-to-one (just two people in a home or coffee shop watching the films on a phone/tablet and discussing what they’ve seen), or with larger groups meeting in a bigger space.
The whole church can even take part in Life Explored. In fact, the best way to get people excited about inviting people to go through Life Explored is to let them experience it first.
Simply pick up a Leader’s Kit. A Leader’s Kit contain a Leader’s Handbook, a Handbook for your guest, a DVD and an access code for digital downloads of the films, so they can be downloaded to your electronic devices.
If you’re planning to share Life Explored with more than one guest, just pick up additional Handbooks.
The Bible texts for each week are included in the Handbooks.
Yes. There are Life Explored posters, invitations and banners available from The Good Book Company. You’ll also find teasers and trailers for the films.
1. The Good God.
A preview of the six stories we’ll be experiencing together on Life Explored, and an introduction to the opening question: What’s the best gift God could give you? Explores Genesis 1.
2. The Trustworthy God.
Colonial India. A girl’s view of her best friend is changed unexpectedly, and forever. Have we been deceived into believing lies about God? Explores Genesis 3.
3. The Generous God.
The Californian gold rush. A prospector risks his life in the quest for gold. How far would you go for what you love most? Explores Genesis 12.
4. The Liberating God.
Suburbia. A man is hooked by a late night infomercial and feels his life would be complete if only he could have the perfect garden. Have your desires ever left you feeling trapped? Explores Exodus 12.
5. The Fulfilling God.
Edo-Period Japan. A woman is drawn away from her husband and family in pursuit of what she hopes will be a more exciting life. What are you hoping will bring you fulfilment in life? Explores John 4.
6. The Life-Giving God.
Los Angeles. A Hollywood actress has everything, but something isn’t right. What, if you lost it, would make you feel that life wasn’t worth living? Explores 1 Corinthians 15.
7. The Joyful God.
In orbit above the earth. As his space station disintegrates around him, an astronaut reflects on those he loves. What’s the best gift God could give you? Explores Revelation 21.
Yes! Go to www.ceministries.org