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The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 8: How They Left the Island

“Great Scott,” said Peter. “So it was the horn — your own horn, Su — that dragged us all off that seat on the platform yesterday morning! I can hardly believe it; yet it all fits in.”

“I don’t know why you shouldn’t believe it,” said Lucy, “if you believe in magic at all. Aren’t there lots of stories about magic forcing people out of one place — out of one world — into another? I mean, when a magician in The Arabian Nights calls up a Jinn, it has to come. We had to come, just like that.”

“Yes,” said Peter, “I suppose what makes it feel so queer is that in the stories it’s always someone in our world who does the calling. One doesn’t really think about where the Jinn’s coming from.”

“And now we know what it feels like for the Jinn,” said Edmund with a chuckle. “Golly! It’s a bit uncomfortable to know that we can be whistled for like that. It’s worse than what Father says about living at the mercy of the telephone.”

“But we want to be here, don’t we?” said Lucy, if Aslan wants us.”

Thoughts:  God doesn’t normally “whistle” us away from one place to another (but see Acts 8:39-40). However, he does call us to follow him, and therefore we should be willing to go anywhere at any time. It is a bit uncomfortable yielding control of your life to another. But Lucy has the right attitude. As with Lucy and Aslan, we want to be where God wants us, don’t we? (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter eight?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

The document, An Evangelical Manifesto: A Declaration of Evangelical Identity and Public Commitment, was released this morning at the National Press Club.

An Evangelical Manifesto is an open declaration of who Evangelicals are and what they stand for. It has been drafted and published by a representative group of Evangelical leaders who do not claim to speak for all Evangelicals, but who invite all other Evangelicals to stand with them and help clarify what Evangelical means in light of “confusions within and the consternation without” the movement. As the Manifesto states, the signers are not out to attack or exclude anyone, but to rally and to call for reform.

As an open declaration, An Evangelical Manifesto addresses not only Evangelicals and other Christians but other American citizens and people of all other faiths in America, including those who say they have no faith. It therefore stands as an example of how different faith communities may address each other in public life, without any compromise of their own faith but with a clear commitment to the common good of the societies in which we all live together.

For those who are Evangelicals, the deepest purpose of the Manifesto is a serious call to reform—an urgent challenge to reaffirm Evangelical identity, to reform Evangelical behavior, to reposition Evangelicals in public life, and so rededicate ourselves to the high calling of being Evangelical followers of Jesus Christ.

The manifesto was charter signed by more than 70 evangelical leaders.
You can:

• read the full document here,
• download a study guide here,
• read a six page executive summary by the document’s writers here, or
• read a brief outside summary here.

Mark Roberts has some fun imagining what it would be like if American Idol judged preachers.

Can you imagine what it might be like if the American Idol judges weighed in after your pastor’s next sermon?

Randy: Look, dude, check it out. Ya know, that really worked for me, man. That sermon was outstanding. It was da bomb!

Paula: I’m so proud of you because you’re really being yourself with us. Plus, you look great today. I just love you and can’t say anything bad about you because I never say anything bad about anybody, except Simon.

Simon: I’ve got to be honest with you, pastor. I came to hear the word of God today. But what I got was more like the baby talk of demons. You just didn’t do your homework this week. Frankly, your sermon was a nightmare! If I were you, I’d pack my bags.

I don’t think I want Simon on my board of deacons. Have you ever played “judge the preacher” during Sunday lunch after church? (Be honest now!)

One big question on the minds of all Narnia fans is how will the Prince Caspian movie be different from the book? Here are five changes that are being talked about around the web.

1. Back story in England: In the book C. S. Lewis only spends a few paragraphs in England before sending the Pevensie children back to Narnia. The movie will spend some more time exploring the question: “What would it be like to return to England after ruling as adult kings and queens in Narnia? What would that year back in England have been like for the children?” This is a question that Lewis left largely untouched.
2. Story sequence: In the book a dwarf tells the children about Caspian’s past as they sit around a campfire. The children don’t even meet Caspian until much later in the book. The movie will rearrange the sequence so that the story may be told in a more linear fashion. Peter Jackson faced a similar challenge in The Two Towers where the first half of the book focused on one set of characters, and the second half focused on another. What works for a book does not always work well for a movie.
3. Caspian’s age: In the book Caspian is just a kid. In the movie he is closer to twenty. (Actor Ben Barnes who plays Caspian is actually 27.) This change was necessary in order to use the same actor for Caspian in the next movie. Remember, time works differently in Narnia, and Caspian is a grown man by the time we get to Dawn Treader.
4. Return of the White Witch: In previews for the movie, the White Witch is shown in a block of ice. In the book she does not appear at all, although her return is contemplated by Nikabrik and his co-horts. As the Hag says in chapter twelve: “Who ever heard of a witch that really died? You can always get them back.”
5. Romantic interest: There has been speculation as to whether there will be a romantic interest (perhaps even a kiss?) between Susan and Caspian in the movie. This would be very different, but then again in the book Susan could hardly have fallen in love with a young boy. Now that Caspian’s age has been changed for the story in anticipation of Dawn Treader, perhaps the directors asked themselves the question: “How would Susan react to a dashing young prince who was just a few years older than her? Might she fall in love?” Of course it could not be a lasting romance because of certain plot elements in Dawn Treader, but it will be interesting to see where the directors take this in the movie.

So, what do you think? Can you live with any or all of these changes in the movie? Have you heard about any other possible changes?

Related post:  Prince Caspian – Adapting the Book into the Movie

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 7: Old Narnia in Danger

At last there came a night when everything had gone as badly as possible, and the rain which had been falling heavily all day had ceased at nightfall only to give place to raw cold …

“If your Majesty is ever to use the Horn,” said Trufflehunter, “I think the time has now come.” Caspian had of course told them of this treasure several days ago.

“We are certainly in great need,” answered Caspian. “But it is hard to be sure we are at our greatest. Supposing there came an even worse need and we had already used it?”

“By that argument,” said Nikabrik, “your Majesty will never use it until it is too late.”

“I agree with that,” said Master Cornelius.

“And what do you think, Trumpkin?” asked Caspian.

“Oh, as for me,” said the red Dwarf who had been listening with complete indifference, “your Majesty knows I think the Horn — and that bit of broken stone over there — and your great King Peter — and your Lion Aslan — are all eggs in moonshine. It’s all one to me when your Majesty blows the Horn …

“Then in the name of Aslan we will wind Queen Susan’s Horn,” said Caspian.

Thoughts:  I love this little dialogue. Caspian was instructed not to blow the horn until his time of greatest need. Of course, how do you know when you actually reach your point of greatest need? This definitely ties in with Roland’s horn as discussed in Countdown to Caspian – Day 5. Roland waited too long to blow his horn and died with all his men. Caspian doesn’t make the same mistake. The horn can be compared to prayer in some ways. Prayer is also a calling for help beyond yourself. The good thing about prayer is that you do not need to wait until your moment of greatest need. You can pray to God anytime. Prayer should be the first thing you do, not the last. But how often do we wait until the last moment to pray? (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter seven?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

I just got back from the nursing home where I lead services twice a month. A dear, sweet woman named Verniece shared with me that her husband passed away Saturday. They had shared a lifetime together and even shared a room at the nursing home. Now he is gone. She told me, “I just can’t stop grieving. I miss him so much.” I held her hand as we talked and told her it was okay to grieve, God made us that way. That seemed to help some, but her grief runs deep. I am sure we will talk more in the days to come.

Driving back to the church office, I thought of these song lyrics by Sara Groves (“What Do I Know” from Conversations, one of my favorite CDs):

I have a friend who just turned eighty-eight
And she just shared with me that she’s afraid of dying.
I sit here years from her experience
And try to bring her comfort, I try to bring her comfort.
But what do I know? What do I know?

She grew up singing about the glory land,
And she would testify how Jesus changed her life.
It was easy to have faith when she was thirty-four,
But now her friends are dying, and death is at her door.
And what do I know? What do I know?

    Well I don’t know that there are harps in heaven,
    Or the process for earning your wings.
    And I don’t know of bright lights at the ends of tunnels,
    Or any of these things.

She lost her husband after sixty years,
And as he slipped away, she still had things to say.
Death can be so inconvenient.
You try to live and love. It comes and interrupts.
Oh what do I know? Really, what do I know?

    Well I don’t know that there are harps in heaven,
    Or the process for earning your wings.
    And I don’t know of bright lights at the ends of tunnels,
    Or any of these things.

    But I know to be absent from this body
    Is to be present with the Lord,
    And from what I know of him, that must be pretty good.
    Oh, I know to be absent from this body
    Is to be present with the Lord,
    And from what I know of him, that must be very good.

Here is a clip from the song. Please pray for Verniece at this time of loss.
[audio:SaraGroves_WhatDoIKnow_sample.mp3]

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 6: The People That Lived in Hiding

“Do you believe in Aslan?” said Caspian to Nikabrik.

“I’ll believe in anyone or anything,” said Nikabrik, “that’ll batter these cursed Telmarines to pieces or drive them out of Narnia. Anyone or anything. Aslan or the White Witch, do you understand?”

Trufflehunter called at the mouth of a little hole in a green bank and out popped the last thing Caspian expected — a Talking Mouse. He was of course bigger than a common mouse, well over a foot high when he stood on his hind legs, and with ears nearly as long as (though broader than) a rabbit’s. His name was Reepicheep and he was a gay and martial mouse. He wore a tiny little rapier at his side and twirled his long whiskers as if they were a moustache. “There are twelve of us, Sire,” he said with a dashing and graceful bow, “and I place all the resources of my people unreservedly at your Majesty’s disposal.”

Thoughts:  Today’s selections focus on the two diminutive characters, Nikabrik the dwarf and Reepicheep the mouse. Nikabrik represents the pragmatists of this world, those who believe only when it serves their purpose. Theirs is the faith of utility and convenience. They stand in stark contrast to the noble Reepicheep who would gladly die for his faith. There are many Nikabriks in this world: the politician who attends church to gain votes in the upcoming election; the non-believer who professes faith in order to marry his girlfriend; the teenager who acts like a Christian at home and a pagan with his friends. How about you? Are you a Nikabrik or a Reepicheep? (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter six?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

First there were human rights, then came animal rights, and now there are plant rights. I guess rocks are next.

The most tragic dimension of all this is that a culture increasingly ready to euthanize the old, infanticize the young, and adamant about a “right” to abort unborn human beings, will now contend for the inherent dignity of plants. Can any culture recover from this?

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 5: Caspian’s Adventure in the Mountains

“Shall I never see you again?” said Caspian in a quavering voice.

“I hope so dear King,” said the Doctor. “What friend have I in the wide world except your majesty? And I have a little magic. But in the meantime, speed is everything. Here are two gifts before you go. This is a little purse of gold — alas, all the treasure in this castle should be your own by rights. And here is something far better.”

He put in Caspian’s hands something which he could hardly see but which he knew by the feel to be a horn.

“That,” said Doctor Cornelius, “is the greatest and most sacred treasure of Narnia. Many terrors I endured, many spells did I utter, to find it, when I was still young. It is the magic horn of Queen Susan herself which she left behind her when she vanished from Narnia at the end of the Golden Age. It is said that whoever blows it shall have strange help — no one can say how strange. It may have power to call Queen Lucy and King Edmund, and Queen Susan and the High King Peter back from the past and they will set all to rights. It may be that it will call up Aslan himself. Take it, Caspian: but do not use it except at your greatest need. And now, haste, haste, haste.”

Thoughts:  Although Lewis employs many Biblical and spiritual parallels in the Narnia Chronicles, part of the fun in these books is identifying the parallels with other great works of literature as well. Susan’s magic horn brings to mind Roland’s horn calling upon the troops of Charlemagne to come avenge the Franks after a bloody ambush by the Saracens. The story of Roland’s horn is found in The Song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland), the oldest major work in French literature. This epic poem captures the legends that arose surrounding the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 A.D. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter five?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

You know it’s Monday when …

spring showers turn your litter box into quick sand.

_________________________________________________________

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Yesterday’s message was the first in the Life of Samuel series. The message was called God’s Purpose in Prayer, taken from 1 Samuel 1:1-20. The main idea of the message was that God accomplishes his purposes through prayer. Here is a brief outline of the message:

I. You can’t always “fix” other people’s problems (1-8)

    A. The people involved (1-3)

    B. Hannah’s problem (4-8)

II. We must learn to find comfort in prayer (9-18)

    A. Hannah models prayer (9-18a)
        1) Honest prayer (9-10)
        2) Earnest prayer (11)
        3) Fervent prayer (12-16)
        4) Humble prayer (17-18a)

    B. Hannah is changed by prayer (18b)

III. God’s plan is bigger than you (19-20)

    A. God answered Hannah’s prayer

    B. God fulfilled his greater purpose

Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 4: The Dwarf Tells of Prince Caspian

“Are you going to tell me what you wouldn’t tell me the other day?” said Caspian.

“I am,” said the Doctor. “But remember. You and I must never talk about these things except here — on the very top of the Great Tower.”

“No. That’s a promise,” said Caspian. “But do go on, please.”

“Listen,” said the Doctor. “All you have heard about Old Narnia is true. It is not the land of men. It is the country of Aslan, the country of the Waking Trees and Visible Naiads, of Fauns and Satyrs, of Dwarfs and Giants, of the gods and the Centaurs, of Talking Beasts. It was against these that the first Caspian fought. It is you Telmarines who silenced the beasts and the trees and the fountains, and who killed and drove away the dwarfs and fauns, and are now trying to cover up even the memory of them. The King does not allow them to be spoken of.”

“Oh, I do wish we hadn’t,” said Caspian. “And I am glad it was all true, even if it is all over.”

Thoughts:  Caspian’s Nurse told him the stories of Old Narnia when he was a little boy. But when his Uncle Miraz hears about it, he tells Caspian the old stories of Narnia and Aslan are nothing but nonsense and fairy tales. Now Doctor Cornelius tells Caspian that all the old stories really are true. Caspian is glad to hear this, though he wishes it were not all over. Some people today say that the stories of the Bible are just nonsense and fairy tales. But what makes the Bible breathtakingly exciting is not just the stories, but that the stories are real. These things happened. And just as Caspian is about to find out in Narnia, the story is far from over. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter four?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.