Discovering Truth At the Movies

Episode 2: Discovering Truth at the Movies: Star Trek II Wrath of Khan

David Lantz — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 22:53:49 +0000

Today, we’ll take a look at the movie, Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan, In Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, Admiral James T. Kirk is on a two week training mission with a crew of cadets who are under the command of Captain Spock. His training exercise is interrupted when they learn that a rival of Kirk’s, Khan Noonien Singh has stolen a top-secret device called Project Genesis. The Genesis Device can either create life – or destroy it. A theme that is woven into the storyline is the bond of friendship that has been forged between Kirk, Spock and Dr. McCoy. In the end, Spock sacrifices himself to disable a nuclear bomb aboard the ship to save the Enterprise and his friends. We’ll use this movie to talk about how the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel may have joined together to form a “Brotherhood of the Scroll” to preserve their ancient sacred writings as the Jews were taken captive into Babylon. To see a video version of this podcast, go to my rumble account at www.rumble.com/wisejargon. To order Discovering Raising Daniels & Esthers At the Movies, go to www.payhip.com/davidlantz .

Episode 1: Discovering Daniel at the Movies: Hunger Games

David Lantz — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:45:56 +0000

Today, we’ll take a look at the movie, Hunger Games, in which the nation of Panem is divided into 12 districts, ruled from the Capitol. As punishment for a failed revolt, each district is forced to select two tributes, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18, to fight to the death in the annual Hunger Games until there is only one survivor. Realizing that she is likely to die, Katniss seeks to evade the others as they hunt and kill each other. While protecting a girl younger than herself from another district, she is forced to enter into mortal combat. We’ll use this movie to talk about the story of Daniel to encourage our children to respect others while not giving in to the temptations of our culture. To see a video version of this podcast, go to my rumble account at www.rumble.com/wisejargon. order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, go to www.payhip.com/davidlantz .

Episode 13: Mere Christianity: The Patriot

David Lantz — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 23:43:10 +0000

Today, we’ll take a look at the movie, The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin, is the story of a man with a violent past who has renounced war in order to raise his seven children. In one scene, Martin is challenged to behave according to his principles. The Colonial Commander, played by Chris Cooper, says: “If your principles dictate independence, then war is the only way. It has come to that.” In the end, even though he attempts to have peace with the British, his family is at risk. When the war becomes personal, and his son Thomas is killed, then and only then does he go to war. We’ll consider a question prompted from C.S. Lewis’ book, Mere Christianity by asking: When confronted with choosing between personal loss vs. following Jesus, will we quote Joshua and say: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?"

To see a video version of this podcast, go to my rumble account at www.rumble.com/wisejargon. order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to www.payhip.com/davidlantz.

Episode 12: Mere Christianity: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

David Lantz — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 19:46:09 +0000

Today, we’ll take a look at the 1939 movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, in which Jefferson Smith, leader of the state's Boy Rangers, is an innocent, wide-eyed idealist who idolizes the senior senator of the state, Joseph Paine. But when Smith discovers that Sen. Paine has introduced a pork barrel bill to use the Boy Rangers camp’s land to make money for himself and his business partners, Mr. Smith attempts to expose the scam. Senator Paine uses his power with the news media to accuse Smith of stealing money from the Boy Rangers. Risking his own reputation, he exposes Senator Paine as a charlatan. We’ll consider this question from C.S. Lewis’ book, Mere Christianity by asking: To create a truly Christian society, wouldn’t we want to apply the Golden Rule – to love our neighbors as ourselves?

To see a video version of this podcast, go to my rumble account at www.rumble.com/wisejargon. order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to www.payhip.com/davidlantz .

Episode 11: Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies - Tarzan

David Lantz — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 21:57:22 +0000

Today, we’ll take a look at the 1999 Disney carton, Tarzan, in which a baby is orphaned when a leopard kills his shipwrecked parents. Raised by an ape named Kala, he is reluctantly adopted into the family of the Great Apes. Believing the apes are his family, he discovers that he’s actually human when he rescues a woman named Jane. As they fall in love, they come to see each other’s worlds with new eyes, and move from being “in love” to being committed to each other through love. We’ll consider this question from C.S. Lewis’ book, Mere Christianity by asking: If you truly love someone, why wouldn’t you want to also live in their world?

To see a video version of this podcast, go to my rumble account at www.rumble.com/wisejargon. order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to www.payhip.com/davidlantz.

Episode 10: Mere Christianity & Forrest Gump

David Lantz — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:51:02 +0000

In the movie, Forrest Gump, a man of low intelligence tells the story of his life to people waiting at a small-town bus stop. He founds Bubba Gump Shrimp Company after returning from Viet Nam in memory of his fallen friend. Forrest has a healthy measure of practical common sense. Based on his motto, "Stupid is as stupid does," Forrest Gump, while not a smart man, is far from stupid. We’ll consider this question from C.S. Lewis’ book, Mere Christianity by asking: What sort of quality are you stuck on – a Vice or a Virtue?

To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 9: Mere Christianity & Chronicles of Narnia

David Lantz — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 23:57:40 +0000

In the movie, Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe - four children visit the mysterious country of Narnia and find themselves in enemy controlled territory. Edward, one of the children, commits a crime for which the punishment is death. Aslan, the Lion King, negotiates his release by offering to die in his place. We’ll consider this question from his book, Mere Christianity by asking: What does it take to be willing to stop doing things our way, and start doing things God’s way?

To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 8: Mere Christianity & Wayne's World II

David Lantz — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 22:36:09 +0000

In the movie, Wayne’s Way II, Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) strives to win the hand of the woman he loves, Cassandra (Tia Carrere). To do so, he even challengers her father to a martial arts fight. Endearingly hilarious, Wayne and his sidekick Garth (Dana Carvey) remind us that: “We Are Not Worthy!” C.S. Lewis considered the idea of how Jesus intercedes for us to make us Worthy in God’s eyes. We’ll consider this question from his book, Mere Christianity by asking: How does Jesus Make Us Righteous Before God When WE ARE NOT WORTHY? To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 7: Mere Christianity & Pay It Forward

David Lantz — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 01:35:03 +0000

In the movie, Pay It Forward, a social studies teacher by the name of Mr. Simonet (Kevin Spacey) assigns a project to change the world in his 7th grade Social Studies class. In response, young Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) develops a plan called "pay it forward." Pay It Forward is the story of repentance, forgiveness and restoration as a young boy sets out to change the world. C.S. Lewis tackled the issue of forgiveness in Mere Christianity by asking: Why is the Power of Forgiveness Truly the Power to Change the World?

To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 6: Mere Christianity & The Return of the Jedi

David Lantz — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 11:42:17 +0000

In the movie, The Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker has spent time with the Jedi master, Yoda, and is now able to use the power of the force to do his bidding. The young Jedi master has returned to free his friends from the clutches of the evil Jabba the Hut. Since the movie was made nearly a quarter century ago, a new religion called “Jedi” has arisen. Based on a 2001 census in England, “Jedi” has nearly 400,000 adherents in that country. C.S. Lewis tackled the question of why Evil exists in Mere Christianity by asking: Why Do We Experience Tragedy in Our Lives? To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 5: Discovering Mere Christianity: Pantheism & Captain Planet

David Lantz — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 19:36:03 +0000

Today, we’ll take a look at the cartoon series, Captain Planet, in which the Mother Earth Goddess, Gaia, gave five teenagers special power rings. She would tell them where bad things were about to happen to the planet, and just in time, the teens would put their rings together to call forth a Superhero named Captain Planet. What was Captain Planet’s job? Why, to save the planet, of course. The series preached a philosophy called Pantheism. C.S. Lewis tackled Pantheism in Mere Christianity by asking: Is God interested in the distinction between good and evil?

To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 4: Discovering Mere Christianity: The Planet of the Apes

David Lantz — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 11:08:02 +0000

Today, we’ll take a look at the movie Planet of the Apes, in which an astronaut lands on a planet ruled by apes. There are people on this planet, but they are hunted and enslaved by the apes. At first, he thinks he’s on a different planet. But, finally, through a series of events, he comes to realize that this is earth sometime in his far-distant future. We’ll consider both the 1968 original and 2001 remake to help us set up a question that C.S. Lewis tackled in Chapter 4 of Mere Christianity: Where do we get the idea “It’s Not Fair?” We’ll tackle this question: Who Is the Law Giver? To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 3: Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies: Schindler's List

David Lantz — Wed, 18 May 2022 22:57:35 +0000

Today, we’ll consider another classic movie, Schindler’s List. In that movie, there’s a scene near the end of the movie when the Nazi Soldiers are ordered to kill all the Jews Schindler has rescued. Schindler presents them with a choice: Kill them, and become murderers, or return home to their families and let the Jews live. We’ll ask: “What Does it Take to Change Our Mindset? To experience “Metanoia?” To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 2: Mere Christianity & Star Wars

David Lantz — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:08:51 +0000

Today, we’ll consider two more classic movies, Star Wars – A New Hope and Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back. In The Empire Strikes Back, there’s scene near the end of the movie in which Darth Vader reveals to Luke Skywalker that he is Luke’s father. In A New Hope, Hans Solo returns to help his friend Luke after first taking off with the reward money to save his own skin. We’ll use these scenes to help us set up a question that C.S. Lewis tackled in Chapter 2 of Mere Christianity: If not from God, then where do we get our idea of good vs. evil? To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 1: Mere Christianity & The Ten Commandments

David Lantz — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 12:25:30 +0000

Today, we’ll consider two movies about Moses, the Ten Commandments staring Charlton Heston, and Exodus Gods & Kings staring Christian Bale. We’ll use both movies to help us set up a question that C.S. Lewis tackled in Chapter 1 of Mere Christianity: Does God Exist? We’ll tackle this question by learning about The Law of Human Nature. We’ll also consider some events happening around the world that raises this question: Who is God? The Lord, or the Government? To order Discovering Mere Christianity at the Movies, go to https://payhip.com/b/dpXL

Episode 54: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 24: Questions

David Lantz — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 01:49:47 +0000

In this, the final episode of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Auntie Dr. Sarah picks the children up to take them home. Isaiah and his siblings tell her all about the story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den. And then, she gives Isaiah some advice about “girl psychology” and a possible reason why Mary took his bible in the first place. Using a scene from The Princess Bride, we conclude with a thought about “True Love.” To order The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, go to https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles.../dp/1737611430

Episode 53: Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 23 The Hidden Prophecy of Isaiah

David Lantz — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 01:30:18 +0000

In this episode of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Grandpa concludes the story of Daniel and his battles with the evil Haman. Daniel convenes a meeting of his closest friends to reveal to them the plan of his teacher, Jeremiah, to preserve the Jewish Scrolls of God’s Word. Daniel also reveals a hidden prophecy from the prophet, Isaiah, about a man named Cyrus. He proposes that “The Brotherhood of the Scroll” search for this man whom Isaiah spoke of. Using the story from the movie, Dune, I’ll Ask this Question: What do you think God is calling you to do as your “Mission from God”? To order The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, go to https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles.../dp/1737611430

Episode 52: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 22: Timnah Testifies Against Haman

David Lantz — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:56:06 +0000

In this episode of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar: Daniel confronts Timnah, Queen of Ashkelon, with the truth of Haman’s plot to overthrow Nebuchadnezzar. In doing so, he does something she doesn’t expect – Daniel forgives her for plotting to have him killed as well. Daniel’s willingness to forgive others and see the best in them is revealed fully in this chapter. It’s what God wishes to do for all of us. Using the story from The Justice League, I’ll Ask this Question: God wants to give you a Cape of Forgiveness. Will you share it with others? To order The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, go to https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles.../dp/1737611430

Episode 51: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 21: Daniel is Thrown to the Lions

David Lantz — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:16:15 +0000

In Chapter Twenty-one of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Daniel is thrown into the Lions’ Den. In the morning, when the lions’ den door is opened, Daniel emerges unharmed to the surprise and dismay of Haman and his supporters. Naaman and Daniel meet with King Nebuchadnezzar to warn him of Haman’s secret plot against him. Using the story of Back to the Future Part II, I’ll talk about how removing the Bible from American society has cast us into our own modern version of the Lions’ Den. To order The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, go to https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles.../dp/1737611430

Episode 50: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 20: Naaman is Ambushed

David Lantz — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 01:50:30 +0000

In Chapter Twenty of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Naaman is attacked as he tries to prevent Daniel from violating the King’s command to not pray to his God. The Chief Priest, Haman, reveals his true intentions to rid himself of Daniel so that he can complete his plot to make himself King of Babylon. Using the story of the movie Galaxy Quest, we’ll examine how to help our children become wise for our Question for Reflection. To order The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, go to https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles.../dp/1737611430

Episode 49: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 19: Thermostats and Governors

David Lantz — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 21:14:55 +0000

In Chapter Nineteen of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Isaac comes to realize that somehow, the power to tell people who they can and cannot pray to is a very important power. He asks Grandpa a question about that. In his answer, Grandpa deals with the question of why bad things sometimes happen, and how Christians are guided by “The Holy Spirit.” We’ll use the movie, Time Bandits, to examine why evil exists in the world for our Question for Reflection. To order the book, go to https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles.../dp/1737611430

Episode 48: Chapter 18: Haman Makes His Plans

David Lantz — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:42:49 +0000

In Chapter Eighteen of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Haman plots how to move forward with his plans to destroy Daniel and overthrow King Nebuchadnezzar following the debacle of the Fiery Furnace. A letter from the Prophet Jeremiah gives him the cover he needs to lay his trap for Daniel by pretending to honor the God of the Hebrews. In this way, the deceitful practice of saying one thing while plotting something else is explored. Today, we’ll look at the movie, Mary Poppins Returns, and examine how a supposed friend tried to cheat Michael Banks out of his inheritance for our Question for Reflection. To order the book, go to https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles.../dp/1737611430

Episode 47: Chapter 17: The Fiery Furnace

David Lantz — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 22:04:01 +0000

Just to let you know, The Chronicles of Belteshazzar is now available at Amazon in both Paperback and Kindle E-book. The link is https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1737611430/

In Chapter Seventeen of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Daniel has gone with Ezekiel to pray in the Zargos mountains while their friends are thrown into the Fiery Furnace. Daniel begins to reveal a secret hidden in the Scroll of Isaiah. A secret so powerful, he is reluctant to share it with Ezekiel. Today, we’ll look at the movie, The Book Thief, and examine those times God has asked us to keep a secret for our Question for Reflection.

Episode 46: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 16: The Feast of Akitu

David Lantz — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:10:30 +0000

In Chapter sixteenth chapter of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Timnah wants to find Daniel and warn him of a plan Haman has to kill him. She convinces Daniel to leave Babylon and go into the Zargos Mountains to pray for King Nebuchadnezzar for ten days. In this way, he will not be present when Haman announces his plan to have everyone – even the Hebrews – bow down and worship an idol in tribute to King Nebuchadnezzar. Using the movie, The Silver Chalice, I talk about how historical Christian fiction can help young people not only learn about God’s word, but become interested in learning more. Just to let you know, I’ve begun the process of preparing The Chronicles of Belteshazzar for publication. To learn more about this, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/chronicles

Episode 45: Unlocking the Chronicles of Belteshazzar

David Lantz — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 12:33:08 +0000

Sometime before the end of the month of September, 2021, my novel, The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, should be published. Today, I want to walk you through the three themes that my novel weaves together in helping a young boy learn how Daniel lived by faith, rather than cower in fear. These three themes are, first, sharing your story of faith with your kids/grandkids. Second, to illustrate how God is a moral God. And third, How Daniel Demonstrates God’s Grace to People not like him. I hope you enjoy this episode, Unlocking the Chronicles of Belteshazzar. To learn more, visit my webpage at www.wisejargon.com/chronicles.

Episode 44: Chapter 15: Ezekiel Visits Babylon

David Lantz — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 13:30:49 +0000

In Chapter Fifteen of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Ezekiel comes to Babylon to deliver a message from Jeremiah to Daniel. When he gets to the area where his friends Abednego, Meshach and Shadrach live, fighting suddenly breaks out between competing gangs of youths. Before he realizes what is happening, Ezekiel is caught up in a dragnet of Babylonian soldiers seeking to put down the riot. Shadrach finds him and orders the soldiers to set Ezekiel free. I conclude the episode by talking about an experience when I was 16, in which I got caught up in a rumble between competing groups of youths. This is the sort of issue many young people face. Using the movie, The Three Musketeers, I talk about how we as adults need to prepare them and guide them for when such a time inevitably comes. Just to let you know, I’ve begun the process of preparing The Chronicles of Belteshazzar for publication. To learn more about this, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/chronicles

Episode 43: Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 14: Naaman to the Rescue

David Lantz — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 23:54:51 +0000

In Chapter fourteen of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Naaman and his guards come to rescue Daniel just as the four assassins are about to trap Daniel. After rescuing him, Naaman makes sure that nothing else happens to Daniel before he must appear before Nebuchadnezzar to interpret his dream. As Daniel finished interpreting the dream, word of rioting reaches the Court. It seems that a rumor has spread that the Ashkelonites killed Daniel, causing the Hebrews to riot and seek revenge. I conclude the episode by talking about an experience in which a business relationship I had entered into had fallen apart. I was faced with a choice: I could become spiteful, and seek revenge, or I could reconcile and seek to forgive the other party. I’ve begun the process of preparing The Chronicles of Belteshazzar for publication. To learn more about this, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/chronicles

Episode 42: Chapter 13: Nebuchaddnezzar Summons Daneil

David Lantz — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:45:34 +0000

In Chapter thirteen of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, God has revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him. It is the early hours of the morning, and Daniel decides to go for a walk. As he leaves his room, he does not notice that there are no soldiers guarding his quarters. Quickly, he realizes that attackers have infiltrated the courtyard outside his room. It is then that Daniel realizes there were no guards, and that his life is in danger. He decides to make a run for it when he is stopped by three menacing soldiers. Daniel has been betrayed! I conclude the episode by talking about an experience where I was betrayed in the workplace and conclude with a Question for Reflection about how we deal with all too common experience in human life. I’ve begun the process of preparing The Chronicles of Belteshazzar for publication. To learn more about this, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/chronicles

Episode 41: Chapter 12: The Plot to Kill Daniel

David Lantz — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 17:18:40 +0000

Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 12: The Plot to Kill Daniel 7/14/2021

In Chapter twelve of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, the scene changes to reveal a conspiracy to kill Daniel. A message has been received and decoded by a mysterious spy named Reuben. He uses an Athbash Wheel, which is a tool that ancient Jews used to turn the Hebrew language into a cipher designed to send coded messages. Timnah decides to join the plot to kill Daniel and promises to try to recruit Hamon into the conspiracy. I conclude the episode by talking about the story of Esther and a real plot to destroy the Jewish people. I also use the movie, A Night with the King, to help illustrate this idea. For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://www.patreon.com/wisejargon

Episode 40: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 11: The Magi Must Die!

David Lantz — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:03:21 +0000

In Chapter eleven of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar has a frightening dream that he wants his wisemen to interpret for him. However, he won’t tell them the dream – he wants them to prove they can truly interpret it by telling him what was in the dream. When they can’t, Nebuchadnezzar orders that all the wisemen, including Daniel, be rounded up and executed. Daniel convinces Naaman, the Captain of the Babylonian Guard, to let him speak with Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel calmly explains that all will be well, and that his God will reveal both the dream and its meaning. I conclude the episode of a story from my own life in which I played the part of Cassius in the play Julius Ceasar to talk about how members of a “deep state” can work to defeat a ruler. I also use the movie, Darkest Hour, to help illustrate this idea. For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://www.patreon.com/wisejargon

Episode 39: Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 10

David Lantz — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:53:48 +0000

In Chapter ten of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, it has been 4 months since Babylon’s failed attempt to invade Egypt. Naaman is reviewing maps and planning strategy when Daniel comes to speak with him. Daniel talks to Naaman about creating a council of exiles to try to address the violence and riots happening in the streets of Babylon. The story then leads to a discussion of how different people really do think differently. I conclude the episode of a story from my own life dealing with some serious negotiations that had to take place, and then tie it together with a scene from the movie, Arrival. For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 38: Chronicles Chapter 9: Grandpa Answers Matthew's Question

David Lantz — Fri, 21 May 2021 17:21:22 +0000

In Chapter Nine of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Matthew and the other grandsons ask Grandpa if the meeting between Daniel and the Captain of the Babylonian Guard really took place. This conversation leads to a discussion about how a 1990s Science Fiction show, Babylon 5, inspired me to come up with some of the ideas that lead to the creation of a council headed by Daniel to try to quell the unrest among exile communities. I’ll conclude with a discussion of a statement by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6 that is echoed by one of the main characters in the TV show, Babylon 5. For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 37: Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 8: Daniel Meets the Captain of the Guard

David Lantz — Fri, 07 May 2021 00:05:58 +0000

In Chapter Eight of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Daniel meets Naaman, the Captain of the Babylonian Guard while breaking up a fight between a Hebrew and an Askelonite. The two trade stories about what they believe, and their different understandings of the Great Flood. In reading the story of how Daniel will later interpret a dream by King Nebuchadnezzar, it is clear that the two must have had a relationship before The Captain of the Guard was sent to find him (see Chapter 2 of the Book of Daniel). Daniel exhibits the quality of forgiving others – something that is demonstrated in the movie, Pay it Forward. I’ll use that movie, plus a story about the life of Corey Ten Boom, to help flesh out this episode’s Question for Reflection. For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 36: Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 7

David Lantz — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 00:45:44 +0000

In Chapter Seven of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Daniel and his friends are entered into a training program which will allow them to serve King Nebuchadnezzar. One of the things they are told is that they must eat the food of the Babylonians. Daniel and his friends do not wish to violate the dietary laws of their faith, and so Daniel proposes an alternative to their Babylonian trainer, Potiphar. In this retelling of the story of Daniel and his meeting with Nebuchadnezzar, I share a story from my own life: Would I be willing to go to a Casino in London? What was God demanding of me – and what were the consequences of that small, seemingly insignificant decision? I’ll use the movie Pinocchio and the story of letting “your conscience be your guide” to help flesh out this episode’s Question for Reflection.

Episode 35: Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 6: Return to Babylon

David Lantz — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 01:21:48 +0000

In Chapter Six of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar returns to Babylon with the exiles. The Chief Priest, Hamon, greets the King. We learn that Hamon is secretly plotting to cause riots and gang warfare among the rival Immigrant groups. The Chief Priest hopes that this will trigger a revolt against the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar – a revolt that will lead to the eventual crowning of himself as the new king. For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 34: Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 5: Exile to Babylon

David Lantz — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 01:39:27 +0000

In Chapter Five of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar reviews the list of Jews exiles and makes plans to take them back to Babylon. He wonders to himself if he is living up to his father’s expectations. Meanwhile, Daniel is bitter about the fact that he is being sent into exile. As he sees his parents for the last time, he thinks about a gift his father has given him. In that moment, he comes to realize that his father truly loves him. For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 4

David Lantz — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:50:59 +0000

In Chapter Four of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, the story switches to 600 B.C. and the life of the prophet Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, had defeated the Egyptians at the Battle of Carchemish. He has now come to the gates of Jerusalem and demands that Jehoiakim, King of Judah, surrender. He demands that King Jehoiakim prepare a list of people to send into exile to Babylon. For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 33: Chapter 3 of Chronicles of Belteshazzar

David Lantz — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 23:12:13 +0000

In Chapter Three of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, the boys gather with Grandpa in the Sun Room to begin the story of Belteshazzar – the Prophet Daniel’s Babylonian name. But just before he begins to tell his tale, Grandpa mysteriously leaves the room. I hope you’ll join me in the journey of telling the story as I read Chapter 3 titled “The Story Begins.” For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 32: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chronicles of Belteshazzar Chapter 2: Praying Was Illegal

David Lantz — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 21:14:57 +0000

In Chapter Two of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Isaac asks grandpa what the phrase “separation between church and state” means when he has his bible taken from him by another student at school. Grandpa uses this question to introduce the story of Daniel and how he prayed to God when it was against the law in Babylon. I hope you’ll join me in the journey of telling the story as I read Chapter 2 titled “When Praying Was Against the Law.” For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 30: Chronicles Belteshazzar Chapter 1

David Lantz — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:25:38 +0000

In Chapter One of The Chronicles of Belteshazzar, Isaac has his bible taken from him by another student at school. This leads to a conversation about school prayer with Auntie Dr. Sarah. I hope you’ll join me in the journey of telling the story as I read Chapter 1 titled “Auntie Dr. Sarah”! For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 29: Introduction to Chronicles of Belteshazzar

David Lantz — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:27:31 +0000

Have you ever desired a way to help teach your adolescent children or grandchildren how to stand up to peer pressure like Daniel and Esther did in the Bible? I’m writing a book titled The Chronicles of Belteshazzar. Think of Grandpa from The Princess Bride, only it’s me reading my book and recounting the story of Daniel. In this podcast, I tell you how I plan to read this book I’m writing. I hope you’ll join me in this journey! For more information, please see this webpage and sign up for further information and notifications! https://mailchi.mp/6d2ba697aae9/chroniclesbelteshazzar

Episode 28: At the Movies - Vantage Point

David Lantz — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 20:27:45 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie Vantage Point, to explore how Most Christians – be they progressives or of the traditional school – know little of science and math, and therefore find it difficult to reconcile science and the bible. We’ll discuss this issue as we address the Question for Reflection: Does Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, and Science, Confirm the Existence of God? To Order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/at-the-movies/discovering-raising-daniels-and-esthers/

ATM: Black Mirror

David Lantz — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:03:05 +0000

Today, we’ll be looking at the TV show, Black Mirror, episode, Nosedive, and use it to explore what is happening in China with regard to “Social Scoring.” And, we’ll look at the writings of the Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 5 as he discusses God’s Ministry of Reconciliation. We’ll see how God helps us to become a “new creation” and live a life free from sin. To Order Discovering Courage Like Jeremiah’s At the Movies, Visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-how-to-stand-in-the-gap

Madam Secretary – The Things We Get to Say

David Lantz — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 22:59:49 +0000

Today, we’ll look at MADAM SECRETARY Season 4 TV Show episode, The Things We Get to Say. Just as in the TV show, a journalist is considering writing a “Tell All” book about the future president, we’ll look at some recent books that have been used as “hit jobs” on President Trump. Also, we’ll explore Ezra Chapter 4 and Haggai Chapter 1. We’ll see how God’s people had given up in the face of hopeless odds. But then, the Prophet Haggai inspired the people to succeed in spite of their fears. To Order Discovering Courage Like Jeremiah’s At the Movies, Visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-how-to-stand-in-the-gap

At the Movies - Seabiscuit

David Lantz — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 23:13:57 +0000

Today, we’ll be looking at the movie, Seabiscuit, and use it to explore the life of Joseph in Genesis Chapters 40 and 45. We’ll see how Joseph dealt with changing climate, cultural and personal challenges – just as Americans did during the Great Depression, and even today in 2020. To Order Discovering Courage Like Jeremiah’s At the Movies, Visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-how-to-stand-in-the-gap

At the Movies - The Upside

David Lantz — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:44:47 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie The Upside to explore II Samuel 9. We’ll see that King David kept a promise to care for any surviving members of his friend Jonathan’s family – even those whom others felt was a worthless soul. We’ll discuss this issue as we address the Question for Reflection: Has God ever “shown you kindness”? To Order Discovering Courage Like Jeremiah’s At the Movies, Visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-courage-like-jeremiahs

At the Movies - Greatest Showman

David Lantz — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 20:54:22 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie The Greatest Showman to explore Galatians 4 & 5. We’ll discover that in those times when things seem like they can’t get worse, Jesus wants us to experience the Joy of the Lord. We’ll discuss this issue as we address the Question for Reflection: Do You Celebrate in the Joy of the Lord, or Succumb to the World’s Message of Fear? To Order Discovering Courage Like Jeremiah’s At the Movies, Visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-courage-like-jeremiahs

At the Movies - Thor

David Lantz — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:18:09 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Thor, to explore how a father raises his sons, and then releases them to become the men they were meant to be. We’ll use that discussion to address this Question for Reflection: How Can We Become Good Role Models for Our Children? To Order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/at-the-movies/discovering-raising-daniels-and-esthers/

At the Movies: Toy Story 4

David Lantz — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 22:08:55 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie Toy Story 4 to explore I Samuel 25. We’ll see that just as Buzz Lightyear has Woody to tell him to listen to his conscience, God sent Abigail to appeal to David’s conscience. We’ll discuss this issue as we address the Question for Reflection: Will We be Messengers of Hope, or Harbingers of Doom and Despair? To Order Discovering Mere Christianity At the Movies, Visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-mere-christianity

At the Movies: The Chosen

David Lantz — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 03:03:30 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie The Chosen, and use it to explore John’s Story of Jesus Raising Lazarus and how Thomas, the Disciple, chose to follow Jesus, even if it meant his own death. We’ll discuss this issue as we address the Question for Reflection: What might it cost you to leave behind a former life to follow Christ? To Order Discovering Courage Like Jeremiah’s At the Movies, Visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-courage-like-jeremiahs

What Would MLK Say Causes Racism?

David Lantz — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:04:30 +0000

Many in our culture demand justice. What is Justice? Isn’t it that we have one standard and that standard will apply equally to everybody? The call for justice is being proclaimed in relation to the issue of racism. What causes racism? In his letter from the Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King Junior talks about this issue. How would what he said in 1963 differ from the self-proclaimed anarchists who post on the website Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement? In this Podcast, David examines these issues as he discusses this Question for Reflection: What Would Martin Luther King Jr. Say Causes Racism?

At the Movies: Cloud Atlas

David Lantz — Tue, 19 May 2020 00:51:48 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie Cloud Atlas to explore how people who don’t believe in God view life compared to how people who do believe in God view life. We’ll apply this discussion to address this Question for Reflection: How Does God’s Word Transcend Technology & Force Us to Confront the True Truth of Life? To Order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/at-the-movies/discovering-raising-daniels-and-esthers/

At the Movies: Back to the Future II

David Lantz — Tue, 05 May 2020 00:56:37 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie Back to the Future 2 to explore what happened to the people of Judah when their kings decided to abandon God and worship the pagan gods of the neighboring countries. Today's Question for Reflection is: How do We Prevent Our Culture from Falling Apart? To Order Discovering Courage Like Jeremiah’s At the Movies, Visit https://www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-courage-like-jeremiahs/

At the Movies: 2012

David Lantz — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 00:13:44 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, 2012, to explore God’s word from Matthew 24 and Isaiah 13 to see what Jesus had to say about “The End of the Age.” Today's Question for Reflection: Is climate change, caused by solar storm activity, signaling the “End of the Age?” To Order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/at-the-movies/discovering-raising-daniels-and-esthers/

At the Movies: God's Not Dead

David Lantz — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 22:59:51 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie God’s Not Dead to explore how Christianity is under attack in the culture of Modern America. We’ll examine how Jesus asks us to acknowledge Him as described in Matthew 10:32-33, and apply it to how we might live in a way that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Today’s Question for Reflection: Is there a “Dark Agenda” to Destroy Christianity in the United States of America? To Order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/at-the-movies/discovering-raising-daniels-and-esthers/

At the Movies - National Treasure

David Lantz — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:31:35 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, National Treasure to explore God’s word about how He rules nations as described in Daniel 5:21-22, and apply it to how we might live in a way that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Today's Question for Reflection: What Does Providing Liberty and Justice for All Look Like in an Era of Hyper Partisanship? To Order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/at-the-movies/discovering-raising-daniels-and-esthers/

Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country

David Lantz — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 21:44:04 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country to explore God’s word from Daniel Chapter 6 and how God’s word calls us to stand firm in love for our beliefs. We’ll apply this discussion to the issue of same sex marriage and the United Methodist Church. Today's Question for Reflection: What Does it Take to Stand for God’s Word When Everyone Else says “Don’t Bother”? To Order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/at-the-movies/discovering-raising-daniels-and-esthers/

At the Movies: Robin Hood

David Lantz — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 00:39:16 +0000

In this podcast, David uses the movie, Robin Hood, to explore how Moses and Joshua reminded the people of Israel from time to time of God’s laws and how He was in charge. We’ll use this discussion to address this Question for Reflection: Is Liberty A Gift of God, and if so, How Should we Preserve This Gift for Us and Our Posterity? To Order Discovering Raising Daniels and Esthers At the Movies, visit https://www.wisejargon.com/at-the-movies/discovering-raising-daniels-and-esthers/

At the Movies: Inferno

David Lantz — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:15:59 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Inferno, to explore God’s word from the Apostle John about how Jesus offers true hope to a hurting world, rather than the false hope Satan provides. Today's Question for Reflection: Will a Secular World respond to the worship of death offered by Secular Gaiaism, or a gospel of salvation offered by Jesus? To Order Discovering How to Stand in the Gap At the Movies, visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-how-to-stand-in-the-gap

At the Movies - The Circle

David Lantz — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 23:22:03 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, The Circle, to explore God’s word about how powerful people elevate their desires over the rights of others, and how the Pharisees did that in Jesus’ day as well. Today's Question for Reflection: Are Those We Thought We Could Trust Trying to Deceive Us? Scripture references include passages from 1 John Chapters 1 - 3. To Order Discovering How to Stand in the Gap At the Movies, visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-how-to-stand-in-the-gap

At the Movies: Act of Valor

David Lantz — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 16:20:58 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Act of Valor, to explore how Jeremiah was called to be a prophet and preach the word of God, even when it wasn’t popular. Today's Question for Reflection: Can We Change the World When We Choose to Serve Rather Than Be Served? Scripture references include Jeremiah chapters 1, 12 and Matthew 5:11-12. In this episode, David reflects on his father Dr. Tom Lantz’s service during the Korean War to relate to this week’s topic. To Order Discovering The Courage of Jeremiah’s At the Movies, visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-courage-like-jeremiahs

At the Movies: The Incredibles

David Lantz — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 00:30:28 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, The Incredibles, to explore God’s word about what Pastor and Author John MacArthur has called “The Truth War.” Today's Question for Reflection: What Happens to a Culture That Can’t Agree on the Meaning of “Truth”? Scripture references include John 8:31-32, Colossians 2:8, and Psalm 119: 151 and 160. To Order Discovering Mere Christianity At the Movies, visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-mere-christianity. To learn about my book, The Unraveling of We the People, visit http://www.theunraveling.us

At the Movies: Pay It Forward

David Lantz — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:48:41 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Pay It Forward, to explore God’s word about His desire to rescue us from darkness, and forgive our sins. Today’s Question for Reflection: Is The Power to Forgive is the Power to Change the World? Scripture references include 1 John Chapter 1 and Acts Chapter 26. To Order Discovering Mere Christianity At the Movies, visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-mere-christianity

At the Movies: Insurgent

David Lantz — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 18:17:31 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Insurgent, to look at how Christians need to keep speaking out against corruption and efforts to destroy our culture. Today's Question for Reflection: Can We Rescue Our Civilization? Scripture reference is to Acts 6 and I Corinthians 6. To sign up for this weekly podcast, please go to https://bit.ly/2maftSQ

At the Movies - Return of the Jedi

David Lantz — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 14:28:31 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Return of the Jedi, to explore God’s word about why pain and suffering exists in the world, and Jesus’ mission to save the lost. Today's Question for Reflection: How do We Find Hope in a World Filled With Suffering? Scripture references used include John 3:17, Luke 19:10, and Romans 1:19-20. To Order Discovering Mere Christianity At the Movies, visit www.wisejargon.com/At-The-Movies/discovering-mere-christianity

At the Movies - Darkest Hour

David Lantz — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 02:43:35 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Darkest Hour, to examine how political leaders must sometimes deal with a "deep state" that is only looking out for its own interests, and not the interests of the nation. Today’s Question for Reflection is: What Happens When A Treacherous Deep State Corrupts a Nation? Scripture reference is Judges Chapter 11 and the Judge, Jephthah. To sign up for this weekly podcast, please go to https://bit.ly/2maftSQ

At the Movies: Star Wars

David Lantz — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 19:46:46 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, Star Wars, to look at how our culture is increasingly calling evil good. Today’s Question for Reflection: What Happens to Us When We Call Evil Good? Scripture reference is Romans 1:21 and also the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. To sign up for this weekly podcast, please go to https://bit.ly/2maftSQ

At the Movies: Pinky & The Brain

David Lantz — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 12:59:20 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, The Kingdom of Heaven, to look at how people in difficult circumstances can do the right thing. Today’s Question for Reflection: Is the Power to Love Generously the Power to Change the World? Scripture reference is Ezekiel 22. To sign up for this weekly podcast, please go to https://bit.ly/2maftSQ

At the Movies: Kingdom of Heaven

David Lantz — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:05:43 +0000

In this Podcast, David uses the movie, The Kingdom of Heaven, to look at how people in difficult circumstances can do the right thing. The Power to Love Generously is the Power to Change the World. Scripture references is Matthew Chapter 2 about how the 3 Wise Men were asked to inform King Herod where the baby Jesus could be found. To sign up for this weekly podcast, please go to https://bit.ly/2maftSQ