SERIES TITLE
At The Movies Forrest Gump
At The Movies Week 6
SERIES OVERVIEW
Bring a friend, grab some popcorn, find a seat… you’re at the movies! Each week we’ll learn how God uses characters and storylines from the big screen to inspire positive change. Journey with us through some of Hollywood’s most impactful films and experience God’s purpose for you in a fun and fresh way. Our At the Movies series is only viewable on an Eastside campus. For times and directions, please choose a location near you.
SERMON TITLE
Forrest Gump
Sermon Summary
Slow-witted Forrest Gump has never thought of himself as disadvantaged, and thanks to his supportive mother, he leads anything but a restricted life. Whether dominating on the gridiron as a college football star, fighting in Vietnam or captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest inspires people with his childlike optimism. But one person Forrest cares about most may be the most difficult to save — his childhood love, the sweet but troubled Jenny. Gene shares many lessons from Forrest’s example to explore and discuss here.
WARM UP
Complete this sentence with your own answer: “Life is like a box of ______________”.
DISCUSSion
Select 5-6 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
- Read Romans 4:2 (NLT) In *Forrest Gump*, Forrest experiences many moments of grace and kindness, often despite his mistakes. How does God’s patience and kindness in this verse compare to the grace Forrest received? Have you ever experienced a time when God’s kindness turned you from a wrong path or decision?
- Read Romans 8:28 (NLT) Forrest’s life often seems like a series of random events, yet everything seems to work out for him in the end. Do you think this reflects the idea of destiny or God’s purpose at work? Can you share a time when a difficult or confusing situation in your life eventually worked out for good? How did you see God’s hand in it?
- Read Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) Forrest and Jenny have a complicated but deeply loyal friendship. How does their relationship reflect the value of a true friend as described in this verse? Who in your life has been a friend that sticks closer than a brother or sister? How have they impacted your faith journey?
- Read Luke 6:38 (NIV). Forrest is known for his generosity, whether it’s helping his friends or creating a shrimp company to honor Bubba’s dream. How does his generosity mirror the message of this verse? How has generosity—either yours or someone else’s—affected your life or the lives of others?
- Read John 14:27 (NLT). Despite many challenges, Forrest seems to navigate life with a sense of peace. How does this remind you of the peace Jesus offers us in this verse? Where do you currently need God’s peace in your life? How can we, as a group, pray for that peace?
- Read Psalm 61:2 (NIV). Forrest often faces moments of uncertainty, loss, and pain. Have you experienced a time in life where, like Forrest, you needed to call out to God for strength and guidance? What does it mean to you to be led to “the rock that is higher than I”? How can trusting in God’s strength give us clarity in moments of confusion or weakness?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
- Ask for any prayer requests within the group.
- Pray for an increased ability to trust in the good God is ultimately working out for you.
- Pray for the Christ-like ability to love someone in your life who may be less than dependable.
- Pray for clarity in some area of life for those in the group.