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emergency surgery and visits Heaven, later relayingastounding experiences and knowledge that stun his parentsand greater community.Colton’s narrative stirs intense debate and raises thoughtprovoking (and potentially life-changing) questions – primarily:If Heaven is for real, what are the temporal and eternalimplications? How does the certainty of Heaven affect life inthe here and now? As the Burpos struggle to process Colton’sextraordinary journey, they must also seek God’s purpose fortheir son’s experience as well as examine the remarkable eventin light of biblical truth.SCENES TO REVIEWabout our spiritual nature that we long to know what comesafter our earthly existence?In the second scene, Colton realizes – pensively rather thandefensively – that people might not believe his story, to whichTodd replies that people may be afraid to believe: “Maybethey’re afraid that there is no Heaven. Or maybe they’re afraidthat there is.” If Heaven is for real, how does that affect the way we live?How does it affect our perspectives and decisions – bothcurrently and eternally? What is the difference between Heaven as a concept and areality? How does Colton’s experience, at the very least, forcepeople to consider Heaven in one of these terms?First Mention of Heaven (00:34:41–00:36:34)Read Isaiah 25:8; Luke 23:43; and Colossians 3:1–4 (seeScriptures Referenced). How does Colton’s age (four) influence the way he sharesdetails about Heaven? Do you find that his age makes hisexperience more or less compelling? Why? How does Isaiah 25:8 provide hope for those who trust inthe LORD? What does this verse say about God’s love for Hispeople that He would do these things for us? Colton says, “We don’t ever have to be scared” and that “It’simportant” not to be scared. What do these statements revealabout Colton’s experience with Heaven? List the promises mentioned in Luke 23:43 and Colossians3:1–4. How do these verses describe Heaven, especially inreference to Jesus Christ? Describe Todd’s physical and emotional reactions to hearingColton’s account of lifting out of his body and seeing hisparents in different parts of the hospital.In Heaven, Colton meets two family members who died beforehe was born. One of them is Pop, Todd’s grandfather, and theother is Colton’s unnamed sister, who died in the womb. Whenrelayed to his parents, these are the encounters that powerfullyand finally convince them that their son did indeed experienceHeaven. They also further Todd’s resolve to share Colton’sstory; he fully accepts the call to champion God’s love in aneffort to share hope and comfort.“We don’t ever have to be scared.” (00:31:24–00:33:06) What would you think and feel if your child told youhe’d been to Heaven? Would you chalk it up to a“beautiful imagination” as Sonja does, or would yourespond differently?Read Matthew 19:14; Luke 18:17; and 1 Corinthians 2:9 (seeScriptures Referenced). What do Matthew 19:14 and Luke 18:17 tell us about therelationship between children (or childlikeness) and theKingdom of Heaven? How does 1 Corinthians 2:9 resonate with the way Coltontries to describe the things he witnessed in Heaven (e.g., thecolors of the rainbow being “more”)?Todd’s curiosity regarding Colton’s claims prompts him toask his son about the time “when the angels sang to [him].”Colton willingly shares some of his experience (seeing angelsand meeting Jesus) and later mentions Jesus’ crucifixionwounds (“markers”) during a newspaper interview. Theseinnocent details take on profound implications consideringeven the cleverest of children would have difficulty creating andcommunicating such intimate, fresh observations with ease.SCENES TO REVIEWColton Describes His Visit (00:36:35–00:40:26)Jesus’ “Markers” (00:50:50–00:52:54) What are your impressions of Colton’s visit to Heaven asportrayed in the first scene? Does any of his narration standout? What do you make of his interaction with Jesus? Why are near-death experiences intriguing? What does it say6922 HOLLYWOOD BLVDHOLLYWOOD CA 90028HEAVEN IS FOR REAL DISCUSSION 8.5”X11” – 4JOB:149SONY - HEABE LUGIOYODATE:HFR STUDY R5.INDDKELLY ANDERSON 310-845-8435PRODUCTION SVCS: THOMAS ADAME 323-450-4162PROD. ARTISTMKROUND07-07-1405THOMAS.ADAM E@TRAI LE R PAR K.COM

SCENES TO REVIEWPop (01:09:53–01:13:05)THEME TWO: FAITHColton’s Other Sister (01:20:50–01:23:49)Guiding Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NLT):Faith is the confidence that what we hope forwill actually happen; it gives us assuranceabout things we cannot see. The first scene raises some essential questions regardingHeaven: How has God made a way for us to spend eternitywith him? Why does it matter what we (or Pop) believe? Read Philippians 3:20–21 (see Scriptures Referenced). Howdoes this verse relate to Colton telling Todd that nobodywears glasses in Heaven and that everybody is young? What are your thoughts on the scene in which Colton tellshis mother about the sister he met in Heaven? How does thisinteraction convince Sonja of Colton’s experience? How do these scenes remind us to be sensitive to those whohave lost loved ones? What are some appropriate ways tosupport friends and family who are dealing with grief ?Read John 14:2; 2 Corinthians 5:1; and 2 Peter 3:13 (seeScriptures Referenced). What hope (certainty, even, for the Christian) is expressed inJohn 14:2 and 2 Corinthians 5:1? How do these verses offerencouragement to run the race and look to eternity? 2 Peter 3:13 tells us that righteousness dwells in the newHeaven and new Earth. In this difficult and broken world,why is the promise of righteousness a profound comfort?As you conclude this theme discussion, spend some timediscussing your reaction to the film. Feel free to use thefollowing questions as starting points: Do you believe thatColton went to Heaven? (If you’re in a group setting, it’s entirelypossible – even likely – that you will have differing opinions on the matter.That’s perfectly acceptable; use the opportunity to further the discussion in aproductive way.) Is Heaven for real? Why or why not? In additionto the Scriptures Referenced, what does the Bible say aboutHeaven? Finish by reading the Guiding Scripture (Colossians3:1–4); consider Paul’s encouragement and instructionregarding Heaven.SCRIPTURES REFERENCED Psalm 50:15 (NLT): “Then call on me when you are introuble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 121:1–2 (NIV): I lift up my eyes to the hills – wheredoes my help come from? My help comes from the LORD,the Maker of Heaven and Earth. Psalm 145:18 (NLT): The LORD is close to all who call onhim, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Jeremiah 29:11–13 (NLT): “For I know the plans I havefor you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good andnot for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In thosedays when you pray, I will listen. If you look for mewholeheartedly, you will find me.” Matthew 19:26 (NIV): Jesus looked at them and said, “Withman this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Mark 9:23 (NLT): “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesusasked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Mark 11:23 (NIV): “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to thismountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does notdoubt in their heart but believes that what they say willhappen, it will be done for them.” John 3:16 (NIV): For God so loved the world that he gavehis one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall notperish but have eternal life.6922 HOLLYWOOD BLVDHOLLYWOOD CA 90028HEAVEN IS FOR REAL DISCUSSION 8.5”X11” – 5JOB:149SONY - HEABE LUGIOYODATE:HFR STUDY R5.INDDKELLY ANDERSON 310-845-8435PRODUCTION SVCS: THOMAS ADAME 323-450-4162PROD. ARTISTMKROUND07-07-1405THOMAS.ADAM E@TRAI LE R PAR K.COM

John 16:33 (NLT): “I have told you all this so that youmay have peace in me. Here on Earth you will havemany trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I haveovercome the world.”the film explores the journey of Todd’s faith – how it is tested,shaped and refined as he both processes his son’s near-fatalillness and miraculous healing and tries to understand God’spurpose in these life-changing circumstances. Romans 8:38–39 (NIV): For I am convinced that neitherdeath nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the presentnor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, noranything else in all creation, will be able to separate us fromthe love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.At the beginning of the film, things are going well forTodd other than some financial concerns. He’s serving hiscommunity, leading his church and spending time with hisfamily. However, he then is confronted with a series of healthrelated challenges – a spiral fracture in his leg and severalkidney stones – that open the door for spiritual discouragementto take hold. With these frustrations fresh in his mind, it’s nowonder that Todd’s faith is further rattled by the devastatingrealization that he may lose his son. In these dark moments, wesee a defenseless, shaken man. Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV): Do not be anxious aboutanything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And thepeace of God, which transcends all understanding, willguard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): Faith is the confidence that what wehope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance aboutthings we cannot see. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV): And without faith it is impossibleto please God, because anyone who comes to him mustbelieve that he exists and that he rewards those whoearnestly seek him.DVD SCENES TO REVIEW Emergency Surgery (00:25:55–00:30:49) Faltering in the Pulpit (00:47:11–00:49:45) Dr. Slater (00:40:27–00:44:35) Visit With Jay (00:44:36–00:47:10)SCENES TO REVIEWEmergency Surgery (00:25:55–00:30:49)Faltering in the Pulpit (00:47:11–00:49:45)Todd prays, “You’ve made me suffer, and I took that. You’vemade my family suffer, and I took that. You’re going to take myboy? Don’t you take my son. Don’t you take my son!” At the medical center, Todd isolates himself in the chapeland yells at God over the potential death of his son. Whatwas your reaction to this scene and to Todd’s prayer? Can you recall the various tones and moods with whichyou’ve prayed? How do these different types of prayersdemonstrate the complexities of your relationship with God? Final Sermon (01:23:50–01:29:38) How is prayer an extension or representation of faith? Whatis the relationship between the two? How does prayer keep usconnected to the Father in both triumphs and trials?DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What do you think of the film’s honest and vulnerableportrayal of Todd’s struggles (as opposed to a trite,sugarcoated or superficial depiction of a pastor wrestling withdoubt)? Myth or Truth? (01:13:06–01:15:14)While Colton’s experience impacts the greater community(and eventually beyond), perhaps no one is more affected bythe events surrounding Colton’s surgery, recovery and heavenlyaccount than Todd. In a very personal and vulnerable way, As he falters in the pulpit, how does Todd’s unease – and theawkwardness between Todd and his congregation – publiclyreflect the very personal nature of Todd’s conflict?6922 HOLLYWOOD BLVDHOLLYWOOD CA 90028HEAVEN IS FOR REAL DISCUSSION 8.5”X11” – 6JOB:149SONY - HEABE LUGIOYODATE:HFR STUDY R5.INDDKELLY ANDERSON 310-845-8435PRODUCTION SVCS: THOMAS ADAME 323-450-4162PROD. ARTISTMKROUND07-07-1405THOMAS.ADAM E@TRAI LE R PAR K.COM

Read Psalm 50:15; John 16:33; and Philippians 4:6–7 (seeScriptures Referenced). According to John 16:33, is the Christian guaranteed a painfree life without trials and sorrows? What instruction andcomfort does Jesus give in the second half of the verse? What do Psalm 50:15 and Philippians 4:6–7 say aboutprayer? How do these passages speak to the Burpos’ medicalemergency as well as Todd’s frustration and doubt?When Colton recovers from his ruptured appendix, Todd andSonja are thrilled and thankful to have their child restored togood health. What Todd doesn’t anticipate, though, is howColton’s subsequent comments about Heaven will foster a crisisof faith for the small-town pastor. For the first time in his lifeand calling, Todd realizes that there is a difference betweenknowing the Bible and truly taking God at His Word – believing,in faith, that His promises are true.Todd also acknowledges that this time of testing has producedin him a newfound humility and the realization that we aremeant to show and share God’s love, modeling His love for us.SCENES TO REVIEWMyth or Truth? (01:13:06–01:15:14)Final Sermon (01:23:50–01:29:38) In the first scene, Sonja asks, “Why can’t [Colton’sexperience] just be a mystery and we leave it at that?” Doesshe raise a valid point regarding faith? Why or why not? Todd says that Colton is innocent, yet the things he’s talkingabout are impossible. What relationship does faith have withthe impossible? What are some biblical examples? In his sermon, Todd says that only faith opens our eyes. Doyou agree or disagree and why? How do you interpret thephrase, “On Earth as it is in Heaven”? How does Todd’s sermon stress the connection betweena thriving faith and sharing God’s love? How is Heaven ademonstration of God’s love and the hope that He offers?*SCENES TO REVIEWDr. Slater (00:40:27–00:44:35)Visit With Jay (00:44:36–00:47:10) Even though Todd is having difficulty reconciling his beliefswith Colton’s experience, how does he (even inadvertently)defend the concept of faith while talking to Dr. Slater? What do you think of Dr. Slater’s fact-based explanations?Are logic (reason, science, etc.) and faith mutually exclusive?Why or why not? Can you relate to Todd and his crisis of faith? How hasdoubt or skepticism threatened to undermine what youbelieve? Would you be willing to share an example? In the second scene, Todd says, “We ask these kids to believethis stuff and I don’t even know if I believe it myself, Jay.”What is the “stuff ” to which Todd is referring? On the fire truck, Todd further adds: “The Bible tells us tobelieve His children. What my child’s telling me would getme laughed out of this town.” Articulate Todd’s dilemma. What is the difference between head knowledge and heartknowledge? How would you explain these terms in referenceto believing God and taking Him at His Word?Read Psalm 121:1–2; Psalm 145:18; and Jeremiah 29:11–13(see Scriptures Referenced).*John 3:16 and Romans 8:38–39 are wonderful declarations ofGod’s love for us as expressed through the gospel and His relentlesspursuit of our salvation. Describe Todd’s faith journey in the film and include thevarious ways his journey impacts his family, friends, churchand community.Take a look at Mark 11:23 and Hebrews 11:6 (see ScripturesReferenced). What does Mark 11:23 tell us about doubt? How can doubtundermine the beauty and hope of faith in Jesus Christ?What are some ways to strive for and preserve faith? List everything Hebrews 11:6 says (directly or indirectly)about faith. How might you use the message of this verse tocommit to growing in faith and fellowship with God?Before concluding this theme discussion, read Matthew 19:26;Mark 9:23; and Hebrews 11:1 (see Scriptures Referenced), andtake a moment to reflect on the power of Almighty God andthe hope we have in Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Howdo these passages nurture and promote faith? On a personallevel, how would you describe your own faith journey? Are you The passages from the Psalms give clear instruction as to whereto find help when facing times of trouble. What encouragementdo these verses provide in keeping doubt at bay? Jeremiah 29:11–13, a passage full of beauty and hope,concludes with, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you willfind me.” How does God’s promise bolster our faith?Todd’s faith is further stretched when Colton reveals thathe met Pop in Heaven. Because of Colton’s innocence andsincerity, Todd knows he cannot simply categorize his son’sclaims as myth, but must choose to exercise rather thanscrutinize his faith, accepting Colton’s story as true – along withwhatever corresponding calling God has for the Burpo family.6922 HOLLYWOOD BLVDHOLLYWOOD CA 90028HEAVEN IS FOR REAL DISCUSSION 8.5”X11” – 7JOB:149SONY - HEABE LUGIOYODATE:HFR STUDY R5.INDDKELLY ANDERSON 310-845-8435PRODUCTION SVCS: THOMAS ADAME 323-450-4162PROD. ARTISTMKROUND07-07-1405THOMAS.ADAM E@TRAI LE R PAR K.COM

wrestling with doubt? Consider seeking the LORD – with Whomand by Whom all things are possible – to ask for grace to growin faith, overcoming doubt with the trustworthy promises of HisWord.THEME THREE: COURAGEGuiding Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT): ForGod has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,but of power, love, and self-discipline.you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doingwhat is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or beafraid of their threats. 1 John 4:18 (NLT): Such love has no fear, becauseperfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fearof punishment, and this shows that we have not fullyexperienced his perfect love.DVD SCENES TO REVIEW “I’ll never give up that Lion.” (00:11:08–00:14:18) Public Backlash (00:53:27–00:56:33) Church Board Meeting (01:01:45–01:05:23)SCRIPTURES REFERENCED Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous.Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for theLORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you norforsake you.” Psalm 27:1 (NIV): The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 43:5 (NIV): Why, my soul, are you downcast? Whyso disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yetpraise him, my Savior and my God. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’tbe discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you andhelp you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Matthew 6:25–26 (NIV): “Therefore I tell you, do not worryabout your life, what you will eat or drink; or about yourbody, what you will wear. Is not life more important thanfood, and the body more important than clothes? Look atthe birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away inbarns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you notmuch more valuable than they?” 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV): For the message of the cross isfoolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who arebeing saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV): The person without the Spiritdoes not accept the things that come from the Spirit of Godbut considers them foolishness, and cannot understand thembecause they are discerned only through the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 4:8–11 (NIV): We are hard pressed onevery side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but notdestroyed. We always carry around in our body the deathof Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in ourbody. For we who are alive are always being given over todeath for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed inour mortal body. Philippians 4:13 (NLT): For I can do everything throughChrist, who gives me strength. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT): For God has not given us a spirit offear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 1 Peter 3:13–14 (NLT): Now, who will want to harm you if Courage in Action (01:15:15–01:20:50)DISCUSSION QUESTIONSAs you begin this theme discussion, take some time to read 1Corinthians 1:18 and 2:14 (see Scriptures Referenced). Theseverses are a small representation of a very clear message inthe Bible: standing firm in faith takes courage. During thosedifficult times when our convictions are questioned, mockedor persecuted, we can cling to an eternal promise in Godthe Father and call out as King David does in Psalm 27:1:“The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I beafraid?” (NIV).Toward the beginning of the film, Todd delivers a compellingsermon in which he vows that he will never give up hisbelief in and commitment to Jesus Christ. That scene laysthe foundation for an important storyline in the film andforeshadows the difficulties that Todd and his family will soonface. Todd’s sermon also serves as a reminder that the peaks offaith are essential preparation for the valleys; it is in the valleys,the trying times, that courage shines the brightest.SCENE TO REVIEW“I’ll never give up that Lion.” (00:11:08–00:14:18)Public Backlash (00:53:27–00:56:33)In the first scene, as part of the sermon, Todd says, “Thebear, the lion and the unicorn – they weren’t looking for aneasy road. I don’t think Jesus was either when he acceptedthe cross.” How does Christ model courage for us, especially in referenceto the events leading up to and surrounding His crucifixionand resurrection? Give specific examples if possible. Todd gives this sermon prior to the series of significantchallenges his family faces. Why is it important to practicecourage even when things are going well (during the “peaks”)? After watching the second scene, compare and contrast itwith the first one. How have things changed for the Burpos?What is it costing them to stand f

heaven is for real discussion 8.5”x11” – 4 6922 hollywood blvd hollywood ca 90028 job: 149 hfr_study_r5.indd date: 07-07-14 sony - he abe lugioyo kelly anderson 3 10-845-8435 prod. artist mk round 05 production svcs: thomas adame 323-450-4162 thomas.adame@trailerpark.com emergency surgery and visits heaven, later relayingFile Size: 896KB