Craig Groeschel Uses 'Creed' Film to Illustrate Ecclesiastes '2 Are Better Than 1'
Life.Church founder and pastor Craig Groeschel sees the hit 2015 movie "Creed" as showcasing the importance of family and the Ecclesiastes verse on two being better than one.
In the first entry in his summer series "At the Movies," Groeschel focused his analysis of the Rocky sequel on Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
"Some of you may realize right now that you have a battle to fight. And God did not design you to fight it alone," said Groeschel of Life.Church.
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"Little did these two fighters know how much they would eventually need each other and the same is true for many of you. Someone may need your help, your love, your support, and one day you'll discover that you need them just as much as they need you."
Using excerpts from the critically acclaimed film starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, Groeschel also talked about the familial relationship that develops between the two main characters and how it applies to the Church.
"Sadly, many people think family is limited to those who are just biologically related to you. But as Jesus followers, we have a much-broader and more inclusive view of family," added Groeschel.
"I'd argue that one of the most meaningful things that someone can say is 'you are family to me.' And we recognize that God can turn a friend into family."
Released in November, "Creed" followed the story of Adonis Creed, played by Jordan, who wants to become a boxer like his late father.
To do so, he solicits the help of an aged Rocky Balboa, played by Stallone in an Oscar-winning performance, who agrees to help train the young man.
Groeschel's message was the first in a series of messages that tie in biblical Christianity and assorted major blockbuster movies.
"Average movies entertain us. The best ones inspire us. So what can movies tell us about our own lives? Plenty! Grab some popcorn and find a seat — 'At the Movies' premieres July 9-10, only at Life.Church and Church Online," stated Life.Church's website.
Life.Church is not the only evangelical Christian entity to analyze "Creed." Pluggedin.com reviewed the film and gave it a mostly positive assessment.
"I wish they'd left the profanity and sexual nods on the mat right along with the sweat and the blood, certainly," noted the site's review.
"But there's something undeniably affirming and upright about the rest of this. Something that might even make you want to say 'Yo!'"
