God's Not Dead 2, An Early Review

We just got home from an advanced screening of God's Not Dead 2 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  I will say right off the bat that this one is a better overall film than the original, an odd and somewhat surprising departure from the usual pattern of sequels often coming up short of the original.  That being said, there are some serious concerns I have which will be touched on in this entry.

From the web site:

From the college classroom of GOD’S NOT DEADto the public square in GOD’S NOT DEAD 2, the name of Jesus is welcomed less and less with each passing day. If Christians don’t take a stand today, will we even have a choice tomorrow?

Welcome back to Hope Springs … home not only of Hadleigh University, but also Martin Luther King Jr. High School, where beloved teacher Grace Wesley helps students understand and enjoy history. Her love of teaching, her love for her students, and her love of life all come from the same place: her love of Christ.

So when Brooke, a hurting student grieving the loss of her brother, reaches out to Grace, their coffee-shop conversation naturally leads to Grace sharing the hope she finds in Christ.

When Brooke later asks an honest question about Jesus in the classroom, Grace’s reasoned response lands her in big trouble—almost before she even finishes giving her answer.

With the principal and superintendent joining forces with a zealous civil liberties group, Grace faces an epic court case that could cost her the career she loves and expel God from the classroom—and the public square—once and for all!

GOD’S NOT DEAD 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Pure Flix movie from 2014 and features an all-star cast. Coming to theaters beginning April 1, 2016, GOD’S NOT DEAD 2 will have audiences standing proudly for what they believe … while they still can. Where will you stand?

The short:

MPAA Rating : PG (for the life of me, I cannot figure out where that rating came from, see below)

Featured Actors (Character): Jesse Metcalfe (Tom Endler), David A.R. White (Pastor Dave), Ray Wise (ACLU lawyer Pete Kane), Robin Givens (Principal Kinney), Hayley Orrantia (Brooke Thawley, Melissa Joan Hart (Grace Wesley), Ernie Hudson (Judge Stennis), and several more, including The Newsboys with other rolls from the original film reprised by the same actors.

Ratings Content: None- no nudity, no violence, no profanity, no adult situations, no sexually provocative or innuendo. Indeed, I could not find anything worthy of a "PG" rating, other than the name of Jesus.

The GOOD: As mentioned above,Mathis is an extremely "clean" film, with no morally concerning content. Also, there was what I perceived as a more focused attempt to make the presentation of the Gospel more "natural"/less contrived.  Some of the characters are actually believable, and most of the acting is at least average or better.  This movie presents an almost believable illustration of someone struggling with their faith when the circumstance that led them to faith no longer applies. As is typical for PureFlix and David A.R. White films, there is a sometimes awkward juxtaposition of comic relief with very serious material, though even that was less of a forced nature in this movie than its predecessor.  Finally, this film is entertaining and encouraging, even if somewhat predictable. And praise God there isn't the formulaic "dying breath conversion" so common in Christian films (especially from this company). And believe it or not, there will be some "Amen" moments as the plot deals with some current event controversies (maybe too many forgone film?).

The BAD:  this film is not without its flaws. Some production gaffs- one of the most glaring is that "Martin Luther King Jr. High School" (filmed at Benton High School, in Benton, AR)  had Benton School District busses. Yet the setting of the film doesn't match.  There are a few day/night mismatches in the storyline (mostly not too noticeable).

Things to be cautious or even disturbed about (if you are concerned with spoilers, you might want to skip the following):

Most of the factors to be cautious about, or that present an issue fall under the theological/doctrinal umbrella. The most concerning was a consistent lean on experience and "feelings" as evidence of God and faith. One of the main characters bemoans how God doesn't "feel close", but instead like "He is a million miles away" and that she "cannot hear Him speaking to me any more".  A single reference to God audibly speaking to her might have been almost excusable. Unfortunately, it is a repeated concept in the film (Charismatic viewers will probably classify this as a GOOD thing, but I digress).  

Another concern that will likely no phase many evangelical viewers- the unscriptural "ask Jesus into your heart" Soteriology, along with a lack of any mention of repentance. 

 A fresh believer (from the original movie), just months (in the two movie timeline) into his new faith and full of questions for Pastor Dave (David A.R. White), the verbalizes his "call to ministry", to be a pastor to his country (China). Add to this that there is no indication that any of the characters have a regular church family (especially confusing with this young man's "call to ministry".  I also wonder why there was no demonstration of the main character, Grace (Melissa Joan Hart) having a regular church home/family (and none come stand beside her in her "trial".

And of course, as has become a predictable part of most of these kinds of films, especially from PureFlix- some fairly contrived circumstances, some of which may very well feel so forced because of editing. Quite possibly the editing was a bit heavy-handed in spots, leaving some plot gaps. 

Summary Thoughts:  While God's Not Dead 2 has some theological issues, particularly with Soteriology and experience-based, pragmatic faith,mismatch least partially redeems itself by not shyingnawaynfrom challenges to our faith and the reality that JesusnHimself warned us of: that there is a cost to following Him. The over-arching message is "will you stand on your faith, or are you "ashamed of the gospel?" Not everyone will even blink at the "issues" this film has (some of which were detailed above), but the vast majority of Christians who see this movie will leave encouraged, and Impray, more willing witnesses of the hope that is in them in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). 

Look for some interesting characters (played by themselves), including Lee Strobel, author of "Tje Case For Christ", and real-life cold-case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace who serve as witnesses in court.

Some of my more "militant" (some call it "cage stage") Reformed friends will have a difficult time just enjoying God's Not Dead 2 specifically because of the above issues. But for those able to either filter through or overlook these concerns, you will likely enjoy this film, possibly more so than the original.

What IS The Gospel?

We hear a lot in this nation the term "Gospel". Those of us in ministry focus a great deal on the term - yet so many have such a limited understanding of what the Gospel REALLY is.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:16 "it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

In a nutshell, the Gospel is the power of God for salvation - It is the outpouring of God's Grace and mercy towards sinners. It is the testimony of the miracle wrought by God in Jesus Christ - who, as John 1:1 clearly indicates has existed alongside God the Father from the foundation of the World (without beginning or end). This Jesus who "emptied Himself" to take on flesh, to dwell among mankind (Philippians 2), who lived without sin (though tempted in all means Hebrews 4:15), and who willingly gave His life for all who would believe.

But WHY would Jesus give His life for us? Because of His great love - and because we all sin and fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23).  We all deserve, even if we might seem to be relatively "moral", nothing but eternal damnation - because the wages, the just payment for sin is - Death (Romans 6:23).

I spent decades of my life with the belief that I could somehow balance out good for bad in my life. If I just did enough stuff that appeared to be the kind of stuff one just "ought" to do - then I would get entry into the "Pearly Gates".

But God...

You see, God doesn't leave folks in ignorance - He grants, through His Holy Spirit knowledge and conviction of sin. He then fulfills His promise to give us a new heart (His), and even a new mind (Ezekiel 36:26). He then regenerates us, granting us (through His Grace), faith unto salvation. The gift of Eternal Life, that is all, totally, and 100% a GIFT of God - that not a one of us could possibly brag or boast of what "we" did... Ephesians 2:8-9

And He did it all for HIS glory.

The Gospel... it isn't just words.  It isn't just a "prayer". It is a very real, tangible, and powerful change in us, brought, empowered, and sustained by the Lord of lords, the King of kings - bought by His own precious blood.

War Room - A Film on the Power of Prayer

My wife Diana and I were privileged to be able to attend a pre-screening of War Room, the latest movie from Provident Films and the Kendrick Brothers (Sherwood Pictures/Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia). Other movies form this line include Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous.  This film, like some of the previous films is being promoted intentionally towards a Christian audience, and is being released with a wide
assortment of materials and resources.  The obvious reasoning behind the producers hosting pre-screenings for those in ministry positions is to promote the film, as movie producers sink or swim based on movie attendance.

The host for this event opened with a now familiar concept: if we want good, Christ-honoring films in our entertainment options, then we must support them when they come.  And when a movie has the billing and potential to be not only Christ-honoring, but a powerful ministry tool, we should give it serious consideration.

In the case of War Room, the premise of the story revolves around prayer and its vital role in families, especially the picture of Matthew 6:6:

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

War Room is the story of Tony and Elizabeth Jordan (played by T.C. Stallings and Pricilla Shirer), a seemingly successful young couple with a young daughter Danielle (played by Alena Pitts), yet a family on the brink of collapse.  Tony is the top salesman at a pharmaceutical company, consumed with his career (and a little bit more), and Elizabeth the realtor who feels helpless in the face of a collapsing relationship with Tony.  Then along comes Miss Clara (Karen Abercrombie), a widow lady who has her old home for sale. This launches us into a roller coaster of emotion as Miss Clara connects with Elizabeth, eventually introducing the latter to her "War Room", a closet in her old house where she spends time with the Lord in War, not with this world, but with the REAL enemy.

The Kendrick brothers have an almost predictable way with splashes of humor, while giving due reverence to the extremely important subjects handled in this film. One of the most enjoyable parts of this movie, outside of the heart-lifting character of Miss Clara, is that the producers did not shy away from the name of Jesus! This movie is unabashedly "Christ-centered", indeed so much so that the enemies of God will indeed be offended by it, and the marginal, lukewarm believer will likely leave the film deeply convicted.

Entertainment Value: 9 out of 10

Family Friendly 10 our of 10

God-honoring 10 out of 10

Spiritual Value for investment 10 out of 10

Values Promoted: Prayer, Grace, Faith 

I will go out on a fairly secure limb and add this to my list of "must see" films.  While there is little in the way of "big screen" action that make this a "movie theater experience", I would still take the time and make the investment to see this in the theater, with a big focus on the opening weekend.  Many are not aware that films are made or broken by their opening weekend performance. With a good box office, the movie will expand to far more theaters, getting much more exposure and reaching a much wider audience, while helping to encourage further investment in family-friendly, values-based films.  

Go see this movie! And watch out - you might even find yourself wanting to SHOUT (praise Jesus!). I can confidently say, your faith will be strengthened, and your heart may very well be convicted, all while seeing an enjoyable, entertaining, and family-friendly film.

Know a couple who's marriage is hurting? Know people going through hard times in desperation?  This film can help!

War Room opens in theaters August 28 (with a special early opening on August 27).

"How do you like your coffee?" (See the film to get the reference)

For more information, see the official web site of War Room

Please, NO SNOW... Thank you LORD for the Snow!

If you are scratching your head at the title of this post, don't let it bother you. Just let me explain.  I am ready for Spring!  I am not alone in this sentiment by a long-shot. Just a month ago, my father began getting his boat and fishing gear ready, bringing up discussions on tactics and when/where to begin the hunt for fish, only to see a couple bouts of icy and cold weather roll in.  Then, as things begin to look like Spring (daffodils springing out), forecasts come from every direction - big winter weather event.

Sure enough, Wednesday afternoon, the medium-heavy rain transitioned to sleet, then to snow (we saw an accumulation of ½ - ¼  inch of ice plus 6-8 inches of snow at our house in Clinton). To be honest, I prayed that the forecast was wrong. I prayed for warmer weather. But God...

This morning, as I arose and peeked outside to see pristine, bright white reflection of the sun - an overwhelming feeling came on - a comforting assurance that both scripture and hymn remind us of...

Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

thought they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.

Isaiah 1:18

Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

(Whiter Than Snow, Words by James Nicholson, Music by William Fischer)

Are your sins forgiven, are they washed by the Precious Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ? Where else by in the power of Salvation can blood turn what is already red with sin, to a white, more pure than snow? 

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."  Acts 4:12

The Heaviness Engulfs Me

A heavy heart tonight. I won't go into details, just suffice it to say that I am grieving. I was led to a passage of Scripture when I got home that so fits whats going on. My faith has never been tested as now. I don't know what tomorrow holds. I don't know what next week or beyond holds. But I do know that God holds it all in His Sovereign hand.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ...Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

I'm ready to rejoice, without having to look over my shoulder.

I will confess - I am questioning everything in my life right now.  Ok, maybe not everything - as I don't have any doubts about my love for my incredibly patient and loving wife, Diana, or my love for my precious gifts from God - Anna and Selah. One other thing that I have absolutely no doubt about is my Savior's love for me. That being said - I am doubting pretty much each and every other part of my life. In the words of Thomas Payne in his epic The Crisis, penned in December 1776: "These are the times that try men's souls."

Another fact that I have no doubt about - is that there is a very real spiritual war going on, particularly in my own context. A war that has left me bruised and beaten, and near defeat. I have spoken both privately and publicly from the pulpit of "putting on the whole Armor of God". Boy are those far easier words to say, than instructions to actually follow! Yet it seems that my best efforts to "put on" this armor simply lead to more fights.  Further - there are "fiery darts" that are finding flesh in the "cracks" between the armor. It's my fault - I don't spend enough time with the "Sword of the Spirit - the Word of God".  I struggle with personal righteousness. The command to "pray at all times in the Spirit" sometimes gets shorted on the "all" part. And to be totally honest, I'm reaching and searching for the "peace" associated with the shoes related to the Gospel...

Indeed, in some ways - I am troubled down at the very deepest recesses of my heart and mind. Have some of Satan's darts not just found flesh, but found innermost parts?

Discouragement leading to despair is before me. But I just cannot look back. Jesus said to look back is to be unworthy of the Kingdom...

I am weak. I am broken. I'm not just far from perfect, I am at the bottom of the bottom. Yet the harder I try to climb up - the farther it seems I fall.

I now better understand what Romans 8:26 means... as my prayers seem to be so very lacking and insignificant. in fact, James 5:16 is causing me quite a bit of grief right now "...the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." I feel neither particularly righteous nor do my prayers seem very effective these days.

I'm a great finger-pointer, yet I am reminded of the wise words I first heard from a dear friend who is already waiting for us in Heaven, "remember - when you point your finger at others, there are at least three fingers pointing back at you."

But all the finger pointing in the world, even if justified, does not take away my own responsibility for my failures and shortcomings (even when I'm unaware of them).

Something has to change. I'm not demanding that God "do something" - I am fairly certain He is "doing something", whether I see it or not. But something in my life is gong to have to change.

I am trying desperately to heed the words of Proverbs 3:5-6:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

     and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

     and He will make straight your paths.

Maybe (no - actually), the key is in the next two verses:

Be not wise in your own eyes;

     fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

     and refreshment to your bones.

I try to not think to highly of myself. In fact, another thing I have no doubt about - is my weakness and unworthiness. I try to combat evil in my life - seeking those things that are glorious to God and edifying to those around me.  Refreshment and healing?  Please...

I want to cry out to God the words of David in Psalm 51:

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

     and uphold me with a willing spirit...

But instead, I again feel more like the difficulty in prayer of Romans 8:26 - and I'm in need of the Spirit Himself interceding for me...

And any prayers the reader of this feels led to offer up - thank you.

Soft, Gushy, Dead Faith and the Modern Church

There is a disease in this nation (spreading around the globe) that is far worse than Ebola. This disease doesn't typically ravage you physical health quite as directly as Ebola or other viral diseases, yet it most certainly leads to death.

This disease is Dead Faith.

This is the disease that James wrote of in James 2 that is a faith without works. Now, let me be clear on something, I in absolutely NO way believe, follow, or endorse ANY form of works-based salvation.  Scripture is clear that Salvation is by Grace, through Faith ALONE (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Jesus Himself said that a tree is known by its fruits (Matthew 7:16, Luke 6:44).  It is the life we live in this world that demonstrates if we are "in the faith". In fact, one way of "test your faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5) is by examining our works, our behavior, our lives. Whether it be our stewardship of all that God entrusts us with (finances, life, time, faith), or how we treat others we encounter in our walk (James 2:1-8). Do we genuinely hate sin? Are we grieved when we commit sin? Are we anxious to repent when we sin? Does this sin exercised in the world around us also cause us to grieve? If the answer to any of these is no - then there is no genuine fruit produced by the Spirit in you, as the Spirit of repentance is one of the first and biggest of fruits produced when we genuinely belong to the Lord.

So where am I going with this?  Today's world, and particularly in this nation, we see many so-called "churches" proclaiming what is, in essence and practical application, a centuries (millennia even) old heresy known from several centuries back as Antinomianism (From the Greek words anti meaning "against", and nomos, which means "law" or "against the law". This is the theology/doctrine that if you have "been saved" (by calling on the name of Jesus), then you are no longer bound to, or beholden in any way to "The Law". Quite literally, it is a belief (expressed in several forms), that you have a free pass to do whatever you want, that all is "ok" once you have "asked Jesus into your heart". Some might call this explanation seriously over-simplified, but the end result is the same. Sin-filled lives that show no sign of repentance (or grieving of your spirit by sin).

This is the type of people that Jude 4 mentions within the local church that have "crept in" (have become members of that local church - fully enjoying the "privilege", without any chastisement or discipline from said local church for their unrepentant sin.

This is much like the condemnation Paul had for the Corinthian church who was turning a blind eye to the sin that was so vile, even the pagans didn't practice it (1 Corinthians 5) (for those that may not be aware - it was an incestuous relationship). By turning a blind eye, they were endorsing the sin behavior.

It is through this blind-eye, soft-sell Gospel (ask Jesus into your heart, but you do not have to submit to Him as your Lord or do as He says in His Word) that has led to ineffective witness in the world. It is why Christians and Christianity is no longer the "salt" - preserving and influencing the World with the Truth.

Jesus said, so very clearly - if you love me, KEEP MY COMMANDS!  (John 14:15) In the next chapter (John 15:10), He said that if we keep His commands, we will abide in His love.

This does not imply that we must "work" to keep our salvation or to continue receiving Christ's love. It quite simply means that if our lives reflect His commands, if we are living according to His Word, it is a sign - a "fruit" that demonstrates we are of His vine. Saving faith is a permanent faith that always produces fruit. Why else did Jesus use the illustration of the vinedresser who cuts away the unproductive branches?

And ultimately, James' words that strike the point home - faith without works is a dead, worthless, useless faith... (James 2:14-20).

What kind of "fruit" is being produced when so many "churches" (including mainline denominations) turn a blind eye to a veritable laundry-list of popular sins?
 - Homosexuality
 - Rampant Divorce
 - Adultery
 - Pornography
 - Idolatry
 - Abortion
 - Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
 - and so very much more!

What kind of "faith" do you have? What kind of church do you choose to associate with? Would Jesus even recognize either?

Salvation Lost or Just Lost?

I recently heard of a young woman who had grown up "in church" who had made a profession of faith at a relatively young age, was baptized, and had "lived as a Christian" into her adult life. She had recently "decided" that she was now an Atheist.  She insists she no longer believes in God or has any "need" for all that church "stuff".

Obviously, this has caused her family some serious pain.  The question came up - "how can this be?"  After all, we believe that Jesus meant what He said when he said in his exchange with some Jewish leaders:

At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:22-30

The reality is - we are faced with some real challenges. Some say that they are not too concerned about her and her eternity, after all - she "was saved and baptized" years ago. On the other side of the coin, scripture clearly says that we are known by our works/fruits. And of course, we must go back to the above passage from John 10. Jesus did clearly state that NO ONE can pluck His sheep from His hand!

The Bible does picture the possibility of Christians "backsliding", as it were - engaging in sin, even returning in part to their "former selves" - but only for a short time.  The indwelling of the Holy Spirit  is given, in part, for the purpose of steering, guiding, and convicting us.  A truly born-again Christian cannot live in unrepentant sin, and there are few sins like renouncing your faith - and directly denying the existence of God!

Is the above case possibly the result of a profession of faith based on emotion, or because of pressures from family or friends?  Could she have gone through the motions, yet not truly believed?

Another complicating issue revolves around her husband, an avowed Atheist who has never made a profession of faith in anything but himself.  Could the situation be the result of ignoring the cautions of 2 Corinthians 6:14 to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers?  Indeed, the Lord's admonition to avoid such entanglements (with a picture of marriage in sight) is a caution because unregenerate spouses can very much lead believing spouses down a backsliding path.

But the bigger picture goes back to the question: Can a born-again believer truly renounce their faith and truly believe there is no God? (see Psalm 14:1)  Would that not be a demonstration of a person being "plucked" from God's hand?

I submit that one cannot renounce a genuine, born-again faith in Jesus Christ.  You cannot renounce or lose what you never possessed.  Sadly, the last century and a half have seen evangelistic efforts so guided and driven by emotion, and what has become "easy believism" (a soft, often ineffective version of the Gospel that essentially says to "come as you are" and leaves out repentance and the Lordship of Christ in our lives.  It is a message that there is no expectation of real change, no expatiation of outward signs of faith that Christ and the Apostle Paul so clearly spoke of.  It is a gospel that leaves out the Sovereignty of God, any degree of sanctification, and does not demand any change in the one making a profession.  It is a dead gospel, leading to not only a dead faith, but a deceptive, faith that will lead many on that day to hear the saddest words of all  "And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." Matthew 7:23

So - what spiritual advice can be given in the above case?  I would suggest gentle persistence on the part of family and friends.  Living the genuine gospel before her, praying for her, and watching.  If her youthful profession of faith was real, the Lord will not give her peace in her latest actions.  She will be unable to remain in that condition.  On the other hand, if she is able to live out her life in her new, chosen "faith", then the answer is clear.  She needs Jesus.  

Again - you cannot lose what you never had.

Ezekiel 16 - Forgetting What We Were...

I just finished studying Ezekiel 16, and I just wanted to share a few thoughts that somewhat overwhelmed me as I was studying and praying through the chapter.  You might want to take a moment to read before continuing on this post:

Ezekiel 16

When we think about the context of Ezekiel's writing - of all that he had witnessed with his eyes, and more dramatically - the amazing visions and experiences God had placed before him... is it any wonder many thought of Ezekiel as somewhat "odd"?  But the message God had for His people was incredibly clear.  God was fed up with the unfaithfulness of His people.  He had brought (and was continuing to bring) judgment on the Jewish people because of their unfaithfulness.

I find it interesting how many of us like to point fingers at outside forces - from government to a corrupt and godless society, schools, and so much more - yet we utterly fail to look in the mirror.  The people Ezekiel was called to minister to - a job that would have been utterly overwhelming for anyone - were hard hearted - they wanted to point fingers and blame others.  They cried yet didn't cry for the right reasons.  They refused to recognize the "why" of their suffering.  But God, through chapter 16, points to the very core of the "why".  This chapter also reveals the "why" of our cultural ministry troubles today, the decline of Christianity in the United States (the US is statistically the only nation in the world where Christianity is in decline).  God opens the curtain of confusion to reveal the real cause of it all - and it wasn't the idolatry the people and the priests played (though those were key symptoms - and itself was worthy of utter death and destruction).  The core of the matter is found in the last verse 22:

"And in all your abominations and your shorings you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, wallowing in your blood."

The people of Ezekiel's time had forgotten all that God had done for them from the very beginning.  They had become, in their minds, self-sufficient.  They had no further need for God.  So they became just like the rest of the ungodly world around them.

We believer often fall into the same trap, a trap of our own making.  When things get hard, when trials come, where do we turn?  Do we turn to God and His people, or do we turn from God and the church and pursue the world's "answers"? When things are going well, and blessings are in abundance, do we rejoice in the Lord, but actually dive head-first into the world?

I'm sure many readers of this blog have encountered people who only seem interested in "church" when they have a specific need - they are sick, they have money problems, they have other issues - but let them have a few dollars in their pocket and a reasonable amount of health, and they disappear - until they need something.

On the flip-side, we also know people who, when things are well, they are a relatively happy and regular part of the local church, but let things get a little tough - let their financial house start to falter, or their family situation get disrupted, and suddenly God and His church falls way down the priority list.

What is the cause?  One could easily and accurately apply Ezekiel 16.  Let us not lose track of WHY God brought (or better - allowed) the horrible judgments to come to His people - with so many slaughtered, still countless more dead due to disease and famine, and a remnant carried into captivity - it wasn't because God is unrighteous - it is because He expects better from His people. He expected the Hebrew people to remember Him, to be faithful to Him - who is the only truly 100% faithful one. He wanted them to remember all He had done for them - and remember that any and all good that the people had ever experienced was from Him.

God just wants people to be FAITHFUL...

So while we may point fingers of blame everywhere (except in the mirror), lets stop and pray - Dear Lord, there is a reason that so much seems to come against me.  Lord - I hate to see the ugliness that seems to be so big a part of this world and culture we live in.  But God - I also understand that some of it may very well be because I have failed to be faithful - faithful in all things.  Lord, I know that I often forget to be thankful for all that you have done for me - and all that you continue to do on my behalf that I may not (in this life) even recognize.  And Lord - I need to remember what I was before you drew me near, opened my eyes, and granted me, through your Grace, the faith to believe - to trust in the shed blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse me of all unrighteousness.  I need to remember the great price you paid for me - a price I could not pay.  Lord, I need to remember the consequences you redeemed me from.  And Lord, I need to recognize that often - my problems are the result of my own unfaithfulness, my own pride, my own unwillingness to do things YOUR way.  Lord - in Jesus Name, I pray that you will help me to overcome my unfaithfulness and to be true to You in all parts of my life.  Amen.

God's Not Dead!

March 21, 2014 will see the initial release of a new movie from PureFlix films called "God's Not Dead".  Is this a movie worth seeing?  Is this a film worthy of a church group making an effort to see it on its opening weekend?

To answer the last question, we need to understand that many movies, particularly films from smaller producers, open on limited screens.  The opening weekend's ticket sales then determine if more screens are added, or if the movie is destined for a short run to DVD.  Many of the recent Christian-themed movies (Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Home Run, Courageous, October Baby, and several others) have all opened in this format.  Some of the above had large enough opening weekends to expand to a full release.  Others did not do so well.  It is all about ticket sales.

So - how does this apply to our local churches and Christians in genre?  Simply - we complain and preach about how the entertainment industry has become so evil, pushing sex, drugs, violence, bad language, and so much more on us - yet far too often, when a film is released that holds to biblical values, we fail to support it (how many go see the latest DeCaprio or Matthew McConaghey on opening day, but not any of the above Christian-themed films?).  If we really want solid entertainment, without the nastiness that Holly wood wants to foist on us, then we must support those efforts.

By the same token, there have been films released over the years, advertised as "Christian", that were anything but.  They  might mention "God", but present such twisted views on scripture, or that bur those supposed Christian themes behind horrible theology or simply under typical Hollywood junk.  This is why many of the Christian film producers now host private screenings for pastors and ministry leaders - that they can see the value in their films, and help to promote them.  Diana and I have been honored to attend several such screenings, and most have been pretty good.

In the case of the screening we attended last night (February 6) of God's Not Dead, from the producers "PureFlix", we found a movie that exceeded every expectation by a mile!  The overall production quality is significantly higher than many of their previous efforts.  That alone should make it at least somewhat more attractive to a broad audience.

The film stars both known and relatively unknown actors.  Kevin Sorbo plays Professor Radisson, a hard-core Atheist philosophy teacher that is far too much like what many young Christians face when entering public institutions of "higher learning".  Sorbo, in my experience, has a somewhat rocky history of acting.  With some of his efforts being rather off-putting, others being first-class.  his performance in God's Not Dead is eerily believable.  He portrays his character in such a way that you can literally feel the internal rage.





Shane Harper plays Josh, a new freshman entering college, who is confronted quickly because of his faith by Professor Radisson.  Josh is
faced with a choice - deny his faith, or stand for it.  His struggle is a very real one faced by millions each year as they enter or continue in college.  Shane is impressive in his acting skills, and also stands as a mostly believable character.







Long-time actor for several Christian film producers, David A.R. White,
who is better known for his lower-budget work, is an entertaining character as Pastor Dave.  I actually expected his role to be more prominent, but the entire film kind of leads you along to know there is "something" up... and boy is there!  I won't ruin it for you the reader!  David also was one of the producers for the film.






The film even includes a couple of scenes involving Willie Robertson (one of which also includes his wife Korie).  While it is somewhat obvious that

the use of the Robertsons was as much a publicity effort as it was a legitimate use - in fact, the first scene with Willie and Korie is almost awkward and "fake".  But the scene does, in a very minor way, help set up the events of later in the movie.



The Newsboys - "old heads" now in the Christian pop/rock genre also make an appearance, both in concert, and in what is one of the minor climaxes of the movie in a dressing room encounter.  Again, these guys are not great actors, but they do fit a part in this film beyond the music.

And there is a slew of others in the film that provide supporting roles that all fit together like a nicely-done puzzle.

But enough of some of the actors...

What about the story and the film?  I won't give away too much more of the basic story line, other than to say that the movie is a well-woven tapestry of stories, all connected by faith (or lack of faith). It takes a serious look at a couple of huge stumbling blocks of faith, the concept of being "unequally yolked together...", with the central theme of the storyline resting on the words of Christ in Matthew 10:32-33  "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."

While the acting in this film are above average for the genre, the most encouraging and blessing part of the entire film, is that the Gospel is not hidden, covered up, or significantly sugar-coated.  As is somewhat common in some of these films, the presentation goes a little easy on repentance, but overall - there is no effort at all to conceal the most important message of the film - and that is the need for personally trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, without which there is no hope.

My recommendation - MUST SEE!

Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, here in Arkansas, the options for an opening weekend viewing are rather limited.  The movie is opening on 800 screens nationwide, but our options here in the "Natural State" are limited to the very North West corner of the state (Fayetteville, Rogers, Ft. Smith) and North East (Jonesboro).  This decision seems odd, considering that the Little Rock metro area was recently listed as one of the most Bible-oriented cities in the country.  Maybe the producers are hoping for some of the bigger churches to help sponsor an opening.

Click below for the trailer:

God's Not Dead