Movie: Time Changer

The year is 1890 and Bible Professor Russell Carlisle has written a new manuscript entitled “The Changing Times”. His book is about to receive an unanimous endorsement from the board members at Grace Bible Seminary until his colleague, Dr. Norris Anderson, has a “difficulty with something.”

Dr. Anderson believes what Carlisle has written about morality could greatly affect future generations and fears that teaching good moral values without mentioning Christ is wrong. Using a secret time machine, Anderson sends Carlisle over 100 years into the future, offering him a glimpse of where his beliefs will lead.

Arriving in the early 21st century, Carlisle is shocked to find that half of all marriages end in divorce (instead of 5% in 1890), teenagers talk openly about deceiving their parents, movies contain blasphemous language and people who go to church are so bored by the sermons that they need extra activities. This film cleverly shows us what our society has lost from a perspective that most church going Americans can relate to and that morality alone does not make you a Christian.

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Movie: Woodlawn

007517We usually post a recommend book but this month we are posting a recommend movie. In 1973, a spiritual awakening captured the heart of nearly every player of the Woodlawn High School Football team. This riveting true story of courage, strength, and football at the height of racial tension in Birmingham, Alabama, tells the story of Coach Tandy Gerelds, his running back Tony Nathan, and a high school football game that healed a city. In this Inspirational and uplifting movie, it is a story of how faith, teamwork, and purpose can heal a divided community.

Its theme is straightforward: Believe in Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and honor him, and anything is possible. This movie is an inspiring and well-constructed telling of a young man’s life journey, and those connected to him. Chaplain Hank’s line, “This is what happens when God shows up,” is really the overall theme of the film. Based on a true story, “Woodlawn” is a must see film in our generation.

[Dove approved (12+). Rated PG. Approx. 100 minutes.]

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A moving film about what happens when faith in Jesus collides with a radically transformed heart.” Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family

“Woodlawn is the best Christian Film I have ever seen ” Pastor Brian Brodersen, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, CA

“Woodlawn is one the most powerful faith-based films I have ever seen… I wholeheartedly endorse it and encourage you to see it. Take along someone who does not know the Lord yet as well!” Greg Laurie, Harvest Crusade

Movie: The Drop Box

dropboxfilmWe usually post a recommend book but this month we are posting a recommend movie. The Drop Box is a heart-touching documentary that tells the remarkable true story of a courageous pastor named Lee Jong-rak. After finding an abandoned infant on his doorstep in the winter, Pastor Lee built a special drop box to keep any future findings safe. Over the past decade, Pastor Lee has rescued hundreds of babies who would have otherwise been abandoned on the streets of Seoul, South Korea.

The Drop Box is a powerful documentary and a real story of hope and love! Every life is valuable and precious from God, and it is our desire that you will be inspired to really live for the Lord by witnessing the love of God through the life of Pastor Lee.

More info at: http://www.thedropboxfilm.com/

[Dove approved (All Ages). Rated PG. Approx. 77 minutes.]

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Movie: Polycarp (Destroyer of Gods)

polycarpWe usually post a recommend book but this month we are posting a recommend movie. Few people know the story of what happened to the early church after the end of the book of Acts almost 2,000 years ago. This film is based on the true historical account of the life of Polycarp, one of the early church fathers who was a disciple of the Apostle John. It’s an intriguing story of how, even in the face of intense persecution, the early church stood firm for Christ and the gospel.

Anna, a young slave girl, is rescued and adopted by Christians in 2nd Century Smyrna, and befriended by their aged Pastor, Polycarp. As Anna is taught by Polycarp and her new family, she struggles to reconcile her beliefs with those of the Christians. When the Roman proconsul demands that all citizens worship Caesar to show their allegiance to Rome, Polycarp and the Christians must find courage to stand for their faith against the growing threat of persecution. Anna is forced to come to grips with the truth and choose whom she is willing to live—and die—for.

It challenges Christians of all generations to stand boldly on the gospel in the face of persecution. In the Western world our faith is increasingly coming under attack from our secularized society, so this movie is very timely for us today.

[Dove approved (All Ages). Approx. 93minutes.]

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Movie: Visual Bible Series

John-Acts-Matthew-setWe usually post a recommend book but this month we are posting a recommend movie set. Journey back to first-century and witness the extraordinary events that changed the world! Meet Matthew and John as they reflect on the events they witnessed as Jesus’ disciples. Travel with Luke as he shares the struggles and triumphs of the early church. Shot on location, these vivid portrayals are adapted word-for-word from Scripture.

The Visual Bible: Matthew – This powerful and entertaining film is taken word-for-word from the text of the New International Version translation of the Bible. [Dove approved (12+). Approx. 265 minutes.]

The Visual Bible: The Gospel of John – Vividly comes to life in a faithful and powerful dramatization of the Biblical text, word for word, based on the American Bible Society’s Good News Bible. [Dove approved (12+). Rated PG-13. Approx. 180 minutes.]

The Visual Bible: Acts – Journey with the physician Luke as he tells the enthralling story of the danger, struggles, and triumph that marks the birth of the Christian church. Taken word for word from the text of the New International Version and Good News translations. [Dove approved (12+). Approx. 193 minutes.]

Six DVDs, approx. 13 hours total.

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Movie: God’s Not Dead

God's Not DeadIn God’s Not Dead, college freshman and devout Christian Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper) finds his faith challenged on his first day of Philosophy class by the dogmatic and argumentative Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo). Radisson begins class by informing students that they will need to disavow, in writing, the existence of God on that first day, or face a failing grade. As other students in the class begin scribbling the words “God Is Dead” on pieces of paper as instructed, Josh find himself at a crossroads, having to choose between his faith and his future.

Josh offers a nervous refusal, provoking an irate reaction from his smug professor. Radisson assigns him a daunting task: if Josh will not admit that “God Is Dead,” he must prove God’s existence by presenting well-researched, intellectual arguments and evidence over the course of the semester, and engage Radisson in a head-to-head debate in front of the class.

If Josh fails to convince his classmates of God’s existence, he will fail the course and hinder his lofty academic goals. With almost no one in his corner, Josh wonders if he can really fight for what he believes. Can he actually prove the existence of God? Wouldn’t it just be easier just to write “God Is Dead” and put the whole incident behind him?

God’s Not Dead weaves together multiple stories of faith, doubt and disbelief, culminating in a dramatic call to action. What would you do if someone in a position of authority and influence in your life demanded that you renounce your faith? That’s the central question God’s Not Dead forces viewers to grapple with. And Josh Wheaton’s answer is to refuse. And then to explain exactly why he’s refusing. Would you be able to do the same?

[Dove approved (12+). Rated PG. Approx. 95 minutes.]

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Movie: Hope for Hurting Hearts by Greg Laurie

Hope for Hurting HeartsWe usually post a recommend book but this month we are posting a recommend movie. Everyone has to deal with crises in life, including Christians. And sometimes, the reality of life can seem unbearable. But we can rest in the knowledge that God loves us, He weeps in our times of pain, and He can be glorified through suffering. Narrated by Dr. James Dobson, Hope for Hurting Hearts tells the stories of how Greg and Cathe Laurie, Jeremy Camp, Nick Vujicic, and their families dealt with times of trial. Each of these individuals has stood at a “spiritual crossroads” marked by challenging and painful circumstances, and each has chosen the road of trusting, following, and glorifying God.

You will be encouraged by these intimate accounts, which give a glimpse into God’s perspective on suffering, and declare that there truly is Hope for Hurting Hearts.

[Dove approved (12+). Approx. 75 minutes.]

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