Photo credit: David Whitlow, courtesy of AFFIRM Films/Provident Films War Room with Priscilla Shirer and Beth Moore

As time passed, I began to see and hear more about this movie. Then about a week ago, I saw that Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer were in the film, with Shirer playing the lead female role. This instantly gave me cause to be greatly concerned about the message of the movie. For those who don't know about Beth Moore's false teachings, please refer to my article here: "What Do Ann Voskamp, Beth Moore and Sarah Young Have in Common?". In short, Beth Moore believes in the unbiblical practice of "binding Satan", as well as proudly declaring her extra-biblical prophetic messages and false visions from the Lord. Unfortunately, Priscilla Shirer is close friends, ministry partners, and contemplative prayer practitioner/teacher with Beth Moore, and as God warned us, "Bad company, ruins good morals." (1 Cor 15:33)—and Beth Moore is certainly bad company for anyone, especially believers.

But still, I wanted to be open-minded about the movie, so I prayed about whether or not I should go see it and write a review on it myself. Thankfully, the Lord answered my prayers with these two reviews by Justin Peters and Seth Dunn.

War Room sadly promotes and teaches: wives to be worldly submissive rather than biblically submissive, conversing with Satan, and many other Word of Faith types of practices. But sadly, I am not surprised because Alex Kendrick did not heed the admonition in 1 Corinthians 15:33, and earlier this year, he immersed himself with Word of Faith false teachers at the Missions and Marketplace Conference 2015. Strangely enough, the link to this year's speakers (as you can see pictured below), has recently been deleted so that you can't see that Alex Kendrick was one of their keynote speakers.



You can't travel with and work alongside false teachers and remain completely undefiled by their heresies and presumptuous blasphemes they proclaim and to their hurt, teach others to practice. This is why I wasn't surprised to hear that there were so many Word of Faith type prayers and proclamations (e.g., when Mrs. Clara was held at knife-point, she rebuked her assailant "in the name of Jesus", Elizabeth rebuking Satan, etc.).

"Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

"Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.' "

-Jude 1:3-4; 8-9, ESV

While I agree with the premise of this movie: that we need to pray more, I disagree with the unbiblical manner in which War Room teaches and promotes prayer—as our personal power source to get something from God (to fix our lives) rather than what Christ told us prayer is for—the gift of God to know and submit to His will rather than our own.

I also take serious issue with the one little line by Beth Moore's character has, "Sometimes submission to your husband looks like ducking so the Lord’s punch hits him instead". Sisters, while this may feed our flesh, it certainly does not feed our spirits with pure spiritual milk. This line completely opposes the humble, loving and biblically submissive heart-disposition God delights in Proverbs 31:11-12. Rather, a godly wife readily admits she is a sinner and is grateful for the mercy she's received from the Lord, therefore delights to submit to  her husband from her overflowing love for Christ, and not so that her husband would get "punched" by God (which denigrates our Father's holy and righteous character). A truly biblically submissive wife understands the admonition given to ungodly husbands in 1 Peter 3:7 and out of her love for Christ and her husband, she prays for him and submits to him for His good and not for his harm—for God to grant him the same mercy she's received in Christ.

I'm disappointed and saddened that this latest film from the Kendrick Brothers succumbed to the seeker-friendly, happy-clappy, false Christianity. But I hope and pray that their next film will return to more doctrinally sound portrayals of what it looks like to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ—the light and salt of the earth.

As you read the reviews from Justin Peters and Seth Dunn, please keep in mind something Charles Spurgeon once said, "Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right." And War Room is dangerous, because it's almost right.

Why Commenting is Closed

I did a rare thing today. I closed comments on this article early because I'm responsible to God for all the the content found on this site, including the comments.

I've learned from the past, and can more quickly discern when an article begins to garner too many ill-mannered commenters rather than edifying commenters. It doesn't bother me when people disagree with me (read my other posts where hundreds of people disagree with me, here and at the Christian Post). I actually appreciate and am very encouraged by sincere, loving and challenging comments/questions by brothers and sisters in the Lord and always pray about and take into serious consideration any disagreements. I know that I can and am often wrong and am encouraged by the true expression of love that I'm shown by those who care enough to correct me. So I test sincere disagreements with God's Word and if I'm right, I stand firm, and if I'm wrong, I thank the person who loved me enough to take the time to correct me and openly share my error so others won't make the same error I did.

Commenting on my blog is allowed as long as it's respectful, loving, and edifying to others; and most importantly, honoring to Christ (Ephesians 4:29-32, 5:4 and 2 Tim 2:14, 24-26). When comments become belligerent and emotion-led rather than Spirit-led, I close the thread so that I may maintain an environment of God's truth and peace, rather than provide a place for havoc and ranting. 

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25, 2015 – San Francisco residents may look up to see a rainbow in the sky next week, but it won’t indicate the typical support for gay rights. A new movie that over 1,000 LGBT supporters have warned the public not to watch will be advertised on a banner for two days over San Francisco.

While pro-LGBT viewers have slammed the film on online review sites, the film’s producer is not deterred. Ray Comfort, whose movies have been seen by millions, said, “Despite the calls for censorship and displays of intolerance, we’re hoping people will be open-minded enough to watch the film and come to their own conclusion.”

As the best-selling author noted, not all perceive the movie to be heavy-handed. One viewer commented, “I have to say, as a gay woman who watched Audacity, I agree that the topic was handled with love and compassion which was refreshing to see…the message was clear (even if it was one I disagreed with as an atheist).”

After flying the banner over San Francisco, the producer plans to target Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Austin, Houston, New Orleans, and New York. Comfort explains his goal for the banners, and the film itself: “A film reviewer stated that ‘this film has the potential to ease the tensions between Christians and the LGBT community.’ That’s something I think most people would agree is sorely needed these days.”

“Audacity” received 100,000 YouTube views in five days. It may be freely seen on www.AudacityMovie.com.

By definition, "audacity" can refer to sheer arrogance for the sake of arrogance, or boldness without any regard for self-preservation. In his latest film, "Audacity" (available for download on June 24, 2015), Ray Comfort and his staff at Living Waters, graciously demonstrates the latter definition—boldness without any regard for self-preservation.

"Audacity" presents the truth with great compassion on the hotly debated topic of homosexuality and all that it entails (same-sex marriages, are people born gay, what does the Bible say about homosexuality, etc.). And there's no Disney-like scenes. It's real, edifying and offers true hope to all who watch this movie.

One of the things I really appreciated is how Ray Comfort portrayed the homosexuals (three different couples) in "Audacity" as they truly are—image-bearers of God Almighty (like the rest of us), who are in desperate need of the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. I'm always disgusted by Hollywood's depiction of homosexuals as overly-sexed maniacs whose only identity and interest is their sexual orientation. Gay men and lesbian women are no more overly-sexed than heterosexual men and women. Sexual orientation does not determine, nor define sexual obsession (e.g. the abominable "50 Shades of Grey").

I've had many homosexual friends (both gay men and lesbian women) since I was 17 years old. I loved them dearly, so naturally, I shared the Gospel with them; whether they were my co-workers, bosses, or friends of mutual friends. Unlike Hollywood's gross exaggeration of homosexuals, my friends were more than sexual beings, just like heterosexuals are. My gay and lesbian friends were kind, loving, hilarious (well, not all of them), quirky, artsy, brilliant, talented in many ways, thoughtful, etc. They liked many activities I liked and frankly, lived very similarly to me, except that I'm a Christian and a heterosexual.

A movie like this is not only timely, but necessary because homosexuality is a widely misunderstood issue among the secular world and sadly, even among many Christians. Some Christians quote Bible verses stating that homosexuality is a sin while others quote Bible verses (out of context) and conclude that homosexuality is not a sin. Whether secular or Christian, those who contend that homosexuality is not a sin, lean on their definition and comfort level of what love is, rather than defer to God's definition of love—holy, righteous, sacrificial and morally pure.

"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him...For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

-1 John 4:8-9; 5:3-5, ESV

God is love, but love is not God. What I mean by that is exactly what Scripture says; God is love, therefore, He defines what love is. Those who believe love is God, dangerously and erroneously define God by what they "feel" love is...at any given moment. I understand why the world has this faulty, man/self-centered view of love, but I'm quite bewildered at why Christians have the same misguided view.

The talented, atheist illusionist and comedian Penn Jillette (of Pen and Teller) once said about Christians who don't share the Gospel, "If you believe there's a Heaven and Hell and people could be going to Hell, or not getting eternal life or whatever, and you think 'Well, it's not worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward' ...How much do you have to hate somebody to know that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?" I quite agree. Withholding the truth from someone because it makes you feel uncomfortable, isn't you loving others, it's you loving yourself.

Jesus Christ, the only Son of the only living and true God, suffered and died; was crushed for our iniquities; He drank the cup of God's wrath in our stead and rose again on the third day, so all who repent and trust in Christ will have everlasting life. How can any professing Christian condone and celebrate the sinful lifestyles of loved ones? Perhaps it's because too many Christians don't read and study their Bibles. Perhaps it's that too many Christians desire so much to keep a relationship with loved ones living in sin (any sin, whether heterosexual immorality, homosexual immorality, lying, stealing, etc.), that they've convinced themselves this is love, rather look to God, who is love. I don't know.

What I do know, is that the movie "Audacity" demonstrates God's definition of love—extraordinary compassion without compromising the truth. One of my favorite lines is from Peter (Travis Owens) who says, "If I really love people, then I have to say something. Love can't stay silent."

Below is my interview with Ray Comfort.

What inspired you to make this movie and story line?

After making films about abortion and evolution, people kept saying that I needed to make one on the issue of homosexuality—because it was confronting the church, and most Christians were very uncomfortable about how to deal with it without sounding hateful. I adamantly said that it wasn’t going to happen. There were two reasons for this. The first was that anyone who spoke against the issue of homosexuality nowadays are instantly vilified as though he were a hate-filled racist. Nobody wants that. And the second was that I really didn’t know how I could break away from the stereotypical way such a movie would be done. Most films on the subject would have a few ex-homosexuals giving testimonies on how they were now heterosexuals and were happily married with kids. No one was going to watch but Christians. I would be preaching to the choir.

Around April 2014, I was with my friend Stuart Scott in Huntington Beach here in California, when I saw two girls walking towards us kissing each other. I asked if they would like to be on camera, and to my surprise, they said that they would. These two ladies gave me an amazing 14-minute interview, and ended up thanking me for not being judgmental. Yet I hadn't compromised the gospel even slightly. It was as though God had dropped the foundation for a movie into my lap into my lap. That night I wrote a script and sent it to Mark Spence (he was the main editor and producer of "180"). He wrote back "Wow, wow, wow!" I quickly called a meeting, and after just over a year later, we had a completed movie.

This is very different from any of your other movies; it's a scripted story with actors, extras, etc. Why did you decide to do it this way?

To go the documentary route with this subject would have pushed me into a predictable mold. I wanted to stay well clear of the "We are now ex-homosexuals and everything is happy" type of film. Instead, I was thinking of something that was so well-produced and had such a good story line it would grip the attention of the unsaved—where they would stay and listen to the gospel. And at the same time, something that would help Christians who didn't know how to share the gospel with a homosexual without coming across as being hateful. I knew that it could be done, because 1 Timothy 1:8-10 tells us how to do it. It was just a matter of wrapping truth in a package that had the production quality of a modern movie. It was a tall order, but I knew our guys had the gifting to deliver that.

Are all the actors in the movie Christians?

Only three of the actors are Christians. Our big concern was bad acting. Even five seconds of poor acting would be like a small gash in a big ocean liner. No matter how good the production, [bad acting] would sink the whole movie. The only way to make sure this didn't happen was to have auditions and choose the best we could find. As soon as we had our actors, we sat them down at a table. Then my director Eddie Roman introduced me and I took the time to tell them why the script was as it was. I gave my testimony, which included a very clear gospel presentation, said that I wanted everyone (including homosexuals) to find everlasting life and that's why the script was as it was. It was an appropriate opportunity to share the way of salvation right at the beginning of our relationship.

Since this is your first scripted movie with a story line, how did you know where to look for actors, film crew, etc.? Did you have specific things you were looking for?

Over the years we have used Hollywood lighting and sound crews for our television program. We even took them with us when we went to Europe and filmed 13 episodes in 13 countries in 13 days (for our Fourth Season). We also had contacts in a professional casting agency. It’s a fascinating process. When we needed one waitress to play a small part, we had just under 2,000 applicants.

We were looking for talent and likability. We didn't want to stereotype homosexuals.

Do you have any friends who are living a homosexual lifestyle? If so, how long have you been friends with them and how do they remain friends with you, knowing you're a faithful Christian?

I have a number of friends who are atheists (I have no idea of their sexual preference). One of them in a particular, is a close friend. I had him play a paramedic in the movie (very small unspoken part). I also invited him to a special pre-screening we had for donors. His reaction to the movie was interesting. He sent me this quote and permission to use it: "Audacity is entertaining and has some great comedy and dramatic tension. Unlike most Christian films it is far from cheesy, and has a great, well-acted script. Most of all it is not heavy-handed, showing the Christian position on homosexuality without being intimidating or angry. Well done!" -Michael S. Martin (Atheist).

If you could choose one Bible verse or passage that best describes the foundation and heart of "Audacity" what would you say it is?

It would be from First Corinthians 13—about love. A skeptic recently wrote to me and said that it was virtually impossible to be a Bible believing Christian and not be "homophobic." I could understand his reasoning, because Scripture is very clear on the issue. Even when the movie won two awards (we submitted an uncut version), we wondered if Christians would like the movie. When a well-known Christian blogger asked for a review copy, we were a little nervous because he didn't pull any punches. When I sent him a link he replied the same day with, "Ray, this is the best film you have made yet. Congratulations on a job well done. " That was particularly sweet, because we felt a little haunted by "180" during this whole process, because it was so well received; it set a high bar.

Conclusion: From a purely cinematic standpoint, the script and acting were predominantly good, engaging and displayed much talent. The camera work, lighting, music, sound and visual effects were on spot.

Travis Owens "Peter" and Molly Ritter "Diana" were convincing, lovable, authentic. They drew you into their character's fears and convictions, as well as displayed what a truly loving friendship looks like in spite of strongly conflicting views.

Aaron Mitchell "Robert" and Franklin Killian "Lance" played one of the movie's homosexual couples and they were true-to-life, passionate and relatable. Both actors gave such a stellar performance you never judged them, but rather, you feel for them and understand their plight. It's one of my favorite scenes in the movie as it reminded me of precious friendships I once had and miss.

I found Ben Price to be an extremely gifted impersonator (with more than 47 near perfect impersonations). Talented guy. Danielle Rosario "Hailey", though she seemed to have some talent, didn't bring Hailey's character to life; making her character hollow.

As a whole, I love "Audacity" and highly recommend it to everyone (Christians and non-Christians, and especially Christians who know and love homosexual family/friends).

My prayer is that God will provide the necessary means for Ray Comfort to produce more biblically sound, Gospel-focused films so that Christians may be exhorted to live abandoned to Christ and unbelievers will come to saving faith through the steadfast preaching of the Gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24).

On Friday, November 14, 2014 Kirk Cameron's "Saving Christmas" will be opening in select theaters across the country for only two weeks.

This movie is all about making fun of any Christian who doesn't think like or agree with Kirk Cameron and his company. According to Kirk and friends, one of the main purposes of "Saving Christmas" is to dispel the beliefs that most of our traditional Christmas practices e.g., decorating Christmas trees, feasting, mistletoe, gift exchanges, etc., are from pagan origins or fabricated myths about actual people who lived during the fourth-century—namely Saint Nicholas of Lycia, commonly known in the United States as Santa Claus.

"Our focus on December 25 came from the Roman holiday called Saturnalia. This was a pagan observance of the birthday of the unconquered sun. Saturnalia began December 19 each year...Many of our Christmas customs have their origins in Saturnalia, which was marked by feasting, parades, special music, gift giving, lighted candles, and green trees. As Christianity spread through the Roman empire, the pagan holiday was given Christian connotations."

~John MacArthur, The Miracle of Christmas, p. 50

From the Puritans in England during the 1600s to the early Puritans here in the States, celebrating Christmas in a pagan-like revelry was considered a sin and was therefore avoided altogether. Similarly, there are many Christians today who still hold this view and according to God, are free to do so. However, Kirk Cameron and his crew disagree and portrays the main character of this film, Christian White (Darren Doan) as one "who represents the typical white Christian male and he’s got a bad case of religious bah humbugs," because he feels common Christmas celebratory practices aren't about Christ, but about pagan and secular jubilees.

"One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor for the Lord and give thanks to God.

"The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."

~Romans 14:5-6, 22-23 (ESV)

In the trailer, another character rejoices saying, "the scales have fallen off" when Christian White is convinced by Kirk Cameron's character that "Everything you see inside of there, it's all about Christmas. It's all about Jesus." Of course, what's in "there", that is, the house, is Santa Claus, feasting, gifts, a Christmas tree, gifts, etc.

The makers of this movie belittle those who remain steadfast in their beliefs to abstain from Christmas celebrations. And by default, encourage others to do the same. To ensure I was clear regarding one of the main purposes of this film, Darren Doan who not only plays the lead character, but also scripted, produced and directed the movie, tweeted this to me the other day, "but the film does make fun of Wannabe Berean [sic] unimaginative Christians who need to lighten up."




Furthermore, to make matters worse, Kirk purports his movie "provides a biblical basis for our time-honored Christmas traditions and celebrations..." When I first read this on the movie's website, and heard him say it on a Catholic radio program (Busted Halo) he was recently interviewed on, I was confused by which Christmas traditions he could be talking about. I hoped he just misspoke and actually meant his movie provides historical Christian traditions rather than actually claim our "time-honored Christmas traditions and celebrations" are actually found in the Bible. So I asked him.

Screenshot from "Saving Christmas" website

I contacted Kirk through his website and also talked to a mutual friend who had Kirk call me to discuss my concerns regarding these claims of "biblical basis" for all our Christmas traditions.

This was tough for me because I used to be one of those who "blindly" followed Kirk due to his former and faithful work for the Gospel between 2004 - 2011. So I asked Kirk again and more specifically, "When you said our time-honored Christmas traditions are biblically based, you didn't mean things like decorating Christmas trees, Santa Claus, exchanging gifts, etc. are actually in the Bible, did you? You just meant some may have historical Christian foundations, right?" To my surprise he answered, "No, I meant they're all in the Bible. I know, I was surprised too when I read it myself." Kirk also shared that Christmas trees represent the Cross of Christ. When I asked him for the chapter and verse for his claims, he said, "Well, I'd rather not tell you because it's in the movie and I want you to see the movie."

Thanks to Brannon Howse of Worldview Weekend, I'm able to share this 30 second audio clip (below) of Kirk's interview on the Busted Halo radio program that's hosted by a Catholic priest, Dave Dwyer. In this interview Kirk once again claims, "Saving Christmas...is all about understanding the biblical foundations to all of the celebrations and the traditions that we have at Christmastime; including everything from Santa Claus, to Christmas trees, to the nativity, to all the presents, to the celebrating and feasting and all that kind of stuff..."





Kirk and team are promoting this film as one that will frustrate atheists as he shared in his interview with TheBlaze, “I assume they’re going to get frustrated to see some of their best arguments deflated by this movie, because we take on some of the most commonly parroted myths about the origins of Christmas.”

Unfortunately, I don't think this movie will so much frustrate atheists as it will injure Christians.

While my family and I do celebrate Christmas in many of the traditional ways, we don't however, bemoan those who abstain. We truly believe all that's in God's Word and since there's nothing in Scripture about whether or not one should or shouldn't celebrate Christmas, we do what God says in Romans 14, we leave this decision to each person's conscience.

I've repented privately to the LORD my God. And now, to prove my repentance is true, I repent publicly for my public commendation (review) of Kirk Cameron's "Monumental" movie back in 2012 (which I've removed from my site and requested Examiner.com to do as well).

My dear friends and readers, please forgive me for showing Kirk favoritism, for misleading you, and for not doing what I've always encouraged you to do—be Bereans, test everything with the Word of God; show no favoritism, but share truth in love.

About two weeks ago, my husband and I realized we gave Kirk a pass. We sanctioned everything he said or did because of his former years of good and faithful work for the true Gospel. But over the past several years, Kirk has demonstrated a slow digression towards the false social gospel of "we can transform the world and make it better", rather than what he used to preach and teach, "let's share the Gospel of Jesus Christ which alone transform lives".

I can't believe I watched the trailer of "Monumental" and missed the man-centered perspective that was so clearly portrayed within the first few minutes with Kirk sharing, "Everybody's telling me the world's going to Hell." Then he includes the financial, moral and spiritual decline of our country, then continues with..."And to top it off, I have friends in church who tell me, that 'The worst things get, the better it really is, because it means the end is near; and that Jesus is returning.... Really? Because I have kids in this world. I have friends who have children in this world, that I want a great future for them."

Throughout the movie, Kirk tries to inspire us all to be better Americans and do what we can to save our world and make it a better place for our kids. This kind of euphoric, self-actualized ideology is not new and will render the same fate as those who tried it before (Jer. 7:4-15, Ps 44:6-8). We can't save the world, but we can and must share the Gospel.

So what did God use a couple of weeks ago to open my eyes to my sin?

I heard Brannon Howse's radio program, Worldview Weekend where he and another faithful brother in the Lord, Justin Peters spoke of their disappointment with Kirk's digression from preaching the true Gospel since about 2012 to his most recent descent, which included Kirk's radio interview on the Busted Halo (a Roman Catholic) program with "father" Dave Dwyer. As I carefully listened to Brannon and Justin, I was very upset with their assessment of Kirk and decided to listen to Kirk's interview myself to prove Brannon and Justin were wrong and urge them to recant their disapproval of Kirk.

I not only listened to Kirk's entire interview on Busted Halo, but I also revisited "Monumental" and my review. I was deeply grieved by both. I discovered not only were Brannon and Justin correct, but they kindly spared Kirk by not sharing the entire interview because it was worse than they mentioned.

So I contacted Kirk through his website asking him to recant much of what he shared on Dave Dwyer's program and asked him why he's taken this path away from the true Gospel. I then emailed both Brannon and Justin asking them if they had contacted Kirk prior to publicly airing his digression, not that it was required since Kirk's public comments are open to public reproof. But that out of love for Christ and a brother, did they try to urge him not to stray.

Both brothers graciously and thoughtfully responded. And they both at one time, tried to contact Kirk hoping to keep him from sinfully mixing light with darkness as we're commanded in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16a. This passage is often used to speak about marriage, but that's not necessarily the context here. The context is referring to how animals used to be "yoked" together to work in one accord, so that if one animal moved in one direction, it affected the direction and work of the other. We, as God's holy and dearly beloved children are commanded to not "yoke" ourselves with unbelievers so that we are not swayed to move away from the Lord. So this includes marriage, but also any close partnership between believers and unbelievers. And Kirk has done this repeatedly.

Brannon tried to urge Kirk away from this sin in 2012 during the Glenn Beck mess. But it was to no avail. Justin tried calling Kirk prior to his recent interview on the Busted Halo program, but Kirk never returned the call.

Kirk called me later that same evening. Our conversation lasted a little more than an  hour and because I still want to protect Kirk from any unnecessary and non-beneficial grief (2 Cor 7:8-9), I'm only going to share a snippet of our conversation.  I still want God's best for my brother Kirk—his private and public repentance of pride, yoking with unbelievers for "God's work" and straying from preaching the true Gospel to promoting the happy-go-lucky-unoffensive-better-the-world false gospel.

Here's what I learned about Kirk's opinion of his interview and facts about his new Christmas movie:

• Kirk said he had no intention of sharing the Gospel with the unsaved priest who hosts the Busted Halo radio program. He said he didn't want to do or say anything offensive, but went on the program for the sole purpose of promoting "Saving Christmas", and that's not possible when you offend people with the Gospel.


• He stands by his comparison of his new life in Christ to, "trading in bachelorhood" where he was having a good time, "for something better" and like "going from eating a burger to eating a filet mignon," He said he used these analogies because they were easy to understand. He could've said it's like a dead person being raised to life. I'm pretty sure Dave Dwyer and and many others can understand that analogy. And definitely more accurate. Dead people aren't bachelors and dead people don't eat...anything. Kirk's analogy was that of the false social gospel (Joel Osteen's gospel), likening Christianity to just a better, upgraded you, rather than saying that becoming a Christian is an act of God alone, making you a new creation in Christ; something you never could be on your own.


• Kirk admitted he was wrong when he included "Son of God" as one of the good Christian movies all children should see and want to emulate. He said he never saw the movie, wasn't aware it was blasphemous and heretical, and mentioned it because it did well in the box office. In other interviews, Kirk carelessly commends other heretical and blasphemous movies (he's never seen nor knew anything about) like "Noah", "Heaven Is For Real", etc.


• He claims "Saving Christmas" will reveal how our cherished Christmas festivities like decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, Santa Claus, etc. are all found in the Bible as good and encouraged practices. Kirk also told me that the Christmas trees represent the Cross of Christ. When I asked him for a chapter and verse for these claims, he said he preferred not to give it to me because he wanted me to see the movie.

Though my family and I celebrate Christmas on December 25 and have a Christmas tree we decorate, we do not believe any of this is in the Bible as commandments or even slight suggestions for Christians to practice. We neither claim everyone needs to celebrate Christmas nor do we belittle those who don't because their conscience bears witness that they ought not (c.f. Romans 14).

I purposely waited to share this because I wanted to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:18-19). I wanted to give Kirk a chance to repent, respond to my second email and give opportunity to others who said they'd try to help him. But as of the date of this article, and to my knowledge, no repentance, neither private nor public has been made.

If I hadn't publicly sinned and misled others; if Kirk didn't have a public ministry and hadn't publicly misled people into the false social gospel for the past couple of years, then I wouldn't be writing this public piece.

This is how it's done within the Body of Christ. What is private is handled privately unless a public address is warranted for the safety of others. And a public matter is kept public with grace, truth and love so that the world can see that we are not perfect, but we belong to a perfect Father and God who commands and empowers us to love one another His way—perfectly.

"For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

"For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him"

~2 Cor 2:4, 6-8 (ESV)

Please join me in prayer for our brother Kirk and for those who are lovingly trying to deter him from compromising the Gospel, so that he can promote and encourage more "faith-based" movies in Hollywood.

Any judgmental or derogatory comments regarding Kirk, Brannon, Justin or Ray will be swiftly deleted.

Many of my readers have either written or asked me on social media, whether or not I've read or watched the movie based on the popular book, "Heaven Is For Real" by Todd Burpo. I have neither read nor watched it in full, but I am familiar with the contents of the book and movie.

I completely disagree with Todd's assertion that his then 4-year-old son Colton (who is now 15), did in fact go to Heaven and return with an accurate depiction of the Almighty's glorious throne (Is 66:1). 

Rather than reinvent the wheel and write an entire article/review about why I disagree with the book and movie based on its unbiblical content, let me share with you this video (below) from David Platt and a couple of links to articles written by Dr. John MacArthur and Phil Johnson. They all did a splendidly thorough job explaining the unbiblical nature of "Heaven Is For Real", and other books with similar content.

Please be sure to read ALL the Scripture references in every article so that you are not persuaded by the wisdom of men, but convinced by the powerful and living Word of God (1 Cor 2:5).

"Heaven Is Real; Hallucinations Are Not" by John MacArthur (April 28, 2014 excerpt from "The Glory of Heaven)

"Are Visits to Heaven Real?" by John MacArthur (March 10, 2014 in Answers Magazine)

"The Burpo-Malarkey Doctrine" by Phil Johnson (October 18, 2012)

If you'd like to read a soundly biblical book about Heaven and what it will be like, read your Bibles (I'm saying this with a wink and a smile because anyone reading this, would already know to do that).

If you have unbelieving family or friends who are confused about Heaven, share this book with them by John MacArthur, "The Glory of Heaven" and not  "Heaven Is For Real".

May God find us faithful as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity (2 Pet 3:18). Amen.

There are a barrage of "Christian" films that are currently in theaters and some soon to be released. The peculiar thing about all these movies are that none of them...until now, have been written or produced by actual Christians. One movie was written and produced by New Agers, another by an atheist and then this one: "God's Not Dead" produced by Pure Flix Entertainment in association with Check the Gate Productions.

Though "God's Not Dead" opened in a mere 780 theaters, it earned $9.2 million and ranked number four its first weekend. Other movies in the top five opened in nearly 4,000 theaters and took a 20 to 50 percent revenue dive in their second week. But the revenue for "God's Not Dead" only went down by 4.5 percent, remained in the top five (taking the fifth position), added 398 more theaters and earned $8.8 million its second weekend with a total gross of $21.8 million thus far.

After having the joy of watching this film, the first thing I thought was, "Finally! A good Christian movie that was actually produced by Christians; therefore it didn't blaspheme God, His character, or His Word."

"God's Not Dead" was well written, well acted and was true to the joys and hardships Christians who stand up for their faith endure from both unbelievers and sadly, even believers. Were there moments of cheesiness, yes, but honestly, I think many movies have that...not just "Christian" movies. No actor or script is perfect and not every line comes off as best as it could. Overall, I thought the acting and writing was spot on to real persecutions and pressures Christians endure...me included.

The story for the movie was inspired by 43 court cases that were filed from 1995 to present. In all cases, both Christians students and staff members were discriminated against by their universities for being faithful to Christ and God's holy precepts for their lives. There were students that were expelled and threatened to have their academic careers ruined. And some students even had teachers refuse to grade their work because: they stood for the biblical definition of marriage (between one man and one woman, Genesis 2:23-25), they advocated pro-life (Prov 31:8-9), refused to counsel gay couples (Is 5:20; Rom 1:18, 24-27), required members of Christian campus organizations to live by biblical standards (1 Cor 5:11-12, 1 Pet 1:14-16), etc.

“We developed the script then commissioned a book by the same title with the arguments presented in the movie to debut a year ahead of the film. We felt the Newsboys’ popular song ‘God’s Not Dead’ was the perfect title and incorporated them as well as Willie and Korie Robertson of Duck Commander and fan favorite Kevin Sorbo (HERCULES, SOUL SURFER) into the script,” said Russell Wolfe, Managing Partner of Pure Flix.

Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper)

A college freshman, and a biblical Christian young man who's not a push over for his unsubmissive, self-centered and unsupportive, Christian girlfriend. When Josh enters his philosophy class he's publicly challenged and ridiculed by his professor for believing that God exists. No one except Pastor Dave (David A.R. White) encourages Josh to remain obedient to God, reminding him that he may be "the best exposure to Christ" anyone in that class has ever had. And Pastor Dave was right.

I thought the writers did a fabulous job of depicting what a true college freshman could do with only three class lectures to defend his view of the existence of God. Josh didn't come off as a studied theologian or a learned scientist. Rather, Josh provided evidence and presented ideas and arguments that someone his age, with limited time, and in his circumstance, might have access to. It would've been completely unrealistic to have a college freshman present evidence of God's existence like well-studied and well-degreed men and women of theology or science.

It's likely I'm not as smart as many, therefore I learned a lot from this movie and thought the arguments were good and spot on. I'm actually going to use what I've learned from the movie to share with others should I ever be in the same position as Josh.

Ayisha (Hadeel Sittu)

Works in the university cafeteria as well as attends school there. She lives with her Muslim family and wears a hijab ( Muslim head covering) to honor her father, but has secretly been a Christian for about a year. Her faith in Christ is violently tested. This particular story resonated with me the most, as it brought back personal memories of similar events and persecutions in my life.

Martin (Paul Kwo)

Is a Chinese citizen, studying in the United States. China is an atheistic country and talk of any religion is generally forbidden, so when Martin has phone conversations with his father about what's happening in his philosophy class, he encounters unexpected opposition and disinterest. Martin is very curious as to why Josh would put himself in a humiliating and seemingly futile predicament of proving an invisible God exists.

Pastor Dave (David A.R. White)

An associate pastor of a local church who privately feels he's not doing as much for Christ as he should in his comfy suburban, American town. He envies his visiting missionary friend, Reverend Jude (Benjamin Onyango) because he gets to work in the trenches without the same worldly comforts Dave has. Pastor Dave is a sincere and loving person who is genuinely concerned for the eternal welfare of all those around him and doesn't realize the comfort, encouragement and support the Lord provides others through him.

Amy (Trisha LaFache)

A young, vivacious journalist thinks she's going to conquer the world and assumes she's too important for the world to spin on without her. But in just one day, her narcissism is shattered by sobering, life-changing news. As happens with many (including me), it takes news like this to snap us out of the little fantasy worlds we make for ourselves where we're our own gods and we think we alone determine our destiny.

Mark (Dean Caine)

A very successful, megalomaniacal businessman who always considers "what's in it for me" before he makes or keeps a deal. Mark is dating Amy because they have the same life aspirations and being beautiful, she also makes for a very nice ornament to tote around town; satisfying his callous and overweening ego. When Amy shares her news with Mark, the only thought that crosses his mind is how inconvenient her news is to his life.

Professor Jeffrey Radisson (Kevin Sorbo)

Was raised by a Christian mother, who lost her battle with cancer when he was only 12 years old. Because Jeffrey himself had never repented and trusted in Jesus, rather than pray for his mother in accordance with God's will, he does what we're commanded by God never to do―test Him (Matt 4:5-7, 1 Cor 10:9-12). After trying to make an unsuccessful "deal" with God, Jeffrey feels slighted by the Almighty and decides He must not exist since He didn't see things the way Jeffrey did and didn't give him what he wanted (Job 41:11).

Mina (Cory Oliver)

A former student and now girlfriend of Professor Radisson. She's not very strong in her faith...yet, and like many women, looks for her value and identity from a man rather than the Son of Man, Jesus Christ the Lord. Due to this, she falls into the painful and deceptive world of missionary dating, that is, knowingly dating an unbeliever hoping to convert him (2 Cor 6:14-15). Thankfully, because she's truly saved, this relationship begins to gnaw at her and she seeks wise counsel.

Response to Naysayers

I must say that I've been very surprised and perturbed by illegitimate and contradictory complaints about "God's Not Dead". Some reviewers have said that this film puts "God on trial" and we're commanded not to test God. I agree we're not, and this movie doesn't do that. The term is used only to set up the dynamics of the debate between Josh and Professor Radisson much like Christ Himself spoke in farming terms to farmers, shepherding terms to shepherds, etc. in order to help the hearers understand the things of God by comparing them to the things people of this world understood...things of this world.

There are other reviewers who complain Josh didn't present a good enough argument because he forgot to mention many scientific facts about creation. While at the same time, saying it was unreasonable that a college freshman could ever win an argument with a near genius college professor.

The last two complaints I'll address are the ones that have purported that Josh supported the Big Bang Theory; he did not. The second complaint was that the script for the characters and situations they were involved in were unrealistic and stereotyped. Case in point, one reviewer said the atheist character Amy and business tycoon Mark were over-exaggerated because atheist aren't that mean or callous. I agree that not all atheist are, but some are...and honestly, so are many professing Christians.

I knew a Christian gal many years ago who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her professing Christian husband of 20 years left her and their three children and moved into a hotel or apartment saying, "I'm sorry this is happening to you. This doesn't fit into my life, so why don't you call your girlfriends from church and ask them to help you. Then call me when you're done with all this cancer stuff and I'll come back so we can resume life as usual." Her husband, like Mark was also a very successful business man and just felt this "cancer business" didn't fit into his business and life aspirations.

None of these stories were unrealistic, they were just some of the worst case scenarios Christians (though there are far worse) might face in order to encourage them to press on...no matter the cost. After all, why waste time on telling Christians how to handle situations where everyone likes you? We already know how to handle that.

What happened to all the characters in the movie have either happened to me personally, or others I know; all here in America. That's not hype or stereotype, it's real life.

Conclusion

This is by far the best Christian film I've seen in a while and I highly recommend everyone to support it by going to see it and sharing the message of hope found only in Christ that this movie accurately and realistically portrays.

The only thing I disagree with in this movie was their definition of why evil is in this world...freewill. As one who adheres to Reformed Theology, I don't believe God grants any human being freewill until after conversion rather than before (Rom 9:16). We don't choose God, He chooses us (Jn 6:37, 44; Rom 9:11, 19-24). I believe what is written in Scripture, that we are all inherently sinful (Ps 51:5, Rom 5:12, Eph 2:3) and destined for Hell (Rom 6:23); therefore slaves to our sin nature (Jn 8:34, Rom 6:16) until we repent and trust Jesus, who alone has the power to free us from the penalty and bondage of our sins―making us new creations (Rom 6:17, 2 Cor 5:17).

Be sure to visit the "God's Not Dead" blog page where they provide interesting resources to help you prove to others that God's not dead and neither is anyone who has left this world and is now Home with Christ (1 Thess 4:13-14).

They are surely more alive now than you or I.

On Friday, February 28, 2014 Ray Comfort and his Living Waters staff released for download, their latest movie/documentary, "Noah—And the Last Days".

This film is not a reenactment of the life of the historical Noah, but a refreshing 30-minute movie that biblically and accurately depicts how the life of this righteous man is pertinent to our world today. "Noah" includes 10 biblical prophecies (which I share below), the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and interviews from ordinary people like you and me.

Unfortunately, there's another movie on the horizon about Noah. This movie, starring Russell Crow, was produced by Hollywood and will be opening in theaters the same day (March 28) Ray Comfort's Noah movie will be available on YouTube and DVD. As expected, Hollywood maligned the character of Noah; the one whom God said was the only righteous man of his time.

"The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually...But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God."

~Genesis 6:5, 8-9 (ESV)

Hollywood's version of Noah is an overly zealous, environmental psychopath who wanted to kill his grandchildren. Not quite the character God had written about Him in His Word. Far from it. Why does it matter whether or not Noah's character is maligned? It matters because Noah and the ark were shadows of the Christ to come—the one who would and has come to save people from the fatal consequences our sins deserve (Rom 3:23-25, 6:23). And when you mess with Christ, you mess with His Gospel. And when you mess with the Gospel, you mess with the eternal salvation of lost souls. And when you do that, well, you're just not a loving person. At least not in the biblical sense (1 Jn 4:8, 5:2-3).

On the brighter and more biblical side, Ray Comfort's "Noah" movie enlightens the hearts of the interviewees with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and wisely pricks the hearts of many with discerning questions about life, death and eternity. And if we're humble in heart, it ought to have the same affect on us, the viewers.

The movie opens with Ray interviewing people on the street, asking if they believe Noah was a real person and do they believe there was a worldwide flood? The first person questioned said she didn't believe Noah really existed because she was happy with her atheism, but was open to myths. Ray then quotes Matthew 24:37 as he leads us to the 10 biblical prophecies (with references included) that correspond with the story of Noah and what's happening in our world today.

Along with each biblical end time prophesies listed above, clips of actual events and interviews of those who are affected by these are appropriately included.

One of the interviewees was Professor of Geology and Oceanography, Rick Behl of California State University-Long Beach. When Ray asked the Professor where all the water from the earth originated, his response essentially was that most of it came from comets. Then when Ray asked if his response was a fact or mere theory, Professor Behl chuckled and said, "Nothing about the origin of the earth is fact."

After Ray interviews people regarding each of the 10 biblical end times prophecies shared in this documentary, he then asks them to consider their eternal outcome in accordance to God's Word. When presented with the light of the Ten Commandments (Rom 7:7), and asked how he'd be found in God's sight, one of the interviewees responded, "I'd obviously be guilty unless it's the worst judicial system I've seen."

Ray closes the movie with, "We didn't produce 'Noah' to entertain you. We produced it in the sincere hope that you'd obey the Gospel, that you'd repent of your sins and trust alone in Jesus Christ, so we'll see you in Heaven."

I enjoyed this movie not because it was entertaining (not that I don't enjoy being entertained), but because it was more meaningful than mere entertainment which is like cotton candy—it's fun, tastes good, makes me feel good, but has no lasting affect after it's gone. There's a time and place for every activity (Ecc 3:1), and just the same there's an appropriate time and way to be entertained (which Scripture should never be used for), and there are times we need to buckle up and seriously consider the ramifications of the careless words we speak and actions we take.

Jesus is clear. He came the first time as a lamb to be slaughtered; as a propitiation for our sins. The second time He comes, it will be as a roaring lion; coming to destroy all who hate and deny Him.

One of the things I particularly like about the way Ray shares the Gospel and speaks with people is the clear evidence that he cares. It's difficult to watch Ray interact with people and come away without seeing the deep love for our Savior and extreme compassion for the lost. Ray also demonstrates great passion to see God's people rise up and join the battle to contend for the faith and make disciples—not false converts. Ray not only asks good, heart-piercing questions, but he also listens carefully to those he speaks with; which is obvious, as he responds directly to what they're saying rather than continue on with an off topic he already had in mind.

Being a good listener is key to being a good communicator. And Ray Comfort is a good communicator, especially for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It was deliberate. I heard Hollywood was making a movie about Noah that wasn't biblical. Hollywood knows how to make money from Christians. All they need to do is keep some biblical aspects, i.e., Cecil B. DeMille didn't make "The Twelve Commandments", he made "The Ten Commandments" and we Christians will love you and support you and give you our money.

But if they displayed the Prophet Muhammad as a psychopath you won't see Muslims lining up at the theaters two by two. You wouldn't see this because Muslims wouldn't stand for it and neither should Christians stand for this from Hollywood. Hollywood would never blaspheme the name of Muhammad like they blaspheme the name of our Lord...they wouldn't dare because they know there would be repercussions.

As with all your films, when you present the Gospel, you first share the Ten Commandments, emphasizing that our eternal salvation is a legal transaction between God and man. Why?

The Bible says sin is the transgression of the Law (1 Jn 3:4). The Law is the Ten Commandments. The Bible says God is a just Judge and we stand as guilty criminals before a holy God. We've violated His Law and our sentence is terminal. Jesus Christ came and paid our fine in full. That's what the Cross is all about. That's why Jesus cried, "It is finished". God can now legally dismiss our case in the courtroom. He can commute our death sentence and let us live because of the suffering, death and resurrection of our Savior.

What was your main motivation and what are your hopes for this movie?

I have a burning passion in life to see people in Heaven. Never before have we had a vehicle like the internet to spread the Gospel. Hundreds of years ago we'd put missionaries on a ship and it would take weeks, families would die of malaria and they would suffer many other unspeakable hardships. Today, all we need to do is push the "send" button and we can reach millions of people.

What makes a Christian video go viral? You do.

Flooding of Living Waters parking lot on February 28, 2014. Photo: Ray Comfort

A special message from Ray:

Those of you who took advantage of our pre-release download offer on "Evolution vs. God" enabled us to fund the production of "Noah—And the Last Days." We would be grateful if you would consider doing the same with this movie, and in turn help us to continue producing similar projects in the future. 

When you download this movie for $19.99, you will get a free downloadable Companion Guide (valued at $4.99) containing further evidence for the Ark and the worldwide Flood, plus a special video message by Ken Ham, "Creation and the Last Days" (valued at $12.99).

"Noah—And the Last Days" will be available on YouTube and DVD starting March 28. See more at: http://www.noahthemovie.com