I'm excited to share this review with you that includes an interview with Ray Comfort, and interesting behind-the-scenes stories...but no spoilers. If you want to know exactly what's in the movie, you'll have to watch it yourself when the pre-release digital download is available on July 29. And believe me, you certainly do not want to miss this one.
Happily wearing my The Atheist Delusion (TAD) "thinking" cap
while writing this review.
The Atheist Delusion opens with a beautiful graphic of the title, and the DNA molecule spinning within an incandescent light bulb. This is only a slice of the stunning graphics throughout the entire movie. The sound effects and music are also spot on—engaging and guiding us through the splendid imagery of our awesome God's creation.
A portion of an interesting TED-Ed lesson is shared in the movie, Joe Hanson's, "DNA: The Book of You". As I watched it, I was in awe, once again, of the incredibly intricate and fascinating way God created us...down to the microscopic detail.
Then, as always, we see my friend and faithful brother in Christ, Ray Comfort, reasoning with unbelievers. He uses a book, Made in Heaven(published in 2012 by Master Books), that he co-wrote with Jeffrey Seto (Aerospace Engineer). It's an incredible 80-page book (that I highly commend to you) filled with gorgeous pictures and incredible facts of how "science shamelessly steals from God's creation". Click this link for a sneak peak of Made in Heaven.
After Ray provides reasonable comparisons between the making of the book and the existence of God, all the interviewees agree that something doesn't come from nothing. However, they are still not convinced that God is the "something" that created everything. But when Ray gets to the heart of the matter, many denounce their atheism and express the desire to repent and trust in Jesus. Hallelujah!
Throughout the movie, I couldn't help but smile, laugh, cry, and marvel at the kindness of God toward us—in creation, and in His grace and mercy.
Two of my favorite moments in the movie are: 1) When Ray asks Haley, "Do you know what God did for guilty sinners so we wouldn't have to go to Hell?" and she says, "I don't know. Would you mind telling me?" 2) After Ray shares the Gospel with Richard, he says, "I'm a total stranger to you. Why do you care about me?" and Ray answers, "Because I love you. I'm a Christian. And I'm not filled with hate like some religions." Amen and amen. Those of us who have been forgiven of our sins because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the Cross, desire nothing more than for others to receive the same free gift of eternal life through repentance and faith in the Son of God (Gal 2:20).
Interviewing Ray at Living Waters' headquarters.
Why/how did you decide to use, Made in Heaven in your interviews?
One day, the thought just came to me, "I'd love to put someone on the spot with a physical book so they can see it, not just imagine it, and if they could really believe that a book could make itself." The first time I did it, it clicked. The guy turned the pages, looked at the color pictures, and then I asked, "Do you think a book can make itself?" It made it real, especially when you think of ink falling from nowhere into coherent sentences with periods, commas, and capitals. And then more ink falling onto paper, that came from nowhere, in sequential order. This is when you think, "No, this is getting crazy."
It's a beautiful book and this movie was originally made to promote that book for the publishers. It evolved into what it did after I made a 45-minute movie on my phone with iMovie at home, and showed the staff.
As I showed people the book, I watched their reaction as I asked them if they thought the book made itself. Then I asked them what DNA is. They said, "It's a book, book of life."
For me it was a revelation because my whole point with atheists has been building, builder; painting, painter. And they've gone ho-hum about that. But they can't about DNA, because if anything screams science—it's DNA. And so it's catching them in their own game because this is the most complex thing in the world—revealing the mind of God to a point, when you get the revelation, you want to worship.
Did any of your interviewees comment on the book as they looked at the gorgeous pictures demonstrating the awesomeness of God's creation and our imitation?
Yes, I gave it away a number of times because people just loved the book. In fact, in the interview we had to take it out because I had to say, "Stop reading the book. I want to talk to you." I wanted to call the book, "Theft", but the publishers said it was too strong. Because it's what it is. They steal. They say, "Velcro, we invented it." No you didn't. God did. You just copied that along with all these other things that you copied and have taken the glory for the invention without giving God the attribution.
It's an exciting book. It contains the Gospel, and gives glory to God. I'm so excited we can use it in the movie.
How/where did you choose/find your interviewees?
Three universities: Long Beach State, Irvine State, and a local college. It's very hard to get atheists on camera. I've said to hundreds of people the last four months, "Excuse me, I'm trying to interview atheists. You wouldn't be an atheist would you?" And they'd say, "No." and walk on. Every now and then someone would say, "I'm an atheist." And I'd say, "Can I interview you?" and they'd say, "No." Because atheist have nothing to say. They've got no good news to share, they're not concerned for my salvation. So they don't really want to go on camera. If I got one on camera, the principals I used would only work on reasonable people. And the word "atheist" and reasonable are oxymorons. Atheists aren't reasonable. They say, "Nothing created everything." Not only that, but they have to be humble to receive what's being said. So it was hard to find atheists, even at universities that would stop, be reasonable on camera, and humble enough to consider what was being said. I was delighted how many we got on camera.
For one of the interviews, I was at Long Beach State, and I had a large sign that said, "I want to interview atheists. Will pay money." That's how desperate I was getting. And you know what I did? I put it in the trash because after sitting there 30 minutes and no one comes up to me. Then as I was walking away, I see Haley (the first woman in the movie) and I asked, "Are you an atheist?" And she says, "I am." I said, "Can I interview you?" And she said, "Certainly." And away we went and she was just so sweet. I should've prayed with her. I was so delighted to get her interview, I said, "You've just been so sweet." and I just ended it with that. We shook hands and she walked off. But I should've spent more time praying with her.
Did you know in advance that they would be open to being interviewed?
No. Just as you go through. One guy was offended and walked off. It's the guy who said, "You're mischaracterizing Richard Dawkins." A little interesting anecdote. As he's walking off, I said, "Hey, come back. Let me shake your hand. You may be upset but let me just say that it's been a honor to speak with you." And he said, "Oh..." and walked off. About two months later, I was at the same college and did an interview that was mediocre and I was just sitting on some grass under a tree and a guy walks by and says, "Hi Ray." And it's that guy! And he sits down and I said, "Hey, we're going to use your interview." And he says, "You're going to make me look like a fool." I said, "Oh no. That would be bad for us. We don't to interview people that look foolish because we want their arguments to be considered as intelligent." He says, "Oh. Why do they call you 'Banana Man?' " So I spent 45 minutes talking with him, and gave him a Subway gift card. What I shared and the time I spent with him really spoke to his heart and he gave me his phone number and said, "Call me, I'd love to do more interviews with you." We had a great time. Please pray for him, his name is Anthony.
From conception to completion, how long did it take you to make this movie?
I was able to do all the initial interviews and pull the movie together in about one to two weeks. I'm very passionate about what I do, so I work on it relentlessly. It was a very rough cut, but it showed a blueprint of what I had in mind. And then I gave it to our guys. As time went on, I'd interview more people and add to it. So it took a total of five to six months.
What's the correlation between atheism and idolatry?
Sir Isaac Newton, who was a genius, referred to atheism as idolatry. What an atheist does is, he shapes his atheism according to the image of he thinks God would be like. Richard Dawkins is an idolater. The god Richard Dawkins doesn't believe in doesn't exist. Richard created a monster and then he's disgusted by the monster he created. But that monster doesn't exist. The God who revealed Himself in Scripture is holy, righteous, just, merciful, kind and loving. In fact, He gave us life as evidence of His kindness. But Richard Dawkins doesn't bring that into the picture. He's just got this evil monster that he's kicked out. And so, again, the god that Richard Dawkins doesn't believe in, doesn't exist. He's a figment of of his imagination; a place of imagery. And he's done that because if you have your own image of god, your god doesn't have a moral dictate.
An atheist doesn't believe that God exists. So everything he accuses of God doing in the Old Testament didn't happen. He says, "God killed all human beings through the flood!" So I said to him, "So it happened?" Then he says, "No! It's a myth!" So I said, "Well, what are you getting so upset about? It's like getting upset that Cinderella's fairy godmother turned her coach into a pumpkin at midnight and going around writing books about it and getting upset. It didn't happen. So don't get upset. Just relax and enjoy life. Leave us alone."
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).
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.
Love of money (2 Peter 2:1-3)
Wars, earthquakes, famines (Matt 24:7)
Moon will turn blood red (Acts 2:20)
Blaspheming God's name will be common place (2 Tim 3:1-2)
Increase of acceptance of homosexuality (Lk 17:28-30)
Religious hypocrisy will be prevalent (2 Tim 3:5)
People will deny God as Creator (2 Pet 3:3, 5, 6)
Fear of the future (Lk 21:26)
Scoffers will mock the end times saying warnings have always been, but nothing's happened (2 Peter 3:3-4)
People won't take the end times prophecies seriously (Matt 24:37-39)
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.
Why did you make this movie?
We made it to show that the Bible is absolutely credible. We wanted to show what was going on in Noah's day, is going on nowadays. And in Noah's day, the imaginations of men were continually evil. There was violence across the world and a lot of corruption, and that's what we see in today's society. In this movie, we show the fingerprint of God over all of Scripture. No one knows the future except God.
Did you deliberately make this movie to counter the unbiblical, Hollywood adaption of Noah, or was it simply coincidental?
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.
Though this movie is called "Noah" it isn't a visual reenactment of Noah's life. Why?
Because I didn't have time to build an ark. It would take me 120 years. We wanted to make a film about the prophecies that correlate to Noah and his time and our time. As I said in the movie, many think of Noah and the ark as a story from the past, but according to Jesus, the events surrounding the life of Noah are directly related to people today.
Also, prior to our downloadable release of this movie on February 28, California was in a severe drought. But then, the day we released "Noah" it poured, man it poured.
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
Since it's inital release (mentioned in my last article), Ray Comfort's "Evolution vs. God" has garnered thousands of hateful, demeaning and even violent comments from evolutionists. In spite of such unevolved expressions of opposition, the initial release received such a huge response, Living Waters Publications' server crashed momentarily due to the mass influx of downloads.
At 12:01 a.m. (EST), August 7, 2013, "Evolution vs. God" was released for free on YouTube. Within the first 12 hours, it was viewed more than 11,000 times, with the majority happening during the wee hours of the night. The Evolution vs. God Facebook page has more than 30,000 likes and more than 5,000 people "talking about this". On their Google Plus page, they've acquired more than 1,100 followers and 220 followers on Twitter with numerous commendations from well-known, trusted and well-educated men and women from across the globe.
"Evolution vs. God" has been translated into 11 languages: Albanian, Czech, English, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Romanian and Slovenian. To access these language options see the photo below.
There are more than 2,200 comments already posted on the YouTube site, as this movie continues to encourage the intelligent and infuriate evolutionists who are hypocritically angry with the teachings of a God they claim does not exist.
Here's a small collection of interesting comments from evolutionists:
Bjorn Sodergren: "If this guy asked me one of his questions, and he interrupted me like he's doing to these people, i would punch him in the eye and stab him in the face with a pen. His whole premise is complete hypocrisy. He keeps inferring that you need faith to believe in evolution and therefore it's false, since it doesn't 'match up' with scientific observation. There is plenty of evidence that supports evolution. Yet, there is absolutely 0 evidence for God or any God."
Ben Fitzpatrick: “Cowards like you should just stop breathing and let us normal people move on with life. The world will become a better place once we're rid of philistines such as yourself Mr. Comfort. Know that when you die I will sleep easier, because your destructive opinions will die with you, coward.”
Simon Jacks: "Sorry forgot the ad hominem... you witless ***** moron"
KalimaShaktide: "I can t watch this... it feels like being asked a question by someone who is not going to understand the response and trying to think of how to dumb things down to a 5 year old level. Ray keeps talking about "kinds" when biology talks about "species"...I can t watch this as it makes me want to slap him silly"
Dan Murphy: "Ray Comfort....you've gone full retard."
Have you noticed that atheists and/or evolutionists never hurl insults or vehemently oppose the Easter Bunny at parades or in shopping centers? Or how about the same for Santa Claus? It's a rather strange and immature way to behave towards those who believe and teach something that opposes your view—if you truly believe the opposing view is preposterous. Why be so offended by something you're sure does not exist...unless of course, you believe it does, yet you allow your foolish pride to set the course for your life rather than wisely humble yourself to the truth.
Interestingly, these barbaric outburst of violence mainly come from evolutionists towards creationists. Evolutionists, that is, those who believe we've all evolved from some mystical primordial ooze from the cosmos that no one created, seem to often express themselves ironically, in a rather devolved manner. Whereas creationists tend to take the higher road and respond to opposition with grace and intercessory prayer, all from the love of God. Yet these evolutionists assert those who've been enlightened with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the ones who are considered "in the dark" and small-minded. Very peculiar.
I'm not saying that all Christians behave as we ought, but I am saying that most who are truly converted do act and speak as if they are indwelt with the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us with God's Word and empowers us to live above disparaging behavior towards others ( 1 Peter 1:14-16, 2 Peter 1:3-9, John 17:17). We've not yet been perfected, but on that glorious Day when we see Christ in His full glory, we will be made perfect, and will have to answer for every careless word we've spoken (Matt 12:36, Rom 14:12, 2 Cor 5:9-10). So don't worry atheists, we will be held accountable for any lack of God's grace we display.
Below is a gracious quote from Ray Comfort in response to atheists' erroneous claims regarding the interviews he conducted in "Evolution vs. God", as well as a couple of loving and truthful responses to professing "Christians" who don't believe God created everything.
"Atheists maintain that the word “kind” which is used a number of times in 'Evolution vs. God' is not the language of science. However, according to biology-online.org 'kind' is defined as, 'Race; genus; species; generic class; as, in mankind or humankind.' On hearing the words 'There’s the feline kind—cats and tigers, the canine kind—dogs and coyotes, and there’s human kind' Professor PZ Myers verbally affirmed it and nodded in agreement. Professor Peter Nonacs (UCLA) responded 'When you are talking about ‘kinds’ or changes in families, you are actually talking about macro evolution. You are talking about changes on the level that separate cats from dogs.' Professor Craig Stanford (USC) answered, 'When you say a change of ‘kinds’ you mean the evolution of one species from another or to another…' Don’t let desperate atheists distract you. Watch the movie: www.EvolutionVsGod.com"
"To say, 'I'm a Christian and I accept evolution,' is to say "I'm a believer in Jesus Christ and when He said, ‘In the beginning God made them male and female,’ I think He was lying."
"The professing Christian who believes in evolution is like an atheist who believes in God."
~Ray Comfort
Founder and CEO of Living Waters Publications
My prayer for this movie and all who watch, is that God's name will be extolled as it ought and that God will open ears so many can hear, and open eyes so many can perceive the truth of His Gospel, and receive the free gift of His saving grace through repentance and faith in His one and only Son, Jesus Christ the Lord.
To God alone be the glory!
On September 26, 2011, Ray Comfort, Founder, President and CEO of Living Waters Publications(LWP) launched the “180” movie; a 33-minute documentary that transforms hearts with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and provides historical information that’s helping save unborn babies' lives.
In only four short months, “180” has been translated into 19 languages, has had more than 2.1 million views on YouTube, more than 36,000 “likes” on its active Facebook page, with more than 7,000 people sharing and interacting with other avid pro-lifers and members of the “180” team.
I was recently blessed to interview Ray Comfort, who’s become a modern day William Wilberforce for the pro-life movement. Just as William Wilberforce worked tirelessly to abolish the enslavement of innocent men, women and children, Ray Comfort works tirelessly to abolish the murdering of millions of innocent pre-born babies.
I absolutely love this movie and urge everyone to watch it and share it.
Why do you think “180” has gone viral in such a short time?
Ray: It’s totally unique. In past years, many Christians have done tremendous things for the pro-life cause. But “180” does more than alert awareness, it actually changes people’s minds about abortion by providing information they’ve never heard before.
Most of this generation has been brainwashed by only hearing one side—a woman’s choice.
Is the primary concentration of “180” the number of “likes” or “shares” you can get on Facebook, comments on the movie, or lives being transformed by Christ for the sake of the unborn and the unsaved?
Ray: Our agenda isn’t primarily about changing people’s minds about abortion. I don't want people watching the movie and still be pro-homosexual marriage, pro-pornography, pro-fornication. I want them to have a heart change through the power of the Gospel so that their worldview is the same as God’s. When the engine is on the right track, the carriages of the worldview will come into line.
What are the top two messages you want people to glean from “180”?
Ray: First, it’s wrong to kill babies in the womb. Second, everlasting life is a gift of God to all who repent and trust in Jesus.
How does LWP’s approach on the subject of abortion differ from secular pro-life organizations?
Ray: Genesis 9:6 says that if we shed the blood of man, your blood should be shed. You can’t murder a horse, dog or cat. The word “murder” is reserved for human beings. We’re not animals as evolutionists would have us believe. We are unique in God’s creation in that we have an inherent knowledge of right and wrong.
Dogs don’t set up court systems; they couldn't care less about justice and truth. Only man does that because he’s made in the image of God. Consequently, when you say you shall not kill, you stir up His God-given conscience within you. The word “conscience” means with knowledge. So every sane human being knows it’s wrong to kill a baby in the womb. And that’s why “180” is unique, because it appeals to that intuitive God-given knowledge each of us have.
What is “180” Wednesdays and Sundays and how did they come about?
Ray: “180” Wednesdays was created to keep the momentum going and designed to be a day where those who care about the unborn focus on getting the message out on Wednesday.
Millions of people have viewed it on YouTube and nearly 700,000 DVD’s have been sold; we see this as just the beginning. There are 6 billion people who need to see this movie.
What we’re offering is for either me or someone on the staff to show “180” during a Sunday church service and we’ll give a message afterward. This is extremely effective because there’s no need for registration or advertising. It’s just a matter of the Pastor giving us his pulpit so that with the help of God, we can transform his church from being passive about pro-life and evangelism to being passionate about both issues. We’ll also bring special packets with us which include: “180” DVD’s, God has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life, and a pack of 100 Lincoln Trillion dollar bill tracts.
Do you have a personal message you’d like to share?
Ray: Yes. One reason “180” has gone viral is because pro-life people and Christians are seeing the potential of social media to reach people. We can move mountains with a mouse, so get on your Facebook page, your email, Twitter and other forms of social media and send out our “180” link to friends, family and enemies; you could save a life. Go to HeartChanger.com to find out all the ways you can help.
Personally, I’m not going to rest until the legalization of killing babies in the womb is stopped in our country.
It’s imperative that everyone watch this movie, regardless of relationship status. Abortion not only affects young girls and single women, but as I shared in a recent article, abortion can have devastating effects on married women as well.
If you’re currently pregnant or have had an abortion and need counseling from people who care about you rather than how much money they can make, contact these local centers for help:
Real Options for Women, 700 E. Park Blvd., Ste 206, Plano, TX 75074 | Phone: 972-424-5144
Mid Cities Pregnancy Center, 8251 Bedford-Euless Rd, Ste 220, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 | Phone: 817-577-4387 or 1111 W. Airport Freeway, Ste 229, Irving, TX 75062 | Phone: 214-441-3460
