You may use this for your Facebook cover photo as a springboard to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

(Article originally published on Good Friday 2015)

The definition of good means to be morally excellent; righteous. However, we often misuse the word "good" to describe music we like, activities we enjoy and entertainment that amuses. Though music, activities and entertainment might delight our fancies, if they are absent of God, they are absent of good. Many things I enjoy are fun, lively and jubilant, but they cannot be good unless the focus of all these things magnifies the LORD my God.

Not to say it's a sin, or in any way wrong for people to enjoy music, arts, etc., that is absent of praise and glory to God (though it is a sin to enjoy anything or anyone who mocks righteousness and promotes ungodliness). But as God's dearly beloved children, let's call things as they actually are. Let us not call anything good, awesome, holy, etc., unless it pertains to the only one who is all these things: God Almighty. These attributes are exclusive to God.

"And Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

as it is written:

      'None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All

      have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good,

      not even one.'

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved"

~Mark 10:18, Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-5 (ESV)

On this day more than 2,000 years ago, the Son of God breathed His last after He was betrayed by one of his own, abandoned by His closest friends, brutally beaten by envious men, falsely accused, publicly humiliated and jeered at; despised more than a murderer, nailed to a cross between two thieves, further ridiculed and tormented while in excruciating pain; died a sinners death, and was buried in a borrowed tomb because He had no earthly possessions of His own—and this is what God calls good.

By all accounts, this day was a grief-stricken day for the Lord Jesus. But He endured the agony and the fullest extent of God's wrath, not because it was a pleasant experience for Him, but because it was good for those He came to save.

Disrobing Himself of His glory, Jesus, the Son of God descended from Heaven, came to earth as a helpless babe, born of a virgin, alone fulfilled all the righteous commandments of God, qualifying Himself as the one and only perfect sacrifice for the sins of those He came to save.

Jesus Christ was the only human being who lived a sinless life, yet died a sinners death. As it is written, "For while we were yet still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one would scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare to die—but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God." (Romans 5:6-9, ESV)

This is love.

This is good.

How do people respond to God's amazing grace and mercy poured out to us through the crushing of His one and only Son? The three most common responses are to:

1. Repent and receive this good news, that is, the Gospel of God's grace;
2. Utterly reject God's grace;
3. Merely profess with our lips that we've repented and received God's grace through Jesus Christ, yet our lives prove that we're just another Judas.

These last two responses, are not good. And those who respond this way, are to be the most pitied in all creation.

"I have been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus; I am a member of his visible Church; I sit at the communion table: all these are so many kisses of my lips. Am I sincere in them? If not, I am a base traitor. Do I live in the world as carelessly as others do, and yet make a profession of being a follower of Jesus? Then I must expose religion to ridicule, and lead men to speak evil of the holy name by which I am called. Surely if I act thus inconsistently I am a Judas..."

~Charles  Spurgeon

(excerpt from Evening Devotional, March 25)

Examine yourselves with Scripture to see if you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). And never do the most hateful thing to those you love by confirming their salvation when there is no biblical proof they are truly saved, but there is clear evidence they are merely a Judas. Rather, do the most loving thing and urge them to examine themselves with Scripture, urge them to repent, to turn from their sinful lifestyle, and cry out to God Almighty to save them.

Today, if you hear the goodness of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, do not harden your hearts, and do not lie to yourself about where you truly stand before the sight of God Almighty. Repent and believe the Gospel.

If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then share the good news of Jesus Christ today. As you rejoice in this great love God has lavished on you (1 John 3:1-3), tell others why this day is called Good Friday.

"Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

"The LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then His own arm brought Him salvation, and His righteousness upheld Him.

" 'And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,' declares the LORD."

~Isaiah 59:1-2, 16, 20 (ESV)

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).

Rather than give yourself over to anger for insults (Prov 19:11), be mindful of the Scriptures when you encounter those who oppose you for staying true to God's Word.

When was the last time I was astonished at the majesty of God?

When was the last time you were astonished at the majesty of God?

We're often astonished by so many things: breathtaking musical talent, incredible athletic ability, jaw-dropping acts of illusionists, amazing (and often humorous) animal antics and even the evil we see all around the world. I'm not saying this is wrong. What I'm saying is, are we more astonished by these creations, or their Creator?

We live in a generation deluged with information through news, videos and social media. With this influx of information it seems we've forgotten the most important aspect of communication—listening. We've forgotten how to stop and smell the roses, that is, linger on a thought and consider it in the light of the Gospel, rather than in the darkness of our own opinions, or that of others.

The things we mostly think about, talk about, share with others and are astonished by, proves what we value, and therefore, determines where we spend the majority of our time—in the Word or in the world.

If we, as professing believers, valued God more than this world, we would spend more time in His Word. And like Mary of Bethany, we would sit at Jesus' feet, that is, read Scripture, and listen intently to every word that comes from His mouth; with an increasing and fervent desire to know Him more in order to love Him better. I know this for a fact because there is nothing greater or equal to the LORD of hosts. And thus, there is nothing more astonishing than God and the things of God.

There should never be a time in a Christian's life where upon reading the Scriptures, we are not astonished. Even reading the genealogies is astonishing. You think not? Well, I encourage you to read and study them again. If you do, you'd find some astonishing facts about who's related to who and who gets to be included in the earthly genealogy of Jesus Christ.

The fact that we mere mortals have God's transcendent Word and can understand the eternal meaning, is in itself...astonishing.

"But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory...these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."

~1 Cor 2:7, 10-12 (ESV)

Like the demon possessed boy in Luke 9, prior to salvation, we're all possessed by our own evil desires that thrust us to the ground: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of possessions (1 Jn 2:16). We all desperately fall short of the glory of God and wallow in our cesspool of sins; blinded by the idols we create for ourselves, whether by graven images or the imaginations of our crafty minds.

So the fact that a holy, righteous and just God takes notice of us in our putrid state, is astonishing to say the least. The fact that God chose me, a wretched sinner, before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:3-6), to call as His own possession, a daughter of the Most High God...is...astonishing! I know me. And I would've never picked me. But thanks be to God Almighty, like the demon possessed boy in Luke 9, there's a "But Jesus..." for me too. And because of this truth, I am eternally freed and healed from the captivity and penalty of my sins.

I am astonished at God's majesty I see daily in creation; like the bright and enormous stars that seem so small from where I stand. I'm astonished at God's mercy that sent His one and only Son as a propitiation for my sins and poured out His wrath on the sinless Christ instead of me (2 Cor 5:21). I'm astonished at God's compassion that remembers that I am yet but dust (Ps 103:13-14) and gives to me according to His wisdom and not according to my folly. I'm astonished at God's steadfast love and faithfulness that preserves me when I break faith with Him by sinning (Ps 40:11, 2 Tim 2:13). I'm astonished that God continually grants me the gift of repentance and forgiveness when I sin, because He keeps His promises (Phil 1:6).

I could go on and on about all that astonishes me about God, but I echo what the Apostle John recorded in the last verse of his gospel (John 21:25), "Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." And though it's impossible to list all that astonishes me about God, I won't stop doing it and sharing it with others (Ps 9:1-2). I can't help it (Acts 4:20).

This should be true for everyone who professes the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. There truly is, more than we can ever number, wonderful things that ought to astonish us about God. The question and challenge for us then is this, "Are we as often if not more, astonished at the things of God, as we are by the things of this world?"

If we spend more time with the Lord, through reading, mediating, studying, memorizing, praying and sharing His Word, I know we'll all be less cynical and critical about the world we live in, and more grateful for the astonishing Christ that lives in us (Gal 2:20).

"You have multiplied, O LORD my God, Your wondrous deeds and thoughts toward us; none can compare with You! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told."

~Psalm 40:5, ESV (emphasis mine)

Many of us are familiar with the "Blessed are..." portions of Jesus' sermon on the mount and sadly, some think that's actually the entire sermon. But it's not. Our Lord's sermon spans two chapters in the Apostle Matthew's gospel, with the major theme being: live holy lives unto the Lord. Though the Beatitudes are very important, it's only the short introduction to Christ's great teaching on what a true Christian's life looks like.

The Lord Jesus strongly teaches that our mere profession of faith doesn't prove we belong to Him. Only the demonstration of the Holy Spirit's work gives evidence that we've been sealed (2 Cor 1:22). But if the fruit of righteousness isn't born in all who profess the name of Christ, it's clear they're not possessed by the life of Christ.

Sermon on the mount in a nutshell:

If the Son of God did not disrobe Himself of His glory to put on sackcloth and ashes (skin and bones), descend from Heaven to fulfill the requirements of God's righteousness, take the blame and shame for our sins, suffer, die and resurrect anew, then all of us would be without hope of ever attaining eternal life. But because all this did happen and Christ did come and lived a sinless life, bore the just judgement for our sins, suffered, died, was buried, rose and ascended back to Heaven, having completed His work, now seated at the right hand of the Father; all who believe and call on the name of the Lord, will be saved.

However, not all who call on the name of the Lord, actually believe the Lord. This is the message of the sermon on the mount: saved people live like Christ, not for a time, but for a lifetime. False converts live in opposition to what they profess, living how they really believe—that they are their own god and live in accordance with what they feel is right instead of what God says is right.

Because of the sermon on the mount, I am deeply grieved for the many (that Jesus says) will be shocked to find out they are not His. On the day of Judgement, they will discover all their "righteous" deeds were only filthy rags in God's sight, because they weren't done in faith and by the power of God. But they were performed for various self-satisfying reasons and for the praise of others (i.e., "I did that because it made me feel good" rather than "I did that because it pleases God").

A true Christian feels good because they do what is pleasing to God (as clearly revealed in His Word), rather than thinking because they feel good, God must be pleased.

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."

~Proverbs 21:2-3 (ESV)

"Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." (John 13:1, ESV)

No matter how many times I read this verse, I'm always in awe of what it says. While Jesus was fully aware of the utter torment and anguish He was about to endure that very night, His thoughts were not on Himself and what horrors would befall Him, but His full attention and love were fixed on His beloved apostles.

The original Greek for the phrase "loved them to the end" means that Jesus demonstrated God's perfect and pure (agape) love to His disciples, continually and fully; to completion, even in His darkest hour.

I'm in a dark place right now as my heart aches deeply for our youngest son, our prodigal, who is no longer walking in God's truth, but walking rebelliously in the deceptive world where truth is relative rather than absolute. While in this dark time, I often struggle with depression which causes me to disparage every new day, sure it will be filled with more sorrow upon sorrow.

But when I run to the LORD for help and protection (Prov 18:10), I get to read passages like this one in John 13. Immediately the Lord lifts me (Matt 14:30-31) out of the miry pit of despair and sets my feet on solid ground, making my steps secure. He puts a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to my God (Ps 40:1-3) and I am saved from the gravity of sadness that continually tries to pull me back.

When I read John 13 verse one, I'm encouraged that though my Lord and Savior looked straight onto the dire anguish of the Cross, He never forgot His disciples, whom He loved, and considered their low estate (Phil 2:4-8). Rather than be consumed with Himself and what He would suffer, Jesus was more concerned about His disciples and what they were about to suffer...though incomparable to His own suffering. And in His great love for them, He prayed for their protection, their unity, their love for God and one another, and that the Gospel would go forth to all the world.

Jesus' thoughts were on the Father's glory, His will and our greatest good―eternal salvation.

This is encouraging to me because in 1 Corinthians two verse 16 we're told that God has given us the mind of Christ! Having repented of my sins and trusted fully in the Son of God for my life, I am sealed with the Holy Spirit who alone knows the mind of the Father (1 Cor 2:10-11) and now through Christ, is given also to me. Rather than be enslaved to my own tormenting thoughts, I am free to fix my mind on the things above rather than on the things below. Because of Jesus' finished work on the Cross, I have been empowered from on high to think on that which is: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Phil 4:8).

Like Christ my Savior who did this over 2,000 years ago in John 13, I too can do and am doing―meditating on God's promises, considering what most pleases the Father; and after looking upward, I look outward to seek whom I may love and serve to the end.

"always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies... So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we do not look to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

~2 Corinthians 4:10, 16-18 (ESV)

No matter where you find yourselves today: physically, emotionally or spiritually, if by faith, you've repented and trusted in Jesus Christ, then be encouraged that you too have this rich and glorious gift in Him; the freedom to live fully in Christ (Gal 2:20) and perceive this life in the magnificent light of what's waiting for us in Heaven (1 Cor 13:12).

Read Psalm 22 today. Then thank Jesus for all He endured for you so that you might become something neither you nor anyone else could ever make you to be―a holy and beloved child of God Most High.

Just as our Savior did, we should do also; live in this world, but never be of it (Jn 17:14-18, Rom 12:2, 1 Jn 3:1-3).

May you all have a blessed and joyous time celebrating our Lord's Resurrection Day.

Peace be with you.

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.

Since yesterday, March 24, 2014 there's been much media buzz about World Vision and their "new" state of apostasy. World Vision announced they will now employ and provide marital benefits for those involved in same sex marriages. I put the word new in quotes because World Vision's apostasy isn't new. Their departure from Christ's vision to come to earth in order to seek and save the lost was abandoned a couple of years ago, at least from what I could find in my research. If you have other information, I welcome correction.

As of January 2012, World Vision has partnered with the well-known and popular heretic, Joel Osteen. You can read an article about it here: Federal Way Mirror Pastors Share Stage With Joel Osteen and/or watch a YouTube video here: Joel Osteen and World Vision Partnership.

Anyone who understands the true Gospel of Jesus Christ realizes that Joel Osteen is nothing but a big bad wolf in flamboyant sheep's clothing. Osteen has confessed multiple times that though he personally believes Christ is the only way to Heaven, he doesn't believe Christ is the only way to Heaven for everyone. Yes, Mr. Osteen says that Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, etc. can go to Heaven if they sincerely believe in a god; any god, that is, of their own choosing. But don't take my word for it. Watch and listen to this charlatan during an interview with Larry King: Joel Osteen Denies Exclusivity of Christ for Salvation.

In November 2013, World Vision stepped further down the road of apostasy by partnering with New Agers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. World Vision is one of the sponsors of "The Bible | Son of God Tour 2014" (based on their production of the heretical and blasphemous NOT "The Bible" miniseries) and subsequent big screen blasphemy with their "Son of God" movie that intoxicated viewers with a fake jesus who deluged them with a false gospel.

(I'll share more on this ostentatious "bible" tour in another article. The focus of this piece is on World Vision's worldly vision.)

This brings us to yesterday, where World Vision didn't just take another step towards apostasy, but is now fully immersed in the cesspool of heterodoxy.

According to Christianity Today, World Vision's U.S. president Richard Stearns described this policy change as one that's "symbolic not of compromise but of [Christian] unity." In this same article, Stearns further expresses, "We're not caving to some kind of pressure. We're not on some slippery slope. There is no lawsuit threatening us. There is no employee group lobbying us. This is not us compromising. It is us deferring to the authority of churches and denominations on theological issues. We're an operational arm of the global church, we're not a theological arm of the church."

I completely disagree with Stearns first statement, but partially agree with his last. World Vision is not a church, but they are supposed to be a Christian organization, run by Christians and founded on biblical principles. Which means they have no excuse before God Almighty for their clear choice to disobey His commands which are not difficult to understand nor obey since He put the Spirit of Christ in us (1 Jn 5:3-5).

Though this is disturbing news, as many Christians have already shared, it shouldn't be shocking or even surprising news. As a matter of fact, one might even say, it's welcomed news. And that "one" would be me. Sound crazy? Well, I might be, but it won't be the first time someone told me my thinking was a bit off kilter. And frankly, I'm okay with that. As long as my line of thinking is in accord with Scripture, I'm not really concerned about how alien my thought processes might be to the world (Rom 12:2, 1 Cor 2:14).

I'm not shocked, disturbed or even a bit surprised by this news because these happenings have already been recorded in a mighty, holy and infallible book—the Bible.

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance  of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at the knowledge of truth."

~2 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV)

If the evidence of nation rising against nation, the increase of natural disasters, pestilence, the influx of deadly diseases and the ever-increasing moral decay of our world hasn't alerted you that we're most certainly in the last days, then let the continual news about professing Christians and Christian organizations falling away from the faith convince you...just as it has been written.

"And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come... For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

"The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

~Matthew 24:10-14, 24;

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (ESV)

Being in the last days is not bad news. On the contrary, it's good news for all who long for the Day of Christ. But we musn't be selfish and rejoice only for ourselves within the safety of our Christian bubbles. No, the joy of seeing our Lord Jesus face to face ought to compel us all the more to be sober-minded and alert about the the lost and dying world we live in.

As holy and dearly loved children of the Most High God, we ought to daily put on the full armor of God, desire the necessary pains of sanctification and have compassion for those who don't believe, as well as for those who profess they believe, but their acts prove their hearts are far from Him (Is 29:13).

Pray for opportunities and share the Gospel while we still have time (Is 55:6-7). Don't know how to share the Gospel biblically and effectively? No problem, just visit my friends at Living Waters where you'll find a host of resources and practical, everyday ways to share the Gospel.

Rather than allow this news of World Vision's apostasy cause you to become angry or discouraged, use this news as a catalyst for you to be a student of the Word and a laborer in the field, so that on the Day of Christ you'll have no reason to be ashamed when you appear before His judgment seat (2 Cor 5:9-10).

"as it is my full expectation that I will not be ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

"And now, little children, abide in Him [Christ], so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming."

~Philippians 1:20, 1 John 2:28 (ESV)

Today, "Son of God", a new movie produced by Roma Downey and her husband Mark Burnett opened in theaters across the country. Individual Christians and well-known Christian churches, organizations and even schools are raving about seeing Jesus on the big screen.

Many Christian groups bought out multiple screens at theaters or purchased mass quantities of group tickets for this epic film...or rather, epic fail of the true and biblical story of Jesus, the Son of God.

Last year I was contacted by a media group for The History Channel. They emailed me requesting my help in promoting their upcoming 10-episode miniseries called "The Bible". After reviewing their material, Bible studies based on the series, and clips of every episode, I responded kindly telling them that due to the unbiblical nature of the series, I was unable to help promote it. After watching the entire miniseries I wrote and published my review and I haven't heard from them since.

Prior to entering the theater today, I went in with an open-Bible-mind and open-Spirit-heart. I hoped that this movie was better than the miniseries, but alas, it was not. The majority of this film was simply scenes taken from the heretical and blasphemous miniseries. Please know, I don't take these two terms lightly, and you neither should any professing Christian.

I won't go point by point on all the biblical errors in this movie because honestly, there's just not enough room in one review nor time in one day to cover the ineptness of the writers and producers of this film. I will only cover some of the topics and scenes that are fundamental to God's holy precepts and His loving relationship with His people which include God's:

As a movie, it was gripping, emotionally engaging, well-performed and the cinematography was good. I'm not an emotional person, but even I found myself tearing up when Matthew was called away from his tax collecting table to follow Jesus. Unfortunately, the way this scene is portrayed (as many others) is not actually how God inspired it to be written in His Word.

Jesus Asks Peter To Go Fishing

When Jesus comes to the Sea of Galilee, rather than call His first four disciples (Peter, Andrew, James and John), He only calls one disciple—Peter. But rather than call Peter and Andrew from their boat while they were fishing, Jesus pleads, "Peter, just give me an hour and I'll give you a whole new life." After sassing Jesus, Peter takes him fishing where Jesus works a miracle and provides him with an abundance of fish. When Peter asks what they are going to do, Jesus says, "Change the world."

In the real Bible, Jesus doesn't beg anyone to spend time with them. After all, He is the Lord and has all authority to command who He wants and what He wants. Therefore, He commands Peter and Andrew to follow Him and they immediately leave their boat and nets and obey Jesus' command. Just as all the Apostles who were commissioned by Christ to go into all the world and make disciples, that is, learners. He didn't tell anyone that He came to "change the world" nor did He ask for their help to do so.

Christ came into the world to save sinners from the righteous wrath of God, which is the just penalty for our sins. He never said He came to change the world. He said He came to transform people by giving them new hearts and new minds through repentance and faith in Christ alone.

The 13 Disciples/Apostles

Yes, you read that right. I know in Scripture there are only 12 apostles...all men (Peter, Andrew, James and John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddaeus, Simon and Judas Iscariot). But in the film, there are 13 apostles, and the thirteenth apostle is a woman named Mary. Not only is she almost always with them, but she's with them in the boat during the storm when Jesus walks on water; she's with them when they travel privately, though in the Scriptures, Jesus pulled aside and taught only The Twelve...men. Mary is also very outspoken and often reproves the male apostles to have more faith as it is very apparent her faith is stronger. 

During the crucifixion scene when Jesus is being jeered at by the crowd, Mary defends Jesus and shouts "Leave him be!" Wow, brave gal, huh? Braver than the male apostles who never speak up or do anything heroic or faithful. Then when Jesus is resurrected, she's the first (and only woman) that goes to the empty tomb. In Scripture, three women go to the tomb early in the morning and are greeted by angels who remind them that Jesus said He would rise on the third day. In the movie, she and the disciples remember all this on their own.

Lazarus Rises With More Than a Command

In Scripture Jesus purposefully delays from going to see Lazarus when he was ill, allowing him to die. Then He purposefully goes to see Lazarus after he's been dead four days. When Jesus arrives, He is greeted by Martha (one of Lazarus' sisters) who says, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." Martha confesses that Jesus is the Christ and that she believes she will see her brother on the last day, the resurrection. Then Jesus tells her that He is the resurrection and the life. Shortly after telling her this, as He comes to the tomb He weeps. Then from outside the tomb, the Lord Jesus commanded, "Lazarus, come out." With his face wrapped in a cloth and the rest of his body wrapped in linen strips, Lazarus obeys Christ and comes out of the tomb.

In this unbiblical portrayal of the true Son of God, while the fake Jesus and his disciples are walking through a crowd, Mary (the thirteenth disciple) just happens to see Martha weeping and asks her what's wrong. When Martha says that Lazarus has died, Jesus is surprised (which he often is throughout this film) and asks to be taken to the tomb. Once Jesus arrives at the tomb, he actually goes in...with Martha! Then he touches Lazarus (whose face is not wrapped), gently cradles his head, weeps, kisses the back of Lazarus' head, quotes some Scripture and gently suggests that Lazarus rise; and he does. Martha and Lazarus embrace and the three of them emerge from the tomb as the crowd cheers. This scene was performed more like football players exiting a tunnel and onto their home field, than the truly majestic and awesome scene that is depicted in Scripture.

This scene (along with the entire movie) was bankrupt of Jesus' power and authority over life and death.

Not One Stone Left

In Scripture, when one of the disciples are marveling at the architecture of the temple, Jesus says, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." But in the movie, no one is marveling at anything. Rather, when Jesus sees a little girl in the crowd He kneels down to her, smiles, chuckles and playfully pokes the little girl, who giggles as Jesus' quotes Scripture.

The filmmakers take this powerful and frightening prophecy and turn it into a light and impish exchange with a little girl.

Pharisees Care About God's Name and His People

In Scripture, the Pharisees and Sadducees are clearly jealous of Jesus' popularity and despise Him to the point of wanting and plotting His death. But in this unbiblical adaptation of the Pharisees relationship with God and His people, they want Jesus dead because they truly believe Jesus is a blasphemer and they are concerned for the Jewish people's welfare under the tyranny and oppression of the Romans. In the movie, the Pharisees want Jesus dead, not out of sinful hatred and jealously, but out of deep concern to spare the people of Israel any further harm from the Roman Empire.

Jesus Convinces Judas to Betray Him

In Scripture, Judas willingly betrays our Lord for a mere 30 pieces of silver. In the Bible, Judas is clearly depicted as a thief and someone who loves money more than people. None of the other disciples are aware of this impending betrayal while they're eating their last supper with the Lord. Rather than being consumed with His predestined suffering and death, Jesus once again portrays the humility of a servant (contrasting the disciples lack of humility and care for one another) as He removes His outer garment and wraps the towel of the lowliest servant around His waist, and begins to wash the filthy feet of His disciples—loving them "to the end". While Judas is lolly gagging and enjoying this meal, Jesus turns to him and tells him "What you are going to do, do quickly." And he does.

In this movie, Jesus is never shown humbling himself and serving the disciples as one of the lowliest servants in a household. But he doesn't have to since throughout the film the Lord is depicted as more of our buddy than our glorious Master and King. So here, the Lord is shown laughing and enjoying this meal with his disciples when suddenly he has a vision of being betrayed by Judas. Then pretend Jesus has a look of surprise and defeated sadness as he tells the disciples, for the first time, that he is going to be betrayed, suffer and die. Though in Scripture the Lord foretold His suffering and death three times prior.

After Jesus has this surprising and upsetting vision of Judas betraying him, he turns to Judas and convinces Judas to betray him. With tears, Judas adamantly refuses. But Jesus endearingly holds Judas' face, then gently and lovingly insists that Judas do it, and do it quickly. Reluctantly, Judas does as Jesus says. In this false adaptation, the other disciples are aware of Judas' betrayal and Peter tries to stop him, but Jesus tells Peter to let him go.

The Great Commission Has a Great Omission

The Gospel, that is, the Good News of Jesus Christ is essentially in John 3:16-21. This passage proclaims why Christ came into the world—to save sinners from the full penalty of our sins. Which is why the Good News is the greatest news any human being can receive. For there is only one Mediator between man and God Almighty; Christ the Lord, the only Son of God.

However, in the movie, Jesus never mentions the just penalty of sin, or that we need to be made into new creations through repentance and faith in Christ; which alone equips us to go forth into all the world and make disciples—not converts to a  new way, a better world or just a happier and more peaceful life.

Jesus Visits The Apostle John on The Island of Patmos

In the very beginning of the film and throughout the film, the Apostle John is narrating from the Island of Patmos as he reminisces his time with Jesus. At the close of the movie, John's narration is interrupted by Jesus who appears with a reassuring smile saying, "There will be no more death, pain and crying...I am coming soon." Then with a twinkle in his eye and calming gesture, the fake Jesus disappears.

In Revelation 21, the real Jesus says, "He [God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." The Lord says this to the Apostle John after showing him the new heaven and the new earth that only Christians will see and dwell in. This delightful promise is not generic nor is it all inclusive as the filmmakers try to convey to the audience. This great and awesome promise is only for those who have repented of their sins and trusted in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the only Savior for all mankind.

Conclusion

If someone called to you, suggesting that you come out of your comfortable home to take you to a more comfortable and elegant home, you may think they're nice, but you wouldn't consider this to be great news or even an impossibly generous gift. Which is the essential message of this film. But if you were in a burning inferno and someone called to you with instructions on how to be saved from a horribly painful and terrifying death, you would consider this person a great savior with the greatest news you've ever heard, and you would listen to him. This is the Gospel—the true Good News of Jesus Christ.

The truth is, we're all in the burning and destructive inferno of our sins until we are washed by the pure and precious blood of Jesus. We are all covered with the ash of our sins until we are baptized into Christ and made new creations, with new hearts and new minds; no longer darkened and depraved but enlightened by the Gospel and credited with the righteousness of Christ.

There is no evidence of this glorious truth anywhere in this movie. There is no evidence of God's authority, righteousness or saving and powerful love that continually conforms us into the likeness of Christ.

This film does a great disservice to anyone who is infected by its anemic and sclerotic message of false hope in a false christ.