Movie: An interview with God

Movie:  Interview with God

About
Covering the war in Afghanistan provided journalist Paul Asher with some of the best stories of his young career. But that endeavor ends up costing him so much more than he ever could have calculated.

Upon returning home, Paul struggles to deal with the after-effects of his experiences, a failing marriage, and his dying faith. Not knowing where to turn, Paul dives deeply into the story of a lifetime—an interview with a mysterious man claiming to be God.

What does an inquisitive reporter ask God? What would you ask?

Sitting down with this mysterious man over the course of three fateful days, Paul finds himself answering as many questions as he asks. While wrestling with what he knows and what he’s unsure of, Paul finds himself at the crossroads we all come to in our lives: Who do we say God is?

The movie stars Academy Award® nominee David Strathairn and Brenton Thwaites, along with Yael Grobglas, Hill Harper, and Charlbi Dean Kriek.

Free Discussion guide

Reviews
7 things you should know about an interview with God
Christian Post
CBN



In Australian cinemas 25 October 2018

Movie and Mini Series: For the love of God

For the love of God - Christianity is better than you can ever imagine and worse than you can ever imagine is an honest look at Christianity throughout history, whilst also responding to some of the objections people have about Christianity.  

The Centre for Public Christianity - an Australian based apologetic organisation affiliated with the Bible Society has developed a movie and because there is so much content a mini series and even online  clips to help Christians understand Christianity's role throughout history, both the good and the bad.   


Screenings began in May and will occur based on demand....to see where you can view the film visit   https://www.publicchristianity.org/documentary-screenings 

The mini series will be launched online on 1 July visit https://fortheloveofgodproject.com/ to discover more about the project and when the mini series will be launched.

Movie: Tortured for Christ

The Voice of the Martyrs presents the inspiring new movie Tortured for Christ, a cinematic retelling of the testimony of VOM founder Pastor Richard Wurmbrand as written in his international bestseller Tortured for Christ. This movie was produced to honor the 50th anniversary of the book’s 1967 release.

Filmed entirely in Romania, including in the very prison where Pastor Wurmbrand endured torture and solitary confinement, this powerful film uniquely presents the story with live action rather than interviews. The dialogue is presented in English, Romanian and Russian (with English subtitles) to hold to the authenticity of this true story.

Tortured for Christ - Trailer #1 from The Voice of the Martyrs on Vimeo.

The story of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand (1909 – 2001)

“He stood in the midst of lions, but they could not devour him.” – Philadelphia Herald

Richard Wurmbrand was born the youngest of four boys in a Jewish family on March 24, 1909, in Bucharest, Romania. Gifted intellectually and fluent in nine languages, Richard was active in leftist politics and worked as a stockbroker. On Oct. 26, 1936, Richard married Sabina Oster, who was also Jewish. They placed their faith in Jesus Christ in 1938 as a result of the influence of a German carpenter named Christian Wölfkes. Richard was ordained as an Anglican, and later Lutheran, minister.

During World War II, Richard and Sabina saw opportunities for evangelism among the occupying German forces. They preached in bomb shelters and rescued Jewish children out of the ghettos. Richard and Sabina were repeatedly arrested and beaten and, at least once, nearly executed. Sabina lost her Jewish family in Nazi concentration camps.

In 1945, Romanian Communists seized power and a million Russian troops poured into the country. Pastor Wurmbrand ministered to his oppressed countrymen while engaging in bold evangelism to the Russian soldiers.

That same year, Richard and Sabina attended the Congress of Cults, organized by the Romanian Communist government. Many religious leaders came forward to praise Communism and to swear loyalty to the new regime. Richard walked up to the podium and declared to the delegates, whose speeches were broadcast to the whole nation, that their duty was to glorify God and Christ alone.

Between 1945 and 1947, Richard distributed 1 million Gospels to Russian troops, often disguising the books as Communist propaganda. Richard also helped arrange the smuggling of Gospels into Russia.

On Feb. 29, 1948, the secret police kidnapped Richard as he traveled to church and took him to their headquarters. He was locked in a solitary cell and labeled “Prisoner Number 1.” In 1950, his wife, Sabina, was also imprisoned. She was forced to serve as a laborer on the Danube Canal project, leaving their 9-year-old son, Mihai, alone and homeless. He was then taken in by Christian friends, who risked imprisonment to care for the child of a political prisoner. Sabina was released after three years, and Richard was also later released, only to be re-arrested and then released in an amnesty in 1964.

In December 1965, two organizations paid a $10,000 ransom to allow the Wurmbrand family to leave Romania. Reluctant to leave his homeland, Richard was convinced by other underground church leaders to leave and become a “voice” to the world for the underground church. Richard, Sabina and their son, Mihai, left Romania for Norway and then traveled on to England.

Richard began his ministry of being a voice for persecuted Christians in the West, where he also wrote his testimony of persecution, Tortured for Christ. Later, Richard moved to the United States, and in 1967 the Wurmbrands officially began a ministry committed to serving our persecuted Christian family called Jesus to the Communist World (later renamed The Voice of the Martyrs). This work continues today in more than 60 countries where Christians are persecuted.

The Spread of the Gospel Map

This animated map is a powerful visual depiction of the most important movement in history: the spread of Christianity. Every frame is one year in the last 2000 years of the Great Commission. It does not show only nations that have declared Christianity to be the national religion, or even areas where professing Christians are the majority of the population.  It shows everywhere the Gospel has been preached, where churches and Christian gravestones first show external evidence of that work, and where churches and Bibles are accessible today.
For contrast and context the map shows also how Islam, Roman Empire, Byzatine Empire, Mongol Empire and Communism spread and decreased.

Movie: Luther - the life and legacy of the German Reformer

LUTHER is a 91-minute documentary directed by Canadian filmmaker Stephen McCaskell. It depicts the story behind the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation five hundred years ago this October.
Martin Luther’s daring life is presented in extensive detail while still making the film relevant, provocative, and accessible. His remarkable and world-changing story is told through a seamless combination of live-action storytelling and striking animation.
For this documentary a number of scholars came together to give us a deeper understanding of the life of Martin Luther including Dr. R.C. Sproul, Stephen Nichols, Robert Kolb, Carl Trueman, W. Robert Godfrey, and Steven Lawson.

To obtain your copy visit https://wearepatrol.com/shop/

Resource: Reel Dialogue

Reel Dialogue - engaging with films without disengaging with faith is web site that provides a creative dialogue between the church and entertainment culture (film and TV), with Christians discovering how common theological ground can be forged with story tellers, image shapers, and culture makers.
In essence, Reel Dialogue facilitates engagement with films without disengaging your faith — discussion, engagement and interaction with one another help to bridge the gap between faith and culture.
TV and films are very powerful ways to tell a story and reflect cultural values, ethics and morals.
Reel Dialogue facilitates engagement with films without disengaging your faith…
As Christians, we are a part of the broad cultural phenomenon known as “pop culture”, engagement with which is more important than ever. But how do we take our Christian worldview to the movies with us, to help us critically engage and negotiate popular culture’s messages and themes?
Aside from the simple pleasure of spending time together and discussing films, there are teachable moments in Hollywood’s modern parables and character studies. Crafted properly, movies can lift the spirit, tap into eternal truth and convey moral messages that challenge us to live out what we’ve experienced. And some that don’t do all of those things can still be effectively used to reinforce and confirm why we don’t believe things should be a certain way. Conversation is the key to broadening our Christian worldview and understanding culture. Plus it’s just fun to discuss a film after viewing it, particularly if it’s a great film!
Reel Dialogue can help groups understand, discern and decode films in a faith-based context. Reel Dialogue group resources have been sourced or written to help people approach film through the filter of the gospel, to build groups that can engage with entertainment in a way that will invigorate their faith and witness.
We are saturated with visual images and messages and it is really important to have the tools to talk about these messages as they relate to us as Christians, rather than passively consume other people’s worldviews.
On their site there are downloadable discussion guides and links that have all the tools groups need to reflect on, discuss and discover what spiritual truth often resides in popular films.
There are also many other resources and links to sites that will help churches with the legalities of using clips in worship services, mounting a local church film festival or starting your own film-based small group at your church as a way of reaching into your community.
This website aims to equip ministry agents and inspire creative dialogue between church and culture.
The hope is you’ll enter the cinema with a newly-developed filter to approach the world of entertainment.

Aside from the studies and guides for discussion, what sorts of questions should we be asking about all movies?
• What would you say is the main point of this movie? Do you agree or disagree with it?
• Which character did you admire most? Why?
• Do the themes in this movie reflect reality? Do they reflect truth?
• How do the morals onscreen compare with the values you’ve been taught at home, in school or in church?
• Do you think movies like this have any effect on how close you feel to your family, friends or God? Explain.
• How might you imagine God reacting to this movie? Why? Would you feel comfortable if Jesus sat watching it with you? (See Matthew 28:20)
• Does the movie have an opinion of God or even a Christian worldview? What is it?
• What would happen if you imitated the lifestyles or choices of the characters?

Discover more at http://reeldialogue.com/

The Shack (book and movie) resources

The Shack is a best selling fictional book, which has been released as a  movie.  Originally written by William Paul Young as a story to help his family gain a picture of God.

The book has created controversy as it steps outside the traditional images of God and within the book makes some statements that are perceived to be contray to what the bible says about God.  As a result some Christians believe it is best to steer well clear of the book, whilst others are engaging with the book thanking God for the creativity of the book that they believe helps them in their relationship with God.

The following resources have been sourced and compiled to help anyone wishing to research and undertake further reflection and study relating to the Shack.

ARTICLES
The story behind the Shack - interview with William Paul Young
Stuart Hazeldine - Movie Review
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry - review
Theology Network - review
Christianity Today Pastors - review
Exploring the Shack - Paul Coulter
The Good, the Bad and the Controversial 
How the Shack distorts our view of God
More to the Shack than Shaky theology
Higher things review
A response to Christians boycotting the Shack

BIBLE STUDIES
The offical DVD bible study
Holy Cross Lutheran Church Kansas Book Study
13 heresies in the shack 

BOOKS
The Shack book

The offical Shack study guide - Healing for Your Journey Through Loss, Trauma, and Pain

The Shack Revisited: There Is More Going On Here than You Ever Dared to Dream 
Millions have found their spiritual hunger satisfied by William P. Young's #1 New York Times bestseller, The Shack--the story of a man lifted from the depths of despair through his life-altering encounter with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Now C. Baxter Kruger's THE SHACK REVISITED guides readers into a deeper understanding of these three persons to help readers have a more profound connection with the core message of The Shack--that God is love.
An early fan of The Shack and a close friend to its author, Kruger shows why the novel has been enthusiastically embraced by so many Christians worldwide. In the words of William P. Young from the foreword to THE SHACK REVISITED, "Baxter Kruger will stun readers with his unique cross of intellectual brilliance and creative genius as he takes them deeper into the wonder, worship, and possibility that is the world of The Shack."

Finding God in the Shack
What would it be like to lose your youngest child to a serial killer? And then to have God invite you out for a conversation at the very shack where the terrible deed took place? And then imagine that the door to that shack of horrors opened . . . and before you knew it you had been swept up in the motherly embrace of a large African American woman? This most unlikely of stories, as told in William Young's The Shack, has become a runaway bestseller, and now a major motion picture, and it is easy to see why. But even as lives have been transformed through this book, other readers have sternly denounced it as a hodgepodge of serious theological error, even heresy. With one pastor urging his congregation to read it and another forbidding his congregation to, many Christians have simply been left confused. Aware both of the excitement and uncertainty generated by The Shack, theologian Randal Rauser takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the pages of the story. In successive chapters he explores many of the book's complex and controversial issues. Thus he explains why God the Father is revealed as an African American woman, he defends the book's theology of the Trinity against charges of heresy and he considers its provocative denial of a Trinitarian hierarchy. But at its heart The Shack is a response to evil and so Rauser spends the final three chapters considering the book's explanation for why God allows evil, how the atoning work of Christ offers new hope for a suffering world and ultimately how this hope extends to all of creation. Through these chapters Rauser offers an honest and illuminating discussion which opens up a new depth to the conversation while providing the reader with new opportunities for Finding God in The Shack.

God, the Bible and the Shack
Millions of readers of William Paul Young's The Shack want to know, Is God really that good? Is this the same God we find in the Bible or not? Is the Trinity really like what we find in the novel? And what about evil in the world? How much does The Shack help us understand why it exists and how God deals with it? Here are clear, insightful responses to the questions so many people want answers to.

The Shack - a journey from pain to truth to error
This book offers a new kind of critique of The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity. It views The Shack from a confessional Lutheran perspective. Its primary concern is the chief article upon which the church stands or falls, namely, justification and the redemption we have in Jesus.
Looking for healing for his Great Sadness, the author of The Shack hit upon a particular strain of thought from the renaissance of Trinitarian theology that happened worldwide in the 1980s and 1990s. This theology has much to be commended. Tragically, however, it departs from the teaching of Scripture about the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for us on the cross. It denies the wrath of God on sin, and denies that Jesus bore that wrath for us. The Shack teaches a different theory of the cross that springs from perichoretic speculations about the Trinity.

Studying the Shack - reading group guide
If you enjoyed reading The Shack, by Wm Paul Young, you will enjoy this study guide to delve deeper into the themes throughout the story of Mack his Great Sadness and the relationships with God, Jesus and Sarayu . The questions within this guide will lead to high levels of introspection and make for great discussions for reading groups of any kind.

Burning down the Shack - How the 'Christian' best seller is deceiving millions
Millions have bought into the theology of Paul Young, whose book The Shack portrays God as a loving, black woman. Similar changes in appearance were given to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The story of pain and redemption then resonated with the public. But is Young's worldview important? Is his theology that big a deal? James De Young thinks so. In fact, it's so important that he's written a compelling challenge to The Shack. In Burning Down the Shack, De Young manages to shed important light on the implications of Young's pluralistic faith, and provides readers with a gripping counter-balance to the popular little volume that's spent many weeks on the best-seller lists. Exploring the nature and character of God, from Scripture, De Young concludes that it is necessary to proceed carefully with The Shack, lest important truths be skewed and even jettisoned. Without being confrontational, De Young makes the case that dangers can lurk under the foundation.

Movie: the idea that changed the world

Luther:  The idea that changed that changed the world
Martin Luther triggered a seismic upheaval that rocked the western world in the 1500s—with an impact that continues to reverberate to this day. This film tells the great adventure story of his life.  At the same time, it examines his quest for truth—questions we all must face—including "Who am I?" "What is my purpose" and "How do I get right with God?"
Now you can see this compelling new movie at a special screening at your local movie theater.
For more information visit http://newluthermovie.com/

There is also opportunities to use this movie for an outreach event

Christian movies: recently released

A selection of recently released Christian dvds

Book: Mockinbird at the movies

Mockingbird at the Movies is a collection of essays from a wide range of contributors, exploring the films that have touched us most. Some are beautiful, some confrontational, some silly, some sad, some all of the above; taken together, they bear witness to the power of film to move the heart and lift the spirit.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Roughing up Wes Anderson, by David Zahl
• How to Put on a Killer Show at the School of Rock, by Bryan Jarrell
• Winners, Losers, and Little Miss Sunshine, by Nick Lannon
  • LIST: A Mockingbird Guide to Movies About Jesus
• From Sadness to Gladness: Sin and Redemption in About a Boy, by R. J. Heijmen
• It’s a Wonderful Life: The Most Terrifying Movie Ever Made, by Ron Flowers
• Law and Grace in Frozen, by Mike Belote
• The Lovers, the Dreamers, the Muppets, and Me, by David Zahl
• Toy Story: A Journey of Heroic Repentance, by Jeremiah Lawson
  • LIST: Ten Great Woody Allen Movies
• The Pomade Won’t Save You Now: Salvation and Sorrow in O Brother Where Art Thou?, by Lizzie Stallings
• Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose: The American Lie of an Easy Rider, by Ethan Richardson
• Put Down the Gun, Honey Bunny: The “Realer than Real” World of Quentin Tarantino, by Bryan Jarrell
• The Comforts of Irony and the Terror of Earnestness: Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, by Will McDavid
  • LIST: Nine Documentaries for the Grace Addict

• Holly Golightly and the Knight in Shining Armor Complex: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, by Emily Hornsby
• Pathological Optimism and Crucified Lives in Silver Linings Playbook, by Ethan Richardson
• The Common Mess of Punch-Drunk Love, by Joe Nooft
• It’s Gonna Last You for the Rest of Your Life: Sanctification According to Groundhog Day, by Matt Schneider
• Growing up with Grease and Ferris Bueller, by David Peterson
• Afraid of a Love That There’s No Cure For: Trainwreck, by Charlotte Getz
• The Sun Never Sets on the Romantic Comedy (Until It Does): Before Midnight, by Charlotte Hornsby
• The Progress of the Human Soul in The Magnificent Ambersons: A Footnote to Orson Welles, by Paul F. M. Zahl
• I Want You to Hit Me as Hard as You Can: Fight Club, by Nick Lannon
• Running on Empty: Without Limits, by C. J. Green
  • LIST: Jesus Christ in the House of Horror
• Flavors of Failure in The Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy, by Jeremiah Lawson
• The Shape of Revelation and Evil: Halloween, by Blake Collier
  • LIST: Post-Apocalypto

• The Dark Knight (Dies and) Rises, by Will McDavid
• The Seven Sacraments of Harry Potter, by Ethan Richardson
• Can Anything Good Come Out of Endor? Return of the Jedi, by David Zahl
• John Ford and The Searchers, by Paul F. M. Zahl
• The Gospel According to Hoosiers, by Matt Patrick
  • LIST: Sports Movies You May Have Missed
• Killing (and Then) Saving Private Ryan, by Nick Lannon
• Art Beyond Art: Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, by Zach Williams
  • LIST: Moving Portraits of Christian Ministry
• A Body on the Cross: Theologizing The Virgin Suicides, by C. J. Green
• The Shared Loneliness of Her, by Emily Stubbs
• The Original Sin of Joss Whedon’s Serenity, by David Zahl
• For Those Who Love Poorly: Forgiveness in The Woodsman and Around the Bend, by Blake Collier
• Love is Medicine: Red Beard, by John Zahl

Star Wars - theology and Christian Themes

Star Wars -the force awakens has recently been released and there are many themes that preachers, teachers and Christians can use to lead into discussion about the true force, Jesus.
The following resources may be of assistance:

Movie Reviews
Christianity Today
Crosswalk

Christian themes in the Star Wars franchise- articles
Real Truth
Feeling the force by Josh McDowell
Is Star Wars Christian or anti Christian? 
Spirituality of Star Wars
5 Spiritual laws of Star Wars
Philosophy and religion in Star Wars 
The Worldview of Star Wars
Star Wars Spirituality
Christian Themes in Star Wars
How star wars answers our biggest Spiritual questions?

Books
The Real force - 40 day devotional
A true hope - Jedi perils and the way of Jesus
The Gospel according to Star Wars
Finding God in a galaxy far far away
The power of the force
Christian Wisdom from Jedi Masters

The religion of the force
May the faith be with you

Signs, themes and promotions using Stars Wars

Bible Study using the video the Grace Card

This bible study around the theme of grace uses the following format:

• watch  the movie 'The Grace Card'
• Discussion Bible study session:  Bible Study What is Grace? 
• Activity, rest and relax time
• Discussion Bible Study session:  Bible Study Grace to share 

If you would like more information please contact Pastor Richard Schwedes

The Grace Card movie also offers 4 bible studies 

Movie: Joyeux Noel

JOYEUX NOEL (Merry Christmas) tells the true-life story of the spontaneous Christmas Eve truce declared by Scottish, French and German troops in the trenches of World War I.  Enemies leave their weapons behind for one night as they band together in brotherhood and forget about the brutalities of war. Diane Krüger (Troy), Daniel Brühl (Good Bye Lenin!) and Benno Fürmann (The Princess and the Warrior) head a first-rate international cast in a truly powerful, must-see film.

Amazon Reviews 

Download

DVD

Study Resources: Exodus Gods and Kings

Exodus:  Gods and Kings opens in December 2014...
To help you grow in your Christian faith we have prepared the a study resource that will help you and others unpack the Exodus story as you reflect on the movie...
download:  .Exodus: Gods and Kings study resources

Movie: Amazing Love

Teen friends, Steve, Carrie, Cooper, and Gameboy embark on a weekend camping trip lead by their church youth group leader Stuart (Sean Astin) and his wife Beth (Erin Bethea).  Joining them is an outsider Ashley, a self-involved rich kid, whose attitude causes a major commotion within the group, specifically between her and Carrie. Before it gets too out of hand though, Stuart takes this opportunity to share with the kids the incredibly powerful biblical story of Hosea; a story of immovable faith, impeccable commitment, and impervious love.

This is a good film to introduce a study on the book Hosea.

Reviews of the movie

  

Amazing Love - from Koorong

Amazing Love - from Word

Discussion Study produced by Pastor Richard Schwedes

Noah the Movie - resources to help in your Christian faith

The Noah movie directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Russell Crowe, has attracted much discussion and debate from within the Christian community.   

I have prepared some resources to help you and others use Noah the movie to grow and enhance your Christian faith.  These are available here 

Please note:  our resource page was updated with some extra resources on 25th March 2014

Superman -man of steel worship resources

With the release of Man of Steel...Ministry Resources is offering free resources including a sermon outline and father's day discussion...helping people to connect others to Jesus through Superman.

The Bible mini series and related study resources

The Bible mini series is produced by Mark Burnett

 When it fist screend on the History channel over 100 million TV viewers tuned in.   The Bible — an epic 10-part miniseries retelling stories from the Scriptures for a whole new generation. Breathtaking in scope and scale, The Bible features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation. This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.



Official web page of the bible mini series including where to biy the dvd

Wikipedia entry...which includes comparisons to the bible text

Outreach magazine resources, including using the bible mini series for outreach

Resources from lifechurch

Movie: Book of Eli

Book of eli is a new movie with Denzel Washington

The basic synopis is
In the not-too-distant future, some 30 years after the final war, a solitary man walks across the wasteland that was once America. Empty cities, broken highways, seared earth--all around him, the... In the not-too-distant future, some 30 years after the final war, a solitary man walks across the wasteland that was once America. Empty cities, broken highways, seared earth--all around him, the marks of catastrophic destruction. There is no civilization here, no law. The roads belong to gangs that would murder a man for his shoes, an ounce of water...or for nothing at all.

But they're no match for this traveler.

A warrior not by choice but necessity, Eli (Denzel Washington) seeks only peace but, if challenged, will cut his attackers down before they realize their fatal mistake. It's not his life he guards so fiercely but his hope for the future; a hope he has carried and protected for 30 years and is determined to realize. Driven by this commitment and guided by his belief in something greater than himself, Eli does what he must to survive--and continue.

Only one other man in this ruined world understands the power Eli holds, and is determined to make it his own: Carnegie (Gary Oldman), the self-appointed despot of a makeshift town of thieves and gunmen. Meanwhile, Carnegie's adopted daughter Solara (Mila Kunis) is fascinated by Eli for another reason: the glimpse he offers of what may exist beyond her stepfather's domain.

But neither will find it easy to deter him. Nothing--and no one--can stand in his way. Eli must keep moving to fulfill his destiny and bring help to a ravaged humanity. --© Warner Bros

The higher power comes from the Bible he carries

It is about to be released in Australia....February 2010


There are bible study guides available at http://www.screenvue.com/eli/

To view a trailer of the movie visit...http://www.thebookofeli.com.au/

Free discussion guide and bible study for Golden Compass

Concordia Publishing offering a free discussion and bible study guide at http://www.cph.org/cphstore/pages/resources/compass/

for the movie the Golden Compass.

This is a movie that has been highly criticised by Christians. Find out why and discover what maybe a worthwhile response.