NOW MORE THAN EVER

It's 2020 and I have been feeling very convicted given the current culture climate.  Anti-Biblical voices are on the rise politically, in the "education" system, in the media "news" and entertainment in an effort to drown out any sense of morality and reason.  Up is down, round is square and right is wrong.  So, what does that mean for us?
So much to say on this very weighted topic so I will try to focus in on one aspect. Superbowl!

The internet is a flurry regarding Superbowl ads that lack any sense of morality while refusing to air ads promoting real morality.  When I see headlines like this it rocks me to the very core of my being as I seek to lie my life for God, remaining close to His Word while trying to live out the Gospel in all areas of my life.  I am very far from perfect.  The Bible reminds us of this truth in Romans 3:9-20, hence our need for Jesus.  But why does this bother me so?  We know that God declares these things will happen as a precursor to Jesus returning, so I should be joyful, even excited.  However I am not and here is why...

There are so many I know who, not only do not know Jesus or have failed to accept Him as their Savior, but out right reject Him and even mock those who do know Him.  These are family members,  friends, co-workers, and acquaintances.  I hear their discussions and see their posts on social media.  At first glance, these comments by them are outright mean, un-loving, inconsiderate, unapologetic, intolerant, etc. of everything I believe.  All against the Truth of God. If I would dare to try ti engage in a discussion on such conversations or postings, I am bullied into silence, so, I say nothing.  This is a Biblical Truth in James 1:19 that, until recently, I have been slow to learn

At second glance at the comments coming from the media or friends and relatives, I see the emptiness of their soul.  When we read in scripture, especially in Ecclesiastes, we see the eventual result of the selfish persecutes of this world brings. 

This saddens me more then I can express in words.  One, because the media and political agendas are pushing a self-centered agenda on generations of people, including my children, fostering a culture of pride that creates false hope and entitlement.  Two, because family members and friends that I deeply care about are buying into this false sense of hope that we know will only end up in despair, and if not repentant, will result in a very unfavorable eternity apart from God forever!

Ravi Zacharias has said "Everyone - pantheist, atheist, skeptic, polytheist - has to answer these questions: 'Where did I come from? What is life's meaning? How do I define right from wrong and what happens to me when I die?' Those are the fulcrum points of our existence."

The difference is between influences and being influential.  The current culture is trying to influence generations by seeking to be self serving, which we know by history, is completely unsustainable resulting in utter chaos.  Many will be baited by these ideas like the cheese in in a mouse trap only to realize their mistake when it is too late.  As children we are warned by being baited into a strangers car with puppies or ice cream and yet this is exactly what is happening in America today on a much bigger scale.

So what do we do and how exactly does this relate to being an artist?  Art imitates life.  Our goal as artists who love Christ should be to use our talents for His glory in an effort to guide souls into a saving relationship with our Savior.  In order to do this effectively, our lives first need to aligned with God's will.  If our lives do not exhibit the goodness of God, our art will not be exhibiting the glory of God.  This means being in the Word daily. 

1.) As Christ followers we need to know the Bible better then anyone.  If we do not, we are just as susceptible to being drawn in by false teachers who twist the very word of God in an effort to promote false doctrine. We see this today in the media, politics, education, etc. that say you can define yourself anyway you want to and it's OK, regardless of what the truth is  How deceitful is Satan who cloaks sin in a garment called love? 

2.) Spend time everyday speaking to God in prayer.  It is remarkable how often we read in Scripture where Jesus, Himself, would sneak away to spend time with the Father.  (Luke 5:16)

If this was something important to Jesus our Savoir, then it MUST be as important to us.

3.) In addition to "head knowledge" of the Bible, we need to be doing what the Bible teaches.  This means living out the Gospel in our thought life as well as our physical life.  Meeting others where they are as Christ did, seeking to meet their needs in a loving and humble way. Sometimes this means stretching ourselves outside our comfort zone, trusting God to use us for His glory and growing us into the image of His Son Jesus.  James chapter 1 certainly speaks to this truth.

4.) Only then can our talents be more assured to give God glory promoting the Truth of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Our art will imitate our lives that truly do give glory to God.

Prayerfully, this will make our whole lives, not just our artwork (in whatever form that takes) will be influential to a culture that continually pushes morality and Biblical Truth away.

My prayer is that God works through our lives to save those we hold most dear to the point where we see a cultural shift back to the need for our Savior Jesus in our everyday lives, now and in eternity.

Christ's kingdom in mind

As I research and study the Bible and my other ministry, I come across many great quotes. To be honest, the memorable ones are often the most convicting.

Here is one by Rick Morton in his book Know Orphans...

"I think it is healthy for us to evaluate how we are living and to examine if the decisions, big and small, in our lives are being made with building Christ's Kingdom in mind."

In context with C.A.F.E. I hope you pray about the work you do, the conversations or interactions you have, and even the thoughts you think, that they align with the mission of to share there Gospel and give glory to God.  

Try to make that your second prayer each morning.  
The first is thanking God for a new day.

Be blessed!

MATTHEW 28 - THE GREAT COMMISSION

"I wonder what would happen if the world's greatest atheist had a come-to-Jesus moment?"

http://christiantimes.com/article/kevin-sorbo-stars-in-new-film-about-an-atheists-conversion-to-christianity/61955.htm

This sounds like this could be a very good movie. While I think "God's Not Dead" was just an OK movie with a very scattered story aproach, we need more content in the mainstream to highlight on the fact that God is working today and the fact that we need Him desperately!

I work in a very dark industry. Many people openly mock Jesus, Christianity and the Bible in the entertainment business. I can not tell you how many times I hear the Lords name used as a profanity. I also hear people say, "religion is OK as long as you keep it to yourself." People champion their sin, expect others to support their choices, and to walk down that road with them hand in hand.

I know there are many closet Christians in entertainment, but why? What about the "Great Commission" in Matthew 28 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Are we not to be making disciples and desperately reaching the lost for the sake of Christ?

We cannot change anyone, that is up to God. But before someone will recognize their sin, they need Jesus. If they stop their sin but do not except Jesus, they are still lost.

If we truly believe that the Bible is the word of God, we must be doing something to reach the lost everyday. We need to be praying daily for our loved ones, friends, co-workers and strangers. Praying for our schools, government and nation.

We need to be living out the gospel with our lives and using our talents for the Kingdom and not shying away from the Truth that is in us.

I met Kevn Sorbo at a Comic Con once. He is a very nice guy and open about his faith. Sure he is successful in his career, but we cannot let the idea of career "success" be out gaol. "Success" should be defined as reaching one more for the kingdom. We need to stand at the gates of hell redirecting traffic.

What will you do today for Him? Please share Jesus with someone today. Right a letter or email. Draw or paint a picture and post it on Facebook or give it to someone and then pray for them, right there. Give someone a hand up today or just spend time with someone in need.

There is someone in your life today that needs Jesus. Go find them, share your faith, your hope, and the Truth of God's redeeming love.

The Blessings and Peace of God be with all of you!

LUKE 39: 39-43

As many fall into the spiral of political and social chaos, we as Christ followers need to remember where our hope must fall and where the Truth lives. Man is sinful, and no man or women can save us. No political leader can ever provide True freedom. Our hope, freedom and salvation rests in Jesus Christ alone. Only in Him are we saved and guaranteed a place in heaven away from the pains of sin and death. Only with Jesus. I encourage everyone reading this page to seek Him first. In our thoughts, word, actions, and art. Our very lives need to point to Christ. My hope and prayers are for everyone to be on their knees for this nation and this world and to share the promise of Christ with your neighbor, whomever that may be. That is our greatest need and our only hope. In His perfect name I pray, Amen.

More "faith-based" films

This year there are many "faith based" movie out in theaters.  War Room, 90 Minutes in Heaven, Heaven is for Real, Woodlawn, Noah, and coming out in time for Easter, The Young Messiah, just to name a few.  While I am encouraged to see Hollywood bending slightly to the idea of Christian values on the big screen, all these films are not the same and some discretion should be taken when viewing these films.

Films like  90 Minutes in Heaven, Heaven is for Real, while inspiring and points to a Higher Power, are not necessarily Biblically accurate.  I am not totally against these films as long as you are engaged in a Bible study that addresses life after death.  For example...Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 5:8 or Hebrews 9:27.

Then there is Noah and The Young Messiah.  These are pretty much Hollywood films.  Noah used very little from the Bible and is pure "Hollywood." The Young Messiah is about the life of the young Jesus.

The Director of The Young Messiah, Cyrus Nowrasteh, explained the film this way.  "It’s important to us that The Young Messiah inspires people to visit, or revisit, Jesus’ story from a fresh new angle..."

There is a problem here.  In His Word, God gave us all we needed to know about the life of the young Jesus.  Although the director might have good intentions, the images and creative licenses used in this film are totally made up.  There are only a few times in the Bible that talk about the adolescent Jesus, which are important accounts, but none of which show him healing people or bringing birds to life.  "A fresh new angle should not include adding accounts to the Bible which never happened.
I am not saying do not go and see this movie, but I am saying it is not Biblically true.  Go see the film but use discernment on what you actually take from it.

My fear would be that people will get their "theology" from movies verses the Bible itself.  This has happened with books where people are reading books "about" the Bible rather then the reading the Bible.

Films like Noah and The Young Messiah can be good, but only as a bridge to bring the Bible and Jesus into conversations.  If you do see these films and have conversations, please be rooted in the word so you can help people see and know what is True and what is fiction.

On the flip side, films like Facing the Giants, War Room and Woodlawn are rooted in what the Bible teaches and asks of us.  They are entertaining but support Biblical teaching and values.  Films such as these put the Word into practice by showing the application of Biblical teaching.

In any event, when having conversations and in your work in entertainment, I would encourage you seek Him through prayer, be grounded in His Word, and let your life's work be about glorifying Him.  This is where true success can be found.

Listen to Director Jon Erwin talks with Dennis Rainey about the making of the inspirational feature film, Woodlawn: http://familylifetoday.com/program/woodlawn-making-the-movie/?autoPlay=y

"Faith-Based" films

I'd like to say that I am optimistic about the growing number of faith based films in Hollywood, but I am not.  At lease not the ones being promoted.

The term "faith based" is correct.  These films, or at least the ones already produced and named in this article, are loosely based on Biblical accounts.  They start with the Biblical accounts but then sacrifice the foundation and Truth for high budget FX and box office numbers.  Don't get me wrong, I am happy that Hollywood is allowing faith films to penetrate their empty, rude and sex driven culture.  I just pray that after watching these films, people go deeper, in some of these films cases, much deeper and find the saving grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Some fantastic faith based films that were not mentioned are ones like Facing the Giants, Courageous, Fire Proof and also What If staring Kevin Sorbo. Please check these out.

Any thoughts?

http://www.newsmax.com/jameshirsen/hollywood-faith-religion-christianity/2015/05/04/id/642389/

Biblical Christianity vs. Commercial Christianity

Here is an interesting article. 
http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/the-pulse/47904-21-contrasts-between-commercial-and-biblical-christianity

More and more we see Jesus being pushed to the side.  People like some of what the bible says so long as they don't need to change their way of life.  Even "Christians" are adopting a view point of tolerance for other faiths and watering down the Gospel, picking and choosing what they want to believe and leaving out the truly convicting passages.  We see the rise of more and more "seeker friendly" churches who are more concerned about the numbers in the door verses those saved for the Kingdom.  People are church hoping until they find the "perfect church" that makes them feel good.  As my pastor has said, if you find the perfect church don't go there because you will mess it up.  But seriously, our faith is not about having an emotional experience, our culture has gotten more concerned about feeling good and getting donuts after a service, or making sure the congregation is entertained rather then being convicted.  All love, no Truth.

Another article claims that in "2012, nearly 20% of the public now consider themselves atheist, agnostic."  

http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2015/01/christianity_is_losing_in_america.html

It's no wonder.  When you are wish-washy on the foundational teachings of your faith there is nothing to stand on.  You can on except beliefs that go against the core of Biblical teaching.  People will walk away.

As Christians working in entertainment, this should convict us.  We are not here to sell Jesus.  We are here to bow down and serve Him and His people, for His glory, not ours.  Love and Truth.  You cannot have two foundations

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶ Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷ The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

Matthew 7:24-27

 

Hercules Actor: ‘Being a Christian in Hollywood, You Get Attacked’

Great article and interview!

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/hercules-actor-being-christian-hollywood-you-get-attacked?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=marketing&utm_term=facebook&utm_content=facebook&utm_campaign=n-hercules-christian-hollywood

Prosperity gospel is a false gospel

I know this blog is for glorifying God through our work and talents in art and entertainment, but because I care so much for everyone here I cannot seem to let this go.  For the third time in as many days I have heard someone saying that God wants you to be rich and to have all you desire.  Money, cars, stuff, etc.  This is a false message and one that will take you further from Him.  We need to be running to get closer to Him, not further away.

There is a mega church that is saying thus "I just want to encourage every one of us to realize when we obey God we’re not doing it for God — I mean that’s one way to look at it,"

Sorry, that's the ONLY way to look at it.
"Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." - (2 Corinthians 9:13)

The mega-church "preacher" continues... “We’re doing it for yourself, because God takes pleasure when were happy.  That’s the thing that gives him the greatest joy this morning … just do good for your own self. Do good because God wants you to be happy.  When you come to church when you worship him, you’re not doing it for God, really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy.”

What!? That's not what the Bible, God's Word, says.

God takes pleasure when we are obedient.  "The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." - (Psalm 147:11)

God wants us to be obedient and righteous in His eyes.   Only then are we blessed, not for our sake, but for His glory.

This is seen throughout scripture.  Zacharias and Elizabeth were blessed with a child at an old age, not just any child but the forerunner for Christ - (Luke 1:17).  Why, because "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly." (Luke 1:6)  Mary was blessed to be the mother of Jesus, our Savior.
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” - (Luke 1:28)

Read "Mary's Song in Luke 1:46-56.  She even says, "He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble  He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty." - (Luke 1:52-53)

Read Ecclesiastes as Solomon declares that "all is vanity"

Please, please, for your good and His glory, live for Him, work for Him, strive to be righteous before Him.  Then you are blessed.  Not with wealth or material things, but with salvation and the chance to be part of God's perfect plan for the salvation of many.

It is not about money or stuff.  He is the way, the Truth and the life.  You can not drive to Heaven in a Mercedes.  You are only saved in Christ alone by Grace alone, through Faith alone.  Please, for your salvation and witness, read the Bible, study the Bible and spend time with God, not with "preachers" speaking saying that Jesus wants you to be rich.  Jesus wants you to be reconciled to your Creator.  For His glory, Amen!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-V_91c5ojU

Hollywood actor Kevin Sorbo told Glenn Beck Thursday that God-based movies are thriving at the box office because “people are looking for real hope and real change.”

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/05/01/hollywood-actor-god-based-movies-are-thriving-because-people-are-looking-for-real-hope-and-real-change/

Would Jesus want to be your friend on Facebook?

Would Jesus want to be your friend on Facebook?

I have seen this question posed in other ways like, "Would Jesus be your friend on Facebook," or "If Jesus were your Facebook friend," or "Would Jesus Be on Facebook?"  But if Jesus saw who your Facebook friends were, what you "Like" and what you post on your Facebook page, would He want to "friend" you?  But the question is never asked in this way.  Would Jesus WANT to be your friend on Facebook?

Before accepting requests to join this page I do some quick research into who is requesting to be part of this group.  We are all judged by the company we keep and with social media being easily accessible, it is even more important to watch what we post, write or "friend."

It is also important to understand that we tend to hang around the people we want to be like.  Companies have been known to check your social media pages to get an idea of what kind of person you are.  Your resume and credentials might make you qualified for the job but your personality and social life may not be the right fit for the culture of the company.  So the company does their research into who you are before accepting you into their offices.  It's a different level of accountability.

As Christ followers, we are held to an even higher form of accountability.  Our culture attacks the Truth of the Bible and those who follow God's Word.  We see His Word as unquestionable and Jesus as our Lord and King.  Throughout the Bible we are told to be more like Jesus. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17.  In Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." 

So if we are to be more like Christ, do our words, actions and social media pages reflect the life transformation we are called to adopt as sons and daughters of the living God?  Would Jesus want to be your friend on Facebook?

Jesus and Comic-Con

If anyone has gone to Comic-Con or Wonder-Con, you see so many interesting things.  People dress up in their favorite super hero costumes or even risqué anime characters.  During these events they pretend to be someone else even posing for pictures in hero poses and reciting catch phrases.  There is nothing inherently wrong about this but some take it to extremes negating reality for fantasy and spend lot of money trying to make their fantasy a reality, even if it is just for a weekend.

The other things you will see at these Con’s are the Jesus signs.  Recently I had a conversation with a fellow Christian who felt that these signs did more harm then good for our faith.  I however see no problem with it.  These people are brave enough to go to a public area and calmly hold signs expressing the Truth.  Signs say things like “Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life,” or “Jesus bore our sins.”  Some will use megaphones to do street preaching.  Granted that some will say inappropriate things to people resulting in bad witnessing and that needs to be stopped.

I did a quick search on the internet for these signs hoping to find some positive things to write about.  Instead I found websites, blogs and photos of people mocking them with their own signs and writing about their protests against the Jesus signs and their holders.    Web sites with titles like “How to prank a religious protestor at Comic-Con” or sites dedicated to Comic-Con and Westboro Baptist protestors are very common. I read things like “People yelled in the megaphone mans face...” This sometimes will prompt the sign holder to respond in an unchristian way, which I do not support, but then I read from the other side that “This is the kind of classy individual we were dealing with.”  Excuse me, but who was screaming in whose face? 

Anyway, I am sure that this will go one again at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con as it did at this years Wonder-Con.  There are legitimate people and professionals that attend these Comic-Con’s but many kids and adults alike participate to escape the realties of their life and the truth that one day it will all be over.  But then what?

At the end of the day we are not superheroes and we will not live forever in this world.  This is not our eternity.  Once the people go home and take off the costumes and the make up they are no longer “super.” Our own form of escapism or denial will not stop us from dying or from our eternity, no matter how much make up we put on and pretend, this life will end. If you work in entertainment, those who go to Comic-Con are your clients. The people holding the signs at Comic-Con are right.  We all need a Savior that will not be found in a costume.  We need to reach the lost sheep. Life is too short, eternity is too long and hell is too hot.  We must, winsomely, make people aware that there is Hope that can only be found in the saving power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. – Mark 16:15

Good article...

http://thimblerigsark.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/whats-wrong-with-christian-filmmaking/

1)  We need to permit our artists (writers, actors, musicians, filmmakers) to take more risks.  And artists, whether you are permitted or not, take more risks.  Did you really get into your artistic field because you liked playing it safe?  Why play it safe with the most important thing you have to say?

2)  We need to encourage our artists to challenge rather than stroke our sensibilities.  A pearl is made when dirt is irritated inside the oyster, after all.  And so artists, don’t wait for permission.  Start challenging your audience.  They will undoubtedly resist you, but we need to be challenged or we’ll stagnate and fade away into irrelevance.

3)  We need to recognize that art is art, the pulpit is the pulpit, and while the two might cross paths from time to time, they are completely different animals.  This goes for everyone.  Does everyone truly understand this?  With all the recent criticisms of Noah because it “is unbiblical”, I have to think that lots of people don’t.

4)  We need to be okay with movies that don’t give all the answers.  If they succeed in asking some good, deep questions, they might actually open the doors to conversations where answers can be explored.  Artists, isn’t part of our job to provoke questions?  Don’t feel you have to end every sentence with a period

5)  And most importantly:  tell good stories.  As Frank Capra famously said, “If you want to send a message, try Western Union.”  If you are an artist, the quality of your work should be at the top of your list of considerations.  Jesus wasn’t known for telling mediocre stories that ticked off all the correct religious boxes.  He was known for telling compelling stories that challenged his listeners while communicating God’s truth.  Aren’t we supposed to be like Jesus?

"Where we find a difficulty we may always expect that a discovery awaits us." - C.S. Lewis

Biblical films' Hollywood comeback

Praying that there will be real change in 2014 and that these films give glory to God. Not just money makers but faith builders.

“For years Hollywood bent over backwards to reach special interest groups, be it feminists or environmentalists. It has finally realised that there are 91 million evangelical Christians in America.” - Phil Cooke

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10537680/Biblical-films-Hollywood-comeback.html

“Life is not a manageable project or a test to be taken.  We can find small joys everyday if we have eyes of faith.  We can find meaning if we search for a greater purpose.  And perhaps most important, we need to realize that life is a great gift.”

- Phil Cooke

Quote of the Day 7/08/13

“It’s just an expression meaning the Beatles seem to me to have more influence over youth than Christ. Now I wasn’t saying that was a good idea, ‘cos I’m one of Christ’s biggest fans. And if I can turn the focus on the Beatles on to Christ’s message, then that’s what we’re here to do.” - John Lennon

Quote of the Day - 06/26/13

"Stop asking God to bless what you are doing...find out what God is doing because it's already blessed." - Bono

Quote of the Day - 04/18/13

“The Bible generates life, creates faith, defeats the devil, causes miracles, heals hurt, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, enables us to overcome obstacles, is a sword of the spirit and the word of God. Because of the word of God, I believe in Jesus. I believe in what I know, not what I feel.” - Pastor Jack Graham

Quote of the Day 03/28/13

"No one with half a brain wants to be thought of as a bigot. But that's what I and others risk as members of a distinct and irritating minority — as traditional Christians in journalism.

It is a world of language and political symbolism, a world where ideas are often framed so that they may lead to inexorable conclusions favored by the dominant culture. In this media world, I sometimes wonder whether the word "sin" has been outlawed by the high priests of journalism for fear of offending one group or another. And I'd rather not ask." - John Kass