I turned on the tv this morning and heard a news cast interviewing the guy who writes or created the series Battlestar Galactica. Apparently he was brought to the UN and they made a resolution or law because of this fantasy science fiction show, and the creator/writer of the show was in awe over the meeting and all that has come of it.
Oh give me a break.
The UN was saying their series deals with a lot of today's society kinds of things and specifically thinks the message in the scifi series calls people of every race to stop violence against each other and see us not as Arabs and Israeli's or Blacks and Whites, but as one group of people. Humans.
Christians have been teaching and saying that ever since Jesus Christ. The world is now going to make a resolution under the UN to unite people together becuase we are humans? I thought it was time that the world was told or called to remember that Christianity has taught this from day one. Scripture tells us that when we come to Christ we are no longer Jews or Gentiles, we are one under Christ.
http://www.needGod.com/
"I have found, my brethren, by long experience that nothing touches the heart like the cross of Christ. When the heart is touched and wounded by the two-edged sword of the Law, nothing heals its wounds like the balm that flows from the pierced heart of Jesus." - Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Friday, October 24, 2008
What Happened in MA will happen in CA without voters saying YES to Prop 8
In 2006 CA voted no on same sex marriage.
It's far worse than most people realize...
This was sent to me by a friend. I wanted to share it with you....
October 20, 2008
by Brian Camenker
Anyone who thinks that same-sex "marriage" is a benign eccentricity which won't affect the average person should consider what it has done in Massachusetts. It's become a hammer to force the acceptance and normalization of homosexuality on everyone. And this train is moving fast. What has happened so far is only the beginning.
On November 18, 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court announced its Goodridge opinion, ruling that it was unconstitutional not to allow same-sex "marriage." Six months later, homosexual marriages began to be performed.
The public schools
The homosexual "marriage" onslaught in public schools across the state started soon after the November 2003, court decision.
At my own children's high school there was a school-wide assembly to celebrate same-sex "marriage" in early December, 2003. It featured an array of speakers, including teachers at the school who announced that they would be "marrying" their same-sex partners and starting families either through adoption or artificial insemination. Literature on same-sex marriage – how it is now a normal part of society – was handed out to the students.
Within months it was brought into the middle schools. In September, 2004, an 8th-grade teacher in Brookline, MA, told National Public Radio that the marriage ruling had opened up the floodgates for teaching homosexuality. "In my mind, I know that, `OK, this is legal now.' If somebody wants to challenge me, I'll say, `Give me a break. It's legal now,'" she told NPR. She added that she now discusses gay sex with her students as explicitly as she desires. For example, she said she tells the kids that lesbians can have vaginal intercourse using sex toys.
By the following year it was in elementary school curricula. Kindergartners were given picture books telling them that same-sex couples are just another kind of family, like their own parents. In 2005, when David Parker of Lexington, MA – a parent of a kindergartner – strongly insisted on being notified when teachers were discussing homosexuality or transgenderism with his son, the school had him arrested and put in jail overnight.
Second graders at the same school were read a book, "King and King", about two men who have a romance and marry each other, with a picture of them kissing. When parents Rob and Robin Wirthlin complained, they were told that the school had no obligation to notify them or allow them to opt-out their child.
In 2006 the Parkers and Wirthlins filed a federal Civil Rights lawsuit to force the schools to notify parents and allow them to opt-out their elementary-school children when homosexual-related subjects were taught. The federal judges dismissed the case. The judges ruled that because same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, the school actually had a duty to normalize homosexual relationships to children, and that schools have no obligation to notify parents or let them opt-out their children! Acceptance of homosexuality had become a matter of good citizenship!
Think about that: Because same-sex marriage is "legal", a federal judge has ruled that the schools now have a duty to portray homosexual relationships as normal to children, despite what parents think or believe! In 2006, in the elementary school where my daughter went to Kindergarten, the parents of a third-grader were forced to take their child out of school because a man undergoing a sex-change operation and cross-dressing was being brought into class to teach the children that there are now "different kinds of families." School officials told the mother that her complaints to the principal were considered "inappropriate behavior."
Libraries have also radically changed. School libraries across the state, from elementary school to high school, now have shelves of books to normalize homosexual behavior and the lifestyle in the minds of kids, some of them quite explicit and even pornographic. Parents complaints are ignored or met with hostility.
Over the past year, homosexual groups have been using taxpayer money to distribute a large, slick hardcover book celebrating homosexual marriage titled "Courting Equality" into every school library in the state.
It's become commonplace in Massachusetts schools for teachers to prominently display photos of their same-sex "spouses" and occasionally bring them to school functions. Both high schools in my own town now have principals who are "married" to their same-sex partners, whom they bring to school and introduce to the students.
"Gay days" in schools are considered necessary to fight "intolerance" which may exist against same-sex relationships [though the actual definition or intolerance is physical assault against those you dont agree with, so that doesnt really fit, but the media distorts that word]. Hundreds of high schools and even middle schools across the state now hold "gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender appreciation days". They "celebrate" homosexual marriage and move forward to other behaviors such as cross-dressing and transsexuality. In my own town, a school committee member recently announced that combating "homophobia" is now a top priority.
Once homosexuality has been normalized, all boundaries will come down. The schools are already moving on to normalizing transgenderism (including cross-dressing and sex changes). The state-funded Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth includes leaders who are transsexuals.
Public health
At my own children's high school there was a school-wide assembly to celebrate same-sex "marriage" in early December, 2003. It featured an array of speakers, including teachers at the school who announced that they would be "marrying" their same-sex partners and starting families either through adoption or artificial insemination. Literature on same-sex marriage – how it is now a normal part of society – was handed out to the students.
Within months it was brought into the middle schools. In September, 2004, an 8th-grade teacher in Brookline, MA, told National Public Radio that the marriage ruling had opened up the floodgates for teaching homosexuality. "In my mind, I know that, `OK, this is legal now.' If somebody wants to challenge me, I'll say, `Give me a break. It's legal now,'" she told NPR. She added that she now discusses gay sex with her students as explicitly as she desires. For example, she said she tells the kids that lesbians can have vaginal intercourse using sex toys.
By the following year it was in elementary school curricula. Kindergartners were given picture books telling them that same-sex couples are just another kind of family, like their own parents. In 2005, when David Parker of Lexington, MA – a parent of a kindergartner – strongly insisted on being notified when teachers were discussing homosexuality or transgenderism with his son, the school had him arrested and put in jail overnight.
Second graders at the same school were read a book, "King and King", about two men who have a romance and marry each other, with a picture of them kissing. When parents Rob and Robin Wirthlin complained, they were told that the school had no obligation to notify them or allow them to opt-out their child.
In 2006 the Parkers and Wirthlins filed a federal Civil Rights lawsuit to force the schools to notify parents and allow them to opt-out their elementary-school children when homosexual-related subjects were taught. The federal judges dismissed the case. The judges ruled that because same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, the school actually had a duty to normalize homosexual relationships to children, and that schools have no obligation to notify parents or let them opt-out their children! Acceptance of homosexuality had become a matter of good citizenship!
Think about that: Because same-sex marriage is "legal", a federal judge has ruled that the schools now have a duty to portray homosexual relationships as normal to children, despite what parents think or believe! In 2006, in the elementary school where my daughter went to Kindergarten, the parents of a third-grader were forced to take their child out of school because a man undergoing a sex-change operation and cross-dressing was being brought into class to teach the children that there are now "different kinds of families." School officials told the mother that her complaints to the principal were considered "inappropriate behavior."
Libraries have also radically changed. School libraries across the state, from elementary school to high school, now have shelves of books to normalize homosexual behavior and the lifestyle in the minds of kids, some of them quite explicit and even pornographic. Parents complaints are ignored or met with hostility.
Over the past year, homosexual groups have been using taxpayer money to distribute a large, slick hardcover book celebrating homosexual marriage titled "Courting Equality" into every school library in the state.
It's become commonplace in Massachusetts schools for teachers to prominently display photos of their same-sex "spouses" and occasionally bring them to school functions. Both high schools in my own town now have principals who are "married" to their same-sex partners, whom they bring to school and introduce to the students.
"Gay days" in schools are considered necessary to fight "intolerance" which may exist against same-sex relationships [though the actual definition or intolerance is physical assault against those you dont agree with, so that doesnt really fit, but the media distorts that word]. Hundreds of high schools and even middle schools across the state now hold "gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender appreciation days". They "celebrate" homosexual marriage and move forward to other behaviors such as cross-dressing and transsexuality. In my own town, a school committee member recently announced that combating "homophobia" is now a top priority.
Once homosexuality has been normalized, all boundaries will come down. The schools are already moving on to normalizing transgenderism (including cross-dressing and sex changes). The state-funded Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth includes leaders who are transsexuals.
Public health
The Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is "married" to another man. In 2007 he told a crowd of kids at a state-sponsored youth event that it's "wonderful being gay" and he wants to make sure there's enough HIV testing available for all of them.
Since homosexual marriage became "legal" the rates of HIV / AIDS have gone up considerably in Massachusetts. This year public funding to deal with HIV/AIDS has risen by $500,000.
Citing "the right to marry" as one of the "important challenges" in a place where "it's a great time to be gay", the Massachusetts Department of Public Health helped produce The Little Black Book, Queer in the 21st Century, a hideous work of obscene pornography which was given to kids at Brookline High School on April 30, 2005. Among other things, it gives "tips" to boys on how to perform oral sex on other males, masturbate other males, and how to "safely" have someone urinate on you for sexual pleasure. It also included a directory of bars in Boston where young men meet for anonymous sex.
Domestic violence
Since homosexual marriage became "legal" the rates of HIV / AIDS have gone up considerably in Massachusetts. This year public funding to deal with HIV/AIDS has risen by $500,000.
Citing "the right to marry" as one of the "important challenges" in a place where "it's a great time to be gay", the Massachusetts Department of Public Health helped produce The Little Black Book, Queer in the 21st Century, a hideous work of obscene pornography which was given to kids at Brookline High School on April 30, 2005. Among other things, it gives "tips" to boys on how to perform oral sex on other males, masturbate other males, and how to "safely" have someone urinate on you for sexual pleasure. It also included a directory of bars in Boston where young men meet for anonymous sex.
Domestic violence
Given the extreme dysfunctional nature of homosexual relationships, the Massachusetts Legislature has felt the need to spend more money every year to deal with skyrocketing homosexual domestic violence. This year $350,000 was budgeted, up $100,000 from last year.
Business
Business
All insurance in Massachusetts must now recognize same-sex "married" couples in their coverage. This includes auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, etc.
Businesses must recognize same-sex "married" couples in all their benefits, activities, etc., regarding both employees and customers.
The wedding industry is required serve the homosexual community if requested. Wedding photographers, halls, caterers, etc., must do same-sex marriages or be arrested for discrimination.
Businesses are often "tested" for tolerance by homosexual activists. Groups of homosexual activists often go into restaurants or bars and publicly kiss and fondle each other to test whether the establishment demonstrates sufficient "equality" now that homosexual marriage is "legal". In fact, more and more overt displays of homosexual affection are seen in public places across the state to reinforce "marriage equality".
Legal profession
Businesses must recognize same-sex "married" couples in all their benefits, activities, etc., regarding both employees and customers.
The wedding industry is required serve the homosexual community if requested. Wedding photographers, halls, caterers, etc., must do same-sex marriages or be arrested for discrimination.
Businesses are often "tested" for tolerance by homosexual activists. Groups of homosexual activists often go into restaurants or bars and publicly kiss and fondle each other to test whether the establishment demonstrates sufficient "equality" now that homosexual marriage is "legal". In fact, more and more overt displays of homosexual affection are seen in public places across the state to reinforce "marriage equality".
Legal profession
The Massachusetts Bar Exam now tests lawyers on their knowledge of same-sex "marriage" issues. In 2007, a Boston man, Stephen Dunne, failed the Massachusetts bar exam because he refused to answer the questions in it about homosexual marriage.
Issues regarding homosexual "families" are now firmly entrenched in the Massachusetts legal system. In many firms, lawyers in Massachusetts practicing family law must now attend seminars on homosexual "marriage". There are also now several homosexual judges overseeing the Massachusetts family courts.
Adoption of children to homosexual "married" couplesHomosexual "married" couples can now demand to be able to adopt children the same as normal couples. Catholic Charities decided to abandon handling adoptions rather submit to regulations requiring them to allow homosexuals to adopt the children in their care.
In 2006 the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) honored two men "married" to each other as their "Parents of the Year". The men already adopted a baby through DSS (against the wishes of the baby's birth parents). According to news reports, the day after that adoption was final DSS approached the men about adopting a second child. Homosexuals now appear to be put in line for adopting children ahead of heterosexual parents by state agencies in Massachusetts.
Government mandates
Issues regarding homosexual "families" are now firmly entrenched in the Massachusetts legal system. In many firms, lawyers in Massachusetts practicing family law must now attend seminars on homosexual "marriage". There are also now several homosexual judges overseeing the Massachusetts family courts.
Adoption of children to homosexual "married" couplesHomosexual "married" couples can now demand to be able to adopt children the same as normal couples. Catholic Charities decided to abandon handling adoptions rather submit to regulations requiring them to allow homosexuals to adopt the children in their care.
In 2006 the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) honored two men "married" to each other as their "Parents of the Year". The men already adopted a baby through DSS (against the wishes of the baby's birth parents). According to news reports, the day after that adoption was final DSS approached the men about adopting a second child. Homosexuals now appear to be put in line for adopting children ahead of heterosexual parents by state agencies in Massachusetts.
Government mandates
In 2004, the Governor ordered Justices of the Peace to perform homosexual marriages when requested or be fired. At least one Justice of the Peace decided to resign.
Also marriage licenses in Massachusetts now have "Party A and Party B" instead of "husband and wife."
Since homosexual relationships are now officially "normal", the Legislature now gives enormous tax money to homosexual activist groups. In particular, the Massachusetts Commission on Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth is made up of the most radical and militant homosexual groups which target children in the schools. This year they are getting $700,000 of taxpayer money to go into the public schools.
In 2008 Massachusetts changed the state Medicare laws to include homosexual "married" couples in the coverage.
The public square
Also marriage licenses in Massachusetts now have "Party A and Party B" instead of "husband and wife."
Since homosexual relationships are now officially "normal", the Legislature now gives enormous tax money to homosexual activist groups. In particular, the Massachusetts Commission on Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth is made up of the most radical and militant homosexual groups which target children in the schools. This year they are getting $700,000 of taxpayer money to go into the public schools.
In 2008 Massachusetts changed the state Medicare laws to include homosexual "married" couples in the coverage.
The public square
Since gay "marriage", annual gay pride parades have become more prominent. There are more politicians and corporations participating, and even police organizations take part. And the envelope gets pushed further and further. There is now a profane "Dyke March" through downtown Boston, and recently a "transgender" parade in Northampton that included bare-chested women who have had their breasts surgically removed so they could "become" men. Governor Patrick even marched with his "out lesbian" 17-year old daughter in the 2008 Boston Pride event, right behind a "leather" group brandishing a black & blue flag, whips and chains!
The media
The media
Boston media, particularly the Boston Globe newspaper, regularly does feature stories and news stories portraying homosexual "married" couples where regular married couples would normally be used. It's "equal", they insist, so there must be no difference in the coverage. Also, the newspaper advice columns now deal with homosexual "marriage" issues, and how to properly accept it.
A growing number of news reporters and TV anchors are openly "married" homosexuals who march in the "gay pride" parades.
Is gay marriage actually legal in Massachusetts?Like everywhere else in America, the imposition of same-sex marriage on the people of Massachusetts was a combination of radical, arrogant judges and pitifully cowardly politicians.
The Goodridge ruling resulted in a complete cave-in by politicians of both parties on this issue. Same-sex "marriage" is still illegal in Massachusetts. On November 18, 2003 the court merely ruled that it was unconstitutional not to allow it, and gave the Legislature six months to "take such action as it may deem appropriate." Note that the Massachusetts Constitution strongly denies courts the power to make or change laws, or from ordering the other branches to take any action. The constitution effectively bans "judicial review" – a court changing or nullifying a law. Thus, the court did not order anything to happen; it simply rendered an opinion on that specific case. And the Legislature did nothing. The marriage statutes were never changed. Technically, same-sex marriages are still illegal in Massachusetts.
Nevertheless, we are having to live with it. And furthermore, this abdication of their proper constitutional roles by the Legislature and Governor has caused a domino effect as "copycat" rulings have been issued in California and Connecticut, with other states fearful it will happen there.
In conclusion
Californians need to vote on Prop 8. Homosexual people already have regular legal rights for all the other things Americans are entitled to, but homosexual marraiges will ruin society and our children. The historical statistics on this are clear and factual.
A growing number of news reporters and TV anchors are openly "married" homosexuals who march in the "gay pride" parades.
Is gay marriage actually legal in Massachusetts?Like everywhere else in America, the imposition of same-sex marriage on the people of Massachusetts was a combination of radical, arrogant judges and pitifully cowardly politicians.
The Goodridge ruling resulted in a complete cave-in by politicians of both parties on this issue. Same-sex "marriage" is still illegal in Massachusetts. On November 18, 2003 the court merely ruled that it was unconstitutional not to allow it, and gave the Legislature six months to "take such action as it may deem appropriate." Note that the Massachusetts Constitution strongly denies courts the power to make or change laws, or from ordering the other branches to take any action. The constitution effectively bans "judicial review" – a court changing or nullifying a law. Thus, the court did not order anything to happen; it simply rendered an opinion on that specific case. And the Legislature did nothing. The marriage statutes were never changed. Technically, same-sex marriages are still illegal in Massachusetts.
Nevertheless, we are having to live with it. And furthermore, this abdication of their proper constitutional roles by the Legislature and Governor has caused a domino effect as "copycat" rulings have been issued in California and Connecticut, with other states fearful it will happen there.
In conclusion
Homosexual "marriage" hangs over society like a hammer with the force of law. And it's only just begun.
It's pretty clear that the homosexual movement's obsession with marriage is not because large numbers of them actually want to marry each other. Research shows that homosexual relationships are fundamentally dysfunctional on many levels, and "marriage" as we know it isn't something they can achieve, or even desire. This is about putting the legal stamp of approval on homosexuality and imposing it with force throughout the various social and political institutions of a society so people are forced to have it become the "norm" in society.
You've been forewarned.
End of article.
It's pretty clear that the homosexual movement's obsession with marriage is not because large numbers of them actually want to marry each other. Research shows that homosexual relationships are fundamentally dysfunctional on many levels, and "marriage" as we know it isn't something they can achieve, or even desire. This is about putting the legal stamp of approval on homosexuality and imposing it with force throughout the various social and political institutions of a society so people are forced to have it become the "norm" in society.
You've been forewarned.
End of article.
Californians need to vote on Prop 8. Homosexual people already have regular legal rights for all the other things Americans are entitled to, but homosexual marraiges will ruin society and our children. The historical statistics on this are clear and factual.
Related resources
Sunday, October 19, 2008
"FIREPROOF" the movie - a review
My whole family and I went to see it together. It is great for preparing people for the struggles that can take place in a marriage; especially when a spouse becomes selfish. If you plan to get married one day, are engaged, or have been married for years...go see it. I highly recommend this movie!
I am very thankful that the movie was a positive option for families to enjoy; without the fear of blasphemous language, nudity, and things that are offensive to God and those who follow Christ. Knowing that Kirk Cameron, who met his real wife on the set of Growing Pains, came to Christ, and has a ministry that proclaims the biblical gospel… I decided to see the movie.
Kirk Cameron plays the leading role, where much of the plot was focused, his professional experience and quality acting made “Fireproof’s” overall a quality movie. Once the story line “grabbed” me… I was sucked in and enjoyed the movie and the lesson they were teaching the audience. There were several very good action scenes, and one that really shocked me. The seriousness was also broken up at the right times with some well-placed moments of humor. There were several twists and turns in the movie which made me realize in the end, that there were actually several plots taking place all along in many of the earlier scenes. This aspect makes me want to see it again so I can see those plots in more detail in the early parts of the movie.This movie hit on more serious and theological elements than other Christian movies out there. The most obvious was the scene where the gospel message was presented. Leading up to this scene, credibility was given to the gospel by having true Christian character being witnessed by others. In one previous scene, Kirk says to one firefighter, about the faith of another, “You may not agree with him, but you and I both know he is the ‘real deal’.” A comment that all Christians should hope others would say about them.
In the scene where Kirk hears the gospel - I was most impressed. The gospel was presented to him in the correct biblical way (as someone who has violated the commandments of God and is in need of redemption). In a great play on words, after hearing the gospel, Kirk vents to his dad about his wife and their problems, and the words he uses to describe his wife are the very words God uses to describe a sinner’s attitude toward God. The holiness of God and the desperation of man in need of a Savior were clearly articulated in this scene. It gave me goose-bumps to be honest. I prayed that any man in the audience who was not saved and treated his wife as Kirk’s character did, (or a man who claims to be a Christian and yet treats his wife that way), would fall to his knees before Jesus Christ in prayer repenting of his attitude and behavior towards his wife, get right with God, and without any pre-requirements he may think of for his wife… put those aside and be the husband he was created and called to be in Christ.
Another Biblical aspect of the movie that I really liked was the clear demonstration of how the gospel truly changes someone. Paul says that we are “new creations” when we are “in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17). Contemporary evangelical Christianity often promotes the idea that Christians should behave like the world in order to be “relevant.” The attitude of “You’re cool, and I’m cool, and I like Jesus, so you probably would like Jesus too, why don’t you try Jesus and see how cool He is,” has become a common false “gospel” of our day. This often leads to professing Christians continuing in sin and being a part of the world, when in reality the Bible teaches us to be holy, forsaking sin, and be among the world but not like those in this evil world.
In “Fireproof” the message is very clear that sinners are expected to act like sinners, but that the gospel changes one’s desires from loving their sin to hating their sin, and from hating righteousness to hungering and thirsting after righteousness. It achieves this. The reality of how hard the Christian life can be comes out and brings more Biblical credibility to the story. The movie demonstrates well that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15) and that “obeying God often prevents sinful consequences”, and it does it without insinuating that becoming a Christian will fix all the problems that person has or will have in life (as the false gospel does).
Biblical messages are highlighted throughout the movie in the wisdom of mature Christians. The Biblical idea that “love” is not a feeling or an emotion, but is a decision, is demonstrated both in the gospel presentation, as what Christ has done for us, as well as in how we should love others. Forgiveness also is demonstrated Biblically, not as simply forgetting what others have done to us, but as a decision to not hold anything against others or use the things from the past to harm the relationship; just as Christ has done for us.
“Fireproof” succeeds in showing that the gospel is powerful in killing sinful desires and wrong motives, and in saving sinners for the glory of God. While the movie adequately moved me unto the end, I felt like I had been in a Biblically-centered two-hour counseling session when I left. That may sound negative to some, but I don’t mean that in a negative way. The messages were very clear and Biblically sound and demonstrated how powerful the true gospel of Christ is in repairing relationships as well as in saving lost souls.
I would highly recommend the movie to anyone, as well as the “Love Dare” bible study materials for church study groups. Besides the new movies “The Gospel of John” and “Time Changer”, Fireproof is now one of my top favorite Christian movies. May the messages in it reach the hearts and minds of spouses in this country, and world, as well as in Christian homes –for the saving of souls and the complete transformation of personalities and mind frames within the family unit.
I am very thankful that the movie was a positive option for families to enjoy; without the fear of blasphemous language, nudity, and things that are offensive to God and those who follow Christ. Knowing that Kirk Cameron, who met his real wife on the set of Growing Pains, came to Christ, and has a ministry that proclaims the biblical gospel… I decided to see the movie.
Kirk Cameron plays the leading role, where much of the plot was focused, his professional experience and quality acting made “Fireproof’s” overall a quality movie. Once the story line “grabbed” me… I was sucked in and enjoyed the movie and the lesson they were teaching the audience. There were several very good action scenes, and one that really shocked me. The seriousness was also broken up at the right times with some well-placed moments of humor. There were several twists and turns in the movie which made me realize in the end, that there were actually several plots taking place all along in many of the earlier scenes. This aspect makes me want to see it again so I can see those plots in more detail in the early parts of the movie.This movie hit on more serious and theological elements than other Christian movies out there. The most obvious was the scene where the gospel message was presented. Leading up to this scene, credibility was given to the gospel by having true Christian character being witnessed by others. In one previous scene, Kirk says to one firefighter, about the faith of another, “You may not agree with him, but you and I both know he is the ‘real deal’.” A comment that all Christians should hope others would say about them.
In the scene where Kirk hears the gospel - I was most impressed. The gospel was presented to him in the correct biblical way (as someone who has violated the commandments of God and is in need of redemption). In a great play on words, after hearing the gospel, Kirk vents to his dad about his wife and their problems, and the words he uses to describe his wife are the very words God uses to describe a sinner’s attitude toward God. The holiness of God and the desperation of man in need of a Savior were clearly articulated in this scene. It gave me goose-bumps to be honest. I prayed that any man in the audience who was not saved and treated his wife as Kirk’s character did, (or a man who claims to be a Christian and yet treats his wife that way), would fall to his knees before Jesus Christ in prayer repenting of his attitude and behavior towards his wife, get right with God, and without any pre-requirements he may think of for his wife… put those aside and be the husband he was created and called to be in Christ.
Another Biblical aspect of the movie that I really liked was the clear demonstration of how the gospel truly changes someone. Paul says that we are “new creations” when we are “in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17). Contemporary evangelical Christianity often promotes the idea that Christians should behave like the world in order to be “relevant.” The attitude of “You’re cool, and I’m cool, and I like Jesus, so you probably would like Jesus too, why don’t you try Jesus and see how cool He is,” has become a common false “gospel” of our day. This often leads to professing Christians continuing in sin and being a part of the world, when in reality the Bible teaches us to be holy, forsaking sin, and be among the world but not like those in this evil world.
In “Fireproof” the message is very clear that sinners are expected to act like sinners, but that the gospel changes one’s desires from loving their sin to hating their sin, and from hating righteousness to hungering and thirsting after righteousness. It achieves this. The reality of how hard the Christian life can be comes out and brings more Biblical credibility to the story. The movie demonstrates well that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15) and that “obeying God often prevents sinful consequences”, and it does it without insinuating that becoming a Christian will fix all the problems that person has or will have in life (as the false gospel does).
Biblical messages are highlighted throughout the movie in the wisdom of mature Christians. The Biblical idea that “love” is not a feeling or an emotion, but is a decision, is demonstrated both in the gospel presentation, as what Christ has done for us, as well as in how we should love others. Forgiveness also is demonstrated Biblically, not as simply forgetting what others have done to us, but as a decision to not hold anything against others or use the things from the past to harm the relationship; just as Christ has done for us.
“Fireproof” succeeds in showing that the gospel is powerful in killing sinful desires and wrong motives, and in saving sinners for the glory of God. While the movie adequately moved me unto the end, I felt like I had been in a Biblically-centered two-hour counseling session when I left. That may sound negative to some, but I don’t mean that in a negative way. The messages were very clear and Biblically sound and demonstrated how powerful the true gospel of Christ is in repairing relationships as well as in saving lost souls.
I would highly recommend the movie to anyone, as well as the “Love Dare” bible study materials for church study groups. Besides the new movies “The Gospel of John” and “Time Changer”, Fireproof is now one of my top favorite Christian movies. May the messages in it reach the hearts and minds of spouses in this country, and world, as well as in Christian homes –for the saving of souls and the complete transformation of personalities and mind frames within the family unit.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Have you seen the Bonnie Hunt show?
It has a 5o's type theme to it. I saw it today for the first time and was glad to see normal "other" actors on the show, normal nice things being discussed, and no political push or forceful views to get you to follow their agenda. It is a nice show for the most part, and they even try to raise funds to fight breast cancer. I plan to check out some other episodes of the show to look into it more.
The only negative thing about the show is that, while the host seems reserved she does unfortunately use God's name regularly, in an unconscious way, which is extremely offensive to this Christian. I'm praying someone will let her know that she's doing that, so she can turn from that sin. It's very serious to God, and holds a penalty for those who use His name in vain. Pray a Saint will mention it to her. I don't know if she's saved, but she may not be, so pray for those things.
Hearts and Minds produce thoughts and words. Are there any words we sanitize in our culture, to make them acceptable? They aren't acceptable to God!
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The only negative thing about the show is that, while the host seems reserved she does unfortunately use God's name regularly, in an unconscious way, which is extremely offensive to this Christian. I'm praying someone will let her know that she's doing that, so she can turn from that sin. It's very serious to God, and holds a penalty for those who use His name in vain. Pray a Saint will mention it to her. I don't know if she's saved, but she may not be, so pray for those things.
Hearts and Minds produce thoughts and words. Are there any words we sanitize in our culture, to make them acceptable? They aren't acceptable to God!
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