| Author | Message | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1251 Registered: 7-2003  |
I don't know if you've followed the latest Christian moving coming into theaters, but this story is particularly riveting. I have watched the DVD of Elisabeth Elliott's story "Gates of Splendor" and still have a lump in my throat at the sacrifice those families made for the cause of Christ. I have heard the story intermittently through the years, but only through viewing the DVD could I put faces with the names...and was so struck how young the men were who were killed. There was real home video showing the men and it is just incredible to think of their zeal to reach the tribe. Also, today on Focus on the Family, Steve Saint, one of the young sons of the men killed, gave his testimony and will be continued tomorrow. At the end of today, he told the story of his much beloved daughter ... and it left me wondering how much can one "lose" for Christ and still trust him? Made me realize how very little I have lost or sacrificed for Christ in the big picture. Anyway, the movie comes out in theaters January 20. I heard some churches are purchasing theaters again for showing, but it hasn't seem to had the buzz that the Passion did. Just thought I would throw a plug in. Looks like a well-made film. Elisabeth Elliot wrote "Gates of Splendor" from the events and "Jungle Pilot" is the story of Nate Saint. These things happened 50 years ago this month. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3212 Registered: 12-2003  |
Melissa, thanks for alerting us to this movie. I read a reveiw of it written by our church's publications person who had seen an advance showing of it. He absolutely raved about it and said it was, in his opinion, almost on a level with The Passion as far as being powerful for the gospel, etc. I do want to see it, but I had not thought about its coming out next week for a while. I hadn't remembered the date of its release. Thanks! Colleen | ||
| Madelia Registered user Username: Madelia Post Number: 150 Registered: 2-2003 |
I just watched a video documentary called "Beyond Gates of Splendor". The widows of the 5 men as well as the Auca Indian tribe members are interviewed. I got tears in my eyes when one of the widows said that even though their husbands carried guns, they said they would never shoot if they were attacked. They said the tribe members wouldn't go to heaven if they were killed, but these young missionaries would. So they were willing to lay down their lives to give those people the opportunity to find Christ. WOW!! | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 146 Registered: 3-2005 |
Our pastor got up and encouraged us to watch this movie. I've see the "Beyond the Gates of Spender" also. I think the biggest loss from being Adventist all those years (36 to be exact) is all the wasted time I could have learned to be an actual disciple of Christ with actual Christ like skills to touch others for him rather than spend all my time and effort trying to get my head around doctrine that was sensational and interesting but robbed me of those years. I pray the other 36 years of my life are better spent! Lisa | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 209 Registered: 10-2005 |
I received a postcard from the Family Christian store showing that Billy Graham is now producing Christian DVDs with Fox. I think that is great, even though Fox also produces quite a bit of, well, trash.. I'm glad there will be more media produced for Christians and not just the Left Behind stuff since it is getting old anyway. So it would be good for us to purchase these DVDs and support their efforts. Lisa, I sometimes feel I've waisted 20 years. That is the problem with Adventism, it is such a long, drawn out deception for most. It gets so deep into us and we just become robbed of our own minds, a very scary thought when we realize that is just what happened to us. We were robbed of our minds. That is what happened to those poor people in Waco. All of this doctrine comes from Ellen White, the doctrine the Adventist Church is pushing. It is Satanic. God will clear our minds, He works miracles. Those of us who are aware of how bad this deception is shouldn't give up on standing against it prayerfully. Think about it, if you help someone out of Adventism or help keep people away from Adventism by doing something as simple as educating people about what Adventism is. Perhaps you are sparing more than one person, adults and children alike, 100 years or more as an Adventist! Would the 36 years then be worth it you? In Gods time, and compared to eternity, 20 years or 36 years is probably much more like 20 days or 36 days. Lynne | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2199 Registered: 3-2004  |
As most of you know, I am 65. I have a many more years than you young folks have. I like a statement I have heard Colleen make. That statement is "God redeems all of our past". I have seen experiences I have had in my past life be used to make a point for Christ. So, it is not be a waste of time. God will show you how you can use your experiences from that time. Take Heart, He does redeem all of our past. He is so awesome. Diana | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 621 Registered: 7-2004 |
Lisa and Lynne, God wastes nothing! All our years in Adventism will be used to glorify God! Let's all keep our eyes open to what He does to redeem all those years of bondage. It will be better than any of us could ever imagine!! Looking for good things to come, Denise | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 239 Registered: 2-2005 |
Amen! I may not fully understand why I had to endure certain things about being raised in the SDA church, but nothing in the Bible (that I know of) tells me I need to. This was God's plan for me from before the foundation of the earth. Who am I to argue with that? It's easy for me to wallow in what could have been, but I can praise God for what He has done to bless me with a deep appreciation for the truth of His word now, to realize just how unfathomably wonderful His grace really is and that the cross really IS enough! Heretic | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1179 Registered: 3-2005 |
Heretic, Denise, Lisa, Diana and Lynne, I am very thankful that God allowed me to grow up SDA. As Heretic said, this was part of His plan before the foundation of the world. God is sovereign over all, and He planned for us to glorify Him in this way. Without my SDA upbringing, I would have never witnessed the power and sovereignty in bringing my dad, the strictest SDA I ever knew to now be excited about going to church on Sunday. Recently he placed an advertisement in the Loma Linda Trading Post about his Sunday church where the scripture is really taught as opposed to SDA. My dad will turn 90 years old this March! Stan | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2204 Registered: 3-2004 |
I did not think I would be thankful I grew up SDA, but I am. I received a good education because of being SDA. At the time I was in high school, most public schools did not not encourage Mexicans to go to college. And I truly do appreciate what Jesus did for me. It is a story I will tell to whoever wants to listen. And it was part of God's plan for me and who am I to tell God he was wrong about me. I am just so happy that I am a Christian. Stan, I am so happy about your father. God has been good to the both of you. We truly have an awesome God. Diana | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 557 Registered: 4-2000  |
Tickets for the movie titled "The End of the Spear" go on sale tomorrow in many cinemas across America. The earliest viewing time will be on Friday, January 20th. Dennis Fischer | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1210 Registered: 3-2005 |
I haven't gotten the chance to see the movie "End of the Spear" yet, but already there is in my opinion some unjustified criticism. The big controversy on some of the Christian discussion blogs is the fact that Chad Allen who plays the missionary is openly gay, and has used the movie platform in the past to push a gay agenda. However, does it really make any difference to the story, if, in the judgment of the movie producer, that this is the best actor for the role? Unfortunately, it appears that the box office take may be diminished over the fact that many Christians are unable to get past this situation. There is a controversial article on this debate here at www.challies.com/archives/001602.php Do you think Mr. Challies has a reasonable counterpoint to his good friend Justin Taylor (who is an associate pastor for John Piper)? Stan | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 72 Registered: 7-2000 |
Stan, On Friday I went with a friend to see the movie. I want to support christian film making. The story of reconcilation is powerful. I planned to go back with my husband and even perhaps encourage friends to go support the movie. I am now conflicted. I read some material on Friday night which disturbed me. On the one hand I have NO problem Mr Chad Allen is a homosexual actor portraying a martyred missionary- However, Mr Allen is a GAY ACTIVIST. Now, I feel if I support the movie by going back or advertising it to friends,I am supporting gay activism and agenda. On the other hand, I see the story of these missionaries demonstrate the power of Christ penetrating the depths of hardened, hostile hearts but from a human point a view it was highly impossible. In the same way, God may be using Mr Allen for His purpose. Who knows. God's name will be glorified if in later years Mr Allen bow his knee to God instead of shaking his fists at Him. With his influence his testimony then would be powerful. The five men took a big risk with the hostile natives tribes in the jungle and paid the ultimate price- their lives. Perhaps in the big scheme of things,that is the real point of the story- the christian film makers taking a risk using Chad Allen. People could choose to NOT go see the movie while being quiet about it. Or GO see the movie without feeling guilt. Stan, don't you think Mr. Challis is nit picking? He criticizes the "Passion of the Christ" with Mel Gibson and Jim Carviezel because they are Roman Catholics? I guess I am confused. Bmorgan | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1215 Registered: 3-2005 |
Well Bmorgan, I am conflicted also. I would have no problem if Chad Allen was just gay. But since I posted that article above, I have read other blogs that support what you said, and that is the sad fact that he is a gay activist. He has a history of using his acting platform to support his gay agenda. However, did you click on the link to Justin Taylor's web site at www.theologica.blogspot.com and get a probably more balanced opinion? As far as the Passion of the Christ goes, i was initially very enthusiastic about it. But now in retrospect, I am very conflicted. The brutality was very excessive. It took away the realism, because from a medical standpoint no human being could take that much abuse and survive to go to the cross. Jesus was fully human as well as fully God. Also, emphasizing the physical beating without emphasizing or balancing out the fact that the spiritual suffering was so much more took away from the film. Also the overriding Roman Catholic flavor of the film was disappointing. Mel Gibson is very grateful for the evangelical support he got. However, despite the reservations that I just expressed, I still think Christians should support and not boycott these films. Stan | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 73 Registered: 7-2000 |
Stan, thanks for the link to Mr Taylor's website. No, I had not been there before this morning. I am just done parousing it though. I had not known Chad Allen or heard about the controversy from the christian community surrounding his part in the movie. After seeing the movie (which I loved) on Friday, I came home and spent much time reading tons of materials about Nate and Steve Saint. At the very end I came across the negative comments, which influenced my feelings. In fairness, I understood and enjoyed the message of the movie "End of the spear" much better than I did "Narnia" and "Lord of the Rings." I can say it gave me a positive charge. Here's what I'd say again, folks shouldn't have guilt about supporting and seeing the movie-it is well done and clear- but if ones's conscience dictate otherwise, they should minimize their negative comments about the one actor, Mr Allen. In my opinion, over reaching with too much negativity from the christian community could hurt the cause of Christ more than gay activist, Chad Allen's protrayal of the genuine christian missionaries, Nate and Steve Saint. In my view, the text below seem appropos, so I conclude with it.. Phillipians 1:15-20: 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. | ||
| Windmotion Registered user Username: Windmotion Post Number: 258 Registered: 6-2001  |
I have rented the movie "beyond the gates of splendor" which is a documentary about the same story. My sister (who is studying to be a missionary nurse) recommended it highly. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to watch it yet, but I will let you know what I think. Alternatively, Hannah | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3276 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hannah, that movie is powerful. Some friends of ours brought it over a couple Sundays ago, and we watched it. Amazing. (Tears all around)...it's really well-done. Colleen | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1253 Registered: 7-2003 |
I just found out that Steven Curtis Chapman's LIVE DVD has some "bonus" footage that include a segment with Steve Saint and "grandfather" where Mancaye gives his testimony, while Steve interprets. I understand it is an "older" DVD (2003-4), but after seeing Gates of Splendor, it was interesting to listen to him give his testimony. He talked about walking the path and following the carvings of God and some other language that I'm sure made sense in his cultural climate, but sounded a little odd here. But it is unmistakable that he has met the Lord. Steve also shares some of the testimony about the loss of his daughter, which was mentioned on the Focus on the Family broadcast. ...Just in case anyone wants yet another avenue to hear their on-going story that did not end 50 years ago with the slaying of those men. Regarding the actors, you would like to think that they might have picked believers to play the roles, but that does not diminish the story itself unless we allow it to. What those men did was faith in action like few we know in our day. To look back and see the mighty hand of God and a whole people who have now had the gospel given to them because the women didn't go running home even with their great losses (and who would have blamed them???) ... How can that NOT glorify God except that WE allow it to? At my Bible study group today, several had seen the movie, but none were aware of the controversy around the actor. They were all touched by the power of God, not the actions of the humans portraying the story. One of the ladies mentioned reading reviews online and said one gave it a "c", but said that could only be because he didn't have the Holy Spirit and didn't understand that aspect of the story. She gave it an "a" as a powerful example of the working of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I have trouble going to plays because I've been in so many that I see the technical details more than I can enjoy the story. To the point, if you're looking for the devil in it, I guess you can find it. If you're going to see the work of God, I suspect you won't be disappointed if it's anything close to the true story. | ||
| Windmotion Registered user Username: Windmotion Post Number: 260 Registered: 6-2001 |
My parents have gone to the Christmas Messiah performance at the University of Michigan for 20-plus years, and when I was younger I remember my dad wondering if he should go to something like that when the singers are obviously not Christians. (The Messiah is probably the most spiritual performance ever done by secular performers. They sing pure Scripture) I guess God told him to stop worrying about it because they have not stopped going! I think God can make anything into a blessing, which means there is still hope for me as well.  Thankfully, Hannah |
