You’ve Read the Book, Now See the Movie

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It’s not often someone has a complete 180 degree change of heart. That is, unless God intervenes. The story of Paul is riveting because of that. We see a relentless persecutor of the early Church — standing by as Christians are brutally killed — become one of the most ardent leaders of The Way and a compassionate envoy of LOVE. Facing severe persecution, Paul gladly put himself in harm’s way if it meant that one more person might hear about Jesus. [Note: don’t miss the ticket giveaway below]

 

 

He’s a real life hero of the faith and really of mankind.

 

And that’s why it’s exciting to see his journey come to life on the big screen through Paul, Apostle of Christ coming to theaters Friday, March 23. And, this one has the backing of Sony/Affirm, so it’s well done. James Faulkner plays Paul and you might recognize Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ) in the role of Luke. Sony/Affirm hasn’t provided me with a pre-release copy of the film, so I can’t wholeheartedly endorse the it. But, from the trailers and corollary material provided, I certainly am anticipating a strong, inspirational portrayal of Paul and the early Church, albeit possibly graphic at times.

He has survived so much—floggings, shipwreck, starvation, stoning, hunger and thirst, cold and exposure—yet as he waits for his appointment with death, he is haunted by the shadows of his past misdeeds. Alone in the dark, he wonders if he has been forgotten . . . and if he has the strength to finish well.

 

Want to make it more exciting? Read the Book first. See how the early Church started and how Paul’s transformation began. Just two chapters a day and you’ll be done in two weeks. Four chapters a day and you’re done in time for the premiere!

 

Want tickets? Simply enter below. Hope you win!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WINNER: Congratulations to Julie for winning a pair of tickets to see Paul, Apostle of Christ coming to theaters this Friday, March 23!

Note: I am thankful that Sony/Affirm is providing me with a couple tickets and other minor compensation with items related to the movie. I wanted to be transparent about that, although it doesn’t change my excitement for this film!

Something More.

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I’ve been wanting to write a blog for sometime. Not because I have deep thoughts on faith that everybody needs to hear or that I have everything figured out. Ha — it’s when I conclude that, that I find just the opposite. And, I know this world isn’t in need of another blog post and another perspective. But, I’m hoping this one will be different — one that I wish would have been there for me.

Finding faith in this world is a tough prospect. It’s not modeled hardly anywhere. And, when you think you see it, it’s often a facade or a mask someone put on. It has no depth. If you’re like me, you have faith, but what next?…I’m just not feeling it. That’s where I was.

Do you want something different for your faith? Something more? Me too.

 

I think half the time we don’t live up to our faith because we don’t fully believe it. It’s not real to us. Why is that? It’s a complex question and perhaps different for each of us. But a simplistic answer: I believe we fill our lives with everything else but God and then wonder why we don’t feel close to Him. He’s always there, we’re not.

For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

2 Chronicles 16:9

 

Read those words carefully and let it sink in. Is your heart completely His? Mine isn’t, but I want it to be. I want a heart that God is pleased with and not be satisfied with pickeled Christianity that has us comparing notes on Game of Thrones rather than a Verse in Romans. Can our faith really be that relevant? Absolutely!

I’ve been on a path for something different in my faith over the past seven years. It’s been an amazing and tough journey — one in which I think I’m just starting out, really. But, my faith has become real to me. Knowing I was coming out of a forest, I left some breadcrumbs along the way — insights I’d like to share in this blog. I’m not a theologian. I’ve never been to seminary. I’m just an everyday man who loves his God and knows that my God loves me and you DEARLY.

More about me: I’m not one for churchspeak. Honestly, I’ve had enough of it. I’m sick of fake Christianity. I don’t like reading books on faith because that’s someone’s perspective, not someOne’s perspective. I get my walk and bolster my faith in fellowship from the guys God has put in my path, through prayer and from God’s Word itself. I’m inspired by a wife that loves me, prays for me and is always encouraging me. I’m an amazingly blessed dad, cheered on by two boys that God uses at just the right moment in my life. Sometimes it’s just a tangible hug. Other times, it’s a profound word of encouragement. I very much enjoy coffee — especially with God’s Word next to it.

We’ve all been to Bible studies that are just codependency meetings and no one grows. Let’s make this different and not look back. Join me on this trek and let’s take some steps together. I promise not to have long posts — I like quick reads myself! Check back in a day or two and we’ll start. I’m really looking forward to this! Oh, and join me on Facebook if you would at Facebook.com/aheartcompletelyHis.