tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post116188921795521038..comments2024-01-21T02:42:50.927-08:00Comments on Church of the Masses: Facing Facing the GiantsWGA Memberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03320709129586221521noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-45171243257552505082007-08-18T00:05:00.000-07:002007-08-18T00:05:00.000-07:00I saw the movie and was moved and strengthened. O...I saw the movie and was moved and strengthened. One thing I would like to share is that while I come from a Christian apologetics background, I have learned that the one thing God wants all of us to remember is that "with God all things are possible" and our pride often gets in the way of that. The Kendrick brothers are very well aware of the entirety of the holy scriptures and have a solid understanding (please watch the commentary on the DVD). My brothers and sisters, God is a God of tender mercies, and He knows when encouragement is needed during our own "way of the cross". The wonderful thing about the Bible is that it is both miraculous and rigorous. The training we receive is not an end in itself. It is for a purpose. And as He says, "after you have suffered for awhile then they God of all tender mercies will...? Do you remember what it says? Read it again and be comforted about this film. Hannah prayed for a child and got Samuel,a Prophet God needed. But did you also know that the Shunamite was given a son in her old age as well and God did nothing with the child that was special? He did it out of love and tender regard for her situation. Daily I read of the completeness of the Father who loves us in ways too deep for our understanding...and does it not say so in regard to the peace He gives us that "suppasses all understanding." Rather than be critical here, I would suggest that we remember what our Lord said when the disciples were similarly outraged that there were others preaching the Good news apart from them. Jesus said to let them alone because whoever preached about him was <I>for</I> him. None of us has the complete understanding. It takes all sorts and all members of the body to reach those whom the Father has called. Unless it's absolute heresy (and that is another subject for another day) then let us remember that the "hand cannot say to the foot: 'I have no use for you.'" Let's be thankful in all things and that means being thankful that God allowed the evident love that went into making that film to be used for his glory in places where you and I may not have been able to reach those hearts. Now, when it comes time for those hearts to be further educated into the "deeper things of God", I can assure you from faith that has seen it happen, that God will see to it that they are. You and I may be among those that God uses in that regard. So let us not spoil the witnesses that God has set up. No one the Father draws to him through the Son will be incomplete. God will finish their training and we may be priveleged to be used to finish that work. So lets support our brothers and be ready to add supportive witness to the fire they get started. God bless you all.Melanie Reedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04375211549503881255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-71815693345301645622007-08-07T03:23:00.000-07:002007-08-07T03:23:00.000-07:00Matthew 6:33 says to seek God first and all these ...Matthew 6:33 says to seek God first and all these things will be added unto you. God's word always contains something relevant to add to the discussion. Many people take this bible verse as a bible verse about prosperity. It is not, it is a verse about priority. This is a movie about priority. I for one applaud this movie as a Christian should "in everything give thanks". And Barbara I applaud you for making so many people think about what God is saying to them through this movie. I would love to see more biblically sound movies coming out of Hollywood so please do so. Again, loved the movie and love Barbara as well. One note my fellow brothers & sisters -- do not judge Barbara, her walk with Christ, her salvation, etc. For the bible is very clear when you sit in judgment you will be judged likewise. Act in faith, hope, and love but the most important is love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-68793758952753516862007-07-18T00:38:00.000-07:002007-07-18T00:38:00.000-07:00I'm a Christian. Saw the film. Thought it was a f...I'm a Christian. Saw the film. Thought it was a fantastic story--very inspiring. Thought it was a true story or at least based on one. Saw the DVD later. Watched the bonus features looking forward to learning more details about the "true story." Wow, was I let down to find it was fiction. Granted, the Billy Graham movie "The Climb" was also made up, but it played out the actions of two men--one of them motivated by his belief in God. This, to me, is acceptable. "Facing the Giants", however, portrays the actions and miraculous interventions of God Almighty. Such divine portrayals should be reserved for sharing true life incidents if the goal is to lead a person to the truth contained in the Bible. The intentions were great and admirable, and the team-work in making the film was inspiring, but I'm glad I didn't encourage a particular atheist friend of mine to see it. Talk about ammo to back up his misunderstandings. Why not invest such resources and enthusiasm on a REAL story line--a modern day Joseph story that took place right here in the USA. I've heard of, AND experienced first hand, many true stories that are amazing, miraculous, and energizing. I'm more resolved now, if given the opportunity, to produce a true story of the life of a Christian family if ever God gives me the thumbs up. True stories are powerful. There are so many out there; why make one up and be subject to criticism? Truth can stand on its own.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05502213869398263402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-17440936072739528322007-07-12T12:00:00.000-07:002007-07-12T12:00:00.000-07:00God is THE UNIVERSAL ONE that operates in Absolute...God is THE UNIVERSAL ONE that operates in Absolute Sovereigness; our ability to experience Him is on the personal level and the age old dilema is simply 'His way or my way'. I appreciate your stand for your integrity, don't give up on it for you to do any other would be compromising your faith. But son't assume your personal convictions are anyone elses. You don't know the personal heart convictions or compromises brought about this movie or the impact it will have on viewers. All we can pray is that God be glorified.Crosimotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04744389588314478706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-37826239658033922362007-07-10T15:17:00.000-07:002007-07-10T15:17:00.000-07:00Frank said:It's easy to say that something is bad ...Frank said:<BR/><BR/>It's easy to say that something is bad and dangerous. It's difficult to put your money where your mouth is and try to do something that is good, professional, and worthy of world wide appeal. Let's just come right out and say it, you can't make a better movie so you don't and you feel better about yourself by criticizing someone else's attempt to bring others closer to God. I believe that God will honor whatever attempt we make to bring others closer to Him. But, as usual, some "Able Christians" kick other "not-so-able Christians" in the gut when they try to make an uplifting attempt on entertainment. I wonder if God feels honored by this? Hmmmmm!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15248553011862464086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-22833285744071166782007-07-02T18:27:00.000-07:002007-07-02T18:27:00.000-07:00Barbara, As I came accross your website and began...Barbara, As I came accross your website and began reading your opinions on "Facing the Giants", I just assumed you were an Athiest! I can NOT believe that you consider yourself to be a Christian. Your comments are laughable and lack any depth what so ever. As a self-proclaimed intellect in the world of cinema, you have greatly failed to SEE what has been obvious to the REAL believer and viewer of this movie....the ANOINTING!!! Barbara, you can not see this with your eyes nor can you see it by having a wonderful sence of asthetic style or by having a great resume and years of experience in the film industry. You can only experience this by opening your heart! I will pray that God does that in your life. Remember, God will use "what" to confound the wise? I'll let you go ahead and look that one up for yourself. It sounds like you need to spend a little more time reading the Bible.<BR/>Dave - Christian FilmmakerDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07030231713398615076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-52689726263147177532007-06-26T16:31:00.000-07:002007-06-26T16:31:00.000-07:00wow, the flaming that happens on this blog is just...wow, the flaming that happens on this blog is just mesmerizing. i showed this film to my youth ministry and while the message is positive and i have experienced HUGE miracles in my life, portraying these miracles is a feel-good for Christians ONLY. the non-believing world is still not believing. i am going to teach on FTG, and speak on the miracles that i have experienced and witnessed. that being said, this world needs to see Christ as a blessing whether or not our football team wins, we can or can't have children, etc. we love God regardless of the 'fringe' benifits. our greatest gift is salvation and our job is to spread the good news.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-46464552811276440942007-06-25T22:09:00.000-07:002007-06-25T22:09:00.000-07:00You're right, Facing the Giant's 1000% profit at t...You're right, Facing the Giant's 1000% profit at the box office and the new youth center it is building in Albany, GA, is hardly a step in the right direction. Do us a favor and put some feet on that big talk of yours and go make a movie that meets your standards. I dare you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-68652227682939379932007-06-21T21:36:00.000-07:002007-06-21T21:36:00.000-07:00Your Jesus has no power apparently. You must be fu...Your Jesus has no power apparently. You must be fun at parties. <BR/>I loved the movie I recommend it to people who are on the cusp. They seem to understand a God who will perform a miracle in there sad life. I know the apostle Paul would at the very least have said if it draws them to Christ then it works,oh well I guess there are always people in the world who will condescend if they don't understand something. Gee I wonder why evangelical churches are growing and old catholic and mainline churches are empty.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-90702444218387433722007-06-19T00:04:00.000-07:002007-06-19T00:04:00.000-07:00Thank you Barbara for your blog. I have just watch...Thank you Barbara for your blog. I have just watched the DVD with another believer, and we were both encouraged in our faith. I was too focused on the movie and moved by the message to notice the quality of the acting. I wondered if I was being brainwashed by the movie so looked it up on the internet. Interesting how I look there instead of studying the Bible, even after spending all that time watching the movie. I pray that we get more inspiration and encouragement in our faith, regardless of if it is in another movie, a discussion forum, or studying the bible.Peterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14190926223116739445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-67986907121304822312007-06-06T11:53:00.000-07:002007-06-06T11:53:00.000-07:00In my mind this film is written better than most w...In my mind this film is written better than most weekly TV programs. For you to knock it, maybe you should really watch it and see where it may apply to your own life. I believe the movie was made to draw people into The Church, not save them on the spot.<BR/>Some of the info you did get wrong:<BR/>The first vehicle the coach had was a car, not a truck. The wife was examined by the doctor she was fine it was he who infertile.<BR/>In the early part of the movie, the coach led the audiance to believe he was already a beliver but we were not shown his fauth until later. Coach didnt, walk into a field and speak to God fo the first time. <BR/>These things may be little to some and to you, but if you missed these point, what else did you miss?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-4259244177711006582007-06-04T23:58:00.000-07:002007-06-04T23:58:00.000-07:00We just watched FACING THE GIANTS two weeks ago. ...We just watched FACING THE GIANTS two weeks ago. This last weekend we faced a serious tradgedy. The seeds that this movie planted in my spirit allowed me to be able to praise God when things aren't what we want and don't understand. I am thankful for the movie and the friend that urged me to take the time to see it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-31234135785963357742007-05-18T16:27:00.000-07:002007-05-18T16:27:00.000-07:00you totally missed the whole point they where not ...you totally missed the whole point they where not trying to get the message across that christiany is some fairy tale but that it is a stuggle and even if life isnt always great give it to God and he will fix it not in our time but in his the man had waited 6 YEARS doing it on his own and when he gave it to God and let it go things started to go right. Even if our life isnt wonderful if we are saved and we believe that God died for our sins then our life has got a happy ending bc we get to spend the rest of our lives in heaven with our saviorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-49088612541358897882007-05-06T06:47:00.000-07:002007-05-06T06:47:00.000-07:00The blue vehicle was a car , the red gift was a tr...The blue vehicle was a car , the red gift was a truck. How arrogant can an opinion from the crappy film making capital of the world be. For beginners on 100k with an uplifting message of hope in light of difficult real life challenges. It sure got somebody stirred up to ask some very serious questions about thier on life. When's the last time Hollywood did that. Go face some Giant's you wimp!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02140450027049596071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-8470713793107280792007-05-03T10:41:00.000-07:002007-05-03T10:41:00.000-07:00>>>AND his infertile wife becomes pregnant! \His W...>>>AND his infertile wife becomes pregnant! \<BR/><BR/>His WIFE was never infertile...as you mentioned so may times. HE was infertile. :o) It was one of the most moving and inspiring movies that I have EVER had the pleasure of viewing. :o) Have a nice day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-4867805068008382182007-04-30T12:42:00.000-07:002007-04-30T12:42:00.000-07:00If you haven't read any of the real Francis and Ed...If you haven't read any of the real Francis and Edith Schaeffer stuff, maybe you should read some to get a "realer" idea. Some very real miracles happened to them because they believed God and "foolishly" took him at His word and there are still these kinds of miracles happening today in ordinary lives around the globe. Maybe everything doesn't turn out as neatly as Facing the Giants but again I'd suggest reading any books by Edith Schaeffer about all the miracles they have experienced.The reviewer just proves that cynicism is alive and well even among Christians today and I for one do not believe him that this is fantasy and unreal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-60589969768219176282007-04-29T15:53:00.000-07:002007-04-29T15:53:00.000-07:00I disagree with the original blog's point of view....I disagree with the original blog's point of view. I think that this dramatization is right on in that God can do anything and often does do miracles. <BR/>I don't believe this was ever meant to be interpreted as anything other than a fictionalized account of an underdog team overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The main difference here between this film and other underdog football films is that they give God the glory in the wins and thank Him in the defeats. So why is that bad when believing in chance seems to be okay? Overall, its not a bad message for any Christian to walk away with.<BR/>The Bible does say thank Him in all thingsā¦Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-85542970910319218822007-04-25T18:01:00.000-07:002007-04-25T18:01:00.000-07:00As a romanist, I can see the danger for you to acc...As a romanist, I can see the danger for you to accept a Christian film. However, your memory fails you- the coach has a broken down car, is the one with the "infertility" problem and is already a Christian, but surrenders areas of his life and finds it rewarding to follow God's will. <BR/><BR/>The film had a very small budget and was from a church. The good thing is that they did not have to hold back and compromise the Gospel message. Sorry, not the RC Catechism, the Gospel. And it's simplicity reminds of films in the 50s. That is not a bad thing. No sex, no violence and no profanity.pregador27https://www.blogger.com/profile/11213591760476992971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-41779002411350964512007-04-24T07:16:00.000-07:002007-04-24T07:16:00.000-07:00I wasn't really interested in seeing the movie. I ...I wasn't really interested in seeing the movie. I had seen clips of it and was convinced that it was just as you described, a poorly made attempt of evanglizing people by promising them blessings if they would just have enough faith in Jesus...a prosperity gospel and of the worst kind. I preach and teach against this often. <BR/><BR/>Then I actually watched the movie. I realized that on the surface it would be easy to see a "prosperity gospel" at work, but that is not the main point of this movie and only a surface read. It is a fantasy movie to be sure, but the main "message" of this movie is to "love God" regardless of outcomes. <BR/><BR/>The fact that good things happened as a result does not presuppose a prosperity gospel...nor is the assertion that anything is possible outside of God. Most thoughtful theologians or pastors would affirm such doctrines as sound. Otherwise, anyone who prays for..well, anything, and then received what they asked for in prayer...could then be charged as one who follows a "prosperity gospel." The characters in the movie didn't pray for money, cars, new home, or winning football games...they didn't give money or of themselves in order to RECEIVE anything...THIS is the essence of the prosperity gospel, and the movie carefully steers clear of it. <BR/><BR/> Actuallly it is quite a human story of overcoming obstacles within and with out and seeing how God can and often does work through everyday people. The main characters emphasized that they would "love and praise God" regardless of winning games, having kids, or house condition. That is not properly understood as a "prosperity gospel."<BR/><BR/>If we give it a fair read we might see that the story actually sends the message that praising God, regardless of outcomes, is intrinsic to the gospel. Is our understanding of the health and wealth prosperity gospel become so broad that it includes any answers to prayer, or that Christians only suffer hardship and that God only wants what is difficult for us? <BR/><BR/>Yes, the prosperity gospel can be very dangerous and has done great harm. But before we make charges like that..let's be clear on our understandings and give the movie a fair read.RWMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476047589246657081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-60112487002954379152007-04-23T07:11:00.000-07:002007-04-23T07:11:00.000-07:00I don't understand the criticism of this movie as ...I don't understand the criticism of this movie as fantasy. Name a movie in recent years, autobiographical or "based on a true story" that hasn't been "tweaked" with Hollywood fantasy for the viewers. We've become a society that craves fantasy in our shows, movies, and books. I enjoyed this movie. Yes, the I could see where the plot was leading yet I was still interested. Having been told that my wife and I could not have children after trying for years and then having God answer our prayers and giving us 2 beautiful boys within 3 years, I could find something to relate to. Also, what's wrong with just seeing a good guy win sometime. Maybe we should just learn from the message in the movie and "prepare our fields for rain". I'll take this entertainment anyday.Ivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01331402881107777919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-53717311712382846182007-04-17T00:03:00.000-07:002007-04-17T00:03:00.000-07:00Regarless of how the message was delivered, the me...Regarless of how the message was delivered, the message of the Gospel was shared. The movie wasn't meant to be a box office hit or meant to win an emmy. It's purpose was to get the mesage of the Gospel of Christ out there. All you're doing is criticizing it. <BR/><BR/>I don't know about your god, but my God is a good God who desires to bless his children. Why does the portrayal of God's goodness get you so defensive? You must be missing out, because I know the favor of God goes before me, and I am blessed! <BR/><BR/>Truth is truth... regarless of how much money it took to put it on the big screen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-8714342775234799322007-04-15T05:33:00.000-07:002007-04-15T05:33:00.000-07:00Yes, this film was not well acted, directed, and I...Yes, this film was not well acted, directed, and I could just go on picking the scenes apart. But it was inspiring and had a good message for people backed by scripture. It applied scripture to every day life. God bless these people for making this film, because at least they tried and they had a good message. I liked the movie it was up lifting and encouraging. I think Facing the Giants demonstrates what an Awesome God we have. "out the bad will come good for those who love the Lord".<BR/> I think we should be more encouraging and give more constructive criticism. Your blog reads as though you are very well educated in the film industry so next time maybe you could give more helpful advice. I look forward to you producing something that is really professional with a holy spirit led message! You have a thought provoking blog, I congratulate you, because I do not usually take the time to write in a blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-21096034960877776562007-04-14T18:14:00.000-07:002007-04-14T18:14:00.000-07:00I just saw this movie today and I thought it was w...I just saw this movie today and I thought it was wonderful, inspirational and thought provoking. I wanted to share that and remind the original poster that it was the coach who was infertile, not the wife.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-26269871551815388582007-04-12T16:47:00.000-07:002007-04-12T16:47:00.000-07:00Correction: If Hollywood would produce the picture...Correction: If Hollywood would produce the pictures Christians want to see, than amateur "church-people" wouldn't have to. You're being so picky over the production, (acting, etc.), did you miss the point of the movie?<BR/>And if you're the professional, check your spelling - "traiing"?<BR/>And if you're a christian, check your venacular - "Damn hard"?penguinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01874444050323045671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020370.post-84278389916731408622007-04-12T14:15:00.000-07:002007-04-12T14:15:00.000-07:00If Hollywood would produce the pictures Christians...If Hollywood would produce the pictures Christians want to see, than amateur "church-people" wouldn't have to. You're being so picky over the production, did you miss the point of the movie?<BR/>And if you're the professional, check your spelling - "traiing"?<BR/>And if your a christian, check your venacular - "Damn hard"?penguinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01874444050323045671noreply@blogger.com