Tomorrows Filmmakers: An Online Film School

I know it has been absolutely forever since I posted last...life has been rather busy. I wish I could give an update on all that has happened in the past year, but alas! That must wait for another time. Just a quick tidbit that might explain my lack of posts: I have been courting an amazing man for 9 months now! God is faithful and he does provide! I cannot wait to update everyone on this new development.

So, on that note, I wanted to share with you an awesome source for anyone - any age, any place, any situation - interested in film or filmmaking. My beau has launched an INCREDIBLE online film academy designed for Christians who want to learn how to achieve excellence in filmmaking for God's glory. Or, if you are just interested in knowing how the filmmaking process works....whatever your level of expertise or interest, this is the source for you. I am not just saying this out of bias. This is truly one of the best online classes out there, and the only one in its category. Introducing: TOMORROWS FILMMAKERS!

Parents: This is a safe, clean environment for your child, teen, or college age student to learn about filmmaking without being worried what they will be taught.

Aspiring Filmmakers: Have you ever wondered if there is one source to find all the instruction you need that is also Christian? This is truly what you have been searching for. 

To learn more info, just watch the video below. Then, head on over to Tomorrows Filmmakers website. If you are even the slightest bit intrigued, you can sign up and get the FIRST MONTH FREE! Every Christian film artist should take this course, without question. So please, go and check it out. And if you are interested or know family or friends who would be, share it with them as well. Take this opportunity to further God's Kingdom through film! 

A Christian's Speech

A Christian’s Speech

Scriptures:

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word (language, all speech, the act of speaking, discourse) or deed, do it all (any, every one) in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Ephesians 4:29

“Let no corrupt (rotten, putrified, corrupted by one and no longer fit for use, worn out, of poor quality, bad, unfit for use, worthless) word (KJV: communication - language, all speech, the act of speaking, discourse) proceed (go forth, go out, depart, to project, to flow forth) out of your mouth, but what is good (of good constitution or nature, useful, pleasant, agreeable, excellent, distinguished, upright, honorable) for necessary edification (the act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, holiness), that it may impart grace (that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech) to the hearers.”

Colossians 3:8

“But now (at this very moment) you yourselves are to put off (put aside or away) all (each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything) these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy (slander, detraction, speech injurious, to another's good name), filthy language (foul speaking, low and obscene speech) out of (away from) your mouth.”

Ephesians 5:3-7

“But fornication and all (each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything) uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named (to name, to utter, to make mention of the name) among (in, by) you, as is fitting (KJV: becometh- to stand out, to be conspicuous, to be eminent, seemly, fit) for saints; neither filthiness (obscenity), nor foolish (impious, godless) talking, nor coarse jesting (pleasantry, humour, facetiousness, scurrility - making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation, ribaldry - referring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way, low jesting), which are not fitting (KJV: convenient - to have come up to, arrived at, to reach to, to pertain to what is due, duty, as was fitting), but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean (in a moral sense: unclean in thought and life) person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of (through, by means of) these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (obstinacy, obstinate opposition to the divine will). Therefore do not be partakers with them.”

James 1:26

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious (fearing or worshipping God), and does not bridle (to lead by a bridle, to guide, hold in check, restrain) his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless (devoid of force, truth, success, result, useless, of no purpose).”

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatever (as great as, as far as, how much, how many, whoever) things are true (loving the truth, speaking the truth, truthful), whatever things are noble (KJV: honest - to be venerated for character, honorable), whatever things are just (righteous, observing divine laws, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God, innocent, faultless, guiltless, used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God, and who therefore needs no rectification in the heart or life, approved of or acceptable of God) whatever things are pure (exciting reverence, venerable, sacred, pure from carnality, chaste, modest), whatever things are lovely (acceptable, pleasing), whatever things are of good report (sounding well), if there is any virtue (a virtuous course of thought, feeling and action, any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity) and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

1 Peter 1:16

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”

Matthew 12:34-37

“Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good (of good constitution or nature, useful, pleasant, agreeable, excellent, distinguished, upright, honorable) man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil (bad, of a bad nature or condition, wicked) man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle (free from labour, at leisure, lazy, shunning the labour which one ought to perform) word (any sound produced by the voice and having definite meaning, speech, discourse, subject matter of speech, thing spoken of) men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words (speech, discourse, the act of speaking) you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Colossians 4:6

“Walk (regulate ones life, conduct oneself) in wisdom toward (to the advantage of, in regards to) those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech (speech, discourse, the act of speaking) always (at all times, ever) be with grace (that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech, benefit, bounty, goodwill), seasoned with salt (wisdom and grace exhibited in speech), that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Quotes:

“A Christian's speech reveals more of his inward character than any other action. In fact, it often betrays our true, inward man”

“The final category under consideration is vulgarity and innuendo. Again, we are considering both an extreme and milder form of the same sin. Included in this category are: dirty jokes, sexual implications and undertones, filthy language referring to bodily functions or anatomy, and other inappropriate topics, which should not be publicly or lightly discussed. Whereas vulgar speech contains direct and explicit references, innuendo contains hints, winks, gestures, facial expressions, and other subtle forms of communication, which quietly express vulgar thoughts. It is this subtle vulgarity and crude speech that makes up the vast majority of "adult humor", which often sails over the heads of innocent and naive children. It is this language that causes adults to wrinkle their mouths and snicker softly as another hints at explicit themes without actually articulating them. As before, we find that the Scriptures strongly condemn this type of language:

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:1-4)

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

A Christian is to have his mind set on higher, nobler, spiritual things. Therefore such communication should not be appealing to him. Neither, should it be something upon which he dwells and is therefore even able to imagine, much less utter. Whether spoken directly, or implied through innuendo, the ideas actually communicated by this "filthy language" are the same and are therefore in error.”

In Conclusion:

In the above Scripture references, the Lord ranks crude speech with obscenity and blasphemy. Since elsewhere in Scripture we are commanded to be set apart from the world, it is equally important to be set apart in speech. And since the Lord ranks unclean, immodest and crass speaking with fornication and blasphemy, we should not partake in these things as Christians. We are called to a higher form of communication: one that brings glory to God and edifies the hearer. Using cultural slang and crude terms as a Christian does not set us apart but rather blends us in, making us no different than they. Using the world’s crass lingo is no different, based on Scripture, than using profanity or blaspheming. Instead, we are to meditate on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report. These things are to fill our hearts, and Jesus said that out of our mouths comes what is in our hearts. If this is true, then out of the mouth of Christians should proceed words that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report. It is obvious from the verses cited above that God doesn't consider crude language to be any of these. Therefore, great thought should be given to our speech. 

    To speak specifically to females: this command is compounded, since in addition to these commands to all Christians, women are specifically commanded to clothe themselves in modesty, propriety and moderation and to have a gentle and quiet spirit. This is referring not just to physical clothing, but to every aspect of a female’s life. Women are called to be ladies who moderate their tone and speech as well as their attitude and dress. Especially in this culture where men and women are androgynous, it is vital for Christian women to be Biblical and set apart from the world in terms of speech. This does not mean being better-than-thou, prissy, or haughty. However, it does entail refinement, discretion, self-discipline and being set apart from the culture. Distinction in speech is just as noticeable as distinction in dress for a woman. 

    As an aside, this by no means omits humor. Since we are made in the image of God, humor is therefore an attribute of God. However, just like all other areas of our lives, our humor is fallen and wicked. We have to refine it according to Scripture so that we as Christians are set apart from the world’s unredeemed humor and crude language. In addition, jokes about crude topics such as bodily functions is the common topic of children. Paul states:

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

    So, in conclusion, there is no hard and fast rule I am seeking to push here. Instead, I want to communicate the importance of speech in the life of a Christian, and ask you to pray about where the lines must be drawn in your own personal life. How will you apply this principle we found throughout Scripture in your life? 

Fear of Man vs. Fear of God

"The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." -Oswald Chambers

One of the biggest areas we experience the fear of man is in witnessing. Often, we lack the courage to speak because we are afraid of the response we may receive. Fear of rejection and persecution from our fellow man, especially those we love, keeps us in perpetual silence about the Gospel. After all, who wants the deep hurt of rejection by a mother, sister, grandparent, or close friend? As a result, those lost that are closest to us are those we are least likely to share the saving Gospel with. Their only hope we hide away due to the fear of man. While we are absorbed in self-pity, they are headed straight for hell. This is a great tragedy, and Scripture should admonish and encourage us on this issue.

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." -Proverbs 29:25

"For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" -Hebrews 13:5b-6

"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.  And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." -Matthew 10:27-28

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,  but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." -2 Timothy 1:7-11

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." -1 John 4:18

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." -Psalm 118:8

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.  We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." -1 John 4:4-6

"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." -Galatians 1:10

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'"-Romans 8:15

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

"'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,' says the Lord." -Isaiah 54:17

Noah | And the Last Days

Ray Comfort and Living Waters just came out with a new video about the parallels between our days and Noah's day. It is absolutely wonderful and I thought I would share it here. I hope you enjoy!

"Our Primary Task"

I have been studying "The School of Biblical Evangelism" by Ray Comfort, and today's lesson was especially convicting to me. I wanted to share it with you all, because it is something every Christian needs to hear.

 

"Our Primary Task"

"A lighthouse keeper gained a reputation of being a very kind man. He would give free fuel to ships that miscalculated the amount of fuel needed to reach their destination port. One night during a storm, lightening struck his lighthouse and put out the light. He immediately turned on his generator, but it soon ran out of fuel - and he had given his reserves to passing ships. During the dark night, a ship struck the rocks and many lives were lost.

     At the lighthouse keeper's trial, the judge knew of his reputation as a kind man and wept as he passed sentence. He charged the lighthouse keeper with neglecting his primary responsibility: to keep the light shining.

     The church can so often get caught up in legitimate acts of kindness- standing for political righteousness, feeding the hungry, ect. - but our primary task is to warn sinners of danger. We are to keep the light of the gospel shining so that sinners can avoid the jagged-edged rocks of wrath and escape being eternally damned.

     Imagine seeing a group of firefighters polishing their engine outside a burning building with people trapped at a top floor window. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with cleaning a fire engine - but not while people are trapped in a burning building! Instead of ignoring their cries, the firefighters should have an overwhelming sense of urgency to rescue them. That's the spirit that should be behind the task of evangelism. Yet according to Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, 'Only two percent of believers in America regularly share their faith in Christ with others.' That means 98 percent of the professing Body of Christ is 'lukewarm' when it comes to obeying the Great Commission.

     Oswald J. Smith said, 'Oh my friends, we are loaded down with countless church activities, while the real work of the Church, that of evangelizing and winning the lost, is almost entirely neglected.' We have polished the engines of worship, prayer, and praise and neglected the sober task given to us by God. A firefighter who ignores his responsibilities and allows people to perish in the flames is not a firefighter; he is an impostor. How could we ignore our responsibility and allow the world to walk blindly into the fires of hell? If God's love dwells within us, we must warn the lost. The Bible tells us to 'have compassion...save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh' (Jude 22, 23). If we don't have love and compassion, then we don't know God - we are impostors (see 1 John 4:8). Charles Spurgeon said, 'Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that.' Each of us should examine ourselves in light of these sobering thoughts (2 Corinthians 13:5) so that we won't be part of the great multitude who called Jesus 'Lord,' but refused to obey Him. It will be professing believers who will hear those fearful words, 'I never knew you: depart from me' (Matthew 7:21-23).

     A popular episode of the 'Andy Griffith Show' is called 'Man in a Hurry.' It tells the story of a business man who rushes through the quiet town of Mayberry. He is uptight and very hyper and finds the laid-back lifestyle of the locals to be extremely frustrating. However, in time he begins to enjoy the take-it-easy way of life. While it's a wonderful lesson on the importance of not rushing through life, the 'man in a hurry' should be the Christian's hero. We are in a hurry. We should work while it is yet day with a sense of extreme urgency. We must preach the Word in season and out of season, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

     Take to heart these words from Billy Sunday: 'I believe that lack of efficient personal work is one of the failures of the Church today. The people of the Church are like squirrels in a cage. Lots of activity, but accomplishing nothing. It doesn't require a Christian life to sell oyster soup or run a bazaar or a rummage sale. Many churches report no new members on confession of faith. Why these meager results with this tremendous expenditure of energy and money? Why are so few people coming into the Kingdom? I will tell you - there is not a definite effort put forth to persuade a definite person to receive a definite Savior at a definite time, and that definite time is now.'

     May God give us a renewed sense of urgency and such love for sinners that we will be convicted by our conscience if we walk past any person without a deep concern for his salvation. May He also work in our hearts so that our prayers will be permeated with a cry for laborers, so that this world may be reached with the message of eternal salvation."

 

"A true story is told of a millionaire who had a portrait painted of his beloved son before the son went to war. He was tragically killed in battle, and shortly afterward, the heartbroken millionaire died. His will stated that all his riches were to be auctioned, specifying that the painting must sell first.

     Many showed up at the auction, where a mass of the rich man's wealth was displayed. When the painting was held up for sale, no bids were offered. It was an unknown painting by an unknown painter of the rich man's uncelebrated son, so, sadly, there was no interest. After a few moments, a butler who worked for the man recalled how much the millionaire loved his son, so he made a bid and purchased the portrait for a very low price.

     Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, the auctioneer brought down his gavel and declared the auction closed. The rich man's will had specified that the person who cared enough to purchase the painting of his beloved son was also to be given all the riches of his will.

     This is precisely what God has done through the gospel. He who accepts the beloved Son of God also receives all the riches of His will - the gift of eternal life and 'pleasures for evermore.' They become 'joint heirs' with the Son (Romans 8:16, 17)."

 

If you were convicted by this, I would highly recommend you start studying "The School of Biblical Evangelism" and find out how to effectively witness to the lost. In fact, it is something every Christian should read. To visit the website, click HERE. Or, if you want to do like me and simply read the book, you can find that on many Christian bookstore websites.

 

I hope this was as much an admonition and blessing to you as it was to me!

Delicious Health Smoothie

I have recently been messing around trying to create a healthy and tasty smoothie, and I believe this is the perfect combo! I am sorry I don't have a picture.

Healthy Fruit and Veggie Smoothie

 

 

Ingredients:

 

- 3 orange slices

- 1/2 banana

- 1/4 c. frozen strawberries

- 1/4 c. frozen blueberries

- 2 baby carrots

- 1/4 c. spinach, stems removed

- 1/2 c. ice

- 1/4 c. strawberry kefir

- 1/4 c. whole milk

- 1 tbsp. honey

- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

 

 

1. Blend all ingredients on high in a blender until smooth. You can add more milk for a thinner consistency or more ice for a thicker consistency. Makes about 16 fluid ounces.

 

 

And it is as simple as that! I hope you try this and enjoy not only the wonderful taste but also the health benefits!

The Law

Here is a post I recently did in my online Bible course, Koinonia Institute. I have been extremely convicted about the method I use to witness to people by a book I just started reading entitled "The School of Biblical Evangelism" by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron. I wish I could expound on this more now, but I am limited at this time. I may, however, get into more detail on this topic in subsequent posts. Without further ado:


The Law

This is something the Lord has heavily laid on my heart recently. I have been reading a book entitled, "The School of Biblical Evangelism", which teaches believers how to share the gospel effectively. The Law is our tool to lead people to repentance. Romans 7:7-13 says,
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.  And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death.  For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.  Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful."

The Law serves an essential role in sharing the gospel with people. Without the bad news, sinners will not be able to understand or appreciate the good news. Without knowing that they have broken God's law and are destined for hell, they will not realize their need for deliverance. Therefore, in sharing the gospel, we must first share the need, and then the provision. In witnessing we must start from the beginning, as Christ did in Luke 24:27, "And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." 

For example, ask the average person if they are a "good person", and their response will be "yes". If they are truly good, why would they need a Savior? But if you show them that they are actually despicably wicked and hopeless because they have broken God's Law, then they will grasp their need for deliverance from judgment. I am so thankful that the Lord has been instructing me in this, because I never realized the powerful tool I had in the Law before!




In addition, here is a video of Ray Comfort talking about the importance of the Law and then applying this in witnessing to the audience. I am having trouble embedding the video, so please click HERE to view.