S a l v a t i o n T h e a t r e

The story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is appropriate at any time of year to watch, not just Easter. The Passion of Christ has been out for a number of years now and never looses its impact. The film by Mel Gibson was received with a variety of contradicting reviews, all due to whatever religious or non-religious stance one takes. It’s R-rated because of the graphic scenes of Jesus’ brutal flogging, beating, and crucifixion done at the hands of the Romans, but instigated by the Jewish leaders. I believe it’s one of the most vivid movies that depict Christ’s final hours. It’s a must see for anyone, Christian and non-Christian.

Based on a true story, All Saints is a movie about a salesman who felt called to the ministry as a pastor. However, he was placed in a church that had been losing members and he was told to basically close it up. The situation changed however when a needy, but Christian group of immigrants from Southeast Asia showed up. In order to save the churches demise, the pastor sensed the Lord tell him to turn the land into a large garden to plant vegetables, whom the immigrants had great knowledge of. Against all odds, the narrative changes. It’s a sincere story. Not a lot mentioned about Jesus, the message of salvation or affirming that Jesus is the only way, truth and life. This stands out when they show some come to the congregation who are Buddhists and no concrete stand is taken about their belief, but only all too happy to have them help save the church. In the days that we’re living in, the unequivocal truth of the gospel of Jesus being the only way has to be preached.

One of the fascinating Bible stories is that of one of the Judges of Israel whose name was Samson. God chose him from birth and set him apart as a Nazarite, for His purpose to lead His people. This movie entitled, Samson, is a depiction of this man. I’d encourage you to read the full story of him first though in Judges 13-16 before watching the movie, to keep the Directors creative calls in perspective. Generally, it follows Biblical text well, but like other movies done about Samson, they insisted in choosing an actor who is a massive body builder, instead of a common man. From what I read in the Bible, it was God’s supernatural strength that was manifested in Samson, not his own physic and strength. The most impressive scene I think that was in the movie was when he killed 1000 Philistines with the fresh jawbone of a donkey. The end of Samson’s life is really sad, as it revealed the weakness in his heart for ungodly women, and divulging the secret of his most precious gift  in his strength that God gave him to rule His people with. He died in humiliation…yet…God still chose to mention him in the Book of Hebrews chapter 11 as one of the heroes of faith. It’s a great watch…but make sure you read the Bible first so you know the true story. 

King David is said to have been a man after God's heart. He says in Psalm 14:1, "The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” " Yet throughout the centuries, man has still tried to discredit, deny and disprove that there is a God in heaven, the Creator of all things. The Case for Christ is a true life story, like so many professing atheists of their endeavors to disprove Christianity. This is the story of a well known Christian pastor and author of his quest to disprove the God of the universe. It will challenge all of your unbelief!

Pastor, Nazi resistor and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's documentary is the heroic story of a man who joined the assassination plot against Adolf Hitler. Many would wonder if there were any German's who did not succumb to the regime and this part of history shows that there were many...and many lost their lives. A fantanstic documentary! Bonhoeffer. 

Risen is the epic Biblical story of the resurrection. Seen through the eyes of a Roman military tribune who is present at Jesus' crucifixion, he is tasked with the impossible job of finding Jesus' missing body. He does find Jesus though, but he's not dead. He's alive and this tribune's encounter will eternally change his life. A super powerful and uplifting movie.