All Things New

 

"All Things New" is the true story of the radically changed lives of four street kids in the Philippines. What is really unique is how God transforms the kids, in spite of their mistrust and personal pain, and uses them to minister to the adults who are trying to help them.

Tough Choices (2002)

 

Decisions made in an instant can have lifelong consequences.

Amy Gardner has faced few trials in her young, sheltered life, but she is about to learn that one step in the wrong direction can affect her entire future.

Tough Choices is the story of four high school friends who, when faced with some of the life-changing decisions of youth, make very different choices, paving the way to very different futures. As this moving drama looks at the sensitive issues of abstinence, abortion, and faith, the grace of God shines the light of redemption on a new path for these young friends.

Superbook: The Last Supper (2013)

 

Chris is getting big-headed because his band has been invited to audition for an American Idol-like show, called World’s Best Band. To address this issue, SUPERBOOK whisks the kids off to Jerusalem and Chris learns from Jesus that even though Jesus is famous, he was humble and served others. During the Last Supper, the gang ultimately returns home and Chris has a major shift in his attitude towards others.

Hidden Places (2006)

 

When Eliza (Sydney Penny) loses her father-in-law she is left to raise two children, continue work on an unharvested orange crop, and maintain a heavy mortgage. She begins to lose faith until her Aunt Batty (Shirley Jones) persuades her to persevere. Suddenly a mysterious stranger called Gabe (Jason Gedrick) turns up and helps Eliza with the harvest just in time to stop the bank from taking over. The more Eliza learns about Gabe, the more she realizes she loves him.

Higher Ground (2011)

 

A chronicle of one woman’s lifelong struggle with her faith.

The movie begins with a young girl, Corinne, who watches her wholesome family break apart after her parents lose a baby at birth. Later on, at a vacation Bible school, Corinne raises her hand for the preacher and declares that she has been saved.

As the years wear on, however, she remains unchanged, eventually marrying the front man of a rock band, Ethan, when she is noticeably pregnant with his child. Corinne and Ethan, along with their baby daughter, would later get into a dramatic bus accident that would serve as their spiritual wake up call.

The couple then becomes part of a congregation, but Corinne finds herself struggling with the role that she is expected to play as a woman in the church. When her close friend is later struck by a medical tragedy that leaves her in a wheelchair, Corinne goes from struggling to having serious doubts about the faith.

The movie raises questions about strict-Christian practices and orthodoxy when Corinne goes through a falling out with both her husband and the church, though Farmiga claims that attacking Christianity wasn’t her goal.

“I did not want to make a film about the rights and wrongs of religion,” she writes in a statement. “I wanted to be reverent and respectful, and I did not want to infect the story with bias. It is about those moments in life where you lose sight of who you are, what you believe, and where you are going. Those moments of stumbling. The film is about finding your footing, finding higher ground.”

The film has been named an official selection of the 2011 Sundance, Tribeca, and Los Angeles film festivals. The film isn’t for everyone, however, and is rated “R” for language and sexual content. From Christianpost

Flicka 3: Country Pride (2012)

 

Toby (Clint Black) comes to Cherry Creek Farms to serve as Stable manager for a family in financial and emotional stress. Kelly (Kacey Rohl) is a teenage horse lover who lives on the ranch with her mother, Lindy (Lisa Hartman). Her father died in an accident, and the stables have had increasing difficulty making a profit since.

Toby brings Flicka with him, and Kelly quickly befriends the beautiful horse. Kelly’s former friend, Stephanie, boards her horse at the stables. Stephanie felt slighted by Kelly after her father died. She develops a growing dislike of Kelly and increasingly treats her like some lower class servant. When Stephanie’s dressage teammate is injured, Flicka helps Kelly win a spot on the team, much to Stephanie's chagrin. The jealousy grows even worse when Briggs McBride, the team’s male member, shows more interest in Kelly than Stephanie.

Flicka 2: Friends Forever (2010)

 

After the death of her mother, Carrie McLaughlin (Tammin Sursok) has been living with her grandmother in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When her grandmother needs to go to a nursing home, Carrie has to move in with her father Hank (Patrick Warburton), a rancher in Wyoming, whom she hasn't seen since she was a baby.

Initially reluctant to adapt to country living, Carrie soon meets Flicka, a beautiful black Mustang that previously had belonged to Carrie's cousin Katy (Alison Lohman), who asked Hank to look after Flicka when her father sold their own ranch. Flicka is wild and dangerous and, according to the ranchers, longs for Katy. However, when Carrie is attacked by a rattlesnake, Flicka saves her and the two form a bond. Carrie also meets Jake (Reilly Dolman), an attractive ranch hand hoping to become a country singer, and Amy Walker (Emily Tennant), the proud and arrogant daughter of a neighbour. Although Jake and Carrie take an immediate liking to each other, there is instant animosity between Carrie and Amy, mainly because Amy also likes Jake.

When Carrie disobeys her father's rules regarding visits to the nearest town, Hank decides to punish Carrie by temporarily relocating Flicka to the farm of one of his ranch hands, Toby (Clint Black). After a midnight visit by Carrie, Flicka tries to follow Carrie home to Hank's ranch, but accidentally ends up on the ranch belonging to Amy's father HD Walker (Ted Whittall). Upon entering the Walker ranch, Flicka damages a fence and releases some of HD's prize cows. At Amy's request, HD asks for Flicka as payment for the damage, threatening to turn it into a lawsuit if Hank refuses. Amy then starts training with Flicka for a championship, but performs poorly during the actual competition because of Flicka's fear of the crowd and camera flashes from the audience. HD and Amy decide to have Flicka slaughtered the next day, but Carrie frees the horse during the night and sets her free to join a nearby herd of Mustangs.

One year later, Carrie, Hank, and Toby are riding in the mountains when they encounter the same herd of Mustangs, including Flicka and her newborn foal.

Flicka (2006)

 

Katherine "Katy" McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) has big dreams of administering her father's Wyoming horse ranch one day, but her father, Rob (Tim McGraw), has other plans. He is currently grooming her older brother, Howard (Ryan Kwanten), to take over the ranch and sends Katy away to an exclusive private school where she constantly feels like a misfit. Being a similar, independent spirit to Katy, Rob has a hard time understanding his daughter as she continually defies his authority to follow her own path. When she comes home for the summer, Katy is met with her father's disapproval because she did not finish a writing assignment at school, but is happily greeted by her mother, Nell (Maria Bello), and Howard. As much as Katy wants to run the ranch, Howard does not, and instead longs to attend college. One day while out riding, Katy finds a wild mustang, and feels an instant connection with the horse. She sets off to tame the mare, which she names "Flicka", despite Rob's protests that he does not want a mustang near his horses.

Later on, Flicka is captured during a roundup. Rob still does not want a wild horse running amongst the saddle horses and forbids Katy from going near Flicka. Determined to prove she can run the ranch just as well as Howard, Katy defies Rob and starts training the mare at night. Flicka slowly warms to Katy and the two developed a close bond. When Rob finds out, he sells Flicka to the rodeo, leaving Katy devastated. Both Nell and Howard are furious at Rob about making the decision without including them. Seeing his sister heartbroken over losing her beloved horse, Howard finally stands up to his father and says that he does not want the ranch. The family becomes even more divided when Rob refuses to return Flicka. Howard and Nell refuse to help Rob with the ranch, which he is now considering selling since Howard does not want it. Meanwhile, isolated in her room, Katy starts writing about Flicka to try and escape her pain.

At the rodeo, Howard and Katy (disguised as a cowboy) enter the competition that Flicka is being used in, hoping to get the horse back. Not realizing who she is at first, the frightened mare runs from Katy until the girl calls her name. Rob, however, catches onto his daughter's plan and tries to intervene. Katy freezes at the sight of her father, but Howard boosts his sister onto the mare's back and lets the two escape. Riding Flicka, Katy becomes lost in the mountains, and allows Flicka, who knows the terrain, to make her way towards the ranch. Back at the rodeo, the family reconciles and begins searching for Katy as a fierce thunderstorm moves in. As they near the ranch, Katy and Flicka are attacked by a mountain lion. The mare bolts, throwing Katy to the ground and the cat goes to attack her. Flicka protects Katy, but is badly wounded. The girl binds the mare's wounds and refuses to leave her. Already cold and wet, Katy quickly develops a high fever. After hours of searching, Rob finds the two and brings a delirious Katy back to the house. As her fever spikes dangerously high, Katy calls for Flicka as Nell tends to her. Rob thinks Flicka is mortally wounded and believes she should be put down, though fellow ranchers disagree. Overhearing the argument, a dazed Katy stumbles into the room and gives her father permission to shoot the horse.

Heartbroken by her words, Rob goes outside and begins to cry as he finally understands his daughter's feelings and her pain. Later, a gunshot is heard and Katy bursts into tears, thinking Flicka is dead. The next morning, Nell finds Rob walking back to the house, supporting the injured Flicka. She runs outside to help and finds out that the gunshot was him shooting at the mountain lion. Both are stunned that the mare is still alive and decide not to put her down. Katy's fever breaks and over the next couple of days, she begins to recover. As he watches over his daughter, Rob finds the story that Katy had been writing about Flicka and begins reading it, eventually typing the story and sending it to the school so that Katy can pass for the year. When Katy wakes from the fever, she and Rob reconcile and he takes her to see Flicka, whom Katy is shocked to see is alive. Rob also apologizes to Howard and gives his son his blessing. Thrilled, Howard begins preparing for college. As a family, they decide to not sell the ranch, making it both a working ranch and a refuge for wild mustangs.

David and Bathsheba (1951)

 

After King David sees the beautiful Bathsheba bathing from the palace roof, he enters into an adulterous affair which has tragic consequences for his family and Israel. 

Conversations with God (2006)

 

Chronicles the dramatic true journey of a struggling man turned homeless, who inadvertently becomes a spiritual messenger and bestselling author. 

Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)

 

10-year-old India Opal Buloni has just moved to the small town of Naomi, Florida with her father, a preacher.

While in the Winn-Dixie supermarket. that summer, she encounters a scruffy dog that is wreaking havoc. She claims that it is hers, and names it Winn-Dixie. She discovers that Winn-Dixie becomes friends with everyone he encounters, and she makes some new friends in the process. She also rekindles the relationship with her father, and learns ten things about her mother who abandoned them seven years ago. Opal once describes the preacher as an old turtle, always sticking his head into his turtle shell and never wanting to come out into the real world, most likely because of how sad he is about her mother, whom he is still in love with.

One of the people Opal meets is Miss Franny Block (Eva Marie Saint), a kind and somewhat eccentric elder librarian, who runs the Herman W. Block Memorial Library and tells her many great stories, including one involving a bear. Opal also meets Gloria Dump (Cicely Tyson), a blind recovering alcoholic with a mistake tree in her backyard that has beer bottles hanging from it, which she describes as the ghosts of all the things she has done wrong.

One day during the summer, fed up with Winn-Dixie, the landlord of the Bulonis' trailer park, Mr. Alfred, orders the preacher to get rid of the dog. The preacher calls the pound to take Winn-Dixie away. Opal begs her father in tears not to let them take Winn-Dixie. Unable to see his daughter this upset, the preacher tells the people from the pound to return Winn-Dixie, claiming that he is not the dog he called about.

Opal gets a job at Gertrude's Pets and befriends a worker there, Otis (Dave Matthews), a shy ex-convict with a passion for music. She also meets a girl named Sweetie Pie Thomas (Elle Fanning) who is eager to get a dog like Winn-Dixie. Opal now feels happy that she has made so many friends. Opal eventually gets to keep Winn-Dixie. Later, a thunderstorm comes and Winn-Dixie, being afraid of thunderstorms, runs away. While Opal looks for him, her father wants to give up and she blames him for her mother and Winn-Dixie running away. But her father explains that he tried very hard to look for her mother. He then, admits that he believes that she is never coming back. Soon, they go back to the party and Otis starts to sing a song on his guitar. Winn Dixie is heard outside howling along to the song. Everyone lets him in and welcomes him back. His "singing" led to him being discovered. With this reunion, everyone sings as the credits roll.

Amen. (2002)

 

The film Amen. examines the links between the Vatican and Nazi Germany. The central character is Kurt Gerstein (Ulrich Tukur), a Waffen-SS officer employed in the SS Hygiene Institute, designing programs for the purification of water and the destruction of vermin. He is shocked to learn that the process he has developed to eradicate typhus, by using a hydrogen cyanide mixture called Zyklon B, is now being used for killing Jews in extermination camps. Gerstein attempts to notify Pope Pius XII (Marcel Iureş) about the gassings, but is appalled by the lack of response he gets from the Catholic hierarchy. The only person moved is Riccardo Fontana (Mathieu Kassovitz), a young Jesuit priest.

While the character of Kurt Gerstein is historical, the character of the young priest is fictional as well as the plot.

John's Miracle (2010)

 

A young man gets a summer job to do something with the time he has left. The ranch where he works is run by a grumpy older man who has nothing left in his life to enjoy.

The two develop a strong friendship and ultimately, the rancher is moved to live up to a higher name than his own.

Davey and Goliath (1960–1977)

 

Starring young Davey Hansen and his talking dog, Goliath, this complete 12-DVD set contains over 19 hours of moral adventures that have been expertly re-mastered for the show's 50th anniversary. Along with six seasonal specials for summer, Easter, New Year's, Halloween, Christmas and back to school, Davey and Goliath: The Complete Collection features 65 other classic episodes, including ten previously lost episodes.

Enjoyed around the world throughout its 1960-1975 television run, this stop-motion series was animated by Gumby creator Art Clokey and produced through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Davey and Goliath remains an inspiring alternative to other children's programming, even half a century later.

Episodes:

Volume 1
"Lost in a Cave," "Stranded on an Island," "The Wild Goat"
"The Winner," "The New Skates," "Cousin Barney"

Volume 2
"The Kite," "The Mechanical Man," "All Alone"
"The Time Machine," "One the Line," "The Polka Dot Tie"

Volume 3
"The Silver Mine," "The Sudden Storm," "Pilgrim Boy"
"Ten Pin Alley," "Bell Ringer," "Boy Lost"

Volume 4
"Officer Bob," "The Runaway," "Not for Sale"
"The Shoemaker," "The Parade," "The Dog Show"

Volume 5
"Down on the Farm," "Man of the House," "The Waterfall"
"Happy Landing," "Editor-In-Chief," "Bully up a Tree"

Volume 6
"Big Apple," "The Bridge," "The Jickets"
"The Lemonade Stand," "Hocus Pocus," "Good Neighbor"

Volume 7
"A Dillar, a Dollar," "Jeep in the Deep," "Rags and Buttons"
"Who Me?," "The Stopped Clock," "To the Rescue" (30-minute special)

Volume 8
"If at First You Don't Succeed," "Kookaburra,""Finders Keepers"
"The Caretakers," "The Hard Way," "Halloween Who-Dun-It" (30-minute special)

Volume 9
"Blind Man's Bluff," "The Greatest," "Rickety-Rackety"
"Boy in Trouble," "Help!," "Christmas Lost and Found" (30-minute special)

Volume 10
"Louder Please," "The Zillion Dollar Combo," "Upside Down and Backwards"
"Six-Seven-Six-Three," "Who's George?," "New Year Promise" (30-minute special)

Volume 11
"What's His Name," "Chicken," "Kum Ba Yah"
"Ready or Not," "Pieces of Eight," "Happy Easter" (30-minute special)

Volume 12
"The Watchdogs," "Come, Come to the Fair," "The Doghouse Dream House"
"The Good Bad Luck," "School...Who Needs It?" (30-minute special)

Years of the Beast (1981)

 

A fast-moving feature-length dramatic film portraying the events in the book of Revelation

Experience a society where money is worthless, food is scarce, your neighbor is your enemy and oppression reigns. Watch the ultimate forces of Satan and God prepare for the final battle. Feel the great and ultimate triumph of Christ's return and look up with encouragement, "for our redemption draweth nigh." Witness the years of tribulation and the great and ultimate triumph of Christ and His church.

A Warrior's Heart (2011)

 

In shock and denial over his Marine father’s death in battle, star Lacrosse player Conor Sullivan, always a maverick and a hothead, starts acting out in self-destructive ways that have his mom, Claire, at her wit’s end. But arduous training in a wilderness Lacrosse camp under the tutelage of his dad’s old combat buddy, Sgt. Major Duke Wayne, opens Conor’s eyes to the true meaning of maturity, sportsmanship and manhood…

The Sea In Between (2012)

 

This film represents a labor of love for us. Together with the intrepid Josh Garrels, his wife and toddlers in tow, we filmed and recorded a dozen live performances in less than a week and have woven them together with documentary vignettes exploring Josh’s hand-built career, the process of collaborating on Mayne Island, and the challenges and rewards of being an artist in the 21st century. We hope it gives the audience an opportunity to be a part of the process, to get to know Josh and the MJM team, and to feel included and invested in the futures of Josh and Mason Jar Music. Above all, we hope that this film will encourage casual consumers to follow and support the work and development of artists they believe in as they build careers in the face of this shifting landscape.

Great Dads Seminar (2011)

 

Great Dads Vision:
To encourage fathers to turn their hearts to their children.

Our Mission:
To equip fathers through practical training, supportive resources, and inspiration to make and live out life-long commitments to be Great Dads.

Our Challenge:
To combat pervasive Father-Absence in America -- both physical absence and emotional-psychological absence -- by continually fanning the flames of a Great Dads movement.

The complete seminar. The workbooks are not included!
 

Leap: Rise of the Beast (2011)

 

In the near future, the world leaders have given up their power to Vatican City. While most rejoice at the thought of world peace and religious tolerance, Shane Turner and his parkour Leap Crew aren’t buying into it. It’s not long before they identify the papal power as the Beast of Revelation and speak out against it.

In response, the Vatican sets out to hunt down the Leap Crew. The end has begun.

Lisa Chan: Not of This World (2013)

 

We live in a culture of instant gratification. We're encouraged to embrace anything and everything. Yet scripture says, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them."

Lisa Chan explains how we live with an eternal perspective, and Carolyn shows us what it looks like.

Download Reflection Guide

Foreclosed (2013)

 

"Foreclosed"  Sometimes a bend in the road is what's needed to get back on track.

Discussion Guide

Redemption: For Robbing the Dead (2011)

 

How do you forgive the unforgivable? A true story of conflict and compassion, Redemption follows the story of Henry Heath, a lawman on the western frontier in 1862. After the grieving sheriff buries his only child, he learns that Jean Baptiste, an impoverished French immigrant, has been robbing the graves of the recently deceased. Torn between duty, outrage, and guilt about his own past, Heath becomes Baptiste’s only defense against the bloodthirsty contempt of the community and the brutal isolation of the inhospitable Antelope Island where Baptiste has been exiled.

Through his reluctant service, Heath is forced to examine his own beliefs about mercy, justice, and redemption. Can Heath show compassion and forgiveness toward the man who seems the least deserving of Christian love?

The Diary Of Anne Frank (2009)

 

5 January
The series begins in June 1942, in wartime and Nazi occupied Amsterdam. Annelies Marie Frank, a teenage Jewish girl, is celebrating her 13th birthday - amongst her birthday presents, she is given a red diary. Days later, call up papers arrive for her 16-year-old sister Margot and her parents, Otto and Edith, decide to hasten their plan to go into hiding to ensure that the family do not get separated.

The next morning, 6 July 1942, the Franks head to Otto's pectin and spice company. They proceed up to a Secret Annex at the back of the building. Only the trustworthy office staff, such as Miep Gies, know of their existence and have agreed to help them survive. In the annex they must obey strict rules, remaining completely silent during working hours. Otto and Edith sleep in one room, with Margot and Anne next door in another. At the very top of the building is a disused attic for storing food. This soon becomes Anne's getaway, as she is able to gaze outside at a chestnut tree and the tower of the Westerkerk.

At first, Edith and Margot find the confinement hard to bear, while Otto and Anne sew material together to make black-out curtains. They are soon joined by their Jewish friends Mr and Mrs van Daan and their teenage son Peter. Their arrival liven things up, but also brings tension, especially since Peter brought his pet cat. She continues writing her diary.
 

6 January
It is now October 1942. In the secret annex, the achterhuis, the toilet is blocked and her father, Otto, is forced to try and unblock by hand. Their helpers in the offices downstairs call a plumber, and the family are terrified that he will need to come up to the annex.

Anne finds Mrs van Daan increasingly hard to bear, as she orders her around and criticises her in a way that her liberal parents never do. But overall they are getting used to their time together, and the strict routine by which they must live. Otto begins to oversee their school studies so that they won't be behind after the war. During an air raid, is Anne so scared that she runs to her father for comfort.

One day Anne invites Miep and her husband Jan to dinner and to stay overnight in her room. When they agree, Anne draws up a special menu in their honour, which Mrs van Daan cooks for them. But Miep brings bad news, which she tells only the Franks, that the van Daans' apartment has been ransacked and all their property confiscated. Also another person arrives to stay at the annex, a dentist called Mr Dussel, who will sleep in Margot's bed.
 

7 January
It is now November 1942. The routine in the rear annex is now well established - as are the squabbles. Otto is shocked to discover that the building has had to be sold. They fear that the new owner will demand access to the annex and they will be discovered. The lease won't be exchanged for months yet, so for now the threat is over.

When Miep arrives she tells them their helpful grocer has gone missing. Miep also gives Mr Dussel the latest letter and food parcel from his fiancé - this annoys Anne as she thinks he is putting them at greater risk. Her parents agree but do not want to intervene. That evening Anne helps to wash her mother's hair and for once they are close. Soon it is Hanukkah and everyone in the annex gathers for the ceremony around the dinner table.

Food shortages are getting worse and Bep Voskuijl from the office now comes up to the annex for lunch every day. Anne asks Mr Dussel to let her use their shared bedroom for the agreed time but he isn't ready to give up the desk and they row. Otto talks to Dussel and persuades him how important writing is to Anne. Mr Dussel also begins to learn Spanish for his life post-war.
 

8 January
It is June 1943 and Anne is dreaming about her fourteenth birthday party. Suddenly she wakes up and remembers she is in the annex. Her family give her whatever they can, but the only present that really excites her is a bar of chocolate.

Also, the families are wearing out their clothes and don't have the money to replace them. In fact, the van Daans have little money left and argue about whether they should sell Mrs van Daan's fur coat. Otto measures Anne and Margot against the wall and finds that Anne has grown three inches in the last year. They learn on BBC radio of the capitulation of Italy (September 1943).

Anne is growing into a young woman and is amazed by the changes happening to her body and emotions. Her periods have started and she is becoming aware of her feminine sexuality. She has even started to look differently at Peter. When Peter comes up to the attic she tells him that she sees him differently now and apologies for having teased him in the past. He invites her to accompany him down to the warehouse to collect the potatoes. However, one day on his potato run, Peter forgets to unlock the front doors, forcing the employees to break in. Later, in response to her feelings, Anne writes her parents a hurtful letter.
 

9 January
It is May 1944 and the Franks are woken up by the sound of intruders downstairs. When the noises seem to stop, Otto and Peter go downstairs to lock the front door so as not to attract the police, but they discover that the burglars are still there and flee back to the annex. The next morning Mr Kugler informs them that the burglars took a lot of valuables and that they must be more careful.

The tension and the summer heat start to get to them and they continually snap at each other. Food shortages are getting worse and the authorities have confiscated all radios. Luckily, Mr Kleiman secretly gives them a replacement. As the bombing raids get worse, Anne takes to running up and down the annex stairs to block out the sound. But they try to keep their spirits up and are thrilled when Miep finds some butter to bake a small cake for Edith's birthday.

Finally, their worst nightmare comes true when the SD and Dutch plain-clothed police raid the warehouse (4 August 1944). All of the inhabitants are then led away and their valuables stolen. In the final scene, Miep finds Anne's notebooks scattered across the floor and reaches down to pick them up.

The Story Of Paul The Apostle (2000)

 

The man who turned the world upside down.

He was originally a powerful and implacable enemy of Jesus, determined to stop the spread of Christ’s message. But then his dramatic conversion changed him and changed the course of history.

From his education in Jerusalem under the Rabbi Gamaliel to his exhortations on behalf of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean, The Story of Paul the Apostle, presented by The History Channel, explores the life and legacy of the greatest missionary of the early church. Theologians reflect on the importance of his upbringing to his success in spreading the Word, and an in-depth analysis of his writings -- some of the earliest Christian documents extant -- shed light not just on the origins of Christianity, but on the man who helped ensure its survival.

Follow in the footsteps of Paul of Tarsus -- The Man Who Turned the World Upside Down.

Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites (2003)

 

Originally intended as a four-part miniseries, Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites made its U.S. debut as a two-part PBS special on May 14 and 21, 2003. Narrated by Keith David, with character voices provided by an impressive lineup of prominent actors, the program is dedicated to the thesis that the Israelites and the Jewish faith changed human history “as much as any empire that ever existed.”

Persecuted and slaughtered for practicing monotheism at a time when the prevailing belief was in multiple gods, the Kingdom of David kept itself united and solvent by passing along the history and traditions of its elders in written form (the “religion of the book”).

Among the subjects explored are the formation of the laws of the Jews, the origins of their customs, and their strongly held and strictly enforced moral values. The playlist bellow includes individual episodes, each around 55 minutes long: By the Rivers of Babylon, The Book and the Sword, The End of Days, and The Gifts of the Jews. As often as possible, Kingdom of David was filmed on the exact locations where the historical events described herein occurred.

 

Bible Battles (2005)

 

In one of the most hostile lands on the planet, an ancient people called the Israelites forged an army and carved out an empire. Their ancient military exploits are described in one of history's most famous religious texts; the old testament of the Bible. But by reading between the religious lines, ancient military historians unlock the soldier's secrets of the bible by examining the weapons, the strategies; and the commanders, some of whom are unlikely warriors, like Abraham, Moses, and Deborah. Bible Battles is a two hour hi-definition special that explores the biblical world from a military perspective from the time of Abraham, approximately 1500 BC, until David's ascension to the throne, around 1000 BC. Using graphic battle re-creations choreographed by a Hollywood sword master, Bible Battles brings to life some of the most famous stories of the Bible, like the Exodus, the battle of Jericho, and David's fight against Goliath; as well as more obscure stories like Abraham's surprise nighttime raid against the Chaldeans, Gideon's battle against the Midianites, and Jonathan's daring attack against a Philistine outpost. Blood often flows more freely than holy water in the days of the Old Testament, and the military secrets of the Bible have yet to be revealed; until now.

At the Death House Door (2008)

 

Pickett presided over 95 executions in his 15 year career, including the very first by lethal injection. He kept his feelings about his work from his family, instead audiotaping an account of each one. Initially pro-execution, he became an anti-death penalty activist.

Pickett was most affected by the execution of Carlos DeLuna in 1989. He firmly believed in De Luna's innocence. In 2006, Chicago Tribune reporters Maurice Possley and Steve Mills published a detailed investigation suggesting that another man had committed the crime for which De Luna was executed,[3] and the film recounts the evidence brought forth in that investigation.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

 

George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his wings. He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born. In a nightmarish vision in which the Potter-controlled town is sunk in sex and sin, those George loves are either dead, ruined, or miserable. He realizes that he has touched many people in a positive way and that his life has truly been a wonderful one.

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)

 

Based on the inspirational true story of one of sport's greatest legends.Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., aka "Bobby Jones" (James Caviezel) rises from complete obscurity to become a golfing legend. Jones overcomes his own fierce temper, intense passion, and perfectionist tendencies to master the game and win the Grand Slam, the U.S., British, and Amateur Opens in golf, a feat unequaled even today. But it is Jones's style, personality, and character that separate him from the other professionals in his field. When Jones realizes that his unparalleled success may be destroying those he loves he's presented with an astounding proposition, one that shocks the world.
Anyone who's ever been passionate about golf will find something to admire in Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius, a staidly reverent biopic about one of the game's greatest champions. In the title role, Jim Caviezel suffers almost as much as he did in The Passion of the Christ, portraying Jones--who made history by winning golf's elusive Grand Slam (four top tournaments in less than four months) in 1930--as a passionately committed golfer who silently endured chronic pain (a spinal disorder prompted his early retirement at age 28), stomach ailments, emotional torment, and borderline alcoholism while maintaining amateur status in the sport he so magnificently dominated. Jeremy Northam brings levity and rakish style as Jones' friend and rival golfer Walter Hagen, and Malcolm McDowell adds colorful character as Jones' friend and biographer O.B. Keeler while Claire Forlani suffers the typical biopic plight of the hero's wife, who offers compassionate empathy while wishing Jones had more time for family. With repetitive golf scenes and a somber tone of martyrdom. Director Rowdy (Road House) Herrington is clearly enamored of his subject, and that enthusiasm shines through the gloom.

Something to Sing About (2000)

 

When Tommy, a streetwise kid with the voice of an angel and a police record, meets Memaw, a big-hearted old saint, their loving friendship paves the way toward redemption---and some growing pains. Will his special friend---Memaw's granddaughter, Lilly---help him resist the lure of the streets? An uplifting, music-fueled drama about love's transforming power!

The History of The Devil (2007)

 

The idea of Gods evil enemy has been around for thousands of years & it's still as powerful as ever. Where did Satan's story begin, where did he come from & how did he become the Prince of Darkness? This documentary seeks to answer these questions.

Martin Luther King: I Have A Dream Speech (1963)

 

Since his assassination in 1968, Martin Luther King has become known and celebrated throughout the world as a champion of freedom. But there's another side to this man that's in danger of being forgotten - King the raging prophet of God's judgement on the West, the Baptist pastor who said that his mission was 'to redeem the soul of America'. Forty years after his death, politician and campaigner Oona King goes on a journey through the Deep South in search of this aspect of his leadership.
 

Fury to Freedom (1985)

 

The true story of Raul Ries finds a young man full of hate and fight, lies and deception, and anger beyond control. This story focuses on Raul's high school days, martial arts experiences, and early years of his marriage. With everything falling apart, and life about to come to an end, this street fighter became a street preacher. As Raul      says, "I met a man...and his name is Jesus". He went from fury...to freedom!

The Fourth Wise Man (1985)

 

He gave the greatest gift of all.
Based on Henry van Dyke’s classic, The Story of the Other Wise Man, this fictional story set in Biblical times is told in gently comic terms.

A Magi named Artaban (Martin Sheen) sees a sign in the heavens that he hopes will lead him and his faithful servant to the Messiah. Artaban takes with him three precious gifts to present to the Messiah. For 33 years Artaban pursues Jesus, only to miss Him at every turn. Along the way, Artaban uses his gifts to help people in dire need. He now has nothing to present to the Messiah when he finds Him. The story culminates on Easter Sunday as Artaban, old and dying, finally encounters the new King, bringing peace to his life.

A deeply moving experience examining what true faith really means.

Starring Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin.

At Play in the Fields of the Lord (1991)

 

A pair of Americans, Lewis Moon and Wolf, become stranded in Mãe de Deus (Portuguese: Mother of God), an outpost in the deep Brazilian Amazon River basin, after their plane runs out of fuel.

The local police commander wants the Niaruna tribe, living upriver, to move their village so they won't be killed by gold miners moving into the area and cause trouble for him with the provincial government. The commander cuts a deal with Moon: if he and his fellow mercenary would bomb the Niaruna village from the air and drive them away, they will be given enough gasoline for their airplane to be allowed to leave.

Born-again Christian evangelist (and missionary) Martin Quarrier and his wife Hazel arrive with their son Billy, here to spread the Christian gospel to the primitive Niaruna indigenous natives. They arrive in Mãe de Deus to meet fellow missionaries Leslie and Andy Huben, who live with a civilized Niaruna helper. In town, they meet a Catholic priest who wants to re-establish a mission to the Niarunas, as the former missionary was killed by them.

Moon and Wolf leave in their plane to attack the Niaruna. But upon seeing the community with his own eyes as well as an Indian firing an arrow at the plane, Moon has second thoughts. The plane returns to Mãe de Deus.

That night, after a discussion with Wolf, Quarrier and the priest, Moon takes an Indian drug and becomes hallucinatory. He takes off alone in his plane and parachutes into the Niaruna village. Moon, a half-Native American Cheyenne, aligns himself with the Niarunas. He is accepted as "Kisu-Mu", one of the Niaruna gods, and begins to adapt to Niaruna life and culture.

The four evangelicals travel upriver to establish their mission. Indians originally converted by the Catholics turn up, awaiting the arrival of the Niaruna. Eventually they do come and accept the gifts that the Quarriers offer, not staying long.

Young Billy dies of blackwater fever (a serious complication of malaria), causing Hazel to lose her sanity. She is returned to Mãe de Deus. Martin becomes despondent, arguing with Leslie and gradually losing his faith.

Moon encounters Andy swimming nude. After they kiss, Moon catches her cold. He returns to the Niaruna camp and inadvertently infects everyone there. Much of the tribe becomes sick. Moon and the tribe's leaders go to the missionary Leslie to beg for drugs.

Leslie refuses, but Martin agrees to provide the drugs. He travels to the Niaruna village with the missionaries' young helper. In the village, after Martin speaks with Moon, helicopters arrive to begin bombing. Martin survives the bombing, but is killed by his civilized helper soon thereafter. Moon is exposed not as a god but as a man. He runs, ending up alone.

7 Signs of the Apocalypse (2009)

 

Are there real, verifiable connections between the prophecies of the past and what is happening in the world right now? Are the signs of the apocalypse happening before our eyes? For example, the first sign is ''Plagues and Pandemics.'' From drug-resistant staph in American hospitals to outbreaks of Ebola in the Third World -- are new and deadly plagues the beginning of the end?

From the writings of medieval seers, to the words of today's most respected scientists, this documentary examines these questions, presenting varying viewpoints from skeptics and ''true believers.'' It looks back at ancient prophecies across every culture including the Mayan Calendar, the Chinese I Ching and the Bible, breaking apart the origin of these signs and looking for connections in our modern world.

Beyond the Gates: Shooting Dogs (2005)

 

Shooting Dogs, released in the United States as Beyond the Gates, is a 2005 film, directed by Michael Caton-Jones and starring John Hurt, Hugh Dancy and Clare-Hope Ashitey. It is based on the experiences of BBC news producer David Belton, who worked in Rwanda during the Rwandan Genocide. Belton is the film's co-writer and one of its producers.

The setting of the film is the École Technique Officielle (ETO) in Kigali, Rwanda, in 1994, during the Rwandan Genocide. Hurt plays a Catholic priest (loosely based on Vjekoslav Ćurić[1]) and Dancy an English teacher, both Europeans, who are caught up in the events of the genocide.

Unlike Hotel Rwanda, which was filmed in South Africa using South African actors, the film was shot in the original location of the scenes it portrays. Also, many survivors of the massacre were employed as part of the production crew and minor acting roles.

The film's title refers to the actions of UN soldiers in shooting at the stray dogs that scavenged the bodies of dead. Since the UN soldiers were not allowed to shoot at the Hutu extremists that had caused the deaths in the first place, the shooting of dogs is symbolic of the madness of the situation that the film attempts to capture.

The Christmas Hope (2009)

 

After the recent loss of her son Sean—a minor character in The Christmas Blessing—Patty Addison (Madeleine Stowe) devotes herself to finding homes for needy children. The loss of Sean has strained Patty's relationship with her husband Mark, an airline pilot. But they reconnect emotionally when they take in Emily, a 9-year-old orphaned in a car accident similar to the one that killed Sean.

At the same time Dr. Nathan Andrews—the one character that connects the entire film trilogy—is trying to find the parents of a boy who died in the ER, and Mark is trying to help one of his son's friends. By the end of the film, all three stories are intertwined as they all look for Emily, who has run away.

Shadowlands (1993)

 

In the 1950s, the reserved, middle aged bachelor C. S. Lewis is an Oxford University academic at Magdalen College and author of The Chronicles of Narnia series of children's books. He meets the married American poet Joy Gresham and her young son Douglas on their visit to England, not yet knowing the circumstances of Gresham's troubled marriage.

What begins as a formal meeting of two very different minds slowly develops into an intense feeling of connection and love. Lewis finds his quiet life with his brother Warnie disrupted by the outspoken, feisty Gresham, whose uninhibited behavior offers a sharp contrast to the rigid sensibilities of the male-dominated university. Each provides the other with new ways of viewing the world.

Initially their marriage is one of convenience, a platonic union designed to allow Gresham to remain in England. But when she is diagnosed with cancer, deeper feelings surface, and Lewis' faith is tested as his wife tries to prepare him for her imminent death.

Home Beyond The Sun (2004)

 

Home Beyond the Sun is the story of persecution, faith, and freedom escaping a world of fear. A bible college student, Jenna goes to teach in an area of China where her faith is forbidden. She discovers an orphanage and befriends a Chinese orphan, Chu Lee. Jenna helps with the adoption to a family in the United States. However, the Chinese police are strictly preventing this when they find out that they are Christians.

Be Still and Know That I Am God (2006)

 

Be Still is an extraordinary film that demonstrates contemplative reflection as a vital part of our everyday lives and as a remedy for the ills of the frenzied, fast-paced modern world. Featuring interviews with some of today's most highly respected authors, educators, and ministers, Be Still examines the importance of silent, reflective prayer as a way to truly be open to receiving God's guidance. This remarkable film also features a useful "how to" section that shows how contemplative prayer can be used by anyone at anytime to better one's life and reaffirm that which is truly important. 

2012 Doomsday (2008)

 

The end is nigh in this apocalyptic disaster film that mixes Christian values, Mayan mythology, and scientific theories about polar shifts. When four strangers journey into Mexico in 2012, they are drawn into ancient mysteries that foretell the coming of the End Times. 

The Devil's Arithmetic (1999)

 

Hannah Stern is a young Jewish girl living in the present day (time of publication: 1980s). She is bored by her relative's stories about the past and not looking forward to the Passover Seder and is tired of her religion. While at it, she says she is tired of remembering. When Hannah symbolically opens the door for the prophet Elijah, she is transported back in time to 1942 in Poland of World War II. At that time and place, the people believe she is Chaya Abramowicz, who is recovering from cholera, the fever that killed Chaya's parents a few months ago. The strange remarks Hannah/Chaya makes about the future and her inability to recognize her "aunt" Gitl and "uncle" Shmuel are blamed on the fever.

At her "uncle's" wedding, the Nazis come to transport the entire population of the village to a concentration camp near Donavin, and only Hannah knows all the terrors that they will face: starvation, mistreatment, forced labors, and finally execution. She struggles to survive at the camp, with the help of a girl named Rivka. Rivka gives Hannah a metal bowl to eat out of, drink, and bathe. At the concentration camp, Aunt Gitl, Hannah, Uncle Shmuel, and some other men try to escape. The men are caught and are shot in front of the inmates, except for Gitl and Hannah who return to their barracks and Yitzchak who escapes. Fayge, Shmuel's girlfriend, is also killed because she runs to Shmuel when he is about to be shot.

Later, when Hannah and the girls from Viosk are talking, while waiting for water, they are caught by a new Nazi soldier, who sends Esther, Shifre, and Rivka to the gas ovens. As Rivka is about to leave, Hannah takes Rivka's place and tells her to run, since the guard doesn't know their faces. Then, after she walks into "Lilith's Cave" to be gassed, she is transported back to her family's Seder. She notices Aunt Eva's number was the same as Rivka's, and while recounting her experience to her aunt, the aunt reveals that when she was in the concentration camps, she was called Rivka (and her brother was called Wolfe, which was Grandpa Will) and was saved by a girl named Chaya Abramowicz while in a concentration camp. Showing that she has gotten rid of her previous additude about the holocaust, she says to her Aunt Eva, "I remember."

The Mission (1986)

 

The film is set in the 1750s and involves Spanish Jesuit priest Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) who enters the South American jungle to build a mission and convert a Guaraní community to Christianity. The Guaraní community above the perilous Iguazu Falls has tied a priest to a cross and sent him over the falls to his death. Father Gabriel travels to the falls, climbs to the top, and plays his oboe. The Guaraní warriors, captivated by the music, allow him to live.

Mercenary and slaver Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro) makes his living kidnapping natives and selling them to nearby plantations, including the plantation of the Spanish Governor Cabeza (Chuck Low). Mendoza subsequently finds his fiancee (Cherie Lunghi) and his younger half-brother Felipe (Aidan Quinn) in bed together. He kills Felipe in a duel. Although he is acquitted of the killing by Cabeza, Mendoza spirals into depression. Father Gabriel visits and challenges Mendoza to undertake a suitable penance. Mendoza accompanies the Jesuits on their return journey, dragging a heavy bundle containing his armour and sword.

Father Gabriel's mission is depicted as a place of sanctuary and education for the Guaraní. Moved by the Guaraní's acceptance, Mendoza wishes to help at the mission and Father Gabriel gives him a Bible. In time, Mendoza takes vows and becomes a Jesuit under Father Gabriel and his colleague Father Fielding (Liam Neeson).

The Jesuit missions were safe, because they were protected under Spanish law. The Treaty of Madrid (1750) reapportions the land in South America. The land on which the Jesuit missions were located was transferred to the Portuguese, and Portuguese law allowed slavery. The Portuguese colonials seek to enslave the natives, and as the independent Jesuit missions might impede this, Papal emissary Cardinal Altamirano (Ray McAnally), a former Jesuit priest himself, is sent from the Vatican to survey the missions and decide which, if any, should be allowed to remain.

Under pressure from both Cabeza and Portuguese Governor, Don Hontar (Ronald Pickup), Cardinal Altamirano is forced to choose between two evils. If he rules in favour of the colonists, the indigenous peoples will become enslaved; if he rules in favour of the missions, the entire Jesuit Order may be condemned by the Portuguese and the European Catholic Church could fracture. Altamirano visits the missions and is amazed at their industry and success, both in converting the Indians and, in some cases, economically. At Father Gabriel's mission of San Carlos he tries to explain the reasons behind closing the mission and instructs the Guaraní that they must leave. The Guaraní question his authority, and Father Gabriel and Mendoza, under threat of excommunication, state their intention to defend the mission should the plantation owners and colonists attack. They are, however, divided on how to do this, and they debate how to respond to the impending military attack. Father Gabriel believes that violence is a direct crime against God. Mendoza, however, decides to break his vows in order to militarily defend the Mission. Against Father Gabriel's wishes, he teaches the natives the art of war and once more takes up his sword.

When a joint Portuguese and Spanish[discuss] force attack, the mission is initially defended by Mendoza, Fielding and the Guaraní. They are no match for the military force and Mendoza is shot and fatally wounded. Fielding sacrifices himself by killing the Portuguese commander before he himself is killed. When soldiers enter the mission village, they are slowed by the singing of Father Gabriel and the Guaraní women and children who march in the procession. The soldiers are reluctant to fire at a Mass. In spite of this, the Spanish[discuss] commander orders the attack and Father Gabriel, the rest of the priests and most of the Guaraní, including women and children, are gunned down. Only a handful escape into the jungle.

In a final exchange between Cardinal Altamirano and Don Hontar, Hontar laments that what happened was unfortunate but inevitable because "we must work in the world; the world is thus." Altamirano replies, "No, thus have we made the world. Thus have I made it." Days later, a canoe of young children return to the scene of the Mission massacre and salvage a few belongings. They set off up the river, going deeper into the jungle, with the thought that the events will remain in their memories. A final title declares that Jesuits and others continue to fight for the rights of indigenous people. The text of John 1:5 is displayed: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Foster (2011)

 

Some years after their son is killed, a married couple (Collette and Gruffudd) decide to adopt a child. One day a 7-year-old boy, Eli (Cole), unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep claiming to be from the adoption agency. Eli wears a suit everyday and is very well spoken for a child. He helps the adults rescue their failing toy business. The parents, who couldn't conceive a second child after their first child had died, eventually get pregnant. They then find out that Eli never was real, but instead an angel.

Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (2004)

 

Jamie Foxx gives a ?career defining? performance (DAILY VARIETY) as Stan ?Tookie? Williams, founder of the notorious Crips street gang in this riveting true story. Awaiting execution on death row, Tookie is now determined to stop the violence he helped create. When he begins a crusade to steer children away from gangs by writing a series of powerful anti-gang books, he earns worldwide critical acclaim, as well as four Nobel Peace Prize nominations. 

Sisters of War (2010)

 

In January 1942, the Japanese war machine thundered across South East Asia. In its path lay a tiny Catholic mission station Vunapope, on the island of New Britain. Here a handful of Australian nurses, led by Matron Kay Parker took refuge along with a number of wounded Australian soldiers. Abandoned by their commanding officers, they were left to face the Japanese alone. When the Japanese arrived at Vunapope, the nurses and their patients were saved from massacre by the mission’s leader, Polish-born Bishop Leo Scharmach. This astonishing man bluffed the Japanese into believing that he was a personal friend of Hitler and that the mission was Hitler’s property.

In the dark days that followed, Sister Berenice and Lorna found themselves facing starvation, beatings and torture. Their beliefs were constantly tested, as was their friendship. Sister Berenice idolised Bishop Scharmach: Lorna was convinced he was a collaborator. The tiny mission became a setting for betrayal, heroism and death. And all the normal rules of war were broken. After six months, Lorna and Sister Berenice were separated. The Australian nurses were sent to Yokohama as part of a prisoner exchange. But the exchange program collapsed and the nurses found themselves trapped in war-time Japan, freezing and ravaged by disease. At the same time Sister Berenice, Bishop Scharmach and the nuns were taken to a dark, uninhabited jungle valley where they would be safe from air raids.[

The Confession (2013)

 

Based on the novel by New York Times best-selling author Beverly Lewis, “The Confession” is the continuing story of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman who goes on a journey in search of her identity – only to find herself embroiled in a mystery that must be solved before she can be reunited with the “Englisher” mother who gave her up to adoption 20 years earlier.

The Book of Esther (2013)

 

The Book of Esther – Good battles evil in this timeless story of Biblical heroism.

When Ester becomes King Xerxes’ queen, her Cousin Mordecai and that despicable Haman engage in a dangerous game of intrigue for control of the young Persian King Xerxes.

It’s not secret that Haman plans to exterminate the Jews, but Haman’s plan include something horrible for Mordecai and his people.  It is up to Mordecai’s cousin Esther to win the affection of the King, unmask Haman’s treachery and save the Jewish people.

Can Esther convince her husband to spare her people – even though she may be putting her own life at risk?

Based upon the book of Esther, this delightful retelling emphasizes the value of courage, faith and obedience.

Midnight Clear (2007)

 

For many people, the holidays are the loneliest time of year.

'Twas the night before Christmas in the Southwest, and for five strangers spread out across town, it's the most depressing time of the year. As the night progresses, they randomly cross paths, and in unique and subtle ways, change each other's lives forever.

Based on a story from best-selling author Jerry B. Jenkins (Left Behind series, Though None Go With Me), this is a parable for today about how random acts of kindness can, unbeknownst to us all, have a life-altering impact on others.

A film that will have an impact on the way you do Christmas this year.

Featuring incredible performances by veteran actors such as Stephen Baldwin (THE USUAL SUSPECTS), K Callan ("Lois & Clark"), and Kirk B.R. Woller (FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS), as well as newcomers Mary Thornton and Mitchell Jarvis, MIDNIGHT CLEAR is a quiet tapestry of lonely people trying to connect in the midst of pain. The film also features terrific and surprising guest work from Victoria Jackson ("SNL") and Richard Riehle ("OFFICE SPACE").