Jesus Boat - Witness to Prophecy DVD

Jesus Boat - Witness To Prophecy synopsis: The astounding prophetic rebirth of Israel is told through the discovery of an ancient and unlikely artifact found under the shores of the Sea of Galilee. A first century fishing boat, identical to the boat Jesus sailed upon with his disciples, was destroyed in the years Israel was destroyed by the Romans, but found 2000 years later in a series of astonishing events that even scientists called a miracle. Mirroring Israel's own story of devastation and survival, the boat from the time of Jesus, would rise against all odds and float upon the Sea of Galilee once more as the oldest surviving freshwater boat in the world. Featuring commentary from some of the great theologians of our day including Franklin Graham, Joel Rosenberg, Jay Sekulow, Skip Heitzig, Chuck Smith and more. (back cover)

My Review: I don't remember hearing about the discovery of the boat, but the documentary did sound intriguing. The DVD is is better than I had hoped for, and one that I recommend to all believers and history buffs. Called the Jesus boat because it has been dated to the time when Jesus was on Earth, it was discovered by brothers, Moshe and Yuval Lufan, during a severe drought in the 1980s. This story alone, with the trials of carefully excavating the boat, various groups claiming ownership, and time factors that had to be considered, along with the tales of God's blessings and solutions to problems are fascinating on their own. But, I was completely absorbed in the realization of all of the prophecy fulfilled as Scripture was compared to historical events. This DVD is one that historians (particularly of Jewish history) and those with an interest in archaeology...or even fishing, will enjoy. As a Christian, this documentary made the Bible come even more vividly to life.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this DVD from Elliot Wallach to review. I was not required to write a positive review.

I also been given a copy to give to one of my readers. Leave a comment (or message me to add your name) if you want to be entered. Deadline is December 5th, 2014.

The Jesus Boat- Witness to Prophecy, produced by Edify Films and Jesus Boat Incorporated, features commentary from Franklin Graham, Joel Rosenberg, Jay Sekulow, Skip Heitzig, Chuck Smith, Ken Ortize and more. The movie is being distributed by Word Entertainment^. www.JesusBoatMovie.com.

.A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records and Fervent Records.

Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas

Have you lost the joy of celebrating Christmas? Kirk Cameron and family dive headfirst into Christmas this season. KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS is a film that provides a Biblical basis for many of the traditions of Christmas and gives a refreshing perspective for the feasts, dancing, joy, and fun that surrounds the reason for this season. We live in a culture that wants to take away all faith aspects: not just the nonbelievers, but also some Christians. Kirk Cameron explains why you should take it all and put Christ back in Christmas. Saving Christmas is in theaters for a limited engagement beginning November 14 for two weeks only!

Christmas time is almost here (unless you are a retailer. They start a bit earlier each year), and each year it really does seem like there is a war on Christmas. Some people simply love Christmas and celebrate however they want and there are others who quietly ignore it all. The combatants, however, are those who are determined that no religious symbols be attached to Christmas, along with the Christians who warn of paganism and idolatry versus the militant Christians who angrily demand that you will say "Merry CHRISTmas"...or else! So, what position does Saving Christmas take?

I thought it was a fun, informative film that did a very good presentation of their point of view, but I could not embrace the film 100%. I'll start with the negatives, mostly technical. Sometimes the sound and lighting were not up to standard. There were also camera angles that I disliked, or moments of rushed movement to the point I even felt a bit dizzy for a second or two. Most of it was near the beginning, so I just felt it got off to a rough start. The story got a little too silly for me at times, but nothing major. A little eye-rolling on my part, but not enough to ruin the film.

However, there was also genuinely humorous moments that made me smile, and even laugh. The premise was a gathering of family and friends but with one person who rejected the commercialism and the pagan symbols connected with Christmas. Kirk gives a tie-in to Christianity with each objectionable issue that brought a special meaning to each. There was a section on the swaddling clothes Jesus wore in the manger that truly touched me. Actually, the movie is worth seeing for that alone. Technically, there were also some scenes (appeared to be CGI) that were amazing and made up for my earlier tech criticisms.

It is a fun film about a family embracing their faith and celebrating the birth of Jesus. While it was a bit cheesy at times, and it leaned more toward being a documentary, I honestly did like it. My son and his girlfriend were at the house the night I was watching it, and they enjoyed it. My son even mentioned someone he wished could see it because that family refuses to acknowledge Christmas. Do I think it will change the minds of those adamantly opposed to Christmas? Probably not. But, it did rekindle the spark of celebrating Christmas within me that has been dying over the last few years. So, if you need to jump start that feeling of joy and the true reason we celebrate, go see Saving Christmas while it is in theaters.

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  GIVEAWAY!! Leave a comment on the blog post letting me know what your favorite Christmas tradition is to be entered into this contest. The prize is a Saving Christmas movie poster, signed by Kirk Cameron, the Saving Christmas soundtrack cd, and car air fresheners that smell like Christmas trees! Deadline to enter is 11pm (CST) on Nov. 22, 2014.Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.” Open to US and Canada residents only.
  
  

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

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Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas websiteFind A Theater

The Blessed Church by Robert Morris

In The Blessed Church, Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church explores how a church can be fast-growing and spiritually-enriching—and still healthy. With the powerful stories, candor, and humor he’s known for, Morris shows how every component of your church—including mission, government, teaching, worship, small groups, giving, and outreach—can receive God’s richest blessings. Written for both church leaders and laypeople, The Blessed Church explores the vision and other qualities that make church “work”—regardless of size--in the twenty-first century. (back cover description)



Read Chapter One

My Review: This is a book that I would consider more for pastors and leaders within a church, but I did find it interesting as a lay person. I also admit that I was curious because I watch Gateway online every weekend. I tend to be a bit leery of mega-churches, but the solid Biblical teaching makes me wish I lived near enough to attend. The chance to learn more about the thinking behind the growth of Gateway and their structure gives me even more confidence that Robert Morris is a man who seeks the Lord and has the desire to minister to his congregation in a way that promotes healthy growth and a desire to be merely a bench/pew warmer. 

It's not enough to just soak in the teaching each week; you need to become equipped to minister to others. This is the church Robert Morris considers blessed. I know some look at that word plus mega-church and think "prosperity gospel". Absolutely not! I think most strong leaders have a touch of arrogance about them, but Morris works within a plan that makes him (and the rest of his staff) accountable to one another. I believe there is a lot of good in the way Gateway does things. My main objection was the current buzzword "empower" that annoys me, but I actually have a deeper understanding of what is meant by it now and don't find it as irksome. He does sometimes give me a new way to think about things.

Bottom line is that I would recommend The Blessed Church more for those in positions of leadership, but I do believe that it is suitable for anyone who is seeking their own healthy growth. I give it 4.5 stars.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book at no charge from WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging For Books program in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Robert Morris is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Gateway Church, a multi-campus church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Since it began in 2000, Gateway has grown to more than 16,000 active members. Robert is featured on the weekly television program, The Blessed Life, seen in 80 million homes in the United States and in more than 200 countries around the world. He is the best-selling author of nine books, including The Blessed Life, From Dream to Destiny, and The Power of Your Words.

Robert Morris is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Gateway Church, a multi-campus church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Since it began in 2000, Gateway has grown to more than 16,000 active members. Robert is featured on the weekly television program, The Blessed Life, seen in 80 million homes in the United States and in more than 200 countries around the world. He is the best-selling author of nine books, including The Blessed Life, From Dream to Destiny, and The Power of Your Words. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=125406#sthash.flU15VAi.dpuf

Robert Morris is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Gateway Church, a multi-campus church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Since it began in 2000, Gateway has grown to more than 16,000 active members. Robert is featured on the weekly television program, The Blessed Life, seen in 80 million homes in the United States and in more than 200 countries around the world. He is the best-selling author of nine books, including The Blessed Life, From Dream to Destiny, and The Power of Your Words. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=125406#sthash.flU15VAi.dpuf

Iesodo - Joy dvd

JOY is a special re-imagining of the Nativity story. Let your heart take flight and tweet along to holiday carols and all-new songs! Festivities are in full swing as the flock prepares to celebrate Iesodo's birthday! The Cypress Tree is decked out with holly berries and excitement is in the air. Everyone gathers as Rocky shares the incredible story of Iesodo's birth.

Unto Us A Dove Is Born: "Festivities are in full swing as the flock prepares to celebrate Iesodo's birthday! The Cypress Tree is decked out with holly berries and excitement is in the air. Everyone gathers as Rocky shares the story of this amazing day, and how it changed their lives forever."

My Review: In time for Christmas season, a new cartoon, and one that celebrates the birth of Jesus. This has been my favorite of the Iesodo series (still have not seen "Believe"). It tells the story of the nativity on a level that younger children would understand, and also has hints of what life was like during the final days Jesus was on earth. It gives a good foundational base for children, but without making it seem like a sermon. Kids will love the bright colors and songs that they will soon be singing along with. I confess that "We Three Kings" was my favorite, largely because it reminded me of the Claymation Christmas version...but with wise owls. I recommend this as a great new addition for your kids to watch, so pick up a copy.

For those, like me, who don't like to start Christmas season until after Thanksgiving, this would be a fun video for the family to watch together after decorating the house and putting up your tree. What better way to start the season off right, but by reminding your kids of the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the DVD from Edify Media to enable me to write a fair and honest review.

Iesodo website

Iesodo on Facebook

FULL SERIES: Iesodo (YAY-sa-doe) is a wise white dove whose name means "The Way of Jesus". He and his feathered friends bring your favorite New Testament stories to life in a whole new way.   Iesodo and his friends live in the Holy Land, in a beautiful Cypress Tree on the shores of a vast Lake (or as we know it, the Sea of Galilee). These birds are an unlikely group of friends, and though they have their differences, they have one thing in common: since they met Iesodo, their lives have never been the same. Now they’re out to spread his message of hope to the entire bird world!

Zaya Toonz, the animation company behind Iesodo, assembled a collaboration of animation experts with experience in both the children’s and Christian markets.  Directors for the series include Brian E. Ray whose credits consist of “Muppet Babies,” “My Little Pony Tales” and “Ed, Ed, and Eddy,” as well as Colin Brady, whose credits include “Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2” and “A Bug's Life.” Brady also served as the former animation supervisor for Pixar Animation Studios. Producer Eric S. Rollman, President of Rollman Entertainment, formerly served as President of Production for Fox Kids and Marvel, and writer/producer Rob Loos is an Emmy Nominee and writer/producer for “McGee and Me,” “Christmas Lamb,” “Kids 10 Commandments” and “Touched by an Angel.” The “Iesodo” series also features the voice of Erin Bethea (“Fireproof,” “Amazing Love”) as Maggie. For more information, visit http://www.iesodo.com.

About Capitol Christian Distribution: Capitol Christian Distribution is the market leader in Christian and Gospel music distribution, and also represents a diverse range of chart topping Christian films and books, reaching the US Christian specialty and general retail marketplace and physical and digital retailers in more than 50 countries around the world.  


*Except for my review, most of this is from the Iesodo press release. 

VIP by Manic Drive

Manic Drive is a Canadian band who always delivers a great show, but  is also intent on reaching out to their generation with a clear message of having a deeper walk with Christ. As they tour the US and Canada, this group of musicians, all in their 20s, live out the faith they proclaim to their fans. With multiple Billboard Top 10 and 20 singles on CHR & Christian Rock Radio, they continue to grow creatively and in their personal development.


Connect with Manic Drive:

Manic Drive website

Manic Drive on YouTube

Follow @ManicDrive on Twitter

Manic Drive on Facebook

My Review: I have mixed views on this one. First off, there is no doubt that these guys are talented! They sing great, they have a great message, and the energy is definitely flowing. It is just more of my personal taste in music. Some of it is just a tad too much techno-pop and disco-esque (is that a word?) for me. I confess that not all Christian music brings me to a place of worship & praise to God, so that is  not my issue. But my patience was tested with too many songs in a row. (I am the same way with Gospel quartets, so I can't blame it all on my age.) I simply enjoyed it better if I would listen to one song rather than the entire album.

My favorite was "Song To Sing", and I did really enjoy Manwell (of Group 1 Crew) on "VIP". I also liked "King of Mercy" a lot. It felt more like one I would be singing to God. So, for me personally, it isn't a cd I will listen to frequently (and will probably pass along to a grandchild), but I have to respect the talent and I do know a lot of people who will love this one.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"): I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.