The Sacred Thread

 

The Sacred Thread is a cinematic documentary series exploring the Lord’s Prayer through the historical, cultural, geographical, and literary world in which Jesus first spoke it. Hosted by Brad Gray and featuring insights from scholars including N.T. Wright, the series takes viewers across biblical landscapes to uncover the deeper meaning and context behind one of the most well-known prayers in Scripture.

Through cinematic storytelling and accessible scholarship, the series invites audiences to see Scripture with fresh eyes and rediscover the richness, depth, and relevance of the Biblical text. (angel.com)

The Lord's Prayer is what Jesus taught His disciples when asked to teach them how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4). The Sacred Thread takes viewers deep into the historical and cultural context of Scripture, helping audiences experience the Lord’s Prayer the way Jesus’ original audience would have heard it.

Now streaming on Angel, this is not just another Bible study. It’s a cinematic journey through the land, history, language, and deeper meaning of one of the most important prayers ever spoken.

Trailer:

Angel continues to create thoughtful, high-quality series that make Scripture feel alive, relevant, and deeply personal. "The Sacred Thread" combines cinematic storytelling, Biblical scholarship, historical context, and spiritual insight in a way that feels engaging, accessible, and emotionally meaningful. It’s thoughtful, visually compelling, and spiritually grounding without feeling academic or overwhelming. Whether for personal study or with a group, this brings a deeper understanding of The Lord's Prayer. 

Stream to Watch on Angel now! You can also use this link to join Angel Guild. 

My Review: Most Christians know The Lord's Prayer and can easily recite it. We're aware of the significance that this is the prayer Jesus used when His disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. But, has it become something you say by rote? When did you really think about the words you are saying? Are you aware of the historical and cultural aspects of when Jesus walked on Earth? The 7 episodes of "The Sacred Thread" bring a greater understanding and will deepen your relationship with our Savior. This would be very useful for a 7 week Bible Study with others, or even by yourself. Knowing the context of Scripture makes a difference if you hope to truly understand. I also loved that there are several noted Biblical scholars included in each episode. Check it out on the Angel website at angel.com/shows/sacred-thread

GIVEAWAY: $10 Amazon gift card
Please submit your full name and email address by 6/24/26 to be entered. *This is limited to US winners only.

Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Before the Wrath - review

Bible scholars continue to debate the timing of the Rapture, but why is such a mysterious event prophesied to happen in the first place? Is there a deeper understanding surrounding this occurrence that we've lost over the millennia that those living in the first-century clearly understood? Newly rediscovered ancient anthropological evidence from the time of Christ finally reveals unprecedented findings that could prove the upcoming Rapture is not only real to a skeptical world but sheds new light on how and why this event must take place. Regardless of your Tribulation Period views, "Before the Wrath" will captivate believers and non-believers alike; revealing new depths of theological understanding regarding what Jesus revealed to the ancient Galileans about the end of the world in ways you could never have imagined. 

While everyone has been debating "when" this event is to happen, we've forgotten to ask "why" it does, and the answer could be the greatest theological discovery of our time. To fully present the impact this genuine eye-opening discovery has on the world, award-winning documentary writer and director Brent Miller Jr reproduces what Jesus Christ Himself unveiled to the ancient Galileans regarding the end of the world through emotional and beautiful cinematic reenactments with over 60 actors and extras on a Hollywood set. - beforethewrath.com

My Review: This is an intriguing documentary by Ingenuity Films that combines featured experts (Jack Hibbs, Amir Tsarfati, Jan Markell, JD Farag, Scott McConnell, Jay McCarl, and Lizette Dillinger) explaining how a Galilean wedding demonstrates the Church being the Bride of Christ and the Rapture is Christ coming for His bride along with actors to play out the entire wedding from the betrothal to the wedding itself. Those familiar with the Bible will recognize parables and stories that come even more alive with this added knowledge. This all comes together with narration by actor Kevin Sorbo.
 

Fans of Timothy Mahoney's Patterns of Evidence documentaries will enjoy Before the Wrath, as will anyone interested in Biblical history, prophecy, or those curious about the Rapture. I was fascinated by the film and am happy to have it as part of my personal DVD library. Others agree! It was the #1-selling documentary DVD on Amazon for three straight months, #4-selling film in America during a time in April (behind JUMANJI, 1917, and FROZEN 2), and the #1-selling film on Christian Cinema... and nominated for multiple film awards including best documentary and cinematography. You can buy or rent Before the Wrath on their website or at your favorite retailers for DVD, Blu-Ray, or Digital, including Amazon Prime, Amazon, Walmart, and Christian Cinema. 

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Paul, Apostle of Christ

PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is the story of two men. Luke (Jim Caviezel), as a friend and physician, risks his life when he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul (James Faulkner), who is held captive in Nero’s darkest, bleakest prison cell. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians, and does not flinch from executing them in the grisliest ways possible. Before Paul’s death sentence can be enacted, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of “The Way” and the birth of what will come to be known as the church.

Bound in chains, Paul’s struggle is internal. He has survived so much—floggings, shipwreck, starvation, stoning, hunger and thirst, cold and exposure—yet as he waits for his appointment with death, he is haunted by the shadows of his past misdeeds. Alone in the dark, he wonders if he has been forgotten . . . and if he has the strength to finish well.

Two men struggle against a determined emperor and the frailties of the human spirit in order to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spread their message to the world. (Website)

Love is the only way. This film covers the life of Paul as he transforms from Saul the persecutor to Paul the persecuted after a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ. One of the major influences on the world in history, Paul continues to make an impact today. His story gives hope to those who expect no mercy or redemption and we are able to gain a more visible insight into the courageousness to follow Christ...no matter the cost.

My Review: I thought the film was very well made and brought a deep insight into conditions that early Christians faced during the days of Roman persecution. The fictionalized story of Paul and Luke's relationship with a Roman prison official is a backdrop for sharing the gospel of Jesus. Standout performances for me included Jim Caviezel as Luke (physician and author of several books of the Bible) and James Faulkner as Paul. John Lynch as Aquila and Joanne Whalley as his wife Priscilla gave me a fresh perspective to the danger of being a Christ-follower and decisions that had to be made. Olivier Martinez as the Roman, Mauritius, does a good job as a doubter who is also desperate to save his dying daughter. To be honest, the pace of the film does drag a bit at times, but the message is clear and the ending is both satisfying and inspirational. I recommend it.

I highly recommend you watch all of the videos connected with the film that are on the Paul playlist on YouTube. Writer/Director Andrew Hyatt, Rich Peluso (Executive VP of Affirm Films), and several of the actors share more about the making of the film in these videos.

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NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible

The NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible, for ages 8–12, brings the Bible to life in four-color illustrated splendor. This study Bible includes a spectacular full-color interior featuring over 700 illustrations, photos, infographics, and maps on every page that visually represent key Bible information. Each page also features important facts located near the relevant verse. Intriguing facts; colorful, engaging maps; photographs; and illustrations make this a Bible they’ll want to explore.
Features:

• Over 700 four-color photographs, illustrations, infographics, and maps throughout
• Full-color design
• Book introductions, including important facts and an image to orient the reader
• One-column format with side bar study notes for ease of reading
• Presentation page
• The complete text of the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible
• Beautiful cover featuring gloss

My Review: This hard cover version of the Bible is visually appealing and appears to be well bound and sturdy. The negative for me is the very tiny print, but, I imagine that a larger size would make the book more cumbersome to handle, especially for a younger reader. There is room for notes on some pages, but not all. I do like room to take notes in my study Bible. I did expect a few more photos due to the intended age range, but I would not recommend this one for a child under 10. The thin pages may not be sturdy enough for the younger child, either.

The pages that have less room are filled with visuals and notes that illuminate the Scripture. The facts are fascinating and provide info that the reader might not realize in reading the story, or even when learning about a particular portion of Scripture in church. Again, though, they may be more suitable for 10 and up. I do love the maps, but have always loved maps in my Bible. My overall impression is positive, though, and I would recommend this Bible for a child who is ready to go more indepth is learning, especially as part of a home or church Bible study.  

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

Patterns of Evidence ~ Exodus

Patterns of Evidence Exodus:

For more than 50 years, the vast majority of the world's most prominent archaeologists and historians have proclaimed that there is no hard evidence to support the Exodus story found in the Bible.  In fact, they say that the archaeological record is completely opposed to the Bible's account.  This view of extreme skepticism has spread from academia to the world.  The case against the Exodus appears to be so strong that even some religious leaders are labeling this ancient account as historical fiction.  Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney begins with the questions, "Is the Bible just a myth, or did the archaeologists get it wrong?"  He decides to tackle this issue wit a deliberate scientific approach.   After examining the details in the biblical text, he journeys across the globe to search for patterns of evidence firsthand.  The result is the most in-depth archaeological investigation into the Exodus from Egypt ever captured on film.   This scientific documentary's goal is to communicate the TRUTH of the Bible and help equip believers with defending their faith and the Bible.

The DVD features stunning animations and a cast including narrator, Kevin Sorbo (God's Not Dead, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys), interviews with leading archaeologists including Israel Finkelstein, Kent Weeks, and David Rohl, and guest appearances by Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres.

My Review: I always hesitate when I hear something is a documentary, but the subject material did fascinate me. Although my faith is exactly that---faith, it is interesting to see what experts have to offer in claims that either reject or validate Biblical history. Patterns of Evidence is not a great documentary, but it is better than most have I have seen. The music was a great complement to the film rather than the distraction I find in many docs or lengthy news pieces, so that is a great plus for me.

Also, I loved hearing from a variety of sources. Not all archaeologists who were interviewed agreed that the Exodus actually took place. It is always good to hear dissenting views to gain a full picture. There were also elements of story-telling used that enhanced the evidence being presented. There were moments when it dragged or the cutaways to serious (or puzzled) faces caused a bit of an eyeroll reaction in me, but not a huge issue. I will watch it again and definitely see a use for this in teaching others about Judeo-Christian history.

Thank you to Propeller/FlyBy Promotions for providing this DVD at no cost to me for review purposes. Read below to see how you could win a copy of your own.

GIVEAWAY: Propeller Consulting will send a DVD copy of Patterns of Evidence ~ Exodus to the winner of my drawing. To enter, simply comment on blog or post. Anyone who tells me their favorite person in Exodus will get an additional entry.

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Twitter:  @PattofEvidence

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PatternsofEvidence?fref=ts

Official Website:  http://patternsofevidence.com

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2assFIyLInE

Official Website to Purchase:  http://shop.patternsofevidence.com

Blog featuring interviews with director Tim Mahoney and an article by Anne Graham Lotz:  http://patternsofevidence.tumblr.com

"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.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”