Courageous!

After watching "Fireproof" a few years ago, I had no desire to watch "Courageous" as I felt there were many problems with how the gospel message was handled in that movie and since "Courageous" was made by the same group, I had determined that it would probably just bring me sorrow.  In fact, my normal disposition to these types of movies, is one of scepticism and concern--always assuming that they will "not get it right".  That they will "water-down" the gospel.  That they will present a "man-centered" type of Christianity that dishonors Christ and the gospel.  The truth is that I rarely even want to watch a movie that is produced and advertised as a "Christian production" for mass humanity.

I was wrong!  This movie is by no means perfect.  However, the true Gospel is proclaimed.  There is a scene where a young officer thinks that Christianity is a religion based on a list of rules and regulations and that the way one is reconciled to God is by trying their best to be good.  He is clearly corrected by his partner who informs him that God is a just God and that no one will be justified accept through Christ.

Anyone watching this movie will have heard the TRUTH!

After we watched the movie last night, I had a suspicion that others in the "reformed camp" would have held the same negative opinions that I had previously held.  You know what our problem is?  We are snobs!  We are self-righteous, pompous elitists, who think that unless a person agrees with us, they have no real value and God cannot use their efforts for His glory!

This morning I explored whether or not I was correct in my assumption about the "reformed camps" opinion of this movie.  I was saddened to discover that some in that camp ( not all) had bashed this film.  I read the review at the White Horse-In and was disgusted by it.  The author of the review was specifically critical of the "Resolution" portion from the film.  Without the reviewer probably even thinking about this, his same criticism could be equally applied to the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards.  Does he realize that?  I think not.  Why?  Because once we become self-righteous, pompous, elitist we also become blinded to our own arrogance. 

I support this film and I would challenge any "reformed man" who has subconsciously boycotted this film and decided that it is unworthy of their time, to WATCH it!  After watching it, I would also challenge them to ask their wife's and children to WATCH it with them and to honestly tell them just how they are doing at being the spiritual leader's in their family (which was an aspect of this film that was strongly emphasized).

How can any true born-again believer, who has a heart for the lost and a desire to hear the gospel proclaimed to the lost, have any issues with this movie?  There is nothing heretical being conveyed in this film.  This group of Christians, has done what none of us in the "reformed camp" have managed to do or have even thought of doing.  They gave sacrificed their time, their talent, and their money to produce a film that has brought the gospel message (yes, the TRUE GOSPEL message) into the home of millions of Americans while also encouraging men to turn to the Word of God and to be the Spiritual Leader's of their family.

In addition to that, this effort was bathed in faithful and consistent prayer.  When I watched the "making of the film" portion on the DVD, I was strongly convicted.  The Christians that were involved in the making of this film, were in constant prayer: before, during and after.  How's your prayer life?

I strong word to men.  Based on observation and the conversations that I have had with your wife's, most of you are failing at being godly husbands, fathers, and spiritual leaders in your homes.

WATCH THE FILM!