Every get tired of preachers stopping at this point?
Eph. 5:22-24. (KJV) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Why is that they never go on to say what the husbands are to do? Hmmmm. In the next few weeks we'll be covering those verses as well. But first, let's take a look at what these verses say.
Wives, submit (hupotasso - military term, to rank under, be under obedience)yourselves unto your own husbands (Now, that phrase makes one wonder. Were wives not doing that and obeying only other women's husbands?), as unto the Lord. (Don't we all do that since we've accepted him into our hearts as Lord of our life.)
For the husband is the head (Kephale - authority)of the wife, even as Christ is the head (Kephale - authority)of the church: and he is the savior of the body (soma - 'the body as a whole, the instrument of life'.)
Therefore as the church is subject (hupotasso - military term, to rank under, be under obedience)unto Christ, so let the wives bet to their own husbands in every thing.(Pas - daily, whole, manner of.)
Sounds depressing doesn't it? These verses conflict with everything we're taught in our society about the role of women. Taken out of context, it makes it sound like our husbands are to unquestioned kings and rule over us.
NOT SO!
Next week, we're going to cover how husbands are supposed to treat their wives, and you know what? They're given more instructions then women are!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Why Not Question - 'Facing the Giants' Failure?
Before the marriage series begins, I want to share something that is timely, considering the millions who are seeking employment in the current depressed economy.
In March 2009 I was laid off from my job. I was the best worker they'd had in the position, but when things became difficult financially, I was among the one third in the company who lost their job. For me, it was a blessing in disguise. I hadn't been happy there for several months. Plus, I'd originally taken it as a matter or survival - not a career move. A not uncommon place I'd found myself over the years.
However, in the days that followed I felt discarded. Like all their praise and excellent reviews I'd gotten meant nothing. The almighty dollar had won out.
So, almost every night I watched 'Facing the Giants'. I know. I've discussed this film before. However, it helped me through a difficult time in my life knowing that no matter what, no matter how bleak it got, God was still in control. I would love Him despite the economic loss I'd suffered.
As it turned out, my belief it was a blessing in disguise was true. I was exhausted. I'd been doing the work of three people and was burnt out. Granted, I felt a bit lost at first since I wasn't used to having time at home, but I filled it with job hunting in the morning, writing, reading or burying myself in hobbies during the afternoon. I even went on to make a life for myself by joining a local writer's group and other activities.
It was also good for my marriage. I no longer resented spending time with my spouse as I did when I had limited time due to my job. I could drop everything, enjoy being together, and not have my mind dwelling on the dozen things that needed to be done at home.
I also started my writing career and now have several stories published along with my first book.
Now, I have another 'giant' in my life to vanquish. I recently went back to work full-time. It's not a great job. The pay is low, there's no where to advance and what my employer is calling 'opportunity' is just cross training. It's another survival job. Nothing more. Nothing less.
And I'm really tired of survival jobs. I'd been forced into this position far too often. I normally either work in retail, an industry that doesn't treat the employees well and customers abuse them. Or file/mail rooms. What happens is the employer promises there's room for advancement, but once they hire me the tale is - 'Oh, didn't we tell you, we need someone to stay in that position for awhile.'
Bye bye any hopes of a bettering myself anywhere in the company.
Unfortunately, employers look at my resume and all they see is a file/mail clerk or someone who belongs in retail. They have blinders on when looking at my education - I have a BA. I've tutored children in Reading and Math. I'm an excellent trainer and I have outstanding written and verbal communications skills. (sigh)
What am I doing once more? Reading the novelization of 'Facing the Giants' by Eric Wilson. Once I finish it, I will again watch the movie.
It will help me face the giant of 'Failure' who is staring into my eyes.
In my opinion - that is all my working career has ever been.
Will God make something good of it? I certainly hope so. Although, right now, I don't see how. What possible good can come from continual grunt jobs? Other than financial. If that is all they've been, then I've certainly wasted my time. I'll just have to wait and see.
In March 2009 I was laid off from my job. I was the best worker they'd had in the position, but when things became difficult financially, I was among the one third in the company who lost their job. For me, it was a blessing in disguise. I hadn't been happy there for several months. Plus, I'd originally taken it as a matter or survival - not a career move. A not uncommon place I'd found myself over the years.
However, in the days that followed I felt discarded. Like all their praise and excellent reviews I'd gotten meant nothing. The almighty dollar had won out.
So, almost every night I watched 'Facing the Giants'. I know. I've discussed this film before. However, it helped me through a difficult time in my life knowing that no matter what, no matter how bleak it got, God was still in control. I would love Him despite the economic loss I'd suffered.
As it turned out, my belief it was a blessing in disguise was true. I was exhausted. I'd been doing the work of three people and was burnt out. Granted, I felt a bit lost at first since I wasn't used to having time at home, but I filled it with job hunting in the morning, writing, reading or burying myself in hobbies during the afternoon. I even went on to make a life for myself by joining a local writer's group and other activities.
It was also good for my marriage. I no longer resented spending time with my spouse as I did when I had limited time due to my job. I could drop everything, enjoy being together, and not have my mind dwelling on the dozen things that needed to be done at home.
I also started my writing career and now have several stories published along with my first book.
Now, I have another 'giant' in my life to vanquish. I recently went back to work full-time. It's not a great job. The pay is low, there's no where to advance and what my employer is calling 'opportunity' is just cross training. It's another survival job. Nothing more. Nothing less.
And I'm really tired of survival jobs. I'd been forced into this position far too often. I normally either work in retail, an industry that doesn't treat the employees well and customers abuse them. Or file/mail rooms. What happens is the employer promises there's room for advancement, but once they hire me the tale is - 'Oh, didn't we tell you, we need someone to stay in that position for awhile.'
Bye bye any hopes of a bettering myself anywhere in the company.
Unfortunately, employers look at my resume and all they see is a file/mail clerk or someone who belongs in retail. They have blinders on when looking at my education - I have a BA. I've tutored children in Reading and Math. I'm an excellent trainer and I have outstanding written and verbal communications skills. (sigh)
What am I doing once more? Reading the novelization of 'Facing the Giants' by Eric Wilson. Once I finish it, I will again watch the movie.
It will help me face the giant of 'Failure' who is staring into my eyes.
In my opinion - that is all my working career has ever been.
Will God make something good of it? I certainly hope so. Although, right now, I don't see how. What possible good can come from continual grunt jobs? Other than financial. If that is all they've been, then I've certainly wasted my time. I'll just have to wait and see.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Why Not Question - 'Fireproof'
This bring us to the last Christian film in this series and a lead in to our next topic - marriage.
Yep, that's right, the movie is 'Fireproof'.
Now, when this came out, the secular world screamed 'why did they need a movie to teach us how to be married?' Answer, put so beautifully by one of the secondary characters, 'You have to lead your heart.', something the secular world does not seem to understand.
Staying in love is a conscious choice. Everyday you have to remind yourself why you love the other person and not just look at their shortcomings and think, 'there has to be someone better out there.'
God made marriage for life.
You never leave your partner behind.
Take the love dare.
Yep, that's right, the movie is 'Fireproof'.
Now, when this came out, the secular world screamed 'why did they need a movie to teach us how to be married?' Answer, put so beautifully by one of the secondary characters, 'You have to lead your heart.', something the secular world does not seem to understand.
Staying in love is a conscious choice. Everyday you have to remind yourself why you love the other person and not just look at their shortcomings and think, 'there has to be someone better out there.'
God made marriage for life.
You never leave your partner behind.
Take the love dare.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Why Not Question : 'The Passion of the Christ'
'The Passion of the Christ' was a controversial film when it was released. The common complaint was that it was violent and bloody. The real problem is that the Western World had sanitized Jesus' death on the cross and events leading up to it. The honest truth is that Mel Gibson, the director, didn't push it as far as the actual reality.
If he had, it would have been completely unwatchable.
It is a powerful film recommended for everyone. It shows the price paid for salvation and how grateful everyone should be because of Jesus' sacrifice. Definitely the perfect movie to watch just before Easter.
If he had, it would have been completely unwatchable.
It is a powerful film recommended for everyone. It shows the price paid for salvation and how grateful everyone should be because of Jesus' sacrifice. Definitely the perfect movie to watch just before Easter.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Why Not Question : More recommended Christian films
For a number of reasons the series on Christian films will be carried through out April and the new series on Marriage will begin in May.
So, this week, is a mixture of recommended films.
'Deceived.'Cloud Ten Pictures. Sort of Science Fiction combined with the seven deadly sins. A signal from outer space, the military trying to keep it quiet, and the scientists wanting to share it. Yet, what is the real truth?
'The Gospel'. Sony Pictures. A wonderful musical and heart warming plot line with the prodigal son returning home. Lots of worship dance, singing, and an excellent cast.
'Joshua'. Epiphany Films. How would you react if you saw a man walking down the street easily carrying a log? Who is he and where did he come from? Would you believe the answer when he told you?
'The Miracle of the Cards'. Cloud Ten Pictures. Based on a true story. 1.3 Million get well cards - a Guinness World Record. A young boy with brain cancer experiences several miraculous events because of his mother's faith and drive to save his life.
'Man of Miracles'. Synchronicity Productions. Was it an angel who saved a preacher's life? And why?
'The Second Chance'. Triumph Films. Starring Michael W. Smith. Ethan Jenkins (Smith) is sent by the Elders of his church to work in their sister branch. He learns about hope and how to restore it in a desperate area of town. The final scene alone is worth watching this film.
'The Wager'. Pure Flix Entertainment. Loosely based on the book of Job a singer finds his life suddenly upset by a series of strange circumstances almost as if there was a wager on what how he'd react and whether or not his faith would remain strong.
'Waterproof'. Cloud Ten Pictures. Starring Burt Reynolds. A shopkeeper is shot and then abducted by the shooter's mother. She takes him home to her family in a small southern town with their own secrets to resolve.
So, this week, is a mixture of recommended films.
'Deceived.'Cloud Ten Pictures. Sort of Science Fiction combined with the seven deadly sins. A signal from outer space, the military trying to keep it quiet, and the scientists wanting to share it. Yet, what is the real truth?
'The Gospel'. Sony Pictures. A wonderful musical and heart warming plot line with the prodigal son returning home. Lots of worship dance, singing, and an excellent cast.
'Joshua'. Epiphany Films. How would you react if you saw a man walking down the street easily carrying a log? Who is he and where did he come from? Would you believe the answer when he told you?
'The Miracle of the Cards'. Cloud Ten Pictures. Based on a true story. 1.3 Million get well cards - a Guinness World Record. A young boy with brain cancer experiences several miraculous events because of his mother's faith and drive to save his life.
'Man of Miracles'. Synchronicity Productions. Was it an angel who saved a preacher's life? And why?
'The Second Chance'. Triumph Films. Starring Michael W. Smith. Ethan Jenkins (Smith) is sent by the Elders of his church to work in their sister branch. He learns about hope and how to restore it in a desperate area of town. The final scene alone is worth watching this film.
'The Wager'. Pure Flix Entertainment. Loosely based on the book of Job a singer finds his life suddenly upset by a series of strange circumstances almost as if there was a wager on what how he'd react and whether or not his faith would remain strong.
'Waterproof'. Cloud Ten Pictures. Starring Burt Reynolds. A shopkeeper is shot and then abducted by the shooter's mother. She takes him home to her family in a small southern town with their own secrets to resolve.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Why Not Question - Disaster films
Oddly enough, one of the Christian stores I frequented carried disaster films. I wondered why until I viewed them. They had no cuss words. They were centered on family triumphing over circumstances. And they made by Porchlight Entertainment.
Yes, I'm one of those who watches credits to find out who the background people are. It's the best way to discover who makes good films and who doesn't.
Besides, it's fun to see how many ways the world can be destroyed.
I only have short list for Porchlight, but I highly recommend their films.
Combustion - gas is igniting under the city. Stars Joe Lando.
Killer Flood: The Day the Dam Broke. Joe Lando, Michele Greene, Bruce Boxleitner. Nice reconciliation with a divorced couple and their child.
Trapped Buried Alive. Avalanche traps a mother with her step daughter in an ski inn while the father safe outside works at saving them.
Megafault. This aired on Syfy. It is wonderful because the scientist is a woman instead of a man and she's trying to get home to her family in Denver. Great sidekick who really makes this a 'must see' film.
Two others I discovered made my Faith Films and distributed by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment - the latter one of my favorites for odd and fun movies:
The Apocalyspe - An asteroid is about to destroy the Earth and a couple desperately tries to reach their daughter. The only not so good thing about this film is that the rapture also happens, but not for everyone at once and seems to be based more on their faith than salavation.
2012: Doomsday - Stars Dale Midkiff. Several strangers end up going to an ancient temple in Mexico on December 21st, 2012. Premise is weak but lots of nice scenery. Also, the rapture happens, but there are some loop holes that don't fit. Ending is unfulfilling.
Others I recommend but are not by this studio. Some have strong language:
Nature Unleashed: Earthquake. Set in Russia with a family caught in a subway about to be flooded. Fairly decent.
The Day After Tomorrow : Great example of sacrifice and family values despite the main couple being divorced. Not to mention the unrealistic wolf scenes.
Independence Day - Technically also Science Fiction. Aliens destroy the planet. Great family scenes and reconciliation for one couple.
Absolute Zero - Another take on the planet plunging into an ice age. Some silly scenes but the main character saves his family.
Volcano - Not really believable but Tommy Lee Jones is wonderful and there's great interplay with his character's daughter.
When Worlds Collide - this is an older film based on a book. They build an arc to escape to a planet about to destroy the Earth. Well done adaption. One of the classics. Science Fiction.
Deep Impact - Asteroid impacts the Earth. Good family scenes but there are a number of suicides.
Category 6: Day of Destruction & Catatore 7: The end of the World.
All star casts and interesting character interplay. Both are four hours each.
10.5 and 10.5 Apocalypse - these films are good because no matter how they tried to stop the earthquake, the planet won out in the end and people had to deal with the aftermath. The only films that show mankind can't stop everything.
2012 - Very good family stuff in this one despite a lousy script and silly premise.
Supernova - shown on Hallmark. Kind of lacking in many areas and the whole convict out to get the family was a bit much.
2012 Supernova - I like Brain Krause, but this film had such an unbelievable ending I wouldn't watch it again.
Ice Twisters - SyFy film. Okay. I have to say I like this one and I'm really sure why. It has a silly premise, but the male lead, a writer, keeps it interesting.
Nature Unleashed: Avalanche - A so - so film. Filmed in Russia with a very interesting idea on how the village survives.
Nature Unleashed: Fire - Silly premise with the way they solve the problem. Just fun to watch because it's so unbelievable.
There are many more movies if you enjoy these type of films.
Yes, I'm one of those who watches credits to find out who the background people are. It's the best way to discover who makes good films and who doesn't.
Besides, it's fun to see how many ways the world can be destroyed.
I only have short list for Porchlight, but I highly recommend their films.
Combustion - gas is igniting under the city. Stars Joe Lando.
Killer Flood: The Day the Dam Broke. Joe Lando, Michele Greene, Bruce Boxleitner. Nice reconciliation with a divorced couple and their child.
Trapped Buried Alive. Avalanche traps a mother with her step daughter in an ski inn while the father safe outside works at saving them.
Megafault. This aired on Syfy. It is wonderful because the scientist is a woman instead of a man and she's trying to get home to her family in Denver. Great sidekick who really makes this a 'must see' film.
Two others I discovered made my Faith Films and distributed by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment - the latter one of my favorites for odd and fun movies:
The Apocalyspe - An asteroid is about to destroy the Earth and a couple desperately tries to reach their daughter. The only not so good thing about this film is that the rapture also happens, but not for everyone at once and seems to be based more on their faith than salavation.
2012: Doomsday - Stars Dale Midkiff. Several strangers end up going to an ancient temple in Mexico on December 21st, 2012. Premise is weak but lots of nice scenery. Also, the rapture happens, but there are some loop holes that don't fit. Ending is unfulfilling.
Others I recommend but are not by this studio. Some have strong language:
Nature Unleashed: Earthquake. Set in Russia with a family caught in a subway about to be flooded. Fairly decent.
The Day After Tomorrow : Great example of sacrifice and family values despite the main couple being divorced. Not to mention the unrealistic wolf scenes.
Independence Day - Technically also Science Fiction. Aliens destroy the planet. Great family scenes and reconciliation for one couple.
Absolute Zero - Another take on the planet plunging into an ice age. Some silly scenes but the main character saves his family.
Volcano - Not really believable but Tommy Lee Jones is wonderful and there's great interplay with his character's daughter.
When Worlds Collide - this is an older film based on a book. They build an arc to escape to a planet about to destroy the Earth. Well done adaption. One of the classics. Science Fiction.
Deep Impact - Asteroid impacts the Earth. Good family scenes but there are a number of suicides.
Category 6: Day of Destruction & Catatore 7: The end of the World.
All star casts and interesting character interplay. Both are four hours each.
10.5 and 10.5 Apocalypse - these films are good because no matter how they tried to stop the earthquake, the planet won out in the end and people had to deal with the aftermath. The only films that show mankind can't stop everything.
2012 - Very good family stuff in this one despite a lousy script and silly premise.
Supernova - shown on Hallmark. Kind of lacking in many areas and the whole convict out to get the family was a bit much.
2012 Supernova - I like Brain Krause, but this film had such an unbelievable ending I wouldn't watch it again.
Ice Twisters - SyFy film. Okay. I have to say I like this one and I'm really sure why. It has a silly premise, but the male lead, a writer, keeps it interesting.
Nature Unleashed: Avalanche - A so - so film. Filmed in Russia with a very interesting idea on how the village survives.
Nature Unleashed: Fire - Silly premise with the way they solve the problem. Just fun to watch because it's so unbelievable.
There are many more movies if you enjoy these type of films.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Why Not Question - Rapture Speculation Films
Ah, the rapture and those left behind. A popular theme with many writers through the years. There is much speculation on how, when, and what the results will be, not only in Christian written fiction but also in films. The most recent popular version was the Left Behind series. There are many others, but to quote Kirk Cameron when he was filming the first film - 'This could happen now.'
And it could. Are you ready?
Below is a list of some, but not all the films made on this theme.
Left Behind
Left Behind II : Tribulation Force
Left Behind : World at War
The three films don't go beyond the second book. The written series, which I've read all of, was interesting, sometimes preachy and there are a number of 'oops'. There are also a few spin off series by other writers.
There is fanfiction written of this series on www.fanfiction.net. Check out the concurrent series crossed with Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis by writers dragonlots and ChristianGateFan plus many others.
Apocalypse
Revelation
Tribulation
Judgement
The first and fourth films are the best. The other two are okay despite some of the well known actors and actresses in them.
In the Blink of an Eye - Interesting twist using a man caught in a time loop.
The Omega Code
Megiddo : The Omega Code 2
These two films were made for a secular audience. However, the special affects near the end of the second make this pair a 'must see'.
And it could. Are you ready?
Below is a list of some, but not all the films made on this theme.
Left Behind
Left Behind II : Tribulation Force
Left Behind : World at War
The three films don't go beyond the second book. The written series, which I've read all of, was interesting, sometimes preachy and there are a number of 'oops'. There are also a few spin off series by other writers.
There is fanfiction written of this series on www.fanfiction.net. Check out the concurrent series crossed with Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis by writers dragonlots and ChristianGateFan plus many others.
Apocalypse
Revelation
Tribulation
Judgement
The first and fourth films are the best. The other two are okay despite some of the well known actors and actresses in them.
In the Blink of an Eye - Interesting twist using a man caught in a time loop.
The Omega Code
Megiddo : The Omega Code 2
These two films were made for a secular audience. However, the special affects near the end of the second make this pair a 'must see'.
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