Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Hollywoodized Bible Productions

[Exodus 20:4 KJV] 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Blog update: Since first writing this blog a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to bring up the commandment in Exodus 20:4 (above).  For more on this please check back for a new article titled "Graven Images." 
First A Prayer...
May God shine His Light on all things that are not of Him, yet claim to be- and may He open all believer's eyes to discern what is honouring to Him and what is not. May He put His passion in our hearts to stand for what is of Him and to expose what is not. By the unction of His Holy Spirit, may we sound the trumpet call, being watchman at the gate, warning others, that those who do not yet know His Truth, would not be fooled into believing that Hollywood productions such as these, are God's Truth. May God prompt them, as He once did me, to open up a Bible and search and see if any book, movie, television series, music or teacher's words, that claim to be "Christian," really are. Not based on the words of humans, but from God's perfect Word. And may that search lead them to committing their life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
May all Christians such as ourselves, those Christian organizations and well known individuals who have weight within the Christian community, open their eyes to see their compromise when they endorse anything as "Christian" when it is clearly blasphemous and able to lead many away from God's True Word. Help us God to search the Scriptures to make sure anything claiming to be in Your Name, lines up with Scripture, not in part, but in whole. A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.
The "Bible Series?"   
Last year a series called "The Bible" came out on the History channel. Not having cable or satellite we reluctantly, purchased one episode from iTunes. Knowing the probability that this series would not be Biblically accurate (because of what we learned about the producers and the History channel). Of course we were hoping it would be "okay" for us to watch, or at least acceptable. Well, sadly, it wasn't. Within minutes, my blood pressure began to rise and my husband and I were critiquing what they were presenting with what God's Word actually said happened. In the first episode alone, the omissions were plenty, not to mention the additional dialogue and scenes that implied certain things happened when we are never told such things in the True Bible. It was heartbreaking to watch, not to mention unnerving and so yucky.
(For some great articles by like minded believers about the Burnett/Downey "Bible" productions- check out the links at the bottom of this page)
It's Impossible to Get The Entire Bible Into A 10 Hour Production?
Yes, we get that these folks only had 10 hours to present they Bible. That seems to be the excuse Christian supporters use to justify the countless known errors and omissions. May we point out that, the producers chose those restrictions. If they were concerned about presenting the Bible accurately, with integrity, they had the ability to do that. Arguments about making it for television and having limited time, doesnt hold water to those who care if you claim to love the Bible. Maybe that is the issue here, both parties can be heard declaring their love for the Bible, but when we think about it, so far,  not a peep about loving God's Word. If they did, if the Holy Spirit living in them (they both claim to be Christians) there is no way they could have produced something like this with a clear conscience. A distorted and watered down presentation of the Bible. It doesn't compute. God's Word about His Word, is clear:
[2Timothy 3:16 KJV] 1 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[Hbr 4:12 KJV] 12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
[Revelation 22:19 KJV18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.
[Psa 12:6-7 KJV] 6 The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
[Jhn 17:17 KJV] 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
[Deu 4:1-2 KJV] 1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
[Pro 30:5-6 KJV5 Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
[Mar 13:31 KJV31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Jhn 1:1 KJV] 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
But It Is Just Hollywood- Let It Go
Before I go any further, let me insert that what prompted this article. A few days ago, we discovered that in a few days they are releasing an other "Bible" based event, a movie, called "The Son Of God." So as I researched, I learned more about the "Bible" series along with the names of popular Christians and Christian organizations that wholeheartedly endorsed that production and this recent one even more. It is astounding how many well known Christians and organizations are involved. And interview after interview, this couple are professing to be Christians. Yet, the more you learn about all the errors - you are left shaking your head in frustration and sadness. It's as if believers every where have lost their discernment and are just dismissing any concerns.
Over the Years, we have watched countless Hollywoodized productions of Bible stories. When we watch, we expect them to not be accurate because we assume the producers are not Chrisitan, they just want to make a movie about this topic and yes, some money! So we watch them with a grain of salt. No one claims they are Biblically accurate. It would be nice if they were, but we don't expect it. And most Christian viewers would know that.
However, when the producers claim to be believers and this is what they present to the world, yikes. There is no doubt that they are trying to water the Word down, making it more acceptable to a wider audience. They appear to know how to market their product well, it's working. My brothers and sisters are taking it in hook line and sinker. Never thought we would see the day when Christians would accept God's timeless, perfect Word in a twisted form. May God wake us all up before it is too late. Woe to us who lead little ones astray.
Remember Our Battle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood
We really do need to prayerfully and consider not supporting anything that is promoted under the banner of "Christianity" and skews or alters His Perfect Word. Not to be against the people themselves, but it is the enemy who seek to distort and distract all - to keep people from turning to the True Gospel. And for those who know and believe in the True Jesus, to keep them distracted, numb and divided...to fill their minds with human interpretations of the Bible instead of being filled with
God's inerrant Word.
[Eph 6:10-12 KJV] 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
[Jhn 17:12, 14-21 KJV] 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. ... 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
[2Ti 2:26 KJV] 26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
[2Ti 3:12-13 KJV] 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
[Mat 24:23-25 KJV] 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before.

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Links - More Detailed Info About Downey/Burnett "Bible" Based Productions  
I could keep writing why this issue is so important as a believer, but during my research, I came across many who have written a lot of great information. So why re-write what has already been written so well. 
1. My favourite article that pretty much summed up our thoughts here at "The Last Hiker" blog - called "The Son Of God Movie is NOT what We Think - Do You Know The Voice
Of Your Master?

2.The Bible Miniseries" Hollywood Heresy- Beginning And Blog

3, The Prophetic News Blog - Article Warning Christians about "Another Jesus"

4. The History Channel's Bible Miniseries Mishandling of God's Word by Mike Ratiff


6. An Article from Dave Mosher's blog- article about credibility as Christians - The Bible Series and "Son Of God" creators/producers

7. Light House Trails Research blog - Article About New Age infiltrating "Christianity

A Final Note 

Not saying don't watch these productions, that's your choice of course. Ask God to show you what to do or not to do. Just remember if you do, test every word to see what is from God's Word. And if you support organizations and Christian leaders who endorse these kinds of distorted productions - under the banner of Christianity, pray about what God wants you to do. Here is a great online Bible where you can look up words, phrases under many translations, with dictionaries and such
the Blue Letter Bible. We do recommend that the King James Translation (KJV) is the most accurate english translation that we have found to date (see previous articles for more on that)
this has had a huge impact in our home and we feel sick about supporting anything that could lead unbelievers and young believers astray.
But We Are Sharing Jesus To Others?
 Using man made movies, has become a modern man made method of "witnessing." We ourselves, are to "witness" to testify, to all that He has done for us and what He offers to all who will believe. We are to plant the seeds and God makes them grow.
Many churches and Christian leaders and organizations, are promoting this movie and others like them, even buying out movie theatres, claiming it is an opportunity to witness to unbelieving friends and family. Can someone please tell me, based on the multitude of errors and omissions in the Bible Series and probably the Son Of God Movie, just what are they wanting these poor people to witness? I assume the intent is wanting them to hear about Jesus, who He is and What He did for us and to ultimately make a choice to believe in Him. That desire is from God because it is in His Word. We are to let our His Light shine in us, in all we do, how we talk and interact with others. Using others to do our job, just doesn't feel right. Well, especially when the productions or materials are being created by those who have not been born again, when the result of their work is not a true witness to Jesus Christ, to God and the Holy Spirit.
Of course I want those I love to believe in Jesus, to be save and have new life now. He saved me from death and destruction over twenty years ago - when you have the answer to life and meaning, you never want to keep it to your self. I can talk to them about the only place God's absolute
truth is presented, Scripture. Any other source but His Source, is guaranteed to be missing so much.  Counterfeit money can fool all of us at first glance, but the more time we spend with the real thing, the quicker we can spot a fake. Here are just a few verses about what we are to do regarding sharing His  Truth.
[Mar 16:15-16 KJV] 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
[Jhn 5:15 KJV] 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
[Mat 24:14 KJV] 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
[Psa 40:8-10 KJV] 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart. 9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. 10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
[2Ti 2:15-16 KJV] 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
[1Pe 3:15 KJV] 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
[Act 1:8 KJV] 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
[Mat 9:32 KJV] 32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
[Rom 10:17 KJV] 17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
[Mat 5:16 KJV] 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
[Col 4:2-6 KJV] 2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
[Act 26:22-29 KJV] 22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23 That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. 24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
What If One Of My Friends Has Seen These Shows?
 Ask them what they thought and do your research in His Word, know it well and pray for wisdom and discernment. Ask them what they learned about Jesus, about the Bible? Do they have any questions?
Make sure you let them know that because they have been created by Hollywood types, that these productions  usually do not worry about following the Bible accurately, but about putting out a good production that will sell tickets. That they must take it as such and not as a documentary or replication of Scripture. That there are parts and pieces in these productions, that are in the Bible, so ask if they want to know what is in the there, they need to compare what they saw with the Bible. If they don't have one tell them about the BlueLetter Bible online or give them one.
It may be an opportunity, that God wants to use, to have you and your friend start a Bible study together or at least have more discussions about the Gospel.
God is God, and He can use anything and anyone to reach  us. He did allow me to see a most "unChristian" musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, way back in grade eight. An unbeliever at the time (me, not my teacher), my teacher had us memorizing and actually studying the script and music. Curious about whether or not this Jesus and what happened was in the actual Bible. I was prompted to open my first Bible that my dear Grandma Harris gave me for my 13th birthday. As I opened it up and looked, I was impressed  that what I saw and heard in the musical, I saw (in part) in my Bible. Did I know the Bible was God's Word? Well, I am not sure, I knew it had to be important or else Grandma wouldn't have given me a Bible. Did I become a Christian then? No, in fact I spent the next ten years or so searching and longing for the meaning of life.
Praise God, He did use that secular musical to plant seeds in my heart. Andrew Lloyd Webber wasn't being endorsed by Christians, in fact, I heard many Christians at the time (early 70s) were mortified and appalled at the Superstar production. Just like my husband and I are in present time, about the Bible Series and all of it's errors.
The point is, God can and will use whatever He wants to reach us. But in no way, does it mean we should be supporting or endorsing something that alters Scripture and promotes "another Gospel." Remember, just because something contains the word Bible, Jesus or God in the title, it doesn't mean it's of God.  In fact, I can't even say the name of that old musical because of what I know. To say the name, feels as if I may be taking the Lord's name in vain. I am grateful for How God allowed me to go through the experience, because now I can share the lessons learned.
Be Not Deceived
If you chose to watch any series or movies like these. Please pray for protection, discernment, and
help to see God's heart on the matter. Make sure you take with a grain of salt. Compare what you see with the Scriptures, not in part, but in whole. Just because bits and pieces appear to be word for word, that doesn't mean it is Biblically solid. I was going to say, just treat it  like you would any other movie. But as that thought came to mind, the conviction about how dangerous this topic is, I can not say this with a clear conscience. If you are a believer, there is no way you would be able to see it and just dismiss it as a typical Hollywood movie. This isn't someone's biography or a documentary that has some key events messed up, it is God's Word - His inspired, perfect
word - that is being maligned here. So be alarmed and pray, if it doesn't bother you!

[1Jo 4:1-3 KJV] 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
[2Cr 11:3-4 KJV] 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].
[2Cr 11:13-14 KJV] 13 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
[Jhn 8:43-44 KJV] 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

....updated Friday, March 14th
F.Y.I. Here are some other believers who have an opinion about the "Son Of God" movie.
"The Son Of God Movie: Romanism, Jesuit Mysticsm and Blasephemy" by Paul Flynn


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