Category: Entertainment

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CAPTIVE Movie Review

Captive ReviewCaptive is a great movie that shows anyone HOPE is possible, even in their darkest hours. Here are a few spoiler free things I enjoyed about the movie. After reading my thoughts, make plans to go see #Captive on opening night, Friday, September 18, 2015.

  • Captive is NOT God’s Not Dead and that’s Okay: If you’re looking for a movie with an overtly evangelical, “Go get saved now” message, this is not that movie, and that’s okay. The movie is effective as it shows how two people in seemingly hopeless situations discovered hope was possible, even in their darkest hours. The movie is based on a true story & does a good job, in the limited time available, portraying what took place with the Atlanta court escape by Brian Nichols, the murders he committed, along with his eventual kidnapping of Ashley Smith [Robinson], and how Ashley became a hero in the midst of the crisis.
  • A Powerful Conversion Story: Although there’s not a highlighted moment showing someone place their faith in Jesus for Salvation (Ashley was already a Christian), there is a very powerful conversion that takes place when Ashley decides she’s not using drugs again, even under the threat of death. It was one thing to read about this moment in her book, but even more powerful to see it on screen. Kate Mara did a great job reflecting Ashley’s struggle and eventual resolve.
  • Captive is Not What You Think: Captive, what a great, unoriginal title for a movie about a hostage situation! You may think that before watching the movie, but you’ll find Captive is actually a deeper story than that. The underlying story is about two individuals held captive by their own personal demons, constantly haunted and unable to find freedom, until forced to finally decide how they would find their own freedom, would it be through choosing life or death?
  • God has a Purpose for Everyone: Can God use an addict to get a murderer off the street? Can God use a murderer to get an addict clean? Can God use the sacrifice of a hero to bring peace to a city? Although it may not be overt, the message of the gospel and God choosing to use whom He pleases is weaved into the movie. God has a purpose for everyone, but not everyone sees it. Blinded by personal choices, failures and even successes, people will write off God, even though God hasn’t written them off.  Ashley’s boldness to share the Purpose Driven Life with Brian brings God’s redemption to the forefront of the story.
  • Take the Next Steps: Captive provides a great opportunity for churches to take their congregations to see the movie together and then provide follow up discussions to discuss such topics as substance abuse, mental health issues, God’s purpose for each of our lives, the gospel, second chances, and many of the other themes presented by the movie. It doesn’t have to be churches, it could be small groups, or friends; just don’t miss the opportunity to take the next step by following the movie up with quality dialogue.

Helpful Resources:

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Christmas is in the Air….

It’s that time of the year and Christmas is in the air! That can only mean one thing, it’s time for the Annual Adult Christmas Party at New Passion Church. This is definitely a night at New Passion you do not want to miss, in fact, we boast a 100% satisfaction rate from all previous attendees. This is a great night of laughs, good food and opportunities to meet new people and hangout with familiar faces. You can sign-up on our Christmas Party page, just tell us how many will be in your party and what finger food or dessert you’ll be bringing.

This isn’t a threat…but you wouldn’t want to make an elf angry with your absence, there’s no telling what could happen! Check out this clip from one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time 🙂

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Brother

I was recently introduced to the music of the Rhett Walker Band. Their music is awesome. I don’t care if you like the “style” of music, it is obvious that the lyrics have been birthed out of a life transformed by the radical grace of God.

I had the privilege of personally meeting the members of the Rhett Walker Band as well. These men are down-to-earth and represent Christ well.

I love their entire CD, Come to the River. It is available on iTunes for $7.99 – That is a steal! Buy it. I keep listening to it over and over again. <—- That’s my review. No need for a lot of words and no need to compare them to Third Day or any other group. They are the Rhett Walker Band and I am excited about the music they are creating now and will create in the future. It’s unique and powerful.

When they played in concert in Evans, one song in particular caught my ear, Brother. The message perfectly describes life in general, but also our vision for New Passion and our mission at the Salvation Army, where I work. Here are the lyrics and then you can listen to the song below:

You’re a king and a prisoner
One for each eye
Starting to believe your own lies
You hold every moment
Tight at the throat
But nothing’s ever out of control
You act like you know every answer
Making your world work just right
Never a question, never a doubt in sight

Brother don’t you know
No one’s too high to fall
No one’s strong enough to make their own way
Brother don’t you know
We’re all just beggars and thieves
In need of the very same grace
The very same grace

A days always coming
When our kingdom breaks down
Our plans are like glass on the ground
You act like you know every answer
But missing what matters most
Confessing our weakness
Cause that’s when God moves in close
Come down off of that mountain
Let go of everything
Come join us who are broken
That mercy is healing

What a great message. The whole point of the gospel: “Brother don’t you know, we’re all just beggars and thieves, in need of the very same grace…” “Come join us who are broken, that mercy is healing”

Listen to Brother below, it cannot be downloaded…


Rhett Walker Band on Facebook ::: Rhett Walker Band on Twitter ::: Rhett Walker Band on iTunes

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Hailey Dances to Toby Mac

I found out just how much Hailey likes Toby Mac tonight. I feel I need to go ahead and lock her away until she is 30. Tonight, I am thankful for two older sons who will take care of any guys before I have to meet them when she becomes a teenager: