Members of the Westcastle church youth group sign on for a mission trip to a remote Mali tribe. Sixteen-year-old Jessica finds that the brand of "truth" she has fashioned for herself cannot cope with the difficulties she encounters there; breakup with her boyfriend Shawn, theft of valuable heirloom jewelry, and terrifying nightmares. Duane and Liz, the group's leaders, show her that the truth is not individually determined; it is discovered in the Bible and is real and unchangeable. But unseen forces pull her in the opposite direction.
Finding help when Friends Fail.
Written by Richard Thomas/ November 15, 2001
I can think of no greater personal let down than having a friend fail. Another way of putting it is betrayal. Although when a friend does fail, it is not an actual indication of failure on the part of your friend. Nor does it necessarily spell betrayal. It may simply be a misunderstanding. But, the enemy of God and man will drive the thought that you have been betrayed to its ultimate extreme - war. Many wars have and still are being fought today on this battle line. However there can be situations where the intent on the part of a (presumed friend) is/was to betray. If that is true, one must confront the betrayer. [ Luke 17:3 ] Many a friendship has been severed by betrayal. You hear about in the news every once in a while how a trusted lifetime friend bilked the unsuspecting one out of a life’s savings. It is the epitaph of human history. The Son of God was betrayed with a kiss. No wonder Jesus said not to put our trust in anyone but Him. [ Matthew 6:19 -21, 33 ] As J.R.R. Tolkein put it in ‘The Lord of the Rings’... “The hearts of men are easily corrupted.” Jesus trusted Himself to no one save His Heavenly Father. [ John 1:24-25; 6:15 ] He alone, above all can be trusted. Yet He left the responsibility of the transfer of scripture to be passed along through the ages into the hands of His faithful ones. The great compliment of life is to be trusted. Friends can and will fail when our expectations are set too high. But Jesus never fails.
What to do when friends fail? We must leave room for the providence of God. One of the foundation stones of the Kingdom of God is forgiveness as stated in the Sermon on the Mount. Unless we are willing to forgive, don’t expect it from God the Father. [ Matthew 6:12, 14 - 15 ] The battles of this world that are still raging are fought on the rejection of the basic principle of forgiveness. The middle east conflict(s) are among the families of Ishmael and Isaac; Esau and Jacob.[ Genesis 16:1 - 12; 21:1 -21; 25:25 -34; 27:35 - 41 ] There will be no peace until these parties are reconciled one to another. An unforgiving spirit will give birth to revenge. Revenge’s thirst for blood is never quenched. There is no need to look further for a remedy. For Jesus Christ broke down the wall of separation.[ Ephesians 2:12 - 16 ] In Christ there is no discrepancy through the forgiveness. That is the gift of God. [ Galatians 3:26 - 29 ] Jesus declares that offenses of this world will come. He also instructs His disciples how to handle offenses. [ Luke 17:1 - 4 ] Notice, His disciples are never to cease from forgiving those who trespass against them. As Jesus Christ is the exact representation of His Father, His disciples are to be an exact representation.
How do we become an exact representation of Jesus Christ? First of all, we must be born again! [ John 3:7 ] The kingdom of God will never be realized through human eyes. We must be conformed to His image.. Christ is formed in us through progression as we die to ourselves daily. Each white funeral produces a Christ likeness in us. Until it is no longer I doing it, but Christ who lives in me. [ Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:1 - 16, Galatians 2:20 ] The life of Christ was marked by self-expenditure. In the realm of humanity, highest honor is bestowed upon individuals that give their lives for others. Great monuments are erected in honor of a person or persons who lay down their lives in service to others. The cross is the cost and monument of God’s forgiveness. [ John 3:17 ] If He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, can we do less? [ 1 John 1:9 -10 ]
If you are seeking hope for a new life, it all begins with Jesus. Begin Here!
Friendship and how to treat others is the theme in this side-splitting VeggieTales episode! In the title story, Sheerluck Holmes (Larry) and Dr. Watson (Bob) can solve any crime. Their latest case: Someone has stolen the most valuable treasure in Buckingham Palace--the Golden Ruler! But when Sheerluck takes all the credit for the pair's sleuthing savvy, he risks dissolving the perfect partnership, and the Golden Ruler could be lost forever. Will Sheerluck remember to treat others like he wants to be treated in time to save the artifact--and his friendship?
You'll also enjoy the story, "The Asparagus of La Mancha." Don Quixote (Archibald Asparagus) is the owner of a prosperous little Cafe called La Mancha. His good friend Poncho (Mr. Lunt) works with him, but when a big, popular chain restaurant moves in across the street, their little cafe hits hard times. But Poncho sticks by Don, who learns that true friends do what's best for each other, no matter how difficult that may be. And, in true silly style, Larry sings a silly song about gated communities.
We all need faithful friends - people who accept us as we are, who seek our best interests, and who stick with us in crisis. Yet being a faithful friend is more important than finding one. This Fruit of the Spirit Bible study looks at sixteen essential qualities we need to become faithful friends. These qualities help us lay a foundation for lasting relationships. Designed for use in small groups or personal devotions, the interactive format will help you grow in your ability to reflect the character of Jesus. 6 lessons included with leader's notes.
Based on the animal classic Jock of the Bushveld by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, this heart-warming program follows the special bond felt between a man and his dog.
Meet Percy Fitzpatrick (Sean Gallagher), a young man living in the wilds of Africa during the late 1800s. With news of the Eastern Transvaal gold rush, "Fitz" quits his job to seek his fortune. Luckily his travels bring him to a dog named Jess. And when the runt of her litter is about to be drowned, Fitz saves the little pup and keeps him for his own.
Named Jock, the dog proves he is clever, courageous and loyal enough to be a good friend.
Together Fitz and Jock have many exciting adventures and thrilling encounters with big game. They meet a variety of people--the most important being Rocky (Robert Urich), an American prospector who not only teaches Fitz and Jock how to survive in the wild, bu also becomes their friend. Throughout their friendhsip, Fitz and Jock rely on one another during good times and hardships. As a treasured companion, Jock becomes more valuable to Fitz than any gold he could discover--proving the old saying, "true possession can turn sand into gold." Approx. 90 min.
This award-winning Unusual Films production depicts actual events from the life of Robert S. Sheffey, a nineteenth-century circuit rider. The film tells the story of a unique servant of God, who as a rowdy young man followed his friends to a revival meeting and there found in the Scriptures new direction for his life. Ardent in prayer, tireless in service, and steadfast in defense of the truth, "Brother Sheffey" rides through the hills spreading the gospel. Although he suffers the loss of his two greatest earthly treasures in one day, Sheffey still finds forgiveness in his heart for the person who caused his sorrow.
Based on the book The Saint of the Wilderness by Jess Carr, Sheffey brings hope, courage, joy, and tears. It captures the warmth and compassion of a man whose soul was on fire for the Lord, and, in the words of Bob Jones III, "Every Christian who sees this film will be warmed by that heavenly heat." Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes.
Kara Hendricks and Jordan Ferguson have been best friends since kindergarten. By now--sophomore year--they're more like sisters, really. Jordan has always been the leader in the friendship, but still she's the perfect friend. That is, until she stars to hang with a new, "cool" crowd and decides Kara is a popularity liability.
Best friends forever? Yeah, right.
Devastated, Kara feels betrayed and abandoned by everyone--even God. How could Jordan do this? Why did God let this happen? Yet for all the hurt and insecurity, these dark blue days contain a life-changing secret. Now that Jordan is gone, Kara had the chance to discover something about herself that she never knew before. But first, she must learn to trust again. It won't be easy.
Lovers of fine art, classic literature, and the merciful Savior will cherish this gift book. Luminous paintings of Christ working in his time and ours; the wisdom and poetry of writers such as Thomas a Kempis and Robert Browning; and the amazing truth of Scripture all come together to lift your heart and soul! 96 pages, hardcover from Baker.
David: Ordinary Man . . . Extraordinary God, is an intimate, yet profound musical portrayal from the heart of the most intriguing character of ancient times. His story offers hope for all of us - dysfunctional family, tragic loss of his closest friend, discharged and hunted like a wild animal, admired war hero, powerful leader, adulterer, murderer, betrayed by his own son, homeless, and yet a man after God's own heart!David brings together a group of Christian music's best-loved male vocalists including Greg Long, Clay Crosse, Bob Carlisle, Scott Krippayne, Russ Lee and Steve Camp.
An unparalleled tribute to one of the most powerful evangelistic ministries of our time! George Beverly Shea, Cliff Barrows, and Franklin Graham join Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Andrae Crouch, Avalon, and other contemporary artists at center stage to present an unforgettable evening of praise, worship, music, and life-changing testimonies to the love and faithfulness of God.
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