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Dear Christians. . . Please Don’t Leave Us Behind

Dear Christians. . . Please Don’t Leave Us Behind

Ben Kayser, Managing Editor

Last weekend, LEFT BEHIND brought in only $6.3 million. Considering its bloated budget of $15 million dollars, not including its costly marketing campaign, it’s no secret that this is a blow to the faith-based movie market, along with other recent box office bombs.

There’s multiple reasons SON OF GOD, GOD’S NOT DEAD and HEAVEN IS FOR REAL left Nicolas Cage and his co-stars behind in box-office failure. Lack of quality storytelling and poor marketing are just a few of those reasons (Cage’s performance actually gave the movie the little authenticity it had). At a deeper level, LEFT BEHIND no longer resonates with Christians because I believe most Christians today are not praying to leave this world behind.

Christian Millennials want to make a difference, and many of them are. Not just by reaching people with the gospel, but by actually seeking to live their faith out in the world. Regardless of your eschatology, there is a simple fact that no one can deny, and that LEFT BEHIND clearly ignores. God calls every Christian to live on mission for Christ. LEFT BEHIND shows two polar opposites of Christians living out their faith. There is the frustrating believer stating “The End is Near” and then you have the incognito Christian who’s only proof of faith was the cross necklace they left behind. Neither is optimal or useful for changing the world.

God’s story doesn’t end in defeat: it ends in redemption. He calls us to pray that God’s Kingdom would come, on earth as it is in Heaven, and he accomplishes this through us. Though we suffer attacks, failures, and persecution, God reminds us that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. The last thing this culture needs is a Christian church waiting to be raptured. The last thing this hurting world needs is believers so focused on the end that they don’t even see the beginning of great things to come. The truth is, the world falls apart when Christians leave it behind.

Every day, I see young impassioned boys and girls stand up to put an end to human trafficking.

Every day, I hear stories of young people giving their all to stop poverty.

Every day, I see new artists and storytellers enthusiastically share the hope of the gospel through their craft.

Every church I see planted and every life I see made new is a reminder that God isn’t done with this world yet.

I often hear the prayer, “Jesus, please come soon.” Have we forgotten that Jesus already promised in Matthew 28, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus will return one day, but we don’t have to wait to be with Him. God is working in and through us so we can go out and make a difference.

LEFT BEHIND asks the important question, “Are you ready?,” but I’d like to make an addition.

Are you ready to see God do amazing things in this country and around the world?

Are you ready to see God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven?

Are you ready to leave fear and hopelessness behind?

Are you ready to join us in this mission?

 

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Watch SELFIE DAD
Quality: - Content: +2
Watch GOD’S NOT DEAD: WE THE PEOPLE
Quality: - Content: +3