Ripple Effect: The Legacy of Billy Graham

(from the April 2009 Newsletter)
M.C. reports:

Little did a Sunday School teacher realize how far the "ripple effect" of her evangelism would reach. It started with J. Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918), an American evangelist, revivalist and pastor, who wrote some of our well known hymns; He was helped during an invitation time, by his Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Binkley, who, "putting her hand under my elbow... I stood up with the others...it was the day of my acknowledgment of Christ". The ripples that emanated from Chapman's evangelism included the conversions of Billy Sunday, then Mordecai Ham, who brought the great evangelist, Billy Graham, to Jesus Christ, in1934. This tremendous impact of evangelism began out of the humble efforts of a simple Sunday School teacher. Everything we do in the name of Jesus Christ has an effect that will be viewed through Eternity. "We may never live to see the full fruits of our labour, but the "Glory of God" will shine on through your evangelism, in life and death."

We have a couple books about, and by Billy Graham in the Church Library:
A very colourful pictorial biography: "Billy Graham: God's Ambassador", by photographer Russ Busby -- Billy Graham was the driving force behind the evangelical movement of the 20th Century.
This book begins with a quote from Daniel Webster, in fitting with the theme -
"If we work on marble, it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear up temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and the love of our fellow men, we engrave on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity."

The other books:
"Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse", by Billy Graham, sends us the warning message of Revelations to the Seven Churches, and the church (believers in Jesus Christ), that we must not forsake our "first love", nor diminish the message of the Bible, in particular, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Billy Graham states that those who "water down" the Bible's message simply are leaving the doors open to the four horsemen of the apocalypse, in the end (Ephesians 6:12). A very powerful book, with a sobering message to us all. This is a "must read" for those studying "Revelations" in our Bible study home groups.

also: "The Secret of Happiness", by Billy Graham. Based on the Beatitudes.The foremost preacher of our generation searches the heart of the world's greatest sermon. Happiness. It's what we all long for, what all human beings seek in our jobs, our relationships, our activities. We try so hard to be happy, and all too often we end up empty and unsatisfied. Why? Because, says Billy Graham in this classic work, we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.

Instead of looking for happiness in the temporal pleasures of this world, we need to understand eternity through what Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount – that true, lasting happiness is a by-product, a bonus that comes when we seek what is really important -- trust in God. Presented with Dr. Graham's characteristic simplicity, this landmark book teaches us to live above the circumstances of life and rest in the true happiness God wants us to have.

Film Ministry is "Fireproof"

(from the April 2009 newsletter)

P.Y. reports:

The purpose of St. Timothy’s Film Ministry is to help people engage with God through the medium of film. Even though the story of Jesus Christ and his people may not even be in the mind of the director, writer or producer they cannot help but tell the stories of temptation and sin, death and new life, love and joy, grace and forgiveness, salvation and redemption. The ministry desires to make use of popular, wide release (Hollywood) films to help people encounter these ideas and truths in a way in which they did not expect but also in a way, which is safe and accessible.

New films:
The Bucket List: This film staring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson strikes a nice balance between comedy and drama, favouring humour and poignant conversations over weepy developments. Morgan Freeman is a car mechanic and a loving family man with a penchant for trivia. Jack Nicholson is a billionaire with an appreciation for the finer things, but with an unsympathetic, boorish attitude (a character that is perfect for Jack Nicholson!) In spite of their obvious differences, the two men share something important in common, both are terminally ill with the prognosis of mere months to live. As they endure chemotherapy treatments together, Carter and Edward forge a friendship and begin talking about life and death. Recalling an assignment from his college philosophy class, Carter begins to write a "bucket list" of things he'd like to experience before he kicks said bucket. Staring at mortality, their deadlines looming, wealthy Edward makes some additions of his own and proposes that the two begin fulfilling their checklist, a journey that takes them around the world despite the protests of Carter's wife Virginia. From there it's pretty obvious where this movie is headed. There are laughs to be had as the men live out some of their childish fantasies. Tears are shed, lives are changed. One man learns that in spite of what little he's experienced in his life, he's always had all he ever wanted. The other has everything, only to discover he has nothing. Predictable? Perhaps, but if nothing else, this movie reminds us of the importance of the journey.

The Express: If you enjoy “sports films” you will enjoy this film which is based on the incredible true story, of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Raised in poverty in the Southern Tier of New York State, Davis overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become an unstoppable running back for the Syracuse Orangemen. Under the guidance of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder - a hard-nosed surrogate father with an obsession for winning a national championship - Davis would develop from an impressive high-school athlete into a legend. While everyone agreed Ernie Davis was a miracle player, few thought this quiet young man would become an icon for the burgeoning civil rights movement dividing America in the early 1960's. Refusing to play by the unspoken racist rules of the day, Davis broke through one barrier after another to alter the way fans looked at men of his color. Though struck a terrible blow in the prime of his life, his spirit soared when most would crumble. Forcing his bull-headed coach to re-examine a life lived in color-based privilege, Davis would join the ranks of black pioneers who inspired a movement that smashed barriers on and off the playing field.

Fireproof: Although I don’t normally include what might be called, “Christian films” in this collection, I have decided to include, “Fireproof” because I believe that this film will provoke some very interesting discussion. This film, which is entirely directed, written and acted by members of a Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia is in many ways similar to their other film, “Facing the Giants” – which is also in our collection of films. Even if the marginal acting and the predictable ending “put you off” it is worth watching this film. Post-film discussion could focus on whether or not films like these have a positive or negative impact on sharing the gospel. In fact this film and “Facing the Giants” provoked outrage from Christians when the films received PG ratings, not because of any profanities or violence, but because of its spiritual content! Also it might be worth talking about why some Christians praised the film for its positive, family-friendly values, while others condemned it as bad art, a bad story badly told that would only encourage the worst artistic instincts of the evangelicals who saw it.

The story this time concerns a firefighter whose wife of seven years wants a divorce. He is ready to give up on the marriage altogether, but his father gives him a book called The Love Dare and challenges him to follow its steps before throwing in the towel. Since Fireproof has been endorsed by a plethora of marriage ministries, you can pretty much guess how things will turn out. But the directors earn their resolution this time; instead of dropping miracles and messages from God on their characters, they keep the story focused on the Holts and driven by the choices that the Holts make. Put simply, it no longer feels like the filmmakers are "cheating."