Friday, February 28, 2014

Yes, Heaven Is Real

If you are a Christian, you know that Heaven is real, it is where God dwells and where we will spend eternity with Him. Over the years I have heard a testimony or two, about people who "died"' on the operating table or some such thing, and then experienced what some call heaven. You know the lingo, "I saw a tunnel of light or a great light..."

When I first became a Christian I really struggled with these testimonies, wondering if they were true or not. As I always did way back then, I asked my big sister/mentor in Christ Sue, for the answer. She pointed out that we should look at what the fruit of their experience was. Did the experience draw them to, and honour Christ or did it do the opposite, leading people away from Jesus Christ? That helped a lot.
Since then I have also learned more about the spiritual battle that rages on 24/7 not just against believers, but how Satan and his cohorts are always trying to draw people's attention to anything else but Jesus, as many of these stories ultimately do. [1 Peter 5:8 KJV] 8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

A great example of that, is someone I once knew. She proudly told me one day, that she wasn't scared of death because she died on the operating table once, she saw light and felt total peace. This person believed she had no need for Jesus because of her "experience." It caused great concern in me, to hear her confidence, knowing she was deceived. She was in my prayers for a while and still should be, not sure if she is still on earth or not. Sigh.
Recently, my husband and I learned about a couple of stories involving children who say they've
experienced Heaven. The thing is, their Dad's are Christians, I even believe both are Pastors and at first the stories sound indisputable, inspirational even. After all why would kids make up such great details about what they witnessed. In fact one of the books has now been turned into a big Hollywood movie. That is wear the concerns begin. Yes, I am applying my dear sister's advice. Yes, the stories point to Jesus. But as I began to research these books, watching interviews and reading some reviews, the answer about the stories pointing to Jesus change from, "yes," to " well, kind of, maybe - not so much." [2 Corinthians 11:14 KJV] 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Stories like these capture our attention because, we are curious. They are focused on a subject that no one has ever experienced before. Only Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and not until it happens to us, will we truly know what it will be really like. None of us have died and then talked about it, well, except for the claims from these folks. As well, these stories often contain so many intricate details that stun the imagination. Therefore, it must be true. And in the cases I am most recently familiar with, it doesn't hurt having Christian parents either. After all, at a wee age they most likely would have been told many a Bible story, heard people praying, talking in "Christianese" and attended church and Sunday school.

One of the children even knew about a miscarried sibling prior to his birth, claiming that this unknown little girl kept hugging him. I might add that this kid was only three years old when he apparently had his near death episode. Mind you it wasn't until four months later when he started telling his Dad, I believe, about what he saw, and as the years went on, more details emerged. But that was one of the accounts that helped his parents believe that he really did experience Heaven. Not saying any of these stories are purposely made up, what I do want to point out is that we must remember if someone tells us anything that colours far outside the lines of the Biblical account, we must proceed with caution and discernment and even turn and run at times.
Lest we forget that these kids went through traumatic experiences, were on medication/anesthetic and such. Not to mention the mind is a fragile, amazing part of our anatomy that scientists and Doctors will never fully understand, because God made it that way. There are so many possible explanations for what these people experienced. I myself, have had dreams at night that are so vivid and detailed, even full of smells and tactile sensation,s that the next day it feels as if I am missing something. 

Not to mention, Satan can't read our minds but, he and demons know all about us and the generations before us. They can put images into our minds while we sleep or are unconscious (pray for protection before you go to sleep if this happens to you). People who claim to see "ghosts" and alien abductions, who have been able to provide physical descriptions and even drawings are not seeing aliens and ghosts, but demons manifesting. There job pretty much is to keep us distracted from Jesus Christ and the Truth, the absolute, perfect Truth of God's Word. They know what our great granny looked like. They know that mommy lost a baby...thankfully they can't read our minds and are not omnipotent, but they can deceive us if we aren't familiar with the Bible. Just some thoughts to consider.
No, I am not saying that these people are spreading Satan's work or stories. Just suggesting that if it isn't part of the amazing workings of the mind, it can be a spiritual manifestation that is not of God. It's just a good reminder to us all, to only go by what is in Scripture regarding Heaven and take extra Biblical accounts with a grain of salt. It is very easy to slip into the, "wow, is that the what Jesus really looks like? mode, and get distracted. Oh yes, did I tell you that the three year old also saw Jesus and pointed him out, when he saw a drawing that a child artist drew of "Jesus?" She apparently also saw Heaven and drew who she claims is Jesus. Actually the young boy's Dad showed him a bunch of renderings of what some use to represent our Lord and Saviour and he kept asking if he looked like any of them, all of his answers were "no." That was until the time he saw this young girls' drawing. I guess his Dad forgot the commandment about how we are forbidden to make images... [Exd 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:

In conclusion, can't say that I would recommend these books, I just don't know, haven't read them. But based on what Craig and I watched and read,  we can recommend strongly that if you want to know about Heaven, look to the only true source that we should, God's Word. Listening to the stories are alright, but we must be careful not to take them than more than what these people saw. They can be from their imagination, a dream, subconscious, what they heard from others while unconscious or just while having visitors, or unfortunately, the enemy himself. It is important to note that the three year old didn't start talking about what he saw until four months later and more as time went on. Something to think about.  If a vision or dream is from God, it would line up with Scripture and not add to it or imply things that aren't there. Something we all should consider.
God's Word On The Matter
 Below are a collection of verses I searched for about Heaven and what we have to look forward to. Also included below is an excellent article on the topic from a great website called the Berean Call.

An excerpt from The Berean Call: Heaven Is For Real For Real?: An Exercise In Discernment "Although these individuals supply much information, the content raises many questions. Obviously, everything they say can't be true because some of the content in one book contradicts what's written in others. How do we know who is giving us an accurate and truthful account?"
God's Word on Heaven

Here are some verses about Heaven. Not all of them...
[Luke 23:42-43 KJV] 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

[Jhn 10:27-29 KJV] 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

[1Cr 15:35-58 KJV] 35 But some [man] will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 [Thou] fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other [grain]: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh [is] not the same flesh: but [there is] one [kind of] flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, [and] another of birds. 40 [There are] also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial [is] one, and the [glory] of the terrestrial [is] another. 41 [There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory. 42 So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that [was] not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven. 48 As [is] the earthy, such [are] they also that are earthy: and as [is] the heavenly, such [are] they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? 56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. 57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

[Hbr 11:16 KJV] 16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

[Jhn 6:47-51 KJV] 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

[Jhn 14:1-6 KJV] 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

[Col 3:1-4 KJV] 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

[Rev 22:3-7 KJV] 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

[Mat 22:29-33 KJV] 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33 And when the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine.

[Rev 21:1-5 KJV] 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

[1Cr 2:7-9 KJV] 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

[Mat 25:46 KJV] 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

[2Pe 3:12-13 KJV] 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

[Luk 12:31-34 KJV] 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

[Rev 21:22-27 KJV] 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

[Mat 5:17-20 KJV] 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

[Isa 25:8-12 KJV] 8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it]. 9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. 10 For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill. 11 And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth [his hands] to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands. 12 And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, [and] bring to the ground, [even] to the dust.

[Luk 13:29-30 KJV] 29 And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

[Jhn 3:12-18 KJV] 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

[Rev 3:20-21 KJV] 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

[2Pe 1:11 KJV] 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[1Pe 1:3-5 KJV] 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

[Rev 21:21-27 KJV] 21 And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

[Hbr 12:28-29 KJV] 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God [is] a consuming fire.

Links On the Matter
Related Article Links Addressing some recent books and interviews about children and adults who claim they saw Heaven during clinical death

"Is Heaven For Real" for Real?: An Exercise In Discernment - article by the Berean Call

The Burpo - Malarkey Doctrine - article by Phil Johnson Grace To You

Heaven Tourism- article by Tim Challies

Book Review "Heaven Is For Real" by Time Challies


1 Peter 5:8 KJV 8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

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