AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
March 2012 – Apostle Peter and the Last Supper
Apostle Peter and the Last Supper, a Pure Flix film, begins in Rome in the year 67 A.D. It is during the time when Emperor Nero has decreed that the followers of Jesus Christ must be hunted and persecuted for their beliefs, particularly the leaders of “The Way.”
The film is a fictionalized portrayal of the Apostle Peter’s last days while awaiting crucifixion. Peter is escorted into his cell by two Roman guards, Matinias and Processus. Each man, in his own heart, has a curiosity and an interest in the man called Jesus and secretly seeks to speak to Peter in order to find out more. Peter begins to share his own story of being chosen by, walking with and being taught by Christ.
It is a timeless tale of man searching for peace and hope. The story moves slowly at times but has a powerful and challenging message. It has been awarded the Dove Foundation’s Family Seal of Approval and is suitable for children 12 and older.
Review by Debbie Fischer
Me Again
In this new film from Pure Flix Entertainment, the main character, Rich, is a pastor who finds himself deeply unhappy with his life. His relationship with his wife, April, is strained, his kids do not respect him, and his ministry is dull and lifeless. He basically wishes he could be someone else and live the “life he was meant for.” April finally asks for a separation, hoping that time apart will help Rich figure out what he wants.
Rich finds himself in the sanctuary of the church, alone and hopeless, and prays for God to help him be the man he was meant to be. He answers a knock on the door and a bright light and forceful wind push him backward. The next thing he knows, he has been changed and is now a young female fashion model.
This process continues, opening the door for a lot of humor in the plot. Each time Rich falls asleep he awakens as a different person/being. One time he even wakes up as a goldfish. The purpose of all these experiences is to help him learn the importance of love, both of God and of family; that happiness is a decision; and that no matter whom you have become, what you have done or how far you’ve strayed, our Heavenly Father will always welcome you back with open arms.
A few cautions are in order for thematic elements. There is disrespect shown by the children, and a small amount of alcohol is consumed. In one scene, pornographic magazines are found in a teenager’s bedroom. (No visual depictions appear on screen.) Finally, the teenage daughter tells her boyfriend she plans to purchase birth control pills – but that purchase never happens. None of these negative elements are validated, but neither are they resolved. These situations might open the door for parents to discuss the issues with children. This film has received the Dove Foundation’s Family Seal of Approval and is best for ages 12 and over.
Review by Debbie Fischer
Approaching Fire
The Sentinel Group has produced Approaching Fire, a documentary which graphically portrays the moral destruction that is overtaking every society on earth. Quotes from world leaders indicate that efforts to bring the world together in peace, no matter how heart-felt, are futile. Terrorism, drug abuse, debauchery and sex trafficking are all on the rise. Humanism has given way to hedonism; hedonism has given way to hopelessness.
Is there hope? Approaching Fire describes a growing, worldwide movement of people, towns and nations crying out to God for forgiveness, restoration and revival. In many cities, there is a true transformation happening through God’s power. Social reconciliation, decreased drug abuse, conflict resolution, crime reduction, suicide alleviation, ecological vigor, diminished poverty and restored hope are all evidence of God’s power. Over 500 transformed communities have been documented by the Sentinel Group.
Parts of Approaching Fire are intense and graphically depict destruction around the world. It is not suitable for children and may not be appropriate for young people or some adults. The message is strong and, in the end, the viewer comes away knowing that God is still moving through society to heal and restore.
For more information go to www.sentinelgroup.org.
Review by Debbie Fischer
Two books inspire, encourage, challenge Reviews by Randall Murphree
More than a Hobby
In this inspiring book, Hobby Lobby founder David Green shares his account of the phenomenal ascent of his $600 start-up business into a $1.9 billion per year enterprise. While the retail industry has undergone enormous changes and challenges in recent years, Green has gone beyond surviving to thriving in a competitive environment.
Ironically, his success has been built not on business-school theory but on Green’s grassroots experiences as a store manager. His creative approach to business includes these principles:
▶ Allow managers to spend no more than thirty minutes per day on paperwork.
▶ Instead of paying a middleman, assemble as much of the product as possible in-house.
▶ Keep God and family first.
Green’s story of family and personal faith in Christ is a story that will challenge and inspire the reader.
Discipleship in the Home
In Discipleship in the Home, Matt Friedeman shares how he and his wife, Mary, are striving to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission beginning with their own six children.
The author believes American society is declining because families are in crisis. If there is hope for our future, it begins with Christian parents evangelizing and discipling their own children. There is no more critical need in the body of Christ.
This practical book includes over 180 pages of sound biblical teaching. It provides a solid foundation for family discipleship and is designed to be used in home or church study groups. One of its best features is the abundance of ideas and tools he and his wife have found successful in discipling their six children.
Friedeman is a professor at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, where he also pastors Dayspring Community Church. He leads his congregation to be actively engaged in ministry in prisons and outside Mississippi’s only abortion clinic. Friedeman also has extensive experience as a newspaper columnist and former radio talk show host on AFR.
