After a week of traveling to attend to extended family needs, it is good to be back home. This morning I participated in Bible study with dear friends at my church. In the afternoon my husband and I went to see God’s Not Dead 2.
Can a teacher mention Jesus in a public school class? The film shows a court case involving religious freedom. Although similar cases have occurred in the U.S., this story is fiction. I enjoyed seeing Lee Strobel, Fred Thompson and Mike Huckabee make appearances in the movie.
Two points made by the movie have stayed with me.
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Prayer was a key element in the story.
The teacher prayed, her grandfather prayed and large groups of people prayed throughout the trial.
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The community—not just the individual—was involved.
Many Christians, in different places, played a role in supporting the teacher who was on trial.
I know that there are times in my life when I have been so focused on personal issues that I have neglected to see the big picture. Standing firm in faith and supporting other believers is increasingly important.
The gospel of John records Jesus’ instruction for us.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13: 34-35
The early church provides a great example.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2: 42
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4: 2
Prayer: Lord God, we praise you for your great love and sacrifice for us. We give thanks for the examples of faith that we have in the Bible. Guide us when our faith is challenged and increase our love.
Linking with Word of God Speak, Let Us Grow, Grace & Truth, Friendship Friday, Thought Provoking Thursday, A Little R & R and Whole Hearted Wednesday
I haven’t seen this one yet, but was really blessed by the original God’s Not Dead. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Carol. I told my husband last week I really want to see this movie and hope we can before it’s gone. Life is hectic with company tomorrow and all next weekend and I’ve had a cold and fever. YUCK!
I am a substitute teacher. Always looking for ways to speak Christ at school. It’s hard but can be easy when I pray about it before I enter that school that God will give me a way and usually He does in the most unusual ways. I can be teaching about leading and whoa I can talk about how I am a team leader with the world’s largest on-line Bible study, or a student will ask my favorite book and I get to say “the Bible”. One day we had a few minutes left and they asked to play some game and I had no clue, but I would say A and someone would shout a word. We got to C and someone said Christ, J and someone said Jesus and on and on. I was blessed and perhaps the student that asked knew what they were doing. I have no clue and me I forgot the name of that game.
Debbie, I am so happy to hear about your experiences in the classroom. Blessings as you touch the lives of children!
The word on the street offers a thumbs up for God’s Not Dead 2. Sounds as though you enjoyed it as well. I like your discussion of it here and the insight into prayer. This film will definitely find itself on my “go see” list. #ThoughtProvokingThursday
Hello, Carol! Thank you for this interesting post. I will now google this film. It may look surprising but issues of religious freedom have become more contentious in Finland as well. Prayer is needed indeed.