Thu, May 31, 2001
Jesus uses three inspiring stories to teach the power of faith. Jesus teaches that if our faith is only the size of a tiny mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible. Lord, I Believe combines three stories to teach the magnificent power of faith. In this video, Jesus is teaching His disciples through word and deed that nothing shall be impossible for those that believe in Him. In the beginning, a Roman centurion, Flavis, is imprisoning men who could not afford to pay their taxes, while Jesus helps those in need. Later, Flavis asks his servant, Licea, about the man named Jesus. Licea tells him that Jesus is the Messiah, Lord. Suddenly Licea, falls ill and collapses. A doctor tells Flavis that his servant will not live until morning, so Flavis runs to see Jesus and bows before Him asking Jesus to help his servant, his friend. Jesus says He will come and heal him. The centurion says he is not worthy to have Jesus in his home, and if Jesus says it is so, then it will be so. Jesus speaks of the centurion's great faith and tells Flavis that his servant is healed. Flavis returns home to find his servant healed. They both rejoice and thank Jesus. This story ends with the centurion freeing those in jail. The next story is of a boy, Caleb, who is uncontrollable and possessed. A doctor says there is no cure. Joel, Caleb's father, tries paying many preachers to heal his child with no success. Joel does not believe that his son can be healed through preachers. Next a scene of Jesus teaching his disciples appears. In this scene, Jesus tells Peter that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Then Jesus sees a grieving widow woman with her dead son. Jesus places His hands on the boy and tells him to arise. He gets up, and the woman and the boy rejoice and praise Jesus. A scene of Jesus teaching His twelve disciples follows, and Jesus gives them the power to heal, cast out demons and raise the dead. He tells them to go and do as they have seen for no money; for that which was received freely should be given freely. He reminds them that all things are possible to those that believe. Next, the story of the two blind men, Ben and Izzy, begins. It shows them making a doll for Joel's son Caleb and begging for pennies to eat. They do not receive any money, so they go to the house of Joel who gives them food. While they are eating some bread, Joel's wife, Corrine, runs home and tells of a Rabbi named Jesus that raised a boy from the dead, and that Jesus has given His powers to twelve of His disciples. Joel says he does not have any more money for preachers. Corrine tells him that these twelve do not take money. They take Caleb to see Peter, one of the twelve disciples. Peter tries twice to heal Caleb, but the boy remains uncontrollable. Joel calls them fakes and leaves. The two blind men are searching for the twelve disciples also in hopes of being cured. A man takes them to Jesus who has just entered the city. Jesus asks them if they believe He can heal. They both answer with a definite yes. According to their faith, Ben and Izzy can see and begin rejoicing and praising Jesus. Jesus tells them to leave and tell no one of this miracle. After helping others in need, they go to the house of Joel. Joel questions them about how they can see, and they say nothing. Corrine recognizes that the miracle was from Jesus. As Jesus and His disciples were leaving town, Joel appears carrying Caleb and asks Jesus for help. Jesus says that all is possible for those that believe. Joel asks the Lord to help him in his unbelief. Jesus commands the evil spirits out of the boy and he is healed. Joel rejoices and thanks Jesus.
Sat, Jun 16, 1990
John the Baptist, born to an elderly couple in answer to their prayers and a promise from God, grows up to be a prophet, preaching of the coming of the messiah. He fulfills Biblical prophecy by recognizing Jesus as the promised Savior and baptizing Him going before the Lord. The moving story of John the Baptist begins as Elizabeth, a virtuous older woman who longs for a child, delights in watching a young boy playing outside her window. Her husband Zacharias, chosen to offer incense to God at the temple, is visited there by the Angel Gabriel who tells him that his wife is to bear a son. Zacharias can't believe this miracle but the angels assures him," All things are possible with the Lord." Because of his disbelief, Zacharias suddenly falls deaf and mute, unable to tell his family and neighbors what happened to him. When Elizabeth's son is born and family members ask his name, she answers " John " a name they refuse to accept since none among them share it. The family asks Zacharias his son's name and as he writes "John" on a tablet, his hearing and speech are restored, and he shares with them prophecy of the role his son is to play. John grows up to be strong in both body and spirit, living a humble life on the banks of the River Jordan. He preaches of the imminent coming of a savior, and baptizes people in the river in the name of the messiah, preparing the way for Jesus. All of this proves disturbing to the Pharisees and their leader, Caiaphas, who tries to convince King Herod*. The King is reluctant but not his wife, Herodias. Even when Pharisee spies question John as he preaches of the repentance, he does not temper his word, calling Herod a sinner for taking his brother's wife. This accusation drives Herodias to demand John's capture and death but before this happens, Jesus approaches the place where John is preaching. "Behold, the lamb of God", John cries out, recognizing the savior about whom he has been preaching. Jesus asks John to Baptize him and when that happens, the heavens open and the Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove. Even though his life is in danger from Herodias and Herod, John refuses to flee, declaring," My work is done".
Mon, Nov 8, 2004
Built Upon the Rock is a story of two brothers and how an inheritance teaches them about their own foundation and eternal life. In the beginning of the video, Gideon is dying and has asked that his two sons, Thomas and Sahara work together overseeing his vineyards after he is gone. When Gideon dies, Sahara takes control of the vineyards and begins to sell grapes that are not yet ripe to loyal customers. Thomas is greatly disturbed and seeks out a lawyer named Josiah to help him regain his part of his inheritance. Josiah has left law practice to follow Jesus. He encourages Thomas to listen to the words of Jesus to find the answers to his problems. Jesus is giving his sermon on the mount and shares the beatitudes, or the actions, attitudes and blessings true believers should experience. He tells the people they need to go beyond just believing and act upon their faith. Jesus uses the parable of the wise man who built his house upon a rock. This man took his time and built a strong foundation for his house. When the rains came down, the man and his family remained safe. The foolish man was in a hurry and built his house upon the sand. When the rains came down, his house washed away. As Thomas listens to the words of Jesus, Josiah urges him to build his life on love, patience, and forgiveness, and all will be well. Thomas returns to ask forgiveness for speaking out in anger against his brother. When Thomas talks with Sahara about running the vineyards as his father would have wished, Sahara attacks him and throws him off the land. Thomas begins to doubt that Jesus' way of loving your enemies is right for him. Josiah reminds Thomas that Jesus never promised his enemies would love him in return. Thomas returns to Jesus to ask him to help him resolve the inheritance problem with his brother. Jesus warns Thomas about greed and envy. He tells him the value of a man's life has little to do with the things he owns on earth. To teach this lesson, Jesus tells another parable of the rich man who had an abundant harvest. This man had a choice in giving his extra crop to the poor or to build bigger barns to hold his extra wealth. The man decides to build bigger barns so he will have plenty of money for years to come. God visited the man that very night and told him he had been foolish and his life was over. The things he had gained on earth were worth nothing to his soul. A bit confused, Thomas thinks about what Jesus is trying to teach him. After talking with Josiah, he realizes he has been foolish like the rich man. Thomas visits Sarah again to tell him he no longer wants his inheritance. Sahara begins to gloat over his wealth. As he raises a glass to his lips, he has a heart attack and dies. The video ends with Thomas sitting at the feet of Jesus building salvation upon a rock.
Tue, May 31, 1988
He is Risen is the story of the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Jesus. Sorrow and despair at the Lord's crucifixion become complete joy and love as the disciples behold their resurrected Master three days later. The events of the real story of Easter teach of the atonement and resurrection, providing hope to Christians around the world. A young boy, Daniel, witnesses the death of Jesus by crucifixion on Calvary where a Roman Centurion confirms, "Truly this man was the son of God." Storms rage and an earthquake shakes the land at Jesus' death. Daniel hurries back to the Disciples, who are hiding from Roman soldiers, with the news of Jesus' death. Meanwhile, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus prepare Jesus' body, bury it in a tomb cut into a hillside and cover the entrance with a huge stone. Caiaphas, the Pharisee high priest, visits Pontius Pilate, counseling Pilate to seal the tomb since Jesus' followers said He would rise from death on the third day. Pilate agrees and posts guards, but angels appear and the tomb splits open in a glorious burst of light. Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene when she visits the empty tomb. ThenJesus appears to the Disciples. He entrusts Simon Peter to take care of His"lambs and sheep", and preaches for 40 days, asking His followers to teach Hiswords to all peoples, everywhere. His mission on earth completed, Jesus ascends into heaven in a stirring climax to the video, telling His followers He will come again. "Come quickly, Lord Jesus," says the boy Daniel. "I'll always be watching for You."
Mon, Jun 17, 1991
Jesus uses a series of short stories, parables, to help us learn about the Kingdom of Heaven and about how to live each day. Eternal life, faith, judgment, obedience and preparedness are the principles explored in this video. The Kingdom of Heaven begins with Jesus in the clouds and angels in the background. There are people from different times and different races looking into the clouds and seeing Jesus. Jesus begins to speak to the people about the Kingdom of Heaven and how the treatment of others is the same as actions toward Him. Slowly, Jesus' shining garment is traded for an earthly robe and He is preaching to a gathering of people. Two Pharisees watch and listen. Boaz, one of the Pharisees, is angered by what he hears Jesus saying and the other Jeremiah is intrigued. David and Sarah, brother and sister, listen also. Boaz says that all Jesus does is tell silly stories. Jeremiah tries to explain that perhaps Jesus wants everyone to discover the meaning from the stories. Sarah agrees that Jesus is trying to teach about the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says, "He who hath ears to hear, let them hear," and begins to tell a story. Jesus explains that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who plants a field of wheat. One night an enemy comes and scatters bad seeds among the freshly planted wheat. The Master comes to observe the crop and notices tares among the wheat. The wise Master tells the servant that it is not his fault, an enemy has done this, and not to pull up the tares because the wheat might be damaged as well. "Let them grow together until harvest and then the reapers will gather the tares together and burn them", the Master says. The wheat is gathered together and stored in his barn. The scene returns to the shores of Galilee where Jesus is preaching. Jeremiah is overjoyed that he understands that the wheat is symbolic of the good people, and the tares are representations of the bad people. Boaz claims that Jesus is teaching blasphemy and wickedness and demands that Jeremiah leave with him at once. Jeremiah is at a moment of indecision and then weakly goes with Boaz. Next, Jesus tells the parable of the Pearl. A wealthy merchant is visiting a seaside port and finds a precious pearl that amazes him. The wealthy merchant now dressed in common clothes, stands before a wealthy man and signs a piece of paper. The merchant then receives a chest of jewels and money which he sits behind him in a wagon. The wealthy man does not seem to understand the merchant's decision to trade all his belongings for a chest of jewels and money. The merchant returns to the seaside port and trades the chest of jewels and money for the pearl, stunning the shop owner. The video returns to the shores of Galilee where David, Sarah's brother, is astonished by hearing the parable of the Pearl. David states that he cannot give up all he has worked so hard for in life and follow Jesus. He decides to leave despite Sarah's plea for him to stay and hear the truth. Jesus then compares the Kingdom of Heaven to the parable of the ten maidens. Five of the maidens are wise and five are foolish. A wise maiden, Leah, walks with two foolish maidens who are going into town to wait for the bridegroom to arrive so they can follow him to the wedding. Since it is broad daylight, the foolish maidens do not understand why Leah had them bring their lamps so they did not fill them with oil. Leah tells them that sometimes the bridegroom does not arrive until very late. The bridegroom is shown getting ready for the wedding and tells his confidant that he will not leave until sundown, because he wants to make sure that everyone has a chance to get into town. At night, the bridegroom Judah and his confidant arrive. The Town Crier runs around the town announcing Judah's arrival. After several trips around the town, Judah is assured that all have had time to join the wedding party. Leah and the other wise maidens quickly join the wedding party with their oil filled lamps. The foolish maidens are unable to see and ask for some of the wise maidens' oil. Leah explains that they can not share oil because they would all run out of oil and quickly joins the wedding party. During the wedding procedure, Judah hears some women calling to him from outside the gates. He approaches them asking why they did come when he called. The foolish maidens say they have no oil and their light has gone out. Sadly, Judah says that if you were my friends, you would have come when I called. His last words were, "I know you not." Jesus is now speaking and says that we should watch, for we know neither the day of the hour when the Son of Man will return. James asks Jesus why He speaks to the people in parables. He tells him that their ears are dull and their eyes are closed. James asks about the parable of the sower. He understands that Jesus is the sower and the seeds are the word of God; but what does it mean, the seeds falling by the wayside? Jesus explains that there are those who hear the word and refuse to understand it, those that receive the word with joy at first but rebuke the word when persecution rises, and those that care for the world and the deceitfulness of riches and are no longer full of faith. Those that receive God's word into good ground and hear the word and understand it will bear fruit. The final scene is Sarah walking toward Jesus who is now in the sky surrounding by all the different people from different times and different cultures. All kneel to Jesus with him saying, "Come ye, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
Wed, May 31, 1995
Jesus, the Son of God begins with Jesus, Mary and Joseph traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover in 13 A.D. Young Jesus, age twelve, walks behind His parents carrying a lamb. Jesus is to present the lamb to the priest as a sacrifice for sins. Once inside the busy, noisy city full of trading and bartering, Jesus and His family sell and buy the things they need before taking the lamb to the priest. Jesus presents the lamb to the priest, and the priest tests Him by asking some questions about the law. Jesus' answers are correct and the priest congratulates Him. Later, the family leaves Jerusalem to travel home only to find that Jesus is missing. Joseph and Mary return to the city after three days of searching and find Jesus talking with priests outside the temple. Jesus is confused that his parents are worried because He thought they would know He was about His Father's business. Jesus returns home with Mary and Joseph and grows into a caring young man trained in the art of carpentry. Joseph's death is shown as Jesus grows into an adult. Sadly Mary says goodbye to Jesus, and He walks into the wilderness. Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. A white dove is shown flying above and the voice of God is heard saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Jesus is then led into the wilderness by the Spirit where He seeks wisdom from the Lord by fasting. While in the wilderness for 40 days, Jesus is tempted three times by Satan. Jesus rebukes Satan the final time by saying, "Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God." Satan leaves as Jesus is worshiping His Father. A light from heaven descends upon Jesus. Angels come to comfort, feed and clothe Him. Jesus then returns to Galilee with the power of the Spirit.
Fri, May 31, 1996
Bread from Heaven is an account of how Jesus has compassion for the multitudes that have come to hear Him minister. The story begins with a young street urchin named Jonas who is begging for each bit of food he can get. After an incident of trickery, he takes bread from the local bakers, Zeke and Jethro. He refuses to share his bread with an old man who is weak and clearly in need of nourishment. Later Jonas finds himself listening to the words of Jesus on the mountain. He is inspired by His message. When Jesus asks for food to feed the people, Jonas unselfishly offers the five loaves and two fishes. After Jesus prays over the food, the disciples feed the people. Zeke and Jethro are amazed at the miracle of feeding the masses and come up with a plan to make Jesus king. They want Jesus to perform miracles so they will no longer have to work. When Jesus tells them He is the Bread of Life, the bakers think He is joking and return to their ovens. Jesus goes to pray and soon sees that His disciples are caught in a storm. As the disciples fear for their lives, Jesus calms the waters by walking upon them. Peter proclaims his faith in Jesus as the Son of the living God. Jonas' faith has given him a new compassion, and he shares bread with the bullies in the street. In the end, Jonas returns to the old man who was denied the bread. He shares his bread and tells him of the man he met named Jesus, who is the Bread of Life.
Mon, Jun 24, 1991
Paul's ministry is an act of continuing faith and determination in the face of opposition from both Jewish religious leaders and Roman civil authority. Paul tirelessly crisscrosses the Romans Empire time and time again, preaching the word of Jesus to Jews and Gentiles alike as he establishes Christian communities that would grow into a universal church. We begin with a meeting of the Pharisees, a strict Jewish sect which considers Paul's preaching and success in converting Jews to Christianity as a threat to their survival-a threat they must snuff out. We travel with Paul as he preaches to Jews and Gentiles alike, curing the sick and lame in the name of Jesus. But the Pharisees are unrelenting in their opposition to Paul's " blasphemy" arranging to have stoned. Paul continues his ministry, traveling about the lands of the Romans Empire where he and Silas are whipped and thrown into prison for preaching Christianity. Trapped in prison, they put there faith in the Lord and a massive earthquake strikes, destroying the prison and freeing Paul and Silas. In Athens and Corinth, when the crowd calls Jesus a devil and deceiver, Paul declares that he will henceforth preach only to the Gentiles. Paul prays for God's help in his work and Jesus appears, comforting him. " I am with thee and no man shall harm you here, for there are many souls that need thee," Jesus tells him. Restored in faith Paul continues his ministry. He sails back to the Holy Land where he is met and attacked by an angry mob of non-believers. The Pharisees go to Fetus, the Roman ruler of Jerusalem, demanding that Paul be put to death. Fetus decides to ask Agrippa, the Jewish King, to listen to Paul and see what he thinks. Paul explains to the king how he once persecuted Jews until his conversion on the road to Damascus, and since then he has preached the word of Jesus. King Agrippa, clearly moved by Paul's word, is nearly converted to Christianity." This man has done nothing wrong," he tells Festus and allows Paul to sail to Rome. Finally Nero, the Roman emperor,sentences him to death but Paul is ready. " I have fought a good fight," Paul says. " I have finished my course. I have kept my faith.
Mon, May 31, 2004
This story reinforces the principles of forgiveness, compassion and stewardship. The parables teach us to be good stewards of our time and the things we have been given. The Parables of Jesus includes three of the most loved parables: The Two Sons, The Rich Man and Lazarus and The Talents. The video begins with Jesus telling the story of the two sons. It is harvest time and the two sons cannot be found. Their father searches out to find his sons so the harvest would not be lost. The oldest son, who is suppose to inherit the vineyard, is found relaxing by the shore and promises to come help but does not. The younger son is frustrated about doing all the work since his brother will inherit the land. He refusing to come help, but changes his mind and returns to the vineyard to ask his father for forgiveness and to help with the harvest. In the end, the father rewards the youngest son with the vineyard because he was always there for him and used his time wisely. Next, the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus is told by Jesus. Lazarus is very poor and is searching for food in front of a rich man's house. He begs for the scraps from the rich man's plate. The rich man refuses to help Lazarus. Both Lazarus and the rich man die and find themselves in two very different places. Father Abraham welcomes and comforts Lazarus while the rich man is in torment because of his actions on earth. The last parable, The Talents, is a teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven. A master is preparing to go on a long journey and leaves his three servants entrusted with his property and money. He instructs them to multiply their coins and that there will be an accounting upon his return. All will receive the same reward if they do their best. Two of the three use their time wisely, multiply their coins and help others while investing their money. The third servant does not use his time wisely nor invest his money. Upon the master's return, he rewards the two servants whom used their time wisely and for the good of others, while the third is not rewarded because he did not use the talents that he was given.
Wed, May 31, 2000
The story opens in a cave - a Leper colony. One of its members, Simon, has a daughter, Sarah, who is also afflicted and gravely ill. Simon is a friend of Lazarus and was his previous business partner before he took ill. Meanwhile, Lazarus and his sister, Mary, prepare care packages for Simon and the others at the Leper colony. Mary has made a special doll for Sarah. They go to visit the Leper colony to deliver the care packages, including the doll. When they arrive, they receive the news that Sarah has died from her leprosy. Stricken with grief, Lazarus and Mary return to their home. Lazarus then goes to town and delivers letters from the Lepers to their families and friends who are not afflicted. While in town, Lazarus witnesses Jesus healing a sick woman. Moved by the experience, Lazarus rushes home to tell his two sisters. He gathers his belongings and goes to his friend, Simon, at the Leper colony. He finds Simon and then takes him to town to see Jesus. Christ heals the afflicted Simon of his leprosy. In thanksgiving and appreciation, Mary invites Jesus back to their home for dinner and rest. When Jesus leaves, he asks if He may return and visit some day. On one trip to Lazarus's house, Jesus visits with Mary and Martha as Lazarus is in Jerusalem with Simon. Mary kneels at Jesus' feet to listen to His words while Martha serves. Jesus encourages Martha to join them and partake of what is more important fellowship and a lesson about God's glory through victory over death. In Jerusalem, Lazarus takes ill and Simon brings him home to his sisters. Martha beckons Simon to go and bring Jesus back. The story cuts to a scene where Jesus and some of His disciples are met on the streets by some skeptics. They inquire whether or not He is truly God's son. They want Him to prove it. Jesus responds by sharing the story of Jonah who lay three days in the belly of a whale and then was set free. The disciples are confused about the story of Jonah and ask Jesus to explain further. He foretells of His own crucifixion, death, and resurrection on the third day. Peter challenges Jesus -- not understanding the necessity of Jesus' own death and resurrection for the salvation of mankind. Jesus' power over death is the ultimate glory to God. Simon finds Jesus and the disciples and beckons Jesus to come to His friend, Lazarus, who is gravely ill. Jesus explains that Lazarus is already dead but goes to him in order to show the disciples and the others of His power over death. When Jesus arrives, Martha explains that Lazarus has been dead for four days. He instructs Martha to get Mary and come to Lazarus' tomb. When they arrive at the tomb, He directs that the stone should be removed from the tomb much to the astonishment of Lazarus' sisters and His own disciples. As the stone is removed, Jesus calls out "Lazarus come forth." Jesus explains that He has done this so that all may truly believe that He, the son of God, has power over death.