There's nothing quite like going to the local cinema to watch a good movie with family or friends. The experience of the big screen and surround sound really brings the story to life. Unfortunately in the past there has not been a good selection of movies at local cinemas for Christians to choose from.

However, we are happy to share, that the next two weeks will be a wonderful exception to this.  From today, 22 May, the inspirational movie SON OF GOD will be showing across Australia in one hundred movie cinemas.  This perhaps is the single biggest Christian movie event since the PASSION OF CHRIST ten years ago. 

From the producers of the award-winning TV mini-series THE BIBLE comes SON OF GOD, a major motion picture that brings the life of Jesus Christ to the big screen like never before. The movie is action-packed with special effects, powerful acting, and beautiful cinematography.

Told with the scope and scale of an action epic, the film features powerful performances, exotic locales, dazzling visual effects and a rich orchestral score. It portrays Jesus from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection and ascension. 

Unlike the recent movie NOAH, a cinematic spectacular, that has stirred concern and controversy, the Christian producers of SON OF GOD have sought to be true to the Biblical account.  

Of course, when portraying the life of Jesus, there must always be interpretation of the details of the events. We may not agree with everything the producers do, but let's be slow to criticise. Instead let's be thankful that so many will view the stories of Jesus' life and ministry; some possibly for the first time.  

Husband and wife producers, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, share a special encouragement by video for us to take our non-Christian family and friends to see the movie. We might even want to make a group booking! Then we can engage others in conversation about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

Check this link for a theatre near you or check the list below.  

Please pray that God will use the SON OF GOD movie to touch many lives.  This movie could literally be the spark for revival in our nation! 

SON OF GOD Official Trailer

But here's the second piece of good news. Next Thursday, 29 May, an endearing true-to-life family comedy MOMS' NIGHT OUT will be screened for one night only in selected cinemas. It is not only heartfelt but also faith-based. Nine Aussie ministries are shown on the Australian website as partners.

Author and speaker, Gary Smalley says, "MOMS' NIGHT OUT is the type of film we wish there were more of: fun and funny for the whole family, touching and sweet, with a simple reminder of God's love for us. This isn't just a Moms' Night Out, this is a date night and family night all rolled into one".

The Moms' Night Out website also has resources for churches such as a downloadable sermon and clips from the movie that could be used at a church service. 

Both SON OF GOD and MOMS' NIGHT OUT are from the USA where they have received very positive reviews. Here they are being promoted by Christian media outlets, Heritage Films and Crossroad Publishing. Please pray that Christian film producers and distributors in Australia can have a great impact in changing culture here and overseas.

This time last year at the World Congress of Families in Sydney, we heard a great deal about the huge positive impact Christian media can have on society. Dr Ted Baehr, founder of Movieguide 'The Family Guide to Movie Reviews' and the Christian Film and Television Commission, shared that even Hollywood has been taking note that PG and M-rated family-friendly movies are doing much better in the box offices than MA or R-rated. 

So let's pack the theatres and show that we do want more faith-based movies on the big screen.

The Canberra Declaration says "The values that we have cherished and sought to strengthen are in large measure founded on the Judeo-Christian belief system". And at the very heart of Christianity is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.