Sadly There Are False Gospels in the Church
Part One - "Christ Alone"
(click on the image to watch - or see the link below)
Is Christianity Christ + the your best life now? American Gospel examines how the prosperity gospel (the Word of Faith movement) has distorted the gospel message, and how this theology is being exported abroad.
This feature-length film is the first in a series.
As the title suggests, American Gospel examines the "gospel"”" proclaimed in the majority of evangelical churches and demonstrates how most professing Christians think Jesus is simply a short-cut to achieving the American dream. "Trust Jesus and He’ll give you a happier marriage, or a step-up in your career, or better-behaved kids, or better self-esteem, or [essentially whatever your earthly nature desires]."
This is what the average church goers hears weekly from evangelical pulpits. The latter half of the film examines the most egregious expression of this "gospel", the so-called prosperity gospel of Osteen, Jakes, and TBN. The movie is really shocking and eye-opening, but even better, it does an outstanding job clarifying what the true gospel is – forgiveness of sins and reconciliation to God through faith alone in Jesus alone.
Part one is a 2.5 hr documentary. The producers have made the first 40 mins available for free on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocHm18wUAGU
Watch part one here:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/gospel1
Part Two - "Christ Crucified"
(click on the image to watch - or see the link below)
The gospel message of "Christ crucified" has always been offensive. In our culture it is common for preachers to soften the offense of the cross, and the attributes of God that are displayed in the person of work of Jesus Christ. "American Gospel: Christ Crucified" explores how the paths of post-modernism and progressive Christianity lead to a different gospel, and a god created in our own image.
"But we preach Christ Crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness..." (1 Cor. 1:23)
- We often hear the phrase, “Jesus died for our sins.” What does that mean?
- Is the God of the Old Testament the same as the God in the New Testament?
- Did God the Father kill Jesus?
- Can a loving God also express wrath?
- Why is hell necessary?
Watch part two here:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/christcrucified
Part Three - "Spirit and Fire"
(click on the image to watch - or see the link below)
In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist says, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Today, many in hyper-charismatic circles use this verse to teach that a Christian should pursue a "baptism of fire" from the Holy Spirit. These encounters with the presence of God typically manifest in bizarre ways, including a loss of self-control, dignity, and other mystical experiences that are untethered from Scripture and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
American Gospel: Spirit & Fire will examine the true person and work of the Holy Spirit, including His work in the life of Christ and His followers, and contrast this with the different spirit commonly promoted in the movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).
Watch the trailer for part three here: