In the 2000 movie, "The Patriot", writer Robert Rodat has created an inspiring fictional drama based very loosely on the exploits of the Revolutionary War hero, Gen. Daniel Morgan. Rodat's character, named Benjamin Martin and played by Mel Gibson, raises and leads a company of Colonial militia to harass and frustrate the British, who are under the command of General Cornwallis.
While raising his militia, Martin sends his oldest son, Gabriel (played by a young Heath Ledger), to enlist more volunteers from a protestant church known to count many ardent proponents of freedom among it's members. Watch this:
The words of young Anne Howard echo those of the brother of our Lord recorded in the second chapter of the New Testament letter of James, verse 17, when he declares "faith, by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." I wonder if there could be a more defining portrait of true manhood than that brushed with the strokes of the words, "One who acts upon that which he so strongly believes."?
God is calling you, men, to be leaders in your family, leaders in your workplace, & leaders in your community, by acting upon that which you believe. The days of passivity are no more. The time for action is upon us. That which is right, you know. That which is just, you affirm. That which is true, you believe.
James, in the first chapter and the 22nd verse, says "Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
The time for action has come. If you are not involved with your church, the time for involvement is now. Get involved. If you do not have a church to become involved in, I offer you a new opportunity. A new church being started for men and their families. A church with the intent of being shorter on words and longer on actions. A church that proclaims the truth of the Gospel of Jesus in it's simplicity. A church that celebrates the freedom for which Christ set us free.
Our current intent is for Challenge Pointe Church to begin meeting on Easter Sunday, April 24, at the Barn of "Keepin' It Country Farm" located at 5511 Township Line Road, in the Lebanon-Springboro-Waynesville triangle. If you are interested, please contact me via email at challengepointe@aol.com.
The Challenge is out there. Who is with us?
This is Challenge Pointe.
Semper Fidelis.
Doug
