Movie Review - I Can Only Imagine



Movie Review - I Can Only Imagine

Ever since I first heard the song "I Can Only Imagine" - I loved it. The words and melody were beautiful. I never considered the story was behind it as I thought it was Bart Miller considering in his mind what heaven would be like. Watching the movie was eye opening and makes me appreciate the song even more as I can connect with the story.

Bart Miller's family life was difficult. Based on what he experienced in his family, his life could have taken a completely different track than it did. His girlfriend's friendship and influence upon him was great. The fact that he connected with her also connected him with God.

The movie shows the difficulties at home through Bart's growing up years and life on the road when MercyMe first started out. The struggles were real and when his father gets ill, his decision to return home after a number of years was healing and redemptive. Despite his father's behavior towards him when he returns home he finds a different man. His father had come to faith in Christ and had been transformed. As his father faces illness, we are shown how Christ can transform a life and a relationship. While I am sure Bart's memories of his childhood remain - his relationship with his father was healed and restored in the end through the amazing work of God.

The fact that Bart Miller wrote this song thinking about his father sheds a whole new light on the song for me. It's something I can relate to as my Dad suffered greatly before he passed away with cancer. Knowing that he is in the presence of God free from pain and suffering is comforting. When I listen to the song again - I am sure I will hear it with a different meaning and understanding.

I loved the movie and the message of God's transforming power that it contained!

Book Review - Paul Apostle of Christ

Book Review - Paul Apostle of Christ
A Novel by Angela Hunt
Based on the Screenplay by Andrew Hyatt


I read with interest this book Paul Apostle of Christ by Angela Hunt.


The story which is biblical is based on the friendship of Paul the Apostle and Luke. Paul is imprisoned in Rome and Luke spends time with him in the jail cell. Paul shares stories and teachings with Luke so he might write another book to pass on to the believers. Luke spends time with Paul as it leads up to the time of his scheduled execution. Paul is being accused of arson, conspiracy, treason and murder. The condition of Paul when Luke finds him is grave. Paul had been through so much and was now waiting for the day of his death. In spite of all he had been through, he wanted to finish the race of life well and be an example to the Christians in the future.


This was a difficult time for Christians as the story also centers around Priscilla and Aquila and the Christians they were sheltering in their home. Luke shared their home as well. The persecution of the Christians is so terrible during that time that Priscilla and Aquila eventually escape Rome.


Another significant story is of Mauritius, a prefect in the prison where Paul is. He prays to the gods for the healing of his daughter but there is no improvement. Eventually, Luke sees the daughter and is able to help her when no one else has been able to. The prefect is grateful to Luke and Luke is able to share the good news of Christ with Mauritius and his family.


It is interesting to read books such as this one by Angela Hunt based on stories of Scripture. I found the way she described the friendship of Luke and Paul moving. Luke showed such compassion for Paul. When I first began to read the book it did not draw me in right away but as the story unfolded  my level of interest grew. I appreciated the way Hunt told Paul's story at the end - his regrets about the way he persecuted and killed Christians before his conversion experience. It was a story of the mercy and grace of God for Paul but that mercy and grace extends to all of us.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."