Why Put Your Faith in a Branson Show?
Faith accomplishments are as rare as winning the lottery because too many are putting faith in luck rather than God. John Lindsay, the writer/producer of Branson’s new popular Christian musical "Act of God", sheds some light on how he was able to achieve a Godly vision without tangible resources. Find more faith related articles at www.actofgodbranson.com.
(PRWEB) August 11, 2005 -- Through the Branson production process of a major
Christian musical like Act of God, we’ve been learning a great deal about using
faith and the Holy Spirit to accomplish physical things through spiritual means.
We’re hopeful that our experience will better prepare others for the inevitable
battles associated with accomplishing godly vision through faith. Physical
battles generally revolve around relationships, health and money, but spiritual
battles, for those just beginning their faith accomplishment can seem like
uncharted territory.
A friend of mine asked me if I expected to win a
Tony Award from the writing and production of Act of God. Because of that
question I found out that there is a Tony Award for regional theater. And what's
wrong with being honored for a job well done? After asking that question, God
brought some interesting insight to mind. In the academic world we are
encouraged regularly in the early stages, but the praise soon diminishes as
progress is made as we are held to a higher level of accountability. In a
nutshell, the better at something someone becomes, the more they have to work to
receive praise, which enables perpetual improvement. Unfortunately, that's not
how the entertainment world works. In show business, you get beat up mercilessly
in the beginning and praised at the end. This backward pattern promotes
arrogance instead of humility, and adequacy rather than perfection and is
successfully convincing this generation that it’s OK to be an empty box as long
as you’re wrapped in pretty paper. Through God’s confirmation, I’ve been
forewarned that the most important issue facing Act of God or any faith
accomplishment isn’t financial, but spiritual, imbedded in the issue of
humility.
Financial issues can certainly convince us to concede our faith
accomplishment. The first thing most of us do when we’re in danger of not
meeting payroll is run to a bank or a large church and cry for help. Lack of
money can also keep us off balance and distract us from what the devil
ultimately wants to do - corrupt us through our own pride. The Bible records
rare instances where someone with tangible resources donated or sacrificed their
abundant lifestyle for the sake of God’s word. Barnabas gave of his wealth to
serve the early church. Elisha sacrificed his inheritance to become the student
and successor of Elijah. Neither Barnabas nor Elisha expected to receive
financial increase from their offering nor was personal glory their goal. They
knew their choice meant hardship, solitude and persecution. Nevertheless,
Barnabas accompanied Paul in most of his travels and teaching and was directly
or indirectly responsible for nearly every gentile that came to know Jesus
Christ. Elisha left a wealthy home, and, due to his diligence and willingness to
accept twice the responsibility, he received twice the blessing bestowed upon
Elijah. Pretty impressive, but how do their sacrifices apply to us? If a faith
accomplishment is in desperate need of resources, to whom do you turn? The Bible
shows that financial sacrifices and backing are possible if but extremely rare.
So when the financial issues seem insurmountable, an important question to ask
is, why would God bring in a financial benefactor to ease the burden of the
journey by which spiritual insight, revelation and maturity are derived? It’s
easy to misinterpret financial pressure and stress for a mistake in judgment,
but don’t throw in the towel. Could it be that we're simply forcing God to
further exercise our faith each time we buckle under pressure that we're
creating based on our lack of faith in Him?
Take heart that if you’ve
been given a vision and have taken the initial steps toward realizing that
vision without the security of adequate resources, that your faith has a strong
foundation. One thing is certain, God is still in the miracle business, and even
though it might seem like an influx of cash would be a miracle, the world would
simply say you just got lucky. Besides, it’s difficult for the wealthy to offer
an acceptable sacrifice, because gifts from the wealthy are rarely a sacrifice.
It’s the Ministries, churches and individuals without tangible resources who are
typically willing to bear their brother’s burden. Isn’t that just like God to
give us water from a stone? The miracles we should desire to be a part of are
the ones the world recognizes to be God’s handy work even after we try to usurp
the glory. So don’t be afraid to have a vision, for though your faith
accomplishment, if you stay the course, God will accomplish faith in
you.
The Act of God summer schedule runs from July 12 through August 28
with shows Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The Fall schedule begins
September 2 and will run through December 10 with performances from Tuesday
through Sunday. You can always get the most current information on line at
www.actofgodbranson.com.
Summer Special: 50% off the standard adult rate
of $19.00 and church youth groups are $5.00 through August 28th.
Act of
God Standard Pricing: Adults $19.00. Children 12 and under accompanied by parent
are free. Family passes $39.00. Groups of 10 or more $13.00.
For
reservations call the Musical Palace Box office at 417 339-1960.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/8/prweb270180.htm