I Thessalonians 2: "Courageous"

Paul talks about courage here. He doesn't use the actual word, maybe because courageous men don't describe themselves as courageous. Courage is something that just happens when you choose to obey God no matter what. Paul wrote (2:2) "we had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition." Paul does like the word "encourage" though (vs. 11) - "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God." The word encourage means literally "to fill with courage," and it is passed from father to child, even if (as in the movie "The Help") it sometimes skips a generation.

And speaking not coincidentally of movies and courage, there is a local theater owner who is showing some of his own. Dale Chapman of Essex Cinemas - one of the finest men I know and a real source of encouragement to Diane and now to us - has convinced the movie distributor of the film "Courageous" to allow him to show it in Vermont. These distributors rather firmly told him "forget it" there aren't enough Christians in Vermont to make it worth their while. But Dale insisted, taking a big chance financially - and now he needs the Christians to come through. He told me a couple weeks ago that it is CRUCIAL that Christians come on the FIRST WEEKEND, preferably the FIRST NIGHT. If they wait - forget it.

"Courageous" was made by the folks who brought us "Fireproof" and "Facing the Giants". Now I am generally not a huge Christian movie fan, but I will say this about all three of these movies: they are about guys and they are about courage and faith in the real world of work, school and families. So please pass along this note to any friends who a) want to see a good movie and b) want to encourage local businesses that take a "courageous" stand for doing something good.

Below is the info on the movie -

Essex Cinemas is excited to bring you EXCLUSIVE SHOWINGS of the movie Courageous, from the writers of Fireproof and Facing The Giants. Courageous opens Friday, September 30th with showtimes of 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, and 9:30!


Courageous is the story about four law enforcement officers whose lives are deeply tested as they embrace their calling to serve and to protect. As crime fighters, they must face danger every day. Yet when tragedy hits close to home, they are left wrestling with their hopes, their faith, and their priorities as men. Like iron sharpening iron, the power of their friendship invites them to face their hidden struggles as fathers. It is out of this honesty that comes a life-altering decision. With action, drama, and humor, the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures embraces God's promise to "turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers". Your soul will be stirred and your heart will be challenged to be...Courageous!