Showing posts with label I Can Only Imagine. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

How 'I Can Only Imagine' Film Producer Goes Beyond Movie to Make Impact in Churches - CBN News Talia Wise

How 'I Can Only Imagine' Film Producer Goes Beyond Movie to Make Impact in Churches

04-16-2018

The production company behind the hit film "I Can Only Imagine" created a 12-part Bible series that explores hope, healing, and forgiveness.

Tony Young, president of City on a Hill, is the executive producer of the film and its initial investor. He's partnered with Erwin Brothers Entertainment and Bart Millard to make a 12-week Bible study series based on the film available to churches.

The film chronicles the real-life story of MercyMe's frontman Bart Millard and his journey to forgive his abusive father. The movie has grossed more than $75 million worldwide and with only a $7 million production budget, it is considered one of the most profitable films this year.

It beat out Disney's "A Wrinkle in Time" despite showing in half as many theatres and it brought in $17 million during opening weekend.

The Louisville, Kentucky based Christian multimedia company is putting out a call to church leaders to use the film as a tool to help their congregations.

"Using Bart Millard's story of pain redeemed, brokenness restored, and God glorified, you can guide your church to recall their past wounds, reorient their present identity, and reimagine their future," reads the City on a Hill website.

The Bible study kit includes six sermons, a leader's guide, a video series featuring Bart Millard, and a journal.

Keith Loy, Senior Founding Pastor of Celebrate Community Church in Sioux Falls, SD is using the kit at his church.

"It's such a cool privilege to partner with John and Andy Erwin, Kevin Downes and all the films that have been coming out," he said. "And specifically with these guys because they are committed to serving the local church."

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Faith-Based Box Office: 'I Can Only Imagine' and 'Paul, Apostle of Christ' Score in the Top 10 - CBN News Benjamin Gill

Faith-Based Box Office: 'I Can Only Imagine' and 'Paul, Apostle of Christ'

Score in the Top 10

03-26-2018

CBN News Benjamin Gill

Faith-based films performed well at the box office for a second straight weekend, with

"I Can Only Imagine" capturing the third spot once again. "Paul, Apostle of Christ" landed

in the eighth spot in its debut weekend, earning $5 million for Sony's Affirm Films.

"I Can Only Imagine" held strong in its second weekend in theaters, scoring a solid $13.8 million.

That brings its total earnings to $38 million – an impressive performance for a film that only cost

$7 million to create.

Actor Dennis Quaid Tells CBN News: 'I Can Only Imagine' is a Song of Joy

'A Transformative Experience': Why 'Paul, Apostle of Christ' Was a Life-Changer Before It

Even Hit Theaters

'It Permeates Your Heart': Jim Caviezel Tells CBN Why He Loves This Message from

'Paul, Apostle of Christ'

'On My Way to Heaven': Dennis Quaid Wrote This Heart-Warming Christian Song After

'I Can Only Imagine'

The movie tells the story behind the popular Christian song about heaven. It beat films with much

bigger budgets, like "Tomb Raider" and "Sherlock Gnomes."

It's rare for two films with Christian themes to make the top 10 at the box office, and while the

earnings aren't astronomical, it's the kind of success that makes Hollywood take notice.

"I Can Only Imagine" is a story of pain and victory, revealed through the true-life account of

Bart Millard who suffered at the hands of an abusive father – a father who eventually became

transformed into a kind man by the power of Jesus Christ.

It stars Dennis Quaid as Bart's father, Arthur. He spoke with CBN News about the movie's

message of healing.

"The gift that Arthur gave to Bart was that Bart did not have to carry that around for the rest

of his life, which would be a heavy, heavy load. He broke that chain and freed Bart as well.

Just a beautiful, beautiful story about making the impossible possible," he noted.

MORE: 'On My Way to Heaven': Dennis Quaid Wrote This Heart-Warming Christian Song

After 'I Can Only Imagine'

Meanwhile, "Paul, Apostle of Christ" stars Jim Caviezel who once played the role of Jesus

in the most successful biblical film of all time, "The Passion of the Christ."

In his latest biblical film, Caviezel plays the role of Luke, who wrote part of the Bible, as

he visits the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned by the Romans.

Caviezel spoke to CBN News about the film saying, "The message of hope is throughout the film,

it permeates, like the Bible, it permeates your heart and you feel loved when you walk out of the film."

Monday, March 19, 2018

God-Based 'I Can Only Imagine' a Surprise Hit at Box Office, Beating New Age 'Wrinkle in Time' - CBN News

God-Based 'I Can Only Imagine' a Surprise Hit at Box Office, Beating New Age 'Wrinkle in Time'

03-19-2018

CBN News

The faith-based film "I Can Only Imagine" was a surprise hit at the box office over the weekend.

The movie tells the story of Bart Millard, the lead singer of Christian rock band MercyMe, and what led him to write the bestselling Christian single of all time: "I Can Only Imagine."

Millard told CBN News in Nashville, following the film's premiere, that the filmmakers did a great job capturing the heart of his story.

"The first time I saw it, it was really emotional," he said. "I guess they did a good job because they stirred some emotions that I spent most of my life trying to bury."

The film earned nearly double its expected outcome raking in $17.1 million across North America.

It came in third for the weekend behind the opening of "Tomb Raider" and Marvel's "Black Panther."

"Tomb Raider" had a $94 million production budget while "I Can Only Imagine" had a tiny $7 million budget by comparison.

And "I Can Only Imagine" only played in 1,629 theaters, making the $17.1 million earnings even more remarkable.

Compare that to "Tomb Raider" which opened in more than twice as many theaters, 3,854, and only beat "I Can Only Imagine" by about $6 million to take second place for the weekend.

READ: 'Nobody Is Beyond Redemption': Why Country Star Trace Adkins Signed Up for 'I Can Only Imagine'

The Christian-themed "I Can Only Imagine" beat out Disney's "A Wrinkle in Time," a movie which had all of its original Christian elements removed by the screenwriter. It also beat a new film about a gay teenage romance.

Meanwhile, "A Wrinkle in Time" is still playing in an incredible 3,980 theaters but hasn't lived up to expectations. Critics believe that's because the prominent Christian themes from the beloved children's novel were replaced by a New Age agenda, as CBN News reported here.

READ: 'War Room' Star Priscilla Shirer Opens Up About Who Inspired Her for New Film 'I Can Only Imagine'

Billy Graham, Stephen Hawking and 'I Can Only Imagine' - AVA PENNINGTON CHARISMA NEWS

Billy Graham, Stephen Hawking and 'I Can Only Imagine'

3/19/2018 AVA PENNINGTON CHARISMA NEWS

Billy Graham died two weeks ago. Stephen Hawking died Wednesday. And this week, I Can Only Imagine releases in movie theaters.

What do these three events have in common?

Billy Graham was a well-known evangelist who spent his life sharing the gospel. His message was that God loves you and sent His Son to die for your sins to restore your relationship with Him. Rev. Graham was known as a gifted communicator, a "pastor to presidents" and a man of integrity. His biggest fear was that He would do something to bring disrepute to the gospel of Christ.

Stephen Hawking was a brilliant and well-known professor of theoretical physics. He spent his life studying the mysteries of the universe. His other claim to fame was being the longest survivor of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. A diagnosis of ALS generally leads to death within several years. But Professor Hawking defied conventional medical knowledge and lived with ALS for more than 50 years.

Though both these men were exceptional in their own ways, their most significant difference was in the area of faith. Rev. Graham knew beyond any doubt that he was a child of God, redeemed by Jesus Christ. As he approached death, he confidently expected to be ushered into the presence of the God of creation.

Dr. Hawking was equally certain that there is no God. Of course, no one can know another person's heart, but we do know what he said. In his words, "I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."

Which brings me to the movie releasing this week: I Can Only Imagine, a story of redemption, forgiveness and transformation. The movie's title, taken from the song written by Bart Millard (profiled in the film), refers to the anticipated response of believers when they stand before God in the afterlife.

I can only imagine.

I can only imagine the joy Billy Graham experienced when he first stood before his heavenly Father and heard the words, "Well done, you good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:21b).

And I can only imagine the horror Dr. Hawking experienced the moment he realized that, for all his brilliance, he got it wrong. There is an afterlife for both believers and unbelievers. And he will be face to face with the Creator of the universe as His enemy.

Because, you see, there is no neutral position before God. The Bible tells us "we were [God's] enemies" before we were reconciled to Him in Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:10). And Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me" (Matt. 12:30).

Please, please, please don't fool yourself into thinking anyone can be neutral about their relationship with God. Choose Him and know a peace that passes all understanding now, and a certainty of eternity with Him later—a certainty you won't have to imagine.

Ava Pennington is a writer, speaker and Bible teacher. She writes for nationally circulated magazines and is published in 32 anthologies, including 25 Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She also authored Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, endorsed by Kay Arthur. Learn more at AvaWrites.com.

This article originally appeared at avawrites.com.

Friday, March 16, 2018

MercyMe: 'I Can Only Imagine' Movie Stirs Emotions 'I Spent Most of My Life Trying to Bury' - CBN News Efrem Graham

MercyMe: 'I Can Only Imagine' Movie Stirs Emotions 'I Spent Most of My Life Trying to Bury'

03-16-2018

CBN News Efrem Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While Mercy Me's "I Can Only Imagine" became the most popular Christian songs ever recorded. With more than two million downloads, the song reached double platinum status. And it's the only Christian single to reach that milestone.

Despite the massive success, most listeners do not know the story behind those powerful words.

Painful Life Story Turns Into Hit Christian Song

Band leader Bart Millard turned to his life's most painful pages to write the hit song. And his story is now a major motion picture hitting theaters Friday, March 16, 2018.

Lead singer Bart Millard's life story inspired the lyrics nearly 20 years ago.

Millard sat down with CBN News is Nashville, following the film's premiere.

"If I'm Talking About It, It's Therapy"

Recalling his life story, Millard said, "When I talk about it, it's five minutes between songs or it's a song."

"I am not one to sit around and think that my life is so fascinating that I should tell everyone about it. If I am talking about it, it's therapy. I am writing a song about it, trying to work through it. That's about it."

Bart's therapy plays out well in the major motion picture.

"The first time I saw it, it was really emotional," said Bart.

"I didn't know what to expect. How do you prepare for that?"

Stirred Emotions "I Spent Most of My Life Trying to Bury"

"I guess they did a good job because they stirred some emotions that I spent most of my life trying to bury."

Jon Erwin directs the film, alongside his brother Andrew.

CBN News talked with Jon on the red carpet at the film's debut.

Jon shared, "I have never enjoyed watching a movie with an audience more than this movie. I remember asking Bart, 'What is the experience of I can only imagine? Why do people love this song?' And he says, 'It's a rush of hope.' And I think that is what the film delivers."

Bart endured many years of abuse as a child. In the film, Dennis Quaid plays Bart's abusive father.

Quaid told CBN News, "When I got the script, I had never heard the song. They gave me a script and a CD and I put it to the side. I mean I knew it was huge hit, but I didn't know it. What hole was I in?"

"I read the script and it hit me so profoundly in the heart, in a place where I just don't even have words, and that's what the song does. And it grows on you too."

Everything Works Out 'In the Way It was Meant to Be'

The song's story surprised some of those closest to Bart Millard, even Amy Grant who he originally wanted to sing the song.

Grant told CBN News, "I had actually recorded the song twice. But I was in a real transition in my own life. And nobody sings that song like Bart. Everything worked out the way it was meant to be."

Home video captured the moment Amy gave the song back to Bart. She invited him to sing it alongside her on stage at her concert.

Bart still remembers that night.

He told CBN News, "It's the scariest thing I have ever done. But it was cool, it was blast. And she's been one of my best friends ever since."

Watch video interview: I Can Only Imagine

I Can Only Imagine opens in theaters nationwide on March 16

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Will This Be the Best Christian Flick Ever? - DEWAYNE HAMBY CHARISMA NEWS

A scene from "I Can Only Imagine." (Pureflix)

Will This Be the Best Christian Flick Ever?

3/14/2018 DEWAYNE HAMBY CHARISMA NEWS

A young man from a troubled home finds hope and divine purpose in the inspirational new film I Can Only Imagine, opening this week in theaters. Diving into the backstory of the radio mega hit single, the story chronicles the childhood to young adult journey of Bart Millard, singer-songwriter of the Christian band MercyMe.

Millard, played to perfection in the film by newcomer John Michael Finley, is a young man with high aspirations, which are often in conflict with the broken dreams of his abusive, alcoholic father Arthur (Dennis Quaid). Along the way, Millard encounters additional obstacles, such as a football injury, career disappointments and romantic tension with his childhood love (Madeline Carroll) that ultimately pave the way to a heart-wrenching payoff.

Playing the abusive Arthur, Quaid evokes his toughest exterior. Even more impressive for the veteran actor, however, is how he handles the second chapter of the father's life, transforming into someone altogether different. This humbling depiction of grace and forgiveness is the film's masterstroke. Finley also impresses, navigating Bart as hopeful, hurt and, ultimately, healed.

The film also features Hollywood icon Cloris Leachman as Millard's grandmother, who coins his band's name and the title of the theme song, Priscilla Shirer (War Room) as a music teacher who changes his trajectory, and country singer Trace Adkins, who provides well-placed comic relief as a band manager.

Like their previous films (Woodlawn, Mom's Night Out), directors Andrew and Jon Erwin treat the moviegoers to beautiful shots, featuring picturesque landscape and starry-eyed children at youth camp. Several moments truly feel like a moving postcard. The duo also excels at both dramatic and comedic timing, drawing the audience even further in with each moment.

Although I Can Only Imagine is a straight-ahead faith-based film (the best one ever, in my opinion), everything about it—the acting, the story, the music, the direction—brands it as one that is best positioned to reach beyond the church crowd. It also has a multi-generational appeal, thanks to a diversely-aged cast. In short, the film is simply wonderful from beginning to end. A must-see!

DeWayne Hamby is a communications specialist and longtime journalist covering faith-based music, entertainment, books and the retail industry. He is also the editor of the White Wing Messenger, director of communications for the Church of God of Prophecy and author of the book Gratitude Adjustment. Connect with him at dewaynehamby.com or on twitter—@dewaynehamby. Additional reporting provided by Leanna Feliz.

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Encounter the Holy Spirit and develop a relationship that saturates you in His peace, love and joy. Explore the Life in the Spirit Series.

FREE GIFT! Download Pastor Bill Johnson's 40-page mini eBook, The War In Your Head, and unlock your supernatural lifestyle. CLICK HERE

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

From Orphan to Hollywood: 'I Can Only Imagine' Movie Producer Has an Amazing Backstory - WILL MAULE/FAITHWIRE

From Orphan to Hollywood: 'I Can Only Imagine' Movie Producer Has an Amazing Backstory

3/6/2018 WILL MAULE/FAITHWIRE

The producer of the new faith-based movie I Can Only Imagine recently shared his inspiring story of going from being orphaned to becoming a Hollywood movie maker.

The movie, based on the astonishing story of the MercyMe song by the same name, is set to hit theaters March 16.

"It's the song that brings ultimate hope to so many ... often in the midst of life's most challenging moments. Amazingly, the song was written in mere minutes by MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. In reality, those lyrics took a lifetime to craft," reads a description on the movie's website.

Click here to read the rest of this story from our content partners at Faithwire.

Connect with God in a deeper way as you read His Word. Select Bibles are now 50% OFF plus Free Shipping and a Free Gift. Show me the Bibles!

Encounter the Holy Spirit and develop a relationship that saturates you in His peace, love and joy. Explore the Life in the Spirit Series.

FREE GIFT! Download Pastor Bill Johnson's 40-page mini eBook, The War In Your Head, and unlock your supernatural lifestyle. CLICK HERE

Sunday, September 24, 2017

LoveMusic! - MercyMe - You Are I Am (Official Lyric Video)

You Are I Am

MercyMe

Sept. 24, 2017

Greetings LoveMusic! friends of Love For His People,

Here is another great song from my playlist, to share with you today. This one is from MercyMe!

MercyMe has had many great songs, including their mega-hit I Can Only Imagine, which stands among the best-known songs worldwide. It alone has over 17 million views on their YouTube video!

You Are I AM - this one is also among their best, in my opinion.

Be blessed in your listening...

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Love For His People

Charlotte, North Carolina

USA

MercyMe

You Are I Am

MercyMe

I’ve been the one
To shake with fear
And wonder if
You’re even here

I’ve been the one
To doubt Your love
I’ve told myself
You’re not enough

I’ve been the one
To try and say
I’ll overcome
By my own strength

I’ve been the one
To fall apart
And start to question
Who You are

You’re the one who conquers giants
You’re the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You’re the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan’s hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I am

I’ve been the one
Held down in chains
Beneath the weight
Of all my shame

I’ve been the one
To believe
That where I am
You cannot reach

The veil is torn
And now I live
With the spirit inside
The same one
The very same one
Who brought the son
Back to life

Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me

Songwriters: Jason Ingram / Dan Muckala / Seth Mosley / Bart Millard / Nathan Cochran / Barry Graul / Jim Bryson / Mike Scheuchzer / Robby Shaffer

mercymevideo

Published on Sep 28, 2012

Preview the album & get your copy at the links below
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/Mmhurthealer
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/MMHurtHealerAmazon
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/MMHurtHealerGPlay

Connect with MercyMe:
Website: http://smarturl.it/MercyMeWebsite 
Facebook: http://smarturl.it/MercyMeFacebook 
Twitter: http://smarturl.it/MercyMeTwitter 
Instagram: http://smarturl.it/MercyMeInstagram

License

Standard YouTube License

Music

"You Are I Am" by MercyMe Listen ad-free with YouTube Red

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