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I Can Only Imagine

Police Officer lip-sync I Can Only Imagine
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Police Officer Worships God With ‘I Can Only Imagine’ In Lip Sync Battle

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

While videos of police officers are circulating online for the police department’s lip-sync challenge, one police officer from Alabama chose to honor God with a faith-based song, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ for his entry.

I Can Only Imagine In Lip-Sync Battle

Chief Jason Hepler and his K9 Fox from The Hollywood, Alabama Police Department joined the lip sync challenge. While there may be many songs, they did MercyMe’s hit Christian song ‘I Can Only Imagine.’

Wearing the K-9 unit uniform with the dog beside him, officer Jason belted out the powerful song’s verses. Then the best part of the video came when he reached this lyric:

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence
To my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine

The police officer did not hesitate to show his sincerity to what the worship song speaks, even if he was doing lip-sync. He placed his hands on his heart, raised his hands high, and went down on his knees to worship God.

LEO Lip Sync Battle | I Can Only Imagine | K9s4COPs

Moreover, the video showed America’s flag and appeared to have been recorded in different areas within the police department.

Blessed Thousands

The video touched the hearts of many as it has now reached more than 600,000 views on YouTube.

D Paul, a user who got emotional watching the video, wrote, “ok this made me cry….you guys put your lives on the line every day. I can only imagine was the perfect song….thank you for your service.”

Another also commended the officer for boldly choosing a song that honors God. She wrote, “I have been watching a lot of these police officer lip sync videos but this is the best one yet! It’s the only one so far that I have seen honoring God. Thank you for not being ashamed of Jesus!”

Indeed, God is glorified in the police officer’s decision to make God the center of the challenge.

Reference: Faithpot

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‘I Can Only Imagine’ Quarantine Version By MercyMe Inspires Thousands!

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

The song that turned into a movie hit, “I Can Only Imagine” once again inspires us with MercyMe recording its quarantine version!

On September 9, the Christian band shared their video on YouTube. Apparently, the band recorded their quarantine version of their hit song “I Can Only Imagine.”

They wrote, “MercyMe performing “I Can Only Imagine” while practicing isolation & social distancing” with a hashtag #quarantinegrabbag.

I Can Only Imagine quarantine version

YouTube | MercyMe

 

Inspiring Thousands

This different version has been greatly welcomed by various fans. And some even testified the impact the song had on their lives in the comment section.

Heather Burr wrote, “This song has got me through some of the hardest times in my life. Divorce, cancer, losing loved ones! Thank you for this song.”

Another by Joanne McDonald said, “This song still brings tears to my eyes. It says everything I wondered about.”

And Pat Griffin also wrote, “The way the world is going “I can only imagine”is the perfect song for these hard times. Thank you MercyMe!!! Blessings to you all!”

The Story Behind ‘I Can Only Imagine’

“I Can Only Imagine” is a song written by MercyMe’s lead singer Bart Millard. It only took him a few minutes to write the song but it took a lifetime to craft it. The story behind the song tells of the power of forgiveness, hope, and redemption that only Jesus can offer.

Apparently, the songwriter wrote the song after his dad passed away. Bart grew up being abused by his father, but God changed his father.

Bart himself witnessed how God transformed everything before his eyes. And it’s all told in the movie “I Can Only Imagine.”

“My dad was a monster and I saw God transform him. I didn’t think God could do that, so I wrote this song for my dad. I went from seeing my father go from a monster to a man who was desperately in love with Jesus!” he said in the film’s trailer.

Now, listen to this song once again and let it empower you amidst this life’s challenges. God loves you and He is with you in these trying times.

MercyMe - Quarantine Grab Bag - "I Can Only Imagine"

Video by MercyMe

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Children’s Choir’s Wonderful Rendition Of ‘I Can Only Imagine’ Is What You Need To Hear Today

by Rhoda Gayle
written by Rhoda Gayle

This children’s choir sang a wonderful rendition of MercyMe’s song “I Can Only Imagine”. It is what you need to hear today to uplift you during this trying time.

“I Can Only Imagine”

One Voice Children’s Choir’s cover of the Christian song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe is truly inspiring! Their music video shows how a group of people from different backgrounds, different colors, and even ages be united and loving. This is what the world needs to see right now, the purity of the hearts of these children.

The music video of their “I Can Only Imagine” cover showcases a range of skills and talents. The singers, instrumentalists, and even ballerinas come together to form a beautiful ensemble.

The video of their cover was uploaded on YouTube two years ago and it now has over 9 million views.

I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe | One Voice Children's Choir | Kids Cover (Official Music Video)

One Voice Children’s Choir

Founded by Masa Fukuda, the One Voice Children’s Choir first performed for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Masa envisioned a choir that would uplift nations across generations. Starting as a small group of singers from Salt Lake City, Utah, they now have grown to more than 100 members. All the members are children ages between 5 and 18.

After the 2002 Winter Olympics, the group has now traveled to over 100 countries around the world inspiring everyone with their melodies. The choir has also started to compose their original songs and are open to collaborations with other artists.

With a powerful message, this group of diversified children is showing us what unity and the love of Jesus Christ is.

Read also: Simon Cowell Rejects 12-Year-old Twice Until She Comes Back With An ‘Original Song’ 

Reference: YouTube | One Voice Children’s Choir 

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The Voice 2020 Champion
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Pastor Wins ‘The Voice’ With Worshipful Performance Of ‘I Can Only Imagine’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

A pastor from Mississippi who made it to the finale of ‘The Voice’ 2020 Season is the newest champion of the show, belting out the Christian hit song “I Can Only Imagine.”

On Tuesday night, Todd Tilghman performed MercyMe’s popular Christian song “I Can Only Imagine” for ‘The Voice’ finale.

The Voice Virtual Performance

YouTube | The Voice

The 42-year-old and other fellow finalists Thunderstorm Artis, Camm Wess, Toneisha Harris and Micah Iverson did a virtual remote final performance. Along with ‘The Voice’ coaches Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas and John Legend watching from their own respective homes in a video call. They did this to uphold social distancing practices intended to flatten the curve of the coronavirus cases.

Todd sang “I Can Only Imagine” powerfully as if he was just leading worship. Also, it seemed that he did the performance in their worship center.

After his moving performance, judge Kelly Clarkson couldn’t help but cry. She shared her thoughts:

“You are so moving, and it’s because you’re a pastor. It’s because you have a bigger belief inside of you than just yourself. I would love to come to your church just to hear you speak, not only sing. You’re very special.”

Of which Todd responded with joy, “You’re invited! You’re invited.” Further, he told Kelly, “You’re special.”

And in the end, Todd beat out other finalists with his moving and worshipful performance. When the host announced him as the winner of ‘The Voice’ Season 18 Todd’s wife, Brooke, and some of his children cried tears of joy.

We remember how Todd made all the four judges turn around in the Blind Auditions with his “We’ve Got Tonight” smoky version. And how he said he “had never performed before the show.” Now, he made it as ‘The Voice’ Season 18’s Champion!

Watch Todd Tilghman’s virtual performance of “I Can Only Imagine” in the video below.

Source: Charisma News

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Upcoming Christian Movies
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5 Upcoming Christian Movies To See In 2020

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Several Christian movies have moved and touched our hearts in the past years. Among the blockbusters were “I Can Only Imagine”, “Overcomer”, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Harriet,” and “Dark Waters”. And just like the previous films, these upcoming Christian movies for 2020 will once again touch our hearts with powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters.

5 Upcoming Christian Movies To See In 2020:

1. “I Still Believe”

Upcoming Christian Movies

The plot of the movie was inspired by the award-winning Christian singer Jeremy Camp’s real life story. It tells about love, loss and faith.

“I Still Believe” depicts Jeremy Camp’s first marriage to his wife Melissa Lynn Henning-Camp. Melissa die of ovarian cancer shortly after they were married.

The film is produced by the Erwin Brothers who also produced “I Can Only Imagine”.

2. “I Am Patrick”

Photo | I Am Patrick

“I Am Patrick” is about the life of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick. According to Christian Post, the film “will feature historical re-enactments, expert interviews and writings from the saint himself which details his journey to sainthood.”

The movie will be released on March 17-18.

3. “Heavenquest”

Upcoming Christian Movies

“Heavenquest” is a faith-based fantasy adventure. It’s an adaptation of John Bunyan’s 1678 novel “The Pilgrim’s Progress”.

The novel has been a best selling book since its first edition and has been translated into 200 languages. Heavenquest will be the first live action film of the famous novel. 

The movie was produced with a micro-budget.

“Over the last decade of making my genre busting documentaries, Matt Bilen has been by my side pretty much every step of the way. It was really no surprise to me then that he would attempt something as outlandish as ‘Heavenquest’ for his first feature,” Executive Producer Darren Wilson told The Christian Post.

“For this film, he not only had a smaller budget to work with than most of my documentaries, but he broke nearly every rule for first time filmmakers: don’t shoot at night, don’t shoot in many hard to reach locations, don’t shoot without a script, don’t make a fantasy film that requires special effects … the list goes on and on.

“But I think what people will see when they watch this movie is something that comes from a place of true passion. The people who break artistic rules are typically the ones who are forced by their own ideas to birth something unique to the world. Matt’s definitely done that with this movie,” Darren stated.

4. “Home Sweet Home”

“Home Sweet Home” is a Christian rom-com and will be released in theaters spring of 2020.

The plot of the story involves a flirtatious woman who has her sights set on Christian guy who appears impervious to her charms. Challenge accepted.

The film’s synopsis wrote, “After discovering Jason runs a ministry that builds affordable housing, she decides to volunteer. … She researches ‘how to act like a Christian,’ and her new approach gains her some ground as she starts to make headway with Jason. But when she meets the single mom who will own the house they’re building, her eyes are opened, faking faith will not make her whole and Jason is there to serve others while she has just been getting in the way.”

5. “Don’t Say My Name”

Photo | The Christian Post

“Don’t Say My Name” is a movie tackling the heavy issue of human trafficking. It is based on the true story of a human trafficking survivor.

The film’s synopsis says, “We’ll follow her (Adriana) harrowing journey of survival as she navigates the road to recovery and healing.”

The film’s goal is to help spread awareness of the human rights epidemic. 

Cameron Arnett, who also starred in the hit film “Overcomer,” plays a Homeland Security investigator in “Don’t Say My Name”. He is encouraging everyone to spread awareness of this modern day slavery. 

“Join us and let’s make sure the names of our loved ones never have to be said. Tackling an epidemic is never easy, but it’s always worthwhile,” he said in an interview with The Christian Post.

According to the report, “‘Don’t Say My Name’ gives viewers a first-hand account of what happens once someone escapes captivity.”

Moreover, the producers and filmmakers of the movie made sure that everything in the film was authentic. So they called on law enforcements, judges, attorneys, organizations and even survivors.

It will be released during the fall of 2020.

Watch out for the release of these amazing set of Christian movies!

Source: The Christian Post

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Christian Actress Lands Starring Role In Hit Movie After Saying ‘No’ To Nudity

by Joyca Lorriene
written by Joyca Lorriene

Madeline Carroll is a Christian actress who rejected a role in a  TV series because it would mean compromising her values. She was warned her career could be over but God soon rewarded her action with the opportunity of a lifetime… to be in the hit movie, ‘I Can Only Imagine’.

“I passed on a show because I didn’t want to do nudity,” Madeline said. “I had someone literally say to me, ‘Madeline, that’s all there is for your age, so if you’re not comfortable with that, then I don’t know what to tell you, you’re not going to have a career.’”

She stood strong

Madeline was warned that if she did not accept the offer, she may not have a career in Hollywood, but she wasn’t intimidated by those words; she still chose to pass up on the opportunity.

Madeline knew God had other plans for her; she felt called to acting, but not to compromise her faith.

God is faithful

Indeed God has been faithful to her, as she was offered the part of Shannon (Bart Millard’s wife) in ‘I Can Only Imagine.’ This is the real-life story of Bart Millard of the famous band, Mercy Me. The film tells the story of his strained relationship with his father and how God’s grace can transform lives bringing forgiveness and hope.

It recently won one of the grand prizes at the Annual Movieguide Awards – an Epiphany Award. (pictured) Movieguide reviews movies from a Christian perspective for families and works in Hollywood to redeem the media.

‘The only way up is by going low’

Madeline’s story shows that as followers of Christ, we can stand firm in our values without compromising who we are. As she reflects on her many blessings and God’s provision, her lasting renown is: “to God be the Glory!”

There are many people who struggle and will do just about anything for money, fame, and position, but we as Christians believe that the only way up is by going low. – We must humble ourselves to the Lord because He alone can promote us.

May this testimony serve as an inspiration to us to never compromise our faith for fame. God has a way of elevating His people. Obeying the Lord will always lead to greater blessing.

Reference: MovieGuide

 

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I Can Only Imagine
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I Can Only Imagine Set for UK Cinemas

by Richard Smith
written by Richard Smith

Inspirational hit film I Can Only Imagine is set for a UK cinema release from August 10th.

The film has made headlines across the USA as the biggest faith film of the year, taking over $80 million at the box office and taking the spot for number one best selling DVD.

I Can Only Imagine is an extremely powerful movie of forgiveness. The story behind the song really brings across the real life changing message of forgiveness, hope and redemption that only Jesus can offer. This powerful testimony of the song that brought hope to millions, will bring again hope to millions in this movie. – The Christian Film Review

The film is the story behind I Can Only Imagine, 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.

Although he found faith at a young age, life wasn’t easy for Bart. He leaned into an active imagination and his love of music as escapes from a troubled home life. As he grew older, Bart turned to football in hopes of somehow connecting with his abusive father. But a career-ending injury—combined with the vision of a teacher who saw unlimited potential—set Bart on a musical pathway.

Chasing a dream while running from broken relationships with his father and Shannon, his childhood sweetheart, Bart hits the road in an old, decrepit tour bus with his new band MercyMe—named for his grandmother’s favourite expression. With the guidance of a grizzled music-industry insider, the band begins a journey none of them could ever have imagined.

A gripping reminder of the power of forgiveness, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love—or from an eternal home in Heaven.

I Can Only Imagine Trailer - In UK Cinemas August 10th 2018

Why Support Christian Film in the UK?

As we have seen in the USA, the film has done extraordinarily well, taking Hollywood by surprise as churches have supported the film and Christians have gone to to the cinema.

We know that there are only a small number of cinemas showing the film. So if you live anywhere near these cinemas, grab your friends, your church and get along to a showing and support Christian film here in the UK. Supporting Christian film like this in the UK opens up the possibility of more Christian films to be shown over here, the films need to be seen as in demand.

If we don’t support these films, it is unlikely future Christian films will be released in the UK, so please do your best and support I Can Only Imagine.

For a list of cinemas visit: icanonlyimagine.co.uk

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quaid
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WATCH: Dennis Quaid “For Me, It’s Jesus” – Actor Talks His Impactful Role in “I Can Only Imagine”

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

Dennis Quaid “For Me, It’s Jesus”

This past March the movie “I Can Only Imagine” was released in theatres starring the actors Dennis Quaid and J. Michael Finley. The hit movie follows the life of Bart Millard and explains the story behind how Millard came to write the hit song “I Can Only Imagine” for his band MercyMe.

Viewers across the country have been moved by the story of hope including even Quaid, who portrays Millard’s father Arthur in the film. When Millard was a young boy his father Arthur was abusive both physically and emotionally until a terminal illness leads Arthur to the Lord and a radical life change.

Walking along the path of Arthur’s miraculous redemption story left Quaid, who is also a Christian, so deeply impacted that he was inspired to finish a song he had began writing almost 30 years ago.

“What moved me about finishing it really was my character of Arthur and how he found grace,” Quaid shared. “That’s the beautiful thing about the good news that Jesus was talking about.”

The song “On My Way to Heaven” is definitely a spiritual song; however, Quaid said it was originally written for his mother who has always been a strong woman of faith in his life.

“Her faith is unquestionable. So solid,” Quaid shared. “So I wrote it for her, but I guess it’s my story.”

Truthfully “On My Way to Heaven” is a song that will resonate with everyone’s story and walk with Christ. The lyrics are powerful and not unique to only Quaid or his mother’s life. In the song he sings:

“And He walks with me everyday,

Holds my hand and points the way.

And He will walk with you everyday,

The Shepherd’s lamp will guide you every step along the way.”

On his mother’s 91st birthday Quaid surprised her with the finished song and it must have been such a special moment! Be sure to watch the official music video for “On My Way to Heaven” and be prepared to be moved by the powerful lyrics.

The Faith of Dennis Quaid - The Story Behind On My Way To Heaven

 

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Faith Films in Hollywood
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Faith Films Surprise Hollywood… Again

by Richard Smith
written by Richard Smith

We have seen over the past month articles suggesting that Hollywood is once again surprised by the success of Christian films. But is it actually a surprise?

Last month, the film I Can Only Imagine was released in the USA, the film is based on the true story behind probably the most popular Christian song of all time.

“I Can Only Imagine is an extremely powerful movie of forgiveness. The story behind the song really brings across the real life changing message of forgiveness, hope and redemption that only Jesus can offer. This powerful testimony of the song that brought hope to millions, will bring again hope to millions in this movie. This is a must see film.” –  The Christian Film Review

I Can Only Imagine brings to life the true story behind the song of ultimate hope. A transformed relationship with his troubled father, inspired Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, to write what is now the most-played radio single in Christian music history. A gripping reminder of the power of forgiveness,  I Can Only Imagine beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love — or from an eternal home in Heaven.


Nathan Cochran and Barry Graul of MercyMe, actor Charles Esten, Robby Shaffer, Bart Millard, and Michael John Scheuchzer of MercyMe attend the ‘I Can Only Imagine’ premiere in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

God is using Faith films

3 reasons why the success of I Can Only Imagine wasn’t all that much of a surprise though:

  1. The film, directed by the Erwin Brothers, is exceptionally well made and acted, but what it comes down to is the story. The story is true and it is powerful, people are moved and can relate to a true story
  2. It is based on the best selling Christian song of all time, people who were moved by the song, that have experience the song, will want to see the film
  3. God is using this film to change lives

Hollywood seemed to have forgotten the Kendrick Brothers film War Room which took the number one spot at the US box office when it was released.

Though it is always great to see Hollywood surprised all over again by how God uses films to reach people!

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I Can Only Imagine
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I Can Only Imagine – From Pain to Inspiration

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

“Let your pain become your inspiration!” This was the advice given to the singer/ songwriter of Mercy Me, Bart Millard. The band has just been nominated for Best Artist, Best Song and Best Album – but back then, Bart wasn’t the best of anything. In fact he will tell you he was just a loser from a broken home.

But God turned everything around, Bart’s love of music gave him hope to cling onto despite his parent’s break up and his abusive dad and he wrote a hit song, which is now a movie.  I Can Only Imagine is his story and it can be your’s too!

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, then make a point of finding a cinema where it is still showing, or get the DVD. In the trailer above Bart says: “My dad was a monster and I saw God transform him. I didn’t think God could do that, so I wrote this song for my dad. I went from seeing my father go from a monster to a man who was desperately in love with Jesus!”

Based on this incredible true-story of Bart and his relationship with his father, I Can Only Imagine is a powerful reminder of the power of God’s grace and the movie is bringing hope to many.

Don’t you just love those two words, “BUT GOD”. No matter what we are facing we can always trust God for His intervention. I can Only Imagine shows how He can turn lives around completely. Just a couple of tweets indicate a wider movie-goer reaction that underlines why the movie has become a runaway success.

  • “Ok, wiping away tears would be an understatement,” @jonathanpuddle tweets… “More like, not sure if I can breathe right now. I had no idea the story behind this song, and I am floored. GO SEE THIS MOVIE. #ICanOnlyImagine @icanonlyimaginemovie.”
  • “@Sharon_L_Stone writes: As @onlyimaginefilm ended – no one moved. Just tears and sobs. As my son and I left a lady asked ‘Do you know Jesus?’ We said ‘Sure do’. I blurted ‘Do you?’ She said ‘No, I need the @BartMillard Dad change.’ We prayed, cried, hugged and welcomed her home. This movie was just for her!”

It’s amazing to read all the positive responses from believers. There have been numerous testimonies too!  It’s no surprise then, that faith films are taking Hollywood by storm as cinema lovers opt to see Christian-themed dramas like I Can Only Imagine, rather than studio-backed movies.

I Can Only Imagine

Christian movies are beating studio-
backed productions at the box office!

I Can Only Imagine took $25m in seven days of its release and was placed in the number three spot behind Black Panther and Tomb Raider. This is amazing seeing that it is an independent biopic. The movie features Dennis Quaid as Bart’s father and J. Michael Finley as Bart. It was produced and directed by brothers Andy and Jon Erwin, whose other faith-based films include Woodlawn and October Baby.

Jon Erwin said he had been told that there “was no audience for a Christian music movie” but every Christian he knew loved the song so the brothers “just believed that there was an audience for this movie and that they would show up.” Crowds did turn up and after seeing it, 79% of people said in an audience poll that they planned to pay to see it again.

The film’s success shows Hollywood that if you invest in acting talent and production quality, faith films can compete in the box-office with those promoted by the big studios. It also shows the power of Gospel music today. It’s incredible to think that a 1999 hit song from MercyMe is now be the theme song of a blockbuster movie and continues to played in both Christian and secular charts.

Other recent successful Christian films include Heaven Is For Real, a story about a boy who briefly dies, which took $91 million; God’s Not Dead, about a college student whose faith is challenged, which earned $66 million and Fireproof about a fireman addicted to porn that grossed $33 million from a $£500,000 budget.

Each of these films help take the Gospel message further. They let the world know that we serve a Good God who can transform lives, bringing forgiveness, restoration and healing where it is needed. Furthermore,  many faith films today offer ministry-resources that make sharing the Gospel easier, in a contemporary way.  Click to access I Can Only Imagine Resources. They include: Bible studies, a small group guide, student devotions and a children’s picture book.

As believers let’s support Christian media outreaches in every way, including film. Let’s use these resources to share the Gospel further. And, whatever you do, don’t miss I Can Only Imagine, the movie that turns pain into inspiration!

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