Ignite Your Faith Connection

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Monday, November 19, 2007

Welcome

A couple of weeks ago, I got to see an early showing of Disney's Enchanted in order to review it. (Watch for my review this week at ChristianityTodayMovies.com.) The movie's very funny and sweet. I loved all of its references to Disney movies. Plus, there's a Central Park dance sequence that's one of the most fun few minutes I've seen in a movie. But as the last couple of scenes played out, something was bothering me. I just felt uncomfortable with how the film's love stories were ending up. Does this end completely contradict all the film's other messages about what love really is? I thought. What is this movie ultimately saying about love and commitment?

Some people say I think too much about movies—especially fun and goofy movies like Enchanted—that are supposed to be just entertainment. But I don't think there's any such thing as "just entertainment." Everything we put in our heads—movies, TV shows, commercials, songs, morning radio show bits—always carry some message. Because of that, I think it's important to not switch off our brains, but think through what a film is saying (intentionally or unintentionally), talk with friends about it, and compare the messages to what we believe. As 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, "Test everything. Hold on to the good" (NIV).

This need for discernment is exactly why Ignite runs a column we call "Entertaining Faith." In the latest one, we have some questions and Bible verses related to Ratatouille, The Daily Show and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. I'd like to hear what you think of this column and Enchanted.

Our top story this week is "Tired of Messing Up," a first person story about a Christian guy who realized he didn't really have Christ at the center of his life. We also have one of my favorite advice column questions in a long time. A former pastor talks about what a "quiet time" really is—and what you're supposed to do during them. By the way: If you have any questions about faith, entertainment or life in general, let us hear them!

Oh, and a warning: You're running out of time to enter our current contests for free stuff: the Superchic[k] prize pack, the Jonah33 skate deck, and the 25 free CDs for voting in our music awards. So, your Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to enter!

Speaking of that, I looked up some IYF Thanksgiving stories for you. Check out these stories: Don't Forget Thanksgiving!, 10 Ways to Express Your Gratitude This Thanksgiving, and Top 15 Reasons to Be Thankful on Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Todd Hertz
for IYF

Go Deeper
Finding the right Bible study for your group can be a difficult task. Now with ChristianBibleStudies.com, it's never been easier! Choose from more than 60 courses on current issues and books of the Bible, download them, make copies for your group, and get deeper into God's Word.

Top Story

Tired of Messing Up
It was easy being a "good" Christian on Sunday by going to church. But during the week, Christ was not at the center of my life.
by Scott Fortune, as told to Amy Adair

"I'd like to talk to you about living more fully for Christ," the worship leader told the crowd at our youth group retreat.

As he continued, his words hit me pretty hard. Even though I was a Christian, I hadn't been doing a very good job of living like one.

| Finish this story |

Annual Music Awards

Vote for the Golden Ear Awards!

Who rocks your face off? Who put out the best album of the year? Let us hear it! Vote now for our Golden Ear Awards. One lucky voter will be chosen at random to win 25 FREE CDs of their choice from Christianbook.com. Just click here. Time is running out!

THE HEROES OF ROCK!

Superchic[k] vs. Robot Gorillas!
Igniteyourfaith.com proudly presents our brand new online cartoon, THE HEROES OF ROCK! The first episode:
"Superchic[k]en." When Superchic[k] is abducted by a rock-hating genius, who will save them? You'll have to watch to see.

But we don't want you to just watch. We want you to WIN. One Grand Prize Winner will get a Superchic[k] prize pack of the band's CDs, a T-shirt, an autographed photo, and two tickets to a concert (retail value: $150).

| Watch Heroes of Rock! now. |

Good Advice

FAITH Q&A
What's a Quiet Time?

Q. My youth pastor is always talking about "quiet times," but what exactly are they?

Read Marshall Shelley's answer|
More Faith Q&A

Entertainment

MEDIA Q&A
Entertaining Faith
by Todd Hertz

Making sense of messages in Ratatouille, The Daily Show, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.

Finish this article | More Media Q&A

Win a Jonah 33 Skateboard!
Thanks to the awesome guys in Jonah33, we want to give away a custom skateboard deck featuring the cover of their latest album, Heart of War. Click here to enter.

Good Buys

The Power of a Praying Teen
When you pray, are you sure God hears you? Do you ever doubt that your prayers really can make a difference? Stormie Omartian helps you see God's purpose in your life.

Christmas Offerings, CD
Follow Third Day back to the manger—and lift your heart in Christmas praise! Includes live versions of "Away in a Manger," "Silent Night," "The First Noel," and more.

Subscribe to Ignite Your Faith
Ignite Your Faith offers biblical perspectives and encouragement on issues like love, relationships, self-image, popularity, and loneliness. Each issue also features stories of teens who were changed by God and in-depth profiles on the latest in Christian music. Request a FREE trial issue today!

Christian College Guide

CHOOSING A COLLEGE
I Had to be the Best
How my scramble to the top led to a major fall.
by Sarah Nutter

In some ways, my college search was easy. I'd known where I wanted to go to college for my entire life. It was my dad's alma mater, and quickly became my dream school.

The hard part was getting accepted to this selective school.

| Finish this article |

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This Week's Poll

What are you most looking forward to at Thanksgiving?

A set time to thank God
No school
Good food
Time with family
Football
More time to read IYF
Thanksgiving services
Special traditions
Voting for the Golden Ears
Good shopping
Other (e-mail and tell us!)

Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.

Results of Last Week's Poll

Who do you want to see in Heroes of Rock! next?

Hawk Nelson: 25%
Relient K: 15%
Family Force 5: 10%
BarlowGirl: 8%
The David Crowder Band: 6%
Jeremy Camp: 6%
Thousand Foot Krutch: 5%
Red: 3%
Chris Tomlin: 3%
Leeland: 3%
Pillar: 3%
Anybody would be fun: 3%
Other (e-mail and tell us!): 3%

From the Music Channel

Running to Justice
Sara Groves' new album reflects the stories she's heard around the world.

Michelle Shocked: ToHeavenURide
The singer/songwriter continues to defy expectations and broaden her horizons.

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