American Gospel DVD 1: Christ Alone

First, I am not a calvinist, and I disagree with all five points to one degree or another. In fact, I have found many of my own charismatic friends in more agreement with reformed theology than I do, considering that most believe once saved, always saved (perseverance of the saints), while I believe in endurance of the saints.That said, This is not a calvinist's perspective film. I am a baptist/pentecostal believer and I found absolutely not disagreement with the film, and instead found much of what I've said more refined and better articulated in the film. They rightly present the gospel at its core, removing the nonessentials that have been added and retaining the essentials that have been taken away to create the American Gospel. Then, then compare the biblical gospel to the gospel being portrayed by many American preachers.There are a few criticisms I saw in the reviews of this I think needs addressing as well:1) The highest ranked criticism says that "the movie is predominantly highly paid pastors and seminary folk giving us their opinion on why their doctrine is right, and others are wrong," and then calls it the "classic American gospel if you ask me." But the reviewer fails to see the hubris in his own contradiction. Is giving opinion on why you're right and others are wrong in regard to the Christian faith the American Gospel? If so, is you giving your opinion on why the film is wrong and why you're right part of the classic American gospel, just the gospel, or just American? I say none of the above. In order to be able to know what is true, falsehoods must be acknowledged. Just apply the claim to itself.2) "This movie is nothing more than an advertisement for reformed theology," said one. "As I said above, it has nothing to do with reformed theology exclusively. Even if it was, however, wouldn't it be better to shut down the videos claims based on its own merit rather than the characterized ad hominem strawman "Reformed"? In fact, this video lays out the groundwork of the gospel with which every denomination should agree! It speaks nothing of total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, or perseverance of the saints (TULIP) which is only serves as an interpretation applied to the gospel defined in the film. But it was never even alluded to. If you'd like to point out wear any calvinist specific persuasion was uttered, please show where.3) There were numerous other comments specifically defending a particular Christian worldview (i.e. Catholics, prosperity preaching, etc.) claiming that their side was misrepresented. These are, perhaps, the only legitimate complaints I saw - not that I agree with their complaints. But these sort of complaints warrant and invite open dialogue.I highly suggest this video! And I highly recommend that when you watch it, set aside whatever favor or disfavor you have for specific preachers and teachers. Look at the merits of their comments and arguments only.

Brillante

I’m usually not a fan of “Christian” movies. I am usually the opposite of a fan. So I’m surprising myself here. But after a few people recommended the movie, American Gospel: Christ Alone I decided to take 2 hours and give it a watch-see.The trailer made me wonder if it was a “hit piece” on the prosperity gospel. I don’t think I would be too against something like that since I also abominate the prosperity gospel (borrowing some language from John Piper’s famous sermon clip). On more than one continent, I have witnessed the very real harm that that false teaching does to people.However, a hit piece has some limitations. For one, those kinds of things usually preach only to the choir, as it were. They aren’t designed to convince the unconvinced. And only those who already agree will actually watch it. And, it would make it less crucial to me; why spend 2 hours of your life being said choir?That was probably more than you wanted to know about my hesitation with this movie before watching it. But I am happy to say that this movie was nothing like I thought it might be. It was so well done! So good.A few of the merits of this movie are:-A clear, powerful, biblically-saturated affirmation of the true gospel. This part made my heart sing!-A gracious, clear, truthful, also biblically-saturated calling out of “other gospels”.-A good word about how the Roman Catholic Church is wrong on the gospel, and why the call for a unity of sorts between Evangelicals and Catholics is short-sighted.-A generous use of video clips of false teachers while they are teaching “other gospels” and false ideas.-A helpful explanation of the dangers of these false gospels, loaded with rich personal testimony (e.g., from guys like Costi Hinn).-A helpful naming of names.That last point causes a lot of well-meaning Christians to bristle. Every time I have dropped names of false teachers during a sermon I have received negative feedback (usually in the form of emails and text messages on the Monday after). And I understand: to some, it feels unkind to do that.However, as a pastor, I think it is far more unkind to not warn people about false teachers. And besides, I can rest on the example of Scripture, where names were definitely named (see 1 Timothy 1:19-20 for e.g.). You can name a name in love.This is a very good and helpful movie, and I hope many Christians will take the time to watch it. Watch it if you agree with the prosperity gospel. Watch it if you disagree. Watch it, even if you feel you have benefitted from some of the teachers it calls out. You will learn something, and I think you will be edified in the true gospel.

Thankful for God saving a wretch like me and leading me to a solid expository preaching church with an awesome church family because of material/movies like this....