500J - Jesus

A story in parable and C.S. Lewis allegorical style to demonstrate the wonder and joy of discovering Jesus Christ. A man, walking in a dreary, icy city is surprised by a joyous group of gospel-singing, tuxedoed angels, who give him the gift of love and life, a magical music box, and the story of a loving king.

VCJ-504 COTTON PATCH GOSPEL- (C/A); 107 min.; Bridgestone Productions, 1988.

A "leg-slapping", "hand-clappin'", two-act musical drama that retells the Gospels of Matthew and John in present-day Southern vernacular.

While an off-screen voice reads the Sermon on the Mount, a brisk montage of striking visual images reflects various aspects of life in our modern world. The ethics that Jesus taught are interpreted with contemporary, often ironic, images.

A rousing yet reverent theatrical event about a gathering of the disciples at a supper table, each taking a turn to get something off his chest. The object of the film is to stimulate deeper insights into discipleship by showing that the first followers of Jesus were human beings just like us.

VCJ-508 ANCIENT SECRETS OF THE BIBLE SERIES: SHROUD OF TURIN: FRAUD OR EVIDENCE OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION?- (JH/A); 35 min.; Guide; Group, 1995.

This video dealing with scientific findings and their implications about the Shroud of Turin is the only New Testament video in the Ancient Secrets of the Bible series. See VCO-501.

JESUS was filmed on location in Israel in Biblical settings with a cast of more than 5,000 Israelis and Arabs. The narrative is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke. The film is used by missionaries to present the message of Jesus Christ.

This video contains three 15-minute programs that examine and interpret great religious art masterpieces that deal with Jesus. The three themes covered are: The Birth of Christ, The Madonna and Child, and The Faces of Christ. Even those with no art background will be caught up in the wonder of the masterpieces as explained by Oliver Hunkin.

The 1973 Broadway musical based on the Gospel of Matthew. The story opens with John the Baptist calling a disparate group of young New Yorkers from their workday lives to follow and learn from a modern Jesus. They form a roving acting troupe that enacts the Parables through humor, mime, and rock and roll beats with inspirational lyrics.

VCJ-512 THE RELIABILITY OF SCRIPTURE IN LIGHT OF THE JESUS SEMINAR- by Ken Bailey; (A); 45 min; reproducible study sheets; Essential Media, 1996.

The classic view that the New Testament is a reliable bearer of Jesus's own words has been under attack, specifically through the publicized work of the Jesus Seminar. This issue is clearly explained for even the most non-theological person. The rich Semitic oral and written tradition, which can be counted on to bring Jesus's words to us today, is explained.

VCJ-513 WITNESS-by Curt Cloninger- (Y/A); 58 min.; Guide; Youth Specialties, 1990.

Actor/author Curt Cloninger portrays eight diverse characters--witnesses--who knew Jesus. The characters, portrayed in contemporary language and dress, include: the innkeeper, Zirim the Tailor, Abe the Banana Man, Lazarus, the Demoniac, Barabbas, Thomas, and Peter. These characters help the viewer see Jesus through a new perspective--not as a historical figure, but as the Word made real flesh.

This fast-paced new video on Jesus, made in high definition technology, shows His life and teaching in a way never seen before. Main events from the Gospel sources are presented with careful attention to detail and the original historical and cultural context. The video includes His birth and baptism, the wedding feast, walking on water, driving out the money-changers from the temple, His Crucifixion, Ascension, and more.

VCJ-515 A FATHER AND TWO SONS: A video translation of Luke 15:11-32- (Y/A); 10 min. Guide; Black and white; American Bible Society, 1994.

The Prodigal Son story is told in a contemporary setting on a horse ranch. It is presented in stunning black and white images with an exciting blues vocal track performed by Rory Block. The video takes the Bible story a step farther by showing the father's loving encounter with the reluctant older son.

VCJ-516 THE GOSPEL OF JESUS AND THE JESUS OF THE GOSPELS- with Robert W. Funk- (A); 45 min.; Polebridge Press, 1994.

The video contrasts the Gospel of Jesus with the proclamation of the primitive Christian Church. Robert Funk demonstrates how Jesus of Nazareth was transformed from a wandering sage into a heavenly redeemer in the course of a few years.

Russell Boulter answers the question of the title in a straight-forward style. This video is specifically designed for people who have little or no prior knowledge of Jesus. Filmed in Israel, the presentation contains three sections: 1. His Story Had a Long Preparation 2. His Birth and Life 3. The Meaning of It All.

VCJ-518 PARDON AND PEACE...REMEMBERED- (JH/A); 15 min.; Guide; St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1998.

A poignant retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this follow-up to Pardon and Peace, the older man, who had witnessed the reconciliation of a runaway youth with his family, decides to reconcile with his own parents after 62 years. As he shares these stories with his teenage granddaughter, he helps her to gain a better perspective on her own problems.

This video by filmmaker Perry Wolff looks at the history of art of Jesus Christ. Starting with early figurations from 320 A.D., it looks at wooden icons, stained glass windows, frescoes, woodcuts, and silk painting to the present.

VCJ-520 PARABLES: A NEW LOOK AT FAMILIAR STORIES with Walter Wangerin, Jr. and Dr. Joanna Dewey- (A); 4 sessions, 15 min. ea.; Guide; Paraclete Press, 2000.

Using tangible realities, Jesus taught profound spiritual principles and complex religious truths to ordinary people. Uncovering the character nuances and shades of meaning which give the familiar stories their richness and depth, this video offers a vibrant blend of artists, actors, philosophers, Biblical scholars, and expert commentators who offer their unique insights and interpretation. Parables is a gift to the MRC from the 1st United Methodist Church of San Leandro.

VCJ-521 THE SEARCH FOR JESUS: Peter Jennings reporting- (A); 87 min.; No Guide; EcuFilm, 2000.

ABC News anchor Peter Jennings engages a group of religious experts in an exchange of ideas as controversial as they are fascinating. James Strange, a Baptist minister and archaeologist; Dominic Crossan, a former monk; Hanan Eschel, a Jewish archaeologist; and the Reverend Thomas Wright, a canon theologian who supports traditional and evangelical views of Jesus, provide keen insights into the life of arguably the most famous man in history.

VCJ-522 THE TEST OF TIME-(Y/A); 2 videos, 4 28-min. sessions; Guide and Script; Videos with Values, 2001.

The teachings of Jesus are examined 2000 years later in the crucible of remarkable human experiences. Do His teachings still hold true in our scientific, post-modern world? Four dimensions of life which affect us all are explored. Robert Beckford hosts.

.1 Session 1 - Commitment- Includes case studies of people who have been homeless and oppressed who continue to work to help others in similar circumstances.

Session 2 - Inner Peace- Includes a case study of a young on-duty police officer who was caught in the IRA bombing of Harrod's department store. It shows how her emotional scars were healed as she came to discover Jesus and His teachings.

VCJ-523 READING THE GOSPEL WITH JEWISH EYES with Bishop John Shelby Spong- (A); 94 min.; No guide; EcuFilm, 1996.

Bishop Spong brings up some very interesting and controversial ideas as he presents the Gospels from a Jewish perspective. From this perspective the key events of Jesus's life seem to follow closely an orderly cycle of Jewish feasts and rites of passage. The influence of the Jewish Midrash interpretation is emphasized.

VCJ-524 PEOPLE WHO MET JESUS- (J/A); 8 short episodes 58 min.; Guide; Narration; Vision Video, 2001.

A series of short video stories about people who met Jesus. Included are: 1. Simon Peter, 2. Matthew, 3. The Centurion, 4. The Woman at the Well, 5. The Nobleman/The Bleeding Woman, 6. Jairus, 7. The Rich Young Ruler, 8. Nicodemus.

VCJ-525 CHARLTON HESTON PRESENTS THE BIBLE: STORIES FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT- (Y/A); 90 min.; No guide: Reader's Digest, 1996.

Using the greatest stories from the New Testament, Charlton Heston retells the amazing life and teachings of Jesus Christ from His birth through His Ascension. The video was shot on location in the Holy Land.

DVJ-527 ALL ABOUT JESUS: WHO IS THIS JESUS? WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN?- (Y/A); DVD; 2 sessions; 98 min. No Guide; Gospel Communications, 2005.

This DVD includes two compelling presentations on the life and influence of Jesus. The program features Dean Jones and is hosted by Dr. James Kennedy, Ph.D. It includes a wide variety of locations and expert interviews and uncovers fascinating answers to questions about Jesus.
Session 1    This fast-paced documentary provides explanations to some of the most important questions ever asked about Jesus Christ. It features interview segments with NASA engineers, theologians and others.
Session 2    This documentary explores Christ’s positive impact on many areas of today’s society. Filmed in North America, Europe, India, and South America, it features commentary from scientists, historians, philosophers, theologians, broadcasters, and others.

DVJ-528     IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS- (A); 2 DVD's; 14 vol., 50 min. ea.; No Guide; A & E Television Networks, 2003.

This documentary shows that some of the destinations visited by millions of pilgrims may not be what they seem to be. It reveals how some of Christianity's most sacred sites - including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher were identified by one dedicated, controversial figure: Empress Helena of Rome, the mother of Constantine.

DVJ-529     PARABLES OF JESUS - (Y/A); 7 sessions, 58 min.; Online Guide; Vision Video, 2006.

The Biblical parables come alive as this DVD helps the viewer understand the customs and culture behind the parables. Included are; The Good Samaritan, The Unmerciful Servant, The Treasure and the Pearl, The Lost Son, The Midnight Visitor, The Dinner, and The Unjust Manager.

DVJ-530    36 PARABLES SERIES - (Y/A); 12 DVD’s; 3 parables, 4-6 min. ea.; Guide (also online); EcuFilm, 2006.

Each DVD contains short films depicting three beloved parables in modern settings and situations. Special features include background documentaries on each parable and Scripture related to each parable.
    .1    PURPLE- Stories included are: Out of Reach (The Friend at Midnight: Luke 11:5-8), The Car Lot (The Shrewd Manager: Luke 16:1-13), Sean (The Barren Fig Tree: Luke 13:6-9).