FIREPROOF Outreach

On the opening weekend of FIREPROOF, Ten-Four Ministries was blessed to sponsor a free showing of the movie for the first responders in the Tulsa (OK) community. We would not have been able to do this if it wasn't for the help of two area churches that helped finance the showing - First Baptist Broken Arrow and Sheridan Christian Church. When we arrived, it was good to see a sell out (above photo) and although myself and a small team of volunteers arrived an hour early, our firefighters and police officers were there in line ready to see the movie.



The Tulsa Fire Department graciously sent out a truck to help us promote the event and the movie. I am fortunate to live in a community that permits this activity by our first responders.



The line was waiting on us and I had the opportunity to meet many of our local heroes. They were curious as to who paid for their movie tickets and a large drink and I told them to please stay in the theater after the movie and they would have a chance to thank them. I only saw two people leave after the movie which was an incredible blessing.

The movie was powerful and during certain parts you could have heard a pin drop. It was clear that not everyone in the theater knew this was a Christian film. At least one heckler did not like the message but the conviction in the faces of the majority was clear. Who heard the Gospel during this movie? I personally knew atheists, agnostics and individuals living in open sin in the theater. I also knew Christians and many other individuals that I did not know.

As the movie concluded, the credits rolled and the theater turned the sound down. I stepped in front of almost 200 first responders and introduced the Churches that helped sponsor the movie and then left them with one more presentation of the Gospel. Here is what they heard:

"I want to first thank everyone for coming out tonight. I hope you recognize the important messages in this movie. I want to remind you of one particular scene where the father of the main character tells his son that saving someone from a fire does not make you right with God. You have violated his standards and one day you will be judged for that.

The first responders in this room are no doubt the heroes of our community. What you do on a daily basis is nothing short of heroic and I am amazed by it. Firefighters go into buildings that are on fire and police officers run towards gun shots instead of away. I am so amazed by that. Thank you so much for what you do.

But just like the father said in the movie, “I love you too much to not tell you the truth."

The truth is this. The Bible tells us that it is appointed for man to die and then there is judgment (Hebrews 9:27). We will not be judged based on our career or the fact that we have saved lives or done heroic deeds. We will be judged by God’s standards and you heard some of those in the movie.

Lust, stealing, lying, blasphemy, and other sins are an offense to God. The punishment for sin is an eternity in hell. None of us can pass this standard but the good news is this.

God sent his only son, Jesus Christ to earth. God walked the earth for 33 years and lived a perfect life. He was murdered on a cross over 2000 years ago and rose from the dead 3 days later. Over 500 witnesses saw him alive after he was crucified. There is no question on these facts.

Jesus died for all of us. He paid the penalty for our sins. A penalty we cannot pay. That alone is not enough. We must come to Jesus on His terms and the movie you just watched depicts this well.

We must repent of our sins, turn from those sins and trust alone in Jesus Christ for our salvation.

The literal meaning of repentance is to change one’s mind or purpose. It is much more than intellectual. It involves a change of behavior.

Then give your entire life over to Jesus. Trust in him for everything.

There are some in here that have done that. There are some that have not or are not sure. I am asking you to examine your faith and not let another day go by without ensuring that on that day of judgment, you will be found innocent because of the Blood of Jesus Christ.

There are Pastors here at the front to speak with you if you like.

Thank you so much for coming. Please have a safe night."

A local reporter was present in the audience and on this past Saturday, this article appeared in the Tulsa World.

When I originally saw FIREPROOF in August it was my prayer that this movie would make a difference and that Ten-Four Ministries could some how use it to reach the first responder community. As usual, God's plan surpassed anything I could have anticipated. What a blessing it was to be involved in this outreach.

Here is just one testimony that has come to us through our website:

"This movie so clearly mirrors my current marital situation that the less than stellar acting didn't matter, but the message did matter to me -- quite considerably.

Incidentally, three days before seeing this movie I had come to realize that my marriage was failing because Christ was not at the center of my life or our marriage. I have surrendered myself to Christ as Caleb ultimately did.

I know my marriage and my life will become more challenging as Satan tests my resolve, but I feel prepared for the fight. I have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

I saw this movie alone, and I am glad I did. I would like my wife to see it too, but not in my presence. The message was the point and I took it well. One of the better $10 bills I have spent. This is not feel good movie as much as a tough love story."