Posted on 10/09/2016 11:56:56 AM PDT by CHRISTIAN DIARIST
A “flop.” That’s how Australian web site TheMusic.com.au disparaged “Let Hope Rise,” the concert documentary featuring Hillsong United, which debuted three weeks ago here in the United States.
As of this past Friday, the film has earned $2.3 million. That’s little more than a tenth the sum earned over the same span by, say, “Blair Witch,” as Hillsong’s detractors would no doubt point out.
But the success of “Let Hope Rise” cannot be measured by the standards of Mammon, the god worshiped by the secular world, but by the Great Commission the risen Christ issued to his followers:
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
That’s the kingdom cause to which Hillsong United has committed itself since its formation in 1998 at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia.
It’s not about fame. It’s not about fortune. It’s about exalting the Lord among the nations.
That’s why Hillsong United has released more than 20 albums of praise and worship music, the most recent of which earned the band Billboard’s 2016 award as “Top Christian Artist.”
That’s why the band spends so much time on tour, performing live all over the world. And that’s why the 11 band members allowed intimate glimpses of their lives beyond the music in “Let Hope Rise.”
Hillsong United is sowing the word of God through its music. And churches throughout the world are reaping the harvest.
It is just as Christ envisioned:
“Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”
“God created music,” said Joel Houston, Hillsong United’s leader, “for the sole purpose of it being used to connect the people, the human heart, our soul, with Him.”
That’s what happens every Sunday when the songs Hillsong United has created – through the power of the Holy Spirit that works in them – are sung in churches by an estimated 50 million people.
As to those who feel uncomfortable or out of place in a traditional church setting, a concert film like “Let Hope Rise” could be the gateway through which lost souls find their way to Christ.
Indeed, “Let Hope Rise” has been has been seen here in the United States by more than a quarter-million film-goers. And the documentary should attract at least as many internationally.
If just one-tenth of one percent of those who see the film are so moved by the Holy Spirit they accept Jesus as their Lord, that’s 500 lost souls that will be saved.
That may seem consequential to those who measure the success of Hillsong United's concert film by how much money it earns at the box office. But the Gospel tells us “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
“But the success of “Let Hope Rise” cannot be measured by the standards of Mammon, the god worshiped by the secular world, but by the Great Commission the risen Christ issued to his followers”
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Haven’t seen the film, but I suspect the overwhelming majority of people who pay to see it are already Christians.
I really liked some of the older Hillsong songs by Darlene Czech. Unfortunately the theology of the hillsong church is prosperity gospel gunk.
The founder of the church actually wrote a book called “You Need More Money”
https://www.amazon.com/Need-More-Money-Brian-Houston/dp/0957733607
I still listen to Shout to the Lord 2000. Great music and video.
And if it sells another million in albums, they’ve partially offset the cost of the film.
Probably.
For evangelical-intended movies you couldn’t beat the old Billy Graham films formula, in my book. Tickets were given away free and the film contained a direct appeal to the audience who weren’t already Christian.
“I still listen to Shout to the Lord 2000. Great music and video.”
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I dunno if you’ve already heard of it, but you might enjoy the music of “Seeds Family Worship”, e.g. -
https://www.reverbnation.com/seedsfamilyworship/song/2381731-ask-seek-knock-matthew-77-8
Comment from recent article by Andy Stanley... "We don’t have time for the petty disagreements that only those inside our social media circles understand or care about. We’re losing ground. The most counterproductive thing we can do is criticize and refuse to learn from one another. So come on. If you believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, that’s all I need to know. And in light of what’s at stake, in light of who is at stake, perhaps that’s all you need to know as well."
I suspect that delays in the release were caused by trying to work out details of what the movie included about various musicians/singers. Some of the early Hillsong members became famous or don't tour with the current groups. It has to be a legal nightmare.
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