Updates and Photos from the Christian Film Academy

Check out http://www.rebelution.blogspot.com/ for the latest at the Christian Film Academy in San Antonio.

Thoughts from Today’s Message, Delivered by Bob Sarratt

Works do not save; we are saved by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). However, faith without works is dead (James 2:20).

We are known by our fruits (Matthew 7:16-20), whether we "do good deeds" for the glory of God and out of obedience and love toward Him, or whether our works (or lack thereof) serve rather to further our own interests and procure us the praise of men (Matthew 6:1-4). Therefore let us evidence our faith by our works (James 2:18), for faith with works is dead, and no true faith at all.

Random Pic of the Day - "Nothin' like some New England ice cream in November."

The 2005 Faith & Freedom Tour - A Pictorial Review

It has been almost an entire month since I last updated my blog. That month was filled to overflowing with travel, transition, work, and fellowship, some of which I hope to blog about in the future. However, for today’s post I shall focus solely upon one segment of my recent activities, namely the 2005 Faith & Freedom Tour.

Although I could offer lengthy commentary about the many sites we visited in our Philadelphia-area tour, such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Brandywine, Valley Forge, Princeton, Washington’s Crossing, etc., and give much laud to the insightful, interesting, well-spoken, powerful history lectures delivered by Doug Phillips and Bill Potter, I choose rather to document the week with an array of photographs taken primarily by yours truly.

Enjoy the voluminous quantity of photos that follow, oft-times in no particular order. These photos represent about one-tenth of my snapping efforts that week!

Nathan Green lent his artistic talents toward directing traffic to the Vision Forum book tables.

William Clayton and Michael Billings, Vision Forum's very capable book table representatives.

Bweee.

Outside of Christ Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Pat Walsh.

David Brown, Joey Valenti, and Mr. Zes.

The F&F Tour takes over the Second Bank of the United States.

Conversing inside the portrait gallery at Second Bank of the United States. This gallery was a treasure trove of original portraits of our Founding Fathers, the majority of which were painted by Charles Wilson Peale.

This damsel is well-protected.

A sweet young couple I happened to notice while minding my own business.

Dinner at the City Tavern. You look a little guilty, Mr. Erber.

I thought this was a pretty sweet picture.

Stately, historic Independence Hall.

Inside Independence Hall.

Evidently someone's inspiration was waning.

Lunch-time.

A sit-down session. 'Twas a pleasant break from the normal standing routine.

David Brown, captor of the digital moment.

Jimmy B.

The gravesite of Benjamin Franklin and his wife.

A mystery.

Oo-rah, Bus #2!

William, Josh, and Phillip in downtown Philadelphia.

What a beautiful spot for a lecture.

Rebekah, Blair (with Providence), Sarah, and Hannah enjoy lunch on the grass at Brandywine.

Charlie Zahm performed for us while at Brandywine, regaling us with "The Blacksmith at Brandywine," among other favorite selections.

This gigantic tree has stood tall at Brandywine since the days of America's War for Independence.

Caleb Walsh, filmmaker.

The handi-work of Joseph Erber. This fine young man turned fourteen during the F&F Tour. Happy birthday, Joseph!

Bill Potter and Doug Phillips teaming up to deliver another tremendous lecture, this time at Washington's Crossing (the Pennsylvania side).

Making lunch with the Erbers.

Dodging the raindrops in front of Nassau Hall (not seen in this photo).

Wesley stays doubly dry.

John Witherspoon: Signer of the Declaration of Independence, member of the Continental Congress, President of Princeton College, and mentor to many of our Founding Fathers.

The chapel at Princeton. Inside I had an in-depth discussion with a fourth-year student about Christianity. His name is Chris, and he has turned away from his upbringing in a Presbyterian church. Pray that he will be convicted of God's truth and repent of his sin, ceasing his destructive reliance upon his fallible human reasoning.

Hannah appears not to have enjoyed her lemon.

The guys awaiting their turns for the flight simulator at the Franklin Institute.

Praying for the young ladies at the Princeton Cemetary.

Go Phillip!

Prior to liftoff. . .

Returning to land. [You know I exercised a great deal of restraint and discretion here, Katie, in choosing which picture to use. ;>)]

Preparing for takeoff.

Molly: "Which button do I use to destroy our equilibrium?"

Thumbs up, Molly!

The before shot. . .

Meagan and Lindsay seem none the worse for wear.

What an acting job.

The arch at Valley Forge.

Samantha and Molly appear to have enjoyed themselves.

Max and Bob prepare for their flight.

Josh Erber, faithful man.

The future of our nation.

Two of the delightful Hart children.

Look over here, guys!

The Phillips Family poses for a photograph. You look quite debonair, Josh.

Things seem to have progressed just a tad since the last time I was on this tour with these young people. (Much to my delight, I might add!)

Oo-rah, Wes!

The Erber Family, F&F Tour veterans extraordinaire.

More time on Bus #2. Someone's not wearing his seatbelt!

A segment of the 18 noisy F&F Tour members on their way to dinner, crammed into the Zes Family's 7-passenger van. Spit out the canary, Wes.

C'mon, Thomas. Your calamari will taste great, I promise!

The sweet and delightful Hannah Valenti, possessor of the "sneaky smile."

The ladies seem to be doing just fine.

Mr. Bill Brown, World War II P-51 pilot, captivates the audience with modest accounts of his childhood and war exploits.

A cruiser and a submarine moored side by side at Penn's Landing.

Hmm. An insightful cultural commentary when compared to today's attitude toward women serving in the armed forces.

Ahh, yes, the joys of submarine life.

Who wants the bottom bunk (yes, that is a bunk down there)?

Making our way through the sub's interior.