"God's Not Dead," the iconic film that stunned the world with its viral success after its 2014 theatrical release, continues to captivate audiences, offering individuals and families powerful examples of life-change, reliance and transformation.
The impact of the "God's Not Dead" films continues to reverberate in the U.S. and abroad, and this dynamic is only poised to intensify as a fifth installment in the franchise is on the way! Also, for the first time ever, the first four movies are now streaming exclusively on Pure Flix!
WATCH NOW: ALL FOUR 'GOD'S NOT DEAD' MOVIES EXCLUSIVELY ON PURE FLIX FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER
So, what can you expect from the new movie? Let's explore what we know so far.
The fifth installment was announced during a special Pure Flix Member Appreciation Red Carpet event in Los Angeles in September. Actor and producer David A.R. White was joined by other franchise stars like Dean Cain, Isaiah Washington, Cory Oliver and Brad Heller. All of these actors are set to reprise their roles in the upcoming "God's Not Dead: Rise Up," which is slated for release in 2023.
Director Harold Cronk, who directed "God's Not Dead" and "God's Not Dead 2" will also rejoin the cast for "God's Not Dead: Rise Up."
READ ALSO: ALL 4 'GOD'S NOT DEAD' MOVIES STREAMING NOW! HERE ARE OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM EACH
Here’s what to expect in “God’s Not Dead: Rise Up”: When a favored incumbent suddenly suspends his candidacy for Congress, an embittered but brilliant campaign strategist is lured out of retirement and convinces Reverend Dave Hill to run for office. The race pits them both against formidable opponents from their past, each with plans to inexorably remove religion's influence on public policy. Set against a backdrop of unprecedented political, civil and spiritual unrest, Dave struggles to answer an increasingly relevant question of our time: Is God dead in American politics?
After the tragic death of his religious mother as a young boy, philosophy teacher Radisson has held a strong dislike of all things sacred. However, when a new student sets out to prove that God exists he is forced to reconsider his stance. The movie stars Kevin Sorbo and David A.R. White.
Watch "God's Not Dead" now on Pure Flix.
READ ALSO: LOVED 'GOD'S NOT DEAD'? HERE'S WHAT TO WATCH NEXT!
When a high school teacher is asked a question in class about Jesus, her response lands her in a battle of choice. The film, which stars Melissa Joan Hart, offers an example of what it looks like to stand by one's faith.
Watch "God's Not Dead 2" right now on Pure Flix.
After a fire destroys St. James Church, leaders at Hadleigh University push to get the church off campus. What follows is a culture clash, with the church's pastor standing up to defend the house of worship alongside other Christians. Amid the fallout, brothers reunite, chaos ensues and love overcomes all. "God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness" stars David A.R. White and John Corbett.
Watch "God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness" with a free trial to Pure Flix.
Freedom of choice and Christian liberties are at stake when Reverend Dave stands with homeschooling families in opposition to local government. Is your town next?
David A.R. White returns as Reverend Dave and is joined by Isaiah Washington, Antiono Sabato Jr., Francesca Battistelli, Judge Jeanine Pirro and William Forsythe in the "God's Not Dead" installment that brings a story ripped from real-life headlines about religious persecution and freedom of choice front and center.
These "God's Not Dead" movies tell powerful stories about faith, hope and overcoming the odds — and now there's more to come with the impending release of "God's Not Dead: Rise Up."
In the first installment of "God's Not Dead," we see college student Josh Wheaton — played by actor Shane Harper — struggling after being challenged by Professor Radisson, an atheist, played by actor Kevin Sorbo.
Radisson wants his students to sign a paper proclaiming that God is dead. When Josh is unable to do this due to his Christian faith, the professor essentially challenges him to a debate in front of the class. Josh boldly jumps into the mix and defends God.
Sometimes, we need to do the same thing in our own lives — and the cost can be hefty. In Josh’s case, he lost his girlfriend and risked failing all for the sake of standing by his beliefs. When the time comes, standing by our values is key.
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The second lesson is a no-brainer: God is not dead. While some, like Professor Radisson, are bent on trying to convince others that God isn’t real, Christians know the truth. And the truth is: if and when those difficult moments come and taking a stand becomes necessary, God will guide us through.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) reads:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Our priorities matter, and God should be first in our lives. We see Josh’s girlfriend repeatedly telling him to ignore Professor Radisson and not to debate him, but Josh feels called to defend God.
In the end, it comes at a great personal cost to Josh. But he knew what mattered most.
His girlfriend said, “You need to prioritize and decide who’s the most important person in your life” And Josh responded, “What if it’s God?” These are issues we all face at one time or another, and we have to decide if we have the faith, fortitude and character to choose as Josh did.
We see a woman named Amy in the film who is diagnosed with cancer — a shock in the middle of a successful career. Many of us also face challenges. It’s easy to lose hope, but we’re reminded in John 14:27 (NIV) that God can give us peace amid uncertainty.
The verse reads:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
In the end, God can and will give us the strength and courage to carry on.
We see many characters throughout “God’s Not Dead” take a stand for God. From Josh’s journey to Ayisha, a woman from a Muslim family who is kicked out after her dad finds out she’s a Christian, there’s no shortage of stories about sacrifice — and victory.
Watch all four "God's Not Dead" movies right now with a free trial of Pure Flix, and stay tuned for more information about "God's Not Dead: Rise Up."