May 1, 2008
In the process of researching a film, we usually email a proposed transcript to several of our team members throughout the English speaking world for their comments and edits in red. The discussions that usually follow are often insightful and very helpful, all contributing wonderfully to the final development of a script. Eventually, the script makes makes it to the filming stage, or it is relegated to the archives to further mature! Either way, we find that by posting some of our ongoing works as a blog is helpful for those wanting simply to keep in touch. You'll find our blog at www.message7.org/blog Feel free to register, and join our team.

April 15, 2008
We wish you an inspiring and meaningful Christian Passover (alias The Lord's Supper) this year. May the participation in the Bread and Wine be underscored by Jesus' own words when He said, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:53-54)

March 19, 2008
We've just uploaded the latest version of "Jesus is Coming: Part II" which is a significant improvement in quality. Because of the significance of this short film, we wanted those with lower bandwidth connections to still benefit from its timeless message.

In reflecting about the work of MessageWeek over the past decade, we have focussed on perhaps three areas of distinction – perhaps not intentionally by our design – but they have been subjects that don’t usually get preached with the frequency they deserve:

1. The Hope of the Resurrection
2. The Rest of God
3. The Return of Jesus Christ

The three "R"s of Resurrection, Rest and Return are perhaps more important than what credit they are generally given. They centre on Jesus Christ, are crucial to salvation history, are filled with extraordinary hope, and in some Christian circles are unfortunately omitted from their core theological premises.

March 14, 2008
The latest film, "Jesus is Coming: Part II" is a continuation of the short film we produced in February, "I Am Coming Soon".

While we have just uploaded this new film, we will be re-filming it again next week. Although we have already shot this film three times already, the lastest version, while quite satisfactory in High Definition, does not stream very well in compressed formats because of the movement in the background gum tree leaves.

By way of background to this week's work: we decided that the first film location was unsuitable due to lighting. The next location in a park was visited by a large flock of white cockatoos, and their screeching in the tree fronds above made filming impossible. Another location at a nearby park we visited was marred by the background hum of a nearby factory. We then filmed from a lookout late one afternoon, but the lighting was poor and the presentation generally flat.

The filming in front of the typical Australian gum trees went well, but technically results in excessive lossy artefacts when streaming. That, however, does not detract from the message itself -- one of the most important and timely you could ever hear. Jesus is coming.

February 23, 2008
We are in the process of producing a half hour film (three eight minutes segments) for local television viewing. The first film will be a tentative approach in reaching people "where they're at" - in front of their televison sets.

Producing a half hour film isn't beyond our scope as most of this material has already been presented over the past ten years. The challenge we would have in producing, say, a thirteen week series of half hour films is, (1) being able to purchase competitve TV programming, and (2) having to facilitate the rolling back, to some degree, of our IT work. For this we again rely on the Lord's timing and provision.

This year we excited about also produce several 30 second promos, both for media streaming and for local televison use.

Recently we purchased the following items to help with MessageWeek work: (1) a new presenter's suit coat with no hint of blue (as we often film using a chroma blue screen and the darker blue of our older suit often caused chroma anomalies that were difficult to edit); (2) and an LCD HD screen which replaces our old CRT monitor. We look forward to continuing, in faith, finding relevant and meaningful ways to authentically share and articulate the greatest and only hope we have - the good news that centres on Jesus Christ.

February 3, 2008
It's taken three successive filmings to produce "I Am Coming Soon". Each was a significant improvement on the previous. Thanks to all who helped shape the final script.

January 26, 2008
We've just updated an article on "The Feasts of the Lord", annual celebrations that can help highlight the centrality of Jesus.

You might find an article by Ron Dart of interest.

Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on who we really are and the blessings we've been afforded. Gifts of health, prosperity and freedom - are they ours by chance or do such blessings entail responsibilty? Today has also been, coincidentally, Sabbath. If you have rested today, may you equally experience the rest of God - the blessing of "the peace of God that passes all understanding that keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus".

With two new films under production, make sure you visit MessageWeek again soon. We are currently filming "I Am Coming Soon".

January 21, 2008
The FREE RealPlayer 11 is now available for download and installation. Although Windows Media Player is the default player on Windows computers, Real appears to deliver better quality at the same bitrate. For those who don't require the full RealPlayer 11 installation, users may choose to download and install Real Alternative 1.75 - an easily installed, small Real Media player.

We are also researching the use of Flash videos, although Flash file sizes and quality cannot be compared to our current formats.

January 10, 2008
The MessageWeek presentation at Portland, Victoria, was a remarkable success as we reviewed the past ten years of sharing the gospel via media streaming. We pondered the implications and responsibilities of living in the richest and most affluent period ever experienced in history, and look forward to building on the foundation laid by Jesus Christ in the years ahead.

See the film coverage of this milestone event.

December 25, 2007
Thanks to our Great God on the long drive from Perth to Portland, Victoria. We're currently working on a longer on-location film, and are now preparing for a regular half hour series which will be featured on local television.

"The Sabbath Experience" film will feature in 2008 on USA UHF.

Again, we give thanks to God for the wonderful blessings of the past year, and look forward to the next with alacrity and faith.

December 11, 2007
This month we celebrate 10 years of sharing the good news via media streaming. In that time we have produced over 350 short films that have reached out to millions of people in most countries worldwide. Having covered hundreds of subjects, filmed in studio and on-location, and upgraded methods and cameras as technologies became available, we pause to give thanks to our great God for His work and His involving us.

Once the gospel travelled by foot on dusty Middle Eastern roads. It then plied the Mediterranean in wooden sailing ships. It took a new course with the advent of the printing press. Then with media, like television, new previously unimagined opportunities for the gospel became available. Finally, the development of the computer together with the internet in recent years heralded yet another age of communication.

And so, our early 1997-98 films were filmed using a grainy web cam, a $5 microphone and uploaded on an erratic 28k dialup connection. How excited we were when someone donated a broken VHS camera - which aside from the green pixelation in the centre of the image still meant significant quality improvement!

Today we film in High Definition, stream from two domains, and with the technical behind-the-scenes work, script researching and writing, filming and editing, it is practically a full-time calling. And to think that we've only just begun.

We sincerely want to thank all individuals and churches who have blessed us over the years. A special thanks goes to the Worldwide Church of God friends who helped financially and accepted the opportunity to open an office and film studio in Perth. Thanks to all who occasionally presented, all who donated time and energy in proof reading, and those who also helped financially. Thanks more recently to the Church of God (Seventh Day) for their overwhelming blessing and support.

As we take stock of the pioneering work of the past, and ponder what the next decade holds, perhaps any sense of achievement best be credited to God's grace and providence in laying the foundation - and providing for the best yet to come.

We invite you to join us for an evening journey covering the past ten years, as we reflect on the nature of sharing the gospel using relevant methods. Featuring PowerPoint, videos and just good story telling, you can look forward to an enjoyable evening at: 7.00 - 9.00pm, Thursday 27th Dec 2007 at the Portland Civic Hall, in Portland, Victoria.

November 4, 2007
"The Sabbath Eperience" film has successfully completed a private screening, and is now available online, in a variety of formats and speeds. We hope this film is a blessing to you and your family as you explore this ancient truth.

October 27, 2007
The Sabbath Experience film is currently in production, with most of the on-location filming now completed. This week we hope to have an early preview version available.

With the increase of broadband services being available, we have also been experimenting with longer films, and today have just uploaded a 32 minute feature titled, "Really, Really Good News".

October 3, 2007
Happy Feast of Tabernacles 2007. This annual, culminating festival pictures our Lord Jesus Christ on several levels: when He came and "tabernacled" among us some 2000 years ago; our sojourn with Him in this life; and, His coming again to rule on earth -- heralding the power of the Kingdom of God.

We hope you've enjoyed this year's festival in worship and fellowship, where ever you live. The scriptures tell us of a time yet future when every nation will also celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles -- at a time when everyone will know that Jesus is Lord.

September 12, 2007
Called a "sanctuary in time", the Sabbath is a pause with a blessing.

We are pleased to introduce you to an ancient truth in a fresh way. The Sabbath Experience. A film with a difference, coming soon.

August 18, 2007
"Stormy Seas" is proving to be a welcome and helpful film for many viewers. Many thanks for your feedback and encouraging words.

August 8, 2007
We are currently filming "Stormy Seas". This is perhaps our technically most ambitious film to date - yet featuring a message so very relevant for today.

It's a film that will both challenge and encourage you in your journey through sometimes "stormy seas".

In recent weeks, our joy in the Lord has increased, especially considering the "great crowd of witnesses" who encompass us with prayers of support and affirmation.

July 16, 2007
It's with thanksgiving to our great and merciful God that we can reflect on the recent COG7 conferences held in Kansas, USA.

Not only has the Lord has provided the funds to travel there, but also the blessings of inspiring worship and fellowship, sound biblical teaching and preaching, as well as quality mentoring and discipling. The partnership and friendships formed are vital in the ongoing work of sharing the good news, planting new churches, and bringing many more people into an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.

July 4, 2007
As I walked back from the conference centre to the hotel at dusk, I could see and hear the celebratory fireworks coming from several directions. It is American Independence Day. Thanks be to our Great God that we have a more enduring citizenship to celebrate. The good news of Jesus' Kingdom continues, and the blessings of walking in that direction continue to amaze.

July 2, 2007
I remember taking a boat trip across the Sea of Galilee some years ago. When we began the voyage on a calm and sunny day, the sea was calm as a mirror. Halfway across and everything changed. A fierce wind whipped up the waves, and the boat heaved to and fro. Progress was slow. Faces became tense. And no one escaped the sea spray, biting wind, and the immense relief to finally get safely to the other side at Capernum.

We have been researching a short film titled "Stormy Seas" and we hope you will find this short film helpful in your journey.

Greetings from the USA.

June 16, 2007
The work of sharing the good news features many facets – where faith in the Lord's guidance is so essential. We have been working on three new films, and this work continues even when overseas.

Our work will now take us to the USA where for two weeks I will be attending the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) and the International Ministerial Congress. I'm looking forward to both conferences, as well as to the Lord's work in MessageWeek growing in the years ahead.

June 3, 2007
"The Resurrection" short film was re-filmed last week, and the result is a significant improvement in production. We have just uploaded the various streaming versions/options, and we sincerely hope that you are encouraged to live confident in the knowledge that when you die, your very next moment of consciousness is the voice of God calling you.

May 20, 2007
The next production has been filmed on-site in York. "The Resurrection" asks whether you can afford to ignore one of the greatest questions of faith. Was Jesus actually resurrected? And, how good is the evidence for this?

You can't really ignore this subject. Either you die, and remain as dust forever; or you die, only to awaken sometime in the future, to literally stand up again and finally see God.

May 12, 2007
When a leading theologian and churchman confided that there's no scriptural support for the belief of the "Trinity", I didn't know whether he was joking or for real. He was serious. The Trinity (God as three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit) often appears as the primary doctrine of mainstream Christianity. And, yet when you study the writings of the apostles, you can clearly see quite a different case. John wrote, for example, "Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3)

So where did the triune concept come from? Is it a valid belief, or does it go beyond what scripture tells us? It is worth a careful study of the scriptures. The Holy Spirit given to us will take what is Jesus' and make it known. "I and the Father are one," said Jesus. (John 10:30)

This is what the ancients believed, what Jesus taught, and what we believe today.

Some years ago we presented a MessageWeek film clip on the subject of the Trinity, and did so very carefully considering the theological shifts within the context we were working in. This weblog simply asks those questions again, this time a little more directly. We are currently researching and producing another short film on this pivotal subject.

There's quite a lot of reading available on the Internet on the subject. http://www.2001translation.com/Trinity.html  http://www.revelations.org.za/WrongTrinity.htm  http://cfmin.wordpress.com/2007/04/24/trinity-part-05-scriptures-that-are-used-to-support-the-trinity-doctrine/ 
http://www.christadelphia.org/trinityhistory.htm
Bible Advocate, Calvin Burrel (PDF document)

The reoccurring assertion in many of the above articles is that the triune nature of God is not supported in scripture, but was added later, as formalised by Constantine.

May 5, 2007
Sometimes we may wish that the wheels of opportunity would turn faster. Hopes and dreams may take time to materialise. We may even experience disappointments along the way. But when our eyes are set on Jesus, and we walk in His light, we're happy to move "when the cloud moves". We're delighted to announce the launching of our new redundant server at Message7.org The new domain more accurately reflects that we're a non-profit organisation, with the shorter URL being easier to remember. MessageWeek.com will continue to operate in parallel with identical content. We're also in the process of developing and testing an online visitor blog at www.message7.org/blog

The next film currently being produced focuses on the resurrection of Jesus. We hope you find this film interesting and enlightening.

April 16, 2007
In planning on setting up a redundant server, we have recently registered the new domain of www.message7.org The site is not yet functional, but will serve as a backup server in sharing the good news. This week we've finally produced the television versions of "Your Best Bet" and "The Hope of the Resurrection" by down-converting the original High Definition film into Standard Definition and outputting to tape. But all this is merely the behind-the-scenes technical details. Who really matters is Jesus Christ.

"Jesus Christ is my saviour, mentor, friend, Lord and God, redeemer and King. My life only exists because He is. Any sense of meaning for me personally only exits because He is. It’s his will that motivates and shapes every day, and his promises that give us hope. I believe His words, as faithfully recorded in the Holy Bible. He is the truth, and the only way." (Producer)

April 4, 2007
We hope you have had an inspiring Passover season, and that your celebration of the "Bread of Life" and the Resurrection during these days of Unleavened Bread has been beneficial.

March 19, 2007
"Your Best Bet" short film has taken a good week to edit, with the final version being ready for local television in another week's time. This short film looks at one of the subtle changes in Australian society, and suggests an alternative outcome! We have produced a FREE DVD, which also now features this film.

March 12, 2007
We have just returned from a busy weekend in Adelaide, where we filmed "Your Best Bet". This exciting new film should be ready in a week's time. Following this, we plan to produce another film on the resurrection theme, this time closely examining one of the core pillars of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

February 23, 2007
The latest 7 minute film "The Hope of the Resurrection" has proven to be a controversial subject. Based on the authority of the Bible, especially the words of Jesus, such amazing hope for all people almost defies imagination. Yet, it's true, and shows a refreshing insight into God's mercy and grace. It's the best news ever.

February 20, 2007
Twin nine year old sisters were killed in a horrific freeway accident. They had never been to a church or had any religious involvement. Where are they now?

• In heaven?
• Nowhere?
• In hell?
• They're sadly lost?
• In the grave awaiting resurrection?

The short film "The Hope of the Resurrection" currently being edited answers this timeless question with the authority of Jesus' own words.

January 17, 2007
This week we introduce Flash video to MessageWeek, besides Real, Windows Media, DivX and HDV, giving viewers more choice.

January 13, 2007
Where will this new year take us? According to Jesus, as paraphrased in The Message, "Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming." (Matthew 24) At the heart of Jesus life and message was some extraordinary good news. We're in the work of sharing this good news that will ultimately eclipse the escalating trouble at our very doorstep.

January 7, 2007
How much of the Bible can you actually believe? All of it; 80%, 50% or just some of it? It's a sensitive question, because there is an increasing voice in Christian circles that suggest that large portions of scripture, for example, is poetry and not to be taken literally. During religious instruction, when I was a boy, our teacher explained that the miracles of Jesus could be accounted for by natural, explicable events. For example, the walking on water account could be explained by a possible sandbank, and that Peter suddenly stepped off this into deeper water. This kind of reasoning also includes the Genesis creation account, the resurrection teaching, guidance on sexuality, and other core Biblical assertions. It seems that the Christianised world today has some quite different characteristics from those of the early church.

We're working on a series of short films that will examine the resurrection theme: what the ancients thought about it, what some Jewish sects argued about it, what Jesus said about it, and what we can believe with certainty. We hope you will find this informative and helpful.

January 1, 2007
"The best is yet ahead!" are the words that perhaps best reflect the awesome hope expressed throughout the scriptures. The past nine years of media streaming have simply laid the foundation, and 2007 is set to be "a golden year" for MessageWeek. Our first films were suited to 28k modems, and we spent a lot of time then helping visitors understand how to watch video via their Internet connection. Recently, YouTube has advanced that technology it seems to become yet another household online resource.

We are currently finishing the editing of "What Makes You Tick?" which asks the question: "Who are you, and who is Jesus?" -- which is one of the most important questions we could ever ask. This film should be online within a day.

December 25, 2006
Many have tried to "put Christ back into Christmas". The truth is, He just doesn't fit, nor was He born at this time of the year. "Father Christmas", otherwise known as Santa Claus, on the other hand, seems to fit the role perfectly. He knows what the people want, he's got lots of goodies, and he adorns every advert, greeting card and promotion. Only problem, Santa is nothing like Jesus. When you come to know Jesus, I mean really know Him, of course you'll want to celebrate, and to this end He tells us of another celebration: "Do this in remembrance of me."

December 3, 2006
MessageWeek has now been digital media streaming for nine years. And the challenges and innovation isn't any less than when we first began. Our goal is still the same: to share words of hope and encouragement that characterise the good news message. MessageWeek produces non-denominational Biblically-based content that is thought provoking, heart warming, confronting and "true-blue" in the greatest sense of the Word!

November 22, 2006
Who, of all the people who have ever lived, has impacted human civilisation the most? Who has had the most influence on your life? The answer may surprise you. The transcript is ready, and we're planning on filming "What Makes You Tick?" shortly. Most of the interviews featuring in this short film have already been filmed. (If you would like to be interviewed for a yet future segment, please contact us now.

September 24, 2006
We've been beta testing the latest release candidate of Windows Vista, and are quite impressed with its bundled Movie Maker. You'll note that the HDV video that is available for download is in WMV format, and of the various codecs we've tried, this one seems to have delivered the best quality and clarity.

We have now replaced the previous HDV version of this film with a HDV WMV version, and this isn't only smaller in download size but just as good. Please ensure you have a fast broadband connection before attempting to download the HDV version.

September 14, 2006
Yesterday we again filmed "Your Sins Are Forgiven". We felt that we could improve the lighting on the previous on-location shooting. The editing is currently underway, and the improvement in this filming will now also meet or exceed the standards required by local television. The HDV version for web download will be further delayed by approximately two weeks. We will also replace the current downloadable media.

Either by coincidence or design, we weren't able to re-film in the same location at Garvey Park. As we set up the equipment, we noticed a tractor mower at work in the distance, and when we were ready to film, a flock of noisy lorikeets alighted in a tree above. As soon as we started recording, a bulldozer in the distance started work and its reversing beeps could be clearly heard. We then found a quieter location further up the Swan River in Guildford.

Quote of the week: "The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force."

September 6, 2006
In the past few months we've been preparing for High Definition Video, and the short film "Forgiven" has been recently filmed in HDV format and downsized for Internet streaming. We are planning on hosting this video clip in a couple of weeks in HDV format. We've also been developing a Beliefs section to this website. And, we've just finished producing the latest edition of Life Today magazine.

July 18, 2006
The heart and core of the good news message can be summed up by the words forgiveness and redemption -- it is everything Jesus was and taught in his life on earth. The script on Forgiveness is currently being edited, and will be filmed in High Definition Video. The Sony Z1 camera now replaces the Canon XL1S we've been using since 2002.

June 19, 2006
HDV is the new standard in video production, heralding remarkably high quality video. After months of research, we're in the process of purchasing a Sony HDV-Z1P High Definition Video camera. Standard Definition is 720x576 pixels, whereas HDV is 1920x1080 pixels.

June 3, 2006
We've just added a FAQ section to our website. We're often asked about MessageWeek (its origins, operation and goals), and thought others might find the information helpful. We have also re-filmed "The Genesis Heritage" over the past week, noting improvement in both lighting, audio and general presentation.

May 28, 2006
"The Genesis Heritage" film has now been released in various formats and speeds. The television version is currently being edited, and should be ready for airing in a couple of week's time.

May  19, 2006
We filmed "Genesis Heritage" this week, after months of script writing and preparation. The video is now being edited. This is an important eight minute film as it explores the gifts given at creation. Both the Sabbath rest and Marriage union are authentic God-given gifts for the benefit of humanity.

April 7, 2006
We're currently working on two scripts, one of which is titled "Genesis Heritage" which we're planning to film at the Access 31 Television studios.

April 2, 2006
After some time spent relocating our office and one of our streaming servers, we've just finished filming and editing "Freedom by Grace", a four minute clip filmed on location at the Fremantle Roundhouse Gaol.

"It’s the best news ever! God’s grace is so liberating."

This clip is the first in a new era of film making at MessageWeek.

You can look forward to new, thought-provoking, hope-filled and encouraging messages.

March 2006
We're closing the MessageWeek film studios in Perth and are currently relocating equipment. The studio and offices were opened three years ago when we expanded from our country studio. Future studio recordings will utilise the Access 31 TV studio in Belmont, Western Australia. Pictured at right is the dismantling of the MessageWeek studio signage.
 

News and Updates is designed to keep you informed of news and developments related to MessageWeek.