Ancient Secrets of the Bible: Series II & III

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For thousands of years, Christians the world over have based their faith on the truth of the Bible and the meaningful stories these scriptures present as real events in the lives of real people. This exciting series will continue the search for answers to the Bible’s most controversial questions and will discover answers that reveal the astonishing truths behind this sacred book.

Could it be that with today’s insights, scientific discoveries, and archaeological finds, it is now possible to resolve the age old conflict—between believers and skeptics—that biblical stories are indeed factual?

Ancient Secrets of the Bible continues this popular investigation, touching upon and updating some of the most controversial stories, events, and concepts addressed in the Bible. Ancient Secrets of the Bible will examine additional clues, uncover new evidence, and use the most modern scientific technologies available in validating the stories and concepts of the Christian faith.

This exciting series will continue the search for answers to the Bible’s most controversial questions and will discover answers that reveal the astonishing truths behind this sacred book. Ancient Secrets of the Bible follows the trail of evidence to the inevitable conclusion that the Bible is more relevant today than ever before, and that its truth has never been made clearer.

Every controversial story and tenet of the Christian faith will be examined and irrefutable scientific evidence gathered from the most current sources will illuminate in wonderful detail the factual reliability of God’s Word!

Season II

1. JESUS CHRIST: Did Jesus Walk the Earth?
Jesus Christ is at the center of the worldwide Christian faith. Yet critics and skeptics persist in trying to prove that Jesus never even existed. Is there any historical, archaeological, or scientific confirmation that Jesus did in fact live and grow to manhood in the obscure Judean village of Nazareth? Is Jesus Christ the living Son of God? Or a myth sustained for 2,000 years by His followers? Did He preach the good news message of love as stated in the Bible? Twentieth and even 21st century discoveries provide some surprising conclusions. The astonishing evidence for the life of Christ is explored in light of recent discoveries.

2. BIBLICAL TREASURES: Where Are the Lost Bible Treasures?
Imagine finding a 2,000-year-old treasure map that appears to lead to a fortune worth untold millions . . . but no one can decipher the directions. That’s the dilemma facing today’s scientists as they pour over the contents of the Copper Scroll found near the Dead Sea. Does it point the way to Jerusalem’s lost temple treasures? What vast riches are buried in King David’s tomb? Do the treasures still exist . . . or have others already made off with these ancient biblical artifacts? Archaeologists tell us why they are still searching for the treasures. Would the discovery of these fabulous riches solidify the Jews’ claim to the Holy Land? Or lead to an all out holy war? Are the lost Bible treasures a curse or a triumph?

3. DINOSAUR EXTINCTION: What Killed the Dinosaurs?
In ancient times, dinosaurs ruled the planet Earth. Yet today, all that’s left are fossilized remains. Or is it? Are we sure all the dinosaurs are gone? If so, what killed them? Was it the impact of a giant asteroid? A rash of extreme volcanic activity that plunged the Earth into darkness and cold? These are the preferred scientific theories to explain the disappearance of the dinosaurs, but the fossil record may point to a different kind of disaster. But could it be they are not gone forever? And is it possible that man and dinosaurs lived on planet Earth together? Are dinosaurs still alive today in remote parts of the world? The answers may surprise you.

4. BIBLICAL AUTHORS: Who Actually Wrote the Bible?
The Bible is the most widely read and revered book in the history of the world. But does anyone know who really wrote it? Most Christians believe that God is the ultimate author of the Bible, and that the human authors merely served as God’s scribes. Skeptics insist the Bible is nothing more than the work of clever men—creative storytellers at best. Who’s right? What are the facts behind the creation of this immortal manuscript? Can new scientific research and theological insight give us clues into this text? What can the Dead Sea Scrolls tell us about the origins of the Bible? Discover how modern technology may finally unravel this age-old mystery. The evidence may surprise you.

5. BIBLICAL WOMEN: Was Mary Magdalene a Saint or Sinner?
The struggle with Taliban fundamentalists in Afghanistan has given the world a disturbing, even frightening glimpse of the way they believe people . . . especially women . . . should be treated. Modern sensitivity is shocked by these revelations . . . but is this really anything new? An investigation into the age-old mystery surrounding the identity and character of Mary Magdalene, one the Bible’s best known women, produces some startling insights. Who was Mary Magdalene? Was she a fallen woman, rescued from a sinful life by Jesus? Or was she Christ’s beloved disciple? What role did she play among the disciples of Jesus? Was she truly the source—perhaps even the author—of one of the Gospels? The answers may surprise you.

6. GARDEN OF EDEN: Have We Found the Garden of Eden?
For thousands of years, the elusive Garden of Eden has captured our imaginations. Where was it? What was it like? Does it still exist—if indeed it ever did? Scholars have long scoured the Bible for clues, but could never agree on where this earthly paradise may have been located. Key landmarks that were criti-cal to finding the Garden of Eden seemed to have been erased by the effects of time. Or were they? Can the power of modern satellite imaging and computer technology finally provide a road map to Eden? Can studies on agriculture and the domestication of animals pinpoint the true cradle of civilization? Where will these intriguing pathways lead? Explore the evidence as you journey back to the original birthplace of man.

7. BIBLE CODE FORETOLD 9/11: Did the Bible Code Predict September 11?
September 11, 2001, is a date tragically etched in world history. A horrific terrorist attack on America caused death and destruction on an unimaginable scale. But were there clues before the attack that should have been heeded? Does the world’s oldest and most revered text—the Bible—provide prophetic information about present and future events? Using sophisticated computer technology, re-search-ers are only beginning to unravel the mysteries of the Bible Code, a complicated matrix of information contained within the surface text of the Bible. One researcher says that the Bible Code warned of a terrorist attack on New York City 28 months before the attack took place. What other clues does the Bible Code provide? How can we use this information in the future?

8. ANGEL ENCOUNTERS: Can Anyone Have an Angel Encounter?
Miracles . . . luck . . . chance: Just what are those fortunate circumstances that save us from misfortune, injury, or even death? Is it fate, or something much deeper—a spiritual connection with angelic beings—that enables us to successfully navigate through the troubled times in our lives? Whatever the source, thousands of people have experienced life-changing events that are nothing short of miraculous—interventions by these heavenly creatures that seem to appear in human form. What is the real purpose behind angel missions and interventions? How can we recognize an angel encounter? Is an angel on assignment in your life? Discover what an angel may be doing for you . . . and why!

9. PRAYER INTERVENTION: Is There Really Power in Prayer?
For thousands of years people have accepted the power of prayer based simply on faith. But can we prove that such faith is justified? Has prayer actually been known to overcome the whims of Mother Nature . . . or those of man himself? Can prayer actually heal the sick? In a recent Newsweek poll, 87 percent said they believe God answers prayer. In another poll, 95 percent of the doctors surveyed said they believe prayer does help in the healing process . . . but can we be sure? New medical and scientific studies are now exploring those questions, often with amazing results. View the evidence. Watch the experiments. Hear the prayer miracles. Then decide for yourself: Is there really power in prayer?

10. BIBLICAL ADAM AND EVE: Adam and Eve—Fact or Fiction?
The story of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis is the most controversial story in the Bible. Was the first man on earth really Adam? Did he have a companion created especially for him named Eve? Was there a creator who designed the earth and all that’s on it as part of a master plan? Or did it simply fall into place by accident? Was the Garden of Eden the setting into which mankind was born? Many scientists and critics quickly dismiss the story in favor of the Darwinian theory that man “evolved” from some lower species. But what are archaeologists, paleontologists, biologists and theologians saying today? Is the story of Adam and Eve fact . . . or fiction? The evidence may shock you!

11. ANCIENT MAN: What Do We Know About Our Ancient Ancestors?
What are the true origins of man? Is the biblical account of creation true? Or, as Darwin suggests, did the human family spring from some ancient form of monkey? The heated debate continues to this very day. But with millions and millions of fossils discovered in the past half century, shouldn’t the issue of evolution versus creation be resolved? The discoveries of such man-like creatures as Piltdown Man, Java Man and Neanderthal Man were all hailed by the scientific community as proof of Darwin’s theory of evolution. But were they? Is there some kind of evidence for the origins of man in DNA research or the genetic sciences? In their quest to uphold the theory of evolution, have scientists actually unearthed data that supports the biblical record?

12. THE RAPTURE: Will We Be Left Behind?
With the dawn of a new millennium, predictions of the apocalypse have reached a fever pitch. Some scholars believe the Bible tells us there will be a marvelous event, called “the Rapture,” that will separate the faithful from the doubters. Could there be a formula—hidden in the pages of the Bible—for avoiding the dreadful final scenes foretold in the Book of Revelation? Many people believe in the “second coming” of Christ . . . but will there be a “third” coming as well? The Bible never uses the term, BUT . . . could there be a mysterious event called “the Rapture”? The answers are at once hopeful and frightening. Learn who will be left behind, and who will be taken in the Rapture.

13. BIBLE CODE: Can the Bible Code Predict the Future?
Do we now have a scientific method of literally “reading” what the future will be? According to some scientists, every major event, every major figure in world history and even ordinary people appear to be encoded in a mysterious cipher called the Bible Code. Is it possible that modern scientists, using today’s most sophisticated computers and software programs, have actually bridged the gap between science and religion? Were the death of Princess Diana, the Oklahoma City bombing, and even the razor-thin election of George W. Bush all encrypted in the Bible thousands of years ago? In spite of detractors, the phenomenon persists with the odds of millions to one that it is pure chance. Are we witnesses to science proving ancient religious tradition and religion actually telling us our future . . . with unparalleled accuracy?

Season III

1. JESUS’ TRAVELS: Did Jesus Journey Beyond the Holy Land?
Did Jesus take His message to the world before He brought it to his own people? The lack of direct biblical information about Jesus’ early manhood has puzzled scholars for centuries. But scholars have gleaned enough information from the Bible, archaeology and the underlying culture of Israel in the early first century to provide us better insight into these years. Could He have found His way to Tibet, India and China as a young man? Have investigators, theologians and archaeologists dis-covered evidence that Jesus actually journeyed to the British Isles with His great-uncle, Joseph of Arimathea? Was Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and worldly merchant, Jesus’ mentor and guide? And will Jesus’ travels finally lead us to the elusive Holy Grail? The evidence may surprise you!

2. NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES: What Lies Beyond the Light?
A lightning strike sent a young Dannion Brinkley into cardiac arrest. But the greatest journey of his life was just beginning. As incredible as it seems, Dannion Brinkley is still alive. Is there such a thing as a “near-death experience,” or is it simply the product of imagination, trauma, fear and drugs? What is the strange light that thousands of people who have had this rare experience seem to encounter? And where does it lead them? Some people believe that near-death experiences offer proof of an afterlife, or even of an encounter with God. Others believe that they are merely a physiological reaction to the trauma of death. Scientific studies are now trying to discover whether we can be “Saved by the Light.”

3. APPARITION OF MARY: Was There a Miracle at Fatima?
In 1917, two little girls and one small boy claimed to actually see and hear the Virgin Mary in a meadow near Fatima, Portugal. Did these three children receive a powerful prophecy that still shakes the world today? What was the promise made to three shepherd children that the Vatican kept secret for over 80 years? Was it a true Marian apparition . . . or has modern research revealed it to be a series of visits by a UFO? Something very strange and wonderful was witnessed by thousands of people, and it happened not once, but many times. What did the Fatima children and the people of Portugal witness? And what was the prophecy kept secret for nearly a century? Learn the surprising answers.

4. LAST SUPPER ARTIFACTS: Has the Holy Grail Been Found?
The legendary Holy Grail, believed to be a relic of the Last Supper of Christ, has captured the world’s imagination for centuries. This simple peasant’s chalice sent the Knights of the Crusades across Europe, Britain and the Holy Land in hope of harnessing its mysterious powers. The quest for this ancient artifact continues to this day. Yet after 2,000 years, no one has found the Holy Grail. Or have they? Why, after hundreds of years of silence about the Grail, did the Nazis suddenly decide to launch a search for this relic? Does a British psychologist actually have the Holy Grail in his possession? And if the Holy Grail has been found, can we access its legendary powers?

5. DEAD SEA SCROLLS: What Do the Dead Sea Scrolls Tell Us?
In 1947, a shepherd boy stumbled upon the greatest archeological find of the 20th century. The Dead Sea Scrolls, found buried in caves near the ancient site of Qumran, proved to be the oldest known biblical manuscripts in existence. Could these scraps of ancient documents contain material that would alter or change the modern view of both Judaism and Christianity? Why have scholars kept the exact contents secret for decades? What secrets do the Scrolls contain? Does the ancient Copper Scroll point the way to a vast treasure of hidden wealth? What insights can these ancient fragments bring to our lives today? Modern technology unlocks the secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and provides amazing detail about the time in which Jesus lived.

6. GOD’S HOLY ARK: Has the Ark of the Covenant Been Found?
For centuries the fabled Ark of the Covenant has been the subject of scholarly debate and deep religious devotion . . . but no one really knew where it was. Centuries old Ethiopian tradition claims the Ark is guarded day and night in a small chapel in Ethiopia. Have researchers confirmed this Ethiopian legend? Respected members of the Jewish community in Israel have told investigators they actually discovered the Ark in a secret chamber beneath the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Can both be correct? Is there more than one Ark of the Covenant? Is it possible that Israel has been protecting the Ark for years? What will it mean for all mankind if the actual Covenant revealed to Moses is suddenly unveiled before our very eyes?

7. POWER OF PRAYER: Can Prayer Save Nations?
Many of us have experienced the power of prayer in our personal lives. But has history given us any tangible confirmation that prayer can affect the lives of those around us . . . or the fate of an entire nation? Is it possible that prayer actually prevented a commercial jetliner from falling from the sky, or brought an end to a life-threatening drought? Can we use scientific methods and techniques to verify the power of prayer? Some of America’s greatest leaders have been vigorous advocates of prayer. Are there present-day political leaders who accept this notion? And if nations have relied on prayer in the past to overcome great difficulty, is there anything to prevent us from accessing that same power in the future?

8. JESUS’ BIRTH: Is the Miracle of Christmas True?
Two thousand years ago, a man called Jesus Christ was born. Throughout His life, He wandered the Judean countryside performing miracles and teaching a new and radical approach to life and the life hereafter. But since the moment of His birth, His life has been cloaked in controversy. Did He really exist? Is He the Son of God? Was He born to a virgin? When and where did this miraculous birth occur? What about the Star of Bethlehem? Did supernatural events in the heavens attest to the fact that He was more than just a man? Was His birth actually foretold by the prophet Isaiah seven centuries earlier? Experience the joy and wonder of those who witnessed the Christmas miracle—the birth of Jesus Christ.

9. CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: What Is the Real Story of Christmas?
For roughly 2,000 years, people have celebrated the birth of Jesus on the day we know as Christmas. The record of Jesus’ birth has been handed down to us primarily through the writings of two of the authors in the New Testament of the Bible—Matthew and Luke. But does what they wrote coincide with what we have come to accept in the traditional modern celebration? By carefully examining the New Testament, can we solve the great mysteries of Christmas? Is the star of Bethlehem a real astronomical event or just a myth? Can modern astronomy finally pinpoint the actual date of Christ’s birth? Do people still find strength and meaning in this miraculous event even today? New evidence provides a different and surprising look at the first Christmas.

10. ANCIENT PROPHETS: Could Ancients See the Future?
For thousands of years, history has recorded the words of prophets—men and women who seem to have uncanny insight into events of the future. For most of us, the notion of predicting the future seems inconceivable. Yet according to the ancient prophets, there are portents of doom facing the nations of the earth . . . times of famine, war, misery and cataclysmic natural disasters. Could it be these prophets were witnesses to our generation? Did biblical prophets have special abilities that allowed them to foretell the future? Why do millions of people look for portents of disaster in the warnings of a few prophets who have been dead for thousands of years?

11. SIX DAY WAR: Was the Six Day War a Miracle?
Against all odds, the tiny nation of Israel and its civilian army scored a decisive military victory during the 1967 Six Day War. How was this possible? Was there something going on behind the scenes that tipped the scales in Israel’s favor? Stories abound of the appearance of mysterious troops and sophisticated weaponry that aided the Israelis in their victory. Was the outcome of this conflict foretold by biblical writings thousands of years prior to the actual event? What unexplained miraculous events, as retold in amazing detail by Six Day War veterans, contributed to an Israeli victory? Did the U.S. intervene on Israel’s behalf? And is the present turmoil in the Middle East setting the stage for history to repeat itself? The answers could change your thinking forever.

12. ISRAEL’S MIRACLE WAR: Was the Six Day War the Start of Armageddon?
The tiny nation of Israel managed to achieve one of the most stunning military coups of all time in the 1967 Six Day War. Did this conflict also mark the beginning of the End Times? Does biblical prophecy provide a road map for what may happen next in this troubled region? With the ongoing turmoil between the Israelis and the Palestinians, full-scale war seems closer than ever. The United States would likely take Israel’s side, but what about Russia? Would they come to the aid of the Arabs . . . as they did during the Six Day War? And if a conflict erupts between nations armed with nuclear weapons, might we witness the destruction of the world? Will Armageddon come to pass in our generation?

13. JESUS’ SILENT YEARS: Where Was Jesus All Those Years?
Much has been written about the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Surprisingly, these accounts cover only a few years of His life. Where did He grow up? What was He like as a young man? Did an infant Jesus really spend His earliest years performing minor miracles in Egypt, or is that just a myth? Even the Bible is silent about Jesus’ life from the ages of 2 to 12 and 13 to 30. Will an investigation into these so-called silent years reveal that Jesus was aware of His own divinity . . . even as a child? Why is the record of most of His life missing? Are the so-called silent years of Jesus really lost? Or has the truth never been told?

Notes

The 26 episodes comprising Seasons II and II are newly produced in 2008. The original Season I of ANCIENT SECRETS OF THE BIBLE was produced in the early 90s and was broadcast in over 200 territories around the world. Seasons II, and II may be acquired separately.

Awards

Three Covenant Awards
Five Telly Awards
WorldFest Charleston Award
Three Religion in Media Angel Awards
The Film Advisory Board Excellence Award
Three Communicator Awards of Distinction
The Dove Family Approved Seal Award
The Dove Silver Sales Achievement Award
The Dove Platinum Sales Achievement Award

Details

LENGTH: 26 x 30 Minutes
FORMAT: Series
CAMERA: BetacamSP and Digibetacam
INTERNATIONAL TRACK: Yes
TEXTLESS: No
CLOSED CAPTIONS: No
ASPECT RATIO: 4:3
RELEASE YEAR: 2008
SUPPLIER: Grizzly Adams Productions
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
RIGHTS TERRITORY: Worldwide exclusive of USA

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