God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness 2018

Rev. David Hill's Release

Rev. David Hill emerges from his prison sentence, ready to reestablish his life and faith. His reintegration into the community becomes complicated almost immediately due to rising tensions surrounding St. James Church.

Closure of St. James Church

St. James Church is abruptly closed by the college to make way for a new student center. This decision ignites a firestorm of controversy among the church's congregation, particularly for Dave and his close friend, Jude.

Legal Campaign Initiates

In response to the church's closure, Dave and Jude launch a legal campaign aimed at protecting their sacred place of worship. They are determined to fight against the college's decisions to preserve the spiritual hub of their community.

Adam's Destructive Act

Adam Richertson, grappling with personal turmoil after a breakup, throws a brick at St. James Church in a moment of frustration. This reckless action inadvertently causes a fire, leading to catastrophic consequences for the congregation.

Tragic Loss of Jude

The fire triggered by Adam's actions claims the life of Jude, leaving a devastating impact on Dave. This tragedy deepens the stakes of the legal campaign and heightens the emotional tension in the community.

Conflict with Pearce

Dave's determination to fight for St. James leads to a conflict with his estranged brother, Pearce Hill, who is a pragmatic attorney. Pearce warns Dave about the potential fallout from his fervent pursuits, revealing a rift in their relationship.

Adam's Anonymous Confession

Adam confesses anonymously to Dave about his role in the church fire, burdening Dave with the knowledge of his friend’s guilt. This shocking revelation has profound implications for their friendship and the ongoing legal battles.

Public Sentiment Reverses

The revelation of Adam's guilt turns public opinion against Dave's cause. As criminal charges are pressed against Adam, the community begins to view Dave's pursuit as reckless and damaging instead of just, complicating the situation further.

Self-Reflection at St. James

In an act of deep reflection, Dave turns to prayer at St. James, searching for spiritual guidance. It is during this moment he acknowledges that his quest for justice might have exacerbated the turmoil in the community rather than healed it.

Abandoning the Lawsuit

After much contemplation, Dave decides to abandon his lawsuit against the college. He recognizes that seeking an out-of-court agreement might lead to a more peaceful resolution for all parties involved.

Petition to Drop Charges

In a surprising turn of events, Dave petitions to have the charges dropped against Adam, showing compassion towards the troubled student. This act allows for a potential path toward healing for both families as well as the broader community.

Vision for a New Church

Dave proposes to establish a new church in a nearby area, setting a vision for redemption and hope. This idea not only signifies a fresh start for him but also aims to rebuild the community's faith.

Community Starts to Heal

As Dave's actions begin to resonate within the community, a sense of peace starts to emerge. The gesture of forgiveness allows the community to reflect on their shared grief and the hope for new beginnings.