View Full Version : The Passion will create opportunities to shar
Grantspastor
02-25-2004, 09:28 AM
The Passion of Christ is a controversial movie because the Gospel is controversial. As the Bible says "to the Jews (representing religious people) it is a stumblingblock" "to the Greeks (representing philosophical/scientific people) it is foolishness" "But to those who are being saved it is the power of God"
The Gospel generally causes one of three reactions in people. They get angry, they make fun of it, or it touches their heart and brings them to a place before God where they have to take a look at their own condition. People will see this movie that have no plans to attend church, a revival crusade, or christian concert. Some will see it simply to find out what all the controversy is about. This is going to create a very significant and widespread opportunity for evangelism...maybe the biggest opportunity ever?
I encourage you not to get caught up in "defending" the Gospel or the Bible when people get angry, defensive, or even make fun of it. The Gospel and the Bible can defend themselves. Instead posture yourself through prayer and sensitivity to be able to be able to lead people to Jesus when you realize they have been touched by this movie.
An important thing to understand is that when the Holy Spirit instructed Philip to join himself to the Ethiopian Eunuch in the chariot (Acts 8)...Philip did not "take God into that chariot" God was ALREADY in the chariot talking to the Ethiopian. Philip was just there to clear up some questions and seal the deal. God is going to be in Theaters talking to people while they watch this movie. Our role is the same as Philip's. Be very sensitive and aware of this opportunity at work, with your unsaved family, and friends.
Having seen the film I am somewhat optimistic regarding the evangelistic value this film has on potential new believers.
The film is a violent and graphic depiction of the last twelve hours of Christ's life. As a believer and knowing that scripture gives us the written account of this period I believe this film will have a deeper emotional impact on the believer and then they may become passionate about sharing God’s word with others. I would caution taking anyone that does not know anything about Christ, as I believe they will only see this as another “religious” film. If a person is going to take someone new to see this film they may seriously consider setting up this timeframe by reading the gospel with them so when they view the film they will hopefully comprehend the depth and message of what Mel Gibson has created. Also I would encourage people to see the film first then you will be prepared to take a new person that might have questions. This film is so powerful that I could not have gone out and even consider presenting the gospel to anyone, I was numb for an hour after it ended!
I think this would be a great opportunity for new believers to strengthen their walk because it may bring a deeper understanding of the suffering Christ endured for all of mankind. Equipped with limited knowledge of this sacrifice can bring to light the enormity of how much sin Jesus took upon himself so that we may have a relationship with Him. This is where I see this film has the most potential to become an evangelistic tool.
I would like to caution taking any kids 17 or under unless they are mature enough to understand this film. I won’t let my 12yr old daughter see it because I believe it would bring her nightmares and cause a counter reaction due to the extremely graphic nature of the film.
Blessings, Keith :smile:
Smily
02-25-2004, 02:33 PM
Keith,
I think you hit the nail on the head for the unbeliever. Read the gospel before seeing the movie and it will give a better insight and knowing before hand what to expect. Usually that ruins a movie buy in this case to the unbeleiver it will give the bible more creditability. As if we need to give it more credit. :shocked: :grin: Most people don't give the bible half the credit it deserves.
:smile: Smily :smile:
One cannot see this picture without being moved in a powerful way.
All those of faith need to see this film.
Amen Andy, GP has good points but I would strongly urge people to see it first then make plans to take someone. People are really getting caught up in the hype, including me, but after seeing it I have a different impression of how it could be used as a tool to reach out. I don't think the power of this film would be effective for potential new believers to see because with the graphic torture of Christ this may mask the deeper meaning of the love He has for us.
I'm sorry to pound my position but Hideout Ministries is all about building God's kingdom and I would not use this film as a first contact. But thats just my opinion!
Blessings, Keith :smile:
I agree FM2. A new believer will be blown away by this movie until they understand what the sacrifice of Christ is all about.
Grantspastor
02-25-2004, 07:33 PM
What I was talking about is being sensitive to opportunities for evangelism after people have seen this movie...maybe days later. I didn't have it my mind that christians ought to drag people to the theater. I think people will see it simply because of the media hype and controversy. When they see it, it is bound to produce a reaction. What I was saying is...if the reaction is negative, don't feel bound to defend the movie. If the reaction is one of introspection...then all it may take is for someone to be there and fill in the blanks.
happybrew
02-25-2004, 07:57 PM
I find it somewhat strange, in a way, that so many evangelicals are so enthusiastic about a movie made by a traditionalist Catholic, and an extremely vocal minority of liberal Catholics (sort of a contradiction in terms, but they haven't left the physical buildings even if they have left orthodoxy) are severely critical of it.
I think that this movie has ecumenical opportunities, as well as evangelical opportunities. It shows what we share. We tend to focus on differences. But we rely upon the grace of God for our salvation, earned for us by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. This is the language we share in common.
happybrew
Your point is well taken GP and I apologize if the thread took on a different meaning than you intended. I feel strongly, that because of the hype and the fair number of articles I've read about the film, that the prudent thing to do is to warn folks who haven't seen the movie to be cautious and sensitive when considering taking someone to this film. Much of the hype encourages taking somone to see it but it is far to powerful to try to witness and at the same time having personal emotions challenged.
hb, I fully understand what you are saying. I have been attempting to break down barriers with other ministries illustrating "we all serve one God" no matter where we are or come from. I am experiencing an openness to this and know the Holy Spirit is working through Hideout Ministries to continue to build God's kingdom. As of this date 55 people have surrendered their lives to Christ and this is worthy of praise!
Blessings, Keith :smile: