Mel Gibson movie The Passion (45 views) Subscribe   
  From:  David (DavidABrown)    Jan-27 5:07 pm  
To:  ALL   (1 of 7)  
 
  784.1  
 
More on Passion Prayer
Dave Pitzo
Jan 26, 2004

 
Hello Davidic Subscribers! 

I don't know why this topic of Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of Jesus Christ has me so stirred. Perhaps it's all the reaction I am reading from people who have previewed the movie in private screenings. 

I have included commentaries from Paul Harvey and David Limbaugh below for your reading. (Thanks Roger for sending these to me) 


Paul Harvey used a descriptive word "encounter with Christ" as he passed on his opinion. Those words lit my heart up and perhaps this what has me realing deep inside concerning the release of this film. 

A number a years ago, a woman named Crystal had an encounter with Jesus on a sidewalk in front of a strip mall shopping center in Milwaukee. I was there to witness this life changing encounter. Jesus knew what happend in her life concerning the years of incest, the experience she had with God in a church in Texas and His plan to invade her life with His love one particular morning on South 27th Street. In this encounter I was both the messenger of Jesus love and the observer. The words came out of my mouth as I watched this truckers prostitute suddenly turn into a sobbing mess. She first spoke out and forgave her father and brothers and then asked Jesus to come into her life and forgive her of her sins. A literal pool of tears formed a circle on the sidewalk directly beneath her. 

Her life wasn't the only one that changed that day, as I saw the love and compassion of Jesus for a prostitute on full display before my very eyes. 

Over the years I have had numerous encounters with individuals as Jesus speaks directly into their hearts with full knowledge of who they are, where they have been and where He wants them to go. Even though I have been the messenger, the impact of being the observer of the of their facial expressions, reactions and comments has made a Jesus gazer out of me. I love to watch Him love on people. 

I am aroused by Him because of His love on display before mankind. People seemingly so undeserving are suddenly lavished by Him. So when you put in context this coming film (released on February 25th) and the potential of Jesus moving in sovereignty across many cultures and political pursuasions, it has many of us standing on our feet in the Spirit realm awaiting His release on the masses. 

I have much more to say about watching Jesus as this present move of the presence of God has made open heaven experiences almost as normal as breathing. I have never experienced such simple and easy access into heavenly visions and encounters with Jesus. This type of testimony is taking place now throughout the world. God is doing something very new and very wonderful. Get ready people, there is a lot of people coming into the kingdom of God. Prepare to give your life away as God will have need of it. 

Blessings, Dave Pitzo 



David A. Brown
Basic Christian: Forum
www.BasicChristian.org

 
  
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    Jan-27 5:09 pm  
To:  ALL   (2 of 7)  
 
  784.2 in reply to 784.1  
 
Paul Harvey Comments on "The Passion" by Mel Gibson 

The majority of the media are complaining about this movie. Now Paul Harvey tells "The rest of the story" and David Limbaugh praises Gibson. Most people would wait and see a movie before giving the reviews that have been issued by the reporters trying to tell all of us what to believe. 

Paul Harvey's words: 

I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but I had also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a Jewish town and owe muchof my own faith journey to the influence. I have a life long, deeply held aversion to anything that might even indirectly encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions. 

I arrived at the private viewing for "The Passion", held in Washington DC and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was typically Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but seeming to look beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words.. The film was very briefly introduced, without 

fanfare, and then the room darkened. From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced. 

In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same. When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of "movers and shakers" in Washington, DC were shaking indeed, but this time from sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd that had been glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one could speak because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven touch earth. 

One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from the fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face. Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and passionately loving eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and said "Behold I make all things new." These are words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelations. Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had been borne voluntarily for love. At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover, a question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film, from a rather diverse crowd, was as astounding as the compliments were effusive. The questions included the one question that seems to follow this film, even though it has not yet even been released. "Why is this film considered by some to be "anti-Semitic?" Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the Passion" it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law professor whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded "After watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate that it even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus" I agree. There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to decry it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way. 

Those who are alleging otherwise have either not seen the film or have another agenda behind their protestations. This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to the Gospel text; if that is no longer acceptable behavior than we are all in trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the story and Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the greatest story ever told and that its message is for all men and women. The greatest right is the right to hear the truth. 

We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives to which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the history of the world. The problem is not the message but those who have distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love that is Mel Gibson's film making masterpiece, "The Passion." 

It should be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do everything I can to make sure that is the case. I am passionate about "The Passion."You will be as well. Don't miss it! 



David A. Brown
Basic Christian: Forum
www.BasicChristian.org

 
  
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    Jan-27 5:11 pm  
To:  ALL   (3 of 7)  
 
  784.3 in reply to 784.2  
 
This is a commentary by DAVID LIMBAUGH about Mel Gibson's very controversial movie regarding Christ's crucifixion. It,too, is well worth reading. 

MEL GIBSON'S passion for "THE PASSION" 

How ironic that when a movie producer takes artistic license with historical events, he is lionized as artistic, creative and brilliant, but when another takes special care to be true to the real-life story, he is vilified. Actor- producer Mel Gibson is discovering these truths the hard way as he is having difficulty finding a United States studio or distributor for his upcoming film, "The Passion," which depicts the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ. 

Gibson co-wrote the script and financed, directed and produced the movie. For the script, he and his co-author relied on the New Testament Gospels of 

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as the diaries of St. Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) and Mary of Agreda's "The City of God." 

Gibson doesn't want this to be like other sterilized religious epics. "I'm trying to access the story on a very personal level and trying to be very real about it." So committed to realistically portraying what many would consider the most important half-day in the history of the universe, Gibson even shot the film in the Aramaic language of the period. In response to objections that viewers will not be able to understand that language, Gibson said, "Hopefully, I'll be able to transcend the language barriers with my visual storytelling; if I fail, I fail, but at least it'll be a monumental failure." 

To further insure the accuracy of the work, Gibson has enlisted the counsel of pastors and theologians, and has received rave reviews. Don Hodel, president of Focus on the Family, said, "I was very impressed. The movie is historically and theologically accurate." Ted Haggard, pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., and president of the National Evangelical Association,glowed: "Itconveys, more accurately than any other film, who Jesus was." 

During the filming, Gibson, a devout Catholic, attended Mass every morning because "we had to be squeaky clean just working on this." From Gibson's perspective, this movie is not about Mel Gibson. It's bigger than he is. "I'm not a preacher, and I'm not a pastor," he said. "But I really feel my career was leading me to make this. The Holy Ghost was working through me on thisfilm, and I was just directing traffic. I hope the film has the power to evangelize." 

Even before the release of the movie, scheduled for March 2004, Gibson is getting his wish. "Everyone who worked on this movie was changed. There were agnostics and Muslims on set converting to Christianity...[and] people being healed of diseases." Gibson wants people to understand through the movie, if they don't already, the incalculable influence Christ has had on the world.And he grasps that Christ is controversial precisely because of WHO HE IS GOD incarnate. "And that's the point of my film really, to show all that turmoil around him politically and with religious leaders and the people, all because He is Who He is." 

Gibson is beginning to experience first hand just how controversial Christ is. Critics have not only speciously challenged the movie's authenticity, but have charged that it is disparaging to Jews, which Gibson vehemently denies. "This is not a Christian vs. Jewish thing. '[Jesus] came into the world, and it knew him not.' Looking at Christ's crucifixion, I look first at my own culpability in that." Jesuit Father William J. Fulco, who translated the script into Aramaic and Latin, said he saw no hint of anti-Semitism in the movie. Fulco added, "I would be aghast at any suggestion that Mel Gibson is anti-Semitic." Nevertheless, certain groups and some in the mainstream press have been very critical of Gibson's "Passion." 

The New York Post's Andrea Peyser chided him: "There is still time, Mel, to tell the truth." Boston Globe columnist James Carroll denounced Gibson's literal reading of the biblical accounts. "Even a faithful repetition of the Gospel stories of the death of Jesus can do damage exactly because those sacred texts themselves carry the virus of Jew hatred," wrote Carroll. A group of Jewish and Christian academics has issued an 18-page report slamming all aspects of the film, including its undue emphasis on Christ's passion rather than "a broader vision." The report disapproves of the movie's treatment of Christ's passion as historical fact. 

The moral is that if you want the popular culture to laud your work on Christ, make sure it either depicts Him as a homosexual or as an everyday sinner with no particular redeeming value (literally). In our anti-Christian culture, the blasphemous "The Last Temptation of Christ" is celebrated and "The Passion" is condemned. But if this movie continues to affect people the way it is now, no amount of cultural opposition will suppress its force and its positive impact on lives everywhere. Mel Gibson is a model of faith and courage. 


Please copy this and send it on to all your friends to let them know about this film so that we'll all go see it when it comes out. 

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David A. Brown
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  From:  LenBenHEAR/LIFE_or_death:SEE: John 3:36 (franknsense)    Jan-28 2:03 am  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (4 of 7)  
 
  784.4 in reply to 784.3  
 
Hi David. Here are two excellent links that give a lot 
more insight into the impact of this powerful film: 
www.bible.com/jesus/PassionMillerEndorsements.html 

www.bible.com/jesus/PassionEdorsements.html 

I believe this movie is destined to be one of the great 
classics of all time. You can bet I will be bringing 
unsaved friends to see it. 

all the best. 

Len 


~ CHOICES. ~


 
-----------------------------





==================================

~ PLEASE NOTE: 

YOU will be EITHER the cross on His right...or the cross on His left. - these symbolize the whole of humanity in relation to Him: The Savior and Judge of every soul. And THIS I declare to you both in love and in the authority of His Holy Name and Word: for you *are* EITHER {and *WILL be* either}one or the other. ~ Selah. {pause and ponder that very carefully}

for IT IS AN ETERNAL TRUTH. 
 
  
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  From:  David (DavidABrown)    Jan-28 9:07 am  
To:  LenBenHEAR/LIFE_or_death:SEE: John 3:36 (franknsense)   (5 of 7)  
 
  784.5 in reply to 784.4  
 
Hi Len,

 

Thanks, I agree.

 

I think the movie is great.

 

Mel Gibson had a showing here in Southern California and my Pastor was invited. He said it is more than a movie that it is an emotional and spiritual experience.

 

Also everyone who enjoys the Passion movie should enjoy the Jesus Walk 2004 devotion as it is very similar to the Passion. The Passion is a 12 hour Timeline of the life of Jesus and Jesus Walk is a 10 day Timeline in the life of Jesus including the same Passion events.

 

Its available at www.BasicChristian.org/jesuswalk.html

 

God Bless you,
David



David A. Brown
Basic Christian: Forum
www.BasicChristian.org




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Edited 1/28/2004 2:54:21 PM ET by David (DAVIDABROWN) 
  
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  From:  LenBenHEAR/LIFE_or_death:SEE: John 3:36 (franknsense)    Jan-30 2:11 am  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (6 of 7)  
 
  784.6 in reply to 784.5  
 
Hi David. I agree. 
Here is an excellent suggestion to make the most of 
the Mel Gibson film in evangelism outreach: 

Movie Theater Outreach and Evangelism 
------------------------------------- 

Coming to Theaters February 25, 2004 

Many respectable Christian leaders are feeling that 
Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ movie will provide 
the church with the greatest opportunity of this century 
to evangelize our modern world and get the gospel of Christ 
out. We personally know how this movie impacted us when we 
were invited to a private screening last year. We want to 
provide you with the ideas below as to how you can be used 
to reach your friends and community through this gripping 
movie that tells the story of the cross and Christ's 
resurrection. This move is an experience, not entertainment. 
Our group, as well as many others we have heard about, sat in stunned silence until ICON's staff returned to the room to 
invite our reaction to the movie. Hundreds of Christian 
leaders feel the same way we did after viewing this movie. 
Don't miss it and ask God how you can use it to share 
the gospel with your friends and community. 

Pray: First of all we can all personally pray for God to 
touch all who see it. Secondly, we can ask our prayer 
groups to join in corporate prayer so that this movie 
will be a witness to the world. Pray that it will cause 
the spirit of repentance to fall on each person who views 
it. Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring many to salvation 
through it. Pray also that God will use it to bring many 
back sliders back home to Him. Pray that God will use it 
to spark revival in our nation. Pray that even after the 
initial movie runs, that the Lord will continue to use 
it through the DVD and VHS sales. Pray that God will use 
it all over the world as ICON Productions is planning on 
using subtitles in different languages. Pray that it will 
be used just as the JESUS film 
produced by Campus Crusade is being used. It has been 
seen all over the world by more people than any other movie 
of all times (mostly in foreign countries). We are believing 
that the Passion will be used in the Western world like 
the Jesus film has been used in the developing nations. 

Attend the Movie: You can help make this the largest opening 
film in history. What a witness for our Lord to have His 
followers every where support a movie depicting His love 
for us as He gave His life so that we might live. You can 
also invite your unsaved friends to attend with you. If 
you are interested in purchasing tickets in advance you 
can click here for that information. Advance Ticket Sales 

Movie Theater Outreach: 

1.) Theater Petition: You can contact Christians in your 
area and circulate a petition to be signed by those who 
would like to see this movie shown at their local theaters. 
You can go to this link and print a copy of it. Theater 
Petition The petition has room for 500 signatures. When 
you take this to your local theater manager, he should be 
glad to show a movie that will bring 500 viewers to his 
theater. We have begun the process of the petition in 
our area and they are allowing us to have a booth also. 
Praise God! 

2.) Man a Theater Booth or Table in the Lobby: You can 
also politely ask if your group or church could have a 
booth or table in the lobby to be there for those who 
would desire spiritual help after viewing the movie. 
There will be those who will desire this help. They 
may need prayer or help in receiving the Lord. You can 
also create a sign with www.bible.com on it to simply 
set on the table or tack it to the wall for those who 
might not ask for help right then, but would remember 
the site name and come in later to find help on the 
Bible.com site. Remember we are ecumenical and we are 
here for the whole body of Christ no matter what their 
church preference is. If your local theater will not 
allow a booth inside, you could still politely pass out 
tracts in front of the theater if there are no 
solicitation laws against it. 

3.) Church Outreach: Your church can make announcements 
and add bulletin inserts making the Passion movie 
information available for your congregation. You can 
purchase many good resources, posters, bulletin inserts 
and outreach tools available at these official 
ICON Production links: 

The Passion of The Christ Materials 
Outreach 

4.) Hand out Salvation Tracts or Bibles: Since you will 
only have limited time to minister to the people coming 
out, it would be good to hand out a salvation tract and 
even a pocket Bible so that they could be directed to 
Jesus. You could also direct them to the www.bible.com 
site for help from the Bible since we have the Bible 
available online in over 140 different languages. Having 
an Internet Ministry we are always thinking of new ways 
to reach people through its use. If you do not have the 
money to purchase expensive tracts, you can simply buy 
a few sheets of copy paper 8 1/2 by 11 and print off 
your own tracts to hand out. It does not cost anyone 
to view the Bible online if they own a computer. You 
will just need to direct them to our site by either 
telling them about Bible.com or giving them a copy of 
a salvation tract that we have designed particularly 
for this movie. Click here for Passion Salvation Tract. 

For those that would like to hand out Bibles, we 
have Bibles available by the case at special prices 
for churches in our Chapel Bookstore. There is no 
cost for the Bible online. We will also maintain a 
special place on our homepage where people can come 
for help after they have seen the movie. We will direct 
them to those who can pray with them and help them find 
the Lord. We pray that all Christians will join together 
and use this movie as a means for reaching our world 
for The Christ. His "passion" will then not be in vain. 

================================= 

taken from: 

www.bible.com/jesus/PassionMovieOutreach.html 

~ CHOICES. ~ 

----------------------------- 

* He is looking for REALITY: not pretense! * 


Daniel 12:10: Many shall be purified, and made white, 
and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: 
and none of the wicked shall understand; 

--> but the wise SHALL understand. 





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Edited 1/30/2004 5:20:27 AM ET by LenBenHEAR/LIFE_or_death:SEE: John 3:36 (FRANKNSENSE) 
  
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   From:  Christ, our Hope (amym38)     Jan-30 6:07 pm  
To:  David (DavidABrown)    (7 of 7)  
 
  784.7 in reply to 784.1  
 
Thanks, David.   I'm going to peruse your 'Jesus Walk' page, too.  God bless.

amy

 
 
 

 
  
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