Passion Letter

Jim Zippay, Pastor of Heritage Christian Church sent this letter to everyone in his church:


In viewing the email traffic regarding the upcoming release of The Passion of the Christ and since I used a clip in a recent service (which can be interpreted as an endorsement), I felt the need to make mention of a few important items.

I most certainly do believe that “by any and all means we should make Christ known…” and this definitely could be one such means! But let us not forgot a couple of things;

1.         The crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, though heart wrenching, is so very meaningful to us because we have believed and embrace His soul saving/life giving sacrifice. Yet for those who have not, a movie that “for 90 minutes graphically portrays a man being brutally beaten and executed”- just might not have the same impact.

2.         All who have seen the movie have come away emotionally exhausted from the experience. Such a “post viewing effect” might not be the most conducive condition for further evangelistic discussion. At least not until a person has had some down time to process it themselves.

3.         As is ALWAYS the case, it’s best to first be certain what a person is going to see before you invite them to it!!! I highly recommend you see it before you invite anyone to join you.

4.         Speaking of seeing it, remember the movie has an “R” rating. For you who are thinking it might be beneficial to take your under 17 year old children to view this because of the historical and spiritual aspects of the movie, again a word of caution. The rating is there for a reason. Please be wise, someone can become over exposed when too much is let in to a lens that can’t adjust (emotionally) to what’s being viewed.

5.         And finally, since the film leaves much room for further discussion and input, we as a church, will make a significant reference to the film on April 3 & 4 during a weekend service but will not be buying tickets and renting out theaters for “outreach” viewings.

I have and will continue to pray for this tool, that it might be used by the Master and His people to bring many to not only an awareness of His death but also an acknowledgement of His death for them personally.

If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

May it be so!

Pastor Jim

Comments are closed.

Bad Behavior has blocked 767 access attempts in the last 7 days.