Let's HANG Mel Gibson!

[Phillip]

Originally posted by LarryN:
My church bought out 4 showings in a theatre that seats 450. (4 x 450 = 1800 tickets). People at church purchased the tickets in multiples of two, with the idea being that each church member bring an unsaved friend or relative. The demand for tickets far exceeded the 1800 available seats.

So far the feedback is amazing. Many people saw the film as our guests who have never/would never set foot in our building. They saw a vivid portrayal of Christ's love for sinners. Many accepted Jesus during the discussions which followed what they had seen. How some Christians can be so critical in denouncing this film I have no idea. Granted it's not perfect (it's produced by imperfect men), but I have no doubt it's being used for God's Glory. SEE THE FILM first, and then try to criticize it.

Does it bother Christians who are critical of this film that they have allied themselves with the liberal media in their opposition?

Good for you and for your church. Don't let the "nah-sayers" and Pharisees bother you. They will pick apart every ounce of the movie they can, the bottom line is the "results" it produces and I have seen far more people saved as a result of this movie than I have as a result of people saying the movie is a bad thing.

My question is and always will be: Whether we like it or not Millions are going to see this movie....what are WE as Christians going to do about it? Use the opportunity to discuss Christ? Or discuss how horrible Hollywood is for making such a Catholic oriented movie, thus loosing the attention and desire of the movie goer to be around evangelical Christians?

 

[Spirit and Truth]

Phillip:

Good for you and for your church. Don't let the "nah-sayers" and Pharisees bother you.

S&T:

Since you are calling the anti movie people Pharisees...let's do a quick comparison:

The Pharisees nullified the Word of God in favor of their "traditions"

Mel not only nullified, but added to / subtracted from the Word of God to support his "traditions".

and.....

You support the movie........hmmmmmm


put down the rocks Phillip, before you injure yourself ....

 

[Phillip]

Originally posted by Glory Bound:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />My whole point has and is: Whether we like it or not there are going to be millions see this film. The responses we Christians answer their questions with will have a LOT to do with their acceptance of the Lord. To me, the movie has opened up a chance to evangelize. Sure there are issues in the film that were not in the Bible, but the basic doctrine of Christ being beat, dying on the cross for our sins and rising again is all right there. That's my only point.

You know, if the only criteria is that is is "basically" about Jesus, then I'm sure you agree that the church missed the fantastic oportunity years ago with the release of another Jesus film that got a lot of press: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST.

I see we have learned our lesson since those days. It's good to see how much we've learned about evangelism. We've come a long way, baby! </font>[/QUOTE]Sorry, no comparison between "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "The Passion". ... a Strawman, that thou art creating.

 

[Phillip]

Originally posted by Spirit and Truth:
Phillip:

Good for you and for your church. Don't let the "nah-sayers" and Pharisees bother you.

S&T:

Since you are calling the anti movie people Pharisees...let's do a quick comparison:

The Pharisees nullified the Word of God in favor of their "traditions"

Mel not only nullified, but added to / subtracted from the Word of God to support his "traditions".

and.....

You support the movie........hmmmmmm


put down the rocks Phillip, before you injure yourself ....

Spirit & Truth:

That's so funny I just dropped a rock on my foot and broke it. But, I'm keeping my sense of humor and laughing.

We just had a car accident just outside of town this week. It killed a 17 year old boy. He went to the movie two weeks earlier with our youth group and gave his heart to the Lord AFTER the movie when the youth went back to the church to discuss what Christ did for us. He was laid to rest yesterday. But, he is with the Lord today!

 

[Spirit and Truth]

Phillip said:

Spirit & Truth:

That's so funny I just dropped a rock on my foot and broke it. But, I'm keeping my sense of humor and laughing.

We just had a car accident just outside of town this week. It killed a 17 year old boy. He went to the movie two weeks earlier with our youth group and gave his heart to the Lord AFTER the movie when the youth went back to the church to discuss what Christ did for us. He was laid to rest yesterday. But, he is with the Lord today!

S&T:

As a father of children, the emotional part of me would love to believe your statement, but because God searches the heart, neither you, I , or anyone else has the ability with any surety to say that anyone is in heaven.

 

[Spirit and Truth]

Phillip:

Sorry, no comparison between "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "The Passion". ... a Strawman, that thou art creating.

S&T:

This is an easy one. The Last Temptation was filled with heresy and gnostic doctrine. So is the passion. This can be proven by scripture.No straw man there.

 

[Phillip]

Originally posted by Spirit and Truth:
Phillip said:

Spirit & Truth:

That's so funny I just dropped a rock on my foot and broke it. But, I'm keeping my sense of humor and laughing.

We just had a car accident just outside of town this week. It killed a 17 year old boy. He went to the movie two weeks earlier with our youth group and gave his heart to the Lord AFTER the movie when the youth went back to the church to discuss what Christ did for us. He was laid to rest yesterday. But, he is with the Lord today!

S&T:

As a father of children, the emotional part of me would love to believe your statement, but because God searches the heart, you, I , or anyone else has the ability with any surety to say that anyone is in heaven.

This is where I have a problem with your philosophy Spirit and Truth. YOU are the judge!

Funny, How did I know that you would respond and IMPLY THAT HE MIGHT NOT BE SAVED. Thanks, I'll inform the family. Maybe you can PM your phone number to me so I can pass it along to the family so that you can then console them. (Just joking I certainly already have your number!)

If this is an example of Berean theology, I do not want any part of it. ....speaking of casting stones. . .and making judgements . . .

Even to make an implication such as that is out of line. You are very much like the tin man, something is lacking. Wonder what it is?

 

[Spirit and Truth]

S&T stated earlier:

S&T:

As a father of children, the emotional part of me would love to believe your statement, but because God searches the heart, you, I , or anyone else has the ability with any surety to say that anyone is in heaven.

Phillip then replied:

This is where I have a problem with your philosophy Spirit and Truth. YOU are the judge!

S&T wonders:

How did you get that deduction from the above post ? What I stated is that only God knows the heart, and that we in our finite minds can NOT judge who is saved and who is not. This goes for my loved ones and friends that have passed on as well.

Phillip:
If this is an example of Berean theology, I do not want any part of it. ....speaking of casting stones. . .and making judgements . . .

Even to make an implication such as that is out of line. You are very much like the tin man, something is lacking. Wonder what it is?

S&T:

Better be careful Phillip. I was just warned by one of the moderators for saying a whole lot less than what you said to me, and I wouldn't want you to get into trouble. No offense.... I forgive you bro.

 

[vaspers]

The whole point of any evangelical tool is...

...NOT to promote the evangelical tool.

...NOT to argue about the pros and cons of the evangelical tool.

...NOT to divide and get angry over the evangelical tool.

...NOT to evangelize the evangelical tool.

...NOT to make money off the evangelical tool.

...NOT to gain fame and celebrity status from the evangelical tool.

...NOT to guarantee the results of the evangelical tool.

...NOT to exalt the evangelical tool over all other evangelical tools.

...NOT to force evangelicals to accept or reject the evangelical tool.

...NOT to bash the "liberal media" for raising questions about the evangelical tool.

...NOT to worship and praise the evangelical tool.

BUT:...to win people to Jesus Christ.

 

[Phillip]

Originally posted by Spirit and Truth:
S&T stated earlier:

You have my absolute permission to turn my post in to any moderator you wish. When they read the stream and see the fact that you---Yes indeed IMPLIED that the boy may or may not be saved, because you were busy nailing the movie to the wall. You know what your intentions were. I only responded.

I told about a boy who had died who had just given his life to the Lord and because we were debating back and forth about the movie, YOU say only God knows who is saved? If that is not an implication that he may not be saved because he saw that movie what was it?

You, my friend, are the one stepping too close to the edge.

With an attitude and statement like your post above, it certainly does not surprise me the moderators stepped in.

Talk about trying to make yourself out as the "good guy". I accept that I may have been somewhat pushy in my debates, but made an implication like you made, I would certainly fess up to it rather than try to make it look like I did something wrong. Where in the world did I get that implication indeed.....read the posts above again. I'm through debating with you. As I said, you were out of line and you and I both know your implications. I have nothing against Bereans, but you are not making a good example of them.

THE END.

 

[Phillip]

Sorry, Vaspers, I know that was not part of the thread, but I am going to set the record straight when an implication such as was made above is made. I have no problems debating the film with you. You are right, those are not the issues here.

 

[Phillip]

Okay, S&T, I do appologize to responding in a mean manner, I do not; however, appologize for the content of the response, except the personal parts. You were out of line, but in being a Christian, I must appologize for becoming angry with you.

I think it best that we do not debate the subject anymore; however.

 

[Phillip]

Hey, I didn't mean EVERYBODY had to leave. I'm just not going to debate with S&T.

Hmmmm! Maybe I better check my deodorant (or lack thereof).

 

[Spirit and Truth]

Phillip:

Hey, I didn't mean EVERYBODY had to leave. I'm just not going to debate with S&T.

S&T:

With all due respect Phillip, you never did debate. You would make a statement based on emotions, I would counter with scripture, and then you would dissapear for a while. No problem for me if you do not want to discuss things any more, and if we both make it to heaven, I will give you a nougie there

 

[Phillip]

Originally posted by Spirit and Truth:
Phillip:

Hey, I didn't mean EVERYBODY had to leave. I'm just not going to debate with S&T.

S&T:

With all due respect Phillip, you never did debate. You would make a statement based on emotions, I would counter with scripture, and then you would dissapear for a while. No problem for me if you do not want to discuss things any more, and if we both make it to heaven, I will give you a nougie there

Aw. just can't leave a good fuss........

What's the matter S&T, do you have doubts about your salvation? "if"?????

 

[Phillip]

By the way, some of us work. We don't sit in a front of someone elses computer all day writing posts on a bulletin board.

Although it would be nice. hehe

 

[Frogman]

Originally posted by Phillip:
By the way, some of us work. We don't sit in a front of someone elses computer all day writing posts on a bulletin board.

Although it would be nice. hehe

I am off work this week, and have had less time to 'sit' in front of the computer than while at work

But, generally, my job only requires my presence in case the off site teacher has difficulties.

Just felt ya trying to STOMP my toes, don't remember wanting to particular[ly] hang Mel Gibson, but can't dance well enough to protect my toes

Bro. Dallas

[Wanted: Updated version of the Ky. Hillbilly Dichsunery and Theysawus]

 

[Spirit and Truth]

Phillip:

What's the matter S&T, do you have doubts about your salvation?

S&T:

Just running the race and keeping my eyes on the finish line, trying to fight the good fight, earnestly contending for the faith, and working out my salvation with fear and trembling. It's all in a book called the Bible.....

 

[Frogman]

Sometimes I have doubts about my salvation... Why? you ask...Because I am not in line with the mainstream Christian who seems to think God is not sovereign enough to save whosoever He wills without presenting the gospel in such a way they can culturally receive it.

The Word of God says that His name shall be called Jesus because he shall save his people from their sins.

The Word of God says that He came to seek and to save that which was lost.

The Word of God does not anywhere say that He can only save those who make a decision before he can come into their hearts.

I have often wondered...I do desire to see others saved, but by my reading of scripture, I cannot make myself to use emotional pleas to get a decision for Christ out of them.

Instead, I would rather to present to them that finished work of redemption, and let the Spirit of God visit upon them according to His will and purpose.

Is that reason enough to doubt my salvation? Could maybe my dislike for this untatsteful movie claiming to do what the word of God has failed at doing another reason for doubting my salvation?

I would not doubt that some have doubted for me in this discussion. But that does not bother me, I know in whom I have trusted.

Wait one year from Februaray 25, 2004 and count the number of church members growing in grace as a result of this movie, then you may have a reason to support this film as something God has used.

Not all, but alot of missionary works go from here to there but never establish roots. How many long term efforts of all the thousands saved under Billy Graham, Binny Hinn and all the other tv stars have you ever heard of? We hear all the time of the preaching of these men but never of the continued fruit of church planting. What do they recommend their converts to?

Take a wild, wild, guess...if you have your ticket stub, you can purchase extra guesses (as an indulgence of course).

Hey, isn't it amazing how many people Mel can buy out of purgatory with his revenues from ticket sales?

Bro. Dallas

 

[Charles Meadows]

S & T:

"The Pharisees nullified the Word of God in favor of their "traditions" "

Is that why Jesus inveighed against them? I don't think so. Jesus said they were like "whited sepulchres" - basically looking nice outwardly but inside full of rottenness. Who are the Pharisees of today? I'd say they are those who call themselves Christians but have hard hearts full of spite for others and judgmentalism. Someone who would look at a woman wearing a pair of pants and say that she was unsaved or out of fellowship without knowing what was in her heart - that person is a Pharisee!! Someone who would judge another based on the translation of the bible he uses - that person is a Pharisee.

Jesus knows hearts - all of our hearts. He said there will be those who say, "Lord, Lord" but who do not know Him. Being able to quote alot of verses and look down one's nose at other believers is not the hallmark of a Christian. Now that's not to say we do not condemn sin!

They'll know we are Christians by our love - not by our love of judging others.