The Passion – A Preaching Opportunity
February 15, 2004
Dear Friends,
On February 25th, one of the greatest opportunities for preaching in the history of the world will begin. The movie, The Passion opens in theaters worldwide. People you know — neighbors, colleagues, people at the store — are all going to be talking about the crucifixion of Jesus. Most of the time we need to figure out a way to talk about the crucifixion with people, but now they will be talking about it with us. If the buzz surrounding controversial movies in the past are any indicator, this window of opportunity will probably last about a month.
When this topic comes up, what are you going to say? The Scripture tells us “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) Are you going to stand silently by and listen to the conversation? Are you going to walk away and think “I should have said something?” Now is the time to think about it and prepare.
What about your ecclesia? At my ecclesia, we are starting a Learn to Read the Bible Effectively seminar that will run through the opening of the movie. We are advertising in the newspaper and putting comments up on our web site. We are printing up business cards for everyone in the ecclesia with the dates and times of our local Bible classes and contact information on it. We are having an all day seminar that is preparing everyone to be able to know what to say. We are discussing doing a lot of other things such as passing out flyers outside of the theater. We realize that we always, regardless of whether the crucifixion is the topic of the day, have an obligation to preach, but this event presents us with a special opportunity. Why not take advantage of it?
We have a little over a week left to get ready for the movie and then about 3-4 weeks after it opening where people will be talking. What sort of questions will be on their minds after witnessing the savagery of the crucifixion? Why did this man die? What does it all mean? Why did Jesus have to die in such a horrible way? How accurate was the movie to what really happened?
The more immediate question is what are you going to say or do to answer those questions.
Mind you, this is not an endorsement either for or against the movie. It is simply a suggestion that this movie will transfix the public eye for a short period of time on an event that we feel should transfix us every day of our lives. What better chance will we have to let people know what it all really means?
I am willing to act as a conduit for suggestions and ideas for how to make the most of this event. If I get enough feedback, I will send out another Thought with a compilation of those ideas. This is not an appeal for comments regarding the movie itself. Whether you are personally for or against the movie is beside the point unless it directly bears upon the ability to share the Gospel with a dying world. All responses will be attributed unless otherwise specified.
God bless everyone in their efforts to share the Hope of Israel.
Have a great week!
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