“ response to other comments ” ugh...I just noticed that the name goes before the comment. I previously meant to say I agree with "Rev. Todd Shaw" (3/2/2004), and I urge others to read his comment.
“ response to other comments ” Sometimes I am ashamed to call myself a Christian, not because of an immoral lifestyle, but because of the absurd manifestations and teachings propagated by "Spirit-filled" Christians, who in an absurd rendition of God's Word transform their characters into unsupportable bloated spiritual critics. Without a doubt there are absolutes on which one must unequivocally draw the line, but a major character flaw of religious overzealots is the transformation of EVERYTHING into either demonically possessed or heaven sent. Just as an example look at Romans 7, where the Apostle Paul himself discusses his own shortcomings. BTW what about Peter when he sinnend in Galatians chapeter 2? From what "tree" did he act? etc. Good people do bad things and vice versa. This to say that the movie (which affected me greatly) is of course imperfect, but one should rather have people talking of Jesus than Allah. Personally when driving I would rather see Churches than mosques, even Catholic churches, though terribly wrong in doctrine, and historically monstrous in action…but it is the duty of true Christians to switch from vocabulary to experience and present Jesus as He is to these whom through such experiences as religion, and this movie, have shown an interest in the Lord.
-I agree with M Jones
“ Great Sermon! ” Praise God for a pastor who speaks the truth instead of seeking to tickle our ears with pleasant words. To those who think that this movie is good, I say,"There are none so blind as those who would not see."
A good tree cannot bear evil fruit and an evil tree cannot bear good fruit. This movie is thoroughly Catholic as any thinking person would expect it to be since it was conceived and planned that way by its thoroughly Catholic director, Mel Gibson. Mel does not know the Gospel message and therefore cannot deliver it on film. This movie is an abomination. No true believer should be polluting his mind by viewing it or giving his money to the "enemy" through paying admission to it.
For those who feel it necessary to view the film before being allowed to have an opinion of it, I would ask "If a bottle were labelled poison, would you want to taste it just to be sure?"
“ passion sermon ” Bob,
you hinted that i was "ganging up "on Michael because i suggested he was in the slough of despond. This was not so.
It is found in Pilgrims progress, and relates to brethren who are discouraged and down.
Just thought that i would point that out.
“ Great Sermon! ” I know that from a fundamentalist worldview we tend to look at everything as “right” or “wrong” and I agree that the world needs more absolutes than it will ever accept. However, in the church world I am afraid that this practice of coloring all things with one of two colors only makes our religion appear two-dimensional and shallow. We attempt to keep the letter of the law without keeping the spirit of the law. I am not defending Mr. Gibson’s movie because, quite frankly, he doesn’t need my help. I do however want to address the following purpose statement made by Dr. Martin. “The film’s visual reenactment of Christ crucified as a medium of conveying the message of the gospel is a radical and arrogant substitute for the God-ordained medium of presenting Christ crucified to a sinful world”. Following this statement to its logical end, there can be no relevant expression of the gospel other than the preached word. This means that all movies (past, present and future), “gospel” music, drama (which must include: Passion plays, puppet shows, cartoons, and even flannel-graphs) are hereby rendered invalid mediums to convey the gospel message according to Dr. Martin. Nobody is saying “Let’s add the gospel of Mel to the Bible”.
“ Great Sermon! ” Great Sermon. Finest preacher in the world at the moment in my opinion (and many others). Here are some thoughts on the movie. The Passion of Christ - What the movie does not tell you! There is a firestorm of activity in media circles regarding the movie, “The Passion of Christ”, directed by Mel Gibson, which has led to a plethora of heated discussion. Despite the flagrant Mariolatry and non-biblical interpolations, courtesy of Gibson embracing the mad ravings of the Catholic “prophet” Anne Catherine Emmerich, I felt that the movie was average and mostly a tool for Evangelical and Roman Catholic proselytization. Strangely, Evangelicals seem to believe that a Roman Catholic spin-off of the “Passion of Christ” is going to convert the world. Though I doubt they would have picked up on the specious Catholic mythology (ie: St. Veronica wiping Jesus’ face) and flagrant abuse of the Scripture. Commendation must go out to Gibson, however, for his consistency - being a Feeneyite Catholic. He believes his Anglican wife is going to hell because she is outside of “the Church”(Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus). Many Catholics today are ignorant of the Council of Trent Canons (Canons 9, 12, 14, 23, 24) which pronounce a curse upon sola fideans (true Protestants) - “let him be anathema”.
“ . ” "i reckon Michael is a brother who is perhaps in the slough of despond"
I don't see the need to gang up on him.
"...thanking those at sermonaudio.com for having the courage to take a stand against The Passion movie"
I don't think putting this sermon up amounts to "taking a stand." and I'm sure it doesn't represent the majority of people involved with the site. I would want to know your movie viewing habits, did you see Lord of the Rings? I did. I did listen to the sermon and it stuck me as more "devils advocate" then anything else, some of his points were quite a stretch.
I don't need a pastor to do my thinking, if a pastor tried to tell me what movies I can watch I'd give him the once over. We are Christians, not Muslims - we get to think for ourselves and make our own choices.
“ Passion sermon ” Bob, Frank,
so glad that you are blessed by the preaching on sermonaudio.
I cannot really believe that Michael is definitely leaving for good, that will be sad.
I am sure dear Pastor Martin would be upset to think so as well.
i may be wrong, but i reckon Michael is a brother who is perhaps in the slough of despond at the moment and needs a helping hand and some encouragement from two or three compassionate sants.
Stay with us Michael !
“ See the Movie ” I left the movie with my faith renewed. I can not begin to comprehend why evangelicals would demonize a movie that has the potential to open so many doors. Have you notice that everyone is talking about Jesus lately? I can say the same negative things about so many of the sermons on this site. Why should we listen to them if we have the Bible next to us. We listen to be uplifted. I watched the movie to be uplifted and I was.
“ Thank You Sermon Audio! ” I thought I would counter Michael's comment by thanking those at sermonaudio.com for having the courage to take a stand against The Passion movie, when it appears that everyone else is heavily in favor of it. I would also like to thank the Pastors for their courageous stand against it. I will continue to use and support this website, and I will encourage others to do the same.
“ Michael ” Michael, your comment is exactly spot on, at least in defending the speakers arguments. If you need your theology from Hollywood and the Catholic church then you should stay and listen to more sermons. This is the problem with the American Church, we follow whoever has the shiniest trinkets.
“ Good Bye Sermon Audio ” Since your website has come out firmly against The Passion movie, and since you have not bothered to even TRY to be impartial or balanced, I would like to be removed from your mailing list, newsletter etc. immediatley. I guess maybe you and all the Pastors that have spoken out against this movie should go and look up all the people who have turned their lives over to Jesus Christ and have been saved as a result of the tide that has swept over our nation this last week and tell them to "take it back!, Satan really deceived you through this movie". Like I said, Good bye Sermonaudio.com, I will not be back.
“ Wonderful Gospel Presentation! ” Praise God for a clear Gospel presentation! I wish this sermon were played at the end of every showing of the Passion movie. Get ready to hear the "rest of the story". Many thanks again for Pastor Martin's ministry and all those involved in preparing the sermons for publication! Thanks also to sermonaudio. Your work is not in vain.
“ Great Sermon! ” Dear Brother Martin,
Yesterday I testified in my Chrch of Christ that, BEFORE due bible study, I endorsed the film and thereby gave false witness. I confessed, asked for forgiveness, and advised them to shun the film. People got up and walked out. I have been gently admonished by an elder. My minister endorsed the film on a "I hear it's pretty good basis."
I stand by what I said and send blessings to the Lord's message through your spoken word.
Bless you,
Howell
“ Great Sermon! ” Thank you for giving this sermon about The Passion Movie.
Now I know that it is unbiblical to see this movie.
May God bless your ministry
“ An interesting perspective ” This sermon brought up some interesting points. I appreciate everything Pastor Martin had to say, keeping in mind that he had not seen the film. Pastor Martin has been one of my favorite preachers for almost 10 years. My family and I had the pleasure of sitting under his ministry for many months before relocating.
With that said, I had the pleasure of seeing "The Passion" yesterday before hearing this sermon. I walked out of the theatre feeling convicted that "...even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously..." I felt unworthy that the Soverign Lord not only laid down His life, but suffered for me. Who am I to complain about everyday trials?
Since watching the movie, My wife and I read though the Gospels' account of Christ sufferings, and found that the movie was suprisingly close to scripture. Praise God!!!
It is my prayer that each Christian makes a choice about this movie, based upon his or her conscience soaked in the Word.
This sermon gives some good principles regarding christian liberty.
“ Great Sermon! ” It feels strange, being outside the majority amongst the people I love and worshiped our Lord together with. I can not agree with anyone saying this movie is Holy and annointed. Centuries have churches fought wars over there differences, so I am now left with a question. How can so many different churches from Roman Catholic to Evangelistic, all agree on this Catholic doctrine based movie? Can Satan not come to us in the form of an angel of light? Thank you Pastor Albert, my wife and I started to feel that we were the only ones who could see the truth. We were so GunHo about this movie, then all of a sudden we wanted no part of it. May the real Truth continue through this dark time we are heading into.
“ It's all about discernment ” People will draw lines about what in the world they will and will not expose themselves to. Some people will draw lines from their Bible and decide an event is not for them. Others will pray and feel God¡¯s guidance. There are certainly a lot of opinions out there; they can¡¯t all be right or all wrong. As Rev. Martin notes that aside of himself there are many credible scholars who use scripture to point out strong spiritual value in the film. So who is right? God is right and if his spirit is in you he will tell you if you should or should not see this film. We all experience faith, doubt, and life in our own way. Our faith is just as unique as our being. I thank Rev. Martin for his sound guidance, but reserve to make this decision between God and myself.
“ Mixed views ” I believe Bro. Martin has made some very valid points and I agree with a very dear pastor whom I have grown to love just by listening to his sermons. Please do not take this therefore as a disagreement with someone who I respect very, very much. My family and I have seen the movie and while there are some questionable scenes, I believe overall the film should be seen or rather experienced. I believe Christianity has become too watered down and the price that Jesus paid for our sins is either overlooked or not given the emphasis that it should. The film unquestionably emphasizes the love and forgiveness of our Saviour. Additionally, we are moved to be totally dependent on the Father as the Son so perfectly gave us the example.
I believe that Mel is a deeply committed brother in the Lord and will listen to suggestions, criticisms and exhortations and is mature enough spiritually to learn from mistakes and be encouraged by fellow brothers and sisters who care about preserving the authenticity of the Sciptures.
“ Church Pastors Need To Hear This Sermon More Than Anyone Else! ” Thank you for this much needed sermon! It's fairly obvious to anyone that "The Passion" will not start a revival in this country, but is just a passion fad that will hopefully go the way of Tickle Me Elmo and the Beanie Baby. We can only PRAY that will not turn into anything more than that. This sermon already has over 3,300 downloads in just under a week which is absolutely amazing.
3/3/04 7:41 PM
