“ 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.
“ 'Cinematically Curious' ” Curious: the crowd lobbying for the public displays of the ten commandments seems to be the same crowd in the lobby of the cineplex. Ironically, the Roman Catholic 'ten' OMIT the second!
More proof that the church of Rome and that of Nashville honor the same 'gospel/:
F R E E - W I L L
“ Great Sermon! ” Pastor Albert Martin has delivered a powerful message as to the ramifications of whether to view Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. Before hearing this sermon, I too had been caught up in the hype of the movie. I wanted to go to the movie because I am a pastor myself and I feel it my obligation to be able to give my honest evaluation of this presentation to any inquiring members of the congregation I serve and lead. After listening to this sermon, I have my concerns about viewing it now. When I participate in the Lord's Supper, I don't want the image of the actor portraying Christ in this movie to come to my mind. I may still go see the movie, but if the Lord leads me not to see it, I will not go watch it. I don't need a movie by imperfect men to move me concerning the crucifixion of my Lord. We have the All Sufficient Word of God to do that. If souls are brought to Christ for salvation through this movie, I say praise the Lord!
“ Interesting message! ” In this message Al Martin hits some very useful points that I've not heard mentioned before -- making this an interesting and informative study.
“ Great Sermon! ” I was going to see this movie, but after listening to this sermon, there is no way under God's heaven that I could ever bring myself to go. I am doing everything I can to influence others not to go.
3/2/04 9:30 PM
