NEWS: Passion movie brings in 2,500 new members

Rick Warren reports that the Saddleback Church gained 2,500 new members in the few days after the release of Mel Gibson’s movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’. Warren, along with other pastors in the USA, held church services in rented cinemas. Many visitors remained weeping in their seats, and needed to talk. Robby Dobbs of the Second Baptist Church in Houston speaks of ‘hundreds of conversions’. The church had not only reserved several thousand cinema tickets, but also started a series of three sermons about Christ, titled ‘Who, Why, What?’

Churches in other nations are picking up on this style of evangelism. In Essen, Germany, the owners of Germany’s largest cinema allowed churches to speak for 20 minutes after each showing. Christian Alliance groups in various cities are planning how they can evangelize with the movie, reports Swiss missiologist Marco Gm ¼r.

Source: Friday Fax

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Hello friends! Maximise the Passion !! One of the Greatest Opportunities for Evangelism in 2000 years! Don’t miss it! by Harry Leesment

“Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ” is a movie milestone! Millions of people will be seeing this movie and some will be discovering Jesus for the first time.” View Press Release . Be Ready! People will react to this movie. It is a deep and moving experience with Jesus. Many will be disturbed, wondering how to react, what to do, perhaps some are ready to seek the Lord! Resources from American Tract Society will help you provide answers. And I have written a little encouragement to witness boldly as well.

PASSION FOLLOW-UP Maximise the Passion !!! the greatest evangelistic opportunity in our lifetime!!

FIVE KEYS to seize this Moment … Key 1 GIVE AN ANSWER Key 2 GIVE YOUR TESTIMONY Key 3 EXPLAIN SIN AND JESUS’ WILLING SACRIFICE Key 4 PRAY THE SINNER’S PRAYER Key 5 FOLLOW-UP to MAKE A DISCIPLE

THE PROBLEM: Christians are talking about the film, and taking others to see it, but how many Christians are able to explain and lead someone impacted by the film to a make a commitment to follow Jesus? What preparation is needed for ordinary Christians in our churches to witness and win people to Christ? “The volume of Passion-related information is going up exponentially. But, as always, the overwhelming majority are Christians writing for other Christians. Here are resources designed to help Christians use this unique opportunity for outreach.” Doug; Brigada.

THE SOLUTION: If every Christian who sees the film takes these FIVE KEYS, they will make disciples. People are stirred up, convicted by the Holy Spirit of sin, righteousness and judgment. If we say in their ear what the Holy Spirit is saying in their heart, they will receive Christ. The presentation of Christ in “The Passion” is so real that people will have questions. They will go to Christians they know and have trust in, and ask these questions. You may be one they trust. As Christians we must be prepare to give an answer for the hope that is in us, but also to answer specific questions which the film raises.

Key 1 GIVE AN ANSWER Get ready to answer the questions people will ask. Read and study the Scriptures the film focuses upon – Matthew 26-28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24; John 10,13,18,19-21. Isaiah 52:15,16; Isaiah 53; John 8:3-11; Romans 3-8; Hebrews 2:8-18;7:22-28;9:11-28; 10:11-18. Listen carefully to the questions people ask. They may not be able to understand or receive your answers because they do not have faith in the Bible as God’s Word which you have. Promise them you will find answers and share those with them later.

Key 2 GIVE YOUR TESTIMONY Your story is incontrovertible. When you received Christ as your personal Saviour, you experienced salvation which brought you – forgiveness, peace with God, faith, release and joy, perhaps some persecution, cleansing, and now a life lived in constant determined warfare with self, the world and the devil. But in it all you have the firm assurance of salvation. Tell them just as Mel Gibson held the hammer and nails that crucified Jesus, so you also have. You too are responsible for the death of Jesus, but even that sin Jesus took upon Himself. This is your testimony. Your privilege is to add that personal part to what God has already done in their hearts through the film. We are fellow-workers with God as though God were pleading through us. Tell them the next steps in the Christian walk.

Key 3 EXPLAIN SIN AND JESUS’ WILLING SACRIFICE Use the Bible open and explain why Jesus chose to sacrifice Himself. It was to die for all the sins of humankind – those who lived before, during His lifetime and after His life and death and resurrection. Jesus is effective to this day and cleanses us from all sins. Even those sins we still commit as Christians. When we confess our sins and ask forgiveness daily – read 1 John 1:9 – Our heavenly Father is faithful to His Son Jesus and forgives our sin and cleanses us – daily! This is how you impart your faith and assurance. His great sacrifice makes sense as soon to anyone who welcomes and accepts this truth, and receives it and decides to follow Christ. You have the privilege of being that witness to your friends. Jesus said: “I sent you to reap that which you did not sow!” As reapers we go out together with the sower – the film.

Key 4 PRAY THE SINNER’S PRAYER Write out and keep a Sinner’s Prayer in your Bible. Carry your Bible with you to school, to work. Put it in plain view on you rdesk. Refer to it when people ask you questions. And pray the sinner’s prayer with them when you ask: “Can you think of any reason why you cannot receive Jesus right now?” Believe the Holy Spirit is faithfully doing His part as you pray.

Key 5 FOLLOW-UP to MAKE A DISCIPLE And now please, please, please follow-up the person. Do not leave them for more than 24 hours – the devil doesn’t wait a day to attack. His purpose is to steal kill and destroy – and he is good at it! Be always available to your friend. Do not leave them without your loving care. Fight for their soul as satan tries to reclaim them. Be a loving caring mother, like Mother Paul was – read 1 Thes. 2:7,8. And help them grow in faith. Be a father to them – as Father Paul was – read 1 Thes. 2:10-12. Be willing to give them NOT JUST THE GOSPEL but YOUR OWN LIFE AS WELL! Make a disciple who can make disciples. And Jesus will see His passion was worth it! Pastor Harry

Let’s Maximise the Passion !!!

Use and pass it on freely. Written by Pastor Harry Leesment Revised 040327