State Missionary Rick Lance is executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

Other Recent Blog Entries:

Lessons I Learned from Landrum Leavell
Monday, October 2, 2008
Landrum Leavell devoted some of his valuable time to encourage me and to offer support to me as a young man seeking to develop my gifts in ministry.

A Memorable Milestone
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
September 8th was a memorable milestone for Alabama Baptists: ... the day on which we crossed the $1 billion mark in Cooperative Program giving.

Fired Up about 'Fireproof'
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Can a motion picture be used to reach people for Christ? In the case of "Fireproof," the answer is definitely yes.

Tell Them Thanks for Me
Monday, August 18, 2008
My gas gauge was low, leaning toward empty. So, it was now time to stop and pay a fortune at the pump.

Thanks for Ten Years Together
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
One priority was on my mind, when I was called to this opportunity of ministry. It was the Great Commission.

Good News for Bad Times
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
During bad times, people look for some good news. For Christians, this is an opportunity for us to offer the very best of good news.

Your God and Your Tears
Friday, July 11, 2008
Your God has a tear bottle cellar. He has a bottle or bottles containing your tears. . . .

The Biggest Giver Ever
Monday, July 7, 2008
John 3:16 is perhaps the best text in the Bible for preaching on stewardship and the ministry of giving..


What About The Passion?

 

As the Easter season approaches, Christians will be seeking to prepare themselves to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. I must confess that this is my favorite time of year. As a young child I liked the season because the weather usually became warmer and the days became longer. My adult years have brought about a totally different perspective. My Christian faith is warmed and brightened each year during the Easter season by the celebration of Jesus Christ as our own Risen Lord.

This year there is an added dimension to my anticipation of this faith-heightening experience of worship. The Passion of the Christ, an authentic portrayal of the last 12 hours of the earthly ministry of Christ has come, or is coming, to local theatres.

Earlier this year I saw the theatrical trailer, and now I have had the opportunity to view the motion picture on two different occasions. It is an authentic depiction of the brutal scourging and the horrific crucifixion of our Lord.

I have heard the testimony of actor Jim Caviezel, who plays Christ in the movie. Additionally, I have read the reviews of notable evangelical Christians who have previewed The Passion of the Christ. Their affirmations of the motion picture have thrilled me. Charles Colson, Billy Graham, Morris Chapman, and Jack Graham have all echoed praises for Mel Gibson’s effort to portray the passion of Jesus Christ.

The film is not for everyone. It is rated “R” for the violent content, graphically and accurately depicted at the crucifixion. Therefore, children should not view this movie. It is much too graphic for their ability to process and interpret such visual experiences. Although the content does not contain gratuitous violence, some adults may be too sensitive about such matters to view the motion picture also.

I believe this film tells what happened; now the evangelical community can explain why it happened.

Whether or not you choose to view The Passion of the Christ, join in the celebration of the Risen Savior during this Easter season. Reflect upon the cross and remember what Jesus has done for you. Rejoice in His resurrection and know that He alone is THE LIVING LORD! His passion points to our purpose, which is to celebrate Him, serve Him, and share Him with others!

This article by Rick Lance was originally published in the March 2004 edition of 'FOCUS on One Mission', a monthly supplement to The Alabama Baptist newspaper.