Lightside

All his Adam & Eve teachings came from someone esle.

Who, you may ask??????

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LCM got it from the DeeeeeeviL

Yes, EX10, my reading of John 13-17 is what started me on this quest. Definitely much there.

Dan, I was a WOW when JCING came out, 1975.

The book brought on more pressure and persecution; and more for us to defend. When the persecution hit the ministry, IMHO, it was the way the leadership handled it that caused the miracles to slow down. (hatred and get-even attitudes)

The pressure and the fear not only caused us to lose the power of miracles; but also the operation of the worship manifestations began to decline.

Fear of rejection and confrontation wrecked

a sweet thing.

Thanks EX10,

You said: "Thanks for that. I personally believe that if we are "to do the works that Jesus did" it is imperative that we have a relationship with him. We must be on intimate talking terms with him in order to carry out his will for the church. After all, he is the head, and still in the business of carrying out God's will in his body, healing included. I think it's the holy spirit that allows us to have this relationship. Which to me includes walking and talking with Jesus, prayer to him, if you will. He is called our "friend" for good reason."

This is what I want to believe, still working on it.

We are humans with a spiritual connection, mighty, powerful, healing; but not yet of the caliber of Jesus Christs' Glorious body. We are born into one spirit with God and Jesus and maybe even the angels; but only functioning at 10% of our maximium ability.

Jesus has the complete package, can function as a spirit would. It is the same spirit that we have, so he, like God can communicate to us in the same way God does, via Holy Spirit.

Or with his human shape, can appear to us.

If God who is spirit and Jesus Christ, who is a quickening spirit and us, who have an immature but perfect spirit, all have the ONE spirit, than communication (spiritual commication) is possible via the same transmitters and receivers (so to speak).

So, communication is possible.......

Someone help me here......thanks

Just all my humble thoughts...not doctrine, yet

[This message was edited by Lightside on February 13, 2004 at 12:54.]

In 1935, Oral, in the back seat of his parents car, going to a tent healing service, heard the voice of God.

"Son, I am going to heal you and you are to take the message of my healing power to your generation."

In 1947, while serving as a pastor, he again heard Gods voice.

"Son, don't be like other men. Don't be like other preachers."

"Be like my Son, Jesus Christ, and bring healing to the people as he did."

When Oral asked God: "How could I become like Jesus?"

God said: "Read the four Gospels and the Book of Acts through consecutively, three times within thirty days, and you will see Jesus as I wish you to see him."

What was interesting about OR was that he believed in the trinity, prayed to Jesus; but through his reading and study of the Gospels, he saw Jesus as a human being, as a man, just like Oral. OR saw his humaness, his love, his joy. How Jesus hated sin, but loved the sinner. He hated sickness, but loved the sick. He hated fear, but comforted the fearful. Jesus hated demons but loved the possessed.

Then God showed OR the state of all men and women on this earth.

EVERYBODY in some form, some way, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, is sick.

Even the most healthy looking individuals can have some form of hidden sickness.

When God showed OR how He, God, sees humanity, Oral developed a tremendous love and compassion for humanity. This compassion drove him to help people, via the healing ministry.

I just watched a video of the lives of Oral Roberts and Benny Hinn, how they were led to ministering healing.

Roberts says he felt the power in his hand. Benny says he feels the power in his whole body, than when the power really turns on, in his hand.

Oral ministered healing much like us Way believers have, via laying on of hands. Oral did not approve of getting slain in the spirit or dancing in the spirit in his tent crusade healing lines. He reproved many for acting foolish and embarrassing other believers.

Benny seems to like to get the audience into "the presence of God via song and than he prays a powerful prayer of deliverence and via word of Knowledge speaks of a sudden healing or people just get in the Lords presence and get healed without Benny touching them.

Many times, in Bennys service, people who are healed, come up to the stage platform to proclaim their healing and than Benny touchs them and they fall to the floor (slain in the spirit) Even Benny says that he feels the power going thru him.

My question is, why does Benny have to zap um? It seems that it would really impress many more gentiles of Christ if people were not getting knocked down and seemingly passed out for a few seconds.

I know VP was against this slain in the spirit stuff and Oral didn't think it necessary.

The Evan, what does B.G Leneord say about this phenominon?

Thanks for an answer.

Romans 15:4

For whatsoever things were written aforetime {before the day of Pentecost} were written for our learning. (strongs #1319) (learning should be translated Doctrine, same greek work as in II Timothy 3:16 "...and is profitable for Doctrine" (strongs #1319)

This is where the house of cards begins to fall.

This teaching: from PFAL chapter 15, is the beginning of how we were ever so subltly lead to believe that the gospels were not written to us, so what did we do?? Pretty much ignored them.

Jesus promised us that the spirit of truth would come and teach us things to come.

Well, the Epistles were first and the gospels were the continuation of that promise to show us how the greatest man that ever lived, manifested an abundant life via operation of the Holy Spirit.

IMHO, the epistles shows us what Jesus believed about the gift of Holy Spirit and the gospels shows us how he, the master and perfector of Faith and Holy Spirit, operated it.

Maybe that is why Hebrews implies that we should look away from all others, including Faiths hall of famers, unto Jesus, the beginner, master, leader, pioneer and perfector of Faith.

How he operated HS is in only one place: the gospels

did you not show us more about B.G. Lenord or Oral Roberts and their healing ministries?

You gracefully showed us the work of E.W. Bullinger, inspite of his trinitarian belief and his belief that the power of God died with the original apostles. You showed us what he taught that was right; and explained his errors.

How about Lamsa, clark, Kenyon, Mosley and their truths, inspite of their errors.

Why, VP did you not show us the ministry of B.G. and the mighty, mighty miracles he produced, in spite of some of his personal experiences and beliefs. Why? Why? Why not, VP?

To this day, there are multiple films and videos of Oral Roberts tent crusades (1947-1963) where hundreds of people were healed. It was done so many times, in these tent crusades, decent and in order. At times, instantaneous miracles of healing, people walking out of wheelchairs, the blind getting their sight back, demoms cast out, cripples walking. All there for us to see, visualize and experience to swell our confidence in God and his power.

Why, why, VP did you not show us these things that were available to us, for our learning, for us to see, with our eyes, to build us up and give us confidence to do the works of Christ?

Sure, Oral, B.G. had their faults, so did you.

They believed differently than you, so did Bullinger, Lamsa, and the bishop from India.

I think I have the answer, but it is too dreadful to even speak.

Others know......Please tell us.......

Hi Radar,

Sherry is stayin' home with the youngin' and Jeff is a foreman for painting company. I don't hear much, but from what I have heard, they are runnin' a home fellowship. (no compensation)

Jeff & Sherry Barney, way corps grads, (2001?), each under thirty-five (but quickly approaching that age), with a corps assignment in South Bend, Indiana (fellowship leaders) HAD THEIR FIRST CHILD, A BABY GIRL, ALYSSA GABRIELLE, in Feb. 2003 and are EXPECTING ANOTHER BAMBENO IN AUGUST, 2004.

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!

(Rev. John Shroyer married them in 1990)---It took 14 years....but......

Miracles still happen!!!!!!

MEL GIBSON'S passion for "THE PASSION"

How ironic that when a movie producer takes artistic license with historical events, he is lionized as artistic, creative and brilliant, but when another takes special care to be true to the real-life story, he is vilified. Actor-producer Mel Gibson is discovering these truths the hard way as he is having difficulty finding a United States studio or distributor for his upcoming film, "The Passion," which depicts the last

12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ.

Gibson co-wrote the script and financed, directed and produced the movie. For the script, he and his co-author relied on the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as the diaries of St. Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) and Mary of Agreda's "The City of God."

Gibson doesn't want this to be like other sterilized religious epics. "I'm trying to access the story on a very personal level and trying to be very real about it." So committed to realistically portraying what many would consider the most important half-day in the history of the universe, Gibson even shot the film in the Aramaic language of the period. In response to objections that viewers will not be able to understand that language, Gibson said, "Hopefully, I'll be able to transcend the language barriers with my visual storytelling; if I fail, I fail, but at least it'll be a monumental failure."

To further insure the accuracy of the work, Gibson has enlisted the counsel of pastors and theologians, and has received rave reviews. Don Hodel, president of Focus on the Family, said, "I was very impressed. The movie is historically and theologically accurate." Ted Haggard, pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., and president of the National Evangelical Association, glowed: "It conveys, more accurately than any other film, who Jesus was."

During the filming, Gibson, a devout Catholic, attended Mass every morning because "we had to be squeaky clean just working on this." From Gibson's perspective, this movie is not about Mel Gibson. It's bigger than he is. "I'm not a preacher, and I'm not a pastor," he said. "But I really feel my career was leading me to make this. The Holy Ghost was working through me on this film, and I was just directing traffic. I hope the film has the power to evangelize."

Even before the release of the movie, scheduled for March 2004, Gibson is getting his wish. "Everyone who worked on this movie was changed. There were agnostics and Muslims on set converting to Christianity...[and] people being healed of diseases." Gibson wants people to understand through the movie, if they don't already, the incalculable influence Christ has had on the world. And he grasps that Christ is controversial precisely because of WHO HE IS - GOD incarnate. "And that's the point of my film really, to show all that turmoil around him politically and with religious leaders and the people, all because He is Who He is."

Gibson is beginning to experience first hand just how controversial Christ is. Critics have not only speciously challenged the movie's authenticity, but have charged that it is disparaging to Jews, which Gibson vehemently denies. "This is not a Christian vs. Jewish thing. '[Jesus] came into the world, and it knew him not.' Looking at Christ's crucifixion, I look first at my own culpability in that." Jesuit Father William J. Fulco, who translated the script into Aramaic and Latin, said he saw no hint of anti-Semitism in the movie. Fulco added, "I would be aghast at any suggestion that Mel Gibson is anti-Semitic." Nevertheless, certain groups and some in the mainstream press have been very critical of Gibson's "Passion."

The New York Post's Andrea Peyser chided him: "There is still time, Mel, to tell the truth." Boston Globe columnist James Carroll denounced Gibson's literal reading of the biblical accounts. "Even a faithful repetition of the Gospel stories of the death of Jesus can do damage exactly because those sacred texts themselves carry the virus of Jew hatred," wrote Carroll. A group of Jewish and Christian academics has issued an 18-page report slamming all aspects of the film, including its undue emphasis on Christ's passion rather than "a broader vision." The report disapproves of the movie's treatment of Christ's passion as historical fact.

The moral is that if you want the popular culture to laud your work on Christ, make sure it either depicts Him as a homosexual or as an everyday sinner with no particular redeeming value (literally). In our anti-Christian culture, the blasphemous "The Last Temptation of Christ" is celebrated and "The Passion" is condemned. But if this movie continues to affect people the way it is now, no amount of cultural opposition will suppress its force and its positive impact on lives everywhere. Mel Gibson is a model of faith and courage.

Please copy this and send it on to all your friends to let them know about this film so that we'll all go see it when it comes out.

____________________________________________________

A Special Edition of THE LEFT COAST REPORT

Mel Gibson & the 'Passion' Attacks

By James Hirsen

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004

A NewsMax Report

On Feb. 25, Mel Gibson's epic film "The Passion of the Christ" will

appear on thousands of movie screens across the nation. The

cinematic launch will occur despite unprecedented attempts to alter

its content and thwart its release. The Left Coast Report presents

some of the lowlights of the past year in hopes that the heroic

resolve and artistic vision of the film's creators can be fully

appreciated.

Headlines (Scroll down for complete stories):

1. Genesis of a Smear Campaign

2. Unscholarly Conduct

3. Suppression of Expression

4. The Piracy

5. Virtual Hate

6. Poison Pens

7. 'The Passion' and the Pope

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1. Genesis of a Smear Campaign

It all started in January of last year.

Mel Gibson appeared on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor."

The famed actor-producer-director let the world know that a print

reporter was nosing around his family and friends trying to dig up

dirt.

The reporter was freelance journalist Christopher Noxon. He wrote a

hit piece that focused on Gibson's 85-year-old father. The article

mischaracterized Mel's beliefs and those of his dad. It also tried

to label the film as fringe propaganda.

Noxon's dirt-digging expedition might have been related to his

family's interest in the same Malibu site where Mel Gibson was

building a church.

The plot thickened as another group planned a full Gibson assault.

2. Unscholarly Conduct

With the help of an individual dubbed in an e-mail "our Deep

Throat," a group of academics, who are part of what is known as the

interfaith movement, got hold of a stolen early draft of a

confidential script.

Using ideas and notes from the pilfered preliminary screenplay, the

group generated a so-called confidential report that twisted the

film's message.

Somehow the report landed in the hands of the news media. A number

of its authors appeared delighted to have their criticisms aired in

public, despite the fact that the report was based on incomplete,

dated, confidential and pirated material.

In addition to theft, it seems that falsification was also part of

the unscholarly game. The group tried to pawn itself off as an

official body of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

(USCCB), but the USCCB subsequently issued a statement denying a

connection with the anti-Gibson group.

Boston University's Paula Fredriksen has been a particularly high-

profile player in the anti-"Passion" drama. She has referred to

Scripture as "a kind of religious advertisement." She has promoted

the idea that the Gospels "proclaim their individual author's

interpretation of the Christian message through the device of using

Jesus of Nazareth as a spokesperson for the evangelist's position."

On Dec. 22, 2001, the Washington Post delivered a sort of un-

Christmas present from Fredriksen in the form of a comment about the

trustworthiness of the New Testament. The Post quoted her as

saying, "I can't think of any New Testament scholar who takes [the

Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth] to be historically reliable,"

adding that most scholars believe that Christ was not born in

Bethlehem.

It appears as if Fredriksen and friends could be on a mission to

deconstruct the Gospels. They prattle on about "progressive

interpretation" and "historical context" when it seems that what

they really want is a rewrite of the Good Book. Could it be that

their real beef with Mel has to do with the fact that he based his

movie on the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John?

"The Passion" saga continued as film-snuffing sights were set on a

potential distributor.

3. Suppression of Expression

In an effort to persuade Rupert Murdoch's Twentieth Century Fox to

decline distribution of Gibson's film, New York Assemblyman Dov

Hikind scheduled a press conference and demonstration. The event was

supposed to take place in front of News Corp.'s Manhattan

headquarters.

Twentieth Century Fox usually distributes Gibson's movies, but gave

a thumbs-down on "The Passion."

As the New York Daily News reported, other Hollywood studios were

also less than enthusiastic about taking on the project produced by

Icon Productions.

Additionally, the New York Times rubbed salt into Icon's wounds by

describing the film as chronicling "in bloody detail" the last hours

of Jesus' life. It also called it "potentially inflammatory"

and "not commercial enough for a high-profile mainstream studio like

Fox."

In typical Gibson fashion, Mel and the crew gripped the wheel, rode

out the bumps and were successful in finding a distributor.

Unfortunately, more trouble lay ahead.

4. The Piracy

In November of last year, the New York Post illegally obtained a

pirated videotape of the Gibson film. Although this revelation is

extraordinary in its own right, it's what a major newspaper did with

the tape that made ignoble cinematic history.

Months before the film's scheduled release, the Post displayed the

grainy second-generation videotape to its own assembled panel of

critics. Four of the five reviewers who were present slammed the

film in the pages of the paper.

Oscar-winning director Sydney Pollack put feelings into words in

this way. He told E! Online News, "If I had made that picture, I

would have felt raped."

Evidently the shenanigans weren't just outrageous, they were also

illegal. The Los Angeles Times reported that federal authorities

launched a probe.

Gibson and the folks at Icon had more head and heartache to endure.

5. Virtual Hate

Also in November, Anti-Defamation League held its annual meeting in

New York.

ADL National Director Abraham Foxman let loose with one of the

ugliest assaults on Gibson that had occurred to date. He said, "I

think he's infected - seriously infected - with some very, very

serious anti-Semitic views."

These words spewed forth from the leader of an organization that

purportedly stands for tolerance.

Ironically, instead of modeling a virtue, Foxman ended up

demonstrating exactly what hate speech sounds like.

In January 2004, uninvited ADL officials registered for a Christian

pastors' conference where Gibson's film was set to be shown. They

used the fabricated name "The Church of Truth" to gain entrance to

the event.

After seeing the film, ADL denounced Gibson's picture as a "painful

portrayal" and a "commercial crusade to the church community."

Most recently, Foxman requested that Gibson attach a disclaimer

(drafted by Foxman) to the film denouncing any bigoted

interpretation of his narrative.

No similar disclaimer has yet been submitted by Foxman for the

spurious and insulting remarks he made about Gibson.

At the same time Mel and his mates were dealing with ADL matters,

they were also experiencing an insidious print blitz.

6. Poison Pens

It seems that New York Times arts columnist Frank Rich felt the need

to gear up the sleaze machine several times over to generate

innuendo.

In his Aug. 3 column, Rich got stuck in sludge-slinging overdrive.

He wrote that Gibson and his organization had been "baiting Jews,"

Matt Drudge was a "token Jew," traditionalist Catholics were

a "fringe church," Rupert Murdoch was a "conservative non-Jew,"

Peter J. Boyer's article "sanitizes" Mel's father, Bill O'Reilly

was "being paid" to defend Gibson, and Gibson spokesman Alan

Nierob "plays bizarre games with the Holocaust." (Rich evidently

missed the fact that Nierob is a second-generation Holocaust

survivor and a founding member of the U.S. Holocaust Museum.)

Rich even tried to take a swipe at me. He claimed to "decode" a

section of my book "Tales from the Left Coast," where I supposedly

have "a fetish of repeating Bob Dylan's original name."

In September, the Jayson Blair understudy heaved more rubbish in

Gibson's direction. After a Vatican official (who happens to be on

the short list of papal prospects) raved about the movie and

dismissed concerns over bigotry, Rich evidently decided to change

his focus. Instead of going after the Passion product, he'd try

attacking the Passion process.

He wrote, "Intentionally or not, the contentious rollout of 'The

Passion' has resembled a political campaign, from its start on 'The

O'Reilly Factor.'"

Getting little traction with that one, Rich tried to jump into a

story that involved a higher authority.

7. 'The Passion' and the Pope

On Dec. 17, Peggy Noonan of the Wall Street Journal reported that

Pope John Paul II had seen Gibson's movie and said, "It is as it

was."

Noonan had been given a written confirmation for the quote from the

pope's official spokesman via e-mail.

The same day, National Catholic Reporter's main man at the Vatican,

John Allen, reported the identical quote and attributed it to the

pontiff. An unnamed senior Vatican official confirmed the quote.

The following day, Reuters joined in on reporting the pope's quote

and cited an unnamed Vatican source.

The Los Angeles Times received its own independent corroboration for

the story on Dec. 19.

On Dec. 24, Catholic News Service's Cindy Wooden claimed to have

talked to "a senior Vatican official close to the pope" who said

that the pontiff never said those words.

On Jan. 9, Allen reported that he had double-checked his original

source and that the pope did indeed say, "It is as it was."

Enter once again Frank Rich of the New York Times.

On Jan. 18, Rich tossed more journalistic mud pies. He accused

Gibson and Steve McEveety of using the pope to make money.

The next day Catholic News Service reported that the pope's

secretary said that "the Holy Father made no declaration" about the

film.

Two days later, L.A. Times columnist Tim Rutten apparently signed up

to be Rich's Left Coast colleague. He wrote a vile piece that

began, "A good Hollywood publicity campaign does not stumble over

technicalities - like the truth. Still, it takes a particular sort

of chutzpah to put a phony quote in the mouth of Pope John Paul II."

Actually it takes a particular sort of chutzpah for a columnist to

forget to check his own paper's records before he writes on a

subject.

On Jan. 23, in a news article, the Times admitted that "last month,

the ailing pontiff was quoted as having said after a private

screening of the film 'it is as it was.' Asked Dec. 19 whether the

quote was reliable, Vatican press secretary Joaquin Navarro-Valls

told the Times 'I think you can consider that quote as accurate.'"

The truth is that, from the beginning, Icon has had written

authorization to go public with the pope's statement on "The Passion

of the Christ." My sources have enabled me to confirm the graphic

nod with my own eyes.

After stories began to emerge that questioned whether the quote was

for real, Icon's McEveety immediately e-mailed the official Vatican

press secretary and offered to discourage use of the quote. Navarro-

Valls responded with an e-mail, which not only reaffirmed that use

of the quote was fine but advised McEveety to use the phrase "again

and again and again."

Even the New York Times on Jan. 20 wrote, "One prominent Roman

Catholic official close to the Vatican said today, 'I have reason to

believe - and I think - that the pope probably said it.'"

So what we have here are four respected news organizations getting

independent verification, and Icon Productions getting confirmation,

authorization and encouragement, to use the pope's "it is as it was"

statement.

The way I see it, the Icon team has held fast to the truth and

suffered the stripes with amazing grace.

The Left Coast Report thinks that, because "The Passion of the

Christ" and its people have managed to survive insults, stolen

scripts, threats of demonstration, pirated prints and dire

predictions, the continuous triumphs are no mere coincidence. The

more appropriate term to use would be providential.

Editor's Note:

Don't forget to check out our sponsor. Click HERE for the full

report.

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I have been told that this is S.S.

I am the guy that was at your MBA graduation

Email me at abcz@Mail.com

Lightside from Columbus, Ohio

This mountain shall be moved.

Stay peaceful, brother, your miracle is on the way.

Roy,

From what I understand, CG took many of VPW's sermons and taped teachings and put them in a book or multiple books.

In fact, at one time, the way sold CG's first book in the audiitorium bookstore.

As each leaders love for the way wained, their works were systematically "gotten rid of".

During the 90's, even the way magazine had large photographs of leadership, where the likes of Vince F. and John L. and Ralph D. were taken out and replaced with other leaders.

Not uncommom in common christianity.

Remember us being told that Oral Roberts "comprimised on the word" because he joined up with the Methodist chruch. (story goes that he needed the funding to get his college stronger) Well, years later he was "excommunicated" from the Methodist church and many of his college professors were forced, by the Methodist church, to leave (resign) from ORU.

Tom B. in Columbus, may know of CG's whereabouts, last heard: Maine. Maybe TB could give you more info.

Author Topic: Mel Gibson's, The Passion-a letter

Lightside

GS Regular

Registered: June 14, 2002

Posts: 210

Mel Gibson's, The Passion-a letter

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Very interesting letter written by Dr. Dobson's daughter about the new movie of the last 12 hours

of Jesus Christs earthly life.

This letter was written by the daughter of James Dobson. It was written after a private screening she and her father had of "The Passion", Mel Gibson's movie about Christ's final hours.

Dear Friends:

A couple months ago, I had the unique privilege of accompanying my family to Mel Gibson's studio to see a private screening of his film, The Passion. Many of you have probably heard about this portrayal of the last 12 hours in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. I can say that The Passion is the most beautiful, profound, accurate, disturbing, realistic, and bloody depiction of this story that I have ever seen! It is truly amazing, and it left all of us speechless for a few minutes when it was over.

Mr.. Gibson entered the room during the last ten minutes of the screening, and stayed for an hour to discuss the content and to answer questions. He's hoping that my dad and Focus on the Family will help promote it, and my dad has (without question!) agreed to do so.

Mr.. Gibson expressed a concern about his position in the entertainment industry, and said that this film will affect his status from here on. When asked why he made the movie, he said that he had no choice in the matter--he felt called to the assignment, and he was determined to carry it out. Questions had been raised as to whether he can find a distributor. Asked about it at the screening, Mr.. Gibson said confidently, "Oh, I'll find a distributor!"

The Passion should not be labeled a religious film, or something to be shown only in churches. Compared with examples of recent Christian films, like Left Behind, The Passion is a work of high art and great storytelling. The rough cut I saw contained graphic scenes, including the seemingly endless scourging of Jesus. The crucifixion scene is long, bloody and painful to watch. It's very disturbing, but it's also moving at the same time. While I was taking all of this in, I was thinking, "Christ did this for ME, and he would have gone through it if I was the only one in all the world, and the same goes for each person who has ever lived!"

To those in the Jewish community who worry that the film, which is scheduled for release next Easter season ('04), might contain anti-Semitic elements, or encourage people to persecute Jews, fear not. The film does not indict Jews for the death of Jesus. It is faithful to the New testament account. Also, Mr.. Gibson, a devout Roman Catholic, does not elevate Mary beyond what Scripture says of her, which will broaden the film's appeal to Protestants.

The dialogue is in Aramaic and Latin. English subtitles are provided, and they are very helpful in following the story line. A decision about using them in the final version has not been made. My family and I tried to persuade Mr.. Gibson to leave the subtitles in, and my dad pointed out that those who are unbelievers (or those who are weak in their understanding) will have no idea of what's going on in the flashback scenes of Jesus' life without subtitles.

In The Passion, few liberties are taken with the Gospel account, and the extra dialogue added helps round out the characters without damaging historical or Biblical accuracy.

Satan is cleverly played as an asexual being who at first seems to be an observer in the Garden of Gethsemane (and other scenes), but then becomes a snake slithering between the character's feet and attempting to wrap itself around the arm of the prostrate and praying Jesus.

The film is an intense two hours. It uses unknown actors, which keeps the focus on the message. By the end of the film (a unique portrayal of the Resurrection), the viewer is exhausted!

Thirteen years ago, actor Mickey Rooney wrote an editorial for Variety in which he said, "The onscreen depiction of religion is less than flattering, and, as a Christian, I pray the era of denigrating religion on screen comes to a screeching halt. And soon."

His prayer has been answered in The Passion. It is a soul-stirring film that deserves wide distribution and viewing.

Its message is not just for Christians, but for everyone. I hope you all will support Mel Gibson's bold and courageous effort to portray the sacrifice that our Lord made for us. Pass this email on, if you feel led, and be sure to see The Passion when it comes out. Yes, it is a disturbing film, but every person should see this realistic depiction of what Christ did for them!

Blessings to you,

Danae Dobson

More about the movie from Paul Harvey

The majority of the media are complaining about this movie. Now Paul

Harvey tells "The Rest of the Story" and David Limbaugh praises

Gibson.

Most people would wait and see a movie before giving the reviews that

have been issued by the reporters trying to tell all of us what to believe.

Paul Harvey's words:

I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been

invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but

I had also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a

Jewish town and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence. I

have a life long, deeply held aversion to anything that might even

indirectly encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or

actions.

I arrived at the private viewing for "The Passion", held in

Washington DC and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was

typically Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but

seeming to look beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words. The

film was very briefly introduced, without fanfare, and then the room

darkened.

From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of

Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly

ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging,

the way of the cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender

on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not

simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever

experienced.

In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic

triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and

emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my

ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the

same When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of

"movers and shakers" in Washington, DC were shaking indeed, but

this time from sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the

place. The crowd that had been glad-handing before the film was now

eerily silent. No one could speak because words were woefully

inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art that is a rarity in

life, the kind that makes heaven touch earth.

One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A

brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of

the cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As

she ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child,

falling in the dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached

to protect him from the fall, she was now reaching to touch his

wounded adult face. Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and

passionately loving eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and

said "Behold I make all things new." These are words taken from the

last Book of the New Testament, the Book of the Revelation. Suddenly,

the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that earlier in

the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back, indeed

all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had been borne

voluntarily for love.

At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover, a

question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film,

from a rather diverse crowd, was as astounding as the compliments

were effusive. The questions included the one question that seems to

follow this film, even though it has not yet even been released. "Why

is this film considered by some to be "anti-Semitic?" Frankly, having

now experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the Passion" it is a

question that is impossible to answer. A law professor whom I admire

sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded "After watching

this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate that it even

remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He

continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus". I agree.

There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in

this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to

decry it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically

beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way.

Those who are alleging otherwise have either not seen the film or

have another agenda behind their protestations. This is not a

"Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal only to those who

identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply

human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all men and women. It

is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a Catholic Christian

and thankfully has remained faithful to the Gospel text; if that is

no longer acceptable behavior than we are all in trouble History

demands that we remain faithful to the story and Christians have a

right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the greatest story

ever told and that its message is for all men and women. The greatest

right is the right to hear the truth.

We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives

to which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who

followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed

the history of the world. The problem is not the message but those

who have distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The

solution is not to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind

of gift of love that is Mel Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, "The

Passion."

It should be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do

everything I can to make sure that is the case. I am passionate about

"The Passion." You will be as well. Don't miss it!

-- Paul Harvey

[This message was edited by Lightside on January 22, 2004 at 13:51.]

posted December 11, 2003 20:46

Watered Garden

Knows the menu too well

From: The Heart Of It All

Registered: June 13, 2002

Posts: 281

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'll go see it for sure. I think Mel Gibson has developed as a man and an actor a lot over the years. His faith has undoubtedly played a part in that.

With all of the ultra-liberaland ultra-vocal Hollywood elite, I think Gibson has a lot of guts to carry out his mission.

WG

posted December 11, 2003 21:13

year2027

I'm fine, really

From: Radcliff, Ky USA

Registered: September 28, 2003

Posts: 717

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

God

God loves Lightside

Hi Lightside

I look forward to seeing it

Thanks

with love

Roy

posted December 11, 2003 21:17

BelieversTrumpet

GS Regular

Registered: October 11, 2002

Posts: 93

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I cannot wait to see it. Although I doubt it will show the four others crucified with him.

posted December 11, 2003 21:20

Goey

Chat Room Repair Guy

From: Texas

Registered: June 07, 2002

Posts: 1579

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't really care about the four others or two others or however many there were.

It's the guy in the middle that I am interested in.

Goey

"Most of my fondest memories in TWI never really happened"

posted December 11, 2003 21:33

A la prochaine

I'm fine, really

From: The Northland!

Registered: September 07, 2002

Posts: 904

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lightside,

Thanks for posting that letter. I can't wait to see it.

I am an avid Mel fan and have always found him an incredible actor and director. Whenever Mel decides to do a film and wants to tell a story ... you better move over and take note. It will move you, it will overwhelm you.

ALA's top 5 picks of Mel movies...

#1 Braveheart

#2 The Year of Living Dangerously

#3 The Bounty

#4 The Man Without A Face

#5 Ransom & Lethal Weapon (the 1st one)

'til the next time...

posted December 11, 2003 21:37

Littlehawk

Needs a hobby

From: Shepherdsville,Kentucky

Registered: June 13, 2002

Posts: 398

amen goey!

posted December 11, 2003 23:17

Ginger Tea

Postaholic

From: West Coast (so west, she gets her toes wet)

Registered: June 07, 2002

Posts: 2568

He looked just like my Ex

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...I'll wait and you all can tell me about it.

Yeah, Goey, that's right ~ who really cares about the p.r. of twi.

posted December 12, 2003 00:07

Kevlar2000

GS Regular

Registered: June 14, 2002

Posts: 85

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A side note -

I love it when the various groups start frothing at the mouth about a movie they didn't even bother to see. It just makes me want to see it all that much more.

Kevlar - Not thick, just impenetrable.

posted December 12

God bless Ted.

Was it his birthday on the 13th?

Good Old Ted sang a few songs for us at our fellowship 110

Shannon was my area leader in Rhode Island, 1977.

I think it was her interm year in the corps???

She lived in Craaaanston, what a girl....

Ask her if she remembers the patio collapse PFAL experience, a miracle of God's grace.

Congrats, 20 years, It's a miracle in these days and times.

Around 1992-93, we had our Ohio limb meeting on a believers farm.

The fools charged each believer $1.00 TO GET IN.

As they closed the outdoor meeting, the limb leader said, "you can go to your cars now".

As we were strolling toward our cars, the same limb leader got on the mircophone and shouted at the top of his lungs: "Hurry up, move it"

My wife says to me: "Now, that's what I call the love of God"

They just had to make a buck on everything.

After VP's death, a corps grad, from my fellowship, went to Emporia for a week or two to study the book of Revelations.

The corps grad came back with info on "The science of believing" and info on Revelations, even taught at my fellowship on it. (Rewards)

I would say around the years of 1986-87.

So, from what I learned, atleast the research people in the ministry had an interest in the subject of This revelation.

Anyone here attend that meeting in Emporia?

Can a human think two completely different sets of thoughts at the same time?

Speak in tongues (an unknown tongue) and pray in english (a known tongue) at the same time.

When you do it, it feels like you have two brains.

Please explain this to da simple folk here....

Silently to yourself, pray in tongues and pray in your own language, similtaneously.

It might seem difficult, at first, but concentrate, a little, and try it.

I wonder if praying this way, gives you double the power, double the results....

Give it a try and let us know whatsha think of it.

Oak,

I think Dale Sides did, raised someone from the dead.

He saw multiple miracles when he went to India.

Wouldn't be surprised if he (DS) healed someone of blindness.

I saw DS calm a storm (Cape Cod, 1977)

Also a instantaneous healing of a broken finger, same year.

If there was ever anyone with the belief that God can do anything, it was DS

Any followers of DS know?

I was dead in trespasses and sin.

and blind in my understanding of God and His Chirst.

Then, God raised me up to a newness of life and opened the eyes of my understanding, so I could see my Christ.

Yep, been dead, been blind, but now I see.

Now I have LIFE

Yes, a blind man, me, was raised from among the dead to life

Hows the old boy doin'?

Expectin' the best....

Explain what you have seen.......

God has the authority to do what HE wants, even beyond our little faith.

Many of us thought that God only worked between our little earballs. OH, we were sooooooo wrong.

Share the news.......

Here is a good example:

A friend calls you at 1:35 in the morning....

Saying that they just got a call from a friend...

Saying that your mother and father, traveling in

their car, two thousand miles from home.....

Just got into a terrible car accident.....

Your friend doesn't know what hospital they are going to......

Or what was the extent of their injuries....

He just said, "I was told it was bad".....

You don't know exactly where your parents are....

Or what kind of shape they are in.....

This happens a 1000 times a day in America.....

So you begin to pray, in English......

What do you pray, with clearness and concern?

What specific prayer do you pray?

Yeah, try praying for one or two hours in English.

Guareenteee ya, it will end up very repeatative.

Oh yeah, baby!!!!

Now it's time to tap into the supernatural, baby!!

Speaking in tongues makes intercession for the saints, according to the will of God, not our limited knowledge and understanding of a situation. For we, as mortal humans, know not (all the time) what we should pray for)

It edifies you spiritually, as you are going thru the stress and feeling of not knowing the whole score.

It even brings rest and energy to your very soul, as Romans 8:10-11 delcares, (quickens even your mortal body)

Speaking in tongues builds up our faith even further, so, if needed, we can minister miracles, gifts of healing.

I would say that, in times of great need, speaking in tongues, puts God right smack in the middle of the crisis and we difinitely have his full attention.....

Oh, by the way, for you doubting Thomass's, Gods rule: You believe first and than you see!!!

[This message was edited by Lightside on January 09, 2004 at 13:49.]

IMF777:

Lenords ministry:

Taught ministers who were sent home to their churches

Wierwilles ministry:

Built an empire of affiliate businesses/fellowships all paying affiliate fees (tithing) to HQ

Originally, Vp set up PFAL for ministers (pastors)

Then expanded it to anyone, maybe after getting a low response level from his peers.

Interesting that he did, at the start, follow

his teachers ways.