Our Church got together and

went to the 7 p.m. showing of "The Passion of The Christ" at

Tinseltown theater in Fayetteville. I would venture to say that the theater

was packed with mostly church folks along with some "seekers"

for sure. Personally, I love spiritual events where the public attends

in large groups.

For me to say that I am at

a loss for words in describing this film is an understatement. In fact

my father used to say to me, "Son, practice being quiet." It

was and is for me, an unnatural act to not have words. So to say that

I am at a loss for the right words to describe this film is, for me, an

unusual truth.

We have all heard those on

TV in their attempts to describe this film. It appeared to me, that the

ones that had the most to say about it, were those who hadn't actually

seen it. I suppose for me to attempt to describe this monumental portrayal

of what Jesus of Nazareth went through in his agony during the days of

Gethsemane, the trial and the cross would do it an injustice. All we have

in any detail are the four Gospels to describe these events and each one

says it a bit differently. These differences are not contradictions, but

the writings and the reporting of different authors and different "eyes"

seeing the same event.

For instance, if four people

were to describe the crowds at the Tinseltown Theater at the showing last

night, one writer might write about the length of the lines, while another

might describe what people were saying in the lines. For instance in one

of the four gospels, it mentions that at the time of the crucifixion,

graves were opened and those who had died, were seen in the city. We also

have ancient non-religious historical writers that mention the birth,

life, death, and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

At the close of the movie,

the theater was completely silent. No one moved a muscle for what seemed

like an eternity. People sat there and just didn't move. It was as

if no one wanted to be the first one to depart the theater. It was as

if they were searching their own souls for answers. For me, scriptures

I had known all my life flooded my minds eye as if on a lifelong ferris

wheel ride. I wanted to shout and cry and be quiet all at the same time.

One could write volumes on this but not now. It is too close.

I was impressed at how the

fallen nature of man, human nature, and the world has not changed a bit

and yet our world has undergone more cultural, religious and technological

change" in the last 50 years, than at any time in history. Yet mankind

today is the same as those "ancients" who were at the trial

and crucifixion of Jesus. The same human dynamics that drove the "ancients"

drive us today. They needed a savior then and we need one now.

I love what Mel Gibson said

on nationwide TV when the critics were concerned that the movie would

spark anti-Semitic activity. He simply stated that it was the sins of

Mel Gibson that put Jesus on the cross. Certainly mine were there with

his.

I would strongly recommend

not taking small children to this film and I would strongly recommend

every non-believer and believer to see it.

Thank you, Mel Gibson, for

I am a changed man for having seen it. Thank you Jesus for even one stripe

on your sinless body for me.

(Dr. Knox Herndon is the pastor

of His House Community Church (SBC). Rev. Greg Mausz is the senior associate

pastor. Dr. Lydia Herndon is the Sunday School superintendent, Bible study

coordinator and teacher. The church is on Ga. Highway 85, one mile south

of Senoia, just past the fire station on the right. Visitors welcome.

Church office and prayer line number is 770-719-2365. E-mail address is

[email protected]. Web address is www.hishousecommunitychurch.com.)

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