Christian Photographers Community

Quote from: Lee Kirkwood on February 25, 2004, 12:23:21 PM
You made mention that you've heard that 80% of Americans are Christians.  I don't doubt you heard it, but I strongly disagree with the poll, as Jesus has said that "Few" will enter the kingdom of heaven."  The 80% most likely comes from a secular source who believes everyone who isn't a Jew, Muslim, Shinto, etc.  Actually, church goers are in the minority and most folks stay home on Sunday.

I agree Lee...  For sure 80% of Americans --OR CANADIANS are not Christians who have put their trust in our Saviour.

Well, I was at the doctor this morning so had a very late start at the computer.

Lots to read here.  I love the little devotionals that people put in.  Great "product recall", Judy!

Now, Larry, drive safely.  Travelling mercies to you and it will be so nice that you can check in while you're gone.

I have a friend dropping in in a few minutes so can't stay on here long.

Got your photo, Jenny.  Will work on posting that later.  If you don't see it, holler!  So busy!

There are many I haven't addressed but please forgive this time.

Hi Ria!  Hope that toe is better soon.

Hello all!  

Another comment regarding "The Passion of the Christ."  One college prof. from near hear made the statement that it was fine that he (Gibson) had made a movie about the crucifixion, but the important part of the story was the resurrection.

I thought about that, and I think I disagree.  Let's consider for the briefest of moments that Jesus did not rise again.  You know what that would mean.  That would mean that he died for me.  His death shed the blood to pay for my sins.  The resurrection was like icing on the cake.  That was the public "stomp" to satan.  Had Jesus not risen, satan still would have lost because the blood would have been shed.  "Without the shedding of blood, there would be no remission of sins."  

The conception of Christ and the resurrection of Christ were supernatural.  His death was human, and therein I can relate to Him and He to me.  

My thoughts, anyway.

There is a lot of "stuff" that is negative being said about Gibson and the movie.  Something we need to remember is that it is a depiction (albeit a fairly accurate ones according to many of the well-known Christian leaders) of one of the most important events in our history and lives.  It is not the movie's job to evangelize and set America on its head in a great revival.  It is simply telling the story of the crucifixion, great as it is.  IT IS OUR JOB TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR UNSAVED NEIGHBORS CAN SEE THE LOVE OF CHRIST THAT IS PORTRAYED IN THE MOVIE BY LOOKING AT OUR LIVES AND HOW WE LOVE THEM.

Oh, how wonderful to come back and see Karmet.

The first posting that I read and I say:

A BIG AMEN.

I like your thinking; I am going around and play
"catch up" since I've been gone.

Take care and

Love in Christ,

Joyce

P.S. We, at work, have been reading the accounts of the way the movie has affected many(they sat through the previews ) and I think it is great --just what the country needs--a great spiritual revival--Let's go with it and do as Karmet says "spread HIS love " show others by our actions .

Karmat, you'r doctrine is very amiss there lass, without Jesus rising from the dead there would be no  resurrection,  no afterlife, and the forgiveness of sins would be useless! think about it.
love Chris

Judy B.

So saddened by the dreadful act against the two Beavers on your property and  on this day when you had intended a joyous occasion.

I do pray that the perpetrators will be found and prevented from doing this again.  It must be frightening for your family, on your own doorstep, so to speak and when John is away also.

Jenny.

I think you are misunderstanding what I am saying;  Iam not trying to put this forward as any kind of doctrine.

It was the shedding of blood that bought my forgiveness.  With his death, that payment was made.   I'm not saying there shouldn't have been a resurrection (or, heaven forbid, that there wasn't one), I'm simply saying that by Jesus' death, and the shedding of the blood,  Satan was defeated, though he thought he had won.  The resurrection sealed that.

Many people do not want to face the ugliness of the crucifixion.  It makes them uncomfortable, it makes them squemish, it convicts them.  To me, knowing that Christ suffered and died like that, resurrection or no, shows the ultimate sacrifice.  He loved me enough to die for me.

Obviously, there would be no ressurection without the resurrection, but why no afterlife?  (This is an honest question, not an arguing one).

I still don't agree with the professor that the resurrection was the important part of the story.  Without the death, there could be no resurrection.  And if Jesus had simply laid down and died, there would have been no sacrifice and no blood.  The best part, though, is that the story doesn't end there.  He did rise again.

I read/heard something on time that went something like this --

Jesus was born in a manger. PERIOD
He live on this earth as a man. PERIOD
He was a great teacher, prophet, and miracle worker. PERIOD
He was rejected, scorned, and humiliated by his friends and enemies. PERIOD
He was given the mockery of a trial and sentenced to die by crucifixion.  PERIOD
He died on a cruel cross, COMMA

(I guess you have to kinda like punctuation and grammar and stuff to really like that little anecdote )

Yes, Sister, but the two the "death and resurrection" MUST go together.

I don't think there's much value in pitting one against the other - the resurrection and the Crucifixion.  According to God's Word, they happened.  They are accomplished.  Because of the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit has come in a new and wonderful way to dwell within us.  Because of our Lord's death, sin has been dealt its final blow.  Praise God for both!

Marilyn just called me and asked me to tell y'all that they are still without power up in her neighborhood (lots of wind last night), so that's why she's not been here.

Quote from: Al Moak on February 25, 2004, 06:57:10 PM
Marilyn just called me and asked me to tell y'all that they are still without power up in her neighborhood (lots of wind last night), so that's why she's not been here.

Thanks Al...  I was wondering if she was out of power.  How is she cooking I wonder?  I'm sure glad it's not as cold there as it is here!  

Hi Everyone...Because I posted so late last night I would like to post again about something very important that happened to me.

Last night my EE team and I went knocking on doors.  We came to a young fellow who believed in evolution and wasn't sure about anything.  At one point he even said he didn't want to live in this world that was so terrible.  He said people say they care about each other and then they separate and leave each other.  So I believe he has had some very sad and disappointing things happen to him.   He originally came from the Dominican Republic.  After 1 1/2 hours of standing in the doorway and praying that no one would come past us to interrupt us, he decided that he wanted what we were offering.  I asked him to step out into the hall.   We clarified what was involved to accept Christ and he then said a prayer and said YES TO JESUS!  He wanted Him in his heart and life.    

His name is ANYOLFI and I would like my dear friends on CP to pray that Satan will not snatch away the seed that was sown in his heart and that he will begin to grow as a baby Christian.   Of course we are trying to get him into the church and the youth group.  We will give him a Bible and talk about prayer and fellowship with other believers.

Thank you dear friends.  God bless

Love Ruthie  

Thanks Ruthie for posting again about your very exciting evening.  We'll definitely be praying for these folks.

I had a request for this song.

Oh., I love that piece, Pat.  Perhaps it was me that requested it... I know that Jenny was talking about it a few days ago.,and i was humming it all evening.

Ria... my husband had the "sleep test" at the hospital due to his annoying snoring.  He now wears an apparatus, because he was diagnosed with sleep apnea.  That can be very serious, and can cause heart problems.  Perhaps your husband should be checked out!

Etta Sue:  That was a lovely site.  It took quite awhile to run through, but the pictures were really beautiful. Thank you for posting that clickable.

Larry:  I'm so sorry that your daughter's car is causing so much expense.  Safe driving to Florida., and we look forward to seeing your posts from there.

I haven't decided if I will see Mel Gibson's movie.  There sure is a lot of discussion about it on the radio.  both pro and con.

Today is my grandson, Wade's 11th birthday.  He told me that he had his favourite meal....lobster.  Goodness, I can remember when his favourite meal was a hot dog!  The kid has expensive tastes!

Quote from: Judy McKenna on February 25, 2004, 08:16:08 PM
Oh., I love that piece, Pat.  Perhaps it was me that requested it... I know that Jenny was talking about it a few days ago.,and i was humming it all evening.

Glad you like that, Judy!

QuoteToday is my grandson, Wade's 11th birthday.  He told me that he had his favourite meal....lobster.  Goodness, I can remember when his favourite meal was a hot dog!  The kid has expensive tastes!

HAHAHA!  That's funny!  I don't think my kids had tasted when they were 11!  

I said I was going to the movie "the passion of christ" and I remembered I can't, I have dance tonight.  We will plan to go on Friday as a family.  Well the girls will go to a sitter.

I am getting ready to go...just wanted to tell you all.

QuoteMy old companions, fare you well,
I will not go with you to hell;
I mean with Jesus Christ to dwell,
I will go.
--Newton

Auntie Pat I learned i science that Newton was a Christian but I didn't belive it but now I do Thank you.

Zac I have never been to a superchic(k) concert although I wish I have.

TTFN

Melaura (not Melora lol lol lol rotfl lol lol lol)

Ruthie: It is a joyful song to hear that someone has opened their heart and lives to the Lord.

JudyB: It to will be a grand day when all of your home maintenance issues are taken care of.

Pat:  Thanks for the devotiion and the hymns as well I will be praying for safety as you travel tomorrow.

A friend and her husband are going this evening to see the The Passion of Christ so I am anxious to hear their view. And also from the others here as well.

Have a great evening.
Ruth

I received this in my email this evening....and thought that some of you would want to read it as well.

QuotePretty lengthy, but worth the read.

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 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 eleased. "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 remands 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 theh istory 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." Please copy this and send it on to all your friends to let them know about this film so that all go see it when it comes out.

P.S. From Julie: My daughter, Kristin, tells me they learned at her church Youth Group that Mel Gilbson stated he did not appear in his own movie, by his choice, with one exception: It is Gibson's hands seen nailing Jesus to the cross. Gibson said he wanted to do that because it was indeed his own hands that nailed Jesus to the cross.


Ronald J. Mitchell Jr.

Any comments?

Heather

I have enjoyed reading all the posts today.  We just got back from our Wednesday night Bible study.  We had an interesting discussion of some of the attributes of David which made him a man after God's own heart.

Al is correct in saying that we do not pit one against the other, the crucifixion and the resurrection.  The good news includes both of these great events.

1 Cor 15:1-4
1   Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.
2   By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3   For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4   that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,  (NIV)

The gospel which Paul preached and by which we are saved is that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day.

I hope you all have a good night's rest.



--- Papa John    <)))><<
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Hi Y-all I am now with power finally at 7:45 pm. I won't have time to catch up with everythng from last nught until now at the moment but will try to get caught by tomorrow night.I have a busy day tomorrow..
Going to do some reading on here now for awhile.
Pat my stove is gas and I could light it with a lighter since the electrobic ignition wouldn't work,.

TTYL

Hello everyone!

Just stopping in to say Hi while I'm here. I do not have that mech to talk about though.
have a nice night

Zachery

Good evening brothers and sisters in Christ........

Vivian and I just arrived home after seeing "The Passion of Christ."  I could have much to say about this great film, and the last hours of our Lord.  I will say this.  After the film was over a few people got up from their seats and started to slowly walk to the rear.  Many stood at their seats, and just as many remained in their seats.  There was dead silence, and no one spoke at any time until they were out of the theater.  Yes, there were tears in everyone's eyes, bt they all seemed to be in a state of wonderment and awe.  I know I was.  The brutality was horrific, and you would swear you were there in in person.  The young man selected for the part was absolutely PERFECT.  The man who played the part of Pilate was a great actor, and you really felt sorry for him being in-between Ceasar and the Jews.  I know, we aren't supposed to be, but that's how it works out.  There was too much Mary, and I'll leave it there.  The director took dramatic license in several parts of the film, but they didn't hurt the film.  Neither Vivian nor myself have any idea as to how carnal man will react to the film, other than what's been said on TV already.    As a Christian I said this during the film....And you went through this for me.  I praised God for my salvation.  Even though we all knew what He went through for us, we were stunned at the horror of it.  Go see it.

Goodnight everyone...I have an early day tomorrow.   Will comment about the movie tomorrow.  Have a wonderful Thursday.  

Love Ruthie

Very interesting reading about your visit to the film tonight, Lee.  Thanks for that.

Time to go to bed here in Guelph!

CLICK HERE for tomorrow's topic.