A new film could point many to Christ.

By February 2, 2004

USA (MNN/Assist) — Thousands of Christian leaders have been able to preview the new Mel Gibson film, “The Passion of the Christ” in recent weeks.

The movie, a graphic portrayal of the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus Christ and his resurrection, is slated for release February 25, 2004 (Ash Wednesday).

Gibson says the idea for the film had been coming to him for years and that the story is “the pinnacle of history and needs to be told realistically.”

Gibson added that, as can be seen in media reports, the film is generating a lot of reaction. “You either love it or you hate it,” he said.

Reaction from Christian leaders as been overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Paul Cedar, chairman of the Mission America Coalition, believes the film “offers a tremendous opportunity for Christians across America to introduce people to Jesus Christ.” Cedar added that the meeting of leaders had significant potential for mobilizing Christians who will then invite their friends and neighbors to see and experience the film and prays “tens of thousands of people will come to believe in Christ through The Passion film.”

Dr. Cornell Haan, National Facilitator of Spiritual Unity for MAC, believes the film asked the key question, “Can one man die for the sins of another?” and “then gives the answer that Jesus shed His blood as atonement for the sins of each person. The film is a wonderful evangelism tool.”

Rev. Wayne Pederson, President of MAC, says the movie could well be one of the most powerful evangelistic tools in the marketplace because “The most important day in history is the day Jesus died on the cross and took on Himself all my sins and the sins of the world. The Passion effectively and powerfully tells the story of the great price paid by the Son of God for our disobedience.”

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