THE PASSION IN PALM BAY!

THE PASSION IN PALM BAY!

Having previewed Mel Gibson's profound movie, "The Passion of the Christ," at a pastor's conference in Orlando, Pastor Sam Greene challenged the saints at Palm Bay Baptist Church to capitalize on this opportunity to reach the unsaved, the unchurched and revitalize those who are lukewarm in the Christian community. The saints at Palm Bay Baptist Church gave generously, prayed fervently and worked diligently to fill the seats for two showings of "The Passion." God Himself seemed to smile from heaven as doors began to open and opportunities abounded. As God would have it, the manager of the local theater, a professing Christian, worked with Pastor Greene and the congregation to pave the way for an invitation to be offered at the close of the two showings of the movie. "Here we were invading the devil's territory, the movie theater, which had long since been captured by the enemy to promote evil," said Pastor Greene, "and all I could think of was how incredible it was to be there with the saints having obtained the privilege to speak to a large crowd with many unbelievers in attendance. Never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned taking our Wednesday evening prayer meeting to a movie theater to watch an R-rated movie, but that was before God used Mel Gibson to produce such a powerful depiction of the suffering of Christ!"

All in all there were over 425 in attendance with more than 250 guests invited by the congregation! During the two invitations, there were more than 40 professions of faith and many other re-commitments to Christ by those in attendance. As the Church and the Spirit of God moved into that place, God's power was manifested to the salvation of souls and motivation of saints. Speaking of his Christian service, one brother declared, "I have done nothing," in comparison to Jesus' sacrifice. The movie touches people in their innermost parts and it is inconceivable that anyone could view it without being changed. Some, of course, will mock Him, others question His claims, while still others are moved from faithlessness to faith. What an exciting adventure and enthusiasm in the saints to cooperate in an unconventional way to reach into the community with the love of the Lord. Pastor Greene has planned a four-week sermon series entitled, "Dying Was His Reason For Living," beginning Sunday, March 21 to follow-up the movie by answering many of the questions on people's minds regarding the Lord Jesus. "The Passion of the Christ" seems to be prompting many to investigate the claims of Christ while also re-igniting a passion within the saints to share Jesus with renewed zeal!

Palm Bay Baptist Church