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- February 27, 2004
Dear Brother,
Nice to hear from you again. Thank you for your patience with
me in getting back to you. The timing of your question regarding
"The Passion" was what prompted me to finally share
my thoughts on all the hoopla over Mel Gibson's new film. I have
been stirring about this for some time and was truly hoping that
Mel would have out done himself and really do our Lord justice.
I'm sorry to say that I am terribly disappointed for many good
reasons not the least of which is his incorporating Catholic
Dogma and Mysticism in the story line. You don't have to be a
Bible Scholar to see that the movie is pure Hollywood and unfortunately
employs mystic lies in an attempt to "send a strong message"
to the viewers. Scripture tells us that "no lie is of the
truth" so I question why Mel was compelled to "add
to" the historical account as we have recorded in our ancient
manuscripts? Why does anyone think it necessary to add-lib or
exaggerate an already powerful message?
I think I can answer that at least in part. People today are
conditioned for gore, blood and guts. Truth be known, that's
why many attend Hydro races or Car races. That is largely why
people go to see other horrific movies laced with violence. Americans
especially, have developed an appetite as it were for this kind
of gore. Just look at the most popular video games that our youth
are being conditioned with. Even the seemingly benign games with
car races incorporate and seem to promote reckless driving by
allowing you to run over pedestrians, killing them and crashing
into buildings and other autos without receiving much if any
damage to self. Remember the old days? If you didn't play the
game fairly and responsibly, you got knocked out. That's not
so any more. The message and conditioning with these popular
activities is hypnotizing our youth for a really ugly future
just ahead of us.
The Passion has in part become popular because of this sordid
acclamation to violence we have promoted in this country. The
fearful claims of Jews out there were crying aloud, "Foul!
This promotes anti-semitism." Little do many know that what
they are really saying is, "We didn't do it! It's not our
fault. Don't blame us!" Those who are persuaded by their
ignorance and childish protests do not understand that the propensity
of modern man is to deny his history and the valuable lessons
it has afforded us. The true history of humanity is rapidly diminishing
and being replaced with lies and error of omission. History books
are continually being re-written no different than the US Constitution
has been continually mis-interpreted and amended. Just look at
how the US Government operates. People are still believing that
we are free to live righteously in this country. Wow man, are
they deceived! Look at all the erring new Bible versions in print!
I suspect we will start seeing new versions soon that make no
clear distinction regarding a "God honored marriage"
now that sodomites are gaining a foot hold in American society.
See how hard Mel had to work to get people to go see his movie
and look at how much of his own money he spent to bribe a bunch
of people to go see the movie. Did Jesus or the Apostles ever
bribe or lie or practice such manipulative practices? Because
of this... we will never really know just how many would have
gone to see it on their own accord, showing us a number who are
truly interested in the "Gospel of Christ Crucified."
The movie itself was very manipulative and incorporated Catholic
mysticism which I hate with a passion. I'm so angry about it,
I plan on going into this subject "on the air" when
my New Radio program starts. It's looking like a April 2 start
right now. It's high time we who are truly God fearing and gifted
TAKE A STAND AND SPEAK OUT BOLDLY about these atrocities and
heresies. Lies, lies, lies, everywhere lies and hypocrisy, oh,
how the devil loves election years!
I used to respect Mel more because I know about his youth and
understand why he became such a devoted Catholic. The Catholics
were really the only ones who showed him any compassion and offer
help after he was beaten to a pulp and left for dead. I don't
so much mind that he appears to be devout and faithful. That
is much more than you can say for the mass of mediocre Christianity.
What I am disturbed about is that the truth about the Catholic
Church and it's true history is being ignored. Though we are
not many, there are enough discernment ministries out there publishing
material that we should be getting broader coverage to properly
educate the deceived and naive. Unfortunately, too many look
upon us who are shedding light in dark places as radicals, lunatics
and yes, even heretics. Did Jesus promise anything different?
No, that's just the way this up-side down world operates. Remember
who is in charge down here on the "Blue Planet."
The other reason why others or many more are not paying attention
to us who are uncovering the truth is that we are not "tickling
their ears!" People in general only take care of those who
will reciprocate in kind some way so even the real value of "Giving
to those who cannot give back in return," has been lost
and forgotten on the whole. We are living in a completely "self
centered" society. Therefore, I declare that "Passion's"
popularity is symbiont of popularity within larger Super Church
and Evangelical -Ecumenical organizations and has little to do
with their love or passion for the CHRIST JESUS we have come
to know and have relationship with. Ask yourself, who really
wants to follow Jesus when they know that the path will lead
them to the same kind of suffering and pain? Most that I know
are unwilling and/or unable to give up the comforts and pleasures
for this little life on earth to attain a greater reward promised
us later by Christ Jesus. Let me ask you Randy, just how many
people do you know that are willing to follow Jesus to the cross
without reservation and hesitation?
My circle of brethren and close friends is still very small.
If I were to make a movie that did our Lord justice... it would
be heart wrenching and convicting but it's popularity would be
about as unpopular as my little known book of which Book Store
owners and Distributors are largely reluctant to display. People
today fear the wrong things Randy and it will be there undoing.
It will be them who will be left in shock and awe when Jesus
fulfills the rest of His promises. I'm waiting very patiently
for that promised day and willing to be used by Him now to help
shorten these long ago afore-mentioned days. "On account
of the Elect, these days will be cut short." Most people
don't understand that is what that verse really means. We are
in the days of acceleration and our voices need to overcome the
noise and popular distraction of society.
Nicholas gives two thumbs down on "The Passion" but
is still hoping that God will do His part and make use of it
to convict a few more souls. The bottom line here is that we
are still very short workers in the field and we need more to
be added. I hope that Our Lord uses this movie to really turn
some heads and minds around and cause them to dive into the pages
of the New Testament, read the Word for themselves and dare to
pray to Jesus (without Mary!) for forgiveness of their long history
of idolatry and unbelief,strength in the witness, courage and
resolve (empowering grace) and the willingness to truly disciple
after Christ and want to make some difference in an otherwise,
indifferent world!
After all... "He can make all things work together for good."
That is still a fundamental hope of mine and one that is sincere
for I desire to lead men to repentance so that some might be
saved. One cannot repent (turn away) from something if one lacks
conviction in his or her heart. Conviction and humility are good
signs that the Holy Spirit is present.
May you be richly blessed with the courage of a lion to speak
out!
With all sincerity and love for the truth,
Nicholas A. Stivers, humbled man, scribe and messenger.
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- Author; Apostasy Revealed published 2003 by Mountainview
Publishing ISBN: 1-928602-92-4
- http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com
- http://abide-in-truth-events.cephasministry.com/
- http://cephasministry.com
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