Cecil B. DeMille is probably screaming from the heavens, “What are you people thinking,” as he observes all the damning fingers that are pointing at Mel Gibson and his new film “THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST,” In DeMille’s day he was showered with praise and Academy Award nominations for his Biblical epic the Ten Commandments. In today’s Godless society the name of Jesus, alone, stirs controversy. Gibson’s The Passion brought immediate anti-Semitic criticism before the film was even finished. When Jesus is portrayed as a homosexual or a deviant, it is defended as “creative expression.” When the Jesus of the Bible, taken directly from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is presented, people want to crucify the messenger -- just as they did Jesus himself.

A few years ago, a film crew from Holland told me they wanted Mel Gibson for a documentary they were making on Hollywood, and they needed him within 24 hours. “Can you get him,” they asked. I didn’t even attempt to locate him on such short notice. Ironically, soon after the Hollanders left town, I found myself side by side with Gibson at the gas pump. I looked at him and said, “Where were you when I needed you?” He was polite and a bit shy as he offered to send the TV crew what ever would help them. Gibson is a good man, known for his humor and practical jokes and a man who dearly loves his family. His intentions are honorable. Unlike his critics, who would like to destroy him, his heavenly rewards will be monumental.

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST is bringing with it a revival -- giving those that need a “spiritual check” a chance to find the God who created them and the Savior who loved them so much He died for their sins. Oops! There’s that nasty SIN word. Get over it! Repentance for our sins is the missing link between God and man. In many modern-day watered-down-gospel pulpits, sin has been eliminated. We’ve come a long way baby! Right! We have come so far that we are standing at the edge of Hell. We were not created for our own lusts and greed; however, we are given over to them when we exercise our free-will and choose that road. We were created for God’s purposes, not our own. Each and every one of us has a purpose to full fill. However, God is a gentlemen, He never forces Himself on us. Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened.

Gibson, an actor who had it all, was an empty vessel, and addicted to everything. He is a living example of how God changed his life when he got on his knees and asked for help. Every one of us has a “test” before we have a Godly testimony. Sadly, most secular reporters do not have an understanding of Gibson’s mission, their job is to sensationalize. During Gibson’s Prime Time interview with Diane Sawyer (02/16/04), he was often asked questions that put him in the position of having to defend Biblical “truth.” Eventually, Gibson quietly said, “Read the gospels Diane.” When Sawyer asked him what he was going to do now, he said he would like to go away for awhile – like pitch a tent near the “weapons of mass destruction” so he couldn’t be found. One lady journalist on The O’Reilly Factor spoke like a broken record, repeatedly saying, “He built his own church in Malibu.” So what!

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST was laid on Mel Gibson’s heart by God. Every aspect of the film was divinely guided by the Holy Spirit. Gibson was obedient to the assignment, if you will. He does not want the glory for this movie – the glory and honor go to God (Creator of the universe), Jesus (Savior of the world) and the Holy Spirit (our best friend who was sent to earth to guide and protect).The Passion is one of the last-chance tools that God is loosing, through Gibson, to bring the reality of the Cross home to those who have been lukewarm in their beliefs. It has already and will continue to bring healing to sick bodies. Thousands of conversions to Christ are imminent. Miracle after miracle took place on the set through out the making of the film.

Gibson’s Passion film is an anointed “masterpiece!” This film will shake our dark and dying world and will have the greatest impact of any film ever made! There have been many wonderful and inspirational films done on the life of Jesus. However, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST is for such a time as this and is not simply a movie – it is an encounter!