By Larry J. Walker

Pastor, United Church of God, Bend

Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” has become a record shattering blockbuster movie, to the chagrin of many media moguls and others eager to promote values (or lack thereof) and lifestyles contrary to the Bible. Some have even expressed their hostility by openly stating their refusal to ever offer him any future movie roles. Even within the Christian community, criticisms of the movie often reflect widespread misunderstandings about the controversial figure of Jesus Christ.

One of the objections raised by some Christians is that the movie stops short of proclaiming the full gospel message. In Mr. Gibson’s defense, that was simply not his intent. However, it affords others an opportunity to follow up on the interest engendered by the movie by offering more information. Many are taking advantage of this opportunity. Ironically, just as I was writing this sentence, I received an email from CBD advertising a new book on a related topic.

The United Church of God has also just released a free 132-page booklet, “Jesus Christ: The Real Story.” It describes the true story about Christ and his surprising message that few comprehend today. “The Story of Jesus Christ, Where Do You Fit In?” is the cover article of the current issue of “The Good News,” a free monthly magazine also published by the United Church of God.

Many more books, articles and even perhaps movies will undoubtedly appear over the months ahead. It is great to have this most important message achieve center stage status! We can all rejoice in that dramatic breakthrough in an otherwise materialistically minded, apathetic world.

The fact that Jesus suffered and died for sinners is a beginning point in the plan of God for potentially every human being, even those who have died over the years without a saving knowledge of Christ.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians:15:19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable., “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” What is the value in forgiveness if there were no future beyond this life? What is the destiny that God offers? Most people have only a vague idea about the hereafter in God’s plan. Many of the details of God’s marvelous plan of redemption and salvation have not been understood or taught by traditional Christianity.

These precious truths can be gleaned from the Holy Days of the Bible, originally given to ancient Israel and later observed by Jesus Christ, the apostle and the early Church. The apostle Paul writes in Colossians:2:16-17[16]Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:[17]Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. that these days offer “a shadow of things to come” in the plan of God. He also refers to Jesus Christ as “our Passover sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians:5:8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.), and urges the Corinthian congregation to “keep the Feast” (of Unleavened Bread).

I have observed these and other biblical Holy Days for decades and have gained a much fuller understanding of and appreciation for the gospel message as result. I wish everyone could share in this enriching experience and invite you to look into this subject. I would be happy to help in any way I can to help share these blessings.

This Words on Faith feature graciously offered by the Bulletin affords an opportunity to share precious Bible truths and to learn from each other. I also invite you to check our Web site for more information on the gospel of the Kingdom of God, the New Testament meanings and significance of the Holy Days of the Bible and many other relevant and timely topics. You might discover some exciting new truths that you have not known about before.

Perhaps you have heard the story about people in hell who were seated on the edge of balconies with sumptuous food on tables below. They were starving because their forks were too long to retrieve the food. Had they chosen to feed each other, all would have been satiated. But sadly, everyone was too preoccupied with self to think of feeding others.

I hope that one result of viewing “The Passion of the Christ” is a profound respect for all who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter:1:18-19[18]Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;[19]But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:) and a greater desire to learn from each other rather than arguing and fighting over the Bible.