My fears are not the obvious ones, like ... can any good thing come out of Hollywood, or ... will the message ever be heard over the anti-Semitic charges. No, the reviews that I've read are positive. Keith Fournier, constitutional lawyer and graduate of Franciscan University, claims a low tolerance for anti-Semitic bigotry. His review emphasizes, "There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this 'powerful film.' "David Limbaugh climbs on board when he quotes Mel Gibson, "The Holy Ghost was working through me (Gibson) on this film, and I was just directing traffic. I hope the film has the power to evangelize." Danae Dobson (James Dobson's daughter) closed a recent e-mail with a request. "I hope you all will support Mel Gibson's bold and courageous effort to portray the sacrifice that our Lord made for us."

From all I've read, Gibson has crafted a God-honoring film with pure intentions. "The Passion" promises to be a powerful, spiritually charged spectacle! So, why fear?

It's another comment in the Fournier article that stops me. He describes his feelings having just seen the film. "This was not simply a movie; it was an encounter unlike anything I have ever experienced." His words mirror most reports. They foreshadow an event we will all experience, whether we see the movie or not.

Clearly, this February millions of movie-goers are going to share in the most accurately intimate portrayal ever made of the sorrows, beating, suffering, crucifying, dying, burying and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. And here, at last(!), is my concern. Do believers in America have the vision to utilize this movie for the kingdom's sake?! Do we recognize a great opportunity (Colossians 4:5) when we see one? Will we show up!?

Oh yes, we are ready to attend; to view the relentless scourging, to identify the poignancy of each cinematic detail, to recoil from the nails being driven. But, having experienced it "up close and personal," what kind of responsibility do we assume, especially after claiming that we believe every blow and stripe down to the last gasping breath.

If you have not already been challenged by someone else, allow me to call you out to the real war with Satan over this movie. The Passion of The Christ is a large door for the gospel lying directly in our paths. Like preparing for a tactical battle, we will be wise to organize our time and resources. Here is an outline toward action:

1. Plan and Pray

Do not attend "The Passion" without a plan. You may want to see it the first time alone. Start praying now for friends and acquaintances who will see the movie. If attending with younger children, they will need support and comfort ahead of time. As one reviewer warned, " 'The Passion' is extremely violent because the cross was violent." Those with teens may have multiplied opportunities. Every adolescent in the country will want to see this movie. The movie will almost certainly be "R" rated so adults will have to go along. (Do you hear the sound of doors opening for youth ministry?!) Ask a non-Christian Mom/Dad to join you. Pray for them!

The Passion opens an extremely rare door for national evangelism.

We Americans love big numbers, instant results and quick turnarounds. Its easy to get caught up in a dream where millions somehow find Christ and, as a result, America turns to God. In most cases those kind of miracles are not based in reality. On the other hand, another scenario has each of us focusing on just one or two people ... friends we already have. A warning, though. Remember that most people will choose in the end to take the broad road.(Matthew 7:13) No message, method or movie will change their minds. Salvation is a heart issue with the Holy Spirit acting in tandem with repentance. We may be awestruck and weeping as the credits roll, but most around us will just get up and go home. When we see that happen we must not be discouraged. Instead, may God allow us to be aware of the one or two individuals nearby. Those who heard His voice. It may be their questions or tears ... or their silence. They may open up on the spot or a week later. Gravitate to them. Listen to them! Take time to answer their questions. Pray for insight and guidance!!

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster Hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality, "Celebration of Discipline" explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith.

Dave Cook, 55, is a lay-leader at Christ Community Church in Lawrence, KS. He has been a church planter, an elder, worship leader and Bible teacher. He has written songs to scripture texts for over 30 years. His life long desire to put the Topical Memory System to music is being fulfilled with the release of the Nashville produced CD, Scripture Release. He and his wife, Becky, are planning a long-term mission to American churches to teach scripture songs and impart vision for scripture music.

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