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by Dennis Wheeler
Here at Central Christian Church we are encouraging folks to see the upcoming film "The Passion of the Christ" and to invite their non-Christian friends. We have pre-sold tickets and are offering free childcare to folks who are attending the movie.
I believe this film will open the eyes and hearts of a multitude of folks who never envisioned that Christ could relate to them, love them, and save them. I believe that for the first time many will comprehend that Jesus was not exempt from suffering...that Jesus was sometimes lonely...that He was tempted to be discouraged...and that He was misunderstood & criticized unjustly. Indeed, Jesus can relate to us and His compassion runs deep.
So as millions view this film they will come to realize that being a Christian does not exempt us from dark times in our life. But that God can use these dark and stressful times for good. He'll use them to build Christ-like character within us.
What should you do when you go through difficult times?
First of all...REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED. In the last 12 hours of Christ's life - we clearly see that He made a CHOICE to follow God's will; He made a CHOICE to face down fear; He made a CHOICE to ignore despair.
Secondly...REMEMBER THAT GOD IS WITH YOU. Rick Warren says, "God not only promises His power; He promises His presence." We will never go through a dark day alone. Jesus knew He wasn't alone as He walked out His Passion.
Finally...RELY ON GOD'S PROTECTION AND GUIDANCE. God will be with you, and He'll protect you and guide you. As the song says, "Jesus could have called down 10,000 angels"; He could have called His disciples to grab their swords and fight; instead He relied on God to protect and guide Him.
No matter who are are - - whether you're a Believer or not, we all eventually go through difficult times. The difference for the Christian, then, is not the absence of the shadow but the presence of the Light.
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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