Open Notice

To the three churches within a half-mile of each other who are using a variation of "The Passion of the Christ" as the title of their upcoming Easter sermons (and using marquee banners to promote such):

Yes, we all appreciate the attempt to be relevant, but, I'm sure you've noticed the reality that others are on the same bandwagon (visible from each of your parking lots). You're not really being all that innovative, clever or creative.

Actually, my hope is that many people who aren't church attenders do indeed come to your services because of your advertisements. Just make a concerted effort that you accurately handle the Word of God on that Sunday when they show up. The issue on Easter is the resurrection...or what would be the "sequel" to the movie you're piggybacking.

Remind the people who attend that when Jesus said that he came that we might have life, and have it abundantly, He wasn't kidding. And, knowing that the only way "dead" people can have "life" in Christ is for Him to actually be ALIVE to make that happen...well, Easter is our reminder.

Tell your parishioners & visitors that, as new creations, we have the ability to live abundantly by abiding in a living Savior and He in us. So, once people sit in your pews (or chairs, for our multi-purposed building brethren) on that Sunday after being drawn in by your ads, tell them that. It is Good News. So, Preach the Word. In season and out of season...because sometimes people want to have their ears tickled.

Don't give in to the temptation to tickle ears. Promote the "sequel," dear brothers and sisters. Promote the sequel.

And that's my prayer for my own church as well.