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				Letters to the Editor Christ's Passion Toward You and Me! I appreciate all the articles in this issue of the VCM except for the first, "Christ's Passion..." Although there is a lot of truth in the article, there are a few points that I feel discourage the spirit of the article. First, to put the picture from the Mel Gibson's movie up as if to use it as a mental image of Christ, I feel, is inappropriate. One main reason I would not see the movie is that I did not want the facial image of a worldly actor to be in my mind when I think about Christ. In a year or two this same actor may play a fornicator, murderer or who knows what in another movie. Why dirty the thought of Jesus Christ that way? The other point that ruins the article is implying we "win" people over to God's way with kindness. Our kindness exudes from our conversion and seeking to be like Christ. When we see someone who needs help, we help because it comes naturally or the Holy Spirit prompts us. But God must "call" and "open" the minds of the people He wants as first fruits. Even God doesn't "win" people over -- He allows the freedom of choice. Once these people "answer the phone" as Mr. Petty put it, and they take the call, then they will come into the flock. If people come in just because we're nice and kind people (which we should be), instead of a sincere desire to seek God and answer His call, we would have to question the depth of their conversion. How deep would their roots be if they were based on a "Band-Aid" of kindness. I am absolutely not arguing the point that we should pattern our lives after the love of Christ -- I totally agree. But we are not to do it to "win" people over -- that's the way of the religions of the world -- and it can sometimes be a superficial thing. All I am saying is that the point of God doing the calling was skipped over. -- M. Jones Thank you for writing. I have to agree with your argument on the image used. We normally never use images of Christ in VCM, but this was used because of the mention of the movie, not as a portrayal of Christ. I can understand your feelings on this issue and we in no way intended to say this was Jesus, but your reaction clearly reinforces my feelings on the issue, this being that we should not use any images of Jesus in future issues. As for your second argument with the article, I just want to say that the author was in no way saying we lead people to God's Church by how kind we may be. Someone must, of course, be called by God. The point is that our kindness and the overall way we treat people can either help them along or push them away. We are tools that God may use in His calling of others, and this is the point that was being made here. We are to let our lights shine so that the whole world may see. "I still learn something wonderful" Thank you for the magazines available online. Although I have been reading Bible prophecy now for several years, I still learn something wonderful when I read your literature, which by the way, I share with friends and coworkers. Again, thank you and know that God opens many doors to those that preach the Good News. Only available online Hello! Is Virtual Christian Magazine only available online or do you also have it in print form? While I have access to it online, my 81-year-old mother (baptized member since 1969) would love to subscribe to receive a hard copy of it. Thank you! -- JoAnna Buckwalter Unfortunately VCM is only available online. But feel free to print articles and share them with others who do not have Internet access. Some feedback messages are edited for space and/or clarity Copyright 2005 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved.

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