A Winnipeg Pastor is asking Christians to focus on preaching instead of petitioning in response to the comments of a controversial film that portrays Jesus as gay.

Pastor Brad Quiring from Abundant Life Baptist Church said he watched The First Temptation of Jesus Christ so he could have a better understanding of the comedy. He says he "wouldn't recommend the program to most people."

"I watched it, I heard the message, and I do not think it is good," Quiring says. "There was a lot of stuff that was misrepresented and portrayed poorly."

He hopes that instead of posting comments on social media, that people will use the comedy special as an opportunity to discuss Jesus.

"I think Christian leaders should be emphasizing the truth of Christ," Pastor Quiring says.

Pastor Quiring recalls when Di Vinci Code was released, Christians were able to use it as a way to share their beliefs. He hopes that this will call others to do the same.

"There needs to be a clear understanding of who He is," Pastor Quiring shares. He hopes that if you are unsure, that Christians will turn to the Bible instead of forms of entertainment.

Quiring decided to watch the special because he felt that as a Christian leader he should know more about the comedy. While he was unable to finish it, Pastor Quiring warns others to be cautious when taking in any sort of entertainment.

"What I tell everybody about the choices of their entertainment is, first of all, if you're going to watch, watch with discernment," Pastor Quiring says.

The First Temptation of Jesus Christ is available on Netflix Canada.