FAITH AT THE MOVIES

BECAUSE OF LOVE, I GO

I pray for reaching lost people for whom Christ died every day. Never has it ever been about earning approval from God or scoring points with God. That thought has never in 40 years of walking with Jesus, ever entered my mind. I don’t share him to be loved by him but because I love him, and passionately want to share his love with others.  Destiny and eternity is at stake. The Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to burn passionately within my soul, and with it Jesus’ final words  before his ascension: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” That mission is why I became a church planter almost 20 years ago, and that same fire burns within me today, and even more so.

BUILD BRIDGES NOT BARRIERS

Because of that, I am thrilled about all the faith based movies that have laced theater screens of late. Why? They provide unique opportunities  to share the clear gospel of Jesus Christ and become potential bridges to lost people. Here’s my appeal: Let’s not bash those movies and build barriers; let’s use those movies to build bridges. Let’s use our knowledge of God’s Word to connect with the lost, clear up confusion, communicate clarity, and, yes, address fallacy where necessary. But, most important of all, use these movies to create gospel conversations with unbelievers. See opportunity beyond errancy and eternity beyond inaccuracy.

THE WORDS OF APOSTLE PAUL

With that in mind, remember with me these words of the Apostle Paul:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:2-6)

The movie industry is realizing that indeed, GOD’S NOT DEAD, and that HEAVEN IS FOR REAL. It is not their job but ours to make sure that as many people as possible encounter JESUS THE SON OF GOD in  a clear and compelling fashion.