“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 NASB
What is something in your life that you love so much that you can use for the gospel?
I love watching movies. I am probably one of the most annoying people to sit next to in a theater though, because I don’t just watch movies. I analyze them. I break them down into small parts. I try to figure out how they are made and how they are trying to manipulate the audience. I really like science fiction, superheros, and a good “blow ’em up” movie, but I can enjoy almost anything. There are movies I don’t like, or even refuse to watch, but I do really love the medium.
The reason I bring this up is because as much as I love movies, my relationship with God is more important to me.
I am very confident in my king. So I don’t really have that much of a problem bringing God into any conversation. That is not to say that I don’t sometimes worry about what people think of me but, Little Sister, the Living God looked down into time and His creation and thought it needed someone like me. He has prepared things for me to do and people for me to show His love. My enjoyment of movies is not a surprise to Him.
Movies are designed to manipulate you. This should not be shock to anyone. “willing suspension of disbelief” is a thing, you know. If you didn’t know that, basically it is saying “I can believe Superman can fly” or “These characters feel real” or other things you need to accept in order to enjoy a film.
One of the things I did for a while was a “Movie and Bible Study Night”. (Later named Merge.) Because a lot of movies have a moral or message that they convey, whether intentionally or not. This really could be anything depending on the movie.
What I would do is invite people over to my house and we would watch a movie and then talk about it afterwards with a biblical perspective. Sometimes this was easy, like when we would watch a christian movie, or one with obvious morals. Other times you really need to be paying attention to what is going on.
What I would do is invite people over to my house and we would watch a movie and then talk about it afterwards with a biblical perspective. Sometimes this was easy, like when we would watch a christian movie, or one with obvious morals. Other times you really need to be paying attention to what is going on.
Example (Christian Movie): The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2017)
Question: What does it mean to be saved?
Answer: Romans 10:8
Question: What does it mean to be saved?
Answer: Romans 10:8
Example (Old Musical): My Fair Lady (1964)
Question: Is manners about treating everyone the same or about treating people according to their rank?
Answer: Ephesians 4:31-5:2
Question: Is manners about treating everyone the same or about treating people according to their rank?
Answer: Ephesians 4:31-5:2
I did this for two main reasons. The first, help those who were already Christians to think about God in EVERYTHING that they do, the second, to present the gospel in a casual and inviting way to some friends-of-friends.
There were countless days where I get tired of all the “maybe I’ll come,” that were really “no.” When I would post about it and it would not get any likes. The popular girl would start some kind of group that only lasted a moth but it would get announced from my youth group leaders, but my ministry which had been going on for a while never got recognized because: “We can’t be held accountable if you say something or show a movie that is offensive.” It was never a big group that came, but it was a special group.
I gained a lot of experience learning how to be a bible teacher during the two years Merge lasted. I’ve made friends through it that I wouldn’t have influence otherwise. I found a passion that I didn’t realize was there. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.
So my question is: What is something in your life that you love so much that you can use for the gospel?
So my question is: What is something in your life that you love so much that you can use for the gospel?