How to Share your Faith Using X-Men
X-Men: The Last Stand came blasting out of the gates and into theaters like secret jet from the school for the gifted…to the opening tune of 107 million! This third installment finds us in a world where a “cure” for the mutant gene has been discovered by the Worthington Corporation. Using the mutation of a young boy, a way is found to reverse the effects of the mutants special abilities. As always, Xavier is ready and willing to use diplomacy and work through peaceful channels, but Magneto (Ian McKellen) is determined to destroy the cure and the one who carries it. The resulting conflict delivers plenty of action and special effects as the X-Men make their 'last stand'.
Sci-fi is its own creative and mind-bendingly outrageous world! But sometimes sci-fi offers a window of opportunity to talk about things that are 'other-worldly' - things like the supernatural and the spiritual realm. X-Men: The Last Stand, with its plot centered around a 'cure' can provide a springboard for spiritual conversation. As followers of Jesus, we realize that we were born with a horrible mutation called sin, and a spiritual 'cure' has been discovered for humans - a cure that will give each willing individual the chance to live life to its fullest and a cure that provides the assurance of eternal life with the God of the Universe at the end of our earthly lives.
John 3:33 - 35 describes it this way:
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Those who believe him (Jesus) discover that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God's Spirit is upon him without measure or limit. The Father loves his Son, and he has given him authority over everything. And all who believe in God's Son have eternal life. (NLT)
And there is an Evil One far worse than Magneto named Satan who is determined to do all in his power to prevent humans from accepting the ultimate cure to our sinful mutation - because his desire is to bring death and destruction. 1 Peter 5:8 says of the Evil One,
"Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Not everyone is interested in the spiritual 'cure' God has made available through Jesus. But many people have never heard about the cure or had it explained to them in a way that makes it clear and understandable. Whether you find conversational opportunities surrounding the X-Men III sequel, or some other sci-fi entertainment try using the 'fantasy’ nature of science fiction to talk about the reality of spiritual things.
• Ask your friends what they think of the supernatural. Do they believe in a spiritual dimension to life? Do they believe in God? What do they think He is like? Share what you believe and why.
• Find out what your friends think about evil in the world. Do they think humans need a spiritual 'cure' for evil? Share what the Bible has to say about Jesus being the life-giving 'cure' for evil.
• Why doesn't God force His spiritual 'cure' on everyone? Explain how God allows people to exercise their free will and decide for themselves whether they want to believe in Him and accept His free gift of salvation.
Whether you're a sci-fi fan or not, the X-Men's special powers can lead you into some God talk with your friends, After all, the ultimate special power is God’s ability to forgive our sins and give us eternal life!
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Jane Dratz works for Dare 2 Share Ministries in Arvada, Colo., a ministry committed to energizing and equipping teens to know, live, share and own their faith in Jesus. For more information on Dare 2 Share Ministries, please visit www.dare2share.org. Find out how Dare 2 Share Ministries and Focus on the Family® are working together to capture the hearts of this generation of teenagers, visit www.capturetheirhearts.com. Send feedback to [email protected].
