Helps with Narnia

Evangelism Help - Evangel

Helps with Narnia

Narnia is here. On December 9, 2005 Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is scheduled for release.

Once again, tongue-tied Christians will have an opportunity to transition from the culture to talking about Jesus. But will we know how?

Jim Holt, the executive director of Mission America saw a rough cut and gave this report. "We are delighted to report that the movie is extraordinary–both in faithfulness to the content and as a visually stunning experience! The producers of the movie have taken Lewis’ treasured tale of good versus evil and brought it to life as an amazing cinematic production that we believe will have broad appeal throughout our culture as a blockbuster fantasy and adventure film. At the same time, the producers have retained the underlying themes that have endeared the book to Christians for generations as a classic metaphor for the gospel message." For other endorsement click here.

Narnia will be a powerful film (too powerful for my youngest ones). It will be a national event and an opportunity for many to discuss the gospel with their neighbors. Will we know how?

Mission America has put together some excellent materials. You can view them here. I especially like articles on Making the Connection for those of us who are dense and The Greatest Story Ever Told which gives a background on Lewis. And the evangelistic booklet could be helpful.

But my heart is not in the materials. My heart is in equipping the tongue-tied Christian to use the event with neighbors, co-workers, and fellow parents. What will we say? How can we use the movie in conversation? Here is where the principles from Evangelism for the Tongue-Tied are helpful.

First, we must remember that God must give opportunities and he will do that in answers to our prayers.

Second, we must be genuine and love those around us as we look for those divine appointments.

Third, as prompted by the Holy Spirit, we need to be prepared to ask questions like:

Have you seen the movie the Chronicles of Naria? Yes? What did you think of it? C.S. Lewis talked about the stories within a story. Did you get the hidden story?
No? What I like about Lewis is that he makes me think deeper, especially about spiritual meaning which he has in his stories. You know I don't want to offend you but I'd love to talk to you about this. What are your spiritual beliefs?
What I love about that movie (and story) is that C.S. Lewis accurately depicts Jesus is allegorical form. Do you think he portrays Jesus well?
What are your spiritual beliefs?

Fourth, share parts of the gospel as the situation allows.

Do you know who Aslan represents? Who Edmund represents (every person)? What Turkish Delight represents (sin)?
Edmund is everyman. We all have taken the forbidden Turkish Delight and it controls us. We all are under the dominion of sin. But out of his great love, Jesus (Aslan) died for us to set us free. That's the gospel.

Aslan is very close to the children – he’s very personal. Do you think of Jesus this way? Has anyone ever talked with you about having a personal relationship with God?
How did you feel when Aslan died in Edmund's place? Now you can begin to understand a little of how I felt when I realized what Jesus had done in my place. The part with Aslan dying on the stone table is the key point of Christianity. That’s what makes Christ so special – his dying as a sacrifice in my place.
The part with the stone animals coming back to life represents new spiritual life that I can relate to. Could I take a minute and tell you how Jesus made me spiritually alive?
Has anyone ever explained the gospel to you? Could I take a few minutes to do that now (or later)?

This movie will be a national event. These are just a few conversation starters to help us transition from the movie to the gospel. Let's be ready to use it to start God prompted conversations.Back

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