How to Share Your Faith Using Ghost Rider
Evil is ablaze in the high-octane, Buffy-meets-Evel Knievel-meets-Superman world of Ghost Rider (discretion advised). Comic book character Johnny Blaze sold his soul to the devil, and now the devil has come to collect his due. Horror action is the right label for this film's plotline!
However, one of the real horrors in this movie is its depiction of totally powerful, all-consuming demonic beings, while treating God as basically missing in action in the present day battles between good and evil. As a result, Johnny Blaze determines that his only option is to use the devil's own power to stand against evil - a twisted and dangerous distortion of the real good vs. evil battle described in the Bible.
God's Word assures us that God is active and engaged in the cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil, and commands us to fight using His weapons. The Apostle Paul puts it this way:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13)
But even though Ghost Rider depicts a distorted view of the realities of the spiritual world, it does throw the door wide open for spiritual conversations. Not only is the whole heaven/hell realm explored, the movie is full of references to 'second chances'. And as Christians, we know that God specializes in second chances that defeat Satan and restore lives! That's why He sent Jesus - to forgive our past, present and future sins and to give us the free gift of a restored relationship with Him.
Look for opportunities to talk about Ghost Rider with your friends. Here are some conversation starter ideas to get you headed toward God talk.
- Ask your friends if they believe in God, heaven and hell, or angels and demons. Ask them to describe what they believe and listen carefully. Then take the opportunity to share what you believe based on what the Bible has to say about these topics.
- Do they believe there really is a cosmic battle being waged between good and evil. Talk about what you believe about this battle. For help explaining this check out Soul Question #11, Why does God allow evil in this world?
- Do they believe it's possible to 'make a deal' with the devil with their soul? Why or why not? Could we do the same with God? What would that look like?
- Did Johnny deserve a 'second chance'? In the spiritual realm, what do you think a 'second chance' looks like? Explain why Jesus came and died on the cross - to forgive our sins and give us a second chance!
- What did you think of Johnny's choices in the movie? What do you do when you make bad choices? Share about your relationship with God and how you can always go to him for forgiveness.
This movie is a great opener for the zinger spiritual question "If you died today, do you know whether you'd go to heaven or hell?" Share the GOSPEL Journey and God's assurance in 1 John 5:13, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." You never know when those around you will have no more 'second chances'.
