How to Share Your Faith Using The Covenant
Dark magic, supernatural powers, murder and mayhem fill the screen of The Covenant. The movie focuses on f our teens, referred to in the movie as witches (even though they are all male), who are descendants of the original colonizing families in Massachusetts back in the 1600's. These guys have inherited the magical powers of their forefathers whose families made a covenant to keep the special powers secert. But the powers come with a price and with an allure that is both seductive and destructive.
The Covenant even comes with a heroic witch character, Caleb, who is challenged to be a 'sacrificial lamb' in an effort to protect his friends and family and fight for the innocent victims of the evil mayhem being unleashed. Ultimately, it's not Caleb who sacrifices his life, but hey, no spoilers here...
The movie's opening words announce: "No one knows how the power came to be." This introduces ground that is ripe for spiritual conversations!
Perhaps you've encountered people who say things like, "I believe in God, but I don't believe in Satan or devils or demons or any of that." Often these kinds of comments reflect an unwillingness to grapple with the reality of evil in the world. To them evil is seen as a vague, impersonal 'force'. But if someone believes in a God that is the source and personification of the forces of good in the universe, then is it really such a leap to envision the kind of personified evil 'force' that the Bible refers to as Satan?
As Christians we should have few doubts about how, as the movie puts it, "the powers came to be." Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-15 unlock the answers. Originally named Lucifer, Satan was once God's main dude, an angel of incredible power and beauty. But the allure of more power and his rebellion against God resulted in Satan's fall from heaven, igniting his burning desire to wage war on God's children and sow evil and destruction throughout human history. Ever since he has been pitted in a cosmic battle with God for the souls of men.
Satan is described by many names in the Bible, leaving little doubt that he is real, personal and powerful:
- Tempter (Matthew 4:3)
- Enemy (Matthew 13:39)
- Murderer (John 8:44)
- Father of lies (John 8:44)
- Evil one (1 John 2:13)
- Accuser (Revelation 12:10)
Put simply, he is the source and perpetrator of evil in the world.
The sometimes controversial backdrop of witchcraft may make you think twice about seeing this movie. But whether you choose to see the movie or not, you may find yourself in conversations with friends who have. So be ready to use The Covenant as a springboard for spiritual conversations about the occult, good and evil and what the Bible has to say about them.
Here are some conversation starters to get you going.
- Ask your friends if they believe in a supernatural dimension to life. Do they believe in God. What do they think of Satan? Share what you believe.
- If your friends don't believe in God or Satan, ask them how they explain good and evil in the world.
- Ask them what they think the movie's reference to a 'sacrificial lamb' is all about? Then explain where that term originally came from - the Bible! For help with this, check out John 1:29 and the 'Sins cannot be removed by good deeds.' part of the GOSPEL Journey.
Don't neglect the role you have to play in the cosmic battle being waged in the spiritual realm! Share your faith! Talk with your friends about the reality of God in your life! And make sure you are battle-ready. Ephesians 6:10-18 challenges us:
Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
In the real world, these are supernatural resources that are way more valuable than all the 'spooky' powers depicted in The Covenant!
