The controversial blockbuster movie, Noah, has raised the awareness and curiosity of many people, religious and irreligious alike. How then can we “make the most of the opportunity” and how engage “outsiders” in seasoned-with-salt conversations? (Col. 4:4-6)
And what about Muslims? Though some balk at the idea of seeing depictions of a prophet, which has caused several Muslim nations to ban this movie, nevertheless, Muslims are curious. They believe mankind’s wickedness caused catastrophic judgement to fall in Noah’s day. Not only so, Muslim preachers warn of calamitous end-time signs, such as earthquakes and wars. Also they expect Christ will return to earth near the end. So it is natural for our Muslim friends to be curious when we tell them Jesus mentioned Noah as part of a sermon on the end times.
Christ warned his generation that in Noah’s time people were going about their daily lives, oblivious to the impending destruction that was coming in the flood. Jesus warned that the situation would be similar when he returns in the last days. This resonates with Muslims.
I have posed a series of simple questions that can help us guide conversations toward Jesus and invite our listeners to consider how Jesus viewed Noah’s story as relevant to the our own times.
Unfortunately many modern Christians are disinclined to talk about end times nor are they keen to use it as an opportunity for sowing seeds. But there is no denying the fact: the Good News is embedded in Matthew 24:31; “the angels will gather his chosen ones from all over the world.” The parallel passage in Luke 21:28 says; “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near.”
A word of caution
Randall Price has written a helpful review of the movie Noah. He notes, “The pre-release advertising promoting the movie Noah made a point of stating that while the director took artistic license in the production it was still faithful to the biblical story. Early theatre previews were carefully edited to appeal to people of faith.” Nevertheless, the producer says he set out to make “the least biblical ‘biblical film’ ever made.” Price’s 1 1/2 pg review is well worth reading: http://www.worldofthebible.com/
I also encourage you to read an article by Michael Snyder noting that , “In ‘Noah’, almost everything is the opposite of what it should be. Instead of villains, the fallen angels are heroes. Instead of a preacher of righteousness, Noah is depicted as a psychopathic maniac that hates humanity and wants to kill his unborn grandchild if it is a girl. The movie somehow finds a way to avoid using the word ‘God’ …”
http://www.infowars.com/in-noah-the-fallen-angels-are-the-good-guys/
Thanks to Ray Comfort an accurate movie of Noah is available, along with a discussion guide. This movie costs only $5.
http://afastore.net/noah-and-the-last-days-dvd.html
QUESTIONNAIRE ON NOAH
Two movies on Noah have been recently released. The Hollywood version stars Russell Crowe as Noah and the biblical version is available at www.livingwaters.com Would you mind giving us your opinion on these movies?
Questions
1. Have you watched either of these movies on Noah?
2. Would you recommend your friends watch it?
3. How would you rate it on a scale of 1-5?
4. Does this story have any relevance today?
5. Do you see it as mainly entertaining fantasy or is there is a warning we should heed?
6. It’s interesting that Jesus held the Biblical version Noah in high regard and used him as an illustration to warn the people of his day. Can you recall what he said? ____
7. Would you like to know? _____
[Matt. 24:37-38: “When the Son of Man returns it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.”]