Jesus Christ: World's Greatest Hero!

I'm excited to announce that the comic-book project I've been working on for the past year is finally finished! Jesus Christ: The World's Greatest Hero! is a fast-paced, twenty-four page synopsis of the life of Jesus, highlighting his heroic nature. The first edition features well-known heroes like Superman, Batman and Spider-man on the cover as well as a few interior pages. This edition is only available through our ministry, Costumers for Christ. The variant edition features less familiar superheroes, but is available through Amazon in paperback and on Kindle. I want to thank Zac Pensol and Ryan Crissey for their help with this project. Please pick up a copy and share it with a superhero fan who needs to know that Jesus is the greatest superhero of all!

Save One!

Now that Justice League is available to stream online, I enjoyed watching it again from the comfort of my living room. While it suffered from a garden-variety villain and a somewhat disjointed story due to multiple directors with very different visions, I believe Justice League was still a step in the right direction for the DC cinematic universe.

As I mentioned in a prior post, this film is much brighter and more hopeful than DC’s previous films, like Man of Steel or Dawn of Justice. One scene in particular ought to resonate and inspire Christians who fear sharing their faith.

Socially awkward and short on friends, the Flash, played by Ezra Miller, eagerly joins the Justice League when Batman extends the invitation. But when it comes time to battle the bad guys and save the civilians… he freezes. Turning to Batman, he explains, “Here’s the thing. See, I’m afraid of bugs, and guns, and obnoxiously tall people. I can’t be here! It’s really cool you guys seem ready to do battle and stuff, but I’ve never done battle. I’ve just pushed some people and run away!”

Batman responds with two simple words: “Save one."

The Flash: What?
Batman: Save one person.
The Flash: Which one?
Batman: Don’t talk. Don’t fight. Get in. Get one out.
The Flash: And then?
Batman: You’ll know.

In one of the most inspiring moments of the movie, Batman offers advice that both novice superheroes and new Christians should take to heart.

Jesus said of himself, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10 NLT). He then passed that mission onto us, instructing believers, “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you” (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT).

Saving souls—sharing Jesus with another person—can be a daunting task. Maybe you’re just not an extroverted person. Neither am I. Maybe you don’t know what you’re supposed to say or how to broach the subject. And, of course, there is always the fear of rejection: What if they’re offended? What if it turns into an argument? What if I ruin an otherwise perfectly good friendship? The very idea of carrying on Jesus’ mission to “save the world” is pretty intimidating.

Batman’s advice to the Flash, is my advice to you: “Save one!” That means sharing your faith with one lost, broken, hurting soul at a time. And after you reach just one person with the Gospel of Jesus, just like the Flash, “You’ll know.” You aren’t called to save the world, just the life of one person at a time. Who’s that person for you right now? Get in! Get one out! Save one!

Contending for the Crown

Like most Marvel fans, I was eager to see Black Panther in theaters last weekend. Also, like most Marvel fans, I loved it. The dazzling special effect, beautiful African scenery, well-timed humor, and action-packed fight scenes made Black Panther an absolute joy to watch. The movie touches on relevant themes like race, identity, and social responsibility—all of which revolve around an epic battle for the kingship of Wakanda.

After his father’s death (in Captain America: Civil War), the five tribes of Wakanda crown T’Challa their new and rightful king. But T’Challa must defend his crown from a challenger, M’Baku (the White Gorilla), in gladiator-style combat on the edge of a waterfall cliff, while African-drum music fills the air and Wakandan natives chant to the beat. T’Challa defeats the challenger and takes his rightful place on the throne, but it’s not long before his reign is challenged once again. When T’Challa’s long-lost cousin, Eric Killmonger, makes a claim to the thrown lines are drawn, sides are chosen, and Wakanda’s entire civilization is threatened.

I’m convinced that this theme will resonate with thoughtful Christians.

Everyone wants to be the king.

Some of us want to be the king of our workplace, or the king of our house. Some of us want to be the king of our fantasy football league. Some of us treat the highway as our own little kingdom, demanding that our minions ask our permission before they change lanes or slow down.

Kings stand above everyone else, receiving praise and reverence from everyone around them. Nothing is withheld from kings. They never come in second place, and they never have to acquiesce to another’s needs.

In the infamous words of Mel Brooks, “It’s good to be king.”

But the truth is, whether we choose to accept it or not, there is only One True King. It’s not me. It’s not you. Jesus alone is King of Israel, king of all nations, king of nature and the universe. At one point in the movie, T’Challa acknowledges, “I am king of Wakanda, not king of the world.” Jesus, on the other hand, really is the king of the world. Revelation says, “he is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14 NIV).

Like T’Challa, though, Christ’s kingship is often challenged. If Jesus is the king, then we’re not. We don’t like that very much. We want to be the ones in charge. In charge of our own lives, in charge of our relationships, in charge of our destinies. Like M’Baku and Killmonger, we’d rather rebel than relinquish control.

What we need to realize is that we’re much better off with Christ on the throne. Before his death, T’Challa’s father told him, “You are a good man, with a good heart.” That’s what made T’Challa a good king. Likewise, Jesus is the perfect King. He’s just, loving, merciful, and full of grace. He doesn’t barter with lesser kings, he can’t be bribed, and he’s not corruptible. He doesn’t just do good—he is good. And the best part is—he invites all of us into his Kingdom.

Have you accepted the kingship of Jesus?

Justice League: Hope and Heroes

Fans of Superman and followers of Jesus will delight in DC’s Justice League. Although the movie suffers from a bland villain and sub-par CGI (not the least of which covers Henry Cavill’s mustache), Justice League delivers something that was conspicuously absent from Man of Steel and Dawn of Justice… hope. This hope resides in the film’s resurrected savior, Superman. Director Joss Whedon establishes this theme right from the start. In the opening sequence, set prior to Superman’s death in Dawn of Justice, Superman pauses after a daring rescue to chat with a couple kids. “Is it true that your symbol stands for hope?” one child asks. “Yes,” Superman replies. “But it looks like an S,” the youngster persists. “It’s meant to,” Superman says, “It winds like a river. It comes and goes.”

In the wake of Superman’s death all hope seems gone. The whole world appears darker and drearier without him. Early in the film, Martha Kent tells Lois Lane, “There’s so much bitterness. I think it’s because he’s gone.” Batman agrees, commenting to Wonder Woman, “Superman was a beacon to the world.” Lois Lane sums up the situation in a voice-over at the end of the film. “Our darkness was deep and seemed to swallow up all hope…”

I think the followers of Jesus could relate. In the wake of his death on the cross, Jesus’ followers were devastated, depressed, and disillusioned. All their hopes rested in a man they believed was God in human flesh. But then He died. I think the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, spoke for everyone when they said, “We had hoped that He was the one” (Luke 24:21 NIV). Had hoped? Anytime you start talking about hope in the past tense, you know you’re in trouble. Thankfully, Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave. So did Superman.

In the film, Superman dramatically returns from the dead and, as alluded to by his symbol, brings hope back to his fellow heroes and the world. Lois Lane speaks of Superman’s return in her closing comments, saying, “Hope is real and you can see it. All you have to do is look up in sky.” The idea of a resurrected savior who brings hope to the world ought to resonate with Bible believing Christians. Prophesying the coming of Christ, the Bible says, “his name will be the hope of all the world” (Matthew 12:21 NLT).

Jesus is our hope. The hope of all the world.

In an interview with USA Today, Batman actor Ben Affleck makes a compelling comment. “Part of the appeal of this genre is wish fulfillment: Wouldn’t it be nice if there was somebody who can save us from all this, save us from ourselves, save us from the consequences of our actions and save us from people who are evil?” Thanks to Jesus, we don’t have to wish. We just have to hope.

Searching for Significance in Spider-man!

As I sat watching Spider-man: Homecoming with my kids, I truly appreciated being able to watch it on Vid-Angel. This newest iteration of everyone’s favorite web-slinger contains more foul language and suggestive themes than previous Spider-man movies, including a nonchalant reference to pornography and a (almost) F-bomb from Aunt May, of all people!

Despite these failings (which disappear thanks to Vid-Angel), Spider-man: Homecoming does tell a heartwarming story with some significant spiritual value.

The movie picks up where Captain America: Civil War ended. Peter feels special after receiving his spider-suit from Tony Stark and being chosen to help the Avengers with their internal conflict. In the wake of those prestigious events, however, Peter occupies himself with lower-profile acts of heroism. He thwarts a thief trying to steal a bicycle, bungles an attempt to stop an ATM burglary, and even gives directions to an elderly woman lost in Queens.  All the while, Peter anxiously awaits a call from Tony to join the big leagues. “I feel like I could be doing more,” Peter complains.  “I’m just curious when my next real mission is going to be.”

Surely, Peter Parker isn’t the only one to feel insignificant, as if the little things we do simply don’t matter. As a pastor for a small rural church, I can certainly relate. When I hear stories of rapidly-growing congregations or visit some mega-church, it’s easy to feel like my “small” ministry is insignificant and unsatisfying. Perhaps you feel the same way about your ministry, career or lot in life. The truth is, though—the little things really do matter. Jesus once said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones” (Luke 6:10 NLT). He also compares the Kingdom of Heaven to “a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:31-32 NLT).

At the end of the movie, Peter gets his wish. Tony Stark offers him a brand-new suit and a place on the Avengers’ roster. But by now Peter has discovered that the little things he does make a big difference. He tells Tony, “I’m good. I’d rather just stay on the ground for a little. Just a friendly neighborhood Spider-man. Somebody’s got to look after the little guy, right?”

Like Peter, I believe God wants each of us to “bloom where we’re planted.” Even if your life doesn’t seem grand or glamorous, what you do matters because it matters to God. 

Holy Heroes Promotional Video!

If you haven't already, please check out my book, Holy Heroes: The Gospel According to DC & Marvel! Each chapter explores a different superhero from either the DC or Marvel Universe and draws spiritual lessons from their stories! It's a fun and faith-building read that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

 

You can find Holy Heroes at your local Lifeway Christian Bookstore or at these and other online retailers:

• Amazon
• ChristianBook Distributors
• Barnes& Noble

 If you've already ordered or read Holy Heroes, please consider rating and reviewing the book on Amazon, Goodreads, or Google Books. 

Who's Your Daddy?

With Father’s Day right around the corner, I think now is a good time to share some thoughts about the return of Marvel’s loveable losers in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

After banding together to save the galaxy from Ronan the Accuser’s wrath, the Guardians of the Galaxy earned their moniker. Now regarded as heroes, the Guardians must help their team leader, Star Lord (a.k.a Peter Quill), unravel the mystery of Peter’s true parentage.

SPOILER WARNING!

A Missouri native, Peter lost his mother to cancer and never knew his father. He was raised by a space pirate named Yondu who claims to have kept Peter around because, as Yondu puts it, "He was skinny, could fit into places that we couldn't. Good for thieving."

In time, however, Peter meets his true father, an ancient celestial being who calls himself Ego. A powerful living planet, Ego created a human body for himself so that he could explore the universe and interact with biological life. At first, Ego seems to be a caring and compassionate father, eager to build a relationship with Peter. The two even enjoy a game of catch. However, Peter soon discovers that his father is a ruthless entity with a god complex who wishes to conquer the universe through an extinction-level plan known as the Expansion. He tells Peter, “I need to fulfill life's one true purpose, to grow and spread, covering all that exists until everything is... me!” Talk about an ego.

After a pitched battle with Ego that rages all the way to the core of the planet, Ego—the entire planet—explodes. Yondu shows up just in time wearing a flight suit and rescues Peter from the destruction. He flies Peter to safety then puts his space suit on Peter, sacrificing himself so that Peter can live. Before freezing to death in the cold airless vacuum, Yondu assures Peter, “He may have been your father, boy, but he wasn't your daddy.” Only then does Peter realize, “Sometimes, the thing you've been looking for your whole life is right there beside you all along.”

Sadly, many of us can relate to Peter’s experience. In America, more than 20 million children live in a home without the physical presence of a father.  Millions more have dads who are physically present, but emotionally absent.  If it were classified as a disease, fatherlessness would be an epidemic worthy of attention as a national emergency. If you grew up without a father or much of one, then Father’s Day may just be another fatherless day to you. But the Bible has some good news for people like Peter.

God wants to be your Father!

Of all the images God uses to describe his relationship with human beings, I think the most meaningful is Father. The New Testament refers to God as Father more than two hundred times. Jesus taught his followers to pray, saying, “Our Father who art in heaven…” (Luke 11:2). The Bible says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NIV).

God not only longs to be your Father, but he wants to be your Daddy too. Scripture says, “you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:15-16 NLT). The word Abba is the Hebrew equivalent of our word Dad or Daddy.

Regardless of whether you had the world’s best dad or the world’s worst dad, I want to encourage you to find a Father in God. The entire Bible is the story of God the Father creating a family that will last for all eternity. He created you to be a part of it!