Civil War is everything I hoped it would be. The fights and the match ups were magic. Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) was a breakout hero and made me excited to see the Black Panther movie. I really liked the new Spiderman (Tom Holland) and his story line. Soooo much better than Andrew Garfield.
This movie felt different than some of the other marvel movies. The movie had a great sense of intrigue, much like Bourne Identity, towards the beginning of the film. My son made the comment that he thought there was some disconnect between the scenes making it unrealistic. I felt, if there were any disconnects, it made the movie more authentic not less. It is a civil war don’t ya know.
I’m not a critic, I just know what I like and don’t like. If there was anything to dislike, it may have been the wide angle fight seen of Cap, Bucky , and Iron Man. It felt a little to video gamey to me. Other than that, the movie hit on all cylinders in terms of tone, humor, and overall enjoyment and I highly recommend seeing the movie.
I saw this movie on opening night with my son but will be seeing it with my youth group on Saturday. I’ll be watching a little more deeply for the various preachable points, but for now this is what I drew from it and what you might be able to use in your messages or bible studies.
These are the 3 major themes I walked away with and here’s how I might use them as illustrations in my messages.
Friendship
Quotes
Steve Rogers: Sorry, Tony. You know I wouldn’t do this if I had any another choice. But he’s my friend.
Tony Stark: So was I.
Sam Wilson: [to Steve] I just want to be sure you’ve considered all our options. Because people who shoot at you, usually wind up shooting at me too.
Points
- Don’t let ideology/philosophy/theology divide you.
- How to stay friends, even if you disagree.
- Stand by your friends
Scripture
A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity Proverbs 17:17
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13;20
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Questions
What would you do for a friend?
How do you handle it when your friends fight?
How do you handle it when you and your friend(s) have strong disagreements?
Accountability
Quotes
General Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross: Captain, while a great many people see you as a hero, there are some who prefer the word vigilante. You’ve operated with unlimited power and no supervision. That’s something the world can no longer tolerate.
Tony Stark: We need to be put in check. Whatever form that takes, I’m game.
Steve Rogers: [after hearing the Vision’s remarks about enhanced people and problems over the years] Are you saying it’s our fault?
Vision: Our very strength incites challenge. Challenge incites conflict. And conflict… breeds catastrophe.Supervision is not something to be dismissed out-of-hand.
Points
- Be accountable to people who have your best interest at heart.
- Accountability can be great tool or a noose around the neck.
- What ever your “super power” is (charisma, skills, etc) others will notice and challenge it.
- Believers must me accountable to each other in order to strengthen their faith.
Scripture
And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. Luke 12:47-48 ESV
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Questions
Who are you accountable to and for what? Is that good or bad? Why?
What does being accountable to each other, as believers, look like in your life?
Who can call you on the junk in your life?
Holding To Your Principles
Quotes
Steve Rogers: If I see a situation pointed south, I can’t ignore it. Sometimes I wish I could.
Points
- Stick to your beliefs even if everyone is against you.
- If you know what is right, do it.
- Hold to your beliefs but respect the beliefs of others.
Scripture
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.James 4:7
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Questions
Was there a time where your beliefs were challenged? Did you stand firm?
Have you ever been challenged on your beliefs and came out stronger?
Have you ever taken the wrong side of an issue? What was that like?
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