I just got back from seeing Spiderman 3, in Beckley, WV. Wow! This movie was awesome! It was, in my opinion, the best of the three. This installment had everything-comedy, action, romance, drama, suspense. It was the most well rounded, and I think the most profound so far. There was actually a lot of spiritual allegory in this movie. The main premise for this film is that Peter Parker (Spiderman) has to battle a "dark side" which actually takes on a physical form and controls him. ( this darkside is actually the character, "Venom" and is an alien life form that feeds off of hate, anger and agression. It takes on the characteristics of its host and amplifies their abilities and emotions)

Wow, need I say more? (I'm going to, even if I don't have to) Talk about a spiritual, biblical connection! I was struck with Romans 7 where Paul talks about this same kind of struggle within us all. A life and death struggle between our old nature, our flesh, and our new nature, and the spirit of Christ within us as born again Christians.

The key to our victory is in the first part of Romans 7:25. It is through the Lord Jesus that we have hope! It is in surrendering ourselves to His power and allowing Him to live His life and strength through is, that we will know relief from the war of our flesh against our true selves.

That is where our strength and hope lie. It is all about Jesus, not what we can do by ourselves.

In the Spiderman 3 movie, the character of Spiderman is narrarating at the end, and he says, "No matter what battle rages inside us, we always have the ability to chose to do what is right."

Wow! This is from a secular movie! That just blew me away. How true that it is for us as Christians. We have the spirit of the living Lord Jesus inside us through the Holy Spirit. That means we have the ability to choose a surrendered, Spirit led life, and can choose the righteousness of Christ over the sinfulness of our old flesh! What hope, what comfort, what joy that should fill us with! This allegory and that quote were worth the whole movie to me! I found myself sitting there, in a Beckley, WV Theatre, praying and thanking God for this help and strength at my disposal. With tears in my eyes and my heart stirred, I asked Him to help me to always choose Him when I am in the middle of a battle within. I always have a choice. Brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray for me, and I will pray for you that we consistently remember the choice we have
( righteousness over sin, through the Spirit), and that the right choice is made.

Definietely see this movie. Not just for this rich spiritual allegory and message, but also because it is just an incredible movie. I mean the special effects are even better than the previous 2 films, and the story line is great. I don't recomend that you take your small children though, as it was darker and more violent than the other two films. There were small kids in the theatre, and many of them wre noticeably frightened. I just think it is too intense in subject matter and portrayal to show anyone under the age of 11 or 12. That's just my opinion though. (It is rated PG-13)

Well, I hope you can see the movie soon. It's worth it, for sure.

Now, I'm going to get ready for bed. I'm looking forward to another great day tomorrow, worshipping the Lord with my wonderful church family at Faith Baptist. God's going to do some great things, as always. God bless and goodnight.

Chris.