How to Share Your Faith Using The Haunting of Molly Hartley

Unless the scary movie genre fits into your definition of an eerie, fun-filled, spine-chilling Halloween, The Haunting of Molly Hartley may be disturbing and distressing. Seventeen year old Molly is trying to unlock the secrets of her parents and her past. Based on the movie's title it doesn't take a genius to predict that the past is not all sweetness and light. Horror awaits Molly when she turns eighteen and her life spins out of control. The plot swirls around "a choice she didn't make...a curse she can't escape...a soul that can't be saved..."

When you think about it, "a soul that can't be saved..." really is a horrifying thought. No wonder this movie is disturbing and distressing. But setting aside this latest attempt at Halloween high drama, is it really possible on a spiritual level for a soul to be beyond saving?

Fortunately, the Bible has some insights for us when it comes to answering that question. Check out some of these verses:

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins (Romans 3:22-24, NLT).

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people (Titus 2:11, NLT).

The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9, NLT).

It's clear that God's gift of salvation is freely available to all mankind. No one is beyond the reach of His grace-unless they choose to deny Jesus' divinity and message, an action Jesus describes as the one unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit in Matthew 12:31-32.

But whether you choose to see this Halloween release movie or not (and discretion is advised), conversations about the supernatural open up easily at Halloween time. So try turning the conversation toward spiritual things. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Why do you think some people enjoy pretend-scary experiences like frightening movies and haunted houses? What's the appeal?
• Do the ghosts, ghouls, devils and witches associated with Halloween make you feel uncomfortable?
• Do you think people have a soul that lives on after death? Do you believe in an afterlife? Share what the Bible has to say about God's free gift of eternal life through Jesus gift of salvation.
• If you or your friends see the movie The Haunting of Molly Hartley, spend some time talking about the spiritual side of the plot. Do you believe there are evil spiritual forces battling against God? For help explaining this, check out Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
• Ask your friends if they are afraid of the forces of darkness at work in the world. Share God's hope and promises with them from John 14:1-3 (NLT):Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

As symbols of the supernatural swirl around you this Halloween, open up the God-talk dialogue with your friends. Share the sweetest gift of all - God's grace.

Jane Dratz serves as Editor for Dare 2 Share Ministries International (D2S) in Arvada, Colorado, a ministry committed to energizing and equipping teenagers to know, live, share and own their faith in Jesus. For more information about D2S, please visit www.dare2share.org.