How the Left Behind Reboot Holds Great Promise for Present-Day Evangelism

There can be no doubt that the days in which we are living are faced with great challenges. It seems like almost daily we are hearing great and troubling things in the news and people everywhere are looking for hope. When the events of September 11, 2001, occurred, it sparked a great interest in many to find answers to the questions they had by going to church or praying as never before. In 1995, authors Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins launched a book series that ignited both Christian and non-Christian fiction readers with the release of their first book in the Left Behind series. The imaginative series created a stir among Christians because it sparked further debate about end-time prophecies and events.

Three years after September 11, 2001, the authors saw the book series reimagined as it went from the page to the big screen. Actor and apologist Kirk Cameron brought to life one of its main characters Buck Williams in this post-rapture saga, which sought to be a contemporary evangelism tool to awaken people to the love of God in the midst of having missed the biblical and prophetic signs of Jesus’ return. In 2014, Nicolas Cage put his own spin on the series, although playing the character Rayford Steele.

Now, in 2023, actor Kevin Sorbo plans to take on the series, also playing Rayford, from a new point of the saga for this present generation of film viewers. At a time when people are yet still seeking hope and answers, debates still exist. Yet, I believe that this latest venture holds great promise for present-day evangelism, in spite of the controversy regarding its eschatology. Regardless of whether you hold to pre, mid, or post-tribulation theology, the potential for evangelism with this latest film is great. The following are some things to consider:

Current State of Christian Entertainment:

One of the biggest complaints about Christian entertainment has continually been that it pales in comparison to the big-budget blockbusters that come out of Hollywood. There has constantly been a stigma of them being preachy, low-budget, badly performed, and unimaginative. However, at the turn of the millennia, the playing field is beginning to level out as Christian entertainment is finding new and innovative ways to produce quality content that can stand toe-to-toe with mainstream studios.

Studios like Angel Studios have made inroads through crowdfunding projects like The Chosen, giving viewers buy-in to the entertainment that they desire. It has enabled content creators to see their visions realized. The Kendrick Brothers have been able to partner with major studios, maintain creative control, and see their projects stand side-by-side with the Hollywood fare. Darren Wilson is a film producer who has founded Wanderlust Productions, a film and television production company that has brought the Kingdom forward through innovative projects that not only ignite the heart of Christians but also spark the interest of those seeking to understand God and the power of Holy Spirit.

Current State of World Affairs:

The world has seen a dramatic shift since the original Left Behind film was released. The world is drastically being transformed and looks a far cry different from how things had been imagined in the initial movie. The advances in technology alone are greater than they had been displayed. Where the world has developed in terms of the financial markets, world travel, social media, and national news coverage have changed in such a way that the pages of the book appear more plausible, even to people who only have a surface knowledge of end-time prophecies.

World events, from the wars and rumors of war to the ease at which COVID-19 shut the world down make Hollywood's apocalyptic films look weak compared to the vivid imagery that the Bible paints for us.

Current State of Those Seeking Answers:

With all of the things that the world is going through, there is greater interest in people to find answers to the questions of life. People are seeking those answers everywhere. Regardless of what people may think about the Left Behind series and its eschatology, it can be a tool for fostering the conversations that can lead people to Christ.

At the beginning of this year, one of my first posts spoke to this being a year where God is moving us toward being a resource. We hold the answers that people need when it comes to what awaits us when we die. As people all over the world are dying suddenly and no one wants to consider why we can do what the Bible says we should do when people express their fears or have questions. We can present them with answers for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15). We can comfort them with the wisdom of the ages because of the hope that is found in Christ alone.