Read: Matthew 5:43-48, 19:19, Matthew 22:37-38, Galatians 5:14
We've spent a lot of time talking about what our view, attitude and heart should be about media, now it's time to talk for a moment about the media's (world's) view of Christianity. I believe there are three main vies out there and they are: We are hypocrites, we are extremists, we are bigots. I want to break down why they think this and how we can show what true Christianity is.
Hypocrites - With Christian leaders falling because of sin the media has begun to view all Christians as hypocrites. There have sadly been instances where one Sunday a preacher is preaching about homosexuality and the next Sunday he's confessing that he's been engaged in a homosexual life. This paints a picture that we say one thing and do another thus earning the label hypocrite for all.
It also doesn't help that there are a lot of people out there claiming to be a Christian, but they cannot back up their words with their actions. It's extremely sad. Most people want to do good they need permission to repent and help.
What to do: Live it. If you say it do. Don't walk in Sunday and pretend to be holy when you were out Friday living like hell. Come in Sunday and confess your sin and get help. Don't be a faker, be real. When we live it people will want it. When asked about leaders falling and such let people know that there are millions of others who live what they say.
Extremists - In our nation we celebrate the right to freedom of religion. Unfortunately there are some crazy people out there who claim to be Christians, but are pushing another agenda. I've read articles about people who picket hospitals with soldiers, go to funerals for soldiers, preach messages against our country and more. These people are extremists and they are certainly not Christians, but have painted a warped view of Christianity. They are acting outside the Word of God and have no authority from God to do what they are doing.
What to do: When asked reply these people may say they are Christians, but they are not. Just like being in a garage doesn't make you a car, these people are not Christians. Their actions are wrong and are not found anywhere in the bible.
Bigots - Recently I was in down town Seattle with my wife for our anniversary and we stumbled upon a man holding a sign that said turn or burn or something like that. He was arguing with a man who was a homosexual (it was obvious by their conversation this was the case). They were basically yelling at each other about the bible. What the man with the sign had to say was true. If you do not have Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior you will not inherit eternal life, but where is the love? The bible says mercy triumphs over judgment. Christians get labeled many things, but true Christianity is one without bigotry, without hate. It is on of love, not acceptance for what you do, but love for who you are. It's not about cramming a message down someones hope, but rather showing them love and hope that they too can be made well. We had a message awhile back about this and I wrote a post addressing this here.
What to do: Love. Not accept. We do not approve of or accept behavior that is sin, but we certainly love them. We look past any labels anyone might put on them and love them. Pray for them and let others know when they think that Christians are bigots that we love every person no matter what they've done.
The media will continue to paint pictures of Christianity as many things. It's important for you to recognize that Christianity is about love, hope, forgiveness and healing. Not judgment, hatred, bigotry or anything else. Jesus is the hope every person needs! Don't let outside sources come in and cloud your view of what it means to be a Christian.
Prayer: Don’t let me give into the medias view of Christianity.
Showing posts with label Media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Media. Show all posts
8/2/08
What would Jesus watch, listen to, play….
Read: Matthew 4:19; John 14:6
"Come follow me and I will make you..." When we ask Christ into our life He begins to make us into His disciples. He begins to make us into the image of himself. In fact the world Christian means little Christ's. We are called to be copy's of Jesus. Now, Jesus was perfect, can we be perfect? Not on this earth, but we can sure try and that's what we are supposed to do.
Jesus, being perfect, had incredibly high standards. He never sinned. When we talk about choices and standards of media we have to ask ourselves what would Jesus do (that was so corny)? Seriously though. When we are considering listening to a song, watching a movie/TV show, playing a video game or getting on a website we need to ask ourselves these questions:
Above is the standard for evaluating your choices of media. If you are unsure don't be afraid to ask one of the above people what they think about your choice in media.
Prayer: Give me a standard and desire to be like Jesus.
"Come follow me and I will make you..." When we ask Christ into our life He begins to make us into His disciples. He begins to make us into the image of himself. In fact the world Christian means little Christ's. We are called to be copy's of Jesus. Now, Jesus was perfect, can we be perfect? Not on this earth, but we can sure try and that's what we are supposed to do.
Jesus, being perfect, had incredibly high standards. He never sinned. When we talk about choices and standards of media we have to ask ourselves what would Jesus do (that was so corny)? Seriously though. When we are considering listening to a song, watching a movie/TV show, playing a video game or getting on a website we need to ask ourselves these questions:
- Would I want my parents knowing about this?
- Would I want my spouse knowing about this? (if you are married)
- Would Jesus watch, listen, play, permit this?
- Would I want my pastor to know about this?
- Would I want my Christian friends knowing about this?
- Could I stand on the stage and tell the whole church about this?
Above is the standard for evaluating your choices of media. If you are unsure don't be afraid to ask one of the above people what they think about your choice in media.
Prayer: Give me a standard and desire to be like Jesus.
8/1/08
It may not be sin, but...
Read: Proverbs 3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-12, 10:23-24.
Media, Media, Media *sigh*. When you start talking about the music people listen to, the TV shows and movies they watch, and the online social networks they are a part of people can get really crazy. They can accuse you of being religious, old school, and many other things.
The reason I'm doing these posts is because these principles have brought me to where I am today. A place where I'm hungry for God, I hear His voice often daily and I am fulfilled. If you read these posts in their entirety you see that they are not a list of do's and dont's but a heart and attitude one must have to "see God."
When talking about choices in Media I want to present another argument. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT, "You,say I am allowed to do anything - but not everything is good for you." In other words your choices of music, TV, and movies may not be sin but... They're probably not good for you.
I mentioned in an earlier post that in order to hear God's voice we've got to turn off the other voices (sounds like a crazy person :-). Too much intake of all the stuff that's out there is not healthy to your spirit. You need a balance. In fact the more of the Spirit you allow into your life and the less media or world you take in the better.
It may not be sin to listen to rap music or the top 40, but it's not good for you. It may not be sin to watch your favorite TV show, but depending on what it is and about it's not good for you. It may not be sin for you to watch the latest movie, but depending on what it is and about, it's not good for you.
There comes a time in your life where you have to decide, do I want to be entertained, or do I want to engage God's plan for my life. This again doesn't mean no music, TV or movies. It means that if you are sacrificing your holiness in the name of entertainment... Houston we have a problem.
It's time to make a choice. The choice that you are willing to give up anything to go up with God. It's time to set some standards in your life. Standards that say I will or will not allow this kind of stuff into my head. It may not be sin, but it's not good for your spiritual health.
Prayer: Help me to know what you want and do not want me to have in my life. Search me!
Media, Media, Media *sigh*. When you start talking about the music people listen to, the TV shows and movies they watch, and the online social networks they are a part of people can get really crazy. They can accuse you of being religious, old school, and many other things.
The reason I'm doing these posts is because these principles have brought me to where I am today. A place where I'm hungry for God, I hear His voice often daily and I am fulfilled. If you read these posts in their entirety you see that they are not a list of do's and dont's but a heart and attitude one must have to "see God."
When talking about choices in Media I want to present another argument. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT, "You,say I am allowed to do anything - but not everything is good for you." In other words your choices of music, TV, and movies may not be sin but... They're probably not good for you.
I mentioned in an earlier post that in order to hear God's voice we've got to turn off the other voices (sounds like a crazy person :-). Too much intake of all the stuff that's out there is not healthy to your spirit. You need a balance. In fact the more of the Spirit you allow into your life and the less media or world you take in the better.
It may not be sin to listen to rap music or the top 40, but it's not good for you. It may not be sin to watch your favorite TV show, but depending on what it is and about it's not good for you. It may not be sin for you to watch the latest movie, but depending on what it is and about, it's not good for you.
There comes a time in your life where you have to decide, do I want to be entertained, or do I want to engage God's plan for my life. This again doesn't mean no music, TV or movies. It means that if you are sacrificing your holiness in the name of entertainment... Houston we have a problem.
It's time to make a choice. The choice that you are willing to give up anything to go up with God. It's time to set some standards in your life. Standards that say I will or will not allow this kind of stuff into my head. It may not be sin, but it's not good for your spiritual health.
Prayer: Help me to know what you want and do not want me to have in my life. Search me!
7/31/08
Search my heart...
Read: Psalm 4:1-5, 139:23-24; Jeremiah 17:10.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." King David - Psalm 139:23-24
When we talk about media, being in this world and not of, being above the culture and holiness we have to talk about the attitude and the heart. Our desire for holiness cannot be driven by religion or guilt. It cannot be quest we take because of all the wrong we've done. In fact it should be driven by a desire to be with God, hear His voice and to be used by Him and that alone.
In order to walk holy, be in this world and not of it and be above the culture we have to have the same attitude that David had. In fact it was said about David by God that He was a man after God's own heart. Why? Because David was willing to let God search him and test him. He was willing to open his heart to God for God to examine Him and point out anything that needed to go!
In order to walk holy and be used by God we have to have the same heart. We have to be willing to expose to God our deepest and darkest secrets (He knows them anyways). We have to be willing to, like Abraham was willing with Isaac, sacrifice anything. We have to be willing to put anything God wants on the alter and sacrifice it to Him. Often that thing he wants us to sacrifice has something to do with media.
This is the heart and attitude of those who are used by God, hear from God and have His presence in their life. God will search you and point out anything that offends Him. When you remove that from your life it allows His presence to come because God does not hang around things that offend Him.
This is a dangerous prayer to pray because God will take you up on your offer. He will ask you to sacrifice things in order for you to walk with Him. The great thing about God though is that the pain of sacrifice is always dwarfed by the power and pleasure of being in His presence. His blessing and favor come to those who are willing to lay it all out for Him.
Let God in today to search you and point out anything that offends him. He may ask you to get rid of some hard things, but the joy of accomplishing His will for your life will far outweigh the price you pay to do so!
Prayer: Search my heart, try me and see if there is anything in me that shouldn’t be. Give me the strength to remove it from my life!
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." King David - Psalm 139:23-24
When we talk about media, being in this world and not of, being above the culture and holiness we have to talk about the attitude and the heart. Our desire for holiness cannot be driven by religion or guilt. It cannot be quest we take because of all the wrong we've done. In fact it should be driven by a desire to be with God, hear His voice and to be used by Him and that alone.
In order to walk holy, be in this world and not of it and be above the culture we have to have the same attitude that David had. In fact it was said about David by God that He was a man after God's own heart. Why? Because David was willing to let God search him and test him. He was willing to open his heart to God for God to examine Him and point out anything that needed to go!
In order to walk holy and be used by God we have to have the same heart. We have to be willing to expose to God our deepest and darkest secrets (He knows them anyways). We have to be willing to, like Abraham was willing with Isaac, sacrifice anything. We have to be willing to put anything God wants on the alter and sacrifice it to Him. Often that thing he wants us to sacrifice has something to do with media.
This is the heart and attitude of those who are used by God, hear from God and have His presence in their life. God will search you and point out anything that offends Him. When you remove that from your life it allows His presence to come because God does not hang around things that offend Him.
This is a dangerous prayer to pray because God will take you up on your offer. He will ask you to sacrifice things in order for you to walk with Him. The great thing about God though is that the pain of sacrifice is always dwarfed by the power and pleasure of being in His presence. His blessing and favor come to those who are willing to lay it all out for Him.
Let God in today to search you and point out anything that offends him. He may ask you to get rid of some hard things, but the joy of accomplishing His will for your life will far outweigh the price you pay to do so!
Prayer: Search my heart, try me and see if there is anything in me that shouldn’t be. Give me the strength to remove it from my life!
7/30/08
Be Holy...
Read: Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Ephesians 1:4, 1 Corinthians 1:2.
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16
I've had a lot of people ask me how do you hear the voice of God? I've also heard a lot of people say that they desire the presence of God in their life. So how do you have God's presence and hear his voice? Read these scriptures:
Rom 12:1-2
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Without holiness no one will see the Lord - Heb 12:14
These scriptures tell us that it is holiness in our lives that will allow us to hear God (know His will for us) and see Him in our life. God commands us to be Holy as He is holy! Holiness is not a set of regulations. It's not do this, don't do that, but rather it is becoming more like Christ. Every time you obey the voice of God you become more holy.
Like I said I cannot give you a list of do's and dont's that are not in the bible, that would be religion, but holiness will cost you. To be holy God will eventually ask you to give up different types of media. This will allow you to become more like Him and will allow more time for Him to speak to you.
I look at it this way. The media I let in my life is a voice. Depending on how much I watch, listen too and see depends on how loud that voice is in my life. Well God has a voice too! From 1 Kings 19:12 we know that His is a still small voice. If our life is consumed with all these other voices how are we going to have the time and the quietness to hear God's voice?
Holiness is also a revelation. As you go on your journey in this Christian life God will reveal to you the level of holiness that He wants you to walk in. I honestly believe that there is a perfect level of holiness for you to walk in right now. I believe people can try and be holy which leads to religion and pride because it's on your own strength and therefore they cannot be used by God, nor will they hear Him. And other people are not holy enough, so they cannot be used by God, nor hear Him in their life.
If you are wondering if you are holy enough or not, go to God and ask Him. Ask God if there is anything in your life that is holding you back and be willing to give it up. He may want you to give up R rated movies, or secular music or something. Ask Him and He will tell you. You can only be as holy as God has revealed to you and given you the power to be.
If you are a student you need to obey God and your parents. If your parents say no more of this music or TV show, don't tell them that God hasn't spoken that to you. Parents are the voice of God in our lives. Hear and obey and you will hear God!
Prayer: Lord make me holy as you are holy! Give me a greater revelation of your holiness and the power to walk in it. I want to hear your voice and be in your presence.
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16
I've had a lot of people ask me how do you hear the voice of God? I've also heard a lot of people say that they desire the presence of God in their life. So how do you have God's presence and hear his voice? Read these scriptures:
Rom 12:1-2
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Without holiness no one will see the Lord - Heb 12:14
These scriptures tell us that it is holiness in our lives that will allow us to hear God (know His will for us) and see Him in our life. God commands us to be Holy as He is holy! Holiness is not a set of regulations. It's not do this, don't do that, but rather it is becoming more like Christ. Every time you obey the voice of God you become more holy.
Like I said I cannot give you a list of do's and dont's that are not in the bible, that would be religion, but holiness will cost you. To be holy God will eventually ask you to give up different types of media. This will allow you to become more like Him and will allow more time for Him to speak to you.
I look at it this way. The media I let in my life is a voice. Depending on how much I watch, listen too and see depends on how loud that voice is in my life. Well God has a voice too! From 1 Kings 19:12 we know that His is a still small voice. If our life is consumed with all these other voices how are we going to have the time and the quietness to hear God's voice?
Holiness is also a revelation. As you go on your journey in this Christian life God will reveal to you the level of holiness that He wants you to walk in. I honestly believe that there is a perfect level of holiness for you to walk in right now. I believe people can try and be holy which leads to religion and pride because it's on your own strength and therefore they cannot be used by God, nor will they hear Him. And other people are not holy enough, so they cannot be used by God, nor hear Him in their life.
If you are wondering if you are holy enough or not, go to God and ask Him. Ask God if there is anything in your life that is holding you back and be willing to give it up. He may want you to give up R rated movies, or secular music or something. Ask Him and He will tell you. You can only be as holy as God has revealed to you and given you the power to be.
If you are a student you need to obey God and your parents. If your parents say no more of this music or TV show, don't tell them that God hasn't spoken that to you. Parents are the voice of God in our lives. Hear and obey and you will hear God!
Prayer: Lord make me holy as you are holy! Give me a greater revelation of your holiness and the power to walk in it. I want to hear your voice and be in your presence.
7/29/08
In this world but not of it...
Read: Hebrews 11:13; John 17:14-19
"Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very soul. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors..." 1 Peter 2:11-12.
The moment we open our heart to Christ and invite Him in we change. 2 Corinthinas 5:17 says we become a new creation. In fact we are engaged in a battle for the souls of mankind and when we choose Christ we switch to the winning side. In this process of switching sides we become temporary residents and foreigners. We are now in this world, but not of it.
When I look around today at many Christians I am overcome with grief, sadness and sometimes an anger because of what I see. I see many people squandering the gifts and callings God has placed in their life all in the name of entertainment and it tears me up! I see people who are supposed to be in this world, but not of it, yet when you take a closer look they are in this world and of it.
There has got to be a difference between someone of faith and someone of no faith. If you go to all the movies your friends of no faith go to, listen to all the music, watch all the shows they watch and visit all the websites they do and the only difference between you and them is that you go to church once a week on a Sunday, is there really a difference between you and them?
Sure you may not be at the parties and you are not committing the same sins they are, but in their eyes they see someone who is no different. Holiness is not committing no sin it is committing your life to God and only Holy people are powerful people.
I'm not saying that you should never see a movie, listen to music, watch TV, go online. I'm saying that you need to examine your life and your choice of media and ask yourself if God would be pleased with your selection. Ask yourself will this movie, TV show, Music, internet site help me or hinder me from the call of God on my life. Will it make me more effective in fighting the battle for souls or destructive towards fighting that battle.
There are many people that need the message you have received, but in order to have a platform to speak that message to them you have got to sacrifice some things out of your life and one of those things is your choice of media. Are you in this world and not of it or do you look exactly like those you are trying to reach? It's time to live properly!
Prayer: God help me to be in this world, but not of it.
"Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very soul. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors..." 1 Peter 2:11-12.
The moment we open our heart to Christ and invite Him in we change. 2 Corinthinas 5:17 says we become a new creation. In fact we are engaged in a battle for the souls of mankind and when we choose Christ we switch to the winning side. In this process of switching sides we become temporary residents and foreigners. We are now in this world, but not of it.
When I look around today at many Christians I am overcome with grief, sadness and sometimes an anger because of what I see. I see many people squandering the gifts and callings God has placed in their life all in the name of entertainment and it tears me up! I see people who are supposed to be in this world, but not of it, yet when you take a closer look they are in this world and of it.
There has got to be a difference between someone of faith and someone of no faith. If you go to all the movies your friends of no faith go to, listen to all the music, watch all the shows they watch and visit all the websites they do and the only difference between you and them is that you go to church once a week on a Sunday, is there really a difference between you and them?
Sure you may not be at the parties and you are not committing the same sins they are, but in their eyes they see someone who is no different. Holiness is not committing no sin it is committing your life to God and only Holy people are powerful people.
I'm not saying that you should never see a movie, listen to music, watch TV, go online. I'm saying that you need to examine your life and your choice of media and ask yourself if God would be pleased with your selection. Ask yourself will this movie, TV show, Music, internet site help me or hinder me from the call of God on my life. Will it make me more effective in fighting the battle for souls or destructive towards fighting that battle.
There are many people that need the message you have received, but in order to have a platform to speak that message to them you have got to sacrifice some things out of your life and one of those things is your choice of media. Are you in this world and not of it or do you look exactly like those you are trying to reach? It's time to live properly!
Prayer: God help me to be in this world, but not of it.
7/28/08
Be above the culture!
Read: Proverbs 4:23-27; 1 Peter 2:9-13
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Proverbs 4:23. "Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very soul. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors..." 1 Peter 2:11-12.
Live properly, guard your heart. What does this mean? What does it mean to live properly and guard our heart?
When talking about media: movies, music, TV, internet, etc, we have to address culture. Pastor Jeff says that movies are the art of our present culture. Media is the art of our culture. It is what people are talking about, thinking about and sometimes acting out. In fact I cannot hang out with a group of people and not hear from someone about a movie, TV show, song or internet site. It is in our minds and therefore in our hearts.
As Christ followers we are called to live properly, keeping away from worldly desires and we are called to guard our hearts. This means we need to be above the culture. When culture tells us its okay to watch this and listen to that and act it out we've got to go to the Bible and find the truth. If the Bible tells us something different we have to make the choice to be above that garbage and not allow it into our heart.
Just listening to music for the beats, or watching movies for the laughs, or watching TV to have something to talk about can still allow the junk that's being spit out to get into our hearts and we have to guard our hearts.
I'm not saying or even suggesting that you should not watch TV, movies, get online, or listen to music. I'm saying examine what parts of the culture you are allowing into your life and be open for God to instruct you on what you should and shouldn't do. When in doubt, be above the culture. If we will be above the culture those that are lost in the culture will have people to look to for help!
Prayer: God help me to be above the culture living Holy for you!
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Proverbs 4:23. "Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very soul. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors..." 1 Peter 2:11-12.
Live properly, guard your heart. What does this mean? What does it mean to live properly and guard our heart?
When talking about media: movies, music, TV, internet, etc, we have to address culture. Pastor Jeff says that movies are the art of our present culture. Media is the art of our culture. It is what people are talking about, thinking about and sometimes acting out. In fact I cannot hang out with a group of people and not hear from someone about a movie, TV show, song or internet site. It is in our minds and therefore in our hearts.
As Christ followers we are called to live properly, keeping away from worldly desires and we are called to guard our hearts. This means we need to be above the culture. When culture tells us its okay to watch this and listen to that and act it out we've got to go to the Bible and find the truth. If the Bible tells us something different we have to make the choice to be above that garbage and not allow it into our heart.
Just listening to music for the beats, or watching movies for the laughs, or watching TV to have something to talk about can still allow the junk that's being spit out to get into our hearts and we have to guard our hearts.
I'm not saying or even suggesting that you should not watch TV, movies, get online, or listen to music. I'm saying examine what parts of the culture you are allowing into your life and be open for God to instruct you on what you should and shouldn't do. When in doubt, be above the culture. If we will be above the culture those that are lost in the culture will have people to look to for help!
Prayer: God help me to be above the culture living Holy for you!
7/27/08
Media Reading Plan
MEDIA Reading Plan
Monday: Be above the culture. Read: Proverbs 4:23-27; 1 Peter 2:9-13
Prayer: God help me to be above the culture living Holy for you!
Tuesday: In this world but not of it. Read: Hebrews 11:13; John 17:14-19
Prayer: God help me to be in this world, but not of it.
Wednesday: Be Holy. Read: Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Ephesians 1:4, 1 Corinthians 1:2;
Prayer: Lord make me holy as you are holy!
Thursday: Search my heart. Read: Psalm 4:1-5, 139:23-24; Jeremiah 17:10;
Prayer: Search my heart, try me and see if there is anything in me that shouldn’t be.
Friday: It may not be sin, but... Read: Proverbs 3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-12, 10:23-24.
Prayer: Help me to know what you want and do not want me to have in my life.
Saturday: What would Jesus watch, listen to, play…. Read: Matthew 4:19; John 14:6
Prayer: Give me a standard and desire to be like Jesus.
Sunday: Media’s view of Christianity Read: Matthew 5:43-48, 19:19, Matthew 22:37-38, Galatians 5:14
Prayer: Don’t let me give into the medias view of Christianity.
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