May 8, 2010
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Youth seminar : Christian Media evaluation
To make choices between good and evil -- in any area of our lives -- we must .know God and His Word. His Spirit has been sent to guide and teach us. We must listen to His voice!
It is dangerous to call something good or bad before we weigh in with the Lord about it!
Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil ; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! KJV
Prov 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Jer 9:23-23 This is what the LORD says:"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast about this:that he understands and knows me,that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,justice and righteousness on earth,for in these I delight," declares the LORD. NIV
Choosing excellence in media: The basis of our being able to discuss together learning how to rightly judge media is our common relationship with God and His Spirit. Only those who care about not grieving Him will care about this topic!
All the content of all forms of media must be wholesome!
Eph 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. NIV
“unwholesome”= sapros NT:4550 sapros (sap-ros'); from NT:4595; rotten, i.e. worthless (literally or morally):KJV - bad, corrupt. Compare NT:4190. Rotten: stinking, morally offensive, corrupt: Corrupt: Made inferior by errors or alterations
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things .KJV
Each of us here who say we are Christians MUST have this in common – we must be in active fellowship with our Father through His Word and His Spirit -- it is only through communication with His Spirit and knowledge of His Word that we can judge media:
1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.KJV
If someone is in fellowship with God and walks in the light of God, only then can she or he agree together with the body of Christ that we must be careful about what we hear , read, and see.
If someone is “doing their own thing” and does not want any input from the body of Christ, there is nothing we can say to them to convince them of the gift of helping one another grow up into Christ by making sure we hold forth the ways of His Spirit and truth!
The righteous will hear truth; those who are not righteous will not hear it:
1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.KJV
There is probably no measurement of their current spiritual health and closeness to the Lord quite as revealing as our choices in music, movies, video games, books, etc.
Some honest, brave folks may be able to come right out and admit exactly where they are at in this area. Others, perhaps knowing that their choices are not what the rest of their church family would affirm, keep a very quiet, low profile on what they really like . They fear being corrected and/or challenged. And perhaps they fear rejection.
Perhaps they are proud and do not want to be wrong in front of everyone concerning their first assessment of something. I.e., they are more self conscious about man's response than they are about learning more about God's nature and ways!
Whether the person is keeping quiet or not, among discerning Christians it is quite apparent who is growing in the Lord and who is beginning to drift.
Sometimes the drifting is birthed from media choices. Consistently choosing a Word filled album with strong Christian musicians to listen to versus choosing albums made by those whose lyrics are pretty much watered down from being a strong gospel message to being an ambiguous message that seems unconnected with the Word and the Spirit can result in either helping to build a strong faith or weakening ones boldness in aggressively maintaining faith.
The Bible is clear on making wise choices, on having all we think upon being in harmony with the Lord. IF you love the Lord, you will strive to maintain that standard. If you don’t, you won’t. If one person loves the Lord and the other does not, there will be a separation!
We are always to be discerning of whether the source of anything we read or listen to or see is God, the flesh, or the devil! Furthermore, when we can prove from the Word what is the nature of something, those who are of God will listen; those who are not of God will not listen.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.KJV
Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.KJV
Phil 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.KJV
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.KJV
Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. {Christ is the STANDARD of truth! RB}
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
When someone refuses wisdom, walk away from him
Prov 14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
Matt 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine , lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.KJV
The person who exalts themselves against God has an antichrist spirit; the one with the Spirit of God submits their thoughts to His Spirit.
It is not MY opinion or YOURS that counts: We must all submit our minds to the mind of Christ! SELF WILL is an anti Christ spirit!!!
The Christian WARS against that spirit: 2 Cor 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
KJV
2 Thess 2:3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. NIV
Wise people examine their path to make sure they are in harmony with God; foolish people do not want to analyze right and wrong. Prov 7:1415 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.KJV
1 Thess 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Rev 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:KJV
If we have not met people who want to corrupt the body of Christ , then it is very hard for us to even think there are such people! But the Bible warns us against such people!
The fact is too: IF you are someone who is sarcastic and mocking when someone suggests we check out a certain product before using it, if you are someone who taunts with “goody, goody”, “you are a brainwashed robot”, “you are not fun to be around”, etc., then YOU have an anti Christ spirit! We are commanded to walk circumspectly.
You are being like Eve in the garden: You believe that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is BETTER than the TREE OF LIFE!
YOU have the makings of a WOLF if you are like this!
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.KJV
I believe MOST ALL of those who twist the Word and try to make the grace of God into a license to sin would probably whine and say “I am a Christian” if you confronted them with the fact that they either have or are momentarily working in harmony with an antichrist spirit. They are honestly deceived. But it IS their own fault because gradually doing “our own thing” brings us into the realm of believing lies.
2 Cor 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.KJV
We who have the Spirit of Christ do NOT want to grieve Him; therefore, we submit everything to Him.
We GROW into this maturity of submission!
1 Tim 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.KJV
The evaluation verdict when we look at media: Trash or Treasure? Black or White? Good or evil.
How do we evaluate what to listen to?
The evaluation results are not often a conclusive “YES, get this “ or “NO!” – it is more like a “scale of 1 to 10 “ situation because very few things we find under the label “Christian” are all good or all bad! Mixture is usually present in all we do or say! BUT, some things are WAY more EXCELLENT than others. We must strive to find excellence in the media we choose.
At the day of judgment, the final pronouncement will be made on what each one’s works were worth. The following passage makes it plain that some folk’s works are worth much more than others! 1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
“Christian” Media Evaluation criteria, by Rosemary Barnes
1. –-The effect on my body, soul (mind, will, emotions) and spirit
At the 5/23/10 seminar we listened to clips of secular music. We analyzed what pictures and emotions the music brought to mind.
Although most songs had no lyrics and were unknown us, we had some pretty common responses to each one.
There are GOOD emotions (healing,, uplifting, inspirational) and bad ones (discouraging, weakening, stirring up negative responses) – this is a partial list of something Briana found on the internet to list various emotions. We all know which ones are “good” and which are “bad”.:
Caring, Tenderness, Compassion, Longing, Passion, Enthusiasm, Excitement, Contentment, Pleasure, Hope, Optimism, Amazement, Irritation, Annoyance, Frustration, Anger, Bitterness, Scorn, Resentment, Disgust, Torment, Suffering, Hurt, Depression, Grief, Hopelessness, Disappointment, Guilt, Regret, Isolation, Loneliness, Rejection, Defeat, Embarrassment, Humiliation, Fear, Horror, Anxiety, Nervousness, Uneasiness, Worry, Dread, Discovery, Surprise, Wonder, Happiness, Rawness, Caring, Courage, Pity, Repentance, Pride, Relaxation, Alertness, Hope, Understanding, Anxiety
Delight, Elation, Sadness, Boredom, Joy, Satisfaction, Calmness, Serene,Empathy,Hyper,Confusion,Amused,Entertained,Unrest,Frustration,Meditative,
Industrious, Captivated,Carefree,Creative,Fun,Inspired,Spirited,Apathetic,Thoughtful,Concern
All these emotions (and more!) can be stirred up through any media we encounter! What builds me up in Christ ; what tears me down from Him and His high calling in my life?
2.--Appearance of those who created and/or performed it – what “image” is being communicated?
Some of today’s and yesterday’s images: Clean cut; biker; preppie; hippie; gypsy; angry rocker; punk; Goth; playboy or girl; professional worker; surfer; blue collar worker; southern good old boy; druggie, US Army soldier; sexually deviant, etc…Which ones are appropriate for a Christian? 1 Thess 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.KJV 1 Cor 3: 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.KJV
3. -Appearance of logo, advertisements, covers, T shirts that they sell, movie trailer, book cover, social network site skin, etc.
4. --If there are media interviews, what does the content say about the character of the person(s) involved?
5. -Interpersonal relationships (e.g., when a “Christian musician” “come out of the closet”, is that cause to stop buying their music? Or, when they admit to an affair with the drummer? Should a public performer have a public repentance before we restore them to their place of media ministry?)
6. –Reputation/character of those involved: Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.20 But ye have not so learned Christ;21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.KJV
7. –-Their relationship and faithful connection to their local church and the authority in that church – their service in their local church
8—Lyrics, script – does the message conform to the Word and to the Spirit of God? Does the message fulfill the great commission in either bringing people to Christ or teaching them how to live according to the ways of Christ? Is there compromise, distortion , or pollution of the Word of God? Is there consistent avoidance of the mention of the Lord Jesus Christ or of His cross? (I.e., each and every song does not have to mention the cross or have an evangelistic message; however, is it avoided over and over again?)
Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:11 Whose mouths must be stopped , who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.KJV
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.KJV
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;KJV
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
9—If music, what does the sound alone communicate? The rhythm?
10--Financial integrity
11--Reception of adulation (i.e., excessive admiration)— is there humility or pride?
12—Motive for their media production: For self promotion – lust of eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life? – or to minister? In Christian media , is there a place for “entertainment” and “performance”? For seeking popularity and money? Do they covet being recognized by the world, i.e., by “mainstream” festivals and award programs? Do they think that to really “succeed” the world must give their praise to them?
John 6:26 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."
13 -- Relationship with the world and its values; partnership with the world (either literally in business with or in agreement with the principles and practices of the world) 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world — the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does — comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.NIV
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
John 15:18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
Gal 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
2 Chron 19: 19:1 When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, 2 Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. 3 There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God." NIV
Matt 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. NIV
2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.KJV
Luke 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. NIV
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Note: I would love to have people email me any other criteria that comes to mind and even corresponding verses. rbarnesrol@aol.com
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Some say we have to mingle with the world and/or write about our own pitiful humanity issues in order to let them know we understand them, that we are “there for” them?
Would it suffice to hear the heart of the Spirit for that person and the answers He prompts us to give them without necessarily having to get glued to learning all the details of the issues the person is warring with?
Some would say we are “being fake” when we concentrate on the “good things” in our walk with the Lord and do not admit to how dark our souls can sometimes feel in the midst of some really rough warfare. They think that for us to choose to stay full of hope and joy is putting on a mask to cover reality. They do not understand that reality IS in the heavenly realm in Christ far above all those spiritual enemies that are attacking us!
Do we need to focus on the pain and obsess over problems for others who are in pain to believe we are “real”? Do we have to go a step even further down and actually the prodigal in the pig pen in order to reach that prodigal? Or can we consistently role model a life transcending base concerns by being in Christ and therefore show that there is a path available out of that pig pen?
Some groups think they have to sing about the pain of being in the world’s life style or write a book (or movie ) with a BIG portion concentrating on a worldly lifestyle and then a just a few words(by comparison) on how salvation showed up in Christ. They then let everyone know they are knowledgeable about being a part of the world. There is a school of thought that says we must have been a drug addict to really understand an addict. We must have been a mom who lost a baby to really understand that grief. Along this line of thought one could say, “We need to let the unsaved person know we identify with where we are at in order to reach them ; therefore, admit openly the darkness once dwelling in us (an sometimes what is STILL in us!) so as to let them know we are just like them in many ways. The thinking is , “They don’t like stuffy, distant, “religious, legalistic “Christians so let’s get down and dirty with the world so they will like us and then we can win them to Christ. Meet them where they are. Jesus was friends with publicans and sinners and prostitutes, we should be too.”
What is wrong with this kind of thinking? James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God ? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;KJV
Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:KJV
We are to walk in LIGHT!! We are not to look dark, angry , and unhappy. We are to reckon ourselves dead to that which is soulish and fleshly and alive to the nature of Christ inside!
Isa 60: 60:1 Arise, shine ; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.KJV
Isa 52: wake, awake, O Zion,clothe yourself with strength.Put on your garments of splendor,O Jerusalem, the holy city.The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. 2 Shake off your dust;rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem.Free yourself from the chains on your neck,O captive Daughter of Zion.
Matt 5: 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Eph 5: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret……….14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." 15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV
Phil 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universeNIV
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.NIV
Does that mean we cannot testify of the depth of captivity we were in and how grateful we are to the Lord for delivering us into His freedom and light? No, it just means that our motive is not to be “one with “ those still in that lifestyle so as to look “cool” to them nor should our motive me to glorify our past life. Enough should be mentioned to show the grace of God…no more, no less. It is for HIS glory, not to draw people to be friends with ME, but to reconcile them to GOD!
The danger of developing soul ties with unbelievers:
If I “hang out with” the world and/or fleshly Christians, I will begin to get attached to and have affection for them. I will inevitably come to the place that I realize that their choices are not what the Lord is happy with (i.e., if I remain in Christ). Then I will be in the uncomfortable position of drawing back from them after having gotten entangled with them. Unless they desire the high ground I want to remain on (or return to), we WILL be separated from any close relationship we have developed.
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A problem in church comes into all of our lives when the time comes to make choices of lifestyle “on our own” , i.e., apart from parents and other Christian leaders telling us what is right and wrong.
All of us must face the day when we must bear the responsibility to choose the appropriate lifestyle for ourselves. This age comes quite normally to all of us and it is a good thing; however, it is also a time when -- if we don't know the Word -- our conclusions may be based on shallow, worldly, peer influenced thinking rather than our diligently entering into a relationship with God and His Spirit, carefully weighing the Word and His voice in the formulation of deciding what we personally think and believe. :
While growing up in church, being a part of the church family , and not even thinking to question the beliefs of our parents and Christian leaders, we can experience such a warm, close family involvement in that safe, known environment.
But, when a person reaches an age when they must choose what they believe for themselves, the added burden to one raised in this environment is that – unlike our natural family – acceptance in the church family can be severed by choosing the world instead of the Lord!
When we realize that our own choices are totally different from what those closer to the Lord are choosing, we begin to feel alienated, out of place, in church. We could then also become a problem to our church if we try to convince our closest friends to also rebel against the teachings of the Spirit and the Word.
For the rest of us there is pain too: We could lose those we love when they decide to reject their upbringing and choose the current worldly culture instead. When we begin to see the rebellion leak here and there (and it does!), we know deep inside that the person is leaving our church family and there is not one thing we can do to make that beloved one choose the Lord around whom we have our basis for fellowship.
What we cannot do:
n We cannot pretend that their choices in worldly amusements and entertainments are all right with God – even worse, try to incorporate their tastes into our services even when we know those tastes are mixed with ungodliness!
n We cannot get so upset that they might leave us that we look the other way when we see that they are getting more and more worldly. We stop obeying God’s directive to “exhort, admonish, edify – speak the truth in love” for fear we will offend them.
What we must do:
Remain true to the Lord and continue to pray that the prodigal son or daughter gets enough of the world and returns to the Lord and to fellowship with His body at a local church.
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Media issues involving “old material”:
Sometimes we find a movie that communicates the heart of God and/or one of His teachings. But it is in black and white. It was created in 1958. The clothes and hair styles are way out of date. The language seems corny. Young people may mock it for these reasons.
When we are thwarted by that, what are we saying? That it matters to be fashionable? That the message should take a back seat to whether or not the movie is visually pleasing?
Are we planting seeds that justify eye rolling when the King James version of the Bible is read?
Can someone’s thoughts from 1892 be valuable to us now or are ideas from this year better than all others?
Matthew 13:52 He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old ."
Refusing to partake in a powerful piece of media and/ or mocking that media simply because it is “old” shows a shallow soul and immaturity. We should look for content that speaks to our spirit man in the name of the Lord, not for the “latest” in presentation style or what’s fashionable currently.
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Ministry or Performance? Is the gift of music given to a Christian ever to be used in a “performance” or should it always be a “ministry”?
One set of criteria fits all? There is much Christian media out there today to examine: Movies, books, poetry, video games, application downloads, social networking blogs; internet surfing “opportunities”, art museums; magazines, newspapers, YouTube – the list could go on. Do the same criteria listed above apply to ALL Christian produced media? Because every point is backed with Biblical principles for the Christian life, the answer is “Yes”. We cannot do something in the name of art that grieves the One who gives us the gift to be artists!
Is what I choose in media my own personal, PRIVATE choice? Do I have a right to make choices independent of the Word if I call myself a Christian?
1 Cor 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price : therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
If I do make really , obviously bad choices without repenting, is that anyone else’s business? Yes, and if the choices are really bad, there comes a time a separation from the body of Christ is called for!
1 Cor 5:6 b….. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? {RB note: I.e., sin in the church can affect everyone negatively!} 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.KJV
Those who refuse to live self examined lives in the light of the Word could fall into extreme sin and then that sin could corrupt the local church! Those who fall but also confess their sin and do warfare against the world, the flesh , and the devil can continue in fellowship while they press on into the mark of the high calling in Christ.
Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.KJV
Ps 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
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"Judging":
Many people think Christians are to “Judge not”. But, that is NOT TRUE. We are to judge righteously.
We are to Try the spirits…. Be circumspect…
We are not to be PASSIVE! NO BLANK MINDS!!!
passive – a couple of definitions: 5. influenced, acted upon, or affected by some external force., cause, or agency; being the object of action rather than causing action (opposed to active)..8. enduring, or submitting without resistance: a passive hypnotic subject.Synonyms 8. submissive, unresisting. —more: (1) : lethargic or lacking in energy or will (2) : tending not to take an active or dominant part End of definitions
We are commanded to discern, judge, evaluate; the command to do everything in the name of the Lord: In the interest of learning to evaluate, we evaluated the lyrics and the sound of a particular song on 5 5 10 at church: We shared these lyrics and questioned whether there was anything in them that ministered.
Whether or not the band members are saved was not AT ALL the issue being evaluated. Whether or not their song was edifying was the issue at hand for our discussion on 5 5 and whether or not one really bad song warns us to go elsewhere for our music ministry selections.
We shared the sound and discussed the effects of the sound on our bodies and souls. Most everyone agreed that this song was pretty empty when judged by ministry standards.
We questioned how much “junk” there could be in a song on an album before we think of the album as being “polluted”. The “joke “ about the mom who was about to serve brownies to her kids saying that she used only a little bit of dog waste in the brownies -- did the kids still want the brownies?
Admittedly, just about anything and everything (starting with our very own selves) contains contamination on one level or another; therefore these issues are not “no braiders”.
Biggest principle we wish to transmit: Evaluate everything! Passively accept nothing. Go from the weak response of “there is nothing wrong with it”, then past just “ok” and “good enough” on to the “excellent.
For anyone who missed the 5 5 service, here are the Monster lyrics: Songwriters: Brown, Gavin; Cooper, John Landrum;
The secret side of me, I never let you see I keep it caged but I can't control it
So stay away from me, the beast is ugly I feel the rage and I just can't hold it
It's scratching on the walls, in the closet, in the halls It comes awake and I can't control it
Hiding under the bed, in my body, in my head Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster I, I feel like a monster
My secret side I keep hid under lock and key I keep it caged but I can't control it
'Cause if I let him out he'll tear me up, break me down Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster I, I feel like a monster
It's hiding in the dark, it's teeth are razor sharp There's no escape for me, it wants my soul, it wants my heart
No one can hear me scream, maybe it's just a dream Maybe it's inside of me, stop this monster
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun I must confess that I feel like a monster
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster
I've gotta lose control, he something radical I must confess that I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster I, I feel like a monster I, I feel like a monster I, I feel like a monster
© EMI APRIL MUSIC CANADA LTD; LANDRUM PUBLISHING; NOODLES FOR EVERYONE; PHOTON MUSIC; WARNER-TAMERLANE PUBLISHING CORP;these lyrics are submitted by Skillet
Most everyone agreed that these lyrics were NOT edifying…they do not minister! Some also mentioned that this same band has put out many good songs.
Trash or Treasure? Black or White? How then do we evaluate what to listen to? It has occurred to me that the evaluation results are not often a conclusive “YES, get this “or “NO!” – it is more like a “scale of 1 to 10 “ situation because very few things we find under the label “Christian” are all good or all bad! Mixture is usually present in all we do or say! BUT, some things are WAY more EXCELLENT than others. Is it not the most excellent we must look for and choose?
At the Day of Judgment, the final pronouncement will be made on what each one’s works were worth. The following passage makes it plain that some folk’s works are worth much more than others!
1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Secular music and media: It is not within the realm of this paper to discuss in detail judging secular music or media (movies, literature, etc.) . Surely we do not expect the world to conform to most of the items on our criteria list and surely there are many of us who enjoy listening to a jazz trio or some country music or some other secular music forms or when we go to see a movie we believe will be fun to watch and not offensive to God.
The fact is, for me anyway, e.g., that when a group saying their music is “Christian” puts out a CD, I expect it to MINISTER to my spirit man. When that group contains a significant mixture of worldliness, then I am deeply disappointed in them.
A secular group is just that. Not pretending to be Christian, not pretending to be a source of ministry to my spirit. I actually can receive that group (if they are not obviously WICKED in their lyrics, sounds, etc.) more quickly than a group saying they are Christian but they are obviously very worldly minded. (When I say “receive”, I mean, e.g., to stop in the town square when the pan flutist is playing or in a park where the three piece light jazz group is performing and enjoy their sounds.)
We Christians are responsible to keep one another on the right path, the highway of holiness. We are responsible to exhort each other to walk in the Spirit!
Col 3: 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. NIV
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