Waiting on Someone to tell You How to Believe?

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Eliseus,
I don't really think, in all cases, that it's a control issue.

Some men have seen t.v. be a negative force in their saints homes and it does frighten them to a degree. When a man sees these things he has to step back and say, "Can I honestly sanction that from this pulpit?"

I know a preacher that has said, in private, "I don't see that everything is wrong on the t.v., but I won't endorse it over the pulpit."

Then I have heard a preacher say, "You're a big boy. You're a big girl. I don't have to tell you what you need to do."

So, we have these two scenarios and some people torn on the sanctioning. I certainly wouldn't want to force any one person to make a choice one way or the another.

For some, it is a hard choice. I can respect the hesitancy. I think we are leaning too much on the "control" and not giving the people that are "hesitant to sanction the thing" a little credit for being afraid and knowing that whatever happens next could be part of their responsibility. It's not an easy decision for some people. I can't get angry at them for that.

We, as saints, have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Those chosen for the work of the ministry are there to bring us to maturity, edify us in the Lord and to reprove, rebuke, and exhort according to the word of God. They can't make anyone do what is right or think what is pure. It has to be within the heart of each saint to obey God.

There are some good things on TV and some not so good things, how can we claim to be mature saints if we cannot chose from the evil and the good? Or if we cannot control our flesh to not look at that which is not healthy for our walk with God?

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Eliseus

Sanction what?

Watching soft porn on late night tv??

The issue is churches advertising services on tv, not people going pell mell into boob tube addiction.

But if you will notice, it IS a control issue... as your post demonstrates...

"Some men have seen t.v. be a negative force in their saints homes and it does frighten them to a degree. When a man sees these things he has to step back and say, "Can I honestly sanction that from this pulpit?""

See? "If I say it's okay for a church to advertise on tv, the saints in my church will spend all their time soaking in the godless propaganda from Hollywood!"

Such people feel the need to CONTROL what "their" saints do or do not do, instead of preaching abstinence from sin and wisdom from God.

I don't believe they are thinking of it as control, but "watching for the soul". I'm pretty sure that is the thinking behind it.

You are going to have to try and put yourself in the shoes of some of these men or the issue turns into throwing chairs and yelling.

It frightens some people and especially those that have been around for a long time seeing things that are changing in society.

What about the Jews when all of a sudden - truth and light come on the scene? Did they handle it badly? Yes, many did. Fear always produces frustration and anger, but what did Nicodemus do? - He came to him at night because he felt, even though not quite understanding, that this was of God. He wanted to find out for himself. Others were just too afraid.

What about Peter denying him. Being bold enough to cut off an ear and running like a coward when Jesus was taken.

We can get angry about it all or just try to understand.

How could we, in good conscience, force a man to go against something that tears him up when he's on his knees - alone. I think the whole thing being debated and put forth for vote is a good thing. Eventually, as all treaties so to speak - come about in this fashion.

Let's try to keep as much unity among us, as we can garner, for the sake of the gospel. What else can we do?

Originally Posted by Eliseus

Somebody remind me why this is "THE pressing issue of our generation" again....

Anyone????

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

We, as saints, have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Those chosen for the work of the ministry are there to bring us to maturity, edify us in the Lord and to reprove, rebuke, and exhort according to the word of God. They can't make anyone do what is right or think what is pure. It has to be within the heart of each saint to obey God.

There are some good things on TV and some not so good things, how can we claim to be mature saints if we cannot chose from the evil and the good? Or if we cannot control our flesh to not look at that which is not healthy for our walk with God?

Certainly, but can you blame a man for not endorsing something that bothers him and takes his time away - or rather knowing that it would?

I'm just trying to focus on his intense struggle and responsibility he feels on this. That is what the fight is about, in essence.

Just from my point as having had satellite in the past - the Disney and other stations for children were so loaded in sex and rebellion, I just didn't know how any parent could allow their children to sit there day in and day out filling their minds with these things.

On my part, I was tired of watching "gay" men tell me how to decorate my house and dress my husband. lol! I was a little offended that it came to that.

[chseeads]

Originally Posted by Chan

But if they say anything out there in the real world outside of cyberspace, it might get back to their pastor.

But I'm talking about preachers, including pastors.... They're the ones it has anything to do with anyways, not the general population of church members.

It's only as big of a deal as some people make it. There's a lot of people out there that are not into all the politics of it all.

[Kutless]

Originally Posted by chseeads

But I'm talking about preachers, including pastors.... They're the ones it has anything to do with anyways, not the general population of church members.

It's only as big of a deal as some people make it. There's a lot of people out there that are not into all the politics of it all.

Definitely agree! There are people that will not be affected no matter which way the vote goes.

[MrsMcD]

Originally Posted by Eliseus

Anyone????

It gives everyone something to talk about. LOL

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Eliseus

The tv debate reveals a fundamental weakness of denominationalism... the "felt need to control others".

This applies to both sides, by the way....

Originally Posted by Eliseus

Somebody remind me why this is "THE pressing issue of our generation" again....

I think you already have your answer. It's all about control.
It has nothing to do with holiness at all. It's about mindnumbing, dumbed down churches who are still living in the 1950's.