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Post by nightingale on Jun 1, 2006 2:18:13 GMT -5
OK...I did it...my DVDs/Videos are now officially in the dumpster, sitting there for the trash pickup in the morning...some of the educational ones are in the back of my van going to the Good will store, a few are going back to the people who bought them, only because I would never hear the last of it, but the one's that had witchcraft or magic are gone...most of them are Disney ones...I did it for Jesus...No looking back.......Love Sis Debbie... P.S. If you look back at when this subject was first posted, it was almost 2 years ago...I was going to get rid of them then, but made the mistake of boxing them up and putting them in the closet, where they were slowing brought back out to watch:-/ Well they are gone now ...Praise God...No looking back... "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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14Love you all...Sis Debbie
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Post by benshelpmeet on Jun 1, 2006 12:33:33 GMT -5
"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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 Amen sister Debbie! I'm so proud of you, I know it's not easy, but you will be so glad you did, when you look back a few years from now.
Remember if you keep a few worldly things in your life like compromising ''christian'' music, or other subtle worldly compromises, it could have a pull on your life and make you desire the entertainment you just got rid of, you might start wondering why you got rid of it???... and maybe it's not so bad after all. Continue to seek the Lord about what is not pleasing to God in your home. When the Lord reveals something...get rid of it... You will never regret selling out to God 100%.
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Post by monica on Jul 5, 2006 9:41:55 GMT -5
Hello,
I have just registered here on the forum. As a short introduction, I am an independent Baptist who embraces the doctrines of grace (also called Calvinism, although it's not from Calvin that my husband and I learned these doctrines, but rather from the Bible). At this point at least, I don't have your conviction about wearing head covering other than my hair, but I do respect and admire the sweet spirit many head-covering ladies have - we have some Mennonite materials and they are like a breath of fresh air in many respects. We admire simplicity. I am a stay-at-home wife and mother.
I have read a good bit of posts on this forum and without wanting to debate your convictions (I quite understand your posting guidelines), I'd like to comment a bit on the following statement you made: "It is a waste of ones time to watch a TV and Videos." Just to add a few considerations that I think have perhaps escaped you.
I have been blessed with a good Christian husband, and we really try to bring up our son in the fear of the Lord. We try to reject man-made traditions, pagan additions to the Bible message and so on. We are very much aware of the filth that characterizes television nowadays. We don't live in the States, but it's the same here as well. We decided quite some time ago that we do not want our son to have access to TV and fill his mind with garbage. At first we thought the best way would be to have no TV at all. We certainly do not feel any need to watch it. After serious thought and reading and praying about how we need to bring up our son, we bought a TV-set. No, we haven't lowered the standard at all and do not accept ANY of the TV programs' filth. Let me explain.
We do not have an antenna at all. Without it we cannot access and watch any TV programs. That's because we don't intend to watch any at all. We only use it for the VCR, for good sound biblical, healthy videotapes. Like the ones that teach creation science, or wonderful tapes from Moody Institute of Science, that have really enriched us. Just a few days ago we watched such a tape together and we marveled once again at God's creation as we watched a caterpillar turn into a chrysalis and then into a butterfly! (Something we had never seen first-hand in nature.) Or learning about the planets and the vastness of the universe God made. There are still many good, biblically sound materials out there. We never expose our son to something we haven't checked previously ourselves.
You see, we have reached this conclusion that we can insulate our children as much as we can from the world (and in their growing years, we definitely need to do that!!!), but it all backfires if as they grow we don't equip them to think as Christians and be able to discern what's around them. That means gradually letting them be exposed to things and analyzing them together. (I don't mean showing them porn or anything like that!!!) I just mean reading books or watching a video material that maybe has wrong/humanistic ideas in order to learn to discern truth from falsehood. Do you know what I mean? I am very concerned about the many cases of children raised in families of Bible-believing parents, that grew up insulated completely in every respect and who later 'jump ship' and completely embrace all the dirt that the world has to offer. TV sets are all around. I can never make sure my child never bumps into one. I can however make sure he sees only good stuff so he doesn't feel any need to go and feel attracted to the bad stuff. And as he grows, we want to help equip him to discern the lies in the things that the world offers. So that when he's on his own he can stand.
So my point is, no, it's not necessarily a waste of time. For us it's been a blessing, a tool of God, that has helped us learn more about the wonders of His creation in a way that we couldn't have just by walking in nature (which we love to do!). We do not spend a whole lot of time watching videos, rather do it as a family, together, as a special 'treat'. If I can put it this way, if I don't want my child to eat rotten stuff outside, I can make sure he has plenty of healthy food at home and is satisfied and has no need to even crave junk food - do you know what I mean?
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Post by Brother Ben on Jul 5, 2006 13:03:26 GMT -5
One of the main principles I have spoken about and have seen time and time agian is that whatever the authority allows in moderation the subordinate will do in excess. I have seen it time and time again.
Example. I used to attend a church that was very conservative and the families did not use video media in their homes. One by one they slowly let tv/vcr/dvd into their homes. The strong families watch only good videos, i.e., Moody, Ken Ham, etc., however the weak families, justifying their video use because the strong families have made allowance, struggle and failing in the area of discernament and their children are paying the price.
I know that the tv/monitor and vcr/dvd in and of itself is not an evil thing, but it falls in the catagory of meat offered to idols. No, you won't go to hell for doing this, but those who follow YOUR example, but do not have your discernment can fail and falter in their Christian life and then YOU are going to have to answer to God for causing one of His weak ones to stumble.
1Cr 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 1Cr 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Are o.k. with that?
Food for thought, Bro. Ben
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Post by monica on Jul 5, 2006 14:53:35 GMT -5
I know that the tv/monitor and vcr/dvd in and of itself is not an evil thing, but it falls in the catagory of meat offered to idols. No, you won't go to hell for doing this, but those who follow YOUR example, but do not have your discernment can fail and falter in their Christian life and then YOU are going to have to answer to God for causing one of His weak ones to stumble. 1Cr 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 1Cr 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Are o.k. with that? No, not really. That is because (without meaning to be disrespectful to you or any such thing) you are comparing things that belong to different categories. Meat offered to idols had something negative in itself by association - the connection with the occult, with the idols that, although were representations of gods that didn't really exist, were a medium for the devil and his deceiving spirits. A VCR that has no connection to anything bad in itself is no comparison. You could equally say that when you have a telephone, those that follow your example but do not have your discernment, and use it to gossip or waste too much time in useless chat, will cause you to have to answer to God. Would you give up your telephone? In fact, a telephone is a pretty innocent thing after all. How about the computer? You may have discernment about how to handle the internet, but those who follow your example of getting a computer and going online, but do not have your discernment can fail and then you are going to have to answer to God for causing them to stumble? How about the very ads on this page (with a woman in a swimming suit), which you probably have discernment enough to not look at, but others might not ? You probably also buy books of some sort every once in a while. While you may buy good edyfing Christian books, others may not use the same discernment and so are you causing them to stumble? I don't mean to be cheeky by writing all of this, only mean to point out your reasoning is not consistent in this respect. Please do not take offense.
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Post by George on Jul 5, 2006 18:55:55 GMT -5
I cannot speak for Brother Ben nor would I be presumptuous enough to attempt that. He does well at speaking for himself. However the tone and the content of the last post concerns me. I personally do not care for it. Why would a post need to be ended with the statement no offense is intended if the content of that post were not potentially offensive to someone?
As can be gleaned from a lot of areas in this forum, this is an extremely conservative and godly group of folks. We have some quite unwavering stances on a lot of things of the world. One of those things is the use of VCR's/DVD players. That stance can be read in a rather long and recent thread in which a lot of people got rid of those things.
I would also like to call your attention to the very first forum at this site. In it there is a piece titled, "A Word for Newcomers." Let me quote you part of that forums content:
"5. Finally, and importantly, one does not have to agree or practice as I have expressed, but we would desire that one would respect and honor our stand here at Head Covering Baptists. If you find that your opinion or stand on an issue is in opposition to the stand of this board, you are to graciously submit, or bow out and find another on-line community on which to be a part."
Please note the requirement that if your stand does not honor ours you are to "graciously submit." That does not mean to attempt to convince others we are wrong.
Again these are my words and not the words of Brother Ben nor Sister Darlene. I am but a Fellow Laborer on the site and also am an extremely conservative, fundamental Baptist.
In Christ, George
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Post by monica on Jul 6, 2006 4:26:59 GMT -5
However the tone and the content of the last post concerns me. I personally do not care for it. Why would a post need to be ended with the statement no offense is intended if the content of that post were not potentially offensive to someone? I would also like to call your attention to the very first forum at this site. In it there is a piece titled, "A Word for Newcomers." Let me quote you part of that forums content: "5. Finally, and importantly, one does not have to agree or practice as I have expressed, but we would desire that one would respect and honor our stand here at Head Covering Baptists. If you find that your opinion or stand on an issue is in opposition to the stand of this board, you are to graciously submit, or bow out and find another on-line community on which to be a part." Please note the requirement that if your stand does not honor ours you are to "graciously submit." That does not mean to attempt to convince others we are wrong. I feel the need before the Lord to answer this post and explain what was apparently misunderstood or misjudged. I did read the rules of the forum before I posted anything. I had no intention to break them or show disrespect to anyone or anyone's convictions, and really do not think that I did. My husband saw what I wrote and also assured me it was not disrespectful in tone or any such thing. I can assure all I did not feel 'belligerent' when I wrote my previous post, and neither do I now. It was not and is not my intention to start a controversy. Though I do not personally embrace all of your convictions, I respect them and would not attack you for any of them. I do not think I did that at all. I liked the forum in the first place because simplicity appeals greatly to me and I do want to lead a pure life. I ended my previous post with "Please do not take offense" for the very reason that I didn't want somebody to take it the wrong way. There are people that are apt to feel attacked and take offense simply for one's disagreeing with them or suggesting they are wrong in any respect. I wanted to convey exactly the fact that that was nothing wrong with my tone, that I did not mean to be offensive, and was just pointed to an error in judgment. I believe it's OK to point to a mistake or what I believe to be a mistake, if I do it respectfully. No, it wasn't my intent to convince you to get a VCR. It's just that the statement "It is a waste of ones time to watch a TV and Videos." was a sweeping statement and doesn't hold for everybody, at least the half of it that deals with videos. (I have no use for watching TV either, that can be quite dangerous for one's spiritual life.) Lest you misunderstand me, no, I don't believe in 'Christian relativism' (which is really a contradiction in terms but it's what many church people go for nowadays) either. I don't believe God would tell you to dress modestly and tell me it's OK to wear tight low-cut blouses and although it would be a sin for you to wear them, it's not a sin for me! That kind of reasoning is nonsense! If God has a standard in any respect, then it holds for all and every Christian. We all need to honor Him in our dress, our appearance, abstaining from evil things and so on. We fully believe that and therefore I dress modestly, am growing my hair longer, we do not listen to Contemporary 'Christian' Music and do not participate in man-made pagan traditions for Easter and Christmas. So if you can show me related to any issue what the Bible says, the debate is over as far as that issue is concerned. When God says something there's no call for debating it, that is it. No right to add anything to it or remove anything from it. When something is not clearly stated in the Bible but you can show me based on Biblical principles why it is wrong, that can convince me as well and I am quite willing to adjust my life and give up anything that contradicts Biblical principles. For instance, the Bible does not mention smoking, but it goes against the principle that nothing should make me dependent and bring me into bondage, and that I need to care for my body as the temple of the Lord. So clearly smoking is out even though not specifically mentioned in the Bible. Yes, there is also the principle of not being a stumbling block. Based on that, even if I don't fully believe at this point that God wants me to have any other cover than that of long hair, if I were to go to a church that practices hair-covering the way that you do, I would definitely cover myself so as not to make someone stumble. Or, another example, if I knew that you had personally had a problem with being addicted to coffee, I would not drink one in front of you nor would I offer you one, although I believe it is not sin in itself to drink coffee and I have no addiction problem with it whatsoever. It helps me when I have low-blood pressure, but I am free to drink it one day and then to abstain for a month, so I am not dependent. It is clearly not sin. But if you had a problem with it yourself, I would not drink it in front of you so as to not make you stumble. I understand the principle of not causing others to stumble in their Christian walk. That being said, when there is something that is neither clearly prohibited in Scripture, and it cannot be rejected on the basis of Biblical principles either, I need further arguments to convince me that it is wrong if you hold that it is wrong for every Christian and not just your particular family. The Bible says, "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in your with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3: 15, KJV). To me, that means that God wants me to be able to answer at any time in a gentle way arguments that someone might have against what I am doing. Not debating forever, certainly, if I have shared all of the reasons I have for what I am doing and the other keeps rejecting them, but I must be able to answer someone that is trying to reason and not attack. I read of people that were even antagonistic to Christianity and would debate and debate with Christians from an atheistic position while in their hearts they were really begging to be shown that they were wrong. A sound conscience is an informed conscience. I cannot believe that something is wrong and feel guilty for it if I am shown no reason why it is wrong from Scripture. I cannot believe it wrong on the basis of what you personally have decided is wrong and just because you say so and refuse to answer arguments. The gift of logic and reasoning comes from God too. He is the one that said "gird up the loins of your mind". In my previous post I gave some arguments that exist in my mind and which we think valid, for which the VCR is in no respect more worldly or apt to cause others to stumble than the telephone or the computer. In fact, if you are to compare them, the computer is by far apt to do more harm and has done more harm in the lives of innumerable Christians (or at least people professing to be such). God gave me my mind to use it to judge if something is right or wrong based on what He clearly states in the Bible and on the principles that can be derived from the Bible. I think the right thing to do is to consider my or anyone's arguments that are brought in a sincere spirit, examine your own stand to see if it's still valid after hearing those arguments, and if yes, then answer me, not refuse all dialog from the start. If the VCR is somehow more dangerous or potentially sinful than the phone or computer, tell me why? If I have missed something I want to know what it is. If on the other hand you do not have any answer, it could be that you are not consistent in your thinking? God wants us to be able to give a reason for what we are doing. The fact that you believe this to be wrong without any attempt to answer my arguments is not a reason valid enough for my conscience to reject something as sinful. If I were to argue against your hair-covering convictions and say that all that passage from 1 Corinthians 11 is not meant for us nowadays (which I don't believe, but am just giving an example), you would have an answer to that for sure. If I were to say that only hair is the covering of the Christian woman, you do have an answer for which you believe there are two different coverings in that text. If I have no more arguments and you have answered all the ones that I had, then indeed I may conclude that you are right. At least that I need to look into it more because I may have made a mistake. For years I've believed (along with my husband) that the hair is all the covering that the passage is teaching. I have it long enough to show that I'm a woman, but I am now in the process of growing my bangs and would like to let it grow a little longer. After I read all your testimonies and arguments for the head-covering, my husband and I have agreed we'd look more closely into this matter. But you see, that comes after being given an argument, an answer. As related to the VCR, since there's nothing against it clearly in the Bible and since it's not something evil by association like the meat dedicated to idols, my God-given mind sees that I cannot reject it and be consistent in my reasoning without rejecting the telephone, computer, and probably other things I have not even listed yet. On that basis I honestly see no reason at all why I should consider it sinful and deprive my son of godly teaching material that he would have no access to in any other way. If you do have an answer, then would you please give it, and not reject it by saying this is it and you will not discuss it? If what is desired is that I leave the board, I can do that without stirring any more 'waves' if you tell me that is what you want, but in my opinion that would show this to be a very sad over-defensive attitude. God knows what my motives were in posting and that I was not and am not trying to bring strife to your forum. I think it's not wrong to examine our own selves and we cannot do it too many times. If we cannot justify something with the Bible or with reason, then maybe we don't need to insist on it. That holds in general, for every Christian, me included, in all of our activities, since we are all still people that have a sinful nature and can at times be wrong about one thing or another.
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Post by Brother Ben on Jul 6, 2006 7:59:36 GMT -5
Monica, It is obvious that you have not searched through this site enough in order to read the multiplicitous posts on the negative aspects of video media. To attempt to write all that has been written here...again would be a pointless waste of valuable time.
Having said what we and numerous others fealt about video media, we made a clear statement in the message to newcomers about conservative stands. We made such a stand so that those who came here, like yourself, would see what kind of group this is, what we believe, and the direction we are going with our families. Bro. George put very aptly.
You came in and immediately began to counter the stand of this board and counter a statement made by a sister on another post on this board. The sister said most 3 year olds are not ready to read, NOT ALL. You immediately took her to task and showed how successful you have been with getting your 3 year old to read. This is great don't get me wrong (that you have taught your 3 yr. old to read,) but the first two posts you have made on this board have not been, made in the spirit of a new member, but that of a contradictor.
If you have no desire to debate, you would have had respect and just moved along to another topic rather than to immediately tell us of our, "...considerations that perhaps have escaped us." Honestly sister, we have been at this parenting thing for 20 years as opposed to your 4, and at the fundamental conservative issues thing since 1988, how old were you in 1988?
If you would honor a fellowship by covering even if you didn't cover, why would you neglect to honor us and immediately counter our stand and direction? I can only think of one verse.
Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
Because you failed to excercise wisdom, that is, to just move on to some other issue rather than challenge our stand, you, in pride thought you would "straighten" us out. All I can say to that is, sorry, no thank you.
You do not have to withdraw your memebership, but if you cannot abide by our ways, it is best to find someone who thinks like you. If you cannot respect our carefulness, then do as you will, but do not expect us to accept that stance.
May the Lord guide and direct you. Bro. Ben
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Post by George on Jul 6, 2006 9:20:14 GMT -5
Once again and for the third time out of three posts you have come to us in the spirit of contention and attempting to have someone here either justify your actions or cause someone here to change their stance.That is NOT graciously submitting.
You claim that we will not discuss this matter. You are as wrong as wrong can be. You also stated you have read much of what has been previously posted on this site. It is apparent to me you have missed something. This subject has been discussed at length here with many Bible references given. There is no gain in beating a "dead horse."
Please note the word I have placed in bold faced type in the verse above. It appears to me you have come here in the spirit of contention. That is not acceptable. Then look at the last part of that verse which gives the reason(s) for avoiding contentions. They disturb and embitter the feelings; they lead to the indulgence of a bad spirit; they are often difficult to be settled, and are of no practical importance if they could be determined. The same thing might be said of multitudes of things about which men dispute so earnestly now.
Are you trying to convince yourself your position on the subject of VCR's/DVD's is correct? Are you seeking justification of your stance? You will not find it here. We have also recently had some who have determined to get rid of these things in their lives. You continued need to debate these things is dangerous to them.
Incidentally the Bible most definitely addresses smoking. It is found in Romans 12:1.
In Christ, George
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Post by qfmamato4 on Jul 6, 2006 11:56:54 GMT -5
Praise God for standards set by this board....
Edited to add, Amen to the OP for getting rid of the filth in your home. We have the same issue here. I want the TV gone along with the vcr's. It is slowly getting there. My husband is seeing the evil that is there and how it controls our lives
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Post by prv31wife on Jul 7, 2006 11:13:20 GMT -5
I so agree. I want that "idiot box" gone from my home and I'll be so glad when it is.
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Post by benshelpmeet on Jul 7, 2006 18:33:30 GMT -5
Amen Bro Ben, Bro George, qfmamato4, and prov31wife! And I'm still very proud of Debbie's decision to oust the TV and VCR and DVDs! Not an easy decision to make but a good choice! Dear Monica,
Glad to have you with us. I hope to answer some of your questions. We do not apologize or step down from our conviction of TV, and Video, DVD watching. We Bro. Ben and I have been learning from our many mistakes and compromises while watching what we justified as ''good videos'', rated G, Christian videos, Preaching, Science, History etc. We have been forming this conviction and learning from our mistakes in this area since 1988. Finally in the year 2000 we decided for once and for all to get rid of it all together. The best decision we could have made. I believe that was a statement that I made. I still agree...100%, After 18 years we have looked at entertainment from all angles.
Sitting and watching a Video or DVD for training purposes sounds like a good argument, but instead of sitting down and ''watching'' a Video or DVD to learn, why not stretch your child's brain, and other senses, and interact with him while teaching him, by reading about interesting things in a book?We have found this to be a false teaching,and concept, that if you protect your children by abstaining from worldly teachings, and entertainment, that when they get older they will flee to the world.
If all one does is say no, but they never teach why, then yes, that parent has failed to train up and teach his child, and yes, they could and sometimes do go to the world to find out for themselves. But as you read the posts on this board you will find that we obey the scripture and we abstain from......1Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; We also obey the scripture that tells us to...Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. We believe in training and teaching our children why we do and don't do things.....Deu 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deu 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. A christian parent does not need the help of a twisted thought video, or book to help teach between good and evil. If you clearly without compromis, and inconsistency in your own life teach them right from wrong , by example, the child will be able to discern what is twisted or wicked and what is not. We have children of all ages 19 to 2 1/2 ( 8 in all), my 2 year old can even discern between immodest and modest because of our families consistent example, without compromise. My husband and sons do not wear shorts or go without a shirt or walk around in their undershirt, my girls and I do not wear sleeveless gowns or any other sleeveless outer garments, we all swim with our clothes on, When Caleb was around 1 1/2 we were at the ladies dept, I was looking for a under garment, I did not think about Caleb being there in the buggie. He said wicked woman! I said where as I looked around not seeing anyone around, he then pointed to the woman on the bra package! I quickly put my hand over his eyes, and said your right she is immodest...don't look at her. We quickly got out of there. Needless to say I do not take my children in that department anymore. Most people are desensitized to that anymore, because a bra and panties is like a two piece swim suit, and people with a TV see that on commercials. Christians have lost their blush. God forbid.
Our 19 year old son works out in the world he deals with lots of immodest very worldly people, he is old enough to make his own choices and we let him, with much prayer on our behalf and open communications, Benjamin has surprised us on many occasions he has not only made wise choices, but has chosen the best instead of just good, he is a continual blessing to his family and he chooses to come straight home every night instead of finding friends to hang around with, we are his friends and playmates. He does not crave what the world has to offer, actually it is a turn off to him. He desires to be a witness for Christ to the lost and wayward. He is a very level headed young adult and we are very proud of him.
Our teenage daughters are a blessing too, and are forming some very strong convictions of their own not just what daddy and mama say. Our daughters behave like level headed adult ladies most of the time. ;D They are more mature and level headed that most collage age girls and even women that I meet, they can take care of a house full of babies and children, they can cook, bake ( all from scratch), they can sew dresses (that looks, and hangs nicely), they can crochet, cross stitch, and embroidery, they can garden, take care of the property, livestock, they are loving, giving, thoughtful, they love the word of God, they are prayer warriors, they have a burden for lost souls, they witness. Most teen girls are worried about their looks, they have attitudes, they are not interested in the things of God, and do not know how to confidently do things around the house nor do they have a desire to.
Practicing separation from this world, it's teaching, it's behavior, desires, etc... It works! We have chosen to abstain from the follies of this world because we have seen the benefit of living a life totally sold out to Christ. We have seen it work or others, not just ourselves. The bible never leads us wrong.You cannot keep your child from bumping into a TV set, but you do not have to bring it in your home either. We have our children look the other way at Wal Mart, and we have people turn off the TV if we go to someones house and they have it on, even at grandma's. Last time we were there she had it off, and covered with a crotched blanket, we spent the whole day there and I never realized it until my daughter pointed it out. She finally respects our stand, because we have had a consistent testimony in the area of no TV or Videos for the past 6 years. When we watched only ''good videos'' she would question and argue with us about our stand. It didn't make since to her. When one watches TV it is not the family doing something special together, it takes concentration, with a book you can sit your child in your lap or beside you and read to him or let him read, discuss what you are reading.
Special family time should be something you do as a family, where you are interacting with one another, a board game, pick nick , or special meal built around a theme ( missionary's: South America, China, Africa or other country, this can be alot of fun.) You could read about a missionary,( make pictures, write a letter, make up a gift box.), play ball outside, cook out, make play dough, and make things out of it together, paint pictures, color, or draw together, do a craft project together, There is so many of interactive things your family can do together without having to have a TV and Videos.
Your child will not desire to eat rotten stuff outside if you do not wet his taste buds for entertainment. There are only so many so called ''good'' videos out there, once you watch a video so many times that you can quote it word for word, thats when you desire to watch something new and exciting. This is a downward spiral.
I have met alot of christians sisters who truly want to rid their homes and lives of the TV and VCR, but their husband now addicted to the ease and entertainment, will not allow them to rid their home of this deceptive device. Many are in bondage and do not know it until it is too late.To comment on your second post......It is evil by association. Everyone knows the filth that comes on the TV, and everyone knows the many evil movies that are out there to buy or rent.
The TV set is an American idol, everyone has one even most all christians, even pastors. , And ''they'' lead the flock. People are in bondage to it, they do anything they can to ''justify'' having a TV and VCR in their home. People can't seem to let go of it. They can't just get rid of it once and for all, it has a draw, a pull, a hold on their life. If you do not believe me just try getting rid of yours once and for all. Don't put it in the closet, take it the dump, destroy and get rid of your so called ''good'' Videos. You probably think you could do it, but just try it. When you seal your heart and affections toward it once and for all you will have true freedom, you will have more hours in your day, more time for your family and others. And early on before your family gets too addicted you will have rid your home of it. The telephone, computer, and books are poor equals to the TV. The TV is total entertainment, one has the choice of reading a book instead. The computer is a tool. all business have one to do their bills and business, people have them for ministry and personal use too. It is a helpful tool. Yes you can use it wrongly, but that goes with anything, a kitchen knife, a gun, a car, food, etc....
As for being cheeky, I would try and speak to the man of God with more respect, God does care how we address the man of God.
He was right in his statement. It is very true the principle of the weaker doing in excess what the stronger does in moderation. I agree with Brother Ben's post, I've seen this first hand. The TV is known for it's great evil. Most people do not even like to get on the computer much because it is not much fun, and the phone has no draw for people either, the same with books. People will not even read their bibles.
Our website and the convictions that we have are not meant to offend any one, there is no condemnation. We are all at different places in our christian walk, our site is here to call people to higher ground, if they are not ready to climb higher that is between them and the Lord, we are just here to tell you what the Lord has shown us, and done in our life. We hope to be an encouragement and help to some. It is our desire for people to grow and be blessed by this site.
I hope I have been of some help in my response to you.
Satan is very busy trying to turn christians against each other with issues. Brethren spend way too much time arguing their point. Christianity gets mud in it's face, satan laughs, we feel frustrated with one another, and God grieves over our sin.1Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.I know their are alot of posts on this site, but comb through them and read them and you will find plenty of explanation for why we feel Video watching is a waste of time, and dangerous because it wets the taste for more, better movies that you haven't already seen before. This topic has been thoroughly discussed. I think you will find all the answers to your questions.
May the Lord greatly bless you and your precious family, may the Lord guide your path, and give you peace.
In Christian love, ~ sister Darlene ~
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Post by nightingale on Jul 7, 2006 21:40:11 GMT -5
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Post by nightingale on Jul 8, 2006 14:50:09 GMT -5
Dear Monica...I feel I must very carefully address this topic...I completely agree with Bro.Ben, Sister Darlene, Bro. George on their advice to rid our home of TVs, VCR, dvds...I believe you also agree with ridding your home of evil and trashy things one could view, but you have a problem with ridding your home of educational material, right? I understand where you are coming from, I personal don't think there is anything wrong with watching educational material either, but here is the problem for me...You keep your good stuff and rid your home of the bad stuff...then you only watch that, then you become bored and need a little more stimulant, then you begin rationalizing other videos, then you have someone you trust tell you this movie is good wholesome family entertainment, then oops!... Here I go...Oh, that was good, I can explain away the evil, and better yet I can use it as a tool to teach my child about the evil in the world, "BEEN THERE, DONE THAT", please take my advice and the other advice from our sweet brothers and sisters, there are other ways to educate your children...you don't have to put evil before there eyes or your eyes to discern between evil and good...take a walk through town, or your local Walmart...it is a Hugh learning environment, true, but sad and there are many books with pictures that my 5 year old loves to look at and have me read, and most of them are about science and other learning topics...I am sure no one here wants you to leave, but just be discerning, I still struggle with video entertainment myself, but I gave it up for Jesus...I had to give up the Good with the Bad to keep myself from falling back into a cycle of trying to discern if this is good or bad...like I said I still struggle, but at least not with the tv or vcr, because I don't have one in the home to tend with...I am weak in this area of my life, and I don't want anything in my life to make me stumble or my child, if you can watch just good educational videos, then Praise God, but I would rather not have the temptation there, I have too may other hurdles to struggle over...I hope you stay and learn from our leaders here, they are full of much wisdom and are experienced in the world's way... "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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14...Love Sis Debbie
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Post by Brother Randy on Jul 8, 2006 23:59:43 GMT -5
Amen to a good many things that have been said on this. We have been rid of our TV for over two years now, praise the Lord for that. when we did have it it got to the point that it was a problem for Hannah and us too. Alot of times and I mean ALOT you end up allowing things into your home that you noramlly would not other wise. Also watching TV does not make you use your mind, you just sit there and soak it up like a sponge. In all honesty do I miss it at time, yes , am I glad it is gone, for sure and Lord willing may it never show back up in our home again. Since we spend time now together as a family reading or playing games I do believe we are much better off.
Bro Randy
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