Movie: Hunger Games

[Dordrecht]

You folks might be interested to see the comments by a "pastor" about this movie:

The Hunger Games
Having three teenage daughters the novel The Hunger Games inevitably found its way into my daughter's hands and hearts and minds. I therefore decided to read it for myself on my week off during Spring Break. I liked it. The concept kind of reminded me of the old Ah-nold movie The Running Man which I saw when I was a kid. Although it was obviously much better. The heroic Katniss and Peeta and their self-sacrificing ways, mixed with Collin's fast moving writing made for a solid and gripping tale.

Today we went and saw the movie and I can tell you that the movie is much tamer when it comes to violence than the book. They had to tone it down for the big screen or it would have been as brutal as the last Rambo movie. The movie version features Jennifer Lawrence who plays Katniss (who also playedf Raven / Mystique in X Men First Class) and she does a swell job portraying the female champion of District 12. I am sure we will be seeing much more of her in other films as well as this movie will propel her to super stardom. James Newton Howard's score is moving and paints the movie's background well. It is apparent that the movie, like the book, does not condone the violence of man and our sick desire to see other's suffer for our entertainment and I like the courage of the heroes in the story. It is good to see heroes who care for those weaker than themselves and are willing to go all the way for love if necessary. The tale sets up Katniss to take on the President and his evil empire in the inevitable sequel. They spent a thirfty $78 million on the pic and it has already raked in $155 million. No small feat when you are up against Batman, Spidey and Harry Potter.

I am looking forward to seeing how Katniss handles the love triangle between her, Peeta and Gale and the President of Panem in Catching Fire. Lionsgate entertainment has just made themselves a whole whack o moola.

'Nuff Said.
Posted by Loudmouth Pastor at 22:49 0 comments

http://loudmouthpastor.blogspot.ca/
-------------------------------------------------------------

I would stay away from this guys' church as far as possible!

[RandyWayne]

I plan on seeing it myself soon.

[Bro. Robbins]

I don't go to movie theatres or movie rental kiosks/stores, or watch movies on television, so I won't be seeing it.

[Jay]

I don't go to movie theatres or movie rental kiosks/stores, or watch movies on television, so I won't be seeing it.

Life is too good to toast my brain on pontless, useless, and immoal entertainment. And my money is too valuable for supporting the people destroying our morals and nation.

[Timmy]

You folks might be interested to see the comments by a "pastor" about this movie:

The Hunger Games
Having three teenage daughters the novel The Hunger Games inevitably found its way into my daughter's hands and hearts and minds. I therefore decided to read it for myself on my week off during Spring Break. I liked it. The concept kind of reminded me of the old Ah-nold movie The Running Man which I saw when I was a kid. Although it was obviously much better. The heroic Katniss and Peeta and their self-sacrificing ways, mixed with Collin's fast moving writing made for a solid and gripping tale.

Today we went and saw the movie and I can tell you that the movie is much tamer when it comes to violence than the book. They had to tone it down for the big screen or it would have been as brutal as the last Rambo movie. The movie version features Jennifer Lawrence who plays Katniss (who also playedf Raven / Mystique in X Men First Class) and she does a swell job portraying the female champion of District 12. I am sure we will be seeing much more of her in other films as well as this movie will propel her to super stardom. James Newton Howard's score is moving and paints the movie's background well. It is apparent that the movie, like the book, does not condone the violence of man and our sick desire to see other's suffer for our entertainment and I like the courage of the heroes in the story. It is good to see heroes who care for those weaker than themselves and are willing to go all the way for love if necessary. The tale sets up Katniss to take on the President and his evil empire in the inevitable sequel. They spent a thirfty $78 million on the pic and it has already raked in $155 million. No small feat when you are up against Batman, Spidey and Harry Potter.

I am looking forward to seeing how Katniss handles the love triangle between her, Peeta and Gale and the President of Panem in Catching Fire. Lionsgate entertainment has just made themselves a whole whack o moola.

'Nuff Said.
Posted by Loudmouth Pastor at 22:49 0 comments

http://loudmouthpastor.blogspot.ca/
-------------------------------------------------------------

I would stay away from this guys' church as far as possible!

So, it's a chick flick? ;)

[crakjak]

Forget about it!!! Not interested, I vote for "October Baby" as the movie of the week.

[Dagwood]

I saw Hunger Games. What a metaphor for our wonderful government and the things we might get to look forward to, right?

At the very least, it provided that kind of insight for me in political awareness...

Oh, and my brain isn't toasted. I'm still sane. :)

[RandyWayne]

So, it's a chick flick? ;)

Actually.... A lot of people wondered that since it it based on a book series which is/was aimed at the same age group that Twilight was, but it is completely different. No (or very very little) teenage love angst in this one! :)

[RandyWayne]

I saw Hunger Games. What a metaphor for our wonderful government and the things we might get to look forward to, right?

At the very least, it provided that kind of insight for me in political awareness...

Oh, and my brain isn't toasted. I'm still sane. :)

I plan on seeing it on BlueRay when it's released. There are VERY few films I'm willing to go to a theater for. Star Trek was the last. Before that it was Casino Royal. The NEXT theater visit will be the next Trek film.

[Michael Phelps]

I saw Hunger Games. What a metaphor for our wonderful government and the things we might get to look forward to, right?

At the very least, it provided that kind of insight for me in political awareness...

Oh, and my brain isn't toasted. I'm still sane. :)

Yeah, but it was still pointless and immoral :happydance

[Dordrecht]

I plan on seeing it myself soon.

I usually don't go to movies, but decided to go and see this one because my grand children were talking about it and one owns the book.
I saw the book and did not like it at all.
The movie is from the pit of hell and so is the book.
Let me know what you think after you see it.

[Dagwood]

Yeah, but it was still pointless and immoral :happydance

I knew someone would come back with that since I left that part out... :heeheehee

[Timmy]

I usually don't go to movies, but decided to go and see this one because my grand children were talking about it and one owns the book.
I saw the book and did not like it at all.
The movie is from the pit of hell and so is the book.
Let me know what you think after you see it.

How about before I see it? I bet that it's not from the pit of hell, and neither is the book. So there. :lol

[Dordrecht]

pointless and immoral.... that sums it up nicely.
A pit of hell "special".

[Dagwood]

I usually don't go to movies, but decided to go and see this one because my grand children were talking about it and one owns the book.
I saw the book and did not like it at all.
The movie is from the pit of hell and so is the book.
Let me know what you think after you see it.

Should you worry about your pastor sitting you down from the platform or any other church ministry since you went to the movie theater and saw it?

Just wondering...

[Dordrecht]

Should you worry about your pastor sitting you down from the platform or any other church ministry since you went to the movie theater and saw it?

Just wondering...

Hahaha, that guy who wrote that blog is NOT MY PASTOR, LOL.
I found his link on facebook when I search for the movie.

I went to the movie because my grandchildren were talking about it.

[RandyWayne]

I usually don't go to movies, but decided to go and see this one because my grand children were talking about it and one owns the book.
I saw the book and did not like it at all.
The movie is from the pit of hell and so is the book.
Let me know what you think after you see it.

Too many special effects? Too high of a production value? Doesn't star Kirk Cameron? LOL

[RandyWayne]

I know the plots details are quite a bit different but it reminds me of a teen age version of The Running Man.

http://mm.soldat.pl/wp-content/200541_159078_1_012.jpg

[Dordrecht]

Too many special effects? Too high of a production value? Doesn't star Kirk Cameron? LOL

Teenagers killing each other. Some sort of violent survival game.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S9a5V9ODuY

[Dagwood]

Hahaha, that guy who wrote that blog is NOT MY PASTOR, LOL.
I found his link on facebook when I search for the movie.

I went to the movie because my grandchildren were talking about it.

Well, I clearly understood that the pastor you mentioned was from a blog. I never assumed he was YOUR pastor. And I undestood that you went because of grandchildrens conversations about it...

But, speaking of your pastor (not the one who wrote the blog), are you concerned about being sat down or temporarily suspended from your church duties as a result of your curiosity/spending time with grandchildren?

[houston]

Life is too good to toast my brain on pontless, useless, and immoal entertainment. And my money is too valuable for supporting the people destroying our morals and nation.

How do you justify AFF and the Old Testament?

[AncientPaths]

Great books. Very good movie. Pit of hell, eh? Any particular reason other than just broadbrush movie, Hollywood, liberal, blah, blah, blah?

It's actually a good warning against a society with too much government.

[RandyWayne]

Before The Hunger Games, there was......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5gIFR9t7RQ

[deafdriscoll]

John Wayne-Clint Eastwood-Charles Bronson, The real actors- why watch some young thing trying to be great like the real actors?

[commonsense]

Not my style of book or movie.

Many friends and coworkers read the books and went to the movie. Most have liked it.

[Titus2woman]

I don't go to movie theatres or movie rental kiosks/stores, or watch movies on television, so I won't be seeing it.

Well then you'll have to wait for it to come out on Netflix or Hulu :)

[Bro. Robbins]

Well then you'll have to wait for it to come out on Netflix or Hulu :)

Don't have internet or a computer at home, and Netflix is just the equivalent of the movie kiosks. The only movies I watch are those 1 or 2 that have been bought at the Christian Bookstore, and some of those aren't fit to watch at times.

[Titus2woman]

Don't have internet or a computer at home, and Netflix is just the equivalent of the movie kiosks. The only movies I watch are those 1 or 2 that have been bought at the Christian Bookstore, and some of those aren't fit to watch at times.

So where do you do your interneting from? (just curious)...

And not fit to watch in what way? (Christian bookstore movies)

[Bro. Robbins]

So where do you do your interneting from? (just curious)...

And not fit to watch in what way? (Christian bookstore movies)

I have an iPhone for use at home, and have SafeEyes on it so that a report is emailed of where I visit and go monthly sent to my accountability partner.

We have a very open internet usage policy at work, so when I can take an internet usage break at work, that's where I use the internet the most.

To be honost, I have very little need to be on the internet. I visit to forums via the internet, and occassionally search for an address or phone number of a business, and that's about it.... really have no other needs for the Internet, and I'm an IT guy even.

A couple of the movies/videos had folks dressed more scantily than I think should be shown in a Christian film.... and a couple of the animation had some elements of fairies/magic/etc.

[RandyWayne]

I have an iPhone for use at home, and have SafeEyes on it so that a report is emailed of where I visit and go monthly sent to my accountability partner.

We have a very open internet usage policy at work, so when I can take an internet usage break at work, that's where I use the internet the most.

To be honost, I have very little need to be on the internet. I visit to forums via the internet, and occassionally search for an address or phone number of a business, and that's about it.... really have no other needs for the Internet, and I'm an IT guy even.

A couple of the movies/videos had folks dressed more scantily than I think should be shown in a Christian film.... and a couple of the animation had some elements of fairies/magic/etc.

Is this SafeEyes program a standard requirement at your church, or is it something that you feel you need personally (perhaps because of past internet 'issues')? If it is the second reason I really have no problem with it at all and even commend you for taking the step of using it.
On the other hand, I have a huge problem with the church making it a rule for its members.
I've always said that if I belonged to a church that forced this (and I wouldn't so the issue is moot) I would make sure my surfing was very very interesting for whoever got the report. LOL

Oh yes, on the 'scantily dressed' thing, do you feel the same way about men being dressed in less then a suit? I'm just asking because we leave for Hawaii in a couple of days and will be back in a week with more than a few pictures. :) Aloha!

[Bro. Robbins]

Is this SafeEyes program a standard requirement at your church, or is it something that you feel you need personally (perhaps because of past internet 'issues')? If it is the second reason I really have no problem with it at all and even commend you for taking the step of using it.
On the other hand, I have a huge problem with the church making it a rule for its members.
I've always said that if I belonged to a church that forced this (and I wouldn't so the issue is moot) I would make sure my surfing was very very interesting for whoever got the report. LOL

I chose to put it on. Our church just recommends everyone to make sure there is some kind of accountability in things like internet usage, television usage, etc. SafeEyes is one of the best, and it is one that is recommended to folks, but never forced, etc.

As for me, I am single, I live alone... and don't want my good to be evil spoken of. I don't want someone being able to say, hey, nobody knows what Brother Robbins does at home when he's all by himself, blah, blah, blah... so I try to have wise counsel in my life, accountability partners in place, and systmes of checks and balances in my life so that I'm covered in accountability.

[houston]

I chose to put it on. Our church just recommends everyone to make sure there is some kind of accountability in things like internet usage, television usage, etc. SafeEyes is one of the best, and it is one that is recommended to folks, but never forced, etc.

As for me, I am single, I live alone... and don't want my good to be evil spoken of. I don't want someone being able to say, hey, nobody knows what Brother Robbins does at home when he's all by himself, blah, blah, blah... so I try to have wise counsel in my life, accountability partners in place, and systmes of checks and balances in my life so that I'm covered in accountability.

Paranoid much?

[rgcraig]

I chose to put it on. Our church just recommends everyone to make sure there is some kind of accountability in things like internet usage, television usage, etc. SafeEyes is one of the best, and it is one that is recommended to folks, but never forced, etc.

As for me, I am single, I live alone... and don't want my good to be evil spoken of. I don't want someone being able to say, hey, nobody knows what Brother Robbins does at home when he's all by himself, blah, blah, blah... so I try to have wise counsel in my life, accountability partners in place, and systmes of checks and balances in my life so that I'm covered in accountability.

For some reason, this post makes me sad.

I can understand an accountability system if there is some type of behavior in your life that you are trying to overcome.

Who are we trying to please here? Man?

[houston]

I can understand an accountability system if there is some type of behavior in your life that you are trying to overcome.


My sentiments.

[RandyWayne]

I chose to put it on. Our church just recommends everyone to make sure there is some kind of accountability in things like internet usage, television usage, etc. SafeEyes is one of the best, and it is one that is recommended to folks, but never forced, etc.

As for me, I am single, I live alone... and don't want my good to be evil spoken of. I don't want someone being able to say, hey, nobody knows what Brother Robbins does at home when he's all by himself, blah, blah, blah... so I try to have wise counsel in my life, accountability partners in place, and systmes of checks and balances in my life so that I'm covered in accountability.

To put it bluntly, no one needs to know what you do at home when your by yourself. If 'they' are fantasizing about all the debauchery occurring, let them.
Just saying. :)

[houston]

To put it bluntly, no one needs to know what you do at home when your by yourself. If 'they' are fantasizing about all the debauchery occurring, let them.
Just saying. :)

Says a lot more about them than him...

[Twisp]

I know the plots details are quite a bit different but it reminds me of a teen age version of The Running Man.

http://mm.soldat.pl/wp-content/200541_159078_1_012.jpg

That is BLASPHEMY! Anytime you talk about The Running Man, you must talk about the Stephen King short story and banish the abominable movie from your thoughts! BLASPHEMY.

But yes, the SHORT STORY does seem like a precursor to this trilogy.

[rgcraig]

My sentiments.

To put it bluntly, no one needs to know what you do at home when your by yourself. If 'they' are fantasizing about all the debauchery occurring, let them.
Just saying. :)

Says a lot more about them than him...

It's all so twisted! We don't live our lives to please man, but to please God.

[Titus2woman]

I chose to put it on. Our church just recommends everyone to make sure there is some kind of accountability in things like internet usage, television usage, etc. SafeEyes is one of the best, and it is one that is recommended to folks, but never forced, etc.

As for me, I am single, I live alone... and don't want my good to be evil spoken of. I don't want someone being able to say, hey, nobody knows what Brother Robbins does at home when he's all by himself, blah, blah, blah... so I try to have wise counsel in my life, accountability partners in place, and systmes of checks and balances in my life so that I'm covered in accountability.

Wow. Even in our ultra con UPC church we never had anyone 'suggest' that our internet usage be 'monitored'. I would have run screaming faster then I did...

I work where I see real live naked people all day and seeing more of them is no great thrill so 'exposed' flesh doesn't have any kind of effect on me. I have a theory that it is all the covering up and making certain parts of the body strictly sexual that makes them tantilzing and naughty.

In example in places where breasts are seen as baby feeders nice ones are viewed as a good sign that as a woman one will be capable of feeding the next generation and therefore a woman with good breasts is more desireable as a mate. However everyone also sees their moms and grannies breasts and realizes that they won't stay perky forever. That seems to make them more real.

In cultures where breasts are hidden or shown peek-a-boo style they develop a mystique and become a turn on. Knowing this women use them to attract and even now go so far as to have them enhanced with saline and silicone. Many young men who view a lot of porn do not even realize that real breasts are not globe shaped or that they become pendulous in just a few years with use. It is a bizzare culture we have created with our imaginings.

Just some thoughts that rolled off the old brain this morning. :)

[houston]

It's all so twisted! We don't live our lives to please man, but to please God.

How can one know what it is to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in victory when every facet of his or her life is policed by the church?

[Titus2woman]

How can one know what it is to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in victory when every facet of his or her life is policed by the church?

A most excellent question. :)

[houston]

A most excellent question. :)

I do my best thinking when I need sleep. You should see what I posted on FB when I got up at 3a.m. for a bathroom break.

[Titus2woman]

I do my best thinking when I need sleep. You should see what I posted on FB when I got up at 3a.m. for a bathroom break.

I think going without sleep open up whole new worlds for many of us. :)

[houston]

I think going without sleep open up whole new worlds for many of us. :)

It's when I have a sense of clarity. I can focus more.

[Bro. Robbins]

It's all so twisted! We don't live our lives to please man, but to please God.

Maybe not, but we are to have a good report from within and without. We also are to make sure that our good isn't evil spoken of, and we shun the very appearance of evil. Though my church doesn't preach it, I personally will not go in any restaurant to eat that serves alcohol, and I shop at a grocery that doesn't sell any alcohol. Why? Because it doesn't inconvenience me at all, and it keeps me from being seen in a position where someone might wonder what I was doing there.

I'm not living for man's approval, but I'm very, very, very protective of my witness. I can't be perfect, but there are things, that I can do to protect my testimony and witness to line up with the Word that will be no inconvenience to me and will protect the testimony.

[Timmy]

It's when I have a sense of clarity. I can focus more.

A few shots of JD might help, too. :lol

[Titus2woman]

Maybe not, but we are to have a good report from within and without. We also are to make sure that our good isn't evil spoken of, and we shun the very appearance of evil. Though my church doesn't preach it, I personally will not go in any restaurant to eat that serves alcohol, and I shop at a grocery that doesn't sell any alcohol. Why? Because it doesn't inconvenience me at all, and it keeps me from being seen in a position where someone might wonder what I was doing there.

I'm not living for man's approval, but I'm very, very, very protective of my witness. I can't be perfect, but there are things, that I can do to protect my testimony and witness to line up with the Word that will be no inconvenience to me and will protect the testimony.

Gosh... and to think I thought I was doing good with only ordering wine in public because it's what Jesus drank. ;)

[Bro. Robbins]

How can one know what it is to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in victory when every facet of his or her life is policed by the church?

To be fair, this isn't my church policing me, and isn't my pastor policing me. I believe this is the level of self policing we all should do in our lives via the unction of the Holy Ghost and Scripture. I believe the Word does instruct us in Lifestyle Holiness and part of that is also placing checks and balances in our lives with accountability partners to protect our witness, especially as ministers.

[houston]

A few shots of JD might help, too. :lol

I'm sober. Maybe that's my problem.

[rgcraig]

Maybe not, but we are to have a good report from within and without. We also are to make sure that our good isn't evil spoken of, and we shun the very appearance of evil. Though my church doesn't preach it, I personally will not go in any restaurant to eat that serves alcohol, and I shop at a grocery that doesn't sell any alcohol. Why? Because it doesn't inconvenience me at all, and it keeps me from being seen in a position where someone might wonder what I was doing there.

I'm not living for man's approval, but I'm very, very, very protective of my witness. I can't be perfect, but there are things, that I can do to protect my testimony and witness to line up with the Word that will be no inconvenience to me and will protect the testimony.

That is commendable. However, the only people that would even think about questioning that would be your church friends.

Do you only buy gas where they do not sell beer too?

[houston]

That is commendable. However, the only people that would even think about questioning that would be your church friends.

Do you only buy gas where they do not sell beer too?

Commendable? Those are not your real thoughts, baby! :hanky

Come on, who buys alcohol at a grocery store? It's over priced! :happydance

[Timmy]

I'm sober. Maybe that's my problem.

Well, you (probably) know I was kidding. Booze only makes you think you're thinking better (or you're funnier, more profound, etc.). :thumbsup

[Bro. Robbins]

That is commendable. However, the only people that would even think about questioning that would be your church friends.

Do you only buy gas where they do not sell beer too?

I'm not sure I agree with your assumption. Yes, some gnat gagging, self righteous folks are always on the look out to find something that they can find an issue with in our lives, and no matter what degree we go to, they'll always find something to find fault with. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise.

However, I've had lost people I work with, and live around that have before known I take a stand against certain things, and tried to catch me up in a contradiction. For example, I am opposed to lotteries. So when I went back to school to finish my degree, they thought they had caught me in a contradiction by saying, I bet you took some of the Hope Scholarship money to finish your degree didn't you? And I said no, since I oppose the funding mechanism = the lottery, I turned down the Scholarship money I was available to receive because of the principle.

If there were a gas station in my my community that didn't sell alcohol or cigarettes, I absolutely would go there. Believe me, I checked for a 4 mile radius around my home, and have checked in the area around my work.

To me, I'm not perfect, but its important to try to live up to what I say I believe.

[Titus2woman]

That is commendable. However, the only people that would even think about questioning that would be your church friends.

Do you only buy gas where they do not sell beer too?

This SO reminds me of a story that my previous pastor told over the pulpit about how he and his wife were out walking when a sudden and terrible thunderstorm came up. There was ground striking lightning and pouring rain followed by hail. The only place that they could have immediately sheltered was in the doorway of a movie rental store so he decided that it would be best to stand (and make his tiny, frail wife stand) in the deluge, so as to avoid the appearance of evil.:blah

I thought it was one of the stupidest things I had ever heard. Topped only by the story of how he took his wife snow sking where she and the other ladies, in an attempt to keep from freezing, had each put on several skirts, one atop the other. When they attempted to ski all they could do was fall over.... he thought this funny... I thought they would have been better off to stay in the lodge in front of the fire, have a Hot Toddy and blow off steam about men who would bring then on a ski trip where they could not ski while they were gone.

[houston]

Well, you (probably) know I was kidding. Booze only makes you think you're thinking better (or you're funnier, more profound, etc.). :thumbsup

...and a good dancer! :happydance

[Bro. Robbins]

and if I may just add this... these are part of my personal convictions in how I feel led to live my life out for Christ. I don't believe I'm losing out on anything, or missing anything, and actually I could enumerate a huge number of things I've gained by living my life this way.

I preach in very conservative churches, preach in some liberal ones. I've never used the pulpit to shove my personal walk and convictions down the throats of others, I've been called to preach the Word and let the hearer work with the Holy Ghost in their life to figure out the details of how that is to be applied in action.

For me, this is how I believe we should live... but I'll never send someone to hell if they don't agree in practice or thought regarding it.

[rgcraig]

This SO reminds me of a story that my previous pastor told over the pulpit about how he and his wife were out walking when a sudden and terrible thunderstorm came up. There was ground striking lightning and pouring rain followed by hail. The only place that they could have immediately sheltered was in the doorway of a movie rental store so he decided that it would be best to stand (and make his tiny, frail wife stand) in the deluge, so as to avoid the appearance of evil.:blah

I thought it was one of the stupidest things I had ever heard. Topped only by the story of how he took his wife snow sking where she and the other ladies, in an attempt to keep from freezing, had each put on several skirts, one atop the other. When they attempted to ski all they could do was fall over.... he thought this funny... I thought they would have been better off to stay in the lodge in front of the fire, have a Hot Toddy and blow off steam about men who would bring then on a ski trip where they could not ski while they were gone.

Lol! :spit

[rgcraig]

and if I may just add this... these are part of my personal convictions in how I feel led to live my life out for Christ. I don't believe I'm losing out on anything, or missing anything, and actually I could enumerate a huge number of things I've gained by living my life this way.

I preach in very conservative churches, preach in some liberal ones. I've never used the pulpit to shove my personal walk and convictions down the throats of others, I've been called to preach the Word and let the hearer work with the Holy Ghost in their life to figure out the details of how that is to be applied in action.

For me, this is how I believe we should live... but I'll never send someone to hell if they don't agree in practice or thought regarding it.

Thank you.

[Titus2woman]

and if I may just add this... these are part of my personal convictions in how I feel led to live my life out for Christ. I don't believe I'm losing out on anything, or missing anything, and actually I could enumerate a huge number of things I've gained by living my life this way.

I preach in very conservative churches, preach in some liberal ones. I've never used the pulpit to shove my personal walk and convictions down the throats of others, I've been called to preach the Word and let the hearer work with the Holy Ghost in their life to figure out the details of how that is to be applied in action.

For me, this is how I believe we should live... but I'll never send someone to hell if they don't agree in practice or thought regarding it.

This is a common human phenomena. There are religious monks in almost ever culture and religion. Those who impose more on themselves than culture, society or religion requires... and in many cases much more even than God requires. In some cases they are viewed by themselves and those of the same persuasion as 'more holy' and in some cases they are simply personalities that must exercise control. When taken to extreme we see those who starve to emaciation, self flagellate and even things like fire walkers who can mentally trancend the natural.

I find these thought patterns very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[rgcraig]

Commendable? Those are not your real thoughts, baby! :hanky

Come on, who buys alcohol at a grocery store? It's over priced! :happydance

Ah, I miss being called baby......:happydance

[RandyWayne]

Commendable? Those are not your real thoughts, baby! :hanky

Come on, who buys alcohol at a grocery store? It's over priced! :happydance

Over priced in a grocery store? It's overpriced at the bars, not the grocery store, at least not at ours. :)

[Timmy]

...and a good dancer! :happydance

Yep! :lol

[rgcraig]

Over priced in a grocery store? It's overpriced at the bars, not the grocery store, at least not at ours. :)

I think he means convenience stores (where you buy gas and lottery tickets)!

[RandyWayne]

I think he means convenience stores (where you buy gas and lottery tickets)!


Ahh, well if that is what he meant, then I agree completely.

[Timmy]

I think he means convenience stores (where you buy gas and lottery tickets)!

Well, I certainly would never expect to see him at one of those gas stations!

[Michael Phelps]

Maybe not, but we are to have a good report from within and without. We also are to make sure that our good isn't evil spoken of, and we shun the very appearance of evil. Though my church doesn't preach it, I personally will not go in any restaurant to eat that serves alcohol, and I shop at a grocery that doesn't sell any alcohol. Why? Because it doesn't inconvenience me at all, and it keeps me from being seen in a position where someone might wonder what I was doing there.

I'm not living for man's approval, but I'm very, very, very protective of my witness. I can't be perfect, but there are things, that I can do to protect my testimony and witness to line up with the Word that will be no inconvenience to me and will protect the testimony.

I think I agree with the others, this is a bit too overboard the other way for my taste. From the looks of it you never go where anyone needs witnessing TO! :)

[Michael Phelps]

and if I may just add this... these are part of my personal convictions in how I feel led to live my life out for Christ. I don't believe I'm losing out on anything, or missing anything, and actually I could enumerate a huge number of things I've gained by living my life this way.

I preach in very conservative churches, preach in some liberal ones. I've never used the pulpit to shove my personal walk and convictions down the throats of others, I've been called to preach the Word and let the hearer work with the Holy Ghost in their life to figure out the details of how that is to be applied in action.

For me, this is how I believe we should live... but I'll never send someone to hell if they don't agree in practice or thought regarding it.

I'll just make a personal observation here, and it's not a criticism.......you have publicly stated that you had a moral failing, and I commend you for your honesty and openness........but, I get the feeling that your current lifestyle is a form of self punishment........if you are ok with it, then more power to you....but, I'm not sure it's pleasing God as much as it's appeasing your own conscience......

Once again, don't mean to accuse, criticize, imply anything........just an observation.

[Titus2woman]

I'll just make a personal observation here, and it's not a criticism.......you have publicly stated that you had a moral failing, and I commend you for your honesty and openness........but, I get the feeling that your current lifestyle is a form of self punishment........if you are ok with it, then more power to you....but, I'm not sure it's pleasing God as much as it's appeasing your own conscience......

Once again, don't mean to accuse, criticize, imply anything........just an observation.

I have to say that this really resonates as truth. Every time I see you post Bro. Robbins, about your self imposed restrictions (and that seems to be a lot) I remember that when you first signed on here and introduced yourself you found it important to mention that you had suffered a moral failure.

If that sin, what ever it is, is now under the blood I hope that you move past feeling the need to let everyone know that you have failed and that you are now a shining example of morality and begin to just live as if it never happened, which is how God sees it, or rather does not see it anymore.

You will in time see that these rediculous standards drive away many more than they ever reach and that they drive a wedge between the people who need God most and God with those who keep them and impose them on others standing in the abyss that they have created.

[Michael Phelps]

I have to say that this really resonates as truth. Every time I see you post Bro. Robbins, about your self imposed restrictions (and that seems to be a lot) I remember that when you first signed on here and introduced yourself you found it important to mention that you had suffered a moral failure.

If that sin, what ever it is, is now under the blood I hope that you move past feeling the need to let everyone know that you have failed and that you are now a shining example of morality and begin to just live as if it never happened, which is how God sees it, or rather does not see it anymore.

You will in time see that these rediculous standards drive away many more than they ever reach and that they drive a wedge between the people who need God most and God with those who keep them and impose them on others standing in the abyss that they have created.

:thumbsup Wow....powerful words, and well said.

[Titus2woman]

Bro Robbins said "For me, this is how I believe we should live... but I'll never send someone to hell if they don't agree in practice or thought regarding it."

Even the language of Ultra Con OPism is telling... as if we could somehow actually send someone to hell if they did indeed do something we found completely immoral. And this is not to pick on you... it's everywhere in the faith... you are just parroting what you've heard and what you believe you should say to be that shining example of a 'Pentecostal'...

[rgcraig]

I have to say that this really resonates as truth. Every time I see you post Bro. Robbins, about your self imposed restrictions (and that seems to be a lot) I remember that when you first signed on here and introduced yourself you found it important to mention that you had suffered a moral failure.

If that sin, what ever it is, is now under the blood I hope that you move past feeling the need to let everyone know that you have failed and that you are now a shining example of morality and begin to just live as if it never happened, which is how God sees it, or rather does not see it anymore.

You will in time see that these rediculous standards drive away many more than they ever reach and that they drive a wedge between the people who need God most and God with those who keep them and impose them on others standing in the abyss that they have created.

Amen! It's sure not what Jesus did!

[Bro. Robbins]

I have to say that this really resonates as truth. Every time I see you post Bro. Robbins, about your self imposed restrictions (and that seems to be a lot) I remember that when you first signed on here and introduced yourself you found it important to mention that you had suffered a moral failure.

If that sin, what ever it is, is now under the blood I hope that you move past feeling the need to let everyone know that you have failed and that you are now a shining example of morality and begin to just live as if it never happened, which is how God sees it, or rather does not see it anymore.

You will in time see that these rediculous standards drive away many more than they ever reach and that they drive a wedge between the people who need God most and God with those who keep them and impose them on others standing in the abyss that they have created.

I wrote a long response, but no need. It's obvious that even though I said I don't push my lifestyle holiness beliefs on anyone, and never even made any judgements in this thread about anyone who differs than my convictions... that again what I received was a condescending attitude by others.

For me... the life that I live has more freedom, more joy, more happiness, and more victory in it than I've ever known. And only I know the many folks that I work with, and live around that have come to me and actually mentioned the testimony and appeal they found in the lifestyle holiness I live by than being turned away.

Fine, you guys may choose to live differently in your walk with God than I do, and feel it's okay to do things I don't. I haven't knocked you for it... so please don't knock me for working out my own salvation with fear and trembling.

[Michael Phelps]

I wrote a long response, but no need. It's obvious that even though I said I don't push my lifestyle holiness beliefs on anyone, and never even made any judgements in this thread about anyone who differs than my convictions... that again what I received was a condescending attitude by others.

For me... the life that I live has more freedom, more joy, more happiness, and more victory in it than I've ever known. And only I know the many folks that I work with, and live around that have come to me and actually mentioned the testimony and appeal they found in the lifestyle holiness I live by than being turned away.

Fine, you guys may choose to live differently in your walk with God than I do, and feel it's okay to do things I don't. I haven't knocked you for it... so please don't knock me for working out my own salvation with fear and trembling.


I apologize if I offended you, that wasn't my intention. As I said in my post, I wasn't criticizing, accusing, etc........sometimes we need people on the outside to offer observations, because it's easy to get buried in what we do.

If this is the life that brings you happiness, then by all means, live it.

[Titus2woman]

I wrote a long response, but no need. It's obvious that even though I said I don't push my lifestyle holiness beliefs on anyone, and never even made any judgements in this thread about anyone who differs than my convictions... that again what I received was a condescending attitude by others.

For me... the life that I live has more freedom, more joy, more happiness, and more victory in it than I've ever known. And only I know the many folks that I work with, and live around that have come to me and actually mentioned the testimony and appeal they found in the lifestyle holiness I live by than being turned away.

Fine, you guys may choose to live differently in your walk with God than I do, and feel it's okay to do things I don't. I haven't knocked you for it... so please don't knock me for working out my own salvation with fear and trembling.

Not knocking you Bro. Many of us just have a kind of 'been there done that' attitude about it all.

You will have to follow your own course, of that I am sure.... just like those before you.

[rgcraig]

I wrote a long response, but no need. It's obvious that even though I said I don't push my lifestyle holiness beliefs on anyone, and never even made any judgements in this thread about anyone who differs than my convictions... that again what I received was a condescending attitude by others.

For me... the life that I live has more freedom, more joy, more happiness, and more victory in it than I've ever known. And only I know the many folks that I work with, and live around that have come to me and actually mentioned the testimony and appeal they found in the lifestyle holiness I live by than being turned away.

Fine, you guys may choose to live differently in your walk with God than I do, and feel it's okay to do things I don't. I haven't knocked you for it... so please don't knock me for working out my own salvation with fear and trembling.

By all means, you do have to do what works for you. I would assume that because you have morally failed publically, that you feel you need to walk the walk for others to see you've changed.

[Bro. Robbins]

I apologize if I offended you, that wasn't my intention. As I said in my post, I wasn't criticizing, accusing, etc........sometimes we need people on the outside to offer observations, because it's easy to get buried in what we do.

If this is the life that brings you happiness, then by all means, live it.

And I appreciate that brother... but with all the transition going on in the Apostolic church and other Holiness movements (which I've been a part of for almost 20 years), do you honestly think that you guys saying you view it as some kind of bondage, or not necessary is the first time anyone has said that to me?

There are many that originated in the Holiness churches that now feel they have the liberty to do many things beside dress differently, listen to secular music, go to movies, even drink and go to a club. Over the years I've had many say something to the effect, "I've been delivered from that bondage and realized it doesn't take all that to get to heaven, " or "Jesus showed me he never lived like that," etc.

But I don't read the book that way. There is no bondage in my life except this old retched flesh that likes to continually crawl off the altar where it should be crucified.

I'm not gonna change these convictions until I find them in the book, and in over 20 years of living for the Lord, I haven't found it yet.

And just so you know, I wasn't raised Holiness. Was raised that could dress anyway you want, live anyway you want, and you were eternally secure. Was raised Baptist. It was after I got the Holy Ghost and began to study the Word... at NON HOLINESS SCHOOLS by the way, that I saw this as God's mandate for my life.

No hard feelings here. Just not sure why, in a place that should be pretty tolerant as most want tolerance, there isn't that same degree of tolerance extended. Why try to change me? Why not accept me as I am and not malign how I'm trying to live for Jesus if I'm not maligning you?

[Bro. Robbins]

I would assume that because you have morally failed publically failed, that you feel you need to walk the walk for others to see you've changed.

And with all due respect... that assumption would be in error. They didn't save me, didn't call me, and don't sign my check. Only have one person to satisfy and live my life for, and that's Jesus.

[Bro. Robbins]

and by the way... how many on there haven't morally failed? Would think we all have....

[rgcraig]

Maybe not, but we are to have a good report from within and without. We also are to make sure that our good isn't evil spoken of, and we shun the very appearance of evil. Though my church doesn't preach it, I personally will not go in any restaurant to eat that serves alcohol, and I shop at a grocery that doesn't sell any alcohol. Why? Because it doesn't inconvenience me at all, and it keeps me from being seen in a position where someone might wonder what I was doing there.

I'm not living for man's approval, but I'm very, very, very protective of my witness. I can't be perfect, but there are things, that I can do to protect my testimony and witness to line up with the Word that will be no inconvenience to me and will protect the testimony.

And with all due respect... that assumption would be in error. They didn't save me, didn't call me, and don't sign my check. Only have one person to satisfy and live my life for, and that's Jesus.

Well, I'm not really assuming - it's basically what you've said already.

[Titus2woman]

and by the way... how many on there haven't morally failed? Would think we all have....

That was kind of my point exactly... Heck dude I'd need my own forum to list all my failings... but the fact that you felt you had to share that with people you were just 'meeting', as if it somehow defines you... that was the weird part.

[Michael Phelps]

And I appreciate that brother... but with all the transition going on in the Apostolic church and other Holiness movements (which I've been a part of for almost 20 years), do you honestly think that you guys saying you view it as some kind of bondage, or not necessary is the first time anyone has said that to me?

There are many that originated in the Holiness churches that now feel they have the liberty to do many things beside dress differently, listen to secular music, go to movies, even drink and go to a club. Over the years I've had many say something to the effect, "I've been delivered from that bondage and realized it doesn't take all that to get to heaven, " or "Jesus showed me he never lived like that," etc.

But I don't read the book that way. There is no bondage in my life except this old retched flesh that likes to continually crawl off the altar where it should be crucified.

I'm not gonna change these convictions until I find them in the book, and in over 20 years of living for the Lord, I haven't found it yet.

And just so you know, I wasn't raised Holiness. Was raised that could dress anyway you want, live anyway you want, and you were eternally secure. Was raised Baptist. It was after I got the Holy Ghost and began to study the Word... at NON HOLINESS SCHOOLS by the way, that I saw this as God's mandate for my life.

No hard feelings here. Just not sure why, in a place that should be pretty tolerant as most want tolerance, there isn't that same degree of tolerance extended. Why try to change me? Why not accept me as I am and not malign how I'm trying to live for Jesus if I'm not maligning you?

Once again, you misinterpreted my earlier statement.

I've never once criticized you for the way you live, but if you put your convictions out on a public forum, then you definitely should expect some discussion around them. There will be others who do not agree with your assessment of "The Book", and I'm one of them, but I have yet to read where anyone on this forum has said to you "You should NOT do that".

All I said was that it seemed to me that you were engaging in self-flagellation. And, even then, I said that if you were happy with your lifestyle, by all means, you should continue to live it.

What I did say was that such a lifestyle is usually much more pleasing to man than God, because it serves as a way for us to think we're much holier than what we really are. I mean, even the Bible says that man judges on the outward appearance, and God judges on the heart.

So, please, don't think for one minute that I'm trying to dissuade you from your mission, I'm just making an observation, which is quite common on public forums.

[Michael Phelps]

That was kind of my point exactly... Heck dude I'd need my own forum to list all my failings... but the fact that you felt you had to share that with people you were just 'meeting', as if it somehow defines you... that was the weird part.

Exactly........

[Bro. Robbins]

That was kind of my point exactly... Heck dude I'd need my own forum to list all my failings... but the fact that you felt you had to share that with people you were just 'meeting', as if it somehow defines you... that was the weird part.

maybe in Apostolic circles, but it's part of my testimony. Full Disclosure. Better than taking the chance of not saying anything, and then some self righteous wing nut posting... "I know what you did", or "you made a mistake that I know about."

Where I come from, and the circles I was mentored in, you don't dwell on it, but full disclosure is a wise move.

[Bro. Robbins]

Once again, you misinterpreted my earlier statement.

I've never once criticized you for the way you live, but if you put your convictions out on a public forum, then you definitely should expect some discussion around them. There will be others who do not agree with your assessment of "The Book", and I'm one of them, but I have yet to read where anyone on this forum has said to you "You should NOT do that".

All I said was that it seemed to me that you were engaging in self-flagellation. And, even then, I said that if you were happy with your lifestyle, by all means, you should continue to live it.

What I did say was that such a lifestyle is usually much more pleasing to man than God, because it serves as a way for us to think we're much holier than what we really are. I mean, even the Bible says that man judges on the outward appearance, and God judges on the heart.

So, please, don't think for one minute that I'm trying to dissuade you from your mission, I'm just making an observation, which is quite common on public forums.

The assumption though that it's done to please man, or that there is a holier than thou feeling from it, or where another poster called them rediculous are very incorrect and lean in the direction of condescention.

[Michael Phelps]

The assumption though that it's done to please man, or that there is a holier than thou feeling from it, or where another poster called them rediculous are very incorrect and lean in the direction of condescention.

Well, I would agree to disagree on this one.

But, I'll say one thing - I find it amusing that the ultra cons can tear down the liberals all day long, and they are earnestly contending for the faith.

But, when a liberal questions the legitimacy of some self imposed restrictions, it's condescending.

Come on brother, you're above this.

[Titus2woman]

maybe in Apostolic circles, but it's part of my testimony. Full Disclosure. Better than taking the chance of not saying anything, and then some self righteous wing nut posting... "I know what you did", or "you made a mistake that I know about."

Where I come from, and the circles I was mentored in, you don't dwell on it, but full disclosure is a wise move.

That is the most bizzare thing I've ever heard... well maybe not ever but it gets an honorable mention...

Hi, I'm Sister Titus and I was not a virgin when I married...

Hi, I am Bro. Bob and I spent 4 years in High School peeking through a hole in the girls shower.

Hi, Nice to meet you. I am Sis. Smith and I've had an abortion...

God help us, if that were the case we'd be worse then the Catholics who at least give you a booth, some privacy and one guy to talk to about it who is sworn to secrecy.

Full disclosure... I would never go out in public again if I had to bear hearing everyone's past sins... ewww...

As far as anyone else dropping a dime on you... Well... that could still happen if they have some juicy details and can find someone who does not have enough of their own issues to want to hear them.... That would NOT be me and if it's your friends I highly suggest you seek and find new ones.

[rgcraig]

Well, I would agree to disagree on this one.

But, I'll say one thing - I find it amusing that the ultra cons can tear down the liberals all day long, and they are earnestly contending for the faith.

But, when a liberal questions the legitimacy of some self imposed restrictions, it's condescending.

Come on brother, you're above this.

Funny how that is, isn't it? :highfive

[Bro. Robbins]

Well, I'm not really assuming - it's basically what you've said already.

then if not assumption, you misunderstood what I was saying..... Where I said, "and it keeps me from being seen in a position where someone might wonder what I was doing there... I'm not living for man's approval, but I'm very, very, very protective of my witness..." has nothing to do with trying to please anyone, or that I'm making decisions based on past failure. No where did I say that, but you assumed it.

I just take a very different view on our witness that apparently some here do, and that's okay as long as we can respect one another. I believe we are all supposed to be very, very, very protective of our witness in this world. And to not be a people that live in contradiction or double mindedness. And that we must be aware that there are two kinds of people (at least) that are always watching us.

One, those that are ready to take anything in our lives and find fault. These are religious folks that live their lives in pointing out others failures while ignoring their own. We don't live to please these folks, but for God's sake we don't need to give them amunition. The enemy uses these folks to tare up churches and destroy people's reputation.

Two, lost folks. I have had many lost folks come to me when they needed someone to pray, and have won people to the Lord, and they have said to me... the way you live your life inspired me, and made me seek God in my life. And they are watching....

I just don't want to be a hypocrite. If I say that I oppose gambling, then I don't need to be taking money for scholarships that is the result of gambling. If I don't believe we should drink alcohol, then I don't need to be in places of business that sell alcohol, when I have alternatives that are just as good. If I say that I think people should be in church on Sunday, then I don't need to be going to stores and restaurants on Sunday and be the reason people are having to work.

I'm actually just trying to back up what my mouth says with what I live. Trying to be consistent in what I believe.... that's all. And I believe that we are to be blameless, have a good report from within and without... and people are watching. We don't live for them, but we're ambassadors before them.

[Titus2woman]

then if not assumption, you misunderstood what I was saying..... Where I said, "and it keeps me from being seen in a position where someone might wonder what I was doing there... I'm not living for man's approval, but I'm very, very, very protective of my witness..." has nothing to do with trying to please anyone, or that I'm making decisions based on past failure. No where did I say that, but you assumed it.

I just take a very different view on our witness that apparently some here do, and that's okay as long as we can respect one another. I believe we are all supposed to be very, very, very protective of our witness in this world. And to not be a people that live in contradiction or double mindedness. And that we must be aware that there are two kinds of people (at least) that are always watching us.

One, those that are ready to take anything in our lives and find fault. These are religious folks that live their lives in pointing out others failures while ignoring their own. We don't live to please these folks, but for God's sake we don't need to give them amunition. The enemy uses these folks to tare up churches and destroy people's reputation.

Two, lost folks. I have had many lost folks come to me when they needed someone to pray, and have won people to the Lord, and they have said to me... the way you live your life inspired me, and made me seek God in my life. And they are watching....

I just don't want to be a hypocrite. If I say that I oppose gambling, then I don't need to be taking money for scholarships that is the result of gambling. If I don't believe we should drink alcohol, then I don't need to be in places of business that sell alcohol, when I have alternatives that are just as good. If I say that I think people should be in church on Sunday, then I don't need to be going to stores and restaurants on Sunday and be the reason people are having to work.

I'm actually just trying to back up what my mouth says with what I live. Trying to be consistent in what I believe.... that's all. And I believe that we are to be blameless, have a good report from within and without... and people are watching. We don't live for them, but we're ambassadors before them.

That sounds better... I feel healing in this place :)

[Bro. Robbins]

Well, I would agree to disagree on this one.

But, I'll say one thing - I find it amusing that the ultra cons can tear down the liberals all day long, and they are earnestly contending for the faith.

But, when a liberal questions the legitimacy of some self imposed restrictions, it's condescending.

Come on brother, you're above this.

Brother... this comment, considering the context of the conversation infers that I fall in this group... and I not once in this thread have "tore down the liberals". As a matter of fact, I said I don't push my lifestyle holiness convictions on anyone, and it's me working out my own salvation with fear and trembling....

If you can find one place I "tore down someone for being liberal", then I'll publicly apologize.

Even in my thread about Easter Egg hunts, my comments were that I was just so surprised to see them in Apostolic churches, when my impression prior to coming in the movement was very different than what I saw once I got here.

You'll not find one place on this forum where I've tore down a liberal for their belief... and believe me, there are many on here I disagree with. I've never lifted up my personal convictions to be superior once... show me where I have.

The problem is, because I resemble others of common conviction, that you've obviously had negative dealings with, I get thrown in the same box with them and become guilty of the same treatment they give... even though I haven't given it. That isn't fair... and I would assume you are above that.

[Bro. Robbins]

That sounds better... I feel healing in this place :)

It's what I've said all along... nothing new that the other 4 million posts didn't also say.

[Michael Phelps]

Brother... this comment, considering the context of the conversation infers that I fall in this group... and I not once in this thread have "tore down the liberals". As a matter of fact, I said I don't push my lifestyle holiness convictions on anyone, and it's me working out my own salvation with fear and trembling....

If you can find one place I "tore down someone for being liberal", then I'll publicly apologize.

Even in my thread about Easter Egg hunts, my comments were that I was just so surprised to see them in Apostolic churches, when my impression prior to coming in the movement was very different than what I saw once I got here.

You'll not find one place on this forum where I've tore down a liberal for their belief... and believe me, there are many on here I disagree with. I've never lifted up my personal convictions to be superior once... show me where I have.

The problem is, because I resemble others of common conviction, that you've obviously had negative dealings with, I get thrown in the same box with them and become guilty of the same treatment they give... even though I haven't given it. That isn't fair... and I would assume you are above that.

Fair enough, I apologize for lumping you into that category.

I respect your conviction, I appreciate your respect of mine - let's carry on!

[Titus2woman]

It's what I've said all along... nothing new that the other 4 million posts didn't also say.

It not the what... it's the how you said it.

Now don't ruin it by being a smarty pants. :D

[houston]

You don't go out on Sunday because it's a church day? Most of the employees that work on Sunday would probably not be in church either way. You can call it conviction or whatever you want. It looks like you have a religious spirit, you go about things in a religious manner. Legalism, dif.... no... same dress.

[RandyWayne]

A few days ago, I had a post from Larry the Cable Guy on my Facebook wall (yes, I did "like" him there -shoot me).

It went, "my diet vs. moon pies, that's my Hunger Games."

[Jay]

Bro. Robbins, I must say that you have done that which I hardly believed possible. You make me look liberal! :D

I do believe that many times Christians should be more careful about where we go, what we do, and whom we are regularly in association with. I have had people in the world laugh at 'Christians' who were involved those things that we regularly preach and teach against.

[MawMaw]

I know the plots details are quite a bit different but it reminds me of a teen age version of The Running Man.

http://mm.soldat.pl/wp-content/200541_159078_1_012.jpg

Is that Richard Dawson from Family Feud in that picture? LOL
if it's not it sure looks like him!

[rgcraig]

Is that Richard Dawson from Family Feud in that picture? LOL
if it's not it sure looks like him!

Yes, it is.

[RandyWayne]

Is that Richard Dawson from Family Feud in that picture? LOL
if it's not it sure looks like him!

Yup. He plays Damon Killian, host of "The Running Man!".

Here is the full movie!
(Please note, it is for mature audiences....")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvS1knZD1Dc

[Michael Phelps]

Bro. Robbins, I must say that you have done that which I hardly believed possible. You make me look liberal! :D

I do believe that many times Christians should be more careful about where we go, what we do, and whom we are regularly in association with. I have had people in the world laugh at 'Christians' who were involved those things that we regularly preach and teach against.

Such as?

[Bro. Robbins]

You don't go out on Sunday because it's a church day? Most of the employees that work on Sunday would probably not be in church either way. You can call it conviction or whatever you want. It looks like you have a religious spirit, you go about things in a religious manner. Legalism, dif.... no... same dress.

I don't go out to eat on Sundays, or to places of business because to me, when I was younger and had to work on Sundays... I had to because of all the church people coming in to the restaurant. As a matter of fact, if the church people hadn't come in, we would have been closed. I vowed then, I wouldn't be the reason anyone had to work on Sundays if I could help it.

Furthermore, I like the idea of one day of the week to pull back, decompress, and it be about nothing but the Lords house and family. So that's what I do on Sundays. I know Saturday is the Sabbath, so it's nothing to do with that.

You can say that most of the folks working on Sunday wouldn't be going to church, and that very well could be true... but I'm not going to be the reason they have to work.

The only times I ever will go out to eat on Sundays is if I'm evangelizing and have no other choice. But most pastors that book me now my preference, and I'll either eat a sandwich at the hotel and even tell maid service to not service my room on Sundays, or will eat at the pastors house if they cook on Sunday.

But you have to add this to the pot as well, I probably only eat out maybe 12 or 15 times an entire year... I always cook and eat at home. So, since I don't eat out very much, I sure wouldn't do it on Sundays.

[Michael Phelps]

I don't go out to eat on Sundays, or to places of business because to me, when I was younger and had to work on Sundays... I had to because of all the church people coming in to the restaurant. As a matter of fact, if the church people hadn't come in, we would have been closed. I vowed then, I wouldn't be the reason anyone had to work on Sundays if I could help it.

Furthermore, I like the idea of one day of the week to pull back, decompress, and it be about nothing but the Lords house and family. So that's what I do on Sundays. I know Saturday is the Sabbath, so it's nothing to do with that.

You can say that most of the folks working on Sunday wouldn't be going to church, and that very well could be true... but I'm not going to be the reason they have to work.

The only times I ever will go out to eat on Sundays is if I'm evangelizing and have no other choice. But most pastors that book me now my preference, and I'll either eat a sandwich at the hotel and even tell maid service to not service my room on Sundays, or will eat at the pastors house if they cook on Sunday.

But you have to add this to the pot as well, I probably only eat out maybe 12 or 15 times an entire year... I always cook and eat at home. So, since I don't eat out very much, I sure wouldn't do it on Sundays.

I'll just throw this in there, isn't it worse to make the pastor/pastor's wife cook on Sunday?

[Bro. Robbins]

I'll just throw this in there, isn't it worse to make the pastor/pastor's wife cook on Sunday?

Like she wouldn't be cooking anyway? I always say to them, if you all don't regularly eat at home on Sundays, don't do it just for me, I've got sandwich stuff or something I can microwave at the hotel. So it's not like they are cooking when they normally wouldn't have. I would never ask for that. I'm a guest.

The majority of COG and Apostolic pastors families I know, probably about 60% I would say, eat at home on Sundays anyway... and when I pastored, we had so much going on at the church it was much easier to just cook on Sunday than to go out to eat.

My mother always cooked on Sundays, and still does to this day for just her and dad. Even when all of us kids were little, she had the majority of the lunch cooked before we left for Sunday School, while dad got us kids ready, and then we ate at home after morning church. Us kids did the dishes and cleaned up, and we were back at church at 4:30 for Choir Practice and service at 6:00.

[Michael Phelps]

Like she wouldn't be cooking anyway? I always say to them, if you all don't regularly eat at home on Sundays, don't do it just for me, I've got sandwich stuff or something I can microwave at the hotel. So it's not like they are cooking when they normally wouldn't have. I would never ask for that. I'm a guest.

The majority of COG and Apostolic pastors families I know, probably about 60% I would say, eat at home on Sundays anyway... and when I pastored, we had so much going on at the church it was much easier to just cook on Sunday than to go out to eat.

My mother always cooked on Sundays, and still does to this day for just her and dad. Even when all of us kids were little, she had the majority of the lunch cooked before we left for Sunday School, while dad got us kids ready, and then we ate at home after morning church. Us kids did the dishes and cleaned up, and we were back at church at 4:30 for Choir Practice and service at 6:00.

I guess it all depends on whether she would be cooking anyway or not. I'll take the opposite side - the people in the restaurants would be working anyway on Sunday, so I suppose its all a matter of perception! :happydance

But, to your point, I do remember those days when mom cooked a huge meal on Sundays, and we usually had people over for dinner. After Sunday School, cooking and cleaning up, and then to church on Sunday night, she was exhausted. And, got up and went to work on Monday. So, personally - I'm a HUGE advocate of eating out on Sunday if you have all of those other activities going on.

It's ironic that we take Sunday, our "day of rest" and make it the busiest day of the week, and do it in the name of God. Seems a bit hypocritical to me. If we REALLY wanted to make it a day of rest, we'd have one service in the morning, and then let people stay home and relax and enjoy their families.

Just my personal opinion, and not in any way directed at you.

[rgcraig]

I'll just throw this in there, isn't it worse to make the pastor/pastor's wife cook on Sunday?

I had that same thought!

[Bro. Robbins]

I guess it all depends on whether she would be cooking anyway or not. I'll take the opposite side - the people in the restaurants would be working anyway on Sunday, so I suppose its all a matter of perception! :happydance

But, to your point, I do remember those days when mom cooked a huge meal on Sundays, and we usually had people over for dinner. After Sunday School, cooking and cleaning up, and then to church on Sunday night, she was exhausted. And, got up and went to work on Monday. So, personally - I'm a HUGE advocate of eating out on Sunday if you have all of those other activities going on.

It's ironic that we take Sunday, our "day of rest" and make it the busiest day of the week, and do it in the name of God. Seems a bit hypocritical to me. If we REALLY wanted to make it a day of rest, we'd have one service in the morning, and then let people stay home and relax and enjoy their families.

Just my personal opinion, and not in any way directed at you.

Our Sundays were always a team effort, daddy did all the clean up from breakfast, and most times cooked that. While mom took care of lunch. Dad also got us kids ready when we were little, and then when we were old enough, we helped with preperation of the meal, and the clean up was always on us. We were always done with lunch and clean up in enough time for us to rest, go out in the yard, etc. And we didn't do supper on Sundays, so there wasn't a third meal to cook or clean up from. It was a whole family thing, cooking together, etc so mom never saw it as a heavy load of a day, actually it was a lighter day. No cleaning the house on Sunday, no laundry on Sunday, no working in the yard on Sunday, and the small amount of chores like feeding livestock, watering them, etc, dad and us kids did. It always a pretty restful day for us compared to the rest of the week.

[Titus2woman]

[QUOTE=Michael Phelps;1151560]It's ironic that we take Sunday, our "day of rest" and make it the busiest day of the week, and do it in the name of God. Seems a bit hypocritical to me. If we REALLY wanted to make it a day of rest, we'd have one service in the morning, and then let people stay home and relax and enjoy their families.

[QUOTE]

Not to get too far off the subject from what ever subject we had gotten off on... but YES!

I never understood this idea that because full time paid ministry, that has no other job, opens the doors of the church 3-4-5-6 times a week we all have to gather there. In many Apostolic churches one is considered absolutely backslid if not there Sunday X2, Tuesday prayer meeting, Wednesday night service, and at least dropping off the kids for youth on Friday.

When Don began working nights and could not drive to Wednesday service I started skipping due to my extreamly poor and even dangerous night vision. I actually had people come up to me and say "I want you to know I am saying this in love... It is important to be faithful to God's house, so one does not slip away". Huh? I was on the slippery slope after years of being at the church 5 (or more) days a week? If only those well meaning folks had any idea what those comments of judgement did to help push me out the door.

I love the idea of a church that 'offers' several services a week and repects those who attend there enough to let them choose which ones can and do benefit their lives.

[Dordrecht]

Driving to some churches and attending ALL events is a condition to salvation.

How come you did not get that?

[AreYouReady?]

Well, I went to see the Hunger Games movie. All I can say is that it is my sincere prayer that mankind never devolves into this type of mentality. It reminded me of a modern day Gladiator movie in which the elite got their entertainment from watching the last man standing.

[RandyWayne]

Has anyone seen the new release of Titanic in Super 3D? It looks REALLY good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJxj1mou03M&feature=g-all&context=G2790299FAAAAAAAABAA

[tstew]

Has anyone seen the new release of Titanic in Super 3D? It looks REALLY good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJxj1mou03M&feature=g-all&context=G2790299FAAAAAAAABAA

LOL. That's hilarious. I love Michael Bey blowing EVERYTHING up.

[Jay]

That was funny.

[Michael Phelps]

That was funny.

Jay,

Earlier in this thread, you said you had people in the world make fun of/laugh at Christians who preached against certain things and then did them.

Can you give a couple of examples? Just curious....

[Timmy]

Jay,

Earlier in this thread, you said you had people in the world make fun of/laugh at Christians who preached against certain things and then did them.

Can you give a couple of examples? Just curious....

I'm an example. I laugh at a preacher I knew who preached against lying, and was well known for telling whoppers. He even said that it was hard for him to lie! Two things: 1. What a weird thing to say. He tries to lie, but can't? :blink 2. It's so not true. (Just another lie among many. ;))

[Jay]

Jay,

Earlier in this thread, you said you had people in the world make fun of/laugh at Christians who preached against certain things and then did them.

Can you give a couple of examples? Just curious....


I am assuming that this is the quotation that you were speaking about.


I do believe that many times Christians should be more careful about where we go, what we do, and whom we are regularly in association with. I have had people in the world laugh at 'Christians' who were involved those things that we regularly preach and teach against.


I was specifically considering people who wish to say that they are Christian, but go to wild parties, bars, get drunk, go dancing, smoke, etc.

I have heard more than one person in the world discuss people who do things like this, and they say, "Christians would not do these things if they had anything." I have heard complaints of 'Christians' committing business in bad faith and not making it right. And these are only a few of the complaints that I have heard. Timmy's point was a sad example of this complaint as well as the scorn that then is leveled at all Christians.

It was not all that long ago that nearly every denomination preached against bars, dance halls, movie theaters, and television as the corrupters of good morals. Can people watch 'R' or 'PG' rated material that has nudity (whole or partial), sexual activity, blatant drug and alcohol use for recreational purposes, homosexuality, blasphemy, the constant cursing and misuse of the Lord's name, and many other ungodly actions for mere entertainment and still maintain that they are a Christian?

This is saying nothing about the ungodly lyrics in so many of the modern Rock/Hip-Hop/Pop lyrics that are promoted today. Country music by and large is not much better with their tales of adultery, fornication, and drunkenness. How long does a 'Christian' listen to such music without being effected in his actions and lifestyle. A good example would be all of the 'Christians' who claimed Creed as a 'Christian' group, when the group itself denied that they were Christian and even laughed at those who thought they were.

This is why I have made my statement, and I stand by everything that I have said.

[Michael Phelps]

I am assuming that this is the quotation that you were speaking about.





I was specifically considering people who wish to say that they are Christian, but go to wild parties, bars, get drunk, go dancing, smoke, etc.

I have heard more than one person in the world discuss people who do things like this, and they say, "Christians would not do these things if they had anything." I have heard complaints of 'Christians' committing business in bad faith and not making it right. And these are only a few of the complaints that I have heard. Timmy's point was a sad example of this complaint as well as the scorn that then is leveled at all Christians.

It was not all that long ago that nearly every denomination preached against bars, dance halls, movie theaters, and television as the corrupters of good morals. Can people watch 'R' or 'PG' rated material that has nudity (whole or partial), sexual activity, blatant drug and alcohol use for recreational purposes, homosexuality, blasphemy, the constant cursing and misuse of the Lord's name, and many other ungodly actions for mere entertainment and still maintain that they are a Christian?

This is saying nothing about the ungodly lyrics in so many of the modern Rock/Hip-Hop/Pop lyrics that are promoted today. Country music by and large is not much better with their tales of adultery, fornication, and drunkenness. How long does a 'Christian' listen to such music without being effected in his actions and lifestyle. A good example would be all of the 'Christians' who claimed Creed as a 'Christian' group, when the group itself denied that they were Christian and even laughed at those who thought they were.

This is why I have made my statement, and I stand by everything that I have said.

I gotcha, thanks for the clarification.

I was under the impression that you were talking about Apostolics, but if I understand correctly, you were referring to everyone who calls themselves a "Christian".

[Jay]

If a person wants to be called a Christian, then they should live a separated life. That was what I was saying. However, that applies all the more to those who wish to be called Apostolic, Pentecostal, or have obeyed the command of Acts 2.

[Timmy]

If a person wants to be called a Christian, then they should live a separated life. That was what I was saying. However, that applies all the more to those who wish to be called Apostolic, Pentecostal, or have obeyed the command of Acts 2.

One problem is that there are many diverse sets of beliefs among Christians as to what "Christians can and can't do" (or, as you put it, how to live a separated life). Those looking on might be confused when they see some Christians at a bar, if it so happens that their denomination doesn't preach against that, but they are familiar only with those that do.

That's not to say you shouldn't settle on a particular set of rules and abide by them. ;)

[Jay]

One problem is that there are many diverse sets of beliefs among Christians as to what "Christians can and can't do" (or, as you put it, how to live a separated life). Those looking on might be confused when they see some Christians at a bar, if it so happens that their denomination doesn't preach against that, but they are familiar only with those that do.

That's not to say you shouldn't settle on a particular set of rules and abide by them. ;)


Actually, those who are not church attenders often have a better idea of where those who do attend should and should not go. Further if you study the history of most Protestant denominations, you will find that almost every single one within the last 100-120 years preached against every item that I listed. Baptist, Methodist, Nazarene, Church of God, Church of Christ, AOG, UPCI, Wesleyans, and many others. They might have left those over the years, but they were quite public not that long ago.

[The Lemon]

Another interesting thread. Good points made as well. I suppose the folks that have had the greatest impact on me personally (from a spiritual standpoint) have been those preachers who were annointed but also very real - not in the sense of sin or compromise, but in the sense that they did not spiritualize EVERYTHING. They had a genuwine calling and annointing, and could also relate to REAL people, they did not have a permenant address at the "Ivory Tower".

That said, I have been around long enough to have seem some fireballs for the Lord burn out and backslide, what is my point? The point is that though there is clearly supposed to be a seperation from the world, we still have a life in this existence, and believe it or not we are human AND spirit, not just spirit, or should I say "Super Spirit" with a capital "S". At any rate, i see the point of abstaining from certain things / places - but I also see how this has and can be carried to extreme levels.

I suppose I have seen alot of wrong and evil in and out of the church and the common denominator in both was human beings. To think that there can't be just as much messed up stuff in church as in the world is to bury ones head in the sand. There are alot of grey areas that are not as well defined as many would like to proclaim, and at the end of the day it does come down to a personal walk with Jesus and careful study of the Word.

If the list of "stuff" preached against was enough to curtail the spin that this world is currently in then it would have worked. Love covers a multitude of sin..we need the love of God and a love for God - that is the message that needs to be preached LONG before thumping the pulpit over TV etc....

[Jack Shephard]

I read the book....good read.

[AreYouReady?]

Ha ha . Loved the spoof.

[Timmy]

Actually, those who are not church attenders often have a better idea of where those who do attend should and should not go. Further if you study the history of most Protestant denominations, you will find that almost every single one within the last 100-120 years preached against every item that I listed. Baptist, Methodist, Nazarene, Church of God, Church of Christ, AOG, UPCI, Wesleyans, and many others. They might have left those over the years, but they were quite public not that long ago.

Yes. So it's a matter of who is (or was) right (and when). It can be argued that many of the items listed never should have been there. Some, of course, would argue that the list should never have changed. Or that it can change some, but has changed too much, too fast.

BTW, roller skating was on the list when I was a kid in the AG. Is that on your list?

[Michael Phelps]

Another interesting thread. Good points made as well. I suppose the folks that have had the greatest impact on me personally (from a spiritual standpoint) have been those preachers who were annointed but also very real - not in the sense of sin or compromise, but in the sense that they did not spiritualize EVERYTHING. They had a genuwine calling and annointing, and could also relate to REAL people, they did not have a permenant address at the "Ivory Tower".

That said, I have been around long enough to have seem some fireballs for the Lord burn out and backslide, what is my point? The point is that though there is clearly supposed to be a seperation from the world, we still have a life in this existence, and believe it or not we are human AND spirit, not just spirit, or should I say "Super Spirit" with a capital "S". At any rate, i see the point of abstaining from certain things / places - but I also see how this has and can be carried to extreme levels.

I suppose I have seen alot of wrong and evil in and out of the church and the common denominator in both was human beings. To think that there can't be just as much messed up stuff in church as in the world is to bury ones head in the sand. There are alot of grey areas that are not as well defined as many would like to proclaim, and at the end of the day it does come down to a personal walk with Jesus and careful study of the Word.

If the list of "stuff" preached against was enough to curtail the spin that this world is currently in then it would have worked. Love covers a multitude of sin..we need the love of God and a love for God - that is the message that needs to be preached LONG before thumping the pulpit over TV etc....

Great post:thumbsup

[Arphaxad]

Hunger Games-hahaha- what a load of dirt- I give it a 2 (thumbs down).BOO-HISSS!
Another crummy rip-off of a Japanese film-"Battle Royale", released in 2001.


:doggyrun

[Nitehawk013]

I really don't care to see Hunger Games, but that is because I don't really think it looks interesting. NOw Avengers...count me in.

SOmetimes I think we just want to walk around pointing and yelling "UNCLEAN UNCLEAN" at anything that isn't boring and as tasteless as tofu. I love a great deal of secular music. I love movies. I enjoy going to and playing sports. I watch Tv. Those who say that all secular music is just about sex and immorality, that movies are just all trash filled with sin and godlessness, that we shouldn't go to sporting events becaus ethey sell *gasp* alcohol and bring out our competitiveness or taht everythign on tv is heathenistic are, pardon my bluntness, idiots.

I wonder if those who say such things have ever listened to any secular music or seen any movies besides whatever truly immoral one was used in their Pastors latest rant against Hollywood. There is PLENTY of good entertainment out there that isn't Christian in its nature, yet also isn't sinful or offensive to Christian values.

[jfrog]

I am assuming that this is the quotation that you were speaking about.





I was specifically considering people who wish to say that they are Christian, but go to wild parties, bars, get drunk, go dancing, smoke, etc.

I have heard more than one person in the world discuss people who do things like this, and they say, "Christians would not do these things if they had anything." I have heard complaints of 'Christians' committing business in bad faith and not making it right. And these are only a few of the complaints that I have heard. Timmy's point was a sad example of this complaint as well as the scorn that then is leveled at all Christians.

It was not all that long ago that nearly every denomination preached against bars, dance halls, movie theaters, and television as the corrupters of good morals. Can people watch 'R' or 'PG' rated material that has nudity (whole or partial), sexual activity, blatant drug and alcohol use for recreational purposes, homosexuality, blasphemy, the constant cursing and misuse of the Lord's name, and many other ungodly actions for mere entertainment and still maintain that they are a Christian?

This is saying nothing about the ungodly lyrics in so many of the modern Rock/Hip-Hop/Pop lyrics that are promoted today. Country music by and large is not much better with their tales of adultery, fornication, and drunkenness. How long does a 'Christian' listen to such music without being effected in his actions and lifestyle. A good example would be all of the 'Christians' who claimed Creed as a 'Christian' group, when the group itself denied that they were Christian and even laughed at those who thought they were.

This is why I have made my statement, and I stand by everything that I have said.

I'm concerned with the whole "people in the world know how Christians should act" mindest. No they don't! Being a Christian is not about abiding by a certain set of rules and that's all those in the world view it as (and to top it all off those in the world got their set of rules from some particular set of christians.) There are far too many different sets of rules to even know which is right anymore. I'll tell you what being a Christian is about. The Holy Spirit leading and guiding us is what being a Christian is about and the Holy Spirit isn't concerned with leading and guiding us into the knowledge of a correct set of rules. I mean how many times do you pray and ask God what you should do in a situation? No rule can substitute for the Holy Spirit's guidance in those situations.

[jfrog]

My other concern in this thread...

What if the government strongly recommended you install a program on your computer that told them every site you visited. Let's say they did it in the name of preventing terrorism (a noble goal). Now let's see what happens after a year of most everyone following that recommendation. Well, the government gets some statistics that say terrorists are 100 times more likely to not have that program installed so then everyone that doesn't have that program installed instantly becomes looked upon as a terrorist.

Let's take this example back to the church in question that does this. Everyone that doesn't follow that recommendation in a church where most everyone follows it will be instantly viewed as having something to hide (or at the very least rebellious for not following the pastors recommendations and rebellion is also preached as a sin in most circles...)

Basically following a pastors rules is a bare minimum for fellowship but following his recommendations is what makes one feel more godly because you are going above and beyond the call so to speak.

[Bro. Robbins]

My other concern in this thread...

What if the government strongly recommended you install a program on your computer that told them every site you visited. Let's say they did it in the name of preventing terrorism (a noble goal). Now let's see what happens after a year of most everyone following that recommendation. Well, the government gets some statistics that say terrorists are 100 times more likely to not have that program installed so then everyone that doesn't have that program installed instantly becomes looked upon as a terrorist.

Let's take this example back to the church in question that does this. Everyone that doesn't follow that recommendation in a church where most everyone follows it will be instantly viewed as having something to hide (or at the very least rebellious for not following the pastors recommendations and rebellion is also preached as a sin in most circles...)

Basically following a pastors rules is a bare minimum for fellowship but following his recommendations is what makes one feel more godly because you are going above and beyond the call so to speak.

That's actually not true at the church... that's the difference between a recommendation and instruction. The recommendation is in the Family ministries pamphlet, along with a ton of other great family viewing websites, and resources to help parents make great decisions. It's in print, and so no one would ever know if you did it or not, cause they don't want the reports sent to any pastoral staff....they specifically say that in the recommendation. Find an accountability partner peer, but do not send to the church or a pastoral staff member...should you choose to use this software.

[jfrog]

That's actually not true at the church... that's the difference between a recommendation and instruction. The recommendation is in the Family ministries pamphlet, along with a ton of other great family viewing websites, and resources to help parents make great decisions. It's in print, and so no one would ever know if you did it or not, cause they don't want the reports sent to any pastoral staff....they specifically say that in the recommendation. Find an accountability partner peer, but do not send to the church or a pastoral staff member...should you choose to use this software.

If you think the whole church doesn't know you have an accounability partner I'd say you're naive.

[RandyWayne]

Hunger Games-hahaha- what a load of dirt- I give it a 2 (thumbs down).BOO-HISSS!
Another crummy rip-off of a Japanese film-"Battle Royale", released in 2001.


:doggyrun


How was Battle Royale? I saw the trailer and may look for the DVD.

[Arphaxad]

How was Battle Royale? I saw the trailer and may look for the DVD.

IMO 100X better than Hunger Slime, but that's me. If you have netflix you can read lots of reviews. Good luck finding the dvd, I watched it on one of the pay per view channels.

:doggyrun

[Jay]

Yes. So it's a matter of who is (or was) right (and when). It can be argued that many of the items listed never should have been there. Some, of course, would argue that the list should never have changed. Or that it can change some, but has changed too much, too fast.

BTW, roller skating was on the list when I was a kid in the AG. Is that on your list?

I'm concerned with the whole "people in the world know how Christians should act" mindest. No they don't! Being a Christian is not about abiding by a certain set of rules and that's all those in the world view it as (and to top it all off those in the world got their set of rules from some particular set of christians.) There are far too many different sets of rules to even know which is right anymore. I'll tell you what being a Christian is about. The Holy Spirit leading and guiding us is what being a Christian is about and the Holy Spirit isn't concerned with leading and guiding us into the knowledge of a correct set of rules. I mean how many times do you pray and ask God what you should do in a situation? No rule can substitute for the Holy Spirit's guidance in those situations.

This is an area where the Biblical principals are actually very plain. We are not to look, love, desire, or think about the temptations that the world offers.

The Bible gives many specific things that we should avoid, and every single one of them is displayed in nearly every television program, commercial, movie, and 99% of modern 'secular' music. We are called to resist the devil, give no place for the flesh, shun the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life from which every single sin known to man has emerged.

The works of the flesh with all of the riotous display that they world can show is on the television and in movies. Nakedness, drunkenness, murders (graphic and obscene), fornication, adultery, homosexuality, erotic behaviors and poses, blasphemy, etc. are regularly paraded through the livingrooms and bedrooms of 'Christian' homes. I am not creating a list to oppose television programming and movies. That list was written more than 2000 years ago at the instruction of the Almighty Judge.


My other concern in this thread...

What if the government strongly recommended you install a program on your computer that told them every site you visited. Let's say they did it in the name of preventing terrorism (a noble goal). Now let's see what happens after a year of most everyone following that recommendation. Well, the government gets some statistics that say terrorists are 100 times more likely to not have that program installed so then everyone that doesn't have that program installed instantly becomes looked upon as a terrorist.

Let's take this example back to the church in question that does this. Everyone that doesn't follow that recommendation in a church where most everyone follows it will be instantly viewed as having something to hide (or at the very least rebellious for not following the pastors recommendations and rebellion is also preached as a sin in most circles...)

Basically following a pastors rules is a bare minimum for fellowship but following his recommendations is what makes one feel more godly because you are going above and beyond the call so to speak.

I fail to see the correlation between paragraphs one and two.

Third, often those are not the 'pastor's rules' but rather policies that have been installed in the very bylaws of the congregation's charter. The pastor might have additional requests due to circumstances, but much of that depends on the amount of power his bylaws give him.

[Sherri]

I have no desire to see this movie. Just not my type, I guess. I hate sci-fi futuristic stuff.

[CC1]

I have no desire to see this movie. Just not my type, I guess. I hate sci-fi futuristic stuff.

Well maybe you can give the book it is based on a try. It is very good. A lot of allegory in it about government control, human nature, etc.

[AreYouReady?]

Well maybe you can give the book it is based on a try. It is very good. A lot of allegory in it about government control, human nature, etc.

You know, I've seen the movie and posted here that I hoped mankind never stooped so low into this.

Is the book very detailed?

[Dordrecht]

As far as I am concerned, the book is also garbage.


The works of the flesh with all of the riotous display that they world can show is on the television and in movies. Nakedness, drunkenness, murders (graphic and obscene), fornication, adultery, homosexuality, erotic behaviors and poses, blasphemy, etc. are regularly paraded through the livingrooms and bedrooms of 'Christian' homes. I am not creating a list to oppose television programming and movies. That list was written more than 2000 years ago at the instruction of the Almighty Judge.

Well said!

[jediwill83]

The entire series was good.I read the first one and quickly went through the other two.The themes of self sacrifice and compassion were woven through an intense and action packed story.The series is set 100 hundred years into our future...America is no more...instead we are divided into "Districts" each district has a primary focus...agriculture...electronics...coal mining...ect.Every year a boy and a girl from each district are chosen to compete in the {unger Games which are gladiatorial in nauture.The games are forced upon a poor and subjugated population in retaliation to an earlier attempt to overthrow the corrupt totalitarian government.The people have no choice but to participate or die.The main character is a girl who lost her father in a mining accident and she provides for her mother and younger sister by hunting and trapping and gathering herbs...these actions are illegal by law but because of their location*Appalacian Mountains* the people are more close knit than the other districts and the local authorities kind of turn a blind eye to such things.What happens is that the main characters younger sisters name is drawn....the older sister takes her place out of love for her sister and unwittingly ignites the flames of rebellion and resistance to an evil corrupt system....EXCELLENT example of overcontrol of people through government.

[Arphaxad]

How was Battle Royale? I saw the trailer and may look for the DVD.

IMO 100X better than Hunger Slime, but that's me. If you have netflix you can read lots of reviews. Good luck finding the dvd, I watched it on one of the pay per view channels.

:doggyrun

Saw BR 2 last night, kind of a let down, after the first one was so good.


:doggyrun

[RandyWayne]

Saw BR 2 last night, kind of a let down, after the first one was so good.


:doggyrun

While completely different stories, I just saw Ip Man and Ip Man 2 using my Amazon Prime account the past couple of days. The first one was English dubbed and the 2nd was subtitled (preferred the subtitles myself). Both were excellent! Extremely well done martial arts flicks.

[Arphaxad]

While completely different stories, I just saw Ip Man and Ip Man 2 using my Amazon Prime account the past couple of days. The first one was English dubbed and the 2nd was subtitled (preferred the subtitles myself). Both were excellent! Extremely well done martial arts flicks.


you know there's another out now, prequel to
ipman 1. Yeah, I like sub-titles too, dubbing usually sounds too goofy for me.

:doggyrun