The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

These guys have some great stuff, which is why I'm so disappointed they struck out so bad on this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPil9...e_gdata_player

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

I've no idea about who skitguys are but unfortunately it's true. People's love of sports and entertainment can be stumbling blocks for them.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

First, please explain how so.

Second, please explain how this is different than anything else (money, work, relationships, scratching lotto tickets, clubs... the list of idols could potentially be a mile long).

That something can be a stumbling block for some does not leave room for their false parallel to idol worship anymore than these others things can be. Do you see my point?

If we are going to follow the principle of idol worship, Mark Driscoll's sermon is much more accurate:

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


I'm a sports fan. I don't worship sports stars. I don't exalt them above God. I don't pay any heart-level direction to them. I don't, in any way, promote that they are greater than God. It's pure entertainment. Fun. Temporary. A prop for us to use to get together with others and have shallow fun. If it became an idol, I'd hope the Spirit would reveal that.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

What is Idol Worship?

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

Good question.

In the Bible, it was setting up images (a common practice then) that would compete with God's glory. People would place faith and trust in these idols and omens, either alongside or even above God.

Today, idol worship (polytheism) isn't terribly popular in the West (though some would argue that Pluralism is close), but in principle, what things in our life are raised up as competition to our allegiance, trust and faith in God?

Family? Parents? Ministry leaders?

The possibilities are endless. The solution is distinct.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

Okay, I thought Idol Worship was the name of a TV show or something, like American Idol. And the Skit Guys didn't make the cut. I have not viewed the video.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

First, how so? People can love their sports and entertainment more than God. Second, it is no different from money, relationships, clubs etc... I'm a sports fan too. I never said following sports or entertainment was idol worship, I said it could be a stumbling block.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

I think the video is great. If the shoe fits, wear it. If you're not sucked into the frenzy, then it doesn't apply to you. Simple as that. Some people make celebrities, sports stars, rock stars, etc., into little "idols." This video is just illustrating how something harmless can become harmful. All things in moderation. All things in balance. If it's out of balance, it's probably not good for you--or your relationship with God.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

We celebrated and danced, acting like fools when our team won the big game just like everyone else. Had fun. It wasn't any deeper than that.

To frame idol worship carte blanche to sport isn't accurate IMO.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

I think that the clip may have been about sport because it isn't as obvious as the idolatory of money and other things. The fact is that there are professing Christians out there that have prioritised sport higher than God. There are people sitting in the pews every Sunday morning looking at their wrist watches rather than listening to sermons because they are worried they might miss the beginning of the game.

I celebrate and cheer when my team wins as well, that isn't idolatory. Try thinking out of the box and try to see that the clip was made to try and help someone that has misplaced their priorities with regards to sport. It may well bring people closer to God which I'm sure is their intention.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

There are principles which govern the flesh and their are principles which govern the spirit. One must know what they are and how they work in our lives, and must take caution on what the repercussion are when they are deployed into our lives. All of us must take safeguards not to put anything or anyone one above Jesus and our obligation to him. However that does not mean we can't enjoys this natural side of life. I love to go fishing a lot. But I don't prioritize that above God, I share it with him and he is there with me all the time. Maybe that's why I catch the biggest fish. No just kidding.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

And that's okay; but for some [many?] people it does go beyond just having fun. For instance, if you're willing to injure other people over a game, you might have made your favorite sport, team or hero into an idol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WnTueH5pzo

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

These types of incidents aren't all that uncommon.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

I don't know of any Christians that have prioritized sports higher than God... not one.

As far as being in the pews looking at their wrist watch... that doesn't mean they are not listening that only means they can multitask. As far as them being worried they will miss the beginning of a big game while a preacher is being longwinded and repeating things they already know...well I can't blame them there. Maybe the preacher should learn not to be so boring or to get his point across a little faster. ;)

Wait. I thought sports in any way shape or form was ok for both pastors and saints to drone on about ad nauseum at church and over the pulpit. Those athletes are all stand-up citizens. Not like that Hollywood crowd. They are all devils destined for hell. Did I miss the memo?

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

Then there are Christians that have made an idol of the "worship service." :)

Sunday morning is not the extra holy check-in each week. If they are looking at their wrist watches, maybe we better check we are preaching something relevant to them enough to keep their attention? Otherwise, consider changing service times.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

Yeah, I've seen the same shenanigans in what we call a worship service. Ironically, an idol within itself. Matching what we think is worship, forcing it, manipulating to it, upset if "it" doesn't happen controls our attitude... it becomes more preeminent than God himself. The videos posted on here are proof to that.

I wouldn't say "many." Seriously. I don't even know a single believer that makes sports an idol. Can't think of a single one. I knew one that couldn't handle it -- he was extreme in everything he did. So sports was another of those outlets where he'd be extreme. He'd spend hours memorizing line stats, etc. But the same person did similar things with other activities he was involved with. His habit for excessiveness was not discriminatory.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

Me neither.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

Pander to the flesh? Another gospel perhaps? Is Jesus not relevant? If preaching about Jesus doesn't keep their attention, just change service times for them? Why are they there, if not to hear about Jesus? Of course the preacher has to change something, not the people sitting in the pew, they must have more important things to do.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

It's not that they aren't interested in Jesus. Let's not be presumptuous. How is Jesus presented? In the pastor's dull, ill-prepared, dry sermonizing? Or through spirit-influenced, creative and relevant (to their lives) teaching.

Of course Jesus is relevant. It's the pastor's job to connect those dots of HOW He is :)

I've sat through some boring sermons in my lifetime. I guess you can just say I was carnal *rolls eyes*

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

I hope most people go to church with open hearts and minds. And not expecting a show, but where our minds and hearts are fed from the Word of God. And sometimes it's not the preacher's fault if we aren't. What you considered boring may not have been for others.

Re: The Skit Guys Strike Out on "Idol Worship"
 

Pfft, like that's an sort of basis to platform your argument on. No true Christians would prioritise sports higher than God. Professing Christians (as I stated earlier) is an entirely different thing. These are the ones that Jesus will say he never knew. I believe that the term listed in the Bible is lukewarm.