[QUOTE=notofworks;915813]
That's not really support then.
Your statement about legalism, oif course I agree with you.
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••Yes, I think it is support. In fact, I think it's great support, because I would be applying wisdom to their decision and giving them prudence as to what they should expect. If they think the banned TV will solve their problem, they need to know that's probably not true.
LOL Way to support their decision. You are arguing with it. "Do it if you wanna, but it won't help!" That's support? lol
But I don't see how keeping one's home a sanctuary will not help them. Or, since AQP brought up the Matthew parable, if one's eye is offending them, how plucking it out won't be helpful! Of course it will.
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••What does that parable really mean, though? Let's face it...all of us see things that tempt us or even cause us to fall. So how come no one plucks their eye out? I've heard of people trying and they're institutionalized. There must be some other meaning to that parable? Care to take a stab?
I always love to take stabs. But let me ask you first to project your meaning since you disagreed with my own application.
Here's some context of Matthew 5, hard words spoken from a passionate Jesus:
19-20"Trivialize even the smallest item in God's Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won't know the first thing about entering the kingdom.
Mt 5 gives the most practical advice, from Jesus' own mouth, about how to live a morally pure life. I love how the chapter sums up:
"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
It doesn't rid us of our problem. Which is why getting rid of a TV, or selective about movies, or filters on internet, is not about "do this and you're perfect and holy." It's accompanied by the Spirit, saying "Jesus you are LORD, and I'm setting up idols in my life that I'm worshippping (lust), and I worship you. If I truly believe you are LORD, I won't worship them. Help my unbelief." Then afterward, doing everything to make provision to avoid that trap.
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••This is my point. Maybe getting rid of a TV will help. Maybe it won't. But the sin nature isn't going to disappear because I sell my TV in a rummage sale. ndavid said it very well. Just walk outside the house and there's plenty to tempt us. And since this is the case, maybe we should all gouge our eyes out. But no one's doing that, are they? That would hurt too much!
If it's a certain girl at work one flirts with overboard. They choose a different route. If it's a certain drive home where it goes right by the beach front with scantily clad women that creates an inferno of raging thoughts, then they choose a different route.
At least we've made some progress with your "maybe it will help!" It will most certainly help. A man that struggles with lust (many of us do), but a man who is consumed, who stays away from the temptation is a wise man. He hasn't conquered the venom of sin, but he's learned to grow up and behave maturely, taking responsibility for his actions. Striving to live right. Also, I never interpreted eye gouging literally, not sure why you are doing that now. This is a parable. Your logic says, "heck since it's everywhere, don't even bother." I find that very ignorant, NOW.
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••But what about truly addressing the problem, through counseling, renewing of the mind, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit? Then one would be able to drive by the beach.......and not look! That's the victory, not wasting gas by driving an extra 20 miles around the beach.
Sure, address it in those ways. But also remove yourself from the temptation if it's feeding your problem. It's not either/or. I'm surprised you think by the Spirit we can be perfect all of a sudden. I think the man that drives a different route has victory just the same! How can you say otherwise???
If it means conversations have gone too far with a part of the opposite sex, they never allow alone conversations with that person. It's us being led by the Spirit, taking responsibility for our own actions. Grace has our back, but it's not going to let us lay down and bring our idols in.
I agree about grace. The thing is, the more I've experienced grace and understood it, the more I want to please my Father. Knowing that grace "has my back" and knowing that I can get back up and try again, is empowering!
Where there is a will there is a way. I would imagine that ALL internet filtering software can be gotten around by a dedicated kid and google...
Besides if you as an adult do not have self control when you are watching TV to either change the channel or tune out what is being said then how can we expect you to not click on the picture of that sexy woman in the corner saying come chat with me.
Filtering works better for children to avoid exposure early on. It's also a great impediment. Like an alarm on a car. It will keep honest people honest.
However, accountability is far better. It's not playing "gotcha," but it's a great way of "bearing one another's burdens" and making confession one to another.
TV is not always about "self control." Imagery feeds a man's lust demon. For some, the struggle is greater. There's a distinction between trying to claim self-control in pride, and humbly not trusting one's own self, realizing how close all of us are to sin.
Filtering works better for children to avoid exposure early on. It's also a great impediment. Like an alarm on a car. It will keep honest people honest.
However, accountability is far better. It's not playing "gotcha," but it's a great way of "bearing one another's burdens" and making confession one to another.
TV is not always about "self control." Imagery feeds a man's lust demon. For some, the struggle is greater. There's a distinction between trying to claim self-control in pride, and humbly not trusting one's own self, realizing how close all of us are to sin.
If it's a sin to look at porn, is it a sin to try to look at porn, even if you can't because of a filter?
Good question... kind of.
The whole situation revolves around what's going on in the heart. Sins aren't tally points against us, they are a condition of unbelief in the heart. If a safeguard helps catch our attention and steers us away, one should be grateful.
Filters aren't just for people trying to get porn. It's also those who have just intentions that filter out pop-ups and sites that aren't wholesome.
I don't use a filter, but I think they are a good idea. I do use accountability software though.
You appear to be susceptible to a variety of "voices" and "convictions." How do you really know that you "receive your convictions from God?"
I've already expressed concern about trammeling the holiness of God's Word with innovations and the traditions of men; what is your objective standard concerning "convictions" being given "by God?"
Why isn't everyone on the planet similarly "convicted" by the same Holy Spirit for the same things? (I'm bored with the TV/Internet debate as it actually should be more rooted in the matters of acceptable conversation and discourse... but that's another matter).
You appear to be "convicted" about the uncut hair issue. Why doesn't the Holy Spirit "convict" everyone on that (this is a bit more clear "cut" that TV). The Bible doesn't even say what you purported it to have said earlier on this issue. How can you trust these inner "convictions" you say that you receive to be any more godly than a Loreal shampoo commercial?
Sorry, I just now saw this post.
I receive my convictions in prayer and while reading the word of God. I don't make any major decision without seeking the will of God.
17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Your question about conviction is flawed at best. Do you believe in Baptism in Jesus name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost? Why doesn't God convict everyone about this ideology? What about the 10 Commandments? Why are there people in the world that commit murder? Not sure I follow your logic. I appreciate the discussion though.
17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Your question about conviction is flawed at best. Do you believe in Baptism in Jesus name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost? Why doesn't God convict everyone about this ideology? What about the 10 Commandments? Why are there people in the world that commit murder? Not sure I follow your logic. I appreciate the discussion though.
My question isn't "flawed" just because you have similar questions.
... and thanks. I see that you're getting busy. Perhaps we can chat a bit more as time goes on.
LOL. You're pretty funny. I'll stick around, but you won't change my mind. I actually attend a church that some might consider liberal. That hasn't changed me at all. I already mentioned what my family believes.
I'm sorry if I came on a little strong here. I've just seen the way cons. have been treated on past threads.
I don't deny that I've seen that on AFF and I don't like it. I stood up for one that showed up just like you, Joey Boneski, and I now consider him a friend. I do think, though, that some that post like you have often start lashing out and condemning and that just gets the ball rolling. You didn't quite do that....close, but not quite....and it seems civil at this point.
I DO NOT like the name-calling and bashing that happens on AFF and I think it's inexcusable. If it starts happening to you, I'll be the first one to take your side.
Among those here that consider themselves Christians, I'm in contention for being the most liberal and the farthest away from being "pentecostal". But I have respect for your position even if I disagree with it. One of the reasons I left the UPC was because I couldn't pretend to follow the rules. I had distaste then, and do now, for those that swear every two years they'll do it, but have no intention whatsoever, of obeying. I've always had more respect for a guy who will cover his TV in a hotel room than the guy who preaches against it and then races to turn it on as soon as he checks into the Marriot.
Linear Mode
