Where does our focus lie?

[BoldlyProclaimingChrist]

I was watching Word Pictures with Mark Kielar this morning and some things really jumped out at me. This series was about the degree of love we have for Jesus - are we on fire for Him, or do we just have a little bit of love, or none at all.

He talked about things that we do daily that are not expressly sinful but can turn into sin. He said entertainment is a problem - not in itself - so he gaves examples.

He asked if you window shop for hours (which is not sinful), do you feel like opening the Bible afterwards? Or does it steer you in another direction? Maybe it's watching a tv show marathon - let's say a wholesome program like My Three Sons or something - if you watch that marathon, do you feel afterwards like spending time with our Lord or are you swayed toward something else.

He said so even expressly sinless activities can lead to sin in that it takes us away from our focus. This hit home with me because the other night before I was going to read the Bible, I browsed through the tv stations and got hooked on those forensic shows. Three hours later I was still watching them and then was so tired, I barely spent any time with the Lord. This program (Word Pictures) was a wakeup call - it made me realize that even though I might spend time with the Lord, there are other things, other activities or entertainment in my life that I let steer me in the opposite direction away from God. I think this puts a new perspective on being "lukewarm".

Your thoughts????

[Orr v'emet]

It's interesting that you bring this up. I try to do my devotion when I get home from work because my brain doesn't work before 8:00 a.m. which is scary since I am on the road for an hour between 7and 8 but anywho...if I get home and sit on the couch and get involved in a Braves game or something, a couple hours will go by and then I'm tired, etc, etc ,etc. I have noticed this in my life recently so I have started to go home and go straight to my dining room table and open the Word before I do anything. This has helped alot. In the long run, what will that Braves game do for me in comparison with spending time with the Father?

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Boldly,

I think Mark Kieler hit the nail on the head. I too like the "forensic shows" and several others dealing with law and order. And of course there are often good movies on as well, so I tape some and watch others. And of course, I have to go back and watch the taped shows. So I know that I spend too many evenings in front of the boob tube that would be more productively spent in the Word or in prayer or fellowshipping with others.

However, I do spend a large portion of my day in the Word and on a couple forums and in silent prayer as I seek answers for myself and others. I am not justifying myself, but I know that I would benefit by cutting TV out of my life completely. Some have, and they reap many rewards.

Thanks for brinking this up.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Guest shilohcomes]

Christ is calling His Church back to the firm foundation of faith in His precious, spotless shed blood. Faith in the atonement of Christ must be the firm foundation upon which all doctrine and relationship rests (I Corinthians 3:11). EVERYTHING is in Christ's atonement.

EVERYTHING we get from God, and the praises and worship we offer to the Lord, MUST COME ONLY THROUGH THE BRAZEN ALTAR (THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST!). If we attempt to present ourselves to God in any other way, we are a thief and a robber - and, spiritually speaking, will share the fate of Nadab and Abihu.

Go 'beyond' the Cross of Christ, as many preachers advocate?

And just where exactly would we be going?

"For I determined not to know ANY THING among you,

save Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified" (I Corinthians 2:2)

Glory to God and the Lamb forever and ever!!!!!!

http://www.mychristiansite.com/personal/sh...omes/index.html

P.S.

Upon prayerful meditation on how to answer, I could not help wonder that of all the info. shared on my web site, who 'We' was, was the paramount question in posters minds. But to answer, the "We" is myself, a few close family members, and a very large portion of those who claim Christ as savior. We are also praying for the Lords guidance as to beginning a small local fellowship of believers. But, as I was writing this, it occurred to me that "We" is simply "The Lord and I". Every position stated in this section is supported by the rightly divided truth of God's Word. Thus, "We" are the majority. )

As for the Book of Enoch thread. This simply means that the Lord has placed an interest in my heart as to this book, and I believe is leading me to write a short work commenting on it. The Book of Enoch, apart from the short phrase quoted by Jude, is NOT the Word of God, and is not to be considered as such. If the Lord would have desired it to be canonical, He would have made it so. However, according to Enoch's testimony, the Lord called him "thou scribe of righteousness". So, this book is to be regarded in the same manner as we would regard the teaching, preaching and sermons of past men greatly used of God, and as the testimony of Enoch.

With this understood, we can view this pre-flood writing as an excellent history text, testimony and message preached by the second man to walk with God recorded in scripture. Approached in this regard, it can be a blessing, just as great sermons of preachers past (such as Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, by Jonathan Edwards) which are still used by God today, but are certainly in no way regarded as inspired scripture.

I hope this clarifies these points. The Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you,

shilohcomes

[BoldlyProclaimingChrist]

Sorry but I don't see the connection between your post and the topic. Maybe you should open up your own thread?

good day

[nebula]

P.S.

Upon prayerful meditation on how to answer, I could not help wonder that of all the info. shared on my web site, who 'We' was, was the paramount question in posters minds.

It's because we've had a lot of brand new posters coming through with no other intent but to promote their doctrine or recruit converts - and some of the stuff they were promoting showed signs of either heretical doctrines or cults.

If I was too harsh, I appologize. However, your first post did come across as a bit self-promoting rather than "fellowshiping." (Fellowshiping would have posted a little, "Hi!" and an introduction and then, "This is my web site.")

To use allegory, this town has it's established sherriff and deputy staff. Any time a new person comes in like, "I'm here to clean-up this town!" is marked for suspicion, because it shows a lack for respect for the established authority in this place.

Maybe you are just used to other Message Boards that are not regulated so well; I can give you that. Please consider that a humble spirit will win you more favor than, "I have the ultimate truth!" (and I'll admit I am exagerating a bit to make a point).

OK?

One final note:

I'm writing this here to answer your question you posted here. If you wish to continue this discussion, please answer it back on your thread where the initial question given to you was given and I'll be glad to sort this out with you. Otherwise, it becomes a "thread hijack," and that would be unloving towards BPC's post.

Thank-you.

[Born Again]

Great post BPC- let me add one thing to the distractions- Worthy! :x: I love Worthy, because it gives me a way to fellowship and learn from other Christians. I have no doubt that I've learned alot in the short time I've been here. BUT- I can spend hours on here and before I know it, it's after midnight! Just like GymRose said in another thread, it's addictive! However, Worthy is much better than sitting in front of a TV- but not as good as sitting in front of the Word! Thanks for sharing this- it's definitely something to think about!

[Guest shilohcomes]

The topic here is the question of what our focus should be, right? My simple answer to that question is:

"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified" (I Corinthians 2:2)

Everything we need is provided by God through faith in Christ's atonement. This IS the ultimate truth, and I do have it, though it does not belong to me, but rather to 'whosoever will'. Whether or not, or how much, T.V. to watch is not really the issue. Once our faith is anchored correctly, those things will drop off as the Holy Spirit transforms us.

For example, I was once a 'Trekkie' of the 'Trekkies' (Star Trek Addict). But once I denied self (quit trying to sanctify myself through self effort) and took up my Cross (total reliance on God to do the work of sanctifying me in response to faith anchored solely in Christ's atonement) (Luke 9:23), I entered into Christ's "rest" and this struggle ceased...I simply lost all interest in 'Star Trek'. This was not the result of some gargantuan struggle on my part...it was the work of the Holy Spirit in response to faith anchored solely in Christ's atonement. And it brought total victory: "Not by might, not by power (not by our feverish self effort), but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).

Sorry Rick Warren, sorry G12, sorry Dr. Dobson, sorry Papacy,.....you have nothing we need.

HE (Jesus) is all we need.

shilohcomes

[BoldlyProclaimingChrist]

I see what you're saying, but you're talking about strongholds - I'm not. I'm talking about every day activities or interests, things that may even be good - an idol - you know your children can even be an idol.

Strongholds are obvious for the discerning Christian. I know mine, I have 2 that are prominent. But there are many other things that are not strongholds, habits etc, but they still detract from my time with the Lord. What I'm talking about is very subtle, just like Satan, very subtle and conniving. We can even sin against Him while doing something noble for others, the church etc.

What I'm talking about is slightly different than the usual, obvious strongholds or problem areas in our lives. do you know what I mean?

[Guest shilohcomes]

Dear BoldlyProclaimingChrist,

I see what you are saying, and I was speaking of strongholds. But I direct your attention back to the atonement of Christ. For the scripture tells us that