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A Tremendous Idol

When one examines the scripture, there is no doubt that God wants our
attention focused upon Him. It is also evident that the things of this world
are designed to take our attention off of God and place it upon the things
of man or self, as greatly influenced by the devil. This was the tactic used
by Satan in Eden. The things of the world are designed to appeal to lusts
and to constantly tempt. Most “professed Christians” will at least concede
that in scriptural theory, that we are not to live as the world depending on
how “world” is defined. The problem arises when one takes God’s
command and actually applies it to one’s life. The flesh will immediately
rise up and justify itself and its actions. This is the nature that is in
rebellion against God’s purposes. This is the fallen nature that must be put
to death. A true believer will be guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word
and the two will be in agreement. With this in mind, let us examine a
worldly example that is commonly and frequently indulged in by most.
Those who love not the truth are the same ones that justify the darkness
and are oblivious to their actions (or complacent) and will probably be
offended by the light having exposed this darkness.

There is a much cherished and revered item in almost every home in this
country. Many will spend hours a day bowing down and worshipping it.
Some begin and end their day paying homage. This item has such a hold
on people that it may be one of the worst addictions possible. This idol will
captivate (enthrall, hypnotize, mesmerize, fascinate, and enchant),
entertain, pacify, and teach. Its message is always one-sided and no
dialog is permitted. Parents will allow it to teach and instruct their children
in ideas that are contrary to their own deep held beliefs. Many will
experience the whole range of human emotions while serving it. No one
has to have this item, yet most cannot (I dare say, will not), imagine life
without it. Some will build special temples (rooms) for it or purchase one
that is big enough to encompass the whole room. Most will defensively
say, “Everybody does it.” What is this idol you might inquire? It is the
television set.

Many will now rise up in protest and say that they are most certainly not
addicted to it (1 Jn 1:6). Well I challenge you. Unplug the television,
remove it from your home and stop paying for cable service and we shall
see. Words are easy, but actions are convincing. These will respond, I
could, but I just don’t want to, I enjoy watching it and see nothing wrong
with it (we have to live in this world). Oh really, read on.

There is no dispute that television programming is full of graphic violence,


sex (and now homosexuality), adult situations, bad language, glorified
drug and alcohol abuse, course jesting, witchcraft/occult, etc. Every sin
that one can imagine is portrayed in an entertaining way – AS SEEN ON
TV! Every temptation one could conceive of is paraded before your eyes
and you willingly subject yourself to this. Romans 13:14, “But put ye on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the
lusts thereof.” Recall from Chapter One that Satan places objects of lusts
before our eyes. The devil’s desire is that we think upon and chase after
such things. This is how he overcomes man. For every abomination to the
Lord, which He hateth, has been brought before your eyes for your
pleasure (Deut 12:31). So how do you suppose the television
programming fits into this? Be honest with yourself. Should we have a
television in our home? Deuteronomy 7:26, “Neither shalt thou bring an
abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou
shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed
thing.” It’s hard to believe, but most “professed Christians” (so-called)
view as a source of entertainment (enjoyment), the very sins that nailed
Jesus Christ to the cross. These same ones claim to know Him! No wonder
Jesus said that many would call him “Lord” and yet not enter into heaven
(Matthew 7:21-23). None of these will be able to tell God they “struggle”
with lust and they try not to lust but cannot help it – Not when they sit in
front of the TV. How foolish to watch lustful things and then think you
struggle with sin in your life. Hebrews 12:4, “Ye have not yet resisted
unto blood, striving against sin.” The TV will fill your heart full of all
manner of evil and wickedness to the extent that victory over sin in your
life will be impossible. Worse it will be an indicator that you have no desire
for victory over sin in your life – your passions give your heart away. Is
this not a continual mocking of God and a denial of all that is sacred? We
will justify what we choose not to overcome! We must understand: 2
Corinthians 6:16, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with
idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be
my people.” Is the temple being filled with filth and evil? Do you find
agreement with the television idol? When God looks at your heart, what
will He find therein (1 Kg 8:39)? How will this manifest in your outward
actions? God takes no pleasure in wickedness and neither should we -
Psalm 5:4, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness:
neither shall evil dwell with thee.” We must be separate and come out
from such wickedness and not touch unclean things (v. 17). We must
cleanse our temples of filthiness of flesh and spirit (2 Cor 7:1).

The television is a destroyer of souls. King David (Beloved of God) once


said, “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes” (Ps 101:3). What about
those who do? Those who change the truth of God into a lie (as constantly
taught on TV), and worshipped and served the creature (things of man)
more than the Creator are given over to all manner of sins leading to
death (Rm 1:25-31) and love not the truth (2 Thess 2:10, Rm 1:18).
Romans 1:32, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which
commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have
pleasure in them that do them.” Followers of Christ do not partake of
other men’s sins nor take pleasure in them, but rather keep ourselves
pure (1 Tm 5:22). Those who believe God’s truth are purifying themselves
and being led of His Spirit in paths of righteousness and holiness (Ti 2:14,
1 Pt 1:22, Js 4:8, Rm 8:14, 1 Jn 3:3). Followers set the Lord before them
always (Ps 16:8). They are living their faith every day and this faith
purifies the heart. Acts 15:9, “…purifying their hearts by faith.” What
about those who are seeking the flesh? 2 Thessalonians 2:12, “That they
all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
unrighteousness.” There is no doubt that enjoying (being entertained by)
acts of sin AS SEEN ON TV (or anywhere else) is having “pleasure in
unrighteousness.” Those who absorb the constant stream of ungodly
programming are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Tm 3:4).
If we think about (desire) doing certain sinful things then we are equally
as guilty as if we had actually done them (Mt 5:27-30). God is looking at
our hearts and He will try them (Ps 7:9, Jer 17:10, 20:12, 1 Thess 2:4).
We are to put aside all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and seek
God’s Word to the extent that we are doers and not hearers only (Js 1:21-
22). Thoughts become actions, hearts are darkened, imaginations become
vain (Rm 1:21)! The carnal mind serves the flesh (Rm 8:5-8). When
viewing television, your mind and your thoughts are constantly put upon
secular worldly (sinful) things of the flesh and not God. In addition to
taking pleasure in unrighteousness, many temptations will be implanted in
your mind and grow to produce additional sin, all of which leads to death.

Ezekiel 8:9-10, “And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked
abominations that they do here. So I went in and saw; and behold every
form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the
house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.” The similar
message for today is: behold the wicked abominations that they do here.
So I turned on the television and saw every form of wickedness, violence
and idolatry portrayed upon the screen from the imagination (acting,
special effects, etc.) of rebellious man. I focused my attention and became
one with it.

To live in God’s truth (Word) is to abhor (avoid at all cost) any evil and
wickedness (Eph 5:11, Pv 3:7, 8:13, 16:17, 22:3). Psalm 119:101, “I
have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.”
One cannot possibly expect to keep God’s Word if one intentionally
exposes oneself to evil. Perhaps keeping God’s Word is not a foremost
conscious action with many who “profess,” but do not follow Christ. Those
that seek the Spirit apply the Word and those that seek the flesh don’t.
Psalm 141:4, “Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked
works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.”
The world says “come,” partake of my pleasures – be entertained and
filled with laughter. Eat, drink and fill your heart with merriment – let your
flesh be at ease and cast the hours away. God says: “Come out” from
among them and be ye separate, touch not the evil thing (2 Cor 6:17).
One day you will wish you had the hours back! A choice must be made –
whom will you serve? Who will lead, guide and teach you? Who will hold
your thoughts and devotion? We must not be filled with the world’s
wickedness as continually spewed forth from the television. Warning: all
televised programming is not suitable for any age, any time. The wicked
do not abhor that which is evil (Ps 36:1-4) – this is an indicator.

The television must surely be the devil’s inspired invention. This one
device constantly takes man’s focus off of God and places it upon the
things of the world and man. Man’s attention is shifted to self and all
manner of things that exalt themselves to oppose God. Consider this: a
popular movie that reflects sinful and rebellious behavior/ideas could
literally be viewed by millions of people at one time. Millions of hearts
could be dwelling on the same sinful and fleshly thoughts at the same
time. Many will later discuss their enjoyment of such things with others.
Oh how this must grieve God! Oh how this must be accomplishing the
devil’s purposes! The fact is that the television is being used for values
clarification (redefines). The whole world is becoming one in thought and
deed. Consider the tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9): man intended to reach
God his way, man intended to exalt himself, and man was making a
statement to God concerning the recent flood judgment (he would rise
above). God said: “Behold, the people is one, and they have all one
language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained
from them, which they have imagined to do.” The television
(programming) is making this nation (and the world) one in thought and
purpose. Six is the biblical number of man because he was created on the
sixth day. Thrice six (666) is the ultimate in man exalting himself. We are
on the verge of this and the devil will send his son, the antichrist, to lead.

Take heed what was told an audience of “believers” in scripture (Similar


list in Rm 1:24-32): 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor
abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of
God.” This is our warning! We are further told in the same chapter that: 1
Corinthians 6:15-17, “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of
Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the
members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is
joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But
he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” The harlot is worldliness and
all manner of idolatry and sinfulness. When you take pleasure in
unrighteousness you join yourself with the harlot and become one with it
in opposing all that is of Christ. This is the spirit of the antichrist. So, we
are one in Spirit with Christ or one in spirit with the Harlot. Choose whom
you will serve. A harlot speaking words of love is shallow because her
actions reveal the opposite. Many will have a form of godliness (maybe a
profession of Christ), but are lovers of their own selves (2 Tm 3:1-5).
Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness.” When you have eyes full of adultery (eyes for other
than Christ), you cannot cease from sin; and follow doctrines of Balaam
desiring the lusts of the flesh (2 Pt 2:14-16, 18). What a perfect example
of spiritual adultery (idolatry) the television is (Habak 2:19). The idols of
old were wood, stone and metal. They couldn’t speak. The idol of today
speaks all manner of abomination to an attentive and eager audience –
what a hold it has! Do not presume this to be innocent before God!

Now many will say at this point that they do not watch the bad stuff, only
the wholesome entertainment. The problem is that there is no wholesome
secular entertainment on television. The whole premise of acting is to
present yourself to an audience as something you are not - to pretend and
convince of an untruth (deception). The audience is made voyers into lives
or situations of others to be taught a humanistic message. Some will say,
“I only watch the discovery channel.” This channel teaches evolution and
vast geological ages in contradiction to God’s Word. It teaches the worship
of the creation rather than the creator. This will be discussed in a later
chapter. How about the man-centered History channel? This is what man
deems important as edited by man and popular opinion. Even the
commercials on TV are evil. They are advertising which is nothing more
than witchcraft. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to manipulate you
into buying a product that you wouldn’t necessarily buy. They also want to
bury the thought of their product in your mind (hypnotism) and to entice
you into lusts and covetousness (Heb 13:5, Ps 119:36). Covetousness is
idolatry (Col 3:5). Advertisers must fixate your attention on their product
in a short moment of time by appealing to your inner lusts such that the
enticement will remain long after the appeal and result in a later action.
This is serious manipulation! Recall from Chapter One, Satan’s process of
enticement: temptation, lust or desire, capitulation, and action. Due to the
amount of money that is spent on advertising, you can be sure they are
getting a return. They create factitious (needs created by advertising)
lusts! When you willfully watch such things you are exposing yourself to
seducing spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Tm 4:1). These commercials
are the sorceries of the merchant men of the earth (Rev 18:23). Some will
contend and say there are some good things on TV such as the preachers.
One only has to listen to their message in light of God’s Word to realize
that they are presenting damnable heresies, making merchandise of you
(2 Pt 2:1-3), and are lover’s of money (2 Tm 6:10, 1 Pt 5:2). Their
messages must be popular (sugar coated) to maintain audience and
receive the much coveted donations and offerings (Ti 1:11). False
prophets are always popular with the people and likeable. Their messages
appeal to your flesh and do not deny it.

Most people fit in with “Popular Culture.” This is defined as having values
that come from advertising, the media, and icons of style as targeted to
ordinary people in society. Where do your values come from? Those who
develop television programming, newsprint and movies want to shape you
(conform you) to their image. In many cases, they have succeeded. Who
will prevail in this battle – the flesh or the Spirit? Many who “profess
Christ” may find in an honest self-examination that their daily lives reflect
popular culture more than the Jesus described in the Bible (must read to
know). To live “popular culture” is to conform to the world. Popular culture
is defined on the television in a mass appeal to the lusts of an impatient
audience. In the American pop-culture driven society, you may find that
those who profess Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism,
Judaism, etc. have much more in common as far as how they live their
daily lives (thoughts, desires, entertainments, American dream – the
ideal, etc.) than you may realize (a melted pot of compromise and wrong
ideals – see Chapter Four, What Does Man Teach Us?). Much of this is
defined, portrayed and propagated by television. You may say that your
core beliefs are different than these religions, but how are these lived out
or outwardly expressed in your life? What is your witness? The author
asks you, “professed” Christian – How is your hope and faith made
manifest in your daily actions? No doubt most could talk for hours about
television shows, movies, characters and actors. Could these same ones
discuss with any depth and detail eternal things of God’s Word?

Even if television programming was completely neutral or you just sat in


front of an empty box it would at a minimum be a tremendous waster of
time and as such an idol put before God. We are to redeem the time
because the days are evil (Eph 5:16). Would the Bible be read? Would the
prayers be offered? Can you imagine standing before God and realizing all
the time you sat in front of a little box – not to mention willingly filling
your mind with all that opposes Christ? This exposes your true heart! How
does your television time compare to your Bible reading time? Which one
is of eternal value? How much do you pray verses watch television? Which
truly receives more honor – God or TV?

Consider the following scriptures before you next view the television: 2
Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ.” The television programming is
designed to keep our thoughts on things of man (take captive) and off of
Christ. Everything shown on TV exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
True knowledge of God seeks and performs His will (Ps 128:1). Some
have no knowledge because their hearts are elsewhere (Hos 4:6). Your
thoughts are captive to the obedience of the world, not Christ (Ps
119:97). Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things, are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of
good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on
these things.” Very few (most likely none) programs would meet the
qualifications of this verse. 1 John 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves
from idols. Amen.”

Many have noted how evil television programming has become and have
made comments to suggest that if it gets any worse they will have to stop
watching it. Well it continually gets worse, inhibitions are lowered, evil
becomes more acceptable and the day to remove it never seems to come
for most. Has the programming ever become more moral or godly? If it
were, would God desire you to sit in front of a box all day? A religious man
once told me about how awful television programming had become. I told
him that he should turn the television off and take it out of his home. He
became quiet and quickly dropped the subject. He was willing to
acknowledge the darkness (evil), but that was the extent. This is why
some do not approach the light (Jn 3:20) and that’s the condemnation (Jn
3:19). Christ once told the Pharisees: John 9:41, “Jesus said unto them, If
ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore
your sin remaineth.” In other words if you are ignorant about a sin,
perhaps you could plead innocence. If you have knowledge of God’s truth,
yet ignor it or if you see your sin (have knowledge of it) and ignore it (or
justify), then you are definitely guilty. You no longer have a cloak for your
sin (Jn 15:22). James 4:17, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,
and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

Many fill their lives with all sorts of distractions. These preoccupations
take away from the really eternally important things such as prayer, bible
study and family altars. The sad thing and an indictment is that many
families feel uncomfortable studying and discussing God’s Word together
or they just don’t know how. Perhaps it’s to convicting of their desired
actions. Many may also feel awkward praying for any length of time.
However, these same individuals could possibly talk for hours about a
sports event, news item or popular movie. Many need to relearn and
develop new ways of doing things. People naturally do not like change and
the flesh will fight this. Developing a new life is awkward at first, and
maybe uncomfortable, but then soon replaces the old life as the norm. We
must all rebuild on a sure foundation (1 Cor 3:11). In any case this will
not happen until your heart changes toward God. You must cry out in
repentance and allow God to convert you as only He can do.

Parents and grandparents who “profess Christ,” how can you allow your
precious little ones to be subjected to and taught by such evil? Even the
Disney tapes have been occultic since the early days with sorcerers,
fairies, witches, etc. Disney goes by the term, “Magic Kingdom.”
Scriptures have always revealed magicians and their enchantments as
opposing God and associated them with sorcerers, soothsayers, Chaldeans
and astrologers (Dan 2:2, 27, 4:7, 9, 5:11). Pharaoh’s Magicians
withstood Moses with their enchantments in the book of Exodus, chapters
seven and eight. Examples of occult in Disney would be Bedknobs and
Broomsticks, Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty,
Cinderella, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Fantasia. No matter how you
glamorize witchcraft, it is still an abomination to God and challengers His
purposes (Ex 22:18, Lev 19:31, 20:6, Deut 18:10-13). The symbol of
Disney – Mickey Mouse, is often depicted in a sorcerers outfit with a magic
wand. Scriptures reveal that sorcerers are a great abomination with God –
a serious evil. So why do most view this as so innocent? – where does
your heart align, with God or the world? God has some grave things to say
concerning sorcerers in the book of Revelation (21:8, 22:15). The movies
absolutely have messages that are rebellious to God’s truth and seek to
teach worldly values. You can take your children to religious services and
send them to religious schools all you want, but the television and your
actions will probably become the real teachers.

So, is television really a serious issue? Jesus said, Mark 9:47-48, “And if
thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the
kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell
fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched (fire that
shall never be quenched, Mk 9:43-46, the worm – Is 66:24).” What do
you suppose Jesus was talking about? Jesus was saying that this issue of
sin and worldliness is so serious that you should go to whatever extreme
you have to in order to stop it. Hell is unimaginably bad! Christ was not
kidding, but was strongly emphasizing the effects of exposing your heart
to evil. Jesus repeats this statement, concerning the eye offending, twice
in the book of Matthew (Mt 5:29 and 18:9) – this means “pay attention” -
he that hath ears to hear. Do you always set the Lord before you (Ps
16:8)? When considering your relationship with Christ and the love of the
things of the world, you should ponder the question Jesus asked: Luke
6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say?” Having read how Jesus walked when He was on the earth, surely
one cannot imagine Christ in a recliner in front of the television (WWJD?).
Jesus would never have taken pleasure in sin, loved the things of the
world, or entertained Himself. Why do you suppose that He would have
you do such? Those who would say Christ did what He did so we would not
have to, have basically turned the grace of God into lasciviousness and
made Christ the minister of sin (Jude 1:4, Gal 2:17). You are saying that
rather than deliver you from sin; Jesus came to allow you to do sin. This is
evil and blasphemous. This is saying that God, who would not overlook or
excuse sin, sent His only Son to justify sin. Where is the reconciliation in
that? This presumption would have God conceding to the will of man and
ultimately to that of Satan. The fact is that Jesus is the firstborn of many
brethren (Rm 8:29). Brethren are those who resemble each other. You
could never overcome on your own, but you sure can through Jesus
Christ. Jesus says that you must be an overcomer (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26,
3:5, 12, 21, 21:7, 1 Jn 5:4). Why would Christ have us overcome if He
had overcome for us?

Our eyes must be on Jesus. Luke 11:34-36,“The light of the body is the
eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light;
but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed
therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body
therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of
light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” Having
a single eye means that you are focused on Christ and not Christ and the
world. To look upon and enjoy darkness is to be filled with such. You
cannot claim to love Christ and then enjoy those things that oppose Him.
Your actions always become your choices – conscious or not.

Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose
you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers
served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the
Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will
serve the LORD.” The question is whom will you serve? The gods of this
land as paraded across the television screen every night. These are gods
of money, sensual pleasure, lusts, covetousness, violence, entertainment,
self, and all manner of evil. One day you will stand before the one true
God. The countless hours of wasted time taking pleasure in evil will surely
be noted. How will you respond? Did you love God enough to seek Him
everyday? Was He the passion of your heart? Did you ever take the time
to read through His Word? Jesus said: Matthew 12:37, “For by thy words
thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” How
much more by the thoughts and intents of the heart? 1 Corinthians 10:14,
“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Many a conservative (patriotic?) religious man has taken issue with the
liberal news media. These constantly talk about how the media is liberal or
anti-Christian. They tell of their secret agendas or political leanings. The
odd thing is that these same ones depend upon the liberal news media for
all their information. The entire world’s news media is talking about the
same things – worldly things. Conservative or liberal, makes no
difference, there is only one needful thing and that is the Word of God.
The wise will understand and remove themselves from the things of the
world. Your mind will either be on the things of the world or the things of
God. There will always be worldly stories and issues designed to captivate
you and put your mind upon them – a little for the conservative and a
little for the liberal. If you really want to know the truth, both conservative
and liberal are headed in the same direction (the wrong one) - not in
rhetoric, but in actions. The news programs and talk shows usually pit one
group against another (political, ideological or special interest). This
produces bitterness and hatred – even from the conservative religious
folk.

Most will take issue with what has been said in these paragraphs because
the Lord’s conviction will now force a decision – for the inhabitants of the
earth have been made drunk (have lost their inhibitions, senses have
dulled) with such fornication (Rev 17:2). Most will choose to continue in
the darkness, but justification will now need to be sought by those who
“profess Christ,” but love the darkness (Pv 1:7, 23-33). Can you honestly
stand before God and tell Him you are justified to do these things? If so,
what biblical text can you possibly base your opinion upon given the
Lord’s desire that we have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness or pleasure in unrighteousness? Ultimately you will answer for
such things. Please consider this very carefully: Galatians 5:24, “And they
that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” The
author came to this point in realizing that although “religious,” I had loved
the darkness and not the light. A man once told me that he believed much
of the defeat in his life was due to the television. This shined light upon
my darkness. At first I considered the fact that the television had always
been there and was such a huge part of my life – how could it be
forsaken? It taught, comforted, pacified, informed, held my attention,
provided, and passed the hours away. In short, the television was seated
in the place of Christ; it was an idol, a god. Is it any different with you? I
may have been a bit reluctant at first, but the conviction remained (Ps
119:59). When I look back, those were dark times in my life. The decision
was difficult because the darkness around me was great and the
stronghold was well established. Praise God for the freedom today – all
things are possible through Jesus Christ. My duty as a member of the
church (Ekklesia – body of Christ) is to exhort and admonish those who
profess Christ to walk therein. I therefore urge you to come to the light –
I plead with you. Please abstain (withdraw, go without, give up) from
fleshly lusts which war against your soul (1 Pt 2:11). Some will say that
they could not live without the television. What you are really saying is
that your life is found in television. Our lives are suppose to be found in
Christ (Col 3:4), not that which opposes Him. Woe! For those who will
profess love for Christ, but continue to have eyes for another (world)
courting/wooing it with their time, resources and devotion (idolatry) while
disregarding the evil and seeking its dainties (covet): Ephesians 5:5-7,
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor
covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of
these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Psalm 97:7, “Confounded be all
they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship
him, all ye gods.” There will be an accounting (Rm 14:12). Proverb 1:5, “A
wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of
understanding shall attain unto wise counsels (also Job 5:17, Pv 12:1,
17:10).” Proverb 9:9, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet
wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Removing
oneself from evil is very wise – he that has an ear! Proverbs 15:10,
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that
hateth reproof shall die.”

It is worthwhile to note that this idol – known as television (that most


cannot do without) only came into being very recently in the history of
man. Television was not readily available to the public until the 1950’s. On
the timeline of man this is just a small blip at the end of the age,
characterized as in the time of Noah – when wickedness abounds. Those
who live in this last generation will be unique compared to those who
came before. When God looks at your life, how will this idol have
influenced it. Will you have been wise? The children of Israel had a very
difficult time parting with their idolatry (ex. worship of Baal and Ashtaroth
– the groves, Jdg 2:13, 3:7, 10:6, 1 Sam 12:10) and likewise the men of
today have a tremendously hard time parting with their idolatry (ex.
television). An honest question: The television and Bible disappear from
your home one day. Which will be first noticed as missing? Which one will
be missed (grieved or yearned for) the most? - be honest, consider
normal use.

A New Doctrine?

The television topic was covered thoroughly because it is a perfect


modern day example of worldliness, idolatry and all manner of sinfulness
that most participate in with little thought that it may be wrong. Many will
attend religious services to worship God on one day and spend the rest of
the week in front of the television worshipping the world and never even
see the hypocrisy. 1 Corinthians 10:21, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the
Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table,
and of the table of devils.” So, am I trying to establish some new doctrine
that you must stop watching the television in order to be saved?
Absolutely not! This is just applying God’s Word to a modern day example.
Taking pleasure in unrighteousness is a huge indicator of an unconverted
heart. However, serving God out of fear or compulsion is no better and
does not correct the root problem. I will not establish a list of do’s and
don’ts because to change the outside, without having changed the inside
would be pointless and legalistic. Luke 11:39, “And the Lord said unto
him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the
platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.” Matthew
23:26, “Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and
platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” We must first be
converted and receive God’s nature whereby God writes His laws in our
hearts and minds (Heb 8:10-11 & 10:16). This is cleaning our inside. Our
attitude toward God must change. Then we serve and obey God due to
correct motives (attitudes), out of love and devotion. Having done this,
our outside will reflect our inside. Only God can truly change our hearts
and we must seek Him. Look at how the Holy Spirit changes us: Romans
12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The Spirit works on us to renew our
very nature (thoughts) to freely want to do what’s good and acceptable in
God’s will. We obey His laws (by the Spirit) because it is our desire to do
His will, but keeping the law is not our salvation – Jesus Christ is. We obey
out of love for Christ and due to our new nature in faith (Jn. 14:15). Our
obedience is demonstrated through our actions as convicted in our hearts.

If we just obey rules and laws with no change on the inside then we are
trusting in the rules and laws to save us and God will hold us accountable
to the letter. James 2:10, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and
yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” We will also fail because it
would be in our own strength. The Word of God does not profit unless it is
mixed with faith in them that hear it (Heb 4:2). Galatians 3:11, “But that
no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The
just shall live by faith” (Also Heb 10:38). Abstaining from filth (what’s on
TV) will not save us (only faith in God), but our faith will lead us to abstain
from the filth - there is a difference (1 Pt 3:21-22). You cannot have a
heart for God and then desire to do what opposes Him. Amos 3:3, “Can
two walk together, except they be agreed?” Abstaining from TV or
anything else is to no avail if you do not understand the merit of why you
should and if you do not understand the wrongfulness and the bondage of
sin you are under (1 Pt 3:21). Let us hold fast and not waiver in our faith
realizing that our faith will manifest itself in our deeds (Heb 10:23, Js
2:14, 17-26). This is one of the seeming paradoxes in scripture. So, if we
are truly converted in our hearts with a love for God, we will not desire
nor enjoy seeing all manner of sinfulness as depicted on television
because it opposes Him and we wish to bring glory and honor to our King.

When your heart (affections) is truly changed, you will serve God freely
and live righteously – you will delight in Him! There is peace and freedom
from all the imposed requirements and obligations of man (Mt 11:29-30).
You do not serve out of fear (hell), obligation, tradition, habit, peer
pressure, emotion or gain. When you have truly experienced God in your
life you do not seek to justify the minimum acceptable level of effort on
your part needed to receive or maintain salvation. You do not test the
envelope to see how far you can venture from the light into darkness and
yet still remain within the bounds of salvation. In other words you do not
use God’s provision of mercy and forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9) as a means of
compromise for living in the flesh. Many are wise to do evil, but to do
good they have no knowledge (Jer 4:22). The difference is that some will
look for loopholes while the true followers will live by the intent from the
heart. Things you once took no heed of now become unacceptable. As you
yield to the Holy Spirit, you become changed into Christ’s image. If you do
not yield you become stagnate or fall back. God allows us freewill;
otherwise love will not be the motivation or fruit. God operates within that
freewill. When we get out of line, God chastens us as a loving Father so
we will not be condemned with the world (1 Cor 11:32) and will be
partakers of His holiness and thus yielding the fruit of righteousness (Heb
12:5-11). Ultimately we will stand before God for acceptance or
condemnation (Mt 3:12, 12:36, 13:47-48 & 25:32-34, 41; Lk 3:17, Jude
1:15) – all judgment is given into the hand of the Son (Jn 5:22, Acts
10:42) who will judge righteously (Jn 5:30, 7:24 & 8:16, Rm 2:5, 2 Thess
1:5, Rv 16:7). Romans 14:12, “So then every one of us shall give account
of himself to God.” Jesus will make manifest the counsels of hearts (1 Cor
4:5). Beware: Luke 3:9, “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the
trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the fire.”

Becoming a Hermit?
Having read thus far, many will assume that the author is proposing that
we all move into individual caves somewhere and live like monks. Nothing
could be farther from the truth. The author is proposing something more
difficult. We must consider what brings God glory. God placed each of us
in a world that is in rebellion to His will. God knows that we are in the
midst of such sin and revolt. Where is the glory in this? God receives glory
when we freely, lovingly and openly choose to serve Him in the midst of
those who do not. We become lights and witnesses (Mt 5:14-16).
Consider how Job brought glory to God (Job, chapters 1 & 2). Also
consider Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel, John the Baptist and
Jesus. There is no doubt that we will suffer reproach in standing up for
God and this reproach brings God glory. To suffer in the flesh, we must
deny the flesh (it’s glory and honor) and truly exercise our faith toward
God. We obey and live the truth of God’s Word for all to see. When we
choose God to our own demise, He receives glory. We are choosing Him
over the world and the things therein (including man’s opinions). You will
not fit in with the world because to do so you will have been overcome by
it. In other Words, your witness will cease as you become as that which
you should differ. Putting away the television idol will get you lots of
attention from those around you. This will be a bold and shocking
conviction to most and a testimony of your devotion to God and intention
to walk in His truth. Good or bad, this is a tremendous witness – your
life’s example. You will suffer reproach and hatred from a rebellious world
due to your stand for righteousness (Lk 6:22-23, 1 Jn 4:5). There are
other shocking (to most) examples to come in this book – it’s a narrow
path too rugged for the flesh.

Grieving Over Sinfulness

The world is full of evil, but many seem to have no discernment or worse,
have just become indifferent, participant or accepting of it? Ezekiel 9:2-
6, “And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which
lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand;
and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn
by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. And the
glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he
was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with
linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the LORD said unto
him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem,
and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for
all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others
he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let
not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both
maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon
whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the
ancient men which were before the house.” When you cease to grieve and
sigh over the evil that is done around you it is sure sign of tacit approval
and indifference – or participation (Jer 8:6, 12)! Are you ashamed? Do
you blush (Jer 8:12)? This is a heart that is far from God. Romans 3:18,
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Those that love the darkness
(or are indifferent to it – desensitized) will face an eternal death without
pity (Ez 7:4). The Lord hearkens to those who fear Him and think upon
Him (Mal 3:16). Notice that God said to begin with His sanctuary. How
many grieve over the sin that abounds (Ps 119:158)? Isaiah 5:18, “Woe
unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a
cart rope.”

Let us consider Lot: 2 Peter 2:6-9, “And turning the cities of Sodom and
Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them
an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just
Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation (living) of the wicked: (For that
righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his
righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord
knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the
unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” Lot was greatly
disturbed by the evil around him. The others in the city were not disturbed
by the evil – and participated. Lot was delivered, the others were not –
even though they were given opportunity to repent. Much evil goes on
everyday all around us. Much of this is so common place that it is just
accepted. Have you become desensitized to all of it? Perhaps many are
apart of it when they should be grieving. The author has been referred to
as fanatical and extreme by “professed Christians” for pointing out much
of the subtil evil done all around. We must abstain, abhor, eschew,
refrain, depart, hate, cease, reprove and cleanse ourselves from all evil
(eph 5:11, 1 Pt 3:11, 1 Thess 5:22, Rm 12:9, Ps 37:27, 97:10, 119:101,
Pv 3:7, 8:13, 14:16, 16:17, Is 1:16, Amos 5:15, 2 Cor 7:1).

When you grieve and sigh over the sin, rebellion and self-seeking that are
manifested all around you, then you can begin to see the merit of Christ.
You run to Him because you realize how pure and undefiled He is –
blameless, totally righteous, holy and without fault – well pleasing (Rev
4:8-11, 5:12). You realize that Jesus is the ultimate fruition of the nature
that you now have. Jesus as a man was the perfect image of God and now
He is raised in absolute Majesty and power. He is just and marvelous and
totally worthy of all glory, power, authority and rule (1 Pt 5:11). Jesus has
a dominion that is totally encompassing and will never end (Eph 1:21, Col
1:16). Christ’s name is above all and deservedly so (Php 2:9). You run to
Him because you desire to be as He is and you seek deliverance from the
sin and evil around you – that which vexes you everyday. This world is
rebellious to God’s purposes and does not receive those who seek Him.
Jesus is where the peace and comfort are for those who will follow. For
those who take no pleasure in the darkness around them, Jesus is a bright
and shining light with an irresistible draw. For those who have been given
God’s nature (new creature, 2 Cor 5:17), Christ is the virtuous fellowship
we seek (1 Pt 1:15-16). Those that come to that light must leave the
darkness (Jn 3:20-21). To appreciate the light, one must first learn the
wrongfulness and despair (misery, desolation, hopelessness, anguish,
gloom, and despondency) of the darkness and repent of their unrighteous
participation (Ez 33:11).

So What is Following?

Following Christ is not a once made decision. Choosing to follow Jesus is


made through a myriad of decisions you encounter everyday. You are
confronted with these choices daily and you must choose Christ every
time. The topics may be endless, but you must choose Jesus over self and
situation. Who will rule over your life, self or Christ? Whose purposes will
be fulfilled, yours or Christ’s? Most will not even give thought to the
majority of life’s situations or their choices because God is not in their
thoughts (Ps 10:4, Mal 3:16). Many just do not grieve, sigh and cry over
the sin around them. Some situations may be much more revealing
regarding right and wrong and a compromise may be sought to
soothe the flesh. When we truly follow Christ, His Spirit will work
in our hearts to conform us to Christ’s image daily. This is done by
seeking God’s will and purpose over our own. Day by day, thought
by thought, decision by decision, situation by situation, you are
conformed to Christ’s image if you are being led by His Spirit (Rm
8:14, 2 Cor 4:16). Cumulatively, you are transformed into His
likeness. Your decisions for Christ may not always make you
popular with those around you. Remember the narrow path is not
well traveled (few). That majority traveling the broad path will
never understand those on the narrow (Gal 4:29).A heart that
grieves over sin is a pliable one that can be shaped for God’s
purposes.

The condemnation that man will face before God is that man refuses to
admit his fault – to see his wrong – the transgressions and rebellion
against God. Man will mostly justify his wickedness or blame others for his
faults/wickedness. This is a situation that cannot be forgiven because no
fault is acknowledged. Forgiveness can only be sought by one who
recognizes and grieves over his wrong. Forgiveness can only be granted to
one who turns from the wrongs he has committed. Why forgive if there is
no intent to reconcile? God is more than merciful, the condemnation will
be that God’s mercy was not sought.

There is only one true way to follow Christ and that is with a whole heart.
When our hearts are right we will choose to freely obey God in all
situations because we love God – He is our desire. No one will make us or
tell us we have to. When we come to this place, we have true Christian
liberty. Many may attempt to follow through fear. Perhaps fear of hell or
fear of what family members (man) will say. Sheep will follow, but goats
must be driven. If serving God seems compulsory, restrictive or like a
burden, then you are being driven. Those who are driven will be quick to
compromise or find a less restrictive path. Those who are driven will only
want to do the minimum that seems to be required. Those who are driven
will always wonder, “what’s in it for me (Job 21:15, 35:3).” Those who are
driven may do things in secret. Those who are driven find comfort in
numbers. Those who are driven will at best grudgingly follow God. Those
who are driven will seek a multitude of counsels until they hear what they
are looking for (Ps 5:10). Hosea 14:9, “Who is wise, and he shall
understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways
of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the
transgressors shall fall therein.”

This is an excerpt from:

Jesus said
Come Follow Me!
Christ wants a Relationship

Man wants a Religion

A Comprehensive Study

Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God of Gods - To Him


be all power, honor, glory, praise, majesty, rule and
dominion - Forever and ever. Amen

Christ’s humble servant,

July, 2003

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens:


let thy glory be above all the earth.

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