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EllyMae
08-17-2006, 10:49 PM
This is something that has been on my heart awhile…

Seems as though people are more excited about a new episode of their favorite show than they are about the Word of God. I know there are things that we like to do that excites us; Traveling, playing sports, camping, hanging out with friends, etc. Those are all things to be excited about. But, nothing should excite us more than the Word of God, and it should be our main focus.

First of all, I am not saying that it is a sin to watch or own a television. It has some good uses, it just all depends on how you use it. Personally (in my opinion), other than the news (and even that isn’t worth watching sometimes) and maybe the history channel, I can’t think of any show that is worth watching, or any movie worth going to see.


THE INVASION OF THE UNITED STATES 1954
What is it? It's the devil. It's the devil, the invasion. He swept into this nation like a roaring lion. He set hisself down here in the best place they had, in Hollywood. He said, "I can get the movies here until the television comes on, then I'll get them." And he set down there.
And the church people, instead of shutting down the shows and not letting their children go, they give them ten cents on a Sunday afternoon and send them down there, so they could have a little social card party, be out to theirself and ride around. Oh, what a disgrace. Now they just turn the television on and watch all the dirty, rotten tommyrot there is in the world on it. That's right.
I ain't got nothing against the movie. I ain't got nothing against television. It's the rotten stuff that's on it. That's what it is. If you'd have kept it moral, it'd a-had to stay moral.

We are not living in a fantasy world, we are living in reality. (So, why would you want to watch something that isn’t real anyhow?). People sit down and watch shows with people committing adultery, using foul language, living ungodly lives, and the list goes on. How could this not influence the way you act?


PRIDE 1955
In the American people through television, and through picture-shows, they have seen so much of the put on, till they become put-ons themself: too bad. And we get it in church, actors. Hmmm. God don't want them. Far be it from us to be actors. Be yourself; God wants you to be that way. I despise seeing someone trying to do something that they cannot do.
What a disgrace, I've noticed it many times, and beautiful voices that God has given to people, a talent, and then they over-train it. I hate to hear an over-trained voice, when they stand up to sing, and get some kind of a note till they hold it so long till they get blue in the face, just to show the congregation how long they can hang on for dear life. And when they come back down, them people's not praising God; they're mind's on their note.


THE UNWELCOMED CHRIST 1955
The first thing... You know what Pharisee means? The word "Pharisee" means, "actor." The Greek word for Pharisee means "a actor," somebody who acts, puts on. You know, America's so full of that anyhow, actors. I preach in Los Angeles... You just look at televisions and movies and things like that, then you try to act like that. You Pharisee, quit doing that. It's not right. You shouldn't do that. I don't like that stuff. I like--I like to be original, don't you? Just be yourself.


Going to the movies… Don’t get me wrong, this was one of my biggest battles. I used to love watching movies, and for awhile I used to think that as long as it didn’t have curse words and such, that it was ok to watch. What if it is just a child’s movie? (Disney and what-not.). There could be a bad spirit in there that comes so innocent, it passes us by. The devil is far from obvious. He comes so convincing, could “deceive the very elect” if it were possible (Matt. 24:24). We can’t keep living so close to the edge.


BALM IN GILEAD 1961
And that's what's the matter today, all the nation goes into sin: whiskey joints, the people getting cold and formal, uncensored radio programs, uncensored television programs. And it's so fascinating, and sin is so beautiful until it attracts the attentions of the people. And if they're not truly borned again, where their attraction is on Christ and single minded, they'll go after that stuff. They'll act like those people. And they--the spirit of that will get on them.
It used to be the old Pentecostals wouldn't let their children even go to picture shows. The devil pulled one over on their eyes. He brought the picture show right in the house. That's right. And so you see how he got it? Slick, wise, sly as he can be. Don't you never underestimate him; you stay under the cross; it's the only place to stay for safety.


That’s how sly the devil works. Now think of this way… I’m sure not every movie is bad. But, what about the people who made the movie? Remember, you are using the money that God provided you, and when you pay to go see a movie, you are paying the people who made it, and you are supporting the kind of lifestyle they live. Which I’m sure most of them live very ungodly lives. Also, when you go to see a movie, you are also supporting the movie theater. Of course, (I’m hoping) nobody in the message would go see a Rated R movie, but even when you see a kid’s movie you are paying and supporting a place that does play filthy movies.


TOKEN 1963
Believe what? Believe the Lord Jesus Christ, for your house, apply the Token to your house. Then what do you do when you apply It to your house? Move all the trash out. Get all the short skirts, and the shorts, and the cards, and the cigarettes, and televisions, and whatevermore, and kick them out the door, when you go apply the Token; won't stand still for it. Yes, sir.



THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL 1956
Look at it. Look in the dirt; look at the filth. Look what it's done. Look at the stripteases, look at everything else on the radio, a not on the radio, but on the television. You put in the movies, and you try to keep your kids away from the movies. You holiness people, you good people, you people that's tried to preach the truth, you people that's tried to stand by it. And the devil is trying to get one jump ahead. You know what he done? He put it right in your house in the name of television.



O LORD JUST ONCE MORE 1963
The trouble of it is, the church today is not like Samson. They're not willing to pay the price. Samson prayed right when he prayed, "Lord, let me die with the enemy." He knowed it was going to cost him something. He knowed it was going to cost something. It's going to cost you something, it's going to cost me something; your social prestige, your place and position in the denomination. "Lord, let me die, then. I see Your purpose." He knowed it was going to cost him something. You must be ready to die out, to your enemy, to get in the blessings of God. Samson was willing to pay the price, to get the power of God again upon him. He was willing to do it. Are you? Are you willing to sacrifice your television programs? And, you know, it used to be as wrong for us to go to the movies. But now the Devil put one over on you, brought it right in the house with you. That's right. See?


Look at the years of the quotes. Haven’t things on television and movies become exceedingly worse since he was alive? If he preached against these things then, wouldn’t you think he’d preach against them now? I surely think so.

Like I said in the beginning, this has been on my heart awhile. I was just having trouble finding the right words. However, one night after I finished praying, in bed and was about to go to sleep, these words came to my mind. I couldn’t wait until the next morning to type everything I had thought. Brother Branham said that we should ask God for revelation more than anything. I think a lot of us are becoming content with where we are. This might not seem like such a big deal to some of you, but we need to be extremely careful. If that means I won’t go to the movies or turn on a television show, then so be it.

If this offended anyone, I’m sorry. I’m just trying to share a personal conviction of mine. It wasn’t meant to point fingers…

I hope this was a blessing… God bless

God'schild
08-17-2006, 10:57 PM
you have a good point there... and a really really good point..

Love you Elly.

Babyruth
08-18-2006, 03:16 AM
That was amazing. The whole movie issue is a big problem for so many people.

It starts out so innocently...
You watch the Disney movies as a little kid, they are so harmless, cute, funny. Then they start adding adult humor to appeal to adults. Adults start watching them, so they add more crude humor and innappropriate things. Kids watch it, don't get it, but adults and teens do. It leads to adult movies. Then, the newest movie. Everyone is talking about it, so you have to see it. You can't wait 'til it comes out on VHS or DVD, so you sneak out to the movies. You feel convicted, but "cool" because you are in the "know." It goes from there to watching every movie as soon as it's in theaters. That leads you down a very wrong road that leads straight to hell.

Now I'm not pointing fingers either, or saying I did that, but that is exactly how it goes. Some of my friends do that, or have done that. I don't understand how a believer can go to the movie theater or even watch most of those movies in their own home, let alone have a TV. Bro. Branham spoke against it so strongly, you'd think people would get the hint.

In my family, movies are a huge struggle right now. It started out with little cute ones once a month, if we were lucky. Now, it's whatever looks "good" whenever. A few years ago, I finally realized how wrong movies were. Even good ones, like documentaries and other ones. Yes, there are some good movies, but I think anything watched for entertainment is wrong, even Christian movies, maybe even camp skits. Your motive has to be right. Bro. Branham talked about entertainment and how satan uses it. He even uses camp skits for entertainment so that you watch those instead of reading your Bible or a Message book.

I decided to stop watching movies a few years ago. Yes, I watch the occasional movie, but I always feel like I'm wasting my time. I don't read my Bible enough or listen to Messages enough or pray enough, why should I watch a movie that has no eternal value? Yes, it may be educational and inspirational, but like Bro. Lance said in one of his services, at least I think it was Bro. Lance, if it doesn't make me want to serve God more or pray more, then it isn't worth my time.

Sorry this is so long. But thank you EllyMae for bringing it up. This has also been on my heart, it is such a big problem, but can be fixed, if one is willing to let God fix it.

Jezz
08-18-2006, 10:12 AM
Every moment spent away from God is spent in Satans Eden

redeemed
08-18-2006, 01:18 PM
amen elly! thaks for bringing that up

HotShot53
08-18-2006, 02:08 PM
It's almost the opposite now of when Bro. Branham was preaching... back then apparently going to the movies was wrong, but people had TV's... nowadays, most believers don't have TV's, but they go to the movies...

And I would disagree that anything you watch for fun is wrong... things done by Christians like camp skits can be entertaining and also make you want to serve God more.

EllyMae
08-18-2006, 02:16 PM
I don't think watching something for fun is wrong. Examples: Family vidoes, church skits, sermon tapes, etc... I'm just trying to point out that we need to be careful about what we watch, because it's very easy for the devil to decieve us. As Ruth said in her post, it starts out so innocently. Even children movies have adult humor which is often inappropriate.

HotShot53
08-18-2006, 02:23 PM
I don't think watching something for fun is wrong. Examples: Family vidoes, church skits, sermon tapes, etc... I'm just trying to point out that we need to be careful about what we watch, because it's very easy for the devil to decieve us. As Ruth said in her post, it starts out so innocently. Even children movies have adult humor which is often inappropriate.

Agreed... you have to watch who made it, and why....

BroTrevor
08-18-2006, 03:22 PM
I John 4:1-3

I'd post it here, but then you wouldn't have to find your bible and open it.

<grin>

EllyMae
08-18-2006, 04:01 PM
Very good scripture Brother Trevor.... :)

Babyruth
08-18-2006, 04:33 PM
I don't think watching something for fun is wrong. Examples: Family vidoes, church skits, sermon tapes, etc... I'm just trying to point out that we need to be careful about what we watch, because it's very easy for the devil to decieve us. As Ruth said in her post, it starts out so innocently. Even children movies have adult humor which is often inappropriate.

Yes, there are some good movies, but I think anything watched for entertainment is wrong, even Christian movies, maybe even camp skits. Your motive has to be right. Bro. Branham talked about entertainment and how satan uses it. He even uses camp skits for entertainment so that you watch those instead of reading your Bible or a Message book.
I guess I didn't explain this too well. I do think that entertainment is wrong, or at least the entertainment spirit that Bro. Branham said was on America, always having to be entertained. I think anytime we are watching something or reading something purely for entertainment, it's wrong. Yes, we can be entertained, like camp skits, but there should be an eternal value to everything, whatever it is should make us want to serve God more. So, while we can be entertained by what we are watching, we should be getting something out of it. I think anything done without a purpose or eternal value is a waste of time. Therefore, entertainment without an eternal value, or purpose for the Kingdom, is a waste of time, and therefore bad, at least to me.

EllyMae
08-18-2006, 06:04 PM
There are things that all of us love to do. Me and my friends like to get together and play volleyball... Some people like to draw, take pictures, travel, play sports, and Brother Branham loved to hunt and fish. These things that we like to do, entertain us. Do I feel like these things have no eternal value? No, I think they do. God made us all individuals who like to do different things, and it's in our nature that we like to have fun. Just doing something for fun, I don't think is wrong. Now, everything we do should be for the glory of God, and if it's contrary to the Word, then we should stay away from it. If we're putting anything before Lord,we should stay away from it.

I do understand where you are coming from though Ruth.

Babyruth
08-18-2006, 11:21 PM
Yes, all those things are fine. I love to read and other things, but I still think everything should have a purpose. Bro. Branham enjoyed doing those kinds of things, and he said it made him feel closer to God. I don't mean to mix up hobbies with entertainment, although they are pretty similar. I mean more the need to be entertained and what we are being entertained with and why. I'm not saying it's wrong to do things for fun, I do, everyone does. But like you said EllyMae, if it gets in the way of God, then get rid of it. That's what I mean. I'm glad you get where I'm coming from, I'm not sure if I do fully, at least, I can't fully explain what I mean, but I do know that Bro. Branham talked a lot about entertainment and I want to watch so carefully what I let entertain me.

azurity
08-19-2006, 08:30 AM
Wow, what a topic! Thanks EllyMae for bringing this up. I thought I was the only one that felt this way.

Everyone's replys have just been amazing. So much here for me to comment on!

I have been thinking about something similar over the last few weeks. In every human, God has placed a desire to know Him, but most people misunderstand it, and try to fill it with something else. It might be watching movies, playing computer games, internet, cars, clothes, sport, food, their job, their family, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. These things aren't necessarily wrong. We need to work, to eat, etc.

But when these things take the place of God in our lives, we get in trouble. As Christians, we don't intend to let these things come before God. We go to church, try to do all the things we know. We want to serve Him.

SIRS.WE.WOULD.SEE.JESUS_ TIFTON.GA SATURDAY_ 60-0109
E-46 How the world is perverted, uncensored television cast, people staying home to watch television, instead of going to church. What a disgrace! You're hungering for something, thirsting for something. God made you to thirst; that's the way He made you. How dare you... You've got no right to try to hush that holy thirst with the things of the world, when you're supposed to thirst after God, and He will fill that thirst with the Holy Spirit. You've got no right to give that precious thirst, that God the Creator made you a place in your heart to thirst for something, and you try to satisfy it with the things of the world: sin, drinking, gambling, running around, sinful. You have no right to that; God be merciful to this nation and others.

And then, when that Holy Spirit does come in to satisfy that thirst, your desires change. Your thoughts change. You want to think about Him, praise Him, talk about Him. You stop trying, and let Him live through you.

I'm not saying that entertainment is wrong (there is alot that could be said on that!), but when you think more of it than you do your prayer life, I think it's time to start asking why.

I hope that I haven't just taken this thread totally off-topic, but that's my personal convictions on it, and that's all I can share!

Babyruth
08-19-2006, 02:09 PM
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate what you have to say. I agree with you, you say your thoughts better than I can.

EllyMae
08-19-2006, 05:39 PM
I hope that I haven't just taken this thread totally off-topic, but that's my personal convictions on it, and that's all I can share!

No, you didn't take it off topic at all. Thanks for sharing what you had to say... :)

Last night at church my pastor read a scripture that I thought went well with this topic...

2 Corinthians 11:3-"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

We make the most simple things complicated. When all we have to do is abide by His Word, follow the message that Brother Branham brought to us. You hear Brother Branham say, "Say what the tapes says." That's all we have to do. We don't have to come up with our own interpretation of what he's said, it's already interpreted for us.

Praise the Lord... :)

redeemed
08-20-2006, 12:57 AM
I John 4:1-3

I'd post it here, but then you wouldn't have to find your bible and open it.

<grin>

amen! i just read that the other night actually.

redeemed
08-20-2006, 01:00 AM
i have to admit that for the last month or so i have been struggling with watching dvds because without school and with the summer heat it seems like there's nothing to do, i can't go outside a lot because of the heat (it makes me so dizzy i have a hard time standing) and there's only so much you can do in the house. anyone have any suggestions on how to overcome this besides praying and reading the Bible?

joris
08-20-2006, 09:43 AM
i have to admit that for the last month or so i have been struggling with watching dvds because without school and with the summer heat it seems like there's nothing to do, i can't go outside a lot because of the heat (it makes me so dizzy i have a hard time standing) and there's only so much you can do in the house. anyone have any suggestions on how to overcome this besides praying and reading the Bible?singing (like worshipping)? with a collection of worship cd's you can have a great time worshipping even if there's nobody else around

marichino_freedom
08-20-2006, 10:54 AM
i've been doing a lot of sewing....making pants into skirts and such. i like to clean to, but if you dont like doing that.....:agry2:

redeemed
08-20-2006, 07:53 PM
good suggestions!!! i should get some new cd's cause i'm kinda tired of my other ones.

i like the idea of sewing but cleaning, i don't know i actually like cleaning but there's only so much you can do before you've done it all

EllyMae
08-20-2006, 08:03 PM
Well, if it's too hot for you to go outside, what's some things you can do around the house? So, singing worship songs, cleaning and sewing were other suggestions. How about scrapbooking? That can take a couple hours out of your day! lol Or how about trying out new recipes? Cooking can take awhile as well. You could listen to a message, or go for a walk (something I can't do alone-I don't live in the safest neighborhood). Do you like to exercise? Haha, umm... Teach yourself how to play the guitar! (If you don't already know how...lol) Um um... Get a job? That passes by the time and you get paid for it! Hehe, okay I'm all out for now! :)

joris
08-21-2006, 06:21 AM
good suggestions!!! i should get some new cd's cause i'm kinda tired of my other ones.heh, I know that thing; though if you have enough cd's dig up some you haven't heard for some time, or which you always find great, you'll love them again in no time ;)

gingersnap4jc
08-23-2006, 01:25 AM
i've been doing a lot of sewing....making pants into skirts and such. i like to clean to, but if you dont like doing that.....:agry2:


Yes, I also am trying to do things like sewing or scrapbooking, or even sometimes going online to youthquake to stop from watching TV. I find the best way though is reading the Bible. It is hard though when your familly watches somthing you really want to see. I am trying not to watch anything. But I like watching the History and Food Chanel. But even those have had some questionable stuff on them. I also like watching movies, and if it has an interesting movie line it intrigues me. Although I have gone to the Movies to see some of the newer stuff out, and as I was watching it, I wasn't really enjoying it because of the language or even things that were referred to. I think maybe that the Lord is doing a work in me in that area. Cause I don't have such a strong desire to watch TV or Movies as much as I used to. Well my mind just went blank so I guess this is the end of my posting for tonight. lol
May our Lord Jesus Christ Bless You All, Mary

AlanaH
08-23-2006, 03:48 PM
I once took up playing piano to beat boredom and it really paid off...now I play at church on a regular basis. But I like to sew (very limited at it, but hey), throw darts, crochet, cook, read, and I love writing just for the fun of it.
Something else that I found I could really get into: Southern Gospel concert DVDs. Like Gaithers and assorted groups. Believe me, there's hundreds out there and it's much cleaner than watching a movie with still some "entertainment" value, but you can also worship God through them too.

AlanaH
08-23-2006, 03:53 PM
I guess I didn't explain this too well. I do think that entertainment is wrong, or at least the entertainment spirit that Bro. Branham said was on America, always having to be entertained. I think anytime we are watching something or reading something purely for entertainment, it's wrong. Yes, we can be entertained, like camp skits, but there should be an eternal value to everything, whatever it is should make us want to serve God more. So, while we can be entertained by what we are watching, we should be getting something out of it. I think anything done without a purpose or eternal value is a waste of time. Therefore, entertainment without an eternal value, or purpose for the Kingdom, is a waste of time, and therefore bad, at least to me.


Good point. When I was little, I had a bad problem with movies. My dad wasn't in the Message and would take me to my gramma's house where I would watch Disney movies all day with no problem.
Then he came in and we moved up here. Our church does the camp skits every year and releases them on video. So instead of the Disney movies, I started to watch the camp skits like a movie, just for sheer entertainment. Mom saw that they were getting a hold on me, and so I had to stop watching them for a long time until I got over that. So even the proper things can get ahold of you if you use them for the wrong reasons.

Angelo
08-24-2006, 05:13 AM
I don't think there'll be anything more entertaining than hearing what the Master says. I'm just so happy of the availability to hear preachings from other churches.

Babyruth
08-24-2006, 03:51 PM
Sooooo true!!!!

redeemed
08-24-2006, 08:41 PM
thanks for the ideas everyone!! i can do most of them (except for walking because of the heat, and getting a job 'cause i don't have a drivers liscens, only a year and a half!!!:yay: )
i also started school so that's taking about four or five hours off my hands.

AlanaH
09-02-2006, 03:55 AM
That helps!!! ;)