The Fourth Dimension Challenge

[SpamBoy]

Background : Our pastor in the last Youth meeting (yes they allow me to attend...once in a while :laugh:) challenged us to log our time spent watching entertainment movies and video games. Basically anything that is potentially a waste of time.

Anyone want to join?

The Fourth Dimension Challenge Start Date : Monday Feb 27th - Saturday March 4th.

-SpamBoy
"I find my lack of Bible reading....disturbing..."

[collegegirl]

I will try. Does listening to CD's and such count as well?

[SpamBoy]

I would say it depends on the CD -- Educational and Spiritual CD's are acceptable. Adventures in Odysseyin, The Pond might be considered entertainment... You be the judge.

-SpamBoy
"The Muppet show -- pure education. :aaaah:"

[blessed]

This sounds interesting but i don't watch TV or listen to music that is not spiritually uplifting...so maybe you can help me identify some im sure there is does reading the cartoons everyday count :D or yqforums i do spend some time here

[FreeAtLast]

exactly blessed.
I think using the Internet (even youth-quake-forum) counts too! ;)

PS: Our preachers overhere preach against watching worldly movies (not just for a period of time). Same goes for worldly music.

:think: :think:

[FreeAtLast]

Background : Our pastor in the last Youth meeting (yes they allow me to attend...once in a while :laugh:) challenged us to log our time spent watching entertainment movies and video games. Basically anything that is potentially a waste of time.

hmmmmmm, sorry, I think I got it wrong.
Does "log our time" mean: To write it down?
(I first thought it means not to do those things for that period of time)

Somebody please explain.
(sorry, my bad. english is not my main language).

[JoeC]

FreeAtLast,

The challenge was to keep track of the hours spent this week on mind-numbing electronics (online fellowship doesn't count, educational electronics doesn't count, spiritually uplifting electronics doesn't count).

Next week, we are to spend the same amount of time in the Word as we spent on electronics last week.

[JoeC]

PS: Our preachers overhere preach against watching worldly movies (not just for a period of time). Same goes for worldly music.

:think: :think:

I'd be interested to how you qualify worldly music and movies (it's such a vague term :rolleyes: ) What criteria is set for determining this at your church?

Just curiosity...

[Angelo]

Let me just remind you guys to please grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed until the day of your redemption. God bless...

[SpamBoy]

I'd be interested to how you qualify worldly music and movies (it's such a vague term :rolleyes: ) What criteria is set for determining this at your church?

Just curiosity...

ummm...the Holy Ghost. :ok:

so if we all have the Holy Ghost, why is there such diversity in movies?
I'm appauled by some movies that are watched by our ranks...

Music I understand - it has a lot todo with your background, pastor, church and friends....I don't think there is a definative measuring stick to rate music.. (at least I think...)

Personal Thought's by SpamBoy
-- I believe we should be more and more on the same page with movies, music, the time we spend with the Lord...ect... as time goes by.
I don't think we understand that what we do in our personal lives EFFECTS the body of Christ...This is a true statement. We really have no clue.

I repent for my actions and how my actions (or inactions) effect others.

-SpamBoy
"If eternal life is living for others...why don't we?" << points to self :beat:

[HotShot53]

lol, if electronic fellowship with others doesn't count, then I'd have almost nothing to log ;) But I probably do spend too much time on it...

[AgapZoe]

sounds interesting to me too and thanks to Joe for clarifying if that's what it means..I mean..'logging'. i too wasn't getting what it really meant..so FreeAtlast,guess it's not your bad English this time. :)
guess will try it out too..

[FreeAtLast]

FreeAtLast,

The challenge was to keep track of the hours spent this week on mind-numbing electronics (online fellowship doesn't count, educational electronics doesn't count, spiritually uplifting electronics doesn't count).

Next week, we are to spend the same amount of time in the Word as we spent on electronics last week.

Thanks for explaining!

online fellowship would count for me (forum or chat) - it can actually steal a lot of time.

[BroTrevor]

I've actually been thinking of chronicling everything i watch/read for the entire year of 2006. Although I don't know if I'll remember everything in the past 2 months.

I also thought I might chronicle all the Bro Branham messages I listen to..(irrespective of church). Not just have on...but actually listen to. (which includes while i drive)

Thought it might make a neat visual at the end of the year. I'm not positive of which column would be longer.

[FreeAtLast]

I'd be interested to how you qualify worldly music and movies (it's such a vague term :rolleyes: ) What criteria is set for determining this at your church?

Just curiosity...

hmmmm, mabye it´s easier to say what is NOT worldly in satan´s eden?!
Movies:
Bible-stories, documentaries, movies about the works of God in someones life etc... are not worldly.

But if you are real honest all that entertaining stuff (even the nicer once) has got definitely nothing to do with God. It just feeds the desires of our flesh, but it does no good to our spiritual-life.

(I think I said it somewhere before on here) If Bro. Branham tells us to kick out the TV why should we get it back in through videos and movies? It´s just a waste of time - feeding on the wrong things.

I dont think my pastor even thinks that ppl who claim to believe this message would watch any worldy movies at all.

Music:
I only listen to christian music - like Blessed said: spiritually uplifting music.
I am not into classical music. If I listen to it though I prefer classical music written by godly men like Bach or Händel.
My mom listens to a lot of jewish music - which I don´t have a prob with (it just annoys me at times, because I hear it too often. haha).

[AgapZoe]

talking of tv, actually namwacha was thinking of 'dismantling' her tv. not that she watches it anymore..she bought a tv, then after rededicating her life to God and reading the message book satan's eden she suggested to me that she wants to destroy it.....into pieces, y'know! coz my sister, who is 17, doesn't go to church on weekdays and so when she's left at home alone, i think she doesn't watch the right things....
tv should just be done away with..i mean it's one of our greatest enemies....

[JoeC]

So am I correct in understanding you to say that anything that is not generated by Christendom or is not educational is wordly? I'm not sure if that's how you meant to come across and I want to make sure.

[FreeAtLast]

hmmmm, hard to say. I might have missed out something.

What is worldly to you then Joe?
Or: What is not worldly in your eyes?

[JoeC]

I was asking you for a definition, which is much more informative than an example. We could list examples on both sides of the coin and go on forever doing that.

The definition that I inferred from your post is "anything that is not generated by Christendom or is not educational is worldly." If this isn't on target, I'd like a more accurate definition.

[FreeAtLast]

LOL.
I don´t know how to say it more on target or give a better definition. Sorry!
Although I might be missing out something.

so then, what is your definition of Worldly?

[JoeC]

Well, I couldn't agree with your definition. It would seem to limit us to merely spiritually and educationally productive media. While that is ideal, it's not real.

[FreeAtLast]

Well, I couldn't agree with your definition. It would seem to limit us to merely spiritually and educationally productive media. While that is ideal, it's not real.

fair enough that you can´t agree with my definition.
But you haven´t given your definition yet. :)

Of course without the Holy Ghost we won´t be able to forsake the things of this world and live for Christ alone.
I believe it all comes down to receiving the Holy Ghost and to stay in His presence, feeding on the things of God.

Greater is He, that is in us, than he that is in the World!

[JoeC]

My definition of worldly is anything that promotes a mindset towards evil living. As such, anything that is worldly is sin.

Are we in agreement there?

[FreeAtLast]

JoeC sometimes you are speaking so complicated until I don´t really get what you mean. It is not your fault - but I am not really familiar with some of those big words (due to the fact that english is not my mother language).

can you please explain your last post in here with other words?


Personal Thought's by SpamBoy
-- I believe we should be more and more on the same page with movies, music, the time we spend with the Lord...ect... as time goes by.
I don't think we understand that what we do in our personal lives EFFECTS the body of Christ...This is a true statement. We really have no clue.

I repent for my actions and how my actions (or inactions) effect others.
-SpamBoy
"If eternal life is living for others...why don't we?" << points to self :beat:

Spamboy, how does what we do in our personl lives effect others? please explain.

[JoeC]

I'll take my definition of worldly from Strong's Concordance then.

In the Bible, the term worldly is is used twice (Titus 2:12, Hebrews 9:1). In both instances, the Greek word being used is kosmiko, which means the following:

1) relating to the universe
2) earthly
3) worldly, i.e. having the character of this present corrupt
age

By reading the context, Hebrews 9:1 seems to refer to uses 1 and/or 2, while Titus 2:12 seems to refer to use 3. I think that we are both referring to the third use of the word "worldly."

The character of this corrupt age. So, in essence, anything worldly is sinful.


I'll even make it more specific by outlining the character of this present corrupt age:


28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
ROMANS 1:29
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
ROMANS 1:30
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
ROMANS 1:31
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
ROMANS 1:32
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.

So anything that encourages a character like that is sinful to engage in. Granted there are some things that although could lead to this isn't sin in and of itself (example: money could lead to the love of money, which is idolatry, so money is sin... not true :ng_thumbd ). That's where we get into the differences of indulgence and overindulgence. Where a small dose wouldn't hurt you... might even be necessary... but too much care for it and it becomes sinful.

Anyhow, that's off topic. Do you agree with the way I'm presenting the word "worldly" now? That anything worldly (that is, wordliness) is something that promotes a corrupt character and that anything worldly is sinful?

[BroTrevor]

I'd just like to say that we should also realize that the devil is very sly. He wont necessarily smack us in the face...because we know that would hurt. He will try to infuse worldliness into things we view as acceptable to numb us so he can further infuse things.

We should watch for that in our choices of "allowable" media.

As for me...I've been FAR too busy this week to be taking in much media so I really shouldn't count this week as a "test" scenario week.

I sure do enjoy my drives to and from work where I'm pumpin Word into me by listening to messages on the ipod tho. I'm lovin it.

[FreeAtLast]

oh no! I just wrote a kinda long reply to you Joe but somehow it got deleted.
awwwww...

let me try again:

lol to your last sentence :D and thanks for explaining!

I was more less saying the same what BroTrevor just wrote.

Satan is real smart and creeping. Of course he knows that a real christian doesn´t watch a pornography-movie or the like; nevertheless he is still spreading his poison through these other nicer movies as well. He just knows how to do it.
In the Garden of Eden Satan didn´t come to Eve in a straight way, he just twisted one Word of God - and that was enough!

This is Satan´s Eden. Nearly everything is perverted. Hollywood is not an exception - more likely the very opposite!

The bible tells us to set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2)

[JoeC]

...[Satan] is still spreading his poison through these other nicer movies as well.

I can agree here. We have to be extremely wary. However, classifying anything not made by Christians or not strictly educational as worldly would be fallacious. To go even further and say that any Christian who watches those movies isn't a true believer would be totally erroneous in it's uncalled for judgement.

I feel perfectly justified watching "Bambi".

[FreeAtLast]

Joe I am not having any problems with some children´s movie like Bambi and the like. We both know very well that this is not the issue we are discussing.

I don´t even blame any young person that still watches all kind of movies as long as they have not received the Holy Ghost. It sure takes someone stronger than ourselves to overcome the things of this world.

What I don´t get is how we in this message can be so legalistic on certain things (e. g. not the tiniest slit in a sister´s skirt; making sure to be there 30 minutes before church starts at all times; making sure to have no christmas-tree in the house; ... – I might even agree on those things) but when it comes to something the prophet told so straight (how satan really played a trick on us, instead of us going to the picture-show he puts that stuff into our house through television) and how we should kick it out – yet we are trying to argument and find a way around, a loophole. We even try to justify it somehow. I just don´t get it. How many times does Bro. Branham scream out against Television yet it seems like we don´t hear that at all. But when it comes to other things we can quote the prophet back and forth. Where is the balance there?

Just because everyone does it, doesn´t make it right. We need to check it with the Word.

Again, I am not speaking about young ppl that have not received the Holy Ghost yet.

In fact many times message ministers preach to us all kind of rules (all good and useful!) but fail at times to bring the ppl to a genuine experience of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

And even if we had a genuine experience with the Lord we still need to realize that we can not live alone on our old experiences we had some years ago; many times those experiences have dried up through the things of this world (we have actually wasted them through our ways of living) – we need to come back to Christ – into His presence – feeding on His Word!

I know exactly what I am talking about, because I have been there myself. So please don´t say that I am judging someone. It´s just the plain truth. That´s all.

We need to come back to the living God, we need to wake up and seek Him and Him alone, otherwise this message will become just another lodge.

May God help us. There is a rapture at hand. We can not afford to miss it!

[BroTrevor]

Agreed, I see nothing wrong with Bambi and Pooh. <chuckle>

I think however, on the larger scale, and certainly what I think is the point of the 4th dimension challenge is to look at the amount of time one spends in media (whether worldly or otherwise) as opposed to how much time is spent in prayer, bible reading, and tape listening.

As Spammy and I talked, these things should be infused into our every day lives, but that does not negate the fact that we should also devote dedicated time to these things as well.

For instance, being married is part of my everyday life. I occasionally (even tho I'm at work) chat with my wife on the phone or IM. I wear a ring that tells everyone I'm married. However, if I didn't dedicate time to her specifically during the daytime, those times when I am at work chatting with her would have much less meaning and intensity.

So yeah, you want to have God throughout your daily life. But you also want to have individual "dates" with God as well.

[FreeAtLast]

lol to your last sentence :D .......


since you´ve deleted your last sentence this one doesn´t make sense anymore.

[JoeC]

Yeah, sorry FreeAtLast. I deleted that even before I saw that anyone had replied.

[JoeC]

Again, I am not speaking about young ppl that have not received the Holy Ghost yet.

The rightness or wrongness of something is irrespective to whether someone has the Holy Ghost or not. If the children don't have it yet, it's their parent's responsibility to be their Holy Ghost until they receive it (there's a quote somewhere about that).

As far as Brother Branham saying that the Devil pulled a fast one by letting us bring the movie theatre into our homes? Yes, Satan pulled a fast one... a fast one that sent a hard ball into a lot of families who don't have the character to handle the access to sin it can allow.

However, Brother Branham did see a movie or two at the theatres. Taking this into account, if those were brought into our home it wouldn't be wrong at all. So we see that bringing the movie theatre into our house in and of itself is not wrong. There are movies a Christian can watch... Ben Hur, Ten Commandments, Bambi, others.

What it comes down to with movies is the staying subject to the Holy Spirit. Movies, even when produced without direct Christian influences, are not by default worldly. It's only when they begin to promote the carnal character of this age (outlined earlier).

I do have a real problem with television. The thing there is it is an unmoderated entertainment. You don't know what will come on! With movies, you can look at the rating, read reviews... etc. Television? Nope (ex: 2005 Superbowl halftime show... Janet Jackson and what she did there).

[JoeC]

And yes, in listing examples for movies which are okay, I am sticking to the ones which are obviously okay. No. I don't spend my days watching Bambi.

There are others that I could list, but I won't because I don't want to get into a debate about the rightness or wrongness of them. That would obscure what we're really discussing.

[trumpetplayer]

This is a very interesting subject. I definitely feel that the sonner you get rid of Hollywood movies the BETTER. It is the DEVILS PROPOGANDA. Also even something like a computer game can be addicting, thus I got ride of all my computer games. Remember the more you feed you spiritual side then stronger christian you will be. God is CALLING US HIGHER, remmber we are THE SUPER CHURCH. Lay of all those worldly entertainment and get in the word.

[Babyruth]

Amen brother. Good to "see" you are still on fire!:)

[Angelo]

I agree... this is great.

"The rightness or wrongness of something is irrespective to whether someone has the Holy Ghost or not. If the children don't have it yet, it's their parent's responsibility to be their Holy Ghost until they receive it"


Movies for the children. The choices would be very limited if we'll use the Holy Ghost's standards. Because children are vulnerable, they'll be be prone to immitate what they see and will affect their walk.

[JoeC]

Getting back to the challenge, I've got my log worked out for this past week. At seven hours total, it was about three times the amount I regularly spend on movies... must have been because Spring break just started. :)

So, that's one hour a day in the Word for the next week. Will let you all know how it goes!

[BroTrevor]

JoeC,

Start on that Bible in a year plan. It takes around 20 minutes a day....so that'll be part of it.

OR...

Sweet HOUR of prayer... sweet HOUR of prayer....

[JoeC]

Sounds good... maybe a coombination.

[AlanaH]

This is a very interesting subject. I definitely feel that the sooner you get rid of Hollywood movies the BETTER. It is the DEVILS PROPOGANDA. Also even something like a computer game can be addicting, thus I got rid of all my computer games. Remember the more you feed you spiritual side then stronger christian you will be. God is CALLING US HIGHER, remmber we are THE SUPER CHURCH. Lay of all those worldly entertainment and get in the word.

Amen! Agree 200% bro!

[God'schild]

you become what you feed on..

[Babyruth]

Sweet HOUR of prayer... sweet HOUR of prayer....
That is hilarious! But so true!