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judgement65
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Joined: 2005/4/16
Posts: 14


 The dangers of television

I seen a thread on this and this was given to me so I thought everyone might like to read this.


The Dangers of television

Let us face reality, TV has become a part of life for millions of people. We have cable channels which teach us how to read and write, in addition to giving us 24 hour weather. We are inundated with a variety of entertainment which range from preaching the gospel to pornography. We no longer need to go to the movies because if we wait long enough, the movie will be on TV without much editing. No matter how many diatribes we hear against TV we are still going to watch it.
This monograph is designed to help you analyze TV programs you watch. As Christians we are to live a pure lifestyle, even in private. Does TV affect us? The answer is yes! Did you ever laugh at a sinful scene which you would not partake of in real life? To laugh at sin is to condone it. The media is controlled by atheists and globalist change agents. The news is totally controlled and we only receive what the big boys want us to. Let me share two quotes from media pundits:
"If we can start changing attitudes in this country, we can start changing behavior."
-Grant Tinker, Former Chairman NBC TV
"Objectivity is a fallacy...there are different opinions, but you don’t give them equal weight."
-Robert Bazell, NBC News
"Of today’s leaders...90% favor abortion...91% favor homosexuality ...and only 14% attend any kind of church." -Lichtman Rothman survey of Media Leaders.
If these are the type of people that run the media, the Christian better be armed with principles and questions concerning TV programs. God gives a warning in Deuteronomy 7:26:
(Deu 7:26 KJV) 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.
This verse deals with idols and images which Israel was to reject. Is there a parallel? There sure is! The church is spiritual Israel and the same mindset about idols and images is present today. Many fantasize about wealth and idolize movie stars. Satan is cunning and many of us have fallen for his TV snares. The thing to do when the Holy Spirit makes us aware of it, is confess, repent, and deal with it. Remember this principle:
TELEVISION PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED WITH THE PURPOSE OF REPROGRAMMING YOUR MIND BY BREAKING DOWN YOUR DEFENSES SO YOU WILL ACCEPT A LIE AS TRUTH.
Many of the anti-Christian and immoral precepts are bellowed forth in situation comedies. They get you to laugh, then they put forth their principles and you have accepted their teachings without reservation. This is why much reprogramming is done through comedy.
HOW TO ANALYZE A PROGRAM
Does it Mock Christianity?
The networks mock no other faith but Christianity. Other religions receive an occasional non-offensive joke but it is open season on Christianity. Christianity is the only faith in America which may be attacked without fear or reprisal.
What is the Focal Point of the Episode?
In October 1990, Bill Cosby had a one hour show which focused on one of his teenage girls and the subject was whether she should have pre-marital sex or not. The advice given was "wait until you are ready or wait till you are in love." No mention of waiting for marriage. The focal point was to endorse pre-marital sex and leaving it to the discretion of the teenager.
Does it Glamorize Rebellion?
Does the show focus on rebellion to any type of authority, such as parents, police, teachers, government, etc.
Does It Glorify Controlled Substances?
Does your program send a message to you and your family that cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol make you more respectable? The majority of the shows glorify alcohol. The message sent is that you need alcohol to be accepted by others. The most blatant oxymoron on TV is that hard liquor companies are disallowed from advertising, yet almost every show displays drinking of hard liquor. If this is not an advertisement for it, I do not know what is.
Are there Occultic Overtones?
If the program contains subtle or blatant endorsements of psychics, new age themes, mediums, or portrays witches as good moral people, this is a satanic attempt to get you to accept the occult by dressing it up.
Are there Sexual Suggestions?
Are there any scenes where the actors and actresses are in bed partially exposed? This soft porno approach causes the human mind to finish the scene. It leads to fantasy and maybe a slave life to masturbation, visiting prostitutes, or even sex crimes. In these segments, how many references to AIDS do you hear about? Hollywood always portrays illicit sex in a Pollyanna fashion.
Are Sinful Lifestyles Promoted?
If homosexuality, lesbianism, or living together without benefit of marriage is portrayed, it is an attempt to retrain your thinking that these are just alternative lifestyles, claiming it is accepted by everyone else. WRONG, GOD DOES NOT ACCEPT IT!
Is Violence Glorified?
Violence sells so it is a part of many programs. Many programs portray violence as a result of situational ethics, in other words, if a violent act gets me by, it is justified.
Is Vulgarity a Part of the Script?
Hollywood (Hollow-wood) now injects the name of Christ as a swear word on a regular basis.
Is A One World Society or Globalism promoted?
The media is the puppet of a powerful group of International Bankers. Their umbrella groups are: The Trilateral Commission; The Council on Foreign Relations; The Bilderbergs; Order of the Skull and Bones et al. They are pushing a one world agenda on us, attempting to convince us that only a one world society will preserve us from war and famine, and other world problems they create with a phone call. The one world agenda is as sinful today as it was back when God destroyed Satan’s first attempt at Babel.
Does the Program Push Evolution as Fact?
When evolution is taught on TV, it tends to be very persuasive to young people. If you support public TV, then stop, because their programs are detrimental to the cause of Christ. They are your spiritual enemy. When programs are aired which show a clash between Christianity and Evolution, the Christians are always portrayed as religious idiots while the evolutionists are shown to be the intelligent, scientifically logically minded, altruistic people. Support Christian radio or missions with the money you give to Public TV.
Does it push Extra-Terrestrial Life?
TV shows like Star Trek or movies like Close Encounters of the Third Kind attempt to persuade us that life exists on other planets and that aliens will possess the knowledge man needs to survive. They portray aliens as having power to raise the dead, heal diseases, and control others through mental telepathy. All these are appealing to man who seeks eternal life without Christ. UFO’S may be categorized under the occult, as these "space ships" emulate characteristics akin to demons, such as cold temperatures, anomalous motion which could never be performed by something mechanical but by something spiritual, such as anti-gravity. Only something spiritual can defy God’s natural laws for the universe.
SIGNS OF TV ADDICTION
As with anything we do routinely, if left unchecked can turn into an addiction. People who become addicts did not start out to become an addict. No one who drinks sets a goal of becoming a professional drunk. If we start something which is detrimental to our Christian walk, even on a small scale, Satan will make an attempt to intensify the drive or desire to bring this action into its ultimate state which is a strong hold in our life. 2 Corinthians 10:4 warns us:
(2 Cor 10:4 KJV) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
The words "strong hold" may also be translated "fortress or castle." This warns us that Satan can create a hold on our life with an addiction to sin. A TV addict believes they must watch every show, and with every show they watch it intensifies their desire to watch another. This is a vicious cycle which is only broken by God’s power. Are you a TV addict or are you on the way to becoming one? Check to see if any of these 32 principles of TV addiction are present in your life. If they are, then you may have a satanic stronghold in your life.
1) You call someone to videotape TV shows that are on the same time the one you are watching and videotaping.
2) You watch a program with the anticipation of seeing a sinful act.
3) You enjoy the sinful scenes on the show.
4) You eat your dinner in front of the TV.
5) You neglect your spouse or family for a TV show.
6) You look forward to a TV show. (desirous anticipation) Do you look forward to next week’s church service?
7) You miss Sunday Night services or Wednesday evening prayer meeting for TV.
8) You begin to role play the parts you see on TV on a serious basis.
9) Your conversation is replete with TV reviews and anecdotes.
10) TV replaces your Bible reading or devotion time.
11) The family altar has been replaced by a TV program.
12) You know more about TV than Scripture.
13) No one is allowed to speak while the TV is on.
14) You begin to start empathizing with the characters the actors are portraying.
15) You rush home so you will not miss a program.
16) You watch TV late into the night consistently.
17) When company visits, the TV remains on.
18) You disturb others on the job by discussing a TV show.
19) You yell at the TV when a certain scene unfolds.
20) You become angry when "there aint nothing good on TV tonight."
21) You let TV do your thinking for you.
22) The only book you read is TV guide.
23) You turn the TV on the moment you enter a room.
24) The TV is on when you are doing your chores.
25) You do not want people to visit when your programs are scheduled to come on.
26) When people visit, you wish they would leave so you could watch your programs.
27) You laugh at the very sin which sent Christ to the cross.
28) You have every premium cable channel like HBO, Cinemax, etc.
29) You constantly flip channels with your remote control.
30) You begin to adopt ideas and attitudes contrary to Scripture. (Remember change agents)
31) You find more pleasure watching TV than being with God’s people.
32) You go nowhere but have become a couch potato.
Some Consequences of being a Teleholic
Loneliness
Staying home and watching TV isolates you from other people. God created us to be social creatures requiring human interaction. Loss of human contact will cause extreme loneliness.
Depression
Excessive TV watching may cause depression because night after night you continually soak up the world’s idea of what success and value is. We begin to believe our lives, when compared with those exciting ones we see on TV, are really valueless and this type of thinking, when drilled into us daily, will lead into depression.
Physical Disease
Our bodies were made for motion, not to sit in one place for hours daily. Our muscles and the rest of our body need exercise for proper fitness and clear minds. One can become obese, because incessant TV watching leads to incessant eating.
Fantasy Lifestyle
This happens when we watch so much TV that we have trouble separating reality from fantasy. TV can cause us to live an imaginary lifestyle, like believing illicit sex without consequences, social drinking is mandatory, you must drive an expensive car, etc. An imitation of a TV lifestyle can ruin a life.
Acceptance of Sinful Principles
TV shows are not written with obedience to God in mind. As we are bombarded daily with sinful principles, we begin to accept the methods Hollywood teaches. You claim you do not accept sinful principles! Then why do you watch the same show each week. If you keep watching it, you are endorsing it. Soon you will be found opposing the principles of Scripture and even rebuking those who bring the truth and this will sow discord among the brethren and will sow confusion in the life of a young believer.
Suicide
When a person believes they have no value, no friends, and that they do not measure up to the fantasy lifestyle they impose on themselves, they see no reason for living. They do not realize a satanic deception has taken place. If there was such a group as Teleholics Anonymous, their meetings would be packed more than Alcoholics Anonymous.
SUGGESTIONS TO HELP FREE YOU FROM TELEHOLISM
Realize It Is Sin
Satan has built a fortress in your life and this type of sin can only be broken by the power of God. You must begin to bathe your recovery in prayer.
Get A Partner
Call someone who will pray with you and speak with you about your problem. Determine you will be accountable to them. Therefore, you must find a strong Christian who will not shrink back, even if you do. Meet with this person on a regular basis, not just on the phone.
Devise a Plan and Put It Into Operation
The following is a suggested plan of operation.
1. Rise up earlier so you will be tired earlier at night, which means you will go to bed earlier and it will cut down on your TV watching.
2. Give your VCR to a friend until you are delivered from the stronghold.
3. Give your remote control to a friend as this will prevent you from flipping through all the channels from your easy chair. This will force you to get up from your chair to change the channels. This will also prevent you from watching TV from bed because it will then force you to get out of a warm bed to change channels or shut off the TV.
4. Have all the premium cable channels disconnected. This will save you about 500 dollars per year.
5. Discard your instant dinners thus causing you to cook your dinner which will pull you away from the TV plus you will be healthier. The amount of salt and preservatives in those dinners are unbelievable.
6. Turn your local Christian radio station on during the day or night. Let God build a desire for Him into your life.
7. Start reading books to reclaim your thinking process which TV steals.
8. Make Bible reading imperative and do your reading in a room where there is no TV or else you may be tempted to put your Bible down and turn the TV on.
Rearrange the house if you must.
9. Go out with your spouse or friends to church or Wednesday evening service, or just for a drive. Rediscover each other.
10. If you must get rid of your TV, then do it. There are many Christians who do not own a TV and are happy because God owns their mind fully.
The key to obtaining victory over teleholism is found in Ephesians 4:22-24:
(Eph 4:22-24 KJV) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; {23} And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; {24} And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
In verse 22, Paul is telling us to put off the old man while simultaneously putting on the new man. If we just stop our old habits and do nothing, we will have a void which needs to be filled. Guess what we will fill it with. The old habits! So to prevent this, God in His wisdom told us the key to overcoming sin is put off-put on. If we are going to put off television watching, we must put something in its place. For example, instead of watching TV, we will put Christian radio on. Instead of watching TV on Wednesday night, you go to mid-week service.
The key is to do something in place of TV watching or you will go right back to the old ways. Allow your partner to help you by establishing a schedule of things to do which require you to be away from the TV. Do not fight your partner, God will use her/him to help you and this is what the body of Christ is all about. If you are having extensive difficulty in your recovery, seek pastoral counseling.
PROTESTING A TV SHOW
1. Write to the network and the local station.
2. Start a TV watchdog system whereby some Christians agree to watch certain programs and then come together to analyze the results and then publish them in your church. Some will not agree but there will be those you will reach who want to be obedient to God. Try to get this type of group going in your denomination.
3. Do not buy the products which are advertised on these shows. It is a very effective tool.
4. Start a community organization dedicated to better quality TV and get your local politicians involved. To a politician, voters are their lifeline, remind them of this.
If God delivers you from TV addiction, there is no reason that you could not start a group like Teleholics Anonymous. There are thousands who are addicted to TV and would like to be free but lack support to do it. Addiction is addiction, no matter what type it is. Addiction is a controlling factor in a person’s life. People with strongholds in their life need help, maybe you are the one they are looking for. Think about it!
(John 8:32 KJV) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
(Rom 6:18 KJV) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.


_________________
Daniel

 2005/4/27 10:42Profile
deltadom
Member



Joined: 2005/1/6
Posts: 2359
Hemel Hempstead

 Re: The dangers of television

I agree with getting rid of television but with a church that is so used to it and people it is almost as hard as taking people of hard drugs. By faith I believe it can happen.


_________________
Dominic Shiells

 2005/4/27 17:44Profile









 Re: Bam!

Welcome to the cold hard facts of life. Not many pulpits want to touch this subject, but I'm so glad you did, beloved. This is very good. Thanks for sharing it. Oh God deliver us from ourselves I pray. Wow. We need a major overhaul, that's for sure. God bless you real good.

 2005/4/27 18:06
Holiday
Member



Joined: 2005/5/1
Posts: 8


 Re: The dangers of television

Ok. Thank you, yes that was very complete.

I've struggled on and off with TV. For about a year or so, I had no TV at all. By choice. Then I got one and it has, in general, been a negative addition to my life. Other than Christian programming and some informational shows, most of TV's content is offensive. Especially channels like MTV, VH1, etc. that display nothing but T & A and blatant immorality. I pray regularly that God will help me to not ever watch channels like those again.

By the way, has anyone ever seen the show on A&E called "Intervention" ? It is on Sunday at 10 PM. It chronicles the lives of "addicts" and attempts to bring them to sanity by means of an intervention. Unfortunatley, the methods are non-Christian. I've seen the show regularly and wish that I could offer the people in the show the Gospel, that's what they really need to hear.

 2005/5/1 16:53Profile









 Re: The dangers of television

I remember a friend of mine years ago had a vision about this very thing.

He saw what look like an umbilical cord, it was a thick cable. The cable was made up of fine wires and it was thick and tight. My friend asked, what is this LORD?, the LORD said, "this is your connection to the world". My friend said, "cut it and lose me from the world" and the LORD said, "I cannot, if I did that it would kill you, but I work on it day by day, year by year until you are completely free from any attactments to the world as your source of joy and pleasure."

I paraphrased this, but I am sure you get the ghist.
Exodus 23:28

"And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.
29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land."

 2005/5/1 17:20
CJaKfOrEsT
Member



Joined: 2004/3/31
Posts: 901
Melbourne, Australia

 Re:

"For many families, the television is their life support system" - Leonard Ravenhill (paraphrased)


_________________
Aaron Ireland

 2005/5/1 17:47Profile
Heavenlyman
Member



Joined: 2005/3/29
Posts: 51
Australia

 Re: The dangers of television

I print out your thread if that's ok I am to pass it on to the other family I know that they are bound in this area of thier life, it is disruction not only to the children, my children was bound in htis stuff until the Lord shows it to me and open my spiritual eyes and saw the evil being that arresting the mind of my children.
The Lord remind me that I am to train them in the righteousness, I am a stewards of their soul to build the right foundation for their life until they are ready to go and live in their own, and be accountable of their own life.
Ever since I have cut their TV, and place the TV time they have with christian teaching weather it's a christian animation or having the Christian channel on they improve so much in every thing they do my boy been elected as a school captain, and the other one become one of the top student of the whole school, this is just one of the testimony they having each day.
Now I understood what it means children is the crown of thier parents :-D they actually more at peace to one another, it's awesome. :-D
I must add to prayer to so needed for the children in this generation, parents do not stop praying for your children, they need it so badly.
Be Bless always :-)

 2005/5/1 19:09Profile
deltadom
Member



Joined: 2005/1/6
Posts: 2359
Hemel Hempstead

 Re:

I did something stupid being a hypocrite my friend wanted a tv card installed so i installed it.As a computer person I dont minfd helping anyone.
I generally think people have to be weaned of Television knowing from personal experience I had to.


_________________
Dominic Shiells

 2005/5/1 19:58Profile
PreachParsly
Member



Joined: 2005/1/14
Posts: 2164
Arkansas

 Re:

I judge what I watch on TV by this: are the characters or people on the TV sinning? If they are then I do not call sin entertainment, so I don't watch it. If they are not then I will spend a very limited amout of time watching it. I don't mind watching the weather channel, history, or animal. But In general I stay away from the TV.


_________________
Josh Parsley

 2005/5/1 20:47Profile
ReceivedText
Member



Joined: 2005/4/22
Posts: 257
Seattle, Washington, USA

 The Twenty-Third Channel

The Twenty-Third Channel

The TV set is my shepherd.
My spiritual growth shall want.
It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for his name’s sake.
Because it requireth all of my spare time.
It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian,
because it presenteth so many good shows that I must see.

It restoreth my knowledge of the things
of the world and keepeth me from the study of God’s Word.
It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend the evening worship services
and doing nothing in the kingdom of God.

Yea, though I live to be 100
I shall keep on viewing television as long as it will work,
for it is my closest companion.
Its sound and its picture,
they comfort me.

It presenteth entertainment before me
and keepeth me from doing important things with my family.
It fills my head with ideas which differ from those set forth in the word of God.

Surely, no good thing will come of my life,
because my television offereth me no good time to do the will of God;
Thus, though I dwell in the place of the redeemed who have been washed in the blood of the lamb, I will let the souls around me slip into Hell forever.

 2005/5/1 21:14Profile





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