TV and Christianity - NFL Football?

Crosswalk has a great topic in the forums today and a great start by Jason. I have been praying about this for guidance as I try to determine where to draw the line on how much and what TV I watch. I did not vote in the poll at the top of the discussion, because I believe the answer is that it depends how much and what TV you are watching. But TV in and of itself is not evil or sinful.

NFL Football is an interesting case. First, it is obviously a violent sport. Is this enough of a reason to say a Christian shouldnt watch it? Now, what if you watch 14 hours of football on a weekend? Clearly you are not getting the most out of the gift of life. Now if you miss church for the game, you might have real problems. But as a Steeler fan, I did miss church twice this year to go to the game. (not tv, but similar issue)

So the answer I have come to is...how was the rest of my week and my mindset? Has my mind and thoughts been on Christ and God? Have I made it to my bible? Have I helped my wife this week? anyone else? Those things are more important than how I spend a few hours. So watching a game or two is fine for me. But, fixating on it for an entire weekend, I will have to try to avoid. (except of cource NFL championship weekend, which I am sure God watches) Instead I need to focus on the direction and priorities in my life. If they are solid, then the part-time endulgences are problaby healthy. (unless they are specifically mentioned as sinful in the bible)

So I will try to keep my TV to a miniumum, and when the content makes me feel guilty or uncomfortable, I will turn it off. At least I will try. It is harder for example during the NFL Draft.

What do you think about Christians and TV? What do you watch? Are their any programs that are borderline, but you still like to watch? Post your thoughts here or on the Crosswalk forum about Christians and TV.

"It is Finished!" - 2000 years ago, Christ Died For Me!

Not for you, not for everyone, but for me. I know that he really died for all sinners, but what is important this morning is that he died personally for me. Thanks to Pastor Matt for his sermon last night. The theme of which was IT IS FINISHED! Which is recorded in John 19:30 as Christ's last words before he gave up his spirit and died.

One of the points Pastor was making is that Jesus was not saying in relief that...wooo, thankfully I got through this, but he was saying triumphantly that IT IS ACCOMPLISHED! Our heavenly father's plan to bring us back to fellowship with him was complete with Christ's death and resurrection. And Jesus knew that nothing could stand in the way of his Resurrection as that was in the hands of God.

It's amazing, shortly before Christ died, the weight of my sins were placed on his shoulders. He carried that burden to God and through his sacrifice the Father gave Christ's Righteousness back to ME. Not just forgiveness, but righteousness. Forgiveness would not be enough for us to be in fellowship with God in Heaven. But we have been given righteousness through the sacrifice of the sinless lamb.

So I am thankful this morning that I am saved. Thankful that when Christ died he gave up his spirit and sent the Counselor to us when he rose. Thankful that God knew we would fall from grace and gave us a Messiah to wash our sins away.

I plan to have a Thankful Easter weekend and I will keep my mind on Christ as I go through my day today and tomorrow. I hope everyone has a joyful Easter Celebration as we declare HE IS RISEN!

Sincerely,

Won Christian

Thanks to Inspire21.com for the image!

What to do with Non-Christian Friends?

Being saved in my late twenties virtually all of my friends are non-Christians or non-practicing Christians. How do I stay true to myself? Follow my Savior? And lead my friends to him?

I am currently reading The Books of Paul and if you read 2 Cor 6:14-18 you could come to the conclusion that you should toss them aside or leave them behind.

But my heart and my Spirit tell me this is not right. We are taught by The Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Surely we must feel obligated to start near home. Yet Jesus himself was not welcome by his own. (Mark 6:1-6) So we must be mindful that those who knew us as peers will be judgmental of our conversion and our new beliefs.

When I look at many of my friends, I think that they could not be ready to hear. But was I? Would they have thought I was ready to listen? To Believe that Jesus died for me? No way. Yet I find myself often in deep thoughtful conversations about life, God, and faith. And I feel the words roll of my tongue as if I had not said them.

Just a week ago or so, I was having a few drinks after work. My friends and I were celebrating my birthday. Now, I believe that it is not sinful to have a few beers, but I also acknowledge that drinking to drunkenness is clearly a sin. This night I went a little too far and have asked for forgiveness for my weakness.

But while I was there, almost at the end of the evening I had one of my best conversations. My friend who is seeking the Lord asked me about my faith, my testimony and more. We exchanged a few words and I think he was clearly encouraged.

So should I have been in the bar in the first place? Should I still spend much of my time with these non-Christian friends. These are my best friends. Men who would give their life for me and I for them. I will try to take them wherever I go, and my path is with Christ.

Paul also says in 1st Corinthians 10:27 that he has no issue with enjoying the company of non-Christians or non-believers. Right now I am feeling strongly that I am a positive influence in their lives. But sometimes the venue or language or activity drops below where I should go. Often I stop and leave or argue successfully against this path, but sometimes I am also brought back down to my human nature.

So what to do? Jesus says in Mathew 11:16-24 that "wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it." Therefore if by staying with my friends, I play some small part in their salvation, then in the end this will be judge to be wise. But if instead I am stunting my development as a Christian by remaining in my current circles, then it will be judged to be folly.

How can I know today? Please help me to find more guidance here in scripture. Is it simply my human nature that will not allow me to give up my friends? Or is it that I truly believe that my example helps. If all Christians leave their friends behind and spend their time in Christian fellowship, how will their light shine before non-Christian men and women?

Thanks for reading. I am also curious to get some input on other born-again views of social drinking, so please post those as well.

Sincerely,

Won Christian

You can also read a great thread on this topic at Crosswalk!