What did he mean?

[Sabbath_Keeper]

When Jesus said that we, as his followers, were not supposed to love the things of the world nor abide in them, what do you think he meant?

My, thoughts, if what you do takes away form the glory of God, or detracts us from focusing on him as our benevolent Father than it should be avoided.

In Christ

 

[ralphinal]

Assuming this is not a trap thread, I would agree with you.

 

[Sabbath_Keeper]

Assuming this is not a trap thread, I would agree with you.

No trap, just trying to get everyones consensus, non-secular, spiritual, consensus.

 

[ralphinal]

No trap, just trying to get everyones consensus, non-secular, spiritual, consensus.

Ok.

It would apply to possessions, hobbies, or anything else.

 

[dougfreed]

I would agree with you. All Glory should go to God.

When Jesus said that we, as his followers, were not supposed to love the things of the world nor abide in them, what do you think he meant?

My, thoughts, if what you do takes away form the glory of God, or detracts us from focusing on him as our benevolent Father than it should be avoided.

In Christ

 

[Sabbath_Keeper]

So, as Christians we should abstain from competitive sports, video/computer games not having to do with spiritual edification, that goes for Television and DVD/Video tapes as well, just to name a few.

 

[ralphinal]

So, as Christians we should abstain from competitive sports, video/computer games not having to do with spiritual edification, that goes for Television and DVD/Video tapes as well, just to name a few.

Not exactly. They should abstain when these things replace God in their lives. As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of the world. There is no reason to say that we can do nothing other than worship God. In fact, Paul said let those who do not work, not eat. And I know that you would agree that some replace God with work or making money. Now, it is a meritorious thing for us to do that. It shows a level of love for God that is amazing, but it is not needed for salvation.

It is about moderation. We should keep God first in our lives.

None of that applies to those things which contain within them sin or a seed to sin, such as porn or explicit movies. Those are bad right out of the gate.

 

[Sabbath_Keeper]

Not exactly. They should abstain when these things replace God in their lives. As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of the world. There is no reason to say that we can do nothing other than worship God. In fact, Paul said let those who do not work, not eat. And I know that you would agree that some replace God with work or making money. Now, it is a meritorious thing for us to do that. It shows a level of love for God that is amazing, but it is not needed for salvation.

It is about moderation. We should keep God first in our lives.

None of that applies to those things which contain within them sin or a seed to sin, such as porn or explicit movies. Those are bad right out of the gate.

So by your thinking I could indulge in video games that contain violent acts or watch movies that are somewhat questionable in content yet are not pornographic in nature just as long as I don’t obsess over them.

 

[ralphinal]

So by your thinking I could indulge in video games that contain violent acts or watch movies that are somewhat questionable in content yet are not pornographic in nature just as long as I don’t obsess over them.

That is an individual issue. Violence is one of those tough calls. Graphic violence may be problematic, such as in the Saw movies. However, what about in the Passion of the Christ? Or Saving Private Ryan? Or Schindler’s List? Personally, I am not into the whole slasher movie or torture porn thing, so I am a little tougher on violence than most. However, if you rule out any violence at all, you miss some great movies.

Movies with strong sexual inuindos are usually problematic as they almost never are between a man married to the woman who is the target.

Movies, like everything else, have a large gray area. For some, the Lion King is too violent and sexual. For others, it is fine family entertainment.

 

[Sabbath_Keeper]

That is an individual issue. Violence is one of those tough calls. Graphic violence may be problematic, such as in the Saw movies. However, what about in the Passion of the Christ? Or Saving Private Ryan? Or Schindler’s List? Personally, I am not into the whole slasher movie or torture porn thing, so I am a little tougher on violence than most. However, if you rule out any violence at all, you miss some great movies.

But aren’t we in essence sharing in the violence that is happening, doing so vicariously? Couldn’t this be considered participating sin. In Private Ryan we see inhuman brutality between individual soldiers, not just groups, but one soldier sickeningly and slowly plunging a knife into another. And there is of course the desire for revenge when a friend and comrade is killed, the desire to outright kill a defenseless prisoner. Acts of barbarity that all to often raise up in violent conflicts. How much of this carries over into the real world?

Movies with strong sexual inuindos are usually problematic as they almost never are between a man married to the woman who is the target.

Movies, like everything else, have a large gray area. For some, the Lion King is too violent and sexual. For others, it is fine family entertainment.

Movies of today are largely designed to send some sort of message, more like propaganda in support of current political agendas. Even the innocent seeming “childrens” features need to be scrutinized more carefully.

I make a challenge to you. Set aside your movies, video games, TV entertainment, and other secular activities for one month. Concentrate intirely on emersing yourself wholly in the Lord. Then after the month is up put in one of those movies. Tell me how it turns out.

 

[Nickkname]

When Jesus said that we, as his followers, were not supposed to love the things of the world nor abide in them, what do you think he meant?

My, thoughts, if what you do takes away form the glory of God, or detracts us from focusing on him as our benevolent Father than it should be avoided.

In Christ

When did He say this? I request a quote, please.

 

[Sabbath_Keeper]

When did He say this? I request a quote, please.

It is agreed, or has been agreed that Jesus taught the Apostles all they need to know concerning his mission and sent them to teach. Therefore, we can say the what they wrote is what Jesus taught. The following is what I was refering to.

1 John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passign away, and the lust of it: but he who does the will of God abides forever."

Is that sufficient?

 

[Publisher]

When Jesus said that we, as his followers, were not supposed to love the things of the world nor abide in them, what do you think he meant?

My, thoughts, if what you do takes away form the glory of God, or detracts us from focusing on him as our benevolent Father than it should be avoided.

In Christ

In my opinion, Jesus calls us into relationship with God as we live our lives in this world in 'the Kingdom of God." We live with different “rules”. The world tells us to be vindictive and seek retribution…he calls us to “forgive your enemies…love your enemies…turn the other cheek if someone slaps you…go the second mile if compelled to go one.”

He calls us to live sacrificially…to bear his yoke. To be lights of this Kingdom. It has more to do with how we live than what we believe.

The story of the last judgement wasn’t about "Do you believe in the holy catholic and apostolic church? or “Do you believe in the Nicene Creed”…but “Why did you not feed those who were hungry, give water to those who were thirsty, clothe those who were naked.” These things distinguished his disciples…his followers…“Love one another, by this shall all me know you are my disciples.”

“The Kingdom of God is among you…within you…” "I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.’

It was always about “doing” more than it ever was about “believing certain doctrines.”

One can “believe” every doctrine is true and from God and still be a devil…“even the demons believe and tremble…”

Be doers, not hearers only.

 

[Sabbath_Keeper]

In my opinion, Jesus calls us into relationship with God as we live our lives in this world in 'the Kingdom of God." We live with different “rules”. The world tells us to be vindictive and seek retribution…he calls us to “forgive your enemies…love your enemies…turn the other cheek if someone slaps you…go the second mile if compelled to go one.”

He calls us to live sacrificially…to bear his yoke. To be lights of this Kingdom. It has more to do with how we live than what we believe.

The story of the last judgement wasn’t about "Do you believe in the holy catholic and apostolic church? or “Do you believe in the Nicene Creed”…but “Why did you not feed those who were hungry, give water to those who were thirsty, clothe those who were naked.” These things distinguished his disciples…his followers…“Love one another, by this shall all me know you are my disciples.”

“The Kingdom of God is among you…within you…” "I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.’

It was always about “doing” more than it ever was about “believing certain doctrines.”

One can “believe” every doctrine is true and from God and still be a devil…“even the demons believe and tremble…”

Be doers, not hearers only.

Absolutely, no argument here. He directs us to live our lives as he lived his. We live in a world full of sin and unrigtheousness, but because of his Grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit within those that believe and trust in him the evils of this world are held at bay. Look around, when you see good bring done in the world who or what organizations are behind that good. In most cases there is an organization that has some affiliation with a Christ beliving God fearing structure.

But, we as Christians are to be lights unto the world, we are directed to be “different” from the world. We reflect Gods goodness to the world of the lost so that we may guide them to God. What better example than to live as Christ like as we can. Christian means “follower of Christ” we follow Christ and are to live by his example. Christ associated with sinners, but he never participated in their sins although he was accused of doing so. We too need to insert ourselves among sinners to teach them, but we must keep from becoming immersed in the activities that bring about their sins. Ask yourself when considering if what you are about to participate in “Is this something Jesus would have consented to do?” We must always look at things is this light else we move the mark further away from the goal and eventually are unable to attain that goal because we loose sight of the goal and, without knowing it, we loose the grace that was ours when we first were saved.

Grace, peace and joy