The Largest Church in the World....

Today I was blessed by being able to talk to a former pastor of mine. I went to his present church's website and listened to the very beggining of a sermon.... a video..... it haunted me in a way, and you are about to see why.

This might get controversial, but I promised this year to be open on here.... open about my struggles... and now I'm going to be very open about my beliefs.

You see it is dangerous to allow just "anything" into our home. We may think that it's ok because we "know" the truth and we "know" we wont be deceived. However many christians as they allow certain things into their minds..... are deceived.... slowly! Little by little..... right... seems to be wrong.... and wrong... doesn't seem so bad anymore.... soon black and white.... becomes ... grey.....

I'm soooo not perfect in this area.... infact these convictions I speak of... I am speaking to myself as well..... there are so many gifted speakers... comedians... singers.... and I find myself rationalizing and trying to justify how I can still enjoy them...... I think "I am strong"..... "I was brought up in the truth"...."why can't I just enjoy listening even if I don't agree with their lifestyle/choices"... I understand that.. I do.. because not everyone as they are on their shows... or singing their songs...... do they talk openly against God or scripture.... but as you will see in the video below.... maybe one of those shows will.... and it is one where maybe not only you are watching but your children as well....

I think about the scripture where it says Romans 14:21 "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall." Well I put my children into that category. What are we allowing them to hear as their values... morals... character..... are developing.... we may "know" the truth... but they are just learning...and easily swayed....and we are their role models... they take their cues from us....

It's not about "supporting" someone who doesn't believe what I believe... it's more about allowing something into my mind... that could lead me astray.... the bible is clear. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."Phillipians 4:8

As we turn on certain TV shows.... as we listen to certain music... does it enhance our relationship with God.... or does it cause questions.... and doubts on what he tells us is right and wrong? Does it make us see sin as "not that bad"....

Believe me... I am thinking to the answer to this question right along with hopefully anyone who reads this... I have some shows I watch right now... that I really need to pray and seek God's heart on whether I should be or not....

I know we can't bubble ourselves or our kids. Real life will hit them with more than they might even seen on T.V. or hear on the radio. I guess I feel that as much as we can guard our hearts and minds... the better..... personally as my children go to pre-school, school... outside events.. I know they are going to be bombarded with all kinds of things... so right now I am trying to give them the truth.... and limit their exposure to things that will not help them develop those character traits.... morals... and values.... and not only them.... but I still need to guard my own heart and mind.... to help me stay focused..... help me stay on the straight and narrow path as well....

Here's the video that inspired this blog..... I hope I don't sound "preachy" all the time... it's just as God speaks to me... I want to share that with others.. I know that not everyone believes the same as me, and the great thing about God is he gives us a choice. I am not going to shove my beliefs down anyone's throat... however I will share what I believe.... and I will respect other people.... as hopefully I will be respected...... please watch the video... and spend some time soul searching for yourself.....