We will attempt to be brief in our discussion of this subject. It is not our intention to discuss the secular studies which have been done on the "negative" impact of Television in today's modern world. We want to discuss this from a Biblical perspective and determine whether or not the "Christian" should allow into our homes that which the "greatest promoter" of unrighteousness. Remember, if it's not bringing you closer to God then it must have the opposite effect - moving you further away from Him.
It is written:
"Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.".
One of the many things which man has sought out and invented is Television. It evolved as a result of man's desire to break into the higher dimensions of science. One idea led to another; one experiment led to another, revealing even greater possibilities in the realm of the science of communications. The 20th Century witnessed a literal "explosion" of scientific knowledge, fulfilling (in the scientific realm) the prophecy of Daniel 12:4 "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
Of course, scientific electronic inventions have now evolved far beyond Television. It now encompasses VCR's, Videos, video games, DVD's, Personal Computers and the World Wide Internet Web. Every day more and more choices are being provided for the entertainment of our fleshly desires. As he did in the Garden of Eden, so in this age, our enemy [the Devil] makes all these things to appear to be "good...pleasant...and to be desired to make one wise" (Genesis 3:6).
From the Biblical Christian perspective how should we label these "wonderful" inventions of man? Are they "good"? Are they "evil"? Or are they a product of the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil"? If we say that all these inventions are "good" then we credit God with having a part in it's discovery. The Bible says, "EVERY GOOD gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). If we say that these things are evil, then we can only conclude that Satan was/is the father of these inventions. If we say that these inventions are a product of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, then we must acknowledge God's warning that to eat of the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" results in death (Genesis 2:17). And WHY would anyone in their "right mind" want to eat of that which results in death?
It is serious indeed. Therefore, we must know where we stand regarding those "inventions" which have been made to appeal to the "old" human nature, and appear to be "good...pleasant...and to be desired..." (Genesis 3:6). What should the Christian's attitude be toward Television, Videos, computer games, and yes, even the Internet? This is NOT an issue which we can brush under the carpet and pretend its not a serious matter. More and more studies are showing the "negative" impact that Television, Videos, Video games, and the Internet are having on society. What about the impact it's having on the lives of those professing Christians who feed more on these things than on the things of God? |
Some years ago - before the age of computers and videos, the F.B.I. stated that "Television is one of the four (comic books, Movie theatres, and radio) greatest influences for evil that we have." Without a doubt we would now have to add Videos, video games, DVD's and the Internet to the list. Criminal Lawyers say that these electronic inventions are the greatest crime breeders in the world today. Educators state that Television is the greatest hindrance to education. "Oh, but Brother, Television, videos and the Internet are great educational tools." True! BUT, in the home, they are used 95% - 100% of the time for entertainment and NOT for education - at least not the right education. Satan is indeed using them to educate people in everything that is evil - smoking, drinking, cursing, hate, murder, all manner of perversion, adultery, fornication, prostitution, nudeness, etc.. Television, videos and the Internet are now the GREATEST promoter of all these things. But as Eve "brushed aside" God's warning, even so this generation of pleasure seekers "brush aside" the warnings concerning the "VERY NEGATIVE" impact of Televison, videos and the Internet - it influences the way people think, act and live. It has a negative impact of human relationships - between friends, parents and children, and husbands and wives. Homes have been broken up through the medium of Television and the Internet. Lives have been lost and individuals have been maimed for life - all because of the influence of Television, Videos, the Internet, etc.. Without a doubt untold numbers of "professing Christians" own one or more Televisions, VCR's Video's, Video games, DVD's, PCs with Internet connection of some kind. Sad to say that they are quicker to redeem time for those things than they are for the things of God. It's time for Christians (those who have these modern entertainment inventions) to consider the impact it is having on their relationship with God and with other Christians. WHAT impact is it having on their children? Remember, whether it's you or your child setting in front of the screen, seeds of the "world" and the "things" of the world are being sown in the heart. Jeremiah, the prophet, in Lamentations 3:51 said, "Mine eye affecteth mine heart....." It is a proven fact that "seeing" has a greater impact than "hearing". What we "see" we remember longer than what we "hear". The Patriarch Job said, "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee." (Job 42:5). It had a great impact on Job. We are greatly "mistaken" to think that there is no harm in "just looking" at something. Let's not forget the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:28, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." The drunkard was the descent man who started with "one" social drink. The thief was the honest man who "coveted" just "one" little thing. The liar was the respectable man who "covered" one mistake. The fornicator and adulterer was the man who took "one" look. Of course, it has progressed "beyond" just looking at a moving picture. Now, science has given men, women and children the ability to inter-act - to see and talk to each other in living color.
In Psalms 141:4 King David said:
If it's not already too late it's time for Bible believing Christians to seriously consider whether or not he/she should even possess a Television, a VCR, Videos, Video games, or a DVD. The Bible clearly teaches that as Christians we are to be a "separated" people unto the Lord, a "peculiar" people, a "Royal" priesthood, avoiding even the "appearance" of sin. What's found on Television, videos and the Internet today is NOT a vague "appearance" of sin but "actual" sin.
The Bible says:
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William M. Branham, the prophet sent to this end-time Age, was absolutely clear in his condemnation of Television. And considering what he said about Television I am sure he would feel the same way about videos, video games and the Internet. The following selected quotes leave no doubt as to what he felt about it.
POWER OF TRANSFORMATION - 65-1031M
Greatest Gift In The Bible - 57-0811A
The Mark Of The Beast - 56-0715
Invasion Of The USA - 54-0509
The Seal of The Anti-Christ - 55-0311
Editor's note: The program "I Love Lucy" was a turning point in Television. Previous to this program the actors portraying husband and wife characters always slept in twin beds. Starting with the "I Love Lucy" program the man and woman were in the same bed. This was probably changed because the actor and actress were also husband and wife in real life. But from that time all bedroom scenes put the man and woman in one bed. Now, of course, in Television and the movies there are no boundries.
People call themselves with the Holy Ghost and playing them old nasty dirty tunes and things. Brother, that's the buzzard inside of you feeding on that; you need the Holy Ghost in there. That'll feed on the Word of God. Amen. I'm not angry with you, but, brother, you've got to know the truth. Amen.
Enticing Spirits - 55-0724
Unwelcomed Christ - 55-0828
How many times has these old cold formal morgues around here prayed for a revival? The other day, they're praying all over the country for revival. Billy Graham and Jack Schuller, and a bunch of them, going across the... praying for revivals. And then here come the Holy Ghost down, and you mark It as apostasy. Hallelujah. He comes down with the same signs and wonders, and everything, and proves that He's there, and you call It the devil. Hypocrites, you'll die in your television one of these days, and go to hell in the same thing.
Jesus Christ, The Same... - 56-0426
Arrow Of God's deliverance - 56-0801
Handwriting On The Wall - 56-0902
Second Handed Robe - 56-1206
Jehovah Jireh - 57-0309
His Wonders To Perform - 58-0112
Life - 58-0512
The Token - 63-0901
Jesus Keeps All His Appointments. - 64-0418
God's Provided Place Of Worship - 65-0425
God's Power To Transform - 65-0911
It's a challenge indeed for multitudes of professing Christians to give up their Televisions, Videos, Video games and DVDs. And within a few more years Christians may have to throw out the Internet. It is indeed a test of the Believers "Love" for God versus their love for the world and the "things" of the world. May God give you the Grace to "throw out the trash" and "redeem" the time for prayer, reading the Word and communion with our Heavenly Father. |