Bible Concepts leading Christians to abstain from movies
BIBLE PRINCIPLES REGARDING MOVIES
I am so thankful this came up in response to my discovery of a quotation on it I posted while looking for conditions to answered prayer. I am improving a lecture on the sanctuary series and particularly on prayer and secrets for getting more answers. I came accross a startling comment inferring one cannot enter heaven if they died while in the theater. Today the theater enters many homes. The same movies are coming to many homes. What about the homes of those preparing for heaven? Here are Bible principles:
1. NOT SETTING WICKED THINGS BEFORE OUR EYES: "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me;.." Psalms 101:3,4
2. IF IT DOES NOT BREAK THE COMMANDMENTS THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil.. 4:8
3. WORLDY COUNSEL IS SEEN ON THE MOVIES AND INSTALLING THESE PROGRAMS ON THE SOUL. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." The movies are examples of the ungodly counsel and deceipt in order to get ahead in life.
4. VANITY IN SPEECH AND DRESS IS VIEWED IN ALL PROGRAMS: "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in they way. Psalms 119:37
5. THE STANDARDS OF THE WORLD ARE BEING VIEWED: The Bible says: “ Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, ...to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27
6. IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE THINGS OF THE WORLD, YOU ARE ENEMIES TO GOD. MANY WATCHING MOVIES TALK THE SAME WAY NOT EVEN NOTICING THEY ARE SWEARING …know ye not that in the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (vs 7) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleans your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.(vs. 8) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up.” James 5:12 “But above all this, my breathren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
7.ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS WHICH WAR AGAINST YOUR SOUL “1 Peter 2:1 “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby:..ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:..abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 2 Peter 2:1-12
8. DO ALL TO GOD'S GLORY IN EVERYTHING YOU DO: 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefor ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
9. WHAT SHALL NOT BE FOUND IN HEAVEN: Revelation 21:8 "The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
10 SHALL NOT BE IN HEAVEN: Any CURSE: "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. Rev. 22:3, 4
11. SHALL NOT BE IN HEAVEN: Anything that hurts or destroys: "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:9
12. SHALL NOT BE IN HEAVEN: "...They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD." Isaiah 65:25
13. WHO CAN STAND IN HIS PRESENCE? None but the pure and lowly can dwell in His presence. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Psalms 24:3,4 WHO shall abide in Thy tabernacel? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." Psalms 15:
14. REFUSING TO FOLLOW GOD'S COMMANDS MAKES EVEN THE PRAYER AN ABOMINATION TO GOD. Prov. 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
Quotations of inspired writings
1.: BY BEHOLDING WE BECOME CHANGED "By indulgence of impure thoughts man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleaseant to him. PP 459
2. BY BEHOLDING WE ARE CHANGED: "It is a law of both of intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence."--Great Controversy 555
3. BY BEHOLDING WE ARE CHANGED: "By beholding we become changed. Though formed in the image of his Maker, man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleasant to him. As he ceases to watch and pray, he ceases to guard the citadel, the heart, and engages in sin and crime. The mind is debased, and it is impossible to elevate it from corruption while it is being educated to enslave the moral and intellectual powers and bring them in subjection to grosser passions." Adventist Home 330.2
I am looking at all the conditions for answers to prayer. While collecting these, I came accross such strong language about going to movies. Tears come to my eyes as I think about the millions falling over this one. It is the most dangerous and it is inferred if one should die during this , they would never have a chance for heaven.
4. MOST DANGEROUS TO SPIRITUAL LIFE:"The blessing of God would not be invoked upon the hour spent at the theater or in the dance. No Christian would wish to meet death in such a place. No one would wish to be found there when Christ shall return." AH 516."The most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater...It is the hotbed of immorality." AH 516
5. NO INFLUENCE MORE POWERFUL TO POISON THE IMAGINATION AND DESTROY RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS: "Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sobe...r realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater." Adventist Home 516
6. THROUGH ALL TIME THE SOUL BEARS THE SCARS, It destroys the power for elevated thoughts: "Abstain from all evil. Common sins, however insignificant they may be regarded, will impair your moral sense, and extinguish the inward impression of teh Spirit of God. The character of the thoughts leaves its imprint upon the soul, and all low conversation pollutes the mind. All evil works ruin those who commit it. God may and will forgive the repenting sinner, but though forgiven, the soul is marred; the power of the elevated thought possible to the unimpaired mind is destroyed. Through all time the soul bears the scars. Then let us seek for that faith which works by love and purifies the heart, that we may represent the character of Christ to the world." Review and Herald, Dec. 8, 1891. Ellen White
REMEDY: To focus on Jesus and become like Him
"Prayer brings increased spiritual strength. Those who seek God in secret telling the Lord their needs and pleading for help, will not plead in vain. "When your mind delights to dwell upon heaven and heavenly things, there will be no desire with you to enjoy the society of young men. There will be kindled in the soul the most intense desire to be like Jesus. By beholding we become changed into the same image. Carnal thoughts, carnal feelings will be no longer entertained. You will no longer be frivolous, cheap in talk, and unholy in life..." Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and divorce , a mutilated spouse. page 66.3
I am so thankful this came up in response to my discovery of a quotation on it I posted while looking for conditions to answered prayer. I am improving a lecture on the sanctuary series and particularly on prayer and secrets for getting more answers. I came accross a startling comment inferring one cannot enter heaven if they died while in the theater. Today the theater enters many homes. The same movies are coming to many homes. What about the homes of those preparing for heaven? Here are Bible principles:
1. NOT SETTING WICKED THINGS BEFORE OUR EYES: "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me;.." Psalms 101:3,4
2. IF IT DOES NOT BREAK THE COMMANDMENTS THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil.. 4:8
3. WORLDY COUNSEL IS SEEN ON THE MOVIES AND INSTALLING THESE PROGRAMS ON THE SOUL. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." The movies are examples of the ungodly counsel and deceipt in order to get ahead in life.
4. VANITY IN SPEECH AND DRESS IS VIEWED IN ALL PROGRAMS: "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in they way. Psalms 119:37
5. THE STANDARDS OF THE WORLD ARE BEING VIEWED: The Bible says: “ Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, ...to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27
6. IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE THINGS OF THE WORLD, YOU ARE ENEMIES TO GOD. MANY WATCHING MOVIES TALK THE SAME WAY NOT EVEN NOTICING THEY ARE SWEARING …know ye not that in the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (vs 7) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleans your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.(vs. 8) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up.” James 5:12 “But above all this, my breathren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
7.ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS WHICH WAR AGAINST YOUR SOUL “1 Peter 2:1 “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby:..ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:..abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 2 Peter 2:1-12
8. DO ALL TO GOD'S GLORY IN EVERYTHING YOU DO: 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefor ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
9. WHAT SHALL NOT BE FOUND IN HEAVEN: Revelation 21:8 "The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
10 SHALL NOT BE IN HEAVEN: Any CURSE: "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. Rev. 22:3, 4
11. SHALL NOT BE IN HEAVEN: Anything that hurts or destroys: "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:9
12. SHALL NOT BE IN HEAVEN: "...They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD." Isaiah 65:25
13. WHO CAN STAND IN HIS PRESENCE? None but the pure and lowly can dwell in His presence. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Psalms 24:3,4 WHO shall abide in Thy tabernacel? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." Psalms 15:
14. REFUSING TO FOLLOW GOD'S COMMANDS MAKES EVEN THE PRAYER AN ABOMINATION TO GOD. Prov. 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
Quotations of inspired writings
1.: BY BEHOLDING WE BECOME CHANGED "By indulgence of impure thoughts man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleaseant to him. PP 459
2. BY BEHOLDING WE ARE CHANGED: "It is a law of both of intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence."--Great Controversy 555
3. BY BEHOLDING WE ARE CHANGED: "By beholding we become changed. Though formed in the image of his Maker, man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleasant to him. As he ceases to watch and pray, he ceases to guard the citadel, the heart, and engages in sin and crime. The mind is debased, and it is impossible to elevate it from corruption while it is being educated to enslave the moral and intellectual powers and bring them in subjection to grosser passions." Adventist Home 330.2
I am looking at all the conditions for answers to prayer. While collecting these, I came accross such strong language about going to movies. Tears come to my eyes as I think about the millions falling over this one. It is the most dangerous and it is inferred if one should die during this , they would never have a chance for heaven.
4. MOST DANGEROUS TO SPIRITUAL LIFE:"The blessing of God would not be invoked upon the hour spent at the theater or in the dance. No Christian would wish to meet death in such a place. No one would wish to be found there when Christ shall return." AH 516."The most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater...It is the hotbed of immorality." AH 516
5. NO INFLUENCE MORE POWERFUL TO POISON THE IMAGINATION AND DESTROY RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS: "Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sobe...r realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater." Adventist Home 516
6. THROUGH ALL TIME THE SOUL BEARS THE SCARS, It destroys the power for elevated thoughts: "Abstain from all evil. Common sins, however insignificant they may be regarded, will impair your moral sense, and extinguish the inward impression of teh Spirit of God. The character of the thoughts leaves its imprint upon the soul, and all low conversation pollutes the mind. All evil works ruin those who commit it. God may and will forgive the repenting sinner, but though forgiven, the soul is marred; the power of the elevated thought possible to the unimpaired mind is destroyed. Through all time the soul bears the scars. Then let us seek for that faith which works by love and purifies the heart, that we may represent the character of Christ to the world." Review and Herald, Dec. 8, 1891. Ellen White
REMEDY: To focus on Jesus and become like Him
"Prayer brings increased spiritual strength. Those who seek God in secret telling the Lord their needs and pleading for help, will not plead in vain. "When your mind delights to dwell upon heaven and heavenly things, there will be no desire with you to enjoy the society of young men. There will be kindled in the soul the most intense desire to be like Jesus. By beholding we become changed into the same image. Carnal thoughts, carnal feelings will be no longer entertained. You will no longer be frivolous, cheap in talk, and unholy in life..." Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and divorce , a mutilated spouse. page 66.3
