Podcasts about personal convictions

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb dive deep into the intersection of pop culture, entertainment, and the Christian life. They explore how Christians can engage with leisure and media in a way that glorifies God, applying biblical principles like those found in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Ecclesiastes 3. The hosts emphasize the importance of balancing Christian liberty and holiness, while also recognizing the practical role of rest and recreation in human flourishing. Through personal anecdotes and theological insights, they provide listeners with a framework for discerning entertainment choices, encouraging believers to enjoy God's good gifts without compromising their faith. Key Takeaways: Entertainment is a Gift from God: Leisure and entertainment, when approached rightly, are part of God's common grace meant to refresh and restore us. Biblical Principles for Consumption: 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds Christians that all activities, including entertainment, should glorify God. If an activity cannot do so, it may be unlawful. Christian Liberty and Prudence: Decisions about pop culture often fall under the domain of Christian liberty, constrained by wisdom and prudence rather than legalistic rules. The Importance of Rest: Rest is not just about recharging for productivity; it is a God-given means of worship and human flourishing in its own right. Guarding Against Sinful Influences: Christians should be cautious of consuming media that promotes sin, as it can subtly shape their worldview and lead them astray. Personal Convictions and Context Matter: What is permissible for one believer may not be wise or beneficial for another, depending on individual struggles and contexts. Recreation Should Point Back to God: Whether through beauty, creativity, or storytelling, entertainment can lead Christians to worship God when consumed with discernment. Entertainment as a Gift from God Tony and Jesse emphasize that entertainment, when properly enjoyed, is a part of God's common grace. This means that activities like watching a movie, playing a video game, or reading a novel are not inherently sinful but can serve as vehicles for rest and refreshment. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, they highlight that God has ordained seasons for both work and rest. True rest, they argue, is not about escaping responsibilities but about enjoying God's gifts in ways that glorify Him and restore our energy to serve others. When approached with discernment, even "secular" forms of entertainment can reflect God's creativity and goodness. Applying Biblical Principles to Entertainment The hosts discuss how 1 Corinthians 10:31 provides a litmus test for media consumption: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This principle challenges believers to ask whether their entertainment choices align with God's glory. For example, content that promotes or glamorizes sin—whether through violence, sexual immorality, or blasphemy—should give Christians pause. However, they also note that some depictions of sin in fiction can serve a redemptive purpose, such as illustrating the consequences of sin or the beauty of redemption. The key is to thoughtfully evaluate whether the media being consumed inclines the heart toward holiness or pulls it away from God. Christian Liberty and Prudence Tony and Jesse stress the importance of Christian liberty in deciding on entertainment choices, while cautioning against legalism. They explain that Christian liberty does not mean a license to sin but rather the freedom to make God-honoring decisions in areas where Scripture does not provide explicit commands. Prudence and wisdom must guide these decisions. For instance, a particular TV show or game may be permissible for one believer but harmful for another, depending on their personal struggles or circumstances. This underscores the need for self-awareness and reliance on the Holy Spirit to discern what is spiritually beneficial. Quotes: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. If we cannot glorify God in an activity, it's likely unlawful for us as Christians." – Jesse Schwamb "Recreation is not just about recharging for productivity; it has its own value in glorifying God and enjoying His good gifts." – Tony Arsenal "Every story worth telling reflects, in some way, the greatest story ever told: redemption through Christ." – Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript: [00:00:30] Introduction and Episode Overview [00:00:30] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 457 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. [00:00:37] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast where sound doctrine meets brotherly love. Hey brother. [00:00:44] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. So we're in a whole series of little one-off conversations, all kinds of things that just pop into our head, or we've had on a list somewhere that we thought, you know what? [00:00:55] Jesse Schwamb: Someday we should talk about that. And I think we've got another great. Conversation coming up on this episode, we're gonna get into a little bit about how Christians should interact with and consume pop culture maybe, and especially things like entertainment. And I know that there are gonna be people out there thinking, wow, these guys are gonna do what reform people always do. [00:01:15] Jesse Schwamb: They're just gonna come out into their lawn, they're gonna shake their fists angrily at the sky, they're gonna yell at the birds. It might not be that way, loved ones, but you're gonna have to wait. We're gonna talk about it. It's gonna be good. We're gonna get after it. We all do it. Everybody loves a bit of a to consume pop culture. [00:01:31] Jesse Schwamb: Is it possible it might be somewhat of a gift that God has given us? Who knows? Maybe it is, maybe it's not, but we'll get to that. But first, let's affirm with or denying against something in the world. So what have you got for us on this episode, Tony? [00:01:45] Tony's Frustrating Customer Service Experience [00:01:45] Tony Arsenal: I'm gonna keep mine super short. It was a frustrating customer service experience, uh, that I had today. [00:01:52] Tony Arsenal: In general, I, I have, uh, Comcast or Xfinity Internet in general. I'm actually very pleased. Their service. Um, I, I actually find them to be responsive. Um, I've managed to get a decent price. I don't have Comcast television, so that's probably part of it. Um, but I, my cable modem. Slash router, which I've had, I don't know, probably for like eight years. [00:02:13] Tony Arsenal: Um, it finally died, so I bit the bullet and bought a brand new one. And those man, those things have gotten expensive and um, you know, it's supposed to be a super easy installation. You plug it in, you do the little thing on the app and it didn't work. So I had to connect with customer service through the app, and. [00:02:30] Tony Arsenal: It seemed like everything was going fine. And then all of a sudden I get a link in my text message and the lady who's chatting with me on the thing says, well just, just scroll down and click on where it says accept and then hit okay. And I was like, that seems sketchy. So I read it and she was, she had sent me a link to change my internet service. [00:02:51] Tony Arsenal: Uh, she was giving me a 90, an $80 promotional price for the first year. Uh, but then it went up to $140 after the first year. Wow. So I went back to the chat app and I said, I'm sorry, I, I must have miscommunicated something. I don't need to change my service. I just need to activate my modem. She said, oh, no, no, you're not changing your service. [00:03:11] Tony Arsenal: And I said, no, I, I definitely am. She goes, let me explain this to you. And she went through and tried, like, she went through and she's like, your speed is this and you're paying this. And I said, and I said, with all due respect, I'm not stupid. I can see that you're trying to change my service and I'm just not interested. [00:03:27] Tony Arsenal: And I had to fight with her for like 10 minutes before I finally said, just activate my modem, please. I'm not interested. Full stop. So I, I guess I'm just denying. I get, I get it. Like, you gotta try to upsell. I used to be in sales. I don't have any problem with you trying to upsell. I, I don't even necessarily have a problem with you trying to be clever and like, you know, intentional about how you upsell. [00:03:48] Tony Arsenal: Like there are ways that you can do that without being deceptive. This was just deceptive. So I'm not denying Comcast. I'm pleased with my service. I'm denying this particular person and this really just underhanded tactic. It was really, really upsetting. I mean, [00:04:02] Jesse Schwamb: there is nothing like good customer service, right? [00:04:04] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, the converse of that is what a blessing it is, and it's kind of a lesson to all of us and how we treat one another. That is whether we're providing the service or we ourselves are consuming it. It is just such a blessing. It's like so easy and so light when you get somebody who really wants to help you. [00:04:21] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah, for sure. And. You know, I would not have changed my service, but I can imagine that somebody who was looking and was interested, if she had just said straightforwardly, like your internet that you have is far slower than the modem that you're, you're installing, right? Um, we can get you a faster internet speed and give you a, a large discount for the first year. [00:04:42] Tony Arsenal: Are you interested in that? I think a good portion of people would just say yes. Even if they didn't think it through, they would just say, oh yeah, sure. Faster speed, less money. They, they wouldn't think it through. That's not deceptive. If you present an option, honestly, to a consumer and they take it and they didn't understand the terms, that's not deception. [00:04:58] Tony Arsenal: That's on them as the consumer for not thinking through what they're purchasing. This was just straight out, like, don't read it, just click on it, it's fine. Totally underhanded, deceptive. Um, and, and you know, I work in. Sort of a kind of customer service and I just can't imagine ever doing something that shady and calling it customer service. [00:05:15] Tony Arsenal: I was, I was very disappointed. [00:05:17] Jesse Schwamb: But I mean, everybody has customers, right? Yeah. Everybody has somebody they're responsible to, and everybody has people to whom they should be responsible in the kind of care. Whatever you provide to somebody, whether it's your family, it's in your church, it's in your job, so, right. [00:05:30] Jesse Schwamb: I like that. It's a good reminder because again, there's nothing like walking away from experience and being like, wow, that was so easy, or that person was so good to help me. Yeah. Or like they really got me to the end that I was looking for and they did it and I felt better afterwards than I did before I called. [00:05:43] Jesse Schwamb: That should be like our goal, like what does great look like in every interaction that we can have with somebody. [00:05:48] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Jesse, what are you affirming or denying tonight? [00:05:52] Jesse's Affirmation: The Plana App for Plant Care [00:05:52] Jesse Schwamb: I'm going back to the app. Well, and by that was a really weird saying of just, I'm gonna affirm with another app. So I really love a good house plant, but I'm no good at the house plants. [00:06:02] Jesse Schwamb: I really like the way they look. It's a lot of pressure with house plans. Maybe people feel this way. Maybe you've not purchased a house plant or been like, I can't be that person. So here's something that I can confirm with for you. Loved one, it's a app called Plana. It's a Swedish plant care app, and it's designed to help both like novice people like me and I guess really experienced plant owners keep their house and garden plants healthy, which I know sounds super boring, but hear me out on this. [00:06:27] Jesse Schwamb: This is what's cool about this. It offers smart, personalized care reminders for things like watering, fertilizing, misting, repotting, and it has all these things where if you, there's paid subscription for this as well, which I do not have, but I looked at all the options. There's some super cool things like you can use your phone to sense where your plan is sitting, how much light it's getting to really tell you, is this the right spot for my plant? [00:06:49] Jesse Schwamb: Because you know, like some plants are like, we need partial sunlight and partial shade and afternoon sun and direct sun, and you need to water me, but not too much and not so often, but just the right amount. It's a lot of pressure. So it's got all these fun features in it, including like an AI doctor. So you can take a look or a picture of your plant rather, and not only will it describe what plants you have, of course, but it will help you say like, Hey, this thing is not healthy. [00:07:08] Jesse Schwamb: Here's what you should do. So the plant app is, might be your foray into feeling more confident about having some greenery in your house. [00:07:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I, um, I could kill a plastic plant. I could kill like a fake plant, uh, without trying, uh, but I might check this out. You, you've seen my, my home. You've been here? [00:07:26] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Um, my, my house is, it's a, a mobile home and so it's, it's just one long line and it's situated like almost directly east, west. So I get direct sunlight over the top of the house pretty much the entire day. And we have really beautiful, um. Violet cone plants and some other like lilies on one end of the house, um, that the previous owner planted. [00:07:46] Tony Arsenal: They're very beautiful, but um, they just get baked in the sun and there's gotta be something that can be done to sort of help them through this. Maybe it's more water or something like that. So maybe I'll check this out and see if that can help. 'cause they're not, they're not doing great. Um, they, they didn't bloom very well this year. [00:08:00] Tony Arsenal: Mm-hmm. And I'm, I'm wondering if it might be, I dunno, it's been kind of dry, um, this part of the year, more than usual, so I'll check that out. That sounds like a good recommendation. There's a couple of different apps. This one sounds good. [00:08:10] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, it's, there's certainly a lot of stuff that you can get free in it. [00:08:14] Jesse Schwamb: Of course, they want to upsell you like you just talked about. They're, no, no, they're no Comcast, but they definitely would like you to purchase all their other features, and I bet for the right person, it's totally worth it. But I feel so much more confident now. Mainly just the watering. If you surprised how like much pressure. [00:08:30] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, like aloe plants and also I'm learning the names of my plants finally, which makes me feel more connected. This, this is, listen, this is like the app to help you take dominion in your house over house plants, which sounds like the lowest form of taking dominion, but honestly still shows how complex and complicated life can be and how God has made everything in this really wonderful way. [00:08:52] Jesse Schwamb: So I'm feeling more empowered to love my plants and to hopefully keep them growing. I was gonna say for generations, but I doubt that I'll be passing on links, plants for generations, but hopefully getting just lots more greenery into our living spaces, which is always super fun. [00:09:06] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. I, I, um, I would like to have more plants, but I just, with between toddlers and dogs and my ability to kill anything green that is in my home, uh, I don't think it would be good. [00:09:19] Tony Arsenal: That's your, your sister who is My wife does a good job with plants, but even the, yeah, she does, even, even that the plants die just because they're around me. I'm not sure what it is. I have like a, I hear it, listen, an aura of some sort that just kills plants. [00:09:32] Discussing Christians and Pop Culture [00:09:32] Jesse Schwamb: It's, it's difficult sometimes to grow in soil, which is, I, one of the things I presume Christians often feel like when they're in the culture and when, mm-hmm. [00:09:41] Jesse Schwamb: Do. Do you like that segue? We're so good with this. I do. And when you are consuming, let me say pop culture, or you find yourself in a place where you want entertainment and you want to rest, and I think if you're a Christian for any length of time, you start to ask yourself, okay, so what's my place in all of this? [00:09:59] Jesse Schwamb: And what's interesting when I thought about this topic, which you graciously put forward for us, was that I think several times we've mentioned kind of cultural things often in the affirmation and denial section. Yeah. Where we've. Maybe come hard alongside something and said, this seems good. And other times we've definitely said, this seems very, very bad. [00:10:17] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. But we've never really had just a pretty honest conversation about, okay, so how does the Christian discern, what is the Christian's role in making that discernment? And how can we, like our house plants grow and flourish in that kind of environment to such a degree that we are actually bearing fruit by the power of the Holy Spirit. [00:10:36] Jesse Schwamb: And yet, of course, separate. From that culture in which we still find ourselves. [00:10:41] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I, you know, I think it bears saying, um, much of popular culture, media, whatever it might be, a lot of it is going to be a matter of Christian prudence and liberty. And I think it's important to say that because I think, you know, we'll talk about, we'll probably talk about like principles we use to try to determine whether we, you know, individually or, or whatever. [00:11:04] Tony Arsenal: We're going to watch something or listen to something, but. The, the Bible doesn't say like thou shalt, and I'm gonna say this example, and it's a little bit ironic because this is actually a show that I think is pretty black and white. But it, it's not like the Bible says, thou shalt not watch Game of Thrones. [00:11:20] Tony Arsenal: Right. Um. Right. Like thou shalt not. Listen to, I don't know who the kids are listening to. Britney Spears like tells you when The last time I listened to popular music was, is Britney Spears is the name on my mind. But like thou shalt not listen to, I dunno, Paramore, I don't know name. Name your pop culture band. [00:11:37] Tony Arsenal: The Bible doesn't give us explicit instructions about specific bands. Movies, shows, insert, pop, you know, novels, whatever it might be. It does give us some wisdom principles. And then of course, there's God's moral law, uh, but even God's moral law does not. Necessarily apply directly to every pop culture choice we might make. [00:12:04] Tony Arsenal: So I'm sure Jesse and I don't have identical opinions. I'm gonna guess that our thoughts are probably pretty close just because, you know, we're influenced by the same people and we, we are running in the same broader theological circles, but they're probably not identical. There are probably things that Jesse would watch that I'd go, oh, I don't know if that's such a great thing for me. [00:12:22] Tony Arsenal: And there's probably things I would feel comfortable with that Jesse might say, eh, I'm not so sure about that. This is usually a matter of Christian liberty constrained by Christian prudence and wisdom. So before we get into any of the nitty gritty or any specific talk of anything particular, I wanna get that out there because yes, we have to be wise, we have to. [00:12:44] Tony Arsenal: Apply God's law, but we are not able to bind other people's conscience and you are not able to bind other people's conscience based on your own particular opinion about something or your own interpretation of how the Bible is to be applied to a particular decision. Um. You know, again, you can speak into a situation. [00:13:03] Tony Arsenal: You, especially if you have a relationship with someone, you can say, Hey, I don't think this is healthy. I don't think this is in conformity with God's law, but at the end of the day, that is between that Christian and God as to whether or not they are applying God's law appropriately and, and in to an extent, and to a great extent between them and their elders. [00:13:21] Tony Arsenal: Right? The elders have a, a different role of authority in a, in a Christian's life than other Christians do. And [00:13:27] Jesse Schwamb: it might be worth saying as we begin that we're kind of talking about this, I think in part because we all feel that pull to consume pop culture, and what I kind of teased at the beginning is this idea, is it possible that, I think we're really speaking about consuming that in a kind of a way of entertainment of like rest and relaxation. [00:13:45] Jesse Schwamb: Principally there. There are other reasons I think as well, and that might be to edify, to educate, but I think principally when we feel this compulsion to say, well, I like you, just give great examples. Listen to music, watch a sporting event, watch tv, read something fiction or nonfiction. I think what we're after there is this idea that we want to rest and that understanding that entertainment is a part of the rest that God intends for us to enjoy from our labors is by itself, full stop, a legitimate thing. [00:14:13] Jesse Schwamb: So the question is. A little bit more nuanced. Where is that line? You already gave, I think a pretty good example of something that you and I would agree on would say that that's a bridge to fight across. Don't watch that thing, right? Yeah, do something else. But the question is how did we get to that place in making that judgment? [00:14:28] Jesse Schwamb: And is there a place in there where we would say, well, the Bible is an explicit about, let's say certain medium or even like specific things within that medium that it is outspoken enough that we ought to say. No, we will not do that. So I think this is what we're after in part, is this proper use of entertainment involving, of course, analyzing worldviews, appreciating elements of beauty and creativity, acknowledging reflections of truth. [00:14:53] Jesse Schwamb: But that also that in some way, all of this is God's gift to us. That while the Bible does not give us a great deal of explicit statements about how believers are to view entertainment, there is much we can draw out to scripture by way of good and necessary consequence to borrow language from somewhere else. [00:15:10] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:15:11] Applying Biblical Principles to Entertainment Choices [00:15:11] Tony Arsenal: And I also think too, like this is a question that often is presented as very simple and very like cut and dry, but it can be a lot more complicated than you think. And here's an example, and we don't have to get into this particular example, but let's do it. You know, I think a lot of times people, um, will take the example of blasphemy. [00:15:32] Tony Arsenal: Right, and a show that is, or a, a video game, whatever it is, content that is intentionally blaspheming, God is something that at a bare minimum, Christians should be very wary of participating in and consuming just because it, it's something that openly dishonors God is probably not something Christians should be eager to participate in or to consume, but. [00:15:56] Tony Arsenal: Um, there, there are instances where a, a show or a, a video game or a book contains a fictionalized blast swimming of God that actually may serve the greater purpose of glorifying God. So if you think of like, um. Think of a, a book or a a movie where there is a character who is a non-Christian, and over the course of the book, they are shown to be blaspheming God, and then they experience a conversion. [00:16:24] Tony Arsenal: And the purpose of the, the purpose of the book is to glorify God through this conversion redemption story. That it character in that fictionalized universe is blasphemy God within that universe, right? Or within that fictionalized story. But the purpose of that blasphemy is actually to serve the greater purpose of glorifying God. [00:16:46] Tony Arsenal: So that's not to say that automatically anything like that gets a pass, right? That can be done well, that can be done poorly. That can be done in a way that actually glorifies God. It can be done in a way that doesn't actually hit the mark. But it's not as simple as to say, this character in this show. [00:17:00] Tony Arsenal: Engaged in blasphemy. Therefore, we should never consume that show. We have to do some actual thinking and some actual analysis of what's going on in order to. Understand whether or not it actually is violating God's law. Now there are probably some things, um, you know, like graphic sex scenes. There's really no reason, um, for Christians to feel drawn to shows that contain that. [00:17:25] Tony Arsenal: Again, this is, this is, um, I, I, at this point in my life and I, in earlier periods in my life, I might have been more black and white on this. I am not here to tell you what you can and can't watch. That's not my role. I'm not the Holy Spirit. I'm not your pastor. I'm not any of the persons or people who have an obligation to tell you what is or isn't, right? [00:17:46] Tony Arsenal: Like I'm not that person. But I cannot think of personally a reason why a Christian would, would need to, or should ever participate in like enjoying a show that contains graphic sex scenes. Um. The people making those have to sin in order to make those scenes right. So there are, there are things we should consider. [00:18:12] Tony Arsenal: Are kind of always off board, right? It's always off board to do physical harm to somebody in the service of making a movie, right? So if you have a movie where people are, are actively trying to hurt each other in order to produce the film, I'm not sure that we should participate in that. I wouldn't feel comfortable if I knew that was going on in a film. [00:18:28] Tony Arsenal: I don't, I don't, you know, again, other Christians might, and we can have a conversation about that, but we have to think about those things. Do the actors. Do the people who are creating the content, do they have to sin in order to create it? If that, if the answer is yes, we as Christians, I think should be extremely, extremely wary of, of even watching or consuming those things. [00:18:49] Tony Arsenal: So those are the kinds of questions and situations that I think need to be list like thought about as we approach pop culture. But I also think, Jesse, you know, you made the point to that. Popular culture, entertainment broadly is a gift from God for us to enjoy. Right? And it's okay to enjoy it. It's okay for us to participate in that. [00:19:09] Tony Arsenal: You know, we're not, we're not the people who are gonna say to you like, well, you know, every minute you spend, uh, reading, I don't know, uh, reading will of the many, every minute you spend reading Will of the many you could spend witnessing to people, right? So therefore, you should never read Will of the many or The Hobbit or whatever it might be. [00:19:27] Tony Arsenal: Um, but we should think carefully about what we consume, how much of it we consume, when we consume it, all those are questions that the Christian needs to ask themselves. [00:19:35] Jesse Schwamb: I agree. I think the broad test here is actually not that difficult to comprehend. It's probably more that we sometimes hesitate to apply it because we're afraid of what it might mean for the stuff that we're consuming. [00:19:46] Jesse Schwamb: So again, like ceasing from our work in order to rest holds us together like that, that is something that God gives us as a pattern relaxation that we should take joy in. It must be the right amounts of lawful entertainment or consumption of all of this stuff in pop culture, but it is there. I think like even God gives it our own cultures as a means for us to find that kind of rest and to find some comradery and solidarity even with those in whom we interact and live with. [00:20:13] Jesse Schwamb: I think all of that's fine. Like you've said, it gets a little tricky when we start thinking about, well, where is that appropriate line? What is our conviction? But I think part of the problem with that is that we might not be seeking out conviction for ourselves. We not be asking because we hate to find that there is conviction in things that we're watching because there's gonna be a lot of things'. [00:20:31] Jesse Schwamb: That society's gonna be preoccupied with for entertainment for its own sake. And again, it's an indicator that everybody, men and women, even children, are seeking rest from the burden of their work and that rest is okay. Even that itself, like you're saying, Tony, it's interesting. I think so much we're gonna come back to is this idea of it. [00:20:47] Jesse Schwamb: Is, are we redeeming what we're doing in this process? Are we being not just thoughtful about discerning, adjudicating, or interrogating what we're watching and listening and reading, but as we do it, are we thoughtful people? Are we seeing the themes even in those joyous things that we find as entertainment that draw us back to the goodness of God that explains something about the world he's created or his own character finding? [00:21:10] Jesse Schwamb: Of course, that in every story is just a reflection of the greatest story ever told. Like, yeah, all of those themes, all the things we are drawn to that we gravitate towards. That move us. All of those things still come from God. And so therefore, even our entertainment can serve this purpose of not just alleviating our minds and bodies from the burden of ongoing labor in a fallen world, but can also draw, draw us back to God's common grace and his particular grace for his people who are always sinners. [00:21:34] Jesse Schwamb: So here's the the first test. I think it's the most simple one. And everybody's gonna throw their listening devices at the wall because it's the one that's the most straightforward. It's the one you might've been thinking you're gonna get to eventually, and let's just get it out of the way. I don't say that because it's not worthwhile. [00:21:49] Jesse Schwamb: I say it because it's exactly the kind of worthwhile test that we should apply, and it applies perfectly in every situation. And that's the Apostle Paul setting out in one Corinthians 10 31. Here it is. This is like. You know, top 20 reform verses whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [00:22:07] Jesse Schwamb: So the beauty of this is I think just first pass, first blush, top of the house. If we cannot engage in an entertaining activity in such a way as to glorify God, then it's just unlawful. And by way of contrast, if you can, then we're justified in viewing it as a gift of God's common grace. I, I just throw it out there to start with. [00:22:26] Jesse Schwamb: I, I think that it's not that we found that this particular test has been tried and left wanting, but rather we haven't tried it very well. Oftentimes. Yeah. At least for my own sake. And instead we say, well, the Bible just isn't clear. But if you're, watch your point, Tony. If you're watching something that is gratuitous in any way, and you stop and say. [00:22:44] Jesse Schwamb: Am I glorifying God in the consumption of this? I think it's really difficult to make a strong argument that in some way you are actively, not just passively and saying like, well, it's okay and there's gonna be a redeeming story plot in here somewhere, I hope. But are we actively, whenever, whenever we're doing or we're consuming these things, are we actually glorifying God? [00:23:02] Jesse Schwamb: Is God glorified in. What's happening with my mind, my thoughts, my body, my eyes, my conversations, how this shapes me, how this changes my worldview. If we have to answer that God is not glorified there, then to my view, it's unlawful. And I think also in the eyes of the Apostle Paul. [00:23:19] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:23:20] Personal Convictions and Christian Liberty [00:23:20] Tony Arsenal: And you know, I think something that is important to, um. [00:23:24] Tony Arsenal: Comment on and think about when we sort of apply that test, that test really has more to do with what's going on in our heart. Yes. When we are consuming any particular part, you know, any particular media than it necessarily has to do with the media itself. I think there are some things, um, that. Just cannot be consumed to the glory of God. [00:23:46] Tony Arsenal: Right? You can't watch pornography to the glory of God, like you just can't do it. Um, you can't, you can't watch people murder each other for, you know, to the glory of God. But the vast majority of things that are out there, um, the, the, the question you're asking is not primarily grounded in the content itself. [00:24:07] Tony Arsenal: It's, it's grounded in. What the content does to us and in us and how we process it. And I think that's why I, you know, I always wanna say for most things, this goes back to Christian Liberty and. Christian Liberty is not a license to sin. It's, it's a freedom to, um, to obey, right? It's a freedom and it's a range of possibilities to obey God in different ways, in different situations, rather than some tightly constrained, tightly restricted behavioral code, right? [00:24:39] Tony Arsenal: There is a law. God gives us a law. We talked about this at length when we did the 10 commandment series. He gives us a law, but this law is a set of 10 principles for godly living. Not a, an exhaustive list of do this, don't do that. Right? So the seventh commandment, you know, for media. Is this inclining my mind towards chastity and purity of thought, right? [00:25:02] Tony Arsenal: For those of us who are married, is this likely to, um, create a barrier in my relationship with my wife, or is this likely to enhance the relationship I have with my wife? Is this. Particular thing I'm doing, this video game that I play, is this likely to draw my attention away from my children when they need me? [00:25:19] Tony Arsenal: Or is it something that I have that is likely to increase my ability to pay attention to my children? Or am I able to properly balance the demands that my children have and the needs my children have while I still play this video game, just as an example. So we can still use those 10 principles to help guide us, but the way that those. [00:25:38] Tony Arsenal: The way that the law is applied to these questions and how it is, is gonna be unique, I think almost, almost across the board for things. It's gonna be unique to each individual, right? One person may be able to, yeah, like my big thing and I like, okay, I'm just gonna put this out there. I'm just gonna lay myself bare here. [00:25:55] Tony Arsenal: If I could say that I have one actual real addiction in life, it's probably World of Warcraft, and I know that sounds probably really silly, but even me saying and saying the phrase World of Warcraft, in my mind I'm like, could I figure out a way that I could go back in and play that game? Like they call it World of Warcraft for a reason. [00:26:14] Tony Arsenal: It is super addictive and it's very easy to fall back into it. I'm sure there are people out there who can perfectly just fine, could manage their life of having children and a wife and a job and, you know, service to the church and still play World of Warcraft for a couple hours a week or, or an hour every night and still be just fine. [00:26:33] Tony Arsenal: I cannot do that. If I subscribe to World of Warcraft, it will imbalance my life such that something that God is calling me to, that I know God is calling me to, is going to be pushed out of the way for that. So for me. I cannot fulfill my obligations and participate in that particular element of pop culture. [00:26:52] Tony Arsenal: And I think there's probably something like that for most of us. Again, someone else may be able to do that just fine. There are probably many people who can do that just fine. That's a problem in my own heart. And the way I address that is by saying, this is just not healthy for me, so I'm not gonna do it. [00:27:05] Tony Arsenal: And whether that's a TV show or a a book series. I know people who won't read certain books because they get so immersed in it and it sort of like shapes their worldview in really unhealthy ways. They just won't pick up a particular set of novels or a particular book series. Um, you know, I've told this story that I, I don't remember where I was flying. [00:27:24] Tony Arsenal: Um, it wasn't. I must have been flying to Minnesota. That's the only place I've traveled by air for quite a long time. Um, I stopped in the, the bookstore, the, you know, the, the souvenir store, whatever. And I forgot a, I forgot a book at home of all the people to forget a book. And I was like, you know, there's this big hub lu about Game of Thrones and you know, maybe the book is better than the show. [00:27:43] Tony Arsenal: And like, you know, I can control what I'm imagining and it's easier for me to skip over parts and nobody is having to make graphic sex scenes. Even if they're sort of portrayed in the book. I can maybe do this. I got like. A chapter and a half into the book and was like, I can't, this is not healthy for me. [00:27:57] Tony Arsenal: It's not helpful. It doesn't glorify God. It's not true. It's not noble, it's not honorable, it's not worthy of praise. Right. I'm just gonna, and I just threw the book away. I spent like $15 on a book and then I just threw it in the garbage. Um, and I don't say that to like prop myself up as some bastion of self control. [00:28:10] Tony Arsenal: That's just in that moment I made the right decision. But there are things like that, that you are gonna have to look at your own self to say, I cannot participate in this, even if someone else might be able to. I personally cannot. And I think that's really the more the question we need to ask then. Are there universal principles that say, I can't do A, B, or C? [00:28:30] Tony Arsenal: It's really about my heart in the moment and how my heart is affected by a given thing. [00:28:36] Jesse Schwamb: Much like the 10 Commandments. This whole conversation in the scriptural, I think admonishment here is very much about freeing us up to enjoy freedom, to have joy in these things. It's not about just saying, well, here's a list of things that you can't do. [00:28:51] Jesse Schwamb: Isn't that unfortunate? Everybody else can do them, but you can't enjoy them. Instead, Scott saying like you're talking about Tony, no put to death all these evil, selfish things that are in your life that actually destruct. And instead, enjoy entertainment and pop culture in such a way that not only glorifies him, but does truly refresh you so that you're not drawn back into patterns of selfish behavior or sinful thinking, or all kinds of, you know, sexual frivolity that's going to lead your mind and your body and your heart astray or into places that you'll end up getting hurt. [00:29:25] Jesse Schwamb: I think. The beauty of this is it just provides us with a way to think and discern about the stuff that we're consuming so that we're ensured. Then it's fulfilling the right purpose that God has for in our lives, and that's freeing. When you get to a place where the scripture says like, here's the way walking it, then you know that you can walk confidently and you can enjoy that very thing. [00:29:46] Jesse Schwamb: One great example, I think that sit on both sides, we can talk about in some ways how there's like a, a lack of, or like kinda a, a moral perspective with certain types of medium of expression. One of those I think famously is, is music. Luther famously said, musical performance is principle among the entertainment that God has graciously given us to enjoy in life. [00:30:06] Jesse Schwamb: And yet who hasn't been part of either music that has been absolutely refreshing, absolutely life-giving, absolutely calming and beautiful in the same way that like David played before King Saul when he was distressed. And maybe you've had this experience where there's some kind of soothing melody that was just a bomb to your soul and your condition in that state. [00:30:25] Jesse Schwamb: And then also. On the other side, who hasn't listened even to some really catchy music that's been filled with like sexual perversion, misogyny, violence themes that at the end of it, you may have enjoyed the beat, but it's, it's just left you kind of feeling gross. And disgusted. Yeah. Even with yourself for enjoying it. [00:30:45] Jesse Schwamb: I, I think that's what we're after here is like to be freed up to enjoy this kind of entertainment in a way that it is truly the gift that God has given rather than something that enslaves us. And I'm gonna argue that it often does. Not because it's just addictive, though. [00:30:59] The Influence of Entertainment on Our Lives [00:30:59] Jesse Schwamb: It can be, but because it does actually influence us deeply and, and I think one thing is clear is that all the things we're talking about here that's present in entertainment, and I'm talking all the way back to things like athletic performance, all of this beauty and creativity, art expressed both in film literature and in music, that all of those things God has given us for our good and for his glory. [00:31:22] Jesse Schwamb: So he wants us to enjoy them. But sin is of course gonna take all those things and pervert them and twist them in such a way that they no longer become life-giving or become life taking. The problem is they take life incrementally and on the margin. Yeah. And so that you rarely feel that that's going on. [00:31:37] Jesse Schwamb: You rarely sense the divide of the chasm that's creating in your thought patterns, in the way that you interact with people, even the way that you interact with God until, not that it's too late, but that's, you wake up and you think, my goodness, how far have I gone from what I think this is really intended to be in my life? [00:31:52] Jesse Schwamb: Then maybe addiction does crop up in such a place that you're like this. This has gone too far. But I think, again, like many things in life, when God says no, what he's saying is, do not hurt yourself. I know better. I want you to enjoy these things. So I see this as like our opportunity to like empower to come with the scriptures, bearing full weights on what we consume, not because we need more laundry lists of things to avoid, but because we need direction on what is best to sink our entertainment time and resources into. [00:32:20] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And I, I think that's a good, um, that's a good, maybe a next test right? [00:32:25] Balancing Time and Entertainment Choices [00:32:25] Tony Arsenal: Is we only have a finite amount of time. We, we, and, and I'm not even just talking about like in general, we have a, I'm, I'm talking about like we have a finite amount of discretionary time. We all have commitments, we have jobs, we have families, we have church commitments, we have friends that we wanna maintain relationships with. [00:32:43] Tony Arsenal: The amount of time we have to just like sit down and consume pop culture is limited no matter, no matter who you are. Some people have more, some people have less. Um, we can consume. Ev, every time we say yes to one thing, we're saying no to another thing, right? There is, um, there is popular culture or content out there that absolutely is encouraging, right? [00:33:05] Tony Arsenal: And absolutely is going to enhance your life, and it's going to enhance your piety and your devotion to God, right? And I'm not just talking about like Christian content. There's decent Christian content out there. There's decent Christian films, there's decent Christian music, there's decent Christian fiction writing. [00:33:22] Tony Arsenal: Um, there's probably even decent Christian video games, although I haven't run into them, I'm sure they're out there. Um. But that's not even what I'm talking about. [00:33:30] Finding Value in Non-Christian Content [00:33:30] Tony Arsenal: There there are, there are non quote, non-Christian, um, right there. There's General grace. Common grace works out there that will, they'll, they'll make you smarter. [00:33:41] Tony Arsenal: It will make you healthier. It'll help you enhance your life. It'll help you enjoy your world more. It'll help you enjoy and see the beauty in God's creation. More I've, I've commented, um. At length, and this isn't necessarily pop culture, although it kind of bridges the gap a little bit. I've commented at length on how beneficial in my life, Ryan holiday's, writings have been. [00:33:58] Tony Arsenal: Right? Right. That's what he doesn't get everything right. There are some things he gets very wrong, um, but. I, I read, um, Ryan Holiday's, stoic. Stoic Works, and I wouldn't say he's a scholar of stoicism. He's more like a modern day stoic philosopher. I read his works and I benefit from him. It makes my life better. [00:34:17] Tony Arsenal: It makes my devotion to God better. It makes my piety better. It makes me a better husband and a better father, and a better employee just in general. It makes me a better person. Not because Ryan Holiday is some special thing, but because he seems to have tapped into common grace principles that other writers haven't, I have a choice. [00:34:33] Tony Arsenal: You know? Do I wanna read that or do I wanna read some? Um, and don't get me wrong, I enjoy manga, but like, do I wanna read some. Meaningless, pointless manga that is just the same story over and over again with different animation. You know, some people might find that the reading the manga is the right thing for them and that enhances their life. [00:34:51] Tony Arsenal: Right? But for me, I've had to make that calculation. I only have so much time. I only have so much time to read. Um, and, and this is might be a shock to people. There are times where I'll have the decision between reading a theology book and. Being caught up on my reading in Daily Stoic, I most often will take time to read the Daily Stoic instead of reading something. [00:35:10] Tony Arsenal: For example, I'm way behind on Daily Devotion or Daily Doctrine by Kevin De Young Way Behind, but I'm not behind on, on Daily Dad or daily Stoic from Ryan Holiday. That's not because one, one thing is better than the other necessarily, but what I need in my life and what God is calling me to. The writings by di by Ryan Holiday right now are more effective in a, in accomplishing those tasks and into shaping me into who I believe God wants me to be. [00:35:37] Tony Arsenal: So that's the other question we have to ask is what? [00:35:40] The Importance of Rest and Leisure [00:35:40] Tony Arsenal: What is the most beneficial thing for us at the moment? It could be some sort of mindless cotton, candy entertainment. There's nothing wrong with that. This isn't, this isn't me saying like find, this isn't like hustle culture for pop culture. Like sometimes you just need to veg out and do something that doesn't require any brain power, and that's what God is, is giving you as a gift for your rest and your re recuperation. [00:36:04] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes it's a hard hitting. Heavy theology. Sometimes you need to sit down and read some Bob Ink again, not that that's pop culture, but I think the broader principle applies. Maybe you need to sit down and read some Turin, or maybe you need to like scroll Instagram for a little while and watch funny cat videos, right? [00:36:19] Tony Arsenal: All of those things are good things. They're all gifts from God in the proper proportions and at the proper time, and that's why this can be such a complicated question is because we have to have a good, robust. Honest reflection of who we are and what we need in order to make these, these decisions. Um, and it really is about what do we need in the moment? [00:36:37] Tony Arsenal: What is God calling us to? What is the wise thing to do right now, the wise thing to consume right now? Um, and, and I think that's a good test. Is this the most effective thing and accomplishing in my life what needs to be accomplished, right? That could be all sorts of goals, but is this the most effective thing to accomplish that at my life right now? [00:36:57] Tony Arsenal: If so, and it's not sinful, and then have at it enjoy. You know, I think those are the kinds of questions we need to ask, and I don't think we often ask that. I think we are often passive. And neutral in decisions about what we're gonna watch for pop culture. We're driven by what is the most popular thing on Netflix? [00:37:15] Tony Arsenal: What does the algorithm recommend for us? Or what is being talked about at work? Or what do I have on hand? What do I have easy access to? Um, I think we need to be more active and intentional in our decisions on this towards those ends. [00:37:29] Jesse Schwamb: Right on. And there's no accounting for taste, right? I mean, part, part of time we get caught up in that, so we'll just say, well, maybe what I'm experiencing, because I'm a Christian, I'm trying to process this, has to do more about like particular medium or the taste or the type of genre or something. [00:37:44] Jesse Schwamb: I'd encourage us to not get too caught up in that. I think what you're saying is really, really helpful. The idea here I think is more about embracing the fact that we don't have to be productive all the time. And that we don't have to be, and I use this with great love like puritanical in the sense that, you know, well, if Jonathan Edwards didn't laugh and the Lord sakes that was inappropriate, then I shouldn't either. [00:38:05] Jesse Schwamb: And by virtue of that fact, then I should really have this incredible puritanical work ethic where even when I'm at home or every second that I have, I should be reading something. And if I'm gonna read something, it should be productive. Or if I'm watch tv, it should be something kinda documentary. I need to learn and fill my mind and make use and redeem every second of that time. [00:38:18] Jesse Schwamb: What if part of that redemption. Is enjoying entertainment for the way that God intended it to be, and that when he makes beauty and creativity and artistic expression, and again, we're presuming that this is the right amount of a lawful entertainment, that all of those things are for their own enjoyment because they point back to the creator. [00:38:40] Jesse Schwamb: Just by themselves. Like there doesn't have to be an ulterior motive. You don't have to justify it. You don't even have to feel guilty about it. That in fact, because we're contingent beings and therefore we have limited energy supply and unlimited amount of time and space, that all those things com continue to propel us towards some kind of desire for a lawful entertainment that leads us into rest. [00:39:02] Jesse Schwamb: Even as you're saying Tony, if that's rest for 10 or 15 minutes before, it's the next thing to feel this compulsion instead. To have to again quote unquote redeem. That time by being super productive is I think a fool's errand because we are as much made to work as we are made to rest. And in that rest, I think sometimes we actually find for some of us an easier time identifying and worshiping God in that risk. [00:39:26] Jesse Schwamb: Because in our work, we are busy in our work and we often get caught up in our work thinking all of our work is all of us. And so we rest and we find enjoyment in something. We take a walk, we listen to a beautiful piece of music. We spend some times just conversing about nothing with friends. We sit outside and enjoy beverages together that something happens sometimes in that space. [00:39:46] Jesse Schwamb: We're in the pause of that in the fact that there is beauty that seemingly is without productive purpose, even though I'd argue there is one. It's just hidden behind it and we fail to see it. We are drawn to the fact drawn to say, God, are you not good? For all of your gifts. And of course he's good in our gifts of work. [00:40:02] Jesse Schwamb: He's also good in our, our gifts of rest. But he's given us this gift as a form of entertainment in our own pop culture for us really to enjoy. But you're right, if we get it twisted such that we consume too much of it, or if we misapply that, I think we're just gonna live a less abundant life. So again, like the task here is not, don't do any entertainment. [00:40:23] Jesse Schwamb: Get all, get away from all the entertainments. Like what? Like your point, Tony, I, and I've heard Christian say this, I think there can be a brow beating here where it's like, well, couldn't you have used that time more productive? Like they had a couple more minutes, like maybe you really should have prayed harder or. [00:40:38] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe you should have read that other chapter in the Bible. Maybe you should gone back through your genealogies again and read those because you know that you don't read those particularly well. Or maybe you should have studied this thing or that thing. And instead is there a kind of worship that truly gives itself over to resting in God in the form of appreciating entertainment as he's created it for us to give us that kind of rest? [00:40:59] Jesse Schwamb: I would say yes. It's just that we often don't talk about it and sometimes we do talk about it. It's hard to bring it up 'cause you're gonna. You're gonna feel guilty. Like, can you imagine somebody saying to you, you know what? I'm just finding so much rest these days in this, uh, little game on my phone that I get to play. [00:41:15] Jesse Schwamb: You would be like, you, you might, if you're, if you're like, you know that person, well, you might be like, that's weird. I guarantee though, if that happened to me, I'd walk away and then when I was with my wife later, I'd be like, let me tell you what this weird thing this person said. You know what I mean? [00:41:27] Jesse Schwamb: But what, what, yeah. We need to think more like that. Not as a liberty to forsake or abdicate responsibility, but instead to actually be well rested for the responsibility in the task, the good works that God has created for us. [00:41:42] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. [00:41:42] Personal Experiences with Entertainment [00:41:42] Tony Arsenal: And maybe here's like a concrete example is, um. You know, I, um, I work at a local hospital and my job is relatively intense. [00:41:53] Tony Arsenal: Um, in terms of emotional investment, I'm a patient relations supervisor, so I, I'm in charge of the department that hears all of the complaints from patients, which means we often hear some really frustrating stories about people's healthcare, and it can be very emotionally draining. And so I also, um, I also ride the bus home now. [00:42:15] Tony Arsenal: My, my vehicle is broken right now. Hopefully we're gonna get fixed soon, but I ride the bus home and for the first couple, I don't know, for the first week that I was riding the bus, I was like, I gotta use this time. I gotta read something. I gotta make sure I'm doing that right. And what I've learned actually is if I just take the 45 minutes that I'm on the bus and waiting for the bus and I just sort of zone out and play Pokemon Go. [00:42:39] Tony Arsenal: By the time I get home, I'm ready to engage with my kids better. I'm ready to engage with my wife better. I'm less likely to feel, uh, just drained and tired because I'm actually letting my brain sort of reset and I'm building that buffer. So something as simple as like. Playing a relatively mindless game on my phone for a half hour, 45 minutes while I ride the bus and wait for the bus, um, helps me to fulfill my obligations as a father and a husband in a more present way. [00:43:09] Tony Arsenal: Again, like if you wanna ride the bus and you wanna read a fiction, or you wanna do theology, like that's on you, that's your decision to make. But. I know people who would say to me, um, you really should be using that time for something more productive than playing Pokemon Go. And, and yeah, maybe like, maybe there are times that I should be more productive and maybe there are times that other people should be less productive. [00:43:32] Tony Arsenal: Like I think that's kind of what we're getting at here is. Productivity or spiritual growth or pi, like those categories are, each of those are good categories. Like productivity is not a bad thing. Um, personal devotion is certainly not a bad thing. [00:43:47] Jesse Schwamb: Yes. [00:43:47] Tony Arsenal: But it's not the only thing. And we also, I think we act as though our lives can be this sort of like perfect integrated balance when really like we have to be able to sort of recognize that. [00:44:02] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes doing nothing has its own utility. Like that feels like a weird thing to say, but I I, I'm with you here and, and maybe this is kind of how we bring the episode down to an end is I do think. There is this, obviously the Sabbath principle, the rest principle. Um, but God also gives us rest in these other small ways. [00:44:25] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes not so small, but small ways in the rest of our life. And I don't think that we should bear any shame or guilt or feel like we're less Christian because we take advantage of or make use of those. Those sort of like smaller opportunities to rest and you know, recreation is recreation. Like that's, that's that etymology is not a false etymology. [00:44:49] Tony Arsenal: That's where the word comes from. And it's because we often need to do these sort of leisurely things in order to be able to then go back and put forward the effort that we need. And the other thing just, I feel like we're tying. Leisure to the ability to produce in a way that may actually also be unhealthy. [00:45:09] Tony Arsenal: Leisure is not necessarily the ends, the means to being able to be productive. Right? Leisure serves its own purpose. It has its own use, its own way to glorify God. Yes, it does enable us often to be able to come back and put our nose to the grindstone, but we shouldn't just think about it as like, well, this is just, this is just my recharge period. [00:45:30] Tony Arsenal: We don't think about sleep that way. I don't think we think about sleep in, in a fashion of saying like, well, I've gotta sleep so that I can just get up and go to work the next day. And productive. I think we recognize that our bodies need to rest and there's a blessing and a joy in being able to close our eyes and sort of drift off and have dreams and rest, and that our body recuperates itself, I think we should think of leisure in a similar sense, and recreation and pop culture all kind of play into that. [00:45:53] Jesse Schwamb: I think that's right on. I mean, it's one of those things where we're certainly not saying that there isn't rest in prayer and in daily worship and consuming and studying the scriptures, there's certainly a rest in all those activities too. In some ways, I think we're presuming that we are trying to incorporate a balance into our lives, and that part of that balance is just rest for its own sake. [00:46:12] Jesse Schwamb: The enjoyment of that and when you're truly, I think, enjoying that rest, whatever it is, one we do not long feel guilty because we have processed. And pass everything to the sve of the scriptures and say, this is glorifying to God is for my goodness, for his glory. So therefore there's no, as it were like condemnation for me in this because I have a clear conscience about it. [00:46:31] Jesse Schwamb: And then in addition to that, it does provide us with perhaps, again, that lovely contrast between working hard and then having. Some period of which we are abstaining from that work and from that labor. And in so doing we find different ways to please and to worship God. We find that we see his character reflected in different ways. [00:46:49] Jesse Schwamb: And so in that way too, it reminds us that we are, like I said before, like completely contingent, we get tired, we get exhausted. Like there's only so much the mind can do and so much it can handle. And so by. Willingly accepting and leaning into that, not again, in a way that takes us away. We use as liberty to say, well, I, you know, I really should spend some time before the Lord in prayer. [00:47:10] Jesse Schwamb: I really should spend some time in, in daily particular worship, but you know what? I really need to rest instead. Like of, of course, that itself, we should be convicted about, uh, because then we're using entertainment such a way to distract us. Suppose this. Way from God rather than toward him. But the Bible is so clear, like you're saying, Tony, that there's all these seasons in life and the more I think about those seasons, the more I wonder if we tend to treat them too discreetly. [00:47:34] Jesse Schwamb: And in these two, like, kind of like prolonged periods, what if a season is for an hour? What if a season is for a day? What if a season is for five minutes? So famously, of course, when we have the teacher writing. Ecclesiastes chapter three, some of these famous words, I think we just fail to take them to heart. [00:47:51] Jesse Schwamb: Listen to this beautiful contrast, and I think it really fits in with what we're saying here about the, the ability to rightly consume entertainment and pop culture in such a way that it is glorifying to God and our understanding of it in our application of how it gives us true rest. So it writes things like this. [00:48:09] Jesse Schwamb: There's a time to kill and the time to heal. A time to break down, a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing a time to seek and a time to lose. [00:48:26] Jesse Schwamb: A time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to tear. A time to sow, a time to keep silence and a time to speak, a time to love, and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. So it's very clear that God has given us, I think all of these wonderful things to enjoy as part of his character, as demonstrations of the fact that he is a God who is loving and love always leads to giving. [00:48:51] Jesse Schwamb: And so he gives us beauty in arts. In music, in literature, in screen, and of course then we should recognize because those are things from God and we ought to that. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Heavenly Father who is above that. It is the prerogative of the devil to twist and bend those things in such a way that we feel to see them as God's gifts and said, see them as our rightful consumption. [00:49:12] Jesse Schwamb: Such a way that enslaves. Changes our mindset, pulls us farther away from God. So I think part of it's just going into everything with the pun intended, with eyes wide open. So hopefully some of these tests have been helpful. I think people probably have, because like you said, Tony, there's a lot of Christian liberty here and maybe some point. [00:49:29] Jesse Schwamb: Well, I was gonna ask you like what's I, I'm not gonna ask you this because I know you're gonna ask it back to me, but like what would be maybe something you consume that others might be able. Ooh. Um, but I don't want you to ask that back to me. We could do that. We could do that if you want to. [00:49:42] Tony Arsenal: Um, yeah, let's, let's do that in a future episode. [00:49:43] Tony Arsenal: I think that'd be fun. Well, we'll [00:49:44] Jesse Schwamb: save that for another time. So everybody keeps listening. [00:49:46] Encouraging Community Engagement [00:49:46] Jesse Schwamb: But I think one of the things that we should be encouraging our listeners to do, the people who are part of the reform brotherhoodhood, is come hang out online. In this place called Telegram, which is just a chat messaging app and we have a little corner, a protected corner of the world. [00:50:00] Jesse Schwamb: There is a group of people who are like-minded listening to our conversations and participating in their own. And the way they participate with us is you can message in the app, they've got a bunch of channels of different topics, so you can get there by going to t.me/reform brotherhood. I bring this up now, not just to advertise as usual. [00:50:17] Jesse Schwamb: Because we want you to come be a part of this, but I would love to hear from others because we have a channel in there that's just about the conversations we're having on the podcast. Come share some of the practical things that you use, the tests that you have, the conversations that you bring forward to help you discern what kind of pop culture you're consuming. [00:50:37] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Don't just take our word for it. Let's hear what the Holy Spirit. How he is leadi

In this compelling episode, Pastor Karl dives into Romans 14, exploring what he calls "Applied Christianity." This chapter challenges both seasoned and new believers to navigate the balance between personal freedom in Christ and public restraint for the sake of others. Pastor Karl unpacks the concept of spiritual maturity, emphasizing private liberty and public restriction as biblical principles rooted in love. He addresses the tension between those strong in faith, who live in the freedom of grace, and those weak in faith, who adhere to stricter rules, using the historical context of meat sacrificed to idols to illustrate disputable matters. Through practical examples like alcohol, Halloween, and homeschooling, Pastor Karl highlights how non-essential issues should not divide the church. He introduces the "law of love," urging listeners to prioritize others' faith over personal freedoms, and explains the Bema Seat judgment, where Christians are rewarded for their sacrifices, not judged for salvation. Join Pastor Karl for a thought-provoking discussion on living out faith with grace, love, and unity.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Message from Jerry Csaki on March 30, 2025

Message from Jerry Csaki on March 23, 2025

Grab our book here - www.godlydating101book.com  “Godly Dating 101: Discovering the Truth About Relationships in a World That Constantly Lies” If you would like to support our ministry financially and assist us in reaching more people with the message of purity, love and godliness, partner with us here: Paypal.me/GodlyDating or CashApp: $GodlyDating101 If you would like to book us for coaching/mentorship, schedule that here: https://calendly.com/godlydating101/1-hour-session

Welcome to our new podcast series - 2024: How God Showed Up. In this 3 part series I discuss the ways God showed up for me in 2024 in different areas of my life. Part 3 is more personal, and I share with you the revelations that I had with God this year. Hear about how I personally heard from God and was able to make changes in my life for the better. This episode is near and dear to my heart and I hope listening in helps you in some way. Click the link to listen below and email me back with your thoughts, I want to hear from you! If this episode resonated with you and you're ready to work with me during this season of your life, then I invite you to book a call for us to connect and chat. During this call, you will share what is going on in your life, what you have tried so far, and I will share how I can help. I can't wait to meet you, chica. P.S. This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp®⁠⁠⁠. Get professional support when you need it, at a fraction of the cost of in-person therapy. ⁠⁠⁠Sign up today and receive 10% off your first month!⁠⁠⁠ Click the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠to get started! BetterHelp:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/karinafdaves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/karinafdaves/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tik Tok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@karinafdaves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Personal Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.karinafdaves.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqltTvx_7zO5PqgwPle13Gw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Storefront: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/karinafdaves⁠

In this episode we talk about convictions from the Holy Spirit, how we should handle them, and whether or not everyone should have the same ones. We go into detail about convictions on Halloween, video games and even Harry Potter. Apply for Asher's coaching now: https://betterthanbeforebrand.com/pages/mens-fitness-coaching Apply for Michelle's coaching now: https://betterthanbeforebrand.com/pages/womens-fitness-coaching If you would like to support our ministry, please donate here: https://www.venmo.com/forthegoodministry or email business.michelleann@gmail.com for other payment methods. New Life Discord: https://discord.com/invite/vk2gfv8PFA For The Good Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthegoodministry/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forthegoodministry Asher's Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asherarwine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asherarwine_ Michelle's Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellearwine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellearwine_

"Personal Convictions" Watch Here: https://youtube.com/@GodSexandLove?sub_confirmation=1 Listen Here: https://anchor.fm/godsexandlove Supporting Verses: Romans 14:20, Galatians 5:13, Romans 14:1 Go Deeper: Romans 14: 1-23, 1st Corinthians 8:9 Bible Verse of the Day: Revelations 3:20 GodSexandLove.com Support Us! https://anchor.fm/godsexandlove/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsexandlove/support

Happy Women's History Month!

As the sun sets on another day at the homestead, I find myself pondering the quiet lessons in the pecking order dramas of our roosters, a tale mirroring our own societal struggles. This episode is not just another conversation; it's a heartfelt prayer for wisdom, a deep dive into the misalignments within our education system, and a reflective examination of how we prioritize our lives. We tackle the heavy weights of exhaustion and overcommitment, questioning whether we're nurturing the parts of our lives that matter most. Journey with me as we explore the paradox of eagerly chasing financial success while often overlooking our spiritual and familial well-being. The strength of our convictions and the role of Bible literacy in a free society are put under the microscope, as I draw parallels that will challenge your perspective and encourage a realignment of your own commitments.Amidst a world too often indifferent to the plight of the vulnerable, we shed light on the ripples that emanate from our personal relationships, impacting far-reaching societal issues like the immigration crisis and the treatment of the unborn. With the inspiring testimony of Miss Edel, an 88-year-old communist concentration camp survivor and tireless pro-life advocate, we're reminded of the sheer power of standing strong in our beliefs. Miss Edel's life is a testament to the impact one person can have, as she faces legal challenges from her peaceful activism. As we navigate the complexities of governmental actions, from border crises to financial surveillance, we're compelled to consider the potential slide towards authoritarianism and the urgency of our individual decisions. Let this episode be a blessing, an education, and a call to action for your family and our nation.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Resources:#WalkAway CampaignGeneral Mike Flynn | The First Victim of The Modern American Uniparty?You DO NOT Know Mike Lindell | MyPillow Owner Tells His StoryShow Notes: [0:00] Welcome back to The Kathy Barnette Show. Kathy introduces guest, Brandon Straka to the listeners [0:30] #WalkAwayCampaign  [5:00] Brandon's personal journey and political transformation[10:00] The beginning of questioning the democratic party [15:00] Reflections on the media's role in politics[20:00] Brandon's experiences on January 6th, 2020[24:30] Legal repercussions post-January 6th[28:30] You DO NOT Know Mike Lindell | MyPillow Owner Tells His Story[29:00] General Mike Flynn | The First Victim of The Modern American Uniparty?[33:00] Government persecution [40:30] Sued by Soros-funded DC nonprofit law firm [44:30] Refusing to be intimidated into silence[51:00] "Why are you trying to prevent me from having the freedom that you claim we don't have the opportunity to have?"Thanks for listening to this episode of The Kathy Barnette Show. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations, share this episode with those interested in understanding the deeper aspects of our government, and provide your feedback for future topics.

What does God say about personal convictions? That's what Pastor Chris is preaching about this morning.

Pastor Chris is continuing his series called "What Does God Say About". Today, he is talking about personal convictions.

Romans 14:5–9I. Is this essential for salvation?II. What do you think?III. What is your motivation?IV. Who do you belong to?

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, I dive deep into the realm of personal convictions and share my viewpoint on alcohol consumption. We talk about what happens when you pray, "God, convict my heart of anything that is not in alignment for your plan for my life". If this resonates with you, share with a friend and don't forget to hit follow! Hang out with us on Instagram :) Hope Moquin⁠ https://www.instagram.com/hopemoquin/⁠ Becoming Better ⁠https://www.instagram.com/becoming__better/⁠ BECOME A MEMBER OF BECOMING BETTER HERE: https://www.hopemoquin.com/join-our-membership⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hopemoquin/support

There are plenty of issues that can divide Christian moms, with well-meaning and Jesus loving women on both sides of any argument. Yet the debate runs deeper than the typical "mommy wars" because at the heart of the division is our commitment to God and His Word. Today, we're going to be talking about the differences between personal convictions (sometimes called freedoms) and Biblical commands. As we chat, we're not necessarily going to share our individual beliefs about specific issues, but rather how to put our convictions in their rightful place. This episode will conclude season 5 of the Mom to Mom podcast. In the coming months, Kate, September, and Jamie will be taking a hiatus to enjoy some rest. They'll be back in September with new episodes, eager to join the conversation around the long and wide table of motherhood. In the meantime, we all hope you'll still tune in as we rewind through some of the most popular episodes of the first four years.

How do I and a fellow brother-in-Christ fellowship and get along when we have a difference of opinions? How do we remain friends and keep the lines of communication open when we have different personal convictions? No two brothers or sisters in Christ are exactly alike - there will be differences. When dealing with convictions and standards, Christians have some important decisions to make. Join me, as we break down Romans 14 (verse by verse) and discuss the rules of engagement when we have different personal convictions!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://diningwithjesus.net/2023/01/26/why-is-it-important-to-have-personal-convictions-2/

Personal Convictions Scripture: Romans 14:1-12 Preacher: Rev. David Inks Sermon Outline: Introduction Don’t Judge Your Brother 1-3 He’s Christ’s Servant 4-8 And Christ is His Lord 9 to Whom We Shall Give an Account 10-12 Conclusion Sermon Video: https://youtu.be/JZQk7as0JS0 Scripture Reading: Romans 14:1-12 (King James Version) 14 Him that is weak in the faith receive […] The post Personal Convictions appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Once we respond to God's voice and HE speaks to our hearts, what do we do? How do we deal with it? Join me today for part 2 of our South Central Texas District Prayer Conference session. Responding to God's Voice: Impressions, Direction and Personal Convictions. If you prefer, you may view this episode on Youtube. Would you like the FT2 team to pray for you? Send your prayer request to: info@followingtitus 2.com Gena Caruthers is the visionary and coordinator behind Following Titus 2 (FT2) and Ladies On Track Bible Study Ministry. Her love for God's Word and ladies' ministry is a passion. FT2 was born from a friend's candid conversation, while complaining one day that there were not enough Apostolic Ladies Bible studies. Organization and a constant love for new challenges and learning are gifts God has imparted to her life. Gena and her husband David have been married almost 40 years and are pastors in San Antonio, Texas. Gena has two adult children, two in-law kids, and four amazing, brilliant, beautiful and perfect grandchildren! (lol) In her free time she enjoys time in her craft studio, (making cards, treasure books, sewing, quilting), traveling the world, walking, and spending time with her sisterhood. Following Titus 2 includes: https://www.followingtitus2.com/ · Bible Studies · Devotions · Resources (Book Reviews) · Craft Studio · Adventures · In the Kitchen Check out Following Titus 2 on your favorite social media platform: · Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=following+titus+2 · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followingtitus2 · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followingtitus.2/ · Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Followingtitus2/ Devotion Podcast: · Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fqh53ENbUWt8nniBVA0mk · Apple Itunes: Following Titus 2

Hey friends! Today we are in Romans 14, a passage where Paul tackles the issue of what he calls "disputable matters". These disputable matters are essentials matters that are not black and white in the Bible and leave room for personal conviction from Holy Spirit for us to use discernment to determine what is best for us and our families. Now, personal convictions are not just "my truths" or "my opinion". Personal convictions still must not contradict God's will and design. But they are also not clear, black and white Biblical principals either such as the resurrection, certain things being clear sin, etc. And we must be careful with making sure we are not confusing our personal convictions as Biblical principals for all to follow. There are many areas where Christians can agree to disagree. In the end, we must remember we are all on Team Jesus and we shouldn't let these disputable matters divide us as a church. Support the show

Should Christians have personal convictions? In this week's episode, we address the topics of Personal and Biblical convictions, what they are, and how they should impact the everyday Christian life.

Welcome to another episode! This week... * What was going on with Jesus from the time of His death until the time of His resurrection? * Why did Jesus rise on the 3rd day and not on another day? * Why do some seemingly avoid conviction of some things while others do not? * Was Jesus baptized before or during His earthly ministry? * Are the Gospels in chronological order? * Casey's Randoms The Crew: Casey Coffman, DeWight Smith & Sr. Pastor Duane Harney The Fan Club President & Founder: Dillon Keller The Fan Club Vice-President: Robb Hayden The Voice: Julie Miller The Executive Producer: Allen Miller

It's no secret that the digital age we live in can make it easy for strong personal opinions to clash, and for conflict to come as a result. So how do we approach our opinions about topics that can easily become controversial? In today's episode, we are walking through 5 things to consider when it comes to sharing personal convictions online. We hope this helps you think through your approach for your own brand, as well as your natural tendencies as a leader!

On this episode, Ronny and Christopher dive into the discussion of: Where's the line between Biblical Absolutes and Personal Convictions? Have a question or topic that you would like for us to discuss? We'd love to hear from you! You can email those to crazypastors@firstburleson.org.

God does not ask us to live by standards shaped or propagated by human means. Instead He asks is to obey Him in faith and not worry about what our obedience may look like in the eyes of others.

This week on Comm Talk by Geek Devotions, Dallas and Celeste sit down with John to discuss Lovecraftian fiction. Through the natural discussion, however, they also discuss how to discern what's ok for a person to read and not read how to balance personal convictions and dangerous open doors.   Check out John's Article "Christianity and Lovecraft: The dangers of time, context, and a dark imagination."    Check out our Other Podcast The Bottom Shelf: https://thebottomshelf.blubrry.net/   Check out Geek Devotions at https://geekdevotions.com/   Join the Devoted Geeks Discord at https://discord.gg/ZekSXbDnJm   Check out our Podchaser Page - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/comm-talk-by-geek-devotions-519210   We want to give a very special thank you to the Devoted Patreon Geeks who help to support Geek Devotions on a monthly basis: Francisco Ruiz, Adam Arciniega, Cody McGurk, Erin Straus, Andrew Markham, Paul Turner, Jacob Russel, Mike Alderman, Nathan Marchand, The Dapper Man, Dale White, Ashley Kronenbitter, Victoria Dalton, Michael Joesph Manacci, Drew Dodgen, Jonathan Player, Savannah Wilson, John Harju, and Nerd Chapel.   If you'd like to become a Devoted Patreon Geek or learn more about the benefits of becoming one, click the link below; https://www.patreon.com/GeekDevotions You can do a one time gift via PayPal here https://www.paypal.me/geekdevotions   

In a world that dictates what is right, we must stand firm on God's word and hold to our convictions regardless of what everyone around us is doing. What does it mean to have personal convictions and how does it impact our growth and walk with Jesus? Can convictions be based on our own preferences or do they align with biblical principles? Tune into today's discussion with guest speaker, Tara Mojeed as we touch on these questions and share some of our own convictions.

We continue our study in the Book of Romans as we begin chapter 14. During this sermon, we examine how Christians should get along even when they have different convictions and beliefs.Have you made a decision? Are you looking for help? We would love to connect with you at www.solidrockbc.net/connectionlink.Support the show (https://solidrockbc.breezechms.com/give/online)

Disagreement over personal convictions is a common thing in Christianity. Paul knew that he must address this issue right away, before it caused a lack of unity in the church. Our tendency is to stay away from people who do not believe just exactly like we do. As we'll read in today's text, Rom 14:1-23, sometimes we have to agree to disagree but it shouldn't change how we relate to each other as fellow Christians. Let's talk about it. Thanks for listening, God bless you! To find out more about our church please go to www.whccnb.org.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://diningwithjesus.net/2021/10/22/why-is-it-important-to-have-personal-convictions/

Have you ever heard that Christians shouldn't watch movies? Or how about listen to music other than Christian or gospel? Well maybe you haven't, be we at Real Talk No Gimmicks have. So how do you navigate through the narratives of what people say Christians should and shouldn't do while staying in line with what GOD SAYS? Found out the answer to this question and many more in this week's episode of Real Talk No Gimmicks with Haley, Erin, and Dami.

Dear God I'm Grateful For Personal Convictions.We all have personal convictions that the Holy Spirit uses to correct us, discipline us, and lead us back to Christ. The thing about conviction is that even if we suffer from it, it doesn't mean everyone does..Each of us is on our own personal spiritual  journey and it is not up to us to claim right from wrong. Our only job is to answer to our own convictions and live a life of love, peace and joy in the Holy Sprit as we serve Jesus Christ. .“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it's all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don't. And those who don't eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. .Who are you to condemn someone else's servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord's help, they will stand and receive his approval. .In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. .So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,' says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.'” .Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.”‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:1-13, 17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬.#Linkinbio #DearGodImGrateful #IronWifey #DGIG #conviction #pleaseGod   #peace #faith #gratitudechallenge #Jesus #Ironwifeymagazine #God #ironwifeypodcastnetwork #christianpodcast #podcastersofinstagram #podcast .STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL THINGS IRONWIFEY:Instagram: @deargodimgrateful | @ironwifey_ | @ironwifeymagazineTwitter: @ironwifey_Facebook: IronWifeyIronWifey Magazine & Podcasts: https://www.ironwifeymagazine.comPlease Rate & Review, Like , Comment, & Subscribe!FEATURED MUSIC: Track: SkyHigh — Enine [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/q-lf6x9cVXwFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/skyhigh

As you begin to sanctify yourself, YOU soon discover the things that YOU need to change about YOU.    #Podcast #KingdomSpeak #NewEpisode #Justification #Sanctification

This is it, the week it happens, CAM. IS. BACK. Join Cameron and Jeremy as they explore thoughts on if we should listen to/sing songs by Elevation, Bethel, and Hillsong.  Should we watch Cruella? Should we share our personal convictions on social media and other public outlets as "truths" and how we should share/respond to those who don't see eye to eye with us. 

Living Way Community Church

Having personal convictions involves working and playing well with others. How do I practice my convictions especially in relation to other people? Let's learn together. You can support Creation Anew by going to https://anchor.fm/creation-anew --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/creation-anew/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/creation-anew/support

Do you live a life of compromise or conviction?

What does it take to live a life of purpose? Of uncommon courage? What does it take to stand your ground in the face of criticism and rejection? The answer is conviction, being utterly convinced of the truth of God's Word. In this message, Dr. Stanley explains the power of having convictions and the role they play in our lives.

Do you live a life of compromise or conviction?

Finding What You Never Came For Topics: Music Can Take You Back (That's not always good sis' when God has delivered you), My Personal Take On Secular Music, Twin Flame Deception, Love vs. Lust, Acknowledging How Idols Affected Me, A Bit of My Healing Process, I AIN'T PERFECT, You Have To Maintain Deliverance, Personal Convictions, This Generation's Perspective On Love vs. God's Original Kingdom Place for Love and My Journey of Unlearning and Learning, There Is NO SUCH THING AS NO STRINGS ATTACHED, Sex Ain't Sacred No More For Some of Y'all, Fleeing From Sexual Sin, Deliverance From Spirit of Legion, Cherishing Your Relationship With God, God did NOT Make Hell For People!, STOP RELYING ON POTENTIAL IN RELATIONSHIPS, and Guard YA' HEART! On this week's episode of Everything That Heals, I discuss my take on secular music, after being inspired to do this episode after listening to ‘All In My Head' by SiR, it led to this lengthy podcast where I went from inquiring about opinions on Love vs. Lust (how to differentiate the 2), me sharing how my experience with new age, and believing in twin flames led me to crazy idolatry. I know that listening to certain songs that you associated heavily with a certain period of your life, or clung to during a certain period can be a tool of the enemy to try and make you return to what God has delivered you from, therefore trying to draw you away from God. I even spoke about familiar spirits, and how we seek the dysfunction we're used to till we unlearn, and relearn the functional way of life that God provides examples of in our world, and I later go on to go into detail about my deliverance from the spirit of Legion. Questions: How do YOU differentiate love and lust? What do you do when you didn't come for love, but you find it? Mark 4 & 5 Matthew 12:38-45 Luke 11:16-36 2 Peter 3:9 Matthew 16 Godly relationships scriptures and verses: https://www.theknot.com/content/bible-verses-about-marriage Spirit of legion deliverance live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msw31thR_Ms --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethpodcast/support

Drinking, relationships, abortion, religion, lying, and identity.... WOW is this episode a juicy one! Join hosts Addy and Ella to discuss some of our personal convictions, passions, and temptations. Verses Referenced: 1 John 2:16 Proverbs 15:25 Our Favorite Study Bibles: https://www.christianbook.com/niv-jeremiah-study-bible-hardcover/9781617957413/pd/957413 https://www.christianbook.com/niv-bible-comfort-print-leather-multicolor/9780310454465/pd/454463 https://www.christianbook.com/esv-study-bible-hardcover/9781433502415/pd/502415 Instagram and Facebook: @notmebutyouproductions

EBIs-09b Seven Reasons Why I Believe The Bible Is Flawless – And You Should Too! 201029AM Short Clip The most amazing proof of God’s Word is that Jesus used the very same words you are holding in your hands this morning. He quoted them, memorized them, and declared that they were the words from God [...] The post DO YOU BELIEVE THE BIBLE AS MUCH AS JESUS DOES? Christ’s 7 Personal Convictions About God’s Word appeared first on Discover the Book Ministries.

How should we go about “personal convictions”? On this week's episode, we bring you the first-ever @proj330 two-man show to talk current events and answer another set of 4x4 questions on church cliques, personal convictions, discernment, and more. Tune in and engage with us in the comments! #TheGreaterPod Find us on all social media @proj330 and send us your questions/dilemmas! Team Social Media Handles Moses - @molegend_ Remi - @Reminade Gabe - @bluejide Sam - @samsonbinutu --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/proj330/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/proj330/support

We discuss a few controversial topics in the Christian walk such as tattoos, drinking, and sex. Follow us on IG: @ChristianMillennial_ and join the conversation. Comment to share your thoughts and message us topic suggestions.

My jumbled thoughts on all sorts of personality stuff, personality tests, personal convictions and more. Only listen if you are feeling more clearheaded than I am today

Co-hosts Charu Aggarwal and Jack West are joined by Dr. Toni Choueiri to discuss the role of twitter for education, mentorship and a platform for sharing credible information.

Should Christians have personal convictions? In this week's episode, we address the topics of Personal and Biblical convictions, what they are, and how they should impact the everyday Christian life.

Dr. Ewell breaks down his personal battle with condemnation and how we can unwisely make our personal convictions rules for others.

Larry LangstonSr Pastor, Active Video Story Teller and TV Broadcaster In this episode of The Broken Catholic Show, Joseph Warren is joined by Larry Langston to discuss whether or not our personal convictions should be pushed as public mandates. Links LarryLangstonMinistries.com  ★ Subscribe Apple | Stitcher | iHeart IF YOU ENJOY OUR SHOW AND CONTENT, PLEASE CONSIDER BEING AN AMBASSADOR. WE ARE 100% LISTENER SUPPORTED. CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT Epic Resources! 1) FREE 10-Day Training for Christian Entrepreneurs, Coaches and Business Owners! 2) New Possibilities Call: 

I talk about personal convictions and beliefs, and how easily they can be subjugated and subverted by external sources that don't have your best interest at heart.

In this episode, I tell a fun stories from Halloween and rant about some other stuff. Christians, prepare to be convicted --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/logan-benjamin-johnson/support

How do we develop personal convictions when there is not a clear directive in Scripture? Marty Price continues the series, “Kingdom Living in a COVID World” with the sermon, “Developing Personal Convictions.”  Find our online worship guide here! The post Developing Personal Convictions appeared first on Pendleton Street Baptist Church - Greenville, SC.

As Christians we should have some godly convictions that define who we are and determine our lifestyle and choices. Convictions are a firmly held belief as in the certainty that Jesus Christ the resurrected Son of God and the only way to Salvation/Eternal Life. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrea-dixon9/support

In this episode, Ann Dunagan introduces the first, but lesser-known godly woman referred to in Proverbs 31: it's the MOTHER, who is giving strong council to her son, as he prepares to become a king. As we begin this new 6-week series on Proverbs 31, we discuss the importance of teaching biblical and personal convictions to our children and teenagers and having a high standard of love and example as Mission-Minded Families. As we study Proverbs 31:1-5, we consider the strong testimony of Missionary Hero and Olympic Gold Medalist, Eric Liddell (and his personal conviction about not running on Sunday), along with a personal conviction regarding drinking alcohol - including five good reasons for Mission-Minded Families to abstain.

Many church splits and internal divisions come from arguments over personal convictions. While the real enemy is active around us, the church is fighting itself. Crawford takes Romans 14 and discusses the challenging topic of personal convictions. He gives some practical tips on how we can strive for unity while disagreeing on the personal views of practice and Christian living. About Crawford: Crawford is an elder at Rolling Meadows Bible Chapel in Ontario and has a passion for the assemblies. He and his wife Beth serve in various ways within the assembly to build up and encourage the believers. He is president of Legacy Ministries Canada, an organization focused on helping individual Christians, local churches and Christian organizations with financial, legal and governance matters. Check it out at legacycanada.org Crawford's articles on assemblyHUB: https://www.assemblyhub.com/author/crawford-paul/

Join Rachael this week on Real Talk with Rachael as she shares 3 truths about personal convictions in a public world. {And why it's so important we recognize the power of our personal convictions}. Special thank you to Loved & Blessed box for being today's show sponsor. Click HERE to grab your box and use code REALTALK5 for $5 off your first box! To stay up to date on the Real Talk with Rachael show and special offers from sponsors, text realtalk to 44222 on your cellphone. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

Romans 14:13–23 NASB95 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. 22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. The Message: While enjoying your freedom in Christ, be careful not to offend or PRESSURE a WEAKER believer whose faith isn’t strong enough yet to handle it. Otherwise you may cause them to spiritually stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:8–10 ESV 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? Love always LIMITS liberty. 1 Corinthians 8:11–12 NASB95 11 For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. 12 And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Keep from inadvertently causing others to stumble by exercising: 1. FORETHOUGHT. 2. AWARENESS. 3. DISCIPLINE. Seek first (i.e. of PRIMARY IMPORTANCE) the kingdom of God, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy. Matthew 6:33 NASB95 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 1 Corinthians 8:13 NASB95 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble. When it comes to your PERSONAL CONVICTIONS, it’s best to keep some things to YOURSELF.

In a world of few moral absolutes, uncertainty seems to reign. Truths that once seemed foundational now seem optional. What about for you...personally? What are your core convictions? Do you have any? How far is too far? Where do you draw the line (if there is one)? Discovering the power of personal convictions in your life before it's too late, this Sunday at Mendham Hills.

Listen in as Pastor discusses how the power of the Holy Spirit gives us Personal Convictions instead of dos and don'ts.

Homeschooling continues to surprise and delight us, but also challenge us. We’re discussing Google Scholar (which has been around for almost 15 years, wow!), Topeka, Kansas, and the way we form memories. And just who is the Tickle Monster, anyway? But also, we are reminding...

We’re raising our hands…we’re the first ones to let personal convictions get a little…unchecked. What about you? What does the Bible say? Come alongside us as we are learning and growing. Romans 14 is the superstar here! – J&S

July 22, 2018 - Biblical Absolutes, Community Standards, Personal Convictions by Eau Claire Wesleyan Church

In this episode, the hosts discuss Biblical and pastoral directives for holy living and personal convictions. These are commonly referred to as "holiness standards" and vary widely from church to church, among different organizations, and in different cultures and geographical areas. Please note that neither Bryce, nor Jaredith claim to be a spiritual authority for any listener. Listeners should heed the voice of their pastor on these issues. The main purpose of this episode is to clarify the difference between what is Biblical, what is simply the guidance of a pastor, and what is strictly personal. Biblical directives are for everyone, pastoral directives are for a particular pastor's flock, and personal convictions are solely for the individual and should not be pushed onto anyone else. Specific examples that are discussed include, facial hair, tattoos, television, shorts on men, and skirts/dresses vs. pants on women. iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/2-pentecostals-a-microphone/id1271186562?mt=2Google Play Music: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ievomhvj42xwyvjh2yp2g4a2d5y?t=2_Pentecostals__a_MicrophoneSpreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/2-pentecostals-a-microphoneYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ47f7Z-RFSar8lxetrF7xg

In this episode, the hosts discuss Biblical and pastoral directives for holy living and personal convictions. These are commonly referred to as "holiness standards" and vary widely from church to church, among different organizations, and in different cultures and geographical areas. Please note that neither Bryce, nor Jaredith claim to be a spiritual authority for any listener. Listeners should heed the voice of their pastor on these issues. The main purpose of this episode is to clarify the difference between what is Biblical, what is simply the guidance of a pastor, and what is strictly personal. Biblical directives are for everyone, pastoral directives are for a particular pastor's flock, and personal convictions are solely for the individual and should not be pushed onto anyone else. Specific examples that are discussed include, facial hair, tattoos, television, shorts on men, and skirts/dresses vs. pants on women. iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/2-pentecostals-a-microphone/id1271186562?mt=2Google Play Music: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ievomhvj42xwyvjh2yp2g4a2d5y?t=2_Pentecostals__a_MicrophoneSpreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/2-pentecostals-a-microphoneYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ47f7Z-RFSar8lxetrF7xg

Rom 14:14-23

Sunday message from Westgate Chapel, Edmonds, Washington.

Sunday message from Westgate Chapel, Edmonds, Washington.

No matter what you face in life "Keep Singing

Apostle Paul unveils the personal convictions that guide a Christ-centered life. The convictions we hold will guide the life that we live. 2 Timothy 4:6-8