Tag Archives: stranger

Christian

To TV or Not TV

Yesterday on the Sabbath, September 2, 2023 I watched college football again.

In my self examination of watching college football on the Sabbath, I think the answer is yes, it is causing the stranger that is within your gates to work. The players aren’t paid and it’s considered a game, but the production crew or those working for the television station do work and are paid. Further revelation means this can be extended to all television channels that employ people on the Sabbath. As far as I know that is all of them.

So what’s the answer? Close your gates and turn off the TV on the Sabbath?

I suppose I could make it a movie day and watch DVDs. We are taught by Jesus we can do good on the Sabbath. Maybe volunteer somewhere?

I think it might be hard for me to give up college football. I don’t have DVR, I have Roku, so recording it isn’t an option.

9/9/23, 9/16/23, and 9/23/23 Watched television and football throughout the day.

9/30/23 Watched television and football again, a few cleanups, and not observing the Feast of Tabernacles.

10/7/23 Used my phone for sweepstakes, watched television and football.

I am going to allow myself television and college football on the Sabbath for the foreseeable future. It may be the wrong choice. If you have any suggestions or input on the subject please feel free to comment.

Continued in my post Sabbath Log.

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Christian, Inspirational

Least

So yesterday I woke up thinking about the Sabbath. I was specifically thinking about a conversation I had via email with a person at Chick-fil-A. I wanted to inform the owner he had the wrong day to be closed. I believe the Sabbath is to be observed from Friday eve to Saturday eve. Leviticus 23:32.

The conversation ended with the employee asking, can we both agree Sunday is the day most people observe as to the Lord. We left the conversation there, but it’s been gnawing at me. I want to go back and ask him and the owner is the day off for the people or for God? I believe God would want the Sabbath observance on the correct day.

So that being said, how did I proceed to live my Sabbath? I bought lotto tickets, I went to McDonald’s twice for coffee, Taco Bell once for lunch, and then finally I did some shopping at Family Dollar.

Why do I tell you this? I found excuses to do each of the above things I mentioned. While I didn’t work myself other than perhaps driving I did cause the stranger in my gates to work. Exodus 20:10.

There is 1 John 1:9 and I hope I do better. I want to share in the heritage of Jacob. Isaiah 58:13-14.

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Christian, Inspirational

At What Cost?

What is the personal cost of sin and how does it relate to the search for forgiveness?

In the Old Testament a sacrifice came at a cost. The sacrifice was to be one of the unblemished or finest animals of the flock.

Today if you sin and are seeking forgiveness, there is available only one remedy after full immersion baptism in water. 1 John 1:9 advises us to confess.

Confession to another can come with a cost. The person to whom you are confessing, even if they are family, may think less of you. Don’t die in your sin because of shame or fear, and don’t let anyone talk you out of confession.

What about the cost? Will you actually lose the respect of a family member or friend? Maybe, but you will live. I believe the cost is there in part to prevent future sin. God doesn’t need to hear your confession. He already knows. He does require confession to another, but does not specify who that person needs to be. Confess to clergy, confess to your spouse, confess to a stranger, confess to a neighbor, confess to a friend or an acquaintance. Confess and he, God, is faithful and just to forgive!

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