WHAT ARE WE LEARNING FROM THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?
February 4, 2001 AM
Sermon Outline
Phil 4:8
INTRO: A couple of weeks ago we spent a little time talking about how the entertainment industry has desensitized people ... changed the way we think about certain things. I want to continue those thoughts this morning. While I have enjoyed music, literature, motion pictures and television, as much as any one, I believe that industry has gradually eroded the morals, ethics, values of our culture. Certainly, that industry has not single handedly done this - but it has been the tool of godlessness!!
I. WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
A. Being the bad guy may be glamorous alternative
1. several movies of recent date left that message
2. popular stars cast in bad guy roles are heroes!
3. distinctions of good and evil are some how lost in creating of sympathy for the bad guy
4. Isa 5:20
5. we are learning to see gray ... not black and white!
6. 1 Thes 5:21,22 are we able to tell the difference
B. I may never be held accountable for my actions
1. this message attaches to the previous one
2. the do your own thing message pervades!
3. almost any behavior can be rationalized, justified by personal desires, feelings and such
4. no accountability idea permits every sort of bizarre behavior ... and is seen daily
5. Eccl 8:11-13 this is the way it really is
6. consequences and accountability cannot be long ignored ... and all of the thats not fairs one may utter will not change the fact of accountability
C. Homosexual behavior is apparently fairly normal
1. more and more programming, motion pictures include references to homosexual behavior
2. usually the references, characters are presented in context of acceptability, normalcy
3. the alternate lifestyle is being pushed by the entertainment industry ... and tolerated by consumers
4. but God has never approved; always condemned
5. Rom 1:24-27,32 never a more plain statement!
6. note in v.26 the words vile affections
D. Biting sarcasm in families is communication
1. so many of the sitcoms are filled with such
2. its funny ... we laugh at the put downs, the cuts
3. more and more one hears this in families ... childrens responses to parents; spouse to spouse
4. and its not funny ... its disrespectful, hurtful
5. Prov 31:26 is the way of wholesome communicating
6. were being taught to be unkind, inconsiderate!
E. Violence is acceptable response
1. if there is someone, something you dont like, take violent action!
2. burn the school; take a mob and waylay your enemy; shoot your way out of trouble; take your life
3. we are not teaching people how to work through trouble, problems in righteous ways
4. we are teaching if you dont get your way, take action!
5. where are honor, dignity, patience, godliness, kindness, respect in todays world?
6. Titus 7:11,12 with Col 3:10-14
CLOSE: In the hands of Satan the entertainment industry is a tool of destruction. Should Christians be aware and concerned? Absolutely, yes. Its not their problem any longer. Its our problem.
Cecil A. Hutson
04 February 2001