Mind Over Media

“Mind over Media”

(A look into the entertainment choices we make)

1. Introduction (show “Memory Check” clip)

§ Tonight we are going to take a look into the choices we make about entertainment and evaluate it they glorify God!

§ I can control your mind; want me to prove it?

§ Wait for response: Too, moo, boog-a-loo, What does a ghost say? Top, bop, cop, lop, What does a bunny do? Pop, yop, bop, top, What do you do at green light?

§ Most people will say that music, movies, magazines, television, and video games has no influence on them.

§ What they fail to realize is that the media exists to influence them, billions of dollars go into the media so we will feel something!

§ For example, songs can make you feel sad, strong, care free, movies can make you cry, make you angry

§ Let the media entertain not de-brain!!

2. Free your Mind

1 Corinthians 6:12 says…

"Everything is permissible for me"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"-but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Corinthians 10:23 says…

"Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says…

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

§ As God’s children we are given great freedom. We are free from the chains of sin and death!

§ We are given freedom to have fun and be entertained, but are we being responsible in our choices?

1 Corinthians 6:12 TLB says…

I can do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of

these things aren’t good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them,

I’ll refuse to if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can’t easily stop when I want to.

§ Is the music you are listening to building you up or tearing you down?

§ Do the movies and TV shows you are watching glorify God? Do they send a good message?

§ Have you set standards for yourself or do you accept anything that comes out of Hollywood?

§ We have to free our minds…to God!

3. Lose your Mind

Romans 12:1-2 says…

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

§ As Christians we must be willing to offer God the best we have, not what’s left. To many times we are guilty of this!

§ Do not conform but be transformed!

§ God wants your body, heart, and your mind!

§ It’s time we need to be losing our minds…to God!

4. Defend your Mind

Proverbs 10:23 says…

A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,

but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

Phillipians 4:8 says…

Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about

M – Message – What is the message and how is it coming across?

E – Effect – What effect does this have on me?

D – Damage – Will I suffer damage from this? (ex. unhealthy fantasies)

I – Instead – What could I be doing instead? (ex. productive, constructive)

A – Ask God – Does this glorify God, Would I fell comfortable with Jesus in the room?

§ Close with prayer