Watching The UFC - Is It Wrong?
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*note: I've been trying to write this reply all night. But it has been one of those nights with nearly every type of interruption imaginable. Now that everyone's FINALLY in bed, I'll try and finish and post. Hope I didn't lose my train of thought to much*
It sounds as though you are struggling with this.
One the one hand it sounds as though you feel it may be time to let go........
on the other hand, it sounds as though you struggle because you have enjoyed and followed it for so long, and as you stated you know as much about them as you can with out personally knowing them.
okay, side note of a personal story/experience to help explain my point of view here:
I had been picking up a couple magazines for several years. One was a weekly publication, one was a monthly publication. Both centered around personal care, home care, recipes, etc. Well, in the very back of them on half a page was horoscope junk. I never read that page, but it just being there sorta troubled me. I kind of though maybe I shouldn't get them any more. But the recipes always looked and sounded so good! And the self care columns were very informative. So, I started pulling out those pages and tossing out the rest.
Then I started realizing how much money was going towards these publications. Didn't seem like much, a few dollars a week plus a few extra with that once monthly. But that started to bother me too. And this time, that "feeling" of maybe it's time to stop buying them grew a little stronger. The following publication I glanced at the rack they were on, but was busy so didn't get around to grabbing them.
Shortly thereafter I started cleaning out drawers that I had stuffed all those recipes and articles in, some issues never made it to toss out, so I saw the dates and realized they had been sitting around cluttering up my space and life, and recipes were never going to be made, nor "advice" put to use. It felt good and freeing to toss it all out.
Now at first, when I first stopped buying them it was a little difficult. I felt a pulling towards them, very drawn to reach over and pick one up. But, I knew if I did that it would end up in a wasted pile at home, so I didn't. Now, when I pass them by in the store I almost don't even notice them, nor care.
My point is, maybe you are questioning this because you feel the Lord is leading you away from certain things in life to make room for better things He has in store for you. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to walk away for a few weeks/sessions/shows (not really sure how the time frame works for UFC) and spend that time in a Bible study or prayer, or even just quality time with loved ones.
(oh, and I realized my library has subscriptions to BOTH magazines -uhhhh! Think of the $$ that I could've saved over the years by reading them there instead of purchasing them- but I don't even care to spend time flipping through them while at the library
)
It sounds as though you are struggling with this.
One the one hand it sounds as though you feel it may be time to let go........
on the other hand, it sounds as though you struggle because you have enjoyed and followed it for so long, and as you stated you know as much about them as you can with out personally knowing them.
okay, side note of a personal story/experience to help explain my point of view here:
I had been picking up a couple magazines for several years. One was a weekly publication, one was a monthly publication. Both centered around personal care, home care, recipes, etc. Well, in the very back of them on half a page was horoscope junk. I never read that page, but it just being there sorta troubled me. I kind of though maybe I shouldn't get them any more. But the recipes always looked and sounded so good! And the self care columns were very informative. So, I started pulling out those pages and tossing out the rest.
Then I started realizing how much money was going towards these publications. Didn't seem like much, a few dollars a week plus a few extra with that once monthly. But that started to bother me too. And this time, that "feeling" of maybe it's time to stop buying them grew a little stronger. The following publication I glanced at the rack they were on, but was busy so didn't get around to grabbing them.
Shortly thereafter I started cleaning out drawers that I had stuffed all those recipes and articles in, some issues never made it to toss out, so I saw the dates and realized they had been sitting around cluttering up my space and life, and recipes were never going to be made, nor "advice" put to use. It felt good and freeing to toss it all out.
Now at first, when I first stopped buying them it was a little difficult. I felt a pulling towards them, very drawn to reach over and pick one up. But, I knew if I did that it would end up in a wasted pile at home, so I didn't. Now, when I pass them by in the store I almost don't even notice them, nor care.
My point is, maybe you are questioning this because you feel the Lord is leading you away from certain things in life to make room for better things He has in store for you. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to walk away for a few weeks/sessions/shows (not really sure how the time frame works for UFC) and spend that time in a Bible study or prayer, or even just quality time with loved ones.
(oh, and I realized my library has subscriptions to BOTH magazines -uhhhh! Think of the $$ that I could've saved over the years by reading them there instead of purchasing them- but I don't even care to spend time flipping through them while at the library
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Don't join the rat race. Your chief goal in life is not to marry, have children, send them to college, provide a comfortable retirement for you and your wife. Your chief goal in life is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serve him, eagerly looking for His glorious appearing and knowing that you spent your days making Him known to others. This will guarantee treasures in heaven and rich rewards better than anything this world has to offer.
If you devote yourself to this upward call of God in Christ Jesus you will want for nothing. Having food and raiment and no stress brought on by the cares of this life you will be able to focus on the Word of God and prayer. Out of that devotion you will be able to share a life giving anointed word in season to those you come in contact with and lives will be impacted for eternity.
I used to be weighed down with pursuing the American Dream, working in the Corporate world for many years feeling called to preach the Gospel but doing nothing about it and watching my life slip away. I finally cried out to God and found the grace and will to change careers and enter into fulltime ministry. I live on very little income but have never been more content in my life. I am debt free, have everything I need, and whenever a need arises the provision comes along at the same time. It is amazing. Just like Jesus said it would happen. I am never under stress and I enjoy my daily life not being enslaved to the system or the grind. I can pray and study for hours and spend my time ministering the Gospel and it is the best life anyone could dream of.
I chose to pursue the ministry with the Assemblies of God. They have an excellent easy to afford educational path through the Berean School of The Bible self study while also training under a local pastor. There are huge opportunities for full time Gospel ministry with the Assemblies of God world wide so being able to devote yourself to fulltime ministry is not a problem. I agree with the doctrine and spirit of the AOG but if you prefer a different evangelical organization check with them and see if they have a similar training plan that does not require a Masters in Div and a formal accredited seminary which is great for those who want that but not required to obey the call of God to preach. The AOG understands that and provides a method to get people trained and working in the ministry as soon as possible. Don't let your life slip away. You could be a fulltime pastor or associate pastor 4 years from now. IF you are feeling a call to be a pastor that is.
I understand that it is a call from God. My main point is that too many who feel called to full time preaching and pastoring are doing nothing about it because they are caught in the rat race of financial goals that are not necessary but they have adopted them as some sort of standard of what it means to be a provider or a "real man" and they are simply deceived. It is a meaningless chasing after the wind. ALL FLESH IS GRASS....
Start here and watch what God will do.
https://globaluniversity.edu/academics/continuing-education/
If you devote yourself to this upward call of God in Christ Jesus you will want for nothing. Having food and raiment and no stress brought on by the cares of this life you will be able to focus on the Word of God and prayer. Out of that devotion you will be able to share a life giving anointed word in season to those you come in contact with and lives will be impacted for eternity.
I used to be weighed down with pursuing the American Dream, working in the Corporate world for many years feeling called to preach the Gospel but doing nothing about it and watching my life slip away. I finally cried out to God and found the grace and will to change careers and enter into fulltime ministry. I live on very little income but have never been more content in my life. I am debt free, have everything I need, and whenever a need arises the provision comes along at the same time. It is amazing. Just like Jesus said it would happen. I am never under stress and I enjoy my daily life not being enslaved to the system or the grind. I can pray and study for hours and spend my time ministering the Gospel and it is the best life anyone could dream of.
I chose to pursue the ministry with the Assemblies of God. They have an excellent easy to afford educational path through the Berean School of The Bible self study while also training under a local pastor. There are huge opportunities for full time Gospel ministry with the Assemblies of God world wide so being able to devote yourself to fulltime ministry is not a problem. I agree with the doctrine and spirit of the AOG but if you prefer a different evangelical organization check with them and see if they have a similar training plan that does not require a Masters in Div and a formal accredited seminary which is great for those who want that but not required to obey the call of God to preach. The AOG understands that and provides a method to get people trained and working in the ministry as soon as possible. Don't let your life slip away. You could be a fulltime pastor or associate pastor 4 years from now. IF you are feeling a call to be a pastor that is.
I understand that it is a call from God. My main point is that too many who feel called to full time preaching and pastoring are doing nothing about it because they are caught in the rat race of financial goals that are not necessary but they have adopted them as some sort of standard of what it means to be a provider or a "real man" and they are simply deceived. It is a meaningless chasing after the wind. ALL FLESH IS GRASS....
Start here and watch what God will do.
https://globaluniversity.edu/academics/continuing-education/
*note: I've been trying to write this reply all night. But it has been one of those nights with nearly every type of interruption imaginable. Now that everyone's FINALLY in bed, I'll try and finish and post. Hope I didn't lose my train of thought to much*
It sounds as though you are struggling with this.
One the one hand it sounds as though you feel it may be time to let go........
on the other hand, it sounds as though you struggle because you have enjoyed and followed it for so long, and as you stated you know as much about them as you can with out personally knowing them.
okay, side note of a personal story/experience to help explain my point of view here:
I had been picking up a couple magazines for several years. One was a weekly publication, one was a monthly publication. Both centered around personal care, home care, recipes, etc. Well, in the very back of them on half a page was horoscope junk. I never read that page, but it just being there sorta troubled me. I kind of though maybe I shouldn't get them any more. But the recipes always looked and sounded so good! And the self care columns were very informative. So, I started pulling out those pages and tossing out the rest.
Then I started realizing how much money was going towards these publications. Didn't seem like much, a few dollars a week plus a few extra with that once monthly. But that started to bother me too. And this time, that "feeling" of maybe it's time to stop buying them grew a little stronger. The following publication I glanced at the rack they were on, but was busy so didn't get around to grabbing them.
Shortly thereafter I started cleaning out drawers that I had stuffed all those recipes and articles in, some issues never made it to toss out, so I saw the dates and realized they had been sitting around cluttering up my space and life, and recipes were never going to be made, nor "advice" put to use. It felt good and freeing to toss it all out.
Now at first, when I first stopped buying them it was a little difficult. I felt a pulling towards them, very drawn to reach over and pick one up. But, I knew if I did that it would end up in a wasted pile at home, so I didn't. Now, when I pass them by in the store I almost don't even notice them, nor care.
My point is, maybe you are questioning this because you feel the Lord is leading you away from certain things in life to make room for better things He has in store for you. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to walk away for a few weeks/sessions/shows (not really sure how the time frame works for UFC) and spend that time in a Bible study or prayer, or even just quality time with loved ones.
(oh, and I realized my library has subscriptions to BOTH magazines -uhhhh! Think of the $$ that I could've saved over the years by reading them there instead of purchasing them- but I don't even care to spend time flipping through them while at the library )
It sounds as though you are struggling with this.
One the one hand it sounds as though you feel it may be time to let go........
on the other hand, it sounds as though you struggle because you have enjoyed and followed it for so long, and as you stated you know as much about them as you can with out personally knowing them.
okay, side note of a personal story/experience to help explain my point of view here:
I had been picking up a couple magazines for several years. One was a weekly publication, one was a monthly publication. Both centered around personal care, home care, recipes, etc. Well, in the very back of them on half a page was horoscope junk. I never read that page, but it just being there sorta troubled me. I kind of though maybe I shouldn't get them any more. But the recipes always looked and sounded so good! And the self care columns were very informative. So, I started pulling out those pages and tossing out the rest.
Then I started realizing how much money was going towards these publications. Didn't seem like much, a few dollars a week plus a few extra with that once monthly. But that started to bother me too. And this time, that "feeling" of maybe it's time to stop buying them grew a little stronger. The following publication I glanced at the rack they were on, but was busy so didn't get around to grabbing them.
Shortly thereafter I started cleaning out drawers that I had stuffed all those recipes and articles in, some issues never made it to toss out, so I saw the dates and realized they had been sitting around cluttering up my space and life, and recipes were never going to be made, nor "advice" put to use. It felt good and freeing to toss it all out.
Now at first, when I first stopped buying them it was a little difficult. I felt a pulling towards them, very drawn to reach over and pick one up. But, I knew if I did that it would end up in a wasted pile at home, so I didn't. Now, when I pass them by in the store I almost don't even notice them, nor care.
My point is, maybe you are questioning this because you feel the Lord is leading you away from certain things in life to make room for better things He has in store for you. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to walk away for a few weeks/sessions/shows (not really sure how the time frame works for UFC) and spend that time in a Bible study or prayer, or even just quality time with loved ones.
(oh, and I realized my library has subscriptions to BOTH magazines -uhhhh! Think of the $$ that I could've saved over the years by reading them there instead of purchasing them- but I don't even care to spend time flipping through them while at the library
)
I have a court case coming up this Tuesday and I cannot tell you how much the last few days have helped to shape my sense of humility . . . the strong desire to stop fighting the Government system. These people have destroyed me, but I have been humbled by the amazing efforts and contributions of many people, here . . . it is shocking and compelling, to say the least.
Finally, I think I am rounding the corner of putting on the mind and attitude of Moses, and especially that of Abraham. I want to be Holy. I want to be Righteous and Upright. I want to be utterly Pure, and anything less is incredibly painful to me. I have struggled so much over the last five years and particularly the last 3 to 3.5 years. Never have I imagined that people can do the things to me that they have, but this is about us all. I simply did not know that we could spread such hatred, shame, and ridicule upon one another . . . and we do this from high and mighty positions. I am done. I just cannot go another day running around and acting like I am some sort of Morality Police . . . setting everyone straight, thinking that I feared them not . . . but I do. I really do. I have lived in constant fear of people over the things that I was saying . . . and attempting to destroy.
I was the guy acting like I was Paul in churches, saying things that brought about controversy. I thought I was doing the right thing by exposing what is obvious insanity, such as teenage girls dressed EXACTLY like strippers who were distributing our bread and juice. But I have come to find out that I am not the one to do such things, especially not in the manner in which I was doing them. My heart is right, but in the process of my frustrations, I would sin.
And so the effect of watching and listening to all of the cursing and swearing that comes with UFC YouTube videos, etc, I have found them to be having a counter effect upon my heart's desire, which is to be as much like Abraham that I can be. You folks are showing me that if I am to be Holy, Pure, and Righteous, then all that I am involved with must be Holy, Pure, and Righteous.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your story. You people are becoming very important to me, and I thank God for you all as I Endure this amazing process.
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It is Holy Spirit thing. Jesus ate and drank with sinners. He was able to separate the atmosphere from the mission. Same with our lives. You must do what is right in your conscience and Spirit. Just as some Christians do not eat certain foods or only worship on Saturdays.
If we were to exclude ourselves completely we would need to die or become a hermit in the woods living off the land and even then sin would still be present. Almost every grocery store chain has dabbled and funded immorality. Do we stop eating? Or live as the Amish?
I personally do not watch UFC as I see all sports as boring to me. I see it as no worse than football which many Christians watch. Football players have came from all walks of life just like UFC fighters. Some are unbelievers and do things like beat on their spouse or call cops as pigs while some are Christian and make sure to point the fame at God.
If we were to exclude ourselves completely we would need to die or become a hermit in the woods living off the land and even then sin would still be present. Almost every grocery store chain has dabbled and funded immorality. Do we stop eating? Or live as the Amish?
I personally do not watch UFC as I see all sports as boring to me. I see it as no worse than football which many Christians watch. Football players have came from all walks of life just like UFC fighters. Some are unbelievers and do things like beat on their spouse or call cops as pigs while some are Christian and make sure to point the fame at God.
I would really like to be in touch with you, however, the forum wants a payment in order for me to initiate contact with you. Would you please, please send me an email to 2ndtimothygroup@gmail.com.
I have wanted to invest my life into the ministry, even asking the last church that I attended if they knew of a way to help make that happen. Zero response. I asked if they were aware of any classes that I might take to gain some kind of certificate. Nothing. It may be too late for me, as I am 54.5 years old. That said, I am extremely youthful in appearance and attitude, which might make up the difference. I have other concerns as well, but I NEED to do something in this life that benefits the Lord and not myself.
Thank you!
I have wanted to invest my life into the ministry, even asking the last church that I attended if they knew of a way to help make that happen. Zero response. I asked if they were aware of any classes that I might take to gain some kind of certificate. Nothing. It may be too late for me, as I am 54.5 years old. That said, I am extremely youthful in appearance and attitude, which might make up the difference. I have other concerns as well, but I NEED to do something in this life that benefits the Lord and not myself.
Thank you!
I hear you. The difference between Football and MMA is that the object of MMA is to knock out your opponent, as is the same with boxing, obviously. There are many alleged "believers" in the fight game, but it is absurd to think that a Christian can beat another person in the face with Love.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB20 - "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God."
There is no glory for God in breaking someone's jaw. And, not too long ago, an MMA fighter was allowed to fight well after showing signs of brain trauma. He died two or three weeks after the fight. Plus, we are to take care of our bodies, as the body is a temple of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB20 - 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and [that] you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body."
And it seems that if this is True, then we should respect the bodies of others as well, for even if that body is not currently Indwelt by the Spirit, it may be in the future. Even more simply, God knit our bodies together, thus who are we to destroy them?
I've deleted all of my favorite YouTube fight channels (and a host of others that in no way could be considered Godly). My choice has been made and this thread has done its job for me. I never thought that posting a thread, here, would change my life so drastically.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB20 - "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God."
There is no glory for God in breaking someone's jaw. And, not too long ago, an MMA fighter was allowed to fight well after showing signs of brain trauma. He died two or three weeks after the fight. Plus, we are to take care of our bodies, as the body is a temple of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB20 - 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and [that] you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body."
And it seems that if this is True, then we should respect the bodies of others as well, for even if that body is not currently Indwelt by the Spirit, it may be in the future. Even more simply, God knit our bodies together, thus who are we to destroy them?
I've deleted all of my favorite YouTube fight channels (and a host of others that in no way could be considered Godly). My choice has been made and this thread has done its job for me. I never thought that posting a thread, here, would change my life so drastically.
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Hint,
I NEVER ask others if what I am doing is sin.
Here is why ,
I rely on the Holy Spirit as my guide and teacher. He is ever present and will keep us in line with the word
There are different things that can be sin to different people it depends on our love for a thing and its place in our heart.
For instance coffee, some don't drink it BC it is a stimulant ( caffeine) others myself included have no problem with it .
Its our relationship or motive vs our relationship to God!
You pray about a thing if it bothers you and find out from God if it is sin.
Remember never ask others if anything outside the word,which is explicit ,is sin!
I NEVER ask others if what I am doing is sin.
Here is why ,
I rely on the Holy Spirit as my guide and teacher. He is ever present and will keep us in line with the word
There are different things that can be sin to different people it depends on our love for a thing and its place in our heart.
For instance coffee, some don't drink it BC it is a stimulant ( caffeine) others myself included have no problem with it .
Its our relationship or motive vs our relationship to God!
You pray about a thing if it bothers you and find out from God if it is sin.
Remember never ask others if anything outside the word,which is explicit ,is sin!
I see it in the realm of motive. I spent a few years training in MMA Okinawan karate and had time in fighting others during training. It was never about anger, hate, or anything but the challenge or to test what you learned. Like any extreme sport you could get extremely hurt but that was mostly on how far you wanted to go. If you wanted to risk a arm dislocation then don't tap out. If you wanted to risk a knock out then keep going after your body is telling you to stop.
The organization itself may be corrupt idk as in allowing people to fight even after a brain injury and that is awful but the sport itself with anything it is all about motive.
Football is all about tackling the other individuals and some of those men are 300+ pounds. Too many brain injuries have occurred in football but Americans love it.
The NFL is corrupt but should the sport itself be considered immoral? Just like MMA? You said you would watch it to learn self defense. Why is that bad? That is often how we learn by watching real fights. As in text book techniques are often not as easy to pull off in the real world. But see that was my motive as well, self defense and the best way to learn was to fight within the regulations of a ring. Way safer than playing Batman.
The organization itself may be corrupt idk as in allowing people to fight even after a brain injury and that is awful but the sport itself with anything it is all about motive.
Football is all about tackling the other individuals and some of those men are 300+ pounds. Too many brain injuries have occurred in football but Americans love it.
The NFL is corrupt but should the sport itself be considered immoral? Just like MMA? You said you would watch it to learn self defense. Why is that bad? That is often how we learn by watching real fights. As in text book techniques are often not as easy to pull off in the real world. But see that was my motive as well, self defense and the best way to learn was to fight within the regulations of a ring. Way safer than playing Batman.
God speaks to us in atleast 5 different revelations. Supernatural (miracles, the Spirit, conscience) Natural (awe of nature Romans 1 and 2) Answered prayer and His written Word (Bible) Relational (discipleship, the body of Christ)
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
All of scripture is God breathed as in inspired. God breathed life into the Words written by His children the believers of old. We use the scripture for teaching, correcting, and training.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
We test everything against the foundation being Christ. Where do we learn about Christ? The Bible. We learn who God is and what He expects through the inspired Word. You test everything against this Word. If anything doesn't match then we are to throw it out. This is how you test any modern prophet or preachers. We hold fast to what is good and throw away what is not of the Word.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
All of scripture is God breathed as in inspired. God breathed life into the Words written by His children the believers of old. We use the scripture for teaching, correcting, and training.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
We test everything against the foundation being Christ. Where do we learn about Christ? The Bible. We learn who God is and what He expects through the inspired Word. You test everything against this Word. If anything doesn't match then we are to throw it out. This is how you test any modern prophet or preachers. We hold fast to what is good and throw away what is not of the Word.
Roughsoul & Timothy, don't feed the troll. The thread will never stay on track if you keep answering.
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