Christian TV, Pros and Cons

 Some people don't like Christian television. They don't like the high pressure fundraising or the promotion of celebrity preachers. Or they may disagree with some of the teachings or questionable viewpoints.

I have seen all of these weaknesses, and yet I continue to support Christian television. Why?

I have also seen the same flaws in some local churches where I have been a member for years. These negative things hurt much more when you are exposed to them up close and personal, when you know the leaders and they know you.

In many years in different churches, I have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly.
The good has often been wonderful, the bad has brought disappointment and frustration. I thank God that He has healed me from much pain from ugly experiences in the past.

Most Christians have been involved in local churches. I thank God for them, with all their faults. Without them, it is hard to imagine how most people could even know about Jesus.

Jesus was human, but perfect.
We are human and very imperfect. Local churches are also human and very imperfect because their members and leaders are human and imperfect.

So when people find Jesus in local churches, but then get so hurt that they give up on the church, where do they turn to build their relationship with Jesus?

Some find help on the internet, others in home groups, and for many people Christian television is a form of life support.

I have been active in churches for 50 years.

For many years, I was addicted to Christian books. Why? Because Christian books allowed me to expand my faith and understanding.

Without books, I felt completely dependent on the limited perspective of my church leaders.
Then I discovered the internet and eventually Christian television. I could read or listen to a wide variety of Christian input and decide for myself where to dig deeper to find the gold of God's kingdom.

There are also millions of people who have never been near a church, but they watch TV. God wants to reach them.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Pet 3:9 NIV

God loves people who go to church, but He also loves people who don't go to church and people who have reasons to mistrust or even hate everything related to religion.

Sometimes we read about people who have committed suicide as a result of traumatic experiences.

If you have been extremely hurt in a church, I want you to know that I have been there too. I also want you to know that God did not do this to me and He did not do it to you. Jesus also suffered at the hands of people who were supposed to represent God.

He (God) longs for everyone to embrace life and to return to the full knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4 (The Passion Translation)

The apostle Paul was in prison. He was a victim of persecution because of his preaching. His sermons were motivated by devotion to Jesus and love for people.

He saw clearly what is also obvious to us today, namely that not all sermons are inspired by pure love of God and compassion for people.

Nevertheless, he did not attack preachers who proclaimed Jesus, even if their motives were questionable.

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
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But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. … Php 1:15,18 NIV

God uses very flawed people. In the Old Testament, we see, for example, Samson and King Solomon. We don't have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. People who have hurt you have also told you about Jesus. Hold on to him. He wants to heal you.

Right now we need radio, television and the internet like never before. Stay open to God's blessings.

Stars and Celebrity Preachers

 People today are infatuated with celebrities and stars, but in the Bible we see that God has a very different view.

Who did God choose to be the mother of Jesus? A humble and completely unknown girl in Nazareth, a town with no good reputation. Mary was a nobody in Nazareth.

Shortly after the beginning of his ministry, Jesus chose Philip.

Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”

“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. Jn 1:45–46 NLT

None of the first apostles were rabbis. Only one was rich, Matthew, a tax collector with a bad reputation.

Mary and the first apostles only became world-famous much later, long after their deaths.

Despite their humble origins, the disciples were not free of ambition.

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

“What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” Mt 20:20–21 NIV

Jesus had no desire for worldly honour.

Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. Jn 6:15 NIV

Many in this world want to be famous. Many are infatuated with celebrities and stars. Unfortunately, there are many Christians who also have this attitude.

Christians in the traditional protestant churches and in the independent churches reject Catholics because they ascribe superhuman authority to the pope, but in America there is a church on every street corner where the head pastor rules like a pope.

 In the Old Testament, the Hebrews wanted a king even though that was against God's will. They demanded a king and God gave them Saul. Saul was humble at first, but gradually he became proud and self-centred.

Paul rebuked the Christians in Corinth for wanting to identify themselves as disciples of this or that preacher.

Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” 1 Cor 1:12 NLT

Many Christians want to find their identity in the glory of a great preacher, but your true identity as a Christian is only that of a beloved daughter or son of God because Jesus sacrificed his life for you on the cross.