Category: Influence

Just about everyone knows who Tiger Woods is. He is the most famous golfer, and perhaps the most famous athlete in the world. He has also become one of the most infamous athletes due to being a serial philanderer.

Numerous women have been linked to him. Despite initial denials it was obvious that he had been unfaithful to his wife on numerous occasions with multiple mistresses. When denials proved futile, he finally admitted his infidelity, and has taken a sabbatical from golf to try to save his marriage, and regain the trust of his wife.

Continue reading “In The News: A Philandering Tiger” →

Philemon 1-7

At the beginning of Paul’s letter to Philemon, he was very complimentary of his friend and brother. He acknowledged the “love and faith” that he had toward “the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.” He also mentioned the good things in Philemon’s character, and the fact that the brethren had been “refreshed” by his character and works.

His diplomacy had a very specific and important purpose. Paul desired that Philemon be receptive to his petition on behalf of Onesimus. By his kind words and solicitous manner, Paul influenced Philemon to do the right thing in accepting Onesimus back, not only as a slave, but as a “beloved brother” (vs. 16).

A distinction must be made. Paul was not “flattering” Philemon. Flattery is deceitful and insincere. Paul was honest and genuine in his praise of a worthy brother. Also, seeking to influence people to do right is very different from attempts to manipulate. It is different both in tactics and motivation. What Paul did in his praise of Philemon was good and right, and to be emulated by all Christians.

Rehoboam lost his kingdom (1 Kings 12), because he listened to ungodly companions. The preacher warned his son of ungodly influences in Proverbs 1:10-19. Christian young people should be aware that “evil companions corrupt good morals.”

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A photograph of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps was recently revealed, showing the talented swimmer smoking marijuana from a large pipe or “bong” at a party. The picture was taken by cell phone camera, and has led to a national furor as the seriousness of his inappropriate and illegal behavior is debated.

First it should be noted that Phelps is doing nothing different than millions of other Americans. A good portion of our society sees little wrong with smoking marijuana, and advocates often compare the practice with the use of alcohol. Such comparisons are legitimate, at least with regard to the morality of the practice. Both substances are drugs, and the use of either is indefensible for Christians (cf. Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:1-3).

Continue reading “In The News: The Michael Phelps Bong Imroglio” →

Colossians 4:5-6

The context of Colossians, chapter four, reveals Paul’s desire that Christians influence others for good. He instructed Masters to be good examples to their servants (vs. 1). He asked for prayers from the Colossians, so that he might have opportunity and courage to share the word with the lost (vs. 2-4). In verses 5 and 6 of the chapter, he instructs the Colossians to be careful in their speech, so that they might be an effective influence to those outside the body of Christ.

One who is wise and discerning in his speech will carefully weigh his words, that they might be a positive influence to those outside the body of Christ. May it never be that we, through thoughtless or foolish speech, put a stumbling block before the lost. We are to be the light of the world.

Remember, the world is watching every move we make, and listening to every word we say. We need to act accordingly.

Podcast Number 59

Saul of Tarsus, chief among sinners, by the grace of God became the apostle Paul. Paul was one of the most influential and important figures of the New Testament. We can learn many wonderful lessons by examining his life.

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Sermon by Guest Speaker Joshua Cox. Christians are to shine as lights in the world. This indicates that the Christian’s influence, shown in various aspects of his life as lived for God, should serve to give glory to God and influence others for good.

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AOTS Number 67

A wonderful illustration comparing Sodium and Chlorine to Love and Truth. You need to hear this!

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AOTS Number 41

Your influence is like a shadow. You need to be careful of it, so that it will benefit those upon which it falls.

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AOTS Number 38

As one child put it, “My best friends are usually the ones who get me in trouble.” It is so important to choose godly companions.

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Bill Crews’ lesson establishes the responsibility of Christians to be an influence for good in the midst of an ungodly world.

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It is important that we reflect Christ to the world, and our brethren. We should imitate Christ, those approved examples of Christians in the New Testament, and even mature and spiritually minded Christians in our day.

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Sermon Title: Lot – How to Make a Terrible Decision

This sermon by Heath Rogers establishes that bad influences (in this case the men of Sodom) can corrupt our thinking and judgment to the point that we make bad decisions. Great lesson for young people.

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The wife of a slain Tennessee pastor confessed to killing him and has been charged with first-degree murder, officials said today, after she was questioned overnight by state, federal and local officials.

The woman, Mary Winkler, is in the process of being extradited from Alabama, where she was found Thursday night, and will probably return to Tennessee this weekend, said Roger Rickman, a police investigator in Selmer, Tenn., where the Winkler family lives.

The charge of first degree murder, indicates that she planned the killing in advance, authorities said. “First degree is premeditated,” Officer Rickman said.

Continue reading “Gospel Preacher Killed” →

Terrell Owens may not be the only NFL star wide receiver dealing with summer problems.

In an interview scheduled to air Tuesday on HBO’s “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel,” Randy Moss, the former Vikings and now Raiders wideout, strongly implies he still smokes marijuana, a drug prohibited by the NFL.

After Moss says he has used marijuana since entering the NFL, but has not let it “take control over me,”Gumbel asks him if he smoked pot during the offseason.

“I might. I might have fun,” Moss says with a sheepish grin on his face. “And, you know – and hopefully that I won’t get into any trouble by the NFL by saying that, you know, I have had fun throughout my years and, you know, predominantly in the offseason.

“But, you know, I don’t want any kids, you know, watching this taking a lesson from me as far as, ‘Well, Randy Moss used it. So, I’m going to use it.’ . . . Like I say, that – that I have used – and in the past. And every blue moon or every once in a while I might.”

(AP)

Analysis:

For many years it has been that “role models” such as athletes and entertainers have used drugs. Though performance enhancing drugs such as steroids are presently the focus of testing and sanctions, the use of recreational drugs is also very prevalent, and perhaps are more damaging to society as we consider the broader impact of such influences upon our young people.

While Moss wishes that young people would not look to him as an example, the fact is that they do. It is a shame that there are so few good and righteous public figures for young people to admire and emulate.

The lesson for Christians is to note that our shortcomings not only impact our spiritual welfare, but also can have a negative impact on those we wish to influence. As Christians we are to, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16).

Young people, don’t look to the world for your example, look to the elders, and mature and righteous Christians, both men and women, who serve as examples to you of holiness before our God.