Give me scriptures Please

[tracey3]

I am a full believing Christian. I unfortunately have many additions. Working through them slowly. One I struggle with is confusing me. I smoke grass and fill very Holy when I do I seem to concentrate more and fill the presence of my Lord. I have been doing this for many years. Off and On. I feel that it is like a medicine bringing me closer to God. Please give me some feed back. I am struggling with this one. Thank you

If he is with you, who can be against you..

 

[Coconut]

Since the Word, and what God has to say is the only real and final authority, it will help your confusion if you turn to the Bible to find your answer. Tho there are no scriptures that address this specifically, here are a few that are related. This is something you must ultimately work out between yourself and God.


Gen 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

Mar 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

May God use you to reach your generation with His message of hope Tracey!

 

[Coconut]

If you have any doubts about the right or wrong of drug abuse, answer these questions honestly.

Are you always asking others opinions about it?
Do you feel guilty when you do it?
Can you thank God for the privilege of doing it?

I regret to say I disagree with this completely. This is saying that our walk with God is based on feelings. Feelings may or may not be a result of years of false teaching. It is not our feelings that decide what is right or wrong, but rather what does the Word of God say.
A lot of what you posted was conjecture and personal views and common consensus Michele, none of which are a reliable foundation for upholding a particular belief, especially that of Christianity.

 

[jjkirk]

I am a full believing Christian. I unfortunately have many additions. Working through them slowly. One I struggle with is confusing me. I smoke grass and fill very Holy when I do I seem to concentrate more and fill the presence of my Lord. I have been doing this for many years. Off and On. I feel that it is like a medicine bringing me closer to God. Please give me some feed back. I am struggling with this one. Thank you

If he is with you, who can be against you..

Tracey,

Reflect and pray on these verses:


1 Cor 3:16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and {that} the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Cor 3:17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.(NASB)

1 Cor 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
1 Cor 6:20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
(NASB)

From these verses, it says that we do not want to do anything harmful with or to our bodies for they are a temple of the living God. God wants a clean vessel. Putting a substance like marijuanna or such makes it unclean. The effect you are feeling is a hallucinatory effect caused by THC, and is not closer to God, but in fact is farther away from him. I will pray for you.

Peace be with you,
John.

 

[Shaggy Flasko]

tracey, there's nothing wrong with weed. There's something wrong with abusing it, but weed is fine. This includes smoking it, in moderation, though eating would be better for your lungs.

Pot does not bring you closer to God, I'm afraid. What you seem to be experiencing is that quaint euphoric effect, possibly coupled with an emotional response to...something (usually self-induced, in my experience). To grow closer to God, you ought to pray for guidance, seek to rightly divide his word of truth and work to serve him in faith. Weed does not do this for you. It is merely a relaxant and mild inebriant.

myth busters
Marijuana is by far the least damaging drug (non-pharmaceutical). It is less addictive than chocolate and has never been shown to lead to other, more harmful, drugs. Abuse of hard drugs most often comes as a result of an abuse of legal drugs (alcohol, sugar, coffee or nicotine, for instance).

It is said that smoking marijuana makes you stupid. Nay, no long term brain damage has been seen in users of marijuana. Some temporary memory loss is a reality (depending on how much the user smokes), though full recollection returns with cessation of use.

Marijuana has never been shown (legitimately) to cause and long term or major side effects. There are lots of very well off, DEVOUTLY CHRISTIAN people that partake of cannabis. Hence, the idea that it is a life ruining monster is likely false.

Of all this, these things are not excuses to smoke pot. Like wine, it is safely enjoyed among intelligent and reasonable gentlemen. If you cannot partake of this substance without adverse effect to your character or education/work, DO NOT PARTAKE. (wine, for example: have a glass, not a bottle.)

I believe God created this plant. It is good, economically and medically (it's used to treat many health disorders), because it was DESIGNED that way (manmade drugs, those are another story).

Obviously, results vary. Some people do not have any tolerance for the drug and will react poorly to it. They should not consume it, obviously. Children and adolescents are strongly discouraged from consuming cannabis.

"large doses of THC in laboratory animals have an effect very similar to LSD. So the apparent difference in danger between these two drugs would therefore seem to be only the difference in the amount commonly taken."

Most of those studies were prepared as scare tactics for the government by Dr. Gabriel Nahas, and were so biased and unscientific that Nahas was fired by the National Institute of Health and finally renounced his own studies as meaningless. For one experiment, he suffocated monkeys for five minutes at a time, using proportionately more smoke than the average user inhales in an entire lifetime. The other studies that claim sensational health risks are also suspect, since they lack controls and produce results which cannot be replicated or independently verified.

Their personal correspondence and records reveal that U.S. Presidents Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and others smoked hashish, as did Benjamin Franklin and Mary Todd Lincoln. President John F. Kennedy is also reported to have smoked marijuana to relieve his back pain. Many of America's greatest leaders and Founding Fathers (including George Washington) were hemp farmers. Sources: National Archives, published reports.

Scripture, as cited before, says that God has given us everything on the earth to employ and subdue.

Galatians 5 speaks of irresponsible and unrepentant actions (ABUSE of drugs, carousing, etc...). Those are often not the people that enter the Kingdom of God (though God will not forsake a Christian for falling), but the people that need help and the Gospel of Christ.

If you are irresponsible in your actions, you are in sin. If you use discipline and follow the teachings of Christ by faith, you are in his will.

The question you should ask yourself is, "Am I letting this become more important to me than service to God?" If the answer is yes, stop.

That's all. Heh, I doubt my popularity is going to soar after this post, but I can't just watch that propaganda get spread all over the place. Btw, people, please don't try to discredit me with personal attacks. It's happened before and it's not very Christ-like (besides, it's faulty reasoning).

Just my $.02

God bless,
Bill

 

[Coconut]

I believe God created this plant. It is good, economically and medically (it's used to treat many health disorders), because it was DESIGNED that way (manmade drugs, those are another story).If you use discipline and follow the teachings of Christ by faith, you are in his will.

Well said Bill.

It amazes me how many Christians will take
'manmade' drugs, using anti-depressants, nerve pills etc, without any qualms, (antidepressants are now being black labeled because they can cause the user to be suidcidal), fill their bellies with poisons ( sugar is poison to the human body in all forms except natural, barbequed meats put more tar in the body than anything inhaled, just to mention a few) and yet label plants that God created and who Himself said "it is good," (Gen 1:31) as sinful.
In reference to 1 Cor 3:16, meat and drink do not destroy the temple of God, but for those who wish to use this scripture, best to examine what you yourself are injesting.
I should add that because of sin, man no longer lives in a perfect world. Man lives in a fallen state, and tho one day we will have glorified bodies, as yet we are not. Hence I take issue with those who say we should need nothing else beside God to live in this world. Tho it certianly sounds like a righteous and a desirable state to attain, it is without scriptural basis. Come out of the prayer closet, and tell me you are not hungry. Suffer thru some human malady, and tell me you need nothing to help you cope, spirit filled or not.
In truth emotional suffering is every bit as painful as physical suffering, and we don`t think twice before allowing relief in one form or another for physical pain.
Sin creates much human misery, and God created all things for our use, including those things which relax, and provide relief for the body and mind.
His Word says to do all things in moderation. (Phi 4:5)
I do not use weed, (or the many plants in use that are very similiar in nature to it) nor am I trying to promote its use in any form, however I am a strong advocate for what is TRUTH, and for this cause I do not adhere to the worlds knowledge and understanding on these subjects, but to the uncontested Word of God. The people of God err when we let public opinion dictate what is right and wrong for us as His people. This world does not have the knowledge or the wisdom of God, nor shall it ever.

 

[jjkirk]

In reference to 1 Cor 3:16, meat and drink do not destroy the temple of God, but for those who wish to use this scripture, best to examine what you yourself are injesting.

Please elaborate.
I am not sure what food has to do with the subject at hand, I thought we were discussing marijuanna. I mean, I understand it (food) too can be harmful, and when it is or becomes harmful, it too shoud be avoided as well.

The data on marijuanna use is vastly improved now. The toxins are just that toxic. Like in cigarrete smoking(I personally struggle with this).

We as members of the body of Christ are to help one another, not tear one another down. We were asked for scripture and we provided for what we were lead to share.

I have known and know those who use(d) marijuanna, and there is a significant change to the health, mentally and physically(especially long term use). (not Godly either)

For medical use there is new ways of taking THC for those it helps without smoking or eating it. Yes inhalation introduces it into the blood stream quicker, but there are better and more beneficial ways, even if they are slower.

That we could always go back to WWJD. Would Jesus smoke marijuanna? or anything for that matter. I believe not. That is why I am in the process of quitting smoking(cigarretes) myself.

Peace be with you.
John.

 

[Shaggy Flasko]

"We as members of the body of Christ are to help one another, not tear one another down. We were asked for scripture and we provided for what we were lead to share."

I fully agree.

"I have known and know those who use(d) marijuanna, and there is a significant change to the health, mentally and physically(especially long term use). (not Godly either) "

Some people do experience adverse effects. Consider this, however. People with self-destructive tendencies need only an outlet for them to manifest. Marijuana is not the problem in their lives, but their own destructive habits (in my opinion). I can't prove this, but from the observation of many people who indulge in cannabis occasionally and often, it's what I've seen.

I agree that smoking marijuana is probably not the best way to go. Obviously, smoking anything is not good for your respiratory system. However, it's not so much like smoking as you might reckon, for a couple reasons. First, people don't smoke nearly as much weed as they do tobacco (perhaps a joint every few days or some on the weekends as opposed to 1-2 packs per day) and there aren't nearly as many industrial chemicals in marijuana as tobacco because it isn't mass produced for public consumption.

Plus, there are methods of cooking it so that one can remove almost everything but the THC itself (such as frying it in oil or butter; the THC is fat soluble, but the bad stuff isn't).

I don't think Jesus would smoke either. But he did consume at least one type of drug (alcohol) and it could be argued that alcohol is many times more harmful than pot. For instance, alcohol related deaths number about 100,000 per year (conservatively) in the U.S. Deaths as a result of marijuana use number around zero. The difference: responsible use. Without responsibility, marijuana can bring out undesirable traits in people. On the other hand, almost any other drug has a high risk of killing the user.

Be responsible, folks. No one can blame inanimate substances for their problems. It's all about the person, in this case, I believe.

God bless,
Bill

 

[jjkirk]

Bill,

I see what you mean.
But there is supporting evidence that marijuanna is a doorway drug.
There is just too many options for people without using weed or anything like that.

Plus the original poster of this thread was saying it brings her closer to God, and that goes along with the halluicanatory effects cosistant with use of marijuanna. I did some study on it and its effectcs in my Psych. course this last quarter, and that is what alot of studies have found.
Thank you for your post.

Peace be with you,
John.

 

[mymakersdaughter]

"Think Positive: Life is not dull. Everything that is fun is not a no no. You can enjoy life and feel good about it by using the Word of God as your guideline. A negative attitude can destroy you, but tell yourself you can do whatever you set your mind to, including being drug free. If you are not sure of yourself, you are in trouble.
Fill Your Life With Joy: Don't go around with your chin dragging the ground. Hold your head up with enthusiasm. Don't let life drag you down.
Get Involved: You get out of anything exactly what you put into it. If you are not willing to sacrifice, don't expect life to be a rose garden. That's why religion is dull to some people, they don't put anything in it.
Discipline Yourself: Bring your body in subjection. Control your own life. Don't allow a chemical to rule you.
Be your own person not a reactor to others.
Handle everything with prayer.
By applying these guidelines to your life you won't need drugs. If you have any doubts about the right or wrong of drug abuse, answer these questions honestly.

Are you always asking others opinions about it?
Do you feel guilty when you do it?
Can you thank God for the privilege of doing it? "

So Coconut lets look at what Steve Rudd in context to his opinion and Biblical verses he uses.
Let's see, Tracey wrote a post asking for an opinions, that is his first question. Maybe she is feeling guilty for using it as a Christian, I would venture to say that from Tracey's post that she feels it is helpful with her relationship with God as she had stated therefore a feeling of gratitude for using pot would not be far behind.
You will notice prior to making the statement he said he has found a set of guidelines when working with people with drugs.

Steve Rudd seems to not be stating that our relationship is based on our feelings, I do not know how you get that.

"The Bible itself is the most valuable source of help in facing the problem of drugs in our lives. It really can be a good life if we want it to be despite all the problems it presents. 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that God hath given us "all things that pertain unto life and godliness". "

I too have a set of guidelines I use with working with the kids at my school, at church and the aggressive kids in the Treatment Centre.

You'll notice the term that Tracey used and that is "addiction," that tells me a lot. Let's not just sweep it under the carpet and tell her God made the plants so it's okay to use it. I have some serious concerns with that additude of 'all is okay".
JJ Kirk you hit the nail on the head.

As for human misery we just have to look at 1 Cor. 10:13

 

[Coconut]

John, the reason I make mention of food is because the number one arguement that Christians use agianst the use weed is, it is bad for your health, hence a sin because our bodies are the temple of God. I was merely pointing out this is a poor arguement,
and it is my experience that most of the people who will condemn a person smoking, regardless of the substance, have little understanding of what they are talking about health wise.
I agree we are here to help one another, and scriptural support is of utmost importance, so if I disagree, it`s not for the purpose of tearing anyone down, but only to uphold what I believe to be truth according to the Word.
You made a statement that directly contradicts the scripture.
"God wants a clean vessel. Putting a substance like marijuanna or such makes it unclean."
Versus:
Mar 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
Do you see how what you are saying contradicts the Word?
The question remains, is smoking a sin, according to the scripture, no it is not.
What would Jesus do? I`m not sure that`s a valid question, as it`s one we both know can`t be answered. After all Jesus drank wine, and according to the origional greek it was fermented wine.
You said "For medical use there is new ways of taking THC for those it helps without smoking or eating it." What are you saying? That using this substance is only wrong if you smoke it or eat it, but not wrong if dispensed as a medicine? I`m sorry but this reasoning makes no sense to me. Is`nt it either sinful or not? This is why the Bereans searched the scriptures daily "to see if these things be so"

 

[jjkirk]

Coconut,
Thank you for clarifying.
I see where you are coming from.
But this is how I say it is not a contradiction. It is not that they put it into to them but it is what they say and do while influenced by it, hence what comes out is what defiles.

THC in the form extracted from marijuanna, does not have all the same effects as it does when ingested in its natural form, and is administered in a controlled way and not a recreational way.

I am not condoning it for I do not know all the particulars, but the evidence of marijuanna use and smoking is very clear and well documented. There are efects by using this that literally alter the minds function, and when addicted to them one has withdrawals that cause them to act very un Christ-like(I know form experience, and am not proud of it but it is truth).

I am unconvinced that smoking pot or any other substance can be done responsibly.

Yes Jesus drank wine but not to the effect he became intoxicated by it, so I think WWJD is a valid question in all we do.
It can be answered through prayer.

My main thing is the original poster Tracey, was expressing effects of misuse, and hallucinatory effects of weed. She seems convicted by this and is seeking help to overcome this addiction.

Peace be with you,
John.

 

[Coconut]

You'll notice the term that Tracey used and that is "addiction," that tells me a lot. Let's not just sweep it under the carpet and tell her God made the plants so it's okay to use it. I have some serious concerns with that additude of 'all is okay".

I think you misunderstand my response Michele. There is a universe of difference
between being under condemnation and in being free to choose. I was addressing the matter of condemnation, not expediance. The Word does not condemn us for what we choose to put in our bodies, (except in the matter of offences), albiet even if these choices are not in our best interest. If one chooses to smoke, this may likely not be good for them, but neither does God condemn them for it.
Scroll on down to 1Co 10:23 where Paul says: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not."
Also in Rom 14:14 "I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean."
We are free to enjoy all things God has created, (not speaking of indulging in sin of course), but in this freedom we have the responsibility to try to choose wisely, and practise moderation in all things.

 

[Coconut]

There are efects by using this that literally alter the minds function, and when addicted to them one has withdrawals that cause them to act very un Christ-like(I know form experience, and am not proud of it but it is truth).

I also understand where you are coming from John, but personal experience does not dictate a universal truth, or at least it should`nt. Your experience is completely the opposite of that of other Christians I personally know , so where does that leave us?
The "evidence" you cite, is refuted by as much opposing data, as I`m sure you are aware of, so the issue of good or bad can only be left up to the individual to decide, yes?
My concern is that Christians are not placed under the heavy weight of condemnation, when God has not condemned these. But if a man 'thinks' that in doing these he has sinned, it can`t help but become a stumbling block for him. I know sincere spirit filled Christians who smoke, (pipes, tobacco, weed, other herbs) as well as those who drink (I am one) and who are a living testimony of the grace and power of God to save and to keep. Can we judge their Christianity by meat (herbs) or drink. The Word says we cannot.
We must always be careful to not let personal 'truths', and experience, and first hand knowledge, negate the truth of the Word of God.

 

[Chad]

The drugs that are in existence today either did not exist or were not common in Bible times. As a result, the Bible does not address drug use. The Bible does tell us to avoid anything that is harmful to our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20) and to not get involved with anything that is addicting (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19). Drugs fail both of these tests. The Bible also tells us to obey the laws of the country we live in (Romans 13:1-4). Drugs are illegal and therefore we should stay away from them for that reason alone, even if they were not also addicting and harmful to our health.



"Everything is permissible for me" -- but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me" -- but I will not be mastered by anything" (I Corinthians 6:12).

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power He gives orders to evil spirits and they come out" (Luke 4:18-21, 36).

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:15).

"He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (I John 3:8). "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:1, 13).

 

[spirit1st]

IThe bible says not to do anything that makes you stumble ,But of course we are too be counted dead to oureslves ,to let CHEIST JESUS live though us ,if indeed we love our LORD .But the bible says nothing entering our body can defile us .But the words we speak ,will bless or destory us .When born of GOd ?Our desire should be to be pleasing to the LORD .So we will not let anything bind us or control us .The LORd tells us ?We will hve a clear mind .personal I would always seek to have this .Nothing in its self is evil !It is WHY WE do what we do ?

 

[Manocourage]

There is something wrong. You are self medicating. Mind altering substances do not bring you closer to God. You may be feeling more in control, but you are creating a dangerous illusion. You should see a doctor and discuss with him or her the other problems you are having in your life, such as difficulty concentrating, relaxing, etc. The symptoms that usually accompany self medication are an indication of a medical problem that can be controlled with "legal" medications and a doctor's care. There is something very, very wrong with using marijuana, it is illegal.

 

[tracey3]

Well thank you all for your comments on my post.

I have to say that I do not use it everyday of my life.. I was diagnosed with a chemical Imbalance and I am supposed to take prozac for the rest of my life. I do not take my prescribed med everyday and have not touched to for quite some time now. It is very strange but I believe there is a chemical in the weed that acts like the prozac. Again I tell you that my God is always close to me I speak more to him than anyone else. When or when I do not use. I am working on quitting smoking cig too ,just for my health and I want to be spotless when my savior comes.

I believe when it is time the Lord with dellivery me from it. You may not understand, but I know God does, for he judges the heart. I believe that weed has brought me along way from depression, maybe it has restored my imbalance. No studies have been done I don't think. But I bet there is something in it that helps the mind. I wanted to ask my doctor if there was a pill out there just llike the calmness and alertness I receive from the weed. But a chicken because it is illegal. The Weed

I am a lover of Christ, and he would began a good work in me will continue until the day of his return. Which I believe will be not to long now. Praise the Lord..

Thank you all and I love this forum.

 

[JustJan]

1 Peter

There are two themes in this book that I think apply to your question.

1. Be sober minded. We are not supposed get drunk or allow our minds to be altered by drugs. Alcohol was around in biblical times and yet we are admonished from getting drunk.

1 Pet 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Pet 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
​

I realize this says sober in reference to our spirit, but how is it possible to be of a sober spirit if one has altered their mental state with marajuana?

2. Peter wrote this book as the persecution of the church under Nero was beginning. Yet he called the Christians in the early church to live within the authority of their government. Marajuana is an illegal drug.

1Pe 2:13-16 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to those who do well. For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.


​

As a practical matter participating in activities that disregard the law of the land ruins your testimony as a Christian.

There are opportunities to do bible studies at www.settingcaptivesfree.com related to a number of issues like smoking and alcholism. The studies are free and you may find them helpful.

Grace and peace to you.

 

[AlabasterBox]

i have to admit there has been a lot of good thought all through this thread. Lots of good scripture, chad and justjan. Let me put my 2 cents in here. First of all God delivered my husband from alcohol and drugs many years ago. We have meant many drug and alcohol abusers in the last 20 years. Not one of them got to be drug addicts without using alcohol and pot first. Now pot may be legal in some countries, but not in the USA. So here in the usa it is illegal and we know what the Lord says about that. We also have to consider the health issues and I have to disagree with people who say it is safe. My son is 23 and collasped his lung from smoking pot, must have been a heck of a party! Then a year after that he was having problems breathing and the Allergist said he had the beginnings of emphysema from smoking the pot. Now he rarely smokes it. But I also know he is ADHD and alcohol and pot are the 2 most common drugs used to self medicate for this illness. He would tell me mom, when i smoke pot i just feel normal my thoughts don't go a thousand miles a minute. He also has been on rx's for his ADHD. The difference is the doctor can regulate the meds. not the pot.
When he is on meds he looks normal not high, thus people take him more seriously. I think spiritually and health wise it would be better to stop the pot and take the meds. Always remember what you do can cause a brother to stumble that is why i have not had a drink in 20 years. As not to cause my husband to stumble. I will pray that you will seek God to speak to your heart to give you clear direction.

Your sister in Christ

AlabasterBox :girl:

:rainbow: