What are your views on smoking?

[Eddy Fire]

king of excuses

I keep trying to find a life
On my own, apart from You
I am the king of excuses
I've got one for every selfish thing I do

What's going on inside of me?
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I'm still a man in need of a Savior

(chorus)
I wanna be in the Light
As You are in the Light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation
Cause all I want is to be in the Light
All I want is to be in the Light

The disease of self runs through my blood
It's a cancer fatal to my soul
Every attempt on my behalf has failed
To bring this sickness under control

Tell me, what's going on inside of me?
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I'm still a man in need of a Savior

(repeat chorus)

Honesty becomes me
[There's nothing left to lose]
The secrets that did run me
[In Your presence are defused]
Pride has no position
[And riches have no worth]
The fear that once did cover me
[Has been sentenced to this Earth]
Has been sentenced to this Earth

Tell me, what's going on inside of me?
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I'm still a man in need of a Savior

(repeat chorus 2x)

[There's no other place that I want to be]
[No other place that I can see]
[A place to be that's just right]
[Someday I'm gonna be in the Light]
[You are in the Light]
[That's where I need to be]
[That's right where I need to be]

In The Light - DCTalk (direct Christian talk)

this song sums up what sort of things go on for a smoker and also for anyone caught by any addiction.

a king or queen of excuses takes the throne and we know Who has to shove over when that happens.

while it is very true in the Gospel of grace of God in Jesus Chruist that it matters little which 'sin' or 'transgression' has nailed Him to that Cross, as all have their part, a big or little makes no difference, it is a gospel to the lost man (for the sake of repeating men or women) that he might have hope, not in his sin but in a Saviour and Salvation provided as grace to that man in his need,
we have no excuses for anything at the point of Salvation for we live thereafter for the glory of God , not for ourselves.

we can tend to think that God has some other agenda than His own glory and we quickly offer ourselves to fill that imaginary void. As we read in Genesis, God sorted the void when He said "Let there be light".

as an ex addict of nearly everything addictable, I can say there is no excuse.
a fact is a fact. an addiction is an addiction.

as far as smoking goes, it demands of the addict.
breifly I will insert here, that there are hundreds if not thousands of testimonies of men and women young and old who have been set free from smoking addiction either as part of their 'salvation experience' (also coined as becoming born again) or shortly afterwards. The question must be asked, "why?"

smoking is demanding of the addict.
it takes control of things like temper, patience, gnawing feelings, thought for others (and true as it is, the defensive may not want to admit it, 'thought for others' also implies and includes Jesus Christ and our service with and to and for Him as His dear children and followers and ministers and purchased possessions).
if you stop for a period and then succumb to another smoke, as that is what it is, usually, your head spins and you can feel nauseus, and clouded.
ask any smoker who is honest, or ex-smoker.

anyone Christian who says it is OK must be able to say that to children.
We are ministers and if there is one thing made very plain, it is this, "suffer the little children to come unto Me" Luke 18:16
"be ye therefore followers of God as dear children" Ephesians 5:1
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." 1Corinthians 11:1
"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample." Philippians 3:17
we should be able to say to a child that you can do what I do, and in honesty, we should be able to say, that which you see me doing, do ye.
*( I realise there may be some who would tear this down as not what the Scripture was saying in the light of spirituality. However, the point being made is that we are to set an example for children AND that the Gospel can be lost in 'spirituality' and piousness that is very similar to the days when Jesus rebuked the leaders of Scriptural debate for mis-using Scripture by making some strain at gnats while they swallowed camels. what I have quoted here is a picture of the attitude and heart of One Who wants us to be both a follower and an example in all things.)

smoking. like anything, if you do or don't will not add to the gift of God in Jesus Christ our Lord which is your salvation, nor will it take from it. Do not be fooled however, nor foolish, to think that preaching that it is OK is OK.

"I can say I smoke", says one, well said.
honest.
leave it at that.
no excuses.
and most definitely do not use the Gospel or the shed Blood of the Lamb to justify an addiction.

like eating too much sugar, or eating fast foods addictively, like social networking, like heroin, like pills, like all manner of ills against what God made and saw as good, an ADDICTION is an addiction and must never be praised or raised to a level where it sits on the table of our Lords suffering and death.

When a person gets ill, they usually like either some support, sympathy, prayer, a note from the doctor, even medications, and often a little more sleep if possible,
anyone who has smoked and all who know anything about smoking can tell you and agree that a person who smokes usually cops it a bit worse and usually takes longer to get better.

smoking also can open up a lead to break laws, like have a smoke in a carpark that is technically a no smoking zone. A little fox. A little leaven.

Why do it as a Christian?

smoking smells and offends others.
There are many ills connected to smoking.
Even the non-Christian is aware of all these things, how much more, should we who are called the sons and daughters of the living God, reach the point of decision where we can look it in the eye and say it is not a good thing to be doing?

No amount of righteous even touches the issue. Righteousness has nothing to do with smoking and the two should never be joined in an argument for pro-smoking.

as a solemn warning, as an ex-addict, the addiction will con you, in a very similar way as to all the con-jobs of the father of lies. It will con you whether you want to call it flesh or mind or who cares what, it will con you and even let you (encourage you) to even spin a lie to yourself that it is OK and that somewhere there is an excuse, even an excuse to brush any conscience to do with Jesus aside. Just this one. won't hurt. God knows I love Him. if God wants me to quit He'll deal with it. I know it's not the best BUT.

All the scripture in the Bible will not assist anyone in their maintaining their integrity as an addict if they choose to quote it as a self excusing licence to continue in that addiction.

Honesty becomes a Christian.
If you smoke, you do. leave it at that and one day even leave the smoke unlit.

no excuses

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

Does this type of thread unify or separate the body?
The topic is "what are your views"but the choices given are not views they are confessions.
One person confesses and now the inquisition begins.

Are those who never smoked more holy than those who quit?
Are those who quit more holy than those who puff and call themselves sinners because of it?
Are those who who puff and call it sin more holy than those who receive what God created with thanksgiving?

Adults can discuss science and medicine on many forums but this forum is where I come to escape man's logic and feed on the word of God which proclaims:
1 Timothy 4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

Now should I believe man or God?

 

[spirit1st]

WE need to be careful of our Words we plant in others minds !
LOOK i know smoking can be very harmful to others ! Still I know My LORD can take care of me and My Family in the LORD Even if we are in the Fire ! So to say it going to be death to the body of any is Not Truth !
saying it could kill and does many is truth !
I had lots of junk they said , i would die from ! yet My LORD kept me though it ALL 100% !

I know some think our Words are not important or will not hurt others ? It not true , Our words can be dangerous to others 1 for sure the weak in Faith and understanding !
Listen God keeps me always , Even when i make mistakes ! I trust In Him to keep me No matter what 1 But if i Die ? I GAIN ! i cannot lose!
It hurts me when my Family in my LORD suffer ! I sure it hurts Him much worse !!!!
satan job is to Beat Us down ! Our Job is to Lift others up !Pray for them , bless them !

We can fast for others if we really care ? i know few do ! We are the most Powerful beings on this planet . we Have GOD own Power Within us All and permission of God to use it in the MIGHTY NAME of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!
Not going to argue with anyone ! Each of the right too think what they will ? But this is the way i think about it !
If you think i am wrong you can say it and then or not pray for me ! Thank You lovingly in OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST !

 

[Eddy Fire]

@Thiscrosshurts

What are your views on smoking?

Do the scriptures reveal anything?

​

Poll
Do you smoke?
-Yes
-No not now
-Never

be fair brother.
the only addiction worth anything is love, agape love, as you know
honesty becomes you.
we defend and in so doing we can miss the mark

this is, or should be as the above says.
What are your views on smoking?
Do the Scriptures reveal anything?
do you smoke?
yes
no not now
never
simple brother, and what you said doesn't help what you claim you come here for and this I say in love, believe it or not, but let us harvest together in truth.
and as an ex-harvester my advice is don't smoke in the field, fire can cause damage to crops, machinery and lives
as well as a heap of other things.
man, you've got to be careful!

the more I look back the less I can advise that smoking is good.
that's my views (I don't think I am totally alone)
as for Scripture, well the obvious lack of Scripture that spells anything specifically out about smoking was one of my best excuses.
that coupled with what some have said here where we can defend our smoking till the cows come home, but when you snort it out at a little baby, well, it's gotta make you think... if you have a conscience, that is.
What do you think
1Tim 1:5-7

5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and offaith unfeigned: 6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

 

[spirit1st]

There are NO Perfect flesh people on the Earth! That the problem ? We get to thinking we are Better because of some things we count evil or that in our eyes ? Makes them appear LESS! They are Not less ! God Loves all the same in his family and household ! Our flesh is imperfect1 It dies because it imperfect !

2Co_10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

That the devils trick ? find fault with others ,Look down on them !

I do not think smoking is a good thing ! But i do not think it a Sin Either !

Mat_7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

GOd knows how to deal with Us if He disaproves anything we do !

Listen ? We can always find Fault with others ! what they eat , drink , clothe they wear, Jobs , On and On !


Then it becomes ? WHY are we saying what we say ? Out of LOVE or putting them down ? Were we led by the Holy Ghost or our thinking ? Do we really care about that person ?

Mic_6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

GOd has a Permissive will and a Perfect will ! He allows Lots in His permissive will ! His Grace!

Jas_1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Jas_2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

Joh_8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Smoking not even a sin !

Mat_15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Mat_15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
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.
Mar_7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
Mar_7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.


We need to close this thread! we all agree smoking not good for people ! The reasons we do what we do is much more important than what we do !

 

[B-A-C]

1 Timothy 4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
Acts 10:15 The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

Is tobacco created?
Is cannabis created?

Smoking without thanksgiving would certainly be a problem.

Titus 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Strychnine, Hemlock, and Nightshade are also naturally occurring plants. Cyanide also occurs naturally in certain circumstances.
Smoke these things at your own risk. I'm not sure everything in nature is healthy.

 

[spirit1st]

Listen we do not and should not do anything that affects our MINDS or Body! I know for a fact many things affect our minds and bodies!

But i also know many religions judge each other in many ways ! But we do not serve religions ! Our is a One on One Relationship with our LORD and has Nothing to do with others ! Many want to tell others How they must serve HIm ?

We should want to please Him in every way ! and be a good example for others though LOVE ! It not about controlling all others ! But it is about LOVe which gives mercy ! They know Us By our LOVe and Love gives mercy !


Sorry it just really bothers me when some are hurting others ! Maybe no one is here ?

 

[Fragrant Grace]

@Chad

At your discretion I believe this thread should now be closed.

I apologize if the thread has become too contentious or has injured peoples feelings.
Brothers and sisters, I assure you that was never my intention in putting up the thread
What could have been a valuable discussion has for some turned 'personal'

From a secular point of view there are enough agreed medically proven factors (cancer, emphysema, asthma etc) against smoking

Sadly, it seems that when we bring the Lord and His word into the discussion that's when the disagreements start
For me, personally, there is enough scripture to indicate that smoking is wrong
For others that is not the case.

However, I do believe the scriptures and know that the Lord will lead those that seek His will and find answers

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:5

 

[spirit1st]

It a Matter of ? If it SIN or NOT!
I seen so many hurt and even turnede away from fellowship over Nothing 1 Others raised up in the churches just because they had money ! We seem to want to hurt the weak and poor and others ! Not saying anyone here is !Because i am not sure of there motives ? Because the Lord is !

Col_3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
2Th_1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
Gal_5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Rom_12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.


I did not want to say this ! but i know a christian that started smoking when he was around 8 or 10 years old ! He old now! And has clear lungs and a good heart ! They told the old guy His heart and lungs were like a young guys ! I know the Worlds really down on smokers !
but we Do not live by Sight or what the world tells us ! We LIVE by Faith ! Personally i do not trust the world or what they tell us !

I trust in my LORD too keep me no matter what it looks like or what others tell me ! I rather no one ever smokes ! For sure around little kids who body is Not mature!
He Protects us even from ourselves! I know daily He watching over us and No telling How many times He has protected us ? Lets Don"t be like the World ! Let LOVe and have Mercy !sure we can tell others if we worry about them on what might happen and pray to our Father GOD , that He protects and blesses Them ! We do all things out of LOVE as unto our LORD JESUS ! I really am sorry if i affended anyone !

 

[mackem lady]

@Chad

At your discretion I believe this thread should now be closed.

I apologize if the thread has become too contentious or has injured peoples feelings.
Brothers and sisters, I assure you that was never my intention in putting up the thread
What could have been a valuable discussion has for some turned 'personal'

From a secular point of view there are enough agreed medically proven factors (cancer, emphysema, asthma etc) against smoking

Sadly, it seems that when we bring the Lord and His word into the discussion that's when the disagreements start
For me, personally, there is enough scripture to indicate that smoking is wrong
For others that is not the case.

However, I do believe the scriptures and know that the Lord will lead those that seek His will and find answers

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:5

I agree @Chad

 

[RichardPTL]

Very well said Spirit 1st.

 

[Coconut]

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men" (Colossians 2:8, KJV)

Beware of Philosophy


I see the wisdom of God crying out in this thread...some seem to have their ears too full of spoiled milk to hear Him...

I also see some attempting to spoil the pure Word of God with vain philosophy in this thread...and I`m going to address it, then be done with it.


Here again is the LORD speaking:


And from the LORD's mouth:

Mat 15:10 Then calling out to the crowd, he addressed them, "Listen and understand!
Mat 15:11 It is not what goes into the mouth that makes a person [a sinner] It is what comes out of the mouth that makes a person [a sinner]."


Now I see , perhaps one of you - a christian by name - (a disciple of Christ - a disciple being one who follows Christ alone, and the teachings of Christ alone) standing and listening to Jesus speak these words...

You walk over to where Luke is standing...and you say "Hey Luke, you are a Physician, what do you think of what Jesus just said?"

And Luke replies, "well what He says must be true, after all Jesus is the Son of God, and he would not lie."

And you say "Yes, He says He is the Son of God, but I have heard that the University up in Rome says that some plants are not healthy to eat...and wine hurts the liver...(etc) in this modern day and age we are beyond being able to plead igrorance about the plants God created."

And Luke says "That is true, but are we talking about physical health, or spiritual health?"

And you say "well both, because I think its a sin to be unhealthy"

Right about then Jesus wanders over and says "whatcha talking about boys?"

And you mumble "Uh, I was just discussing with Luke about whether or not what you said was true"

Jesus asks (already knowing) "what did I say"

You say "You said nothing that goes in the mouth makes a person a sinner...but I dont know how you could say that, you seem to be ignorant about how unhealthy some things are"

Jesus asks "would I lie to you?"

You say "uh....well....uh....its just that its so hard to believe..you say we are temples of God...God would`nt live in a temple filled with garbage...and poop...and SMOKE like the Priests are breathing in, in the Temples ..."

Jesus asks "who told you this"

You say "our Teachers"

Jesus says "Why you call me your MASTER (Teacher), and not listen to ME?"

-------

The above makes a poor play I know, but it will suffice to get the message across.

Sputter, stammer, spit, stomp your feet all you want too, wear out the 'reported post' feature if you must ...demand for me to step down ...talk in Chads ear how I am trying to usurp his authority ...go on and do whatever you feel you need to do.... As the LORD is my witness, (Matthew 15:10) and according to the truth of His own Testament, I am 100% persuaded what goes into my body may well make me stupid...may even make me sick...but it cannot make me a sinner...simply because Jesus Christ said so. Anyone persuaded otherwise needs to ask themselves who has bewitched them.

The only reason I even take the time to respond to subjects that attempt to glorify the flesh on this forum, is so perhaps any new convert who truly desires the pure milk of the word happens to come here, that they wont be caused to stumble over such vain teachings.

"Touch not, taste not, handle not" are the prideful teachings of men, finding their text in the doctrines of devils...and if you need a scripture reference for that you are not paying as much attention to what the New Testament teaches as you would have anyone here think. This thread alone is evident some of you only read enough to form a philosophical argument, and avoid the bulk of Scripture altogether, that could be why your argument is crummy and lacks theological substance. :`)


Also, I am not the least offended, and I could really care less if I`m judged by any man....the statement I made about judgments was a mere statement of where I stand.

k that is all I have to say about that. :`)

 

[spirit1st]

Listen ? The world wants to divide us !Get us not to live by the Main commandment , LOVE ! It loves to get us to judge each others and put down some ! It ok to tell some ? We think it better if you do not do this and that ? but that about as far as it should Go ? Unless we want to pray and or fast for them ? Even then we should ask GOD ? Is this important to YOU LORD ? Or is it just my understanding ?

Had a guy tell me once ? You know Gary i must go in for some cancer tests ! If i have cancer i going to kill 6 smokers !
I said ? You used to smoke , why would you want to kill smokers ?
He said , i must !
I said all the evil people on earth doing such evil things , you want to kill smokers ?

It upsets me ! People are killing babies like they are nothing ! sending our kids to die in other lands for nothing . destorying homes and families here ! putting all kinds of bad stuff in peoples foods and drinks and medcines ! Putting people in prisons where they kill and rape and mess up peoples minds !
Trying to teach all in our mation that being gay is good ! So much evil here in our nation and the world !

Mat_7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat_7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat_7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Luk_6:41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Luk_6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.


I know some mean well ! I was not going to post on this thread again ! Sorry !

 

[mackem lady]

I had neighbours who smoked heavily.

Their 4 children always smelt so smoky. They always had coughs and colds.

They had another baby and I can't help remember seeing this tiny baby a few days old on its mums knee and she had a cigarette in her hand that tiny baby was surrounded with smoke.

Is that right.
Is that part of our freedom in salvation?
This is surely slow murder

 

[DutchChristian]

a Christian smoking is not a good testimony for our Lord Jesus Christ.

i believe it is a form of (indirect) sin to smoke, you might not go to hell because of smoking but consider this: i used to smoke about a pack a day for a decade but when i got saved and Filled with The HOLY GHOST i felt The Lord Spoke to me to stop the smoking at once and so by Gods Grace i could stop the smoking on His Power and never touched a sigaret ever again!

Hallelujah Glory to GOD!

Now...
it is very easy to come under the bondage of such a thing as smoking..

1 Corinthians 6:
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

smoking creates a graving to it which is a physical bonding, smoke does not belong inside of His vessel it creates a bonding in the human body and lungue was never made for to smoke for our own pleasure in the first place But for us to be able to breathe! Smoke does not even belong naturally inside of the human body, that is why we caugh it out.

God Can Help you Stop smoking! He did that also for me and i used to smoke for many years heavily, and in one day GOD CUT IT OFF effortlessly! But you have to be firm, obedient and decisive because only a few days later the devil sent someone to my house with a present...

You might wonder what present? Well.. An old friend came along and he gave me the present of two packs of cigarettes just for me (just when i had resolved to quit a few days earlier by His Grace) that old tempter the devil will try and tempt you.

So a Christian smoking, you might ask yourself : smoking is that a good testimony for our Lord Jesus Christ?

'Hey look at him he says he is a Christian but he smokes all day...' or that can be other things as well like: 'hey our christian colleague he stole the other day from work!'

Is that a good testimony?

no that is not a good testimony for our Lord Jesus!

We Live as the ambassadors of Christ Jesus on this earth we are the Light of the world! We need to set the righteous example! So that people will know that we are different from the world!

God Gives the Power to overcome and to stop all the addictions, not only smoking but also with pornography , drinking and lust.. etc!

But you have to really want it and Cry out to HIM!

Prayer helps! Place all of your focus on Him! Surrender all to HIM! You need to be born again! and be Filled with The Holy Spirit! and be baptized.

It is all by His Power The Holy Spirit in us and that we become a new creature in Christ regenerated through faith in Him by His Grace and that the sin will be put to death thanks to our Lord Jesus! No more servant of sin! Now sometimes God Will Work in an instant on someone or sometimes it may take a while and The Holy Spirit Will Help and Show what things need to be dealt with. Sanctifictation amen. But why should we after that we have been Delivered and walk after The Spirit in the Newness of Life, pick up again a dead thing?

1 Corinthians 6:
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

can i smoke for my own pleasure through something that is the human body which is Gods Creation and Belongs Fully to Him and is not even my own to begin with but is Property of GOD Himself?

Romans 6:
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Jesus Christ Has Overcome! Let us Walk in it! By Total Surrender to Him!

Let us Abide in HIM!


Hallelujah Glory be to GOD!

Jesus Christ is The Lord!

PS i am not here to condemn my brothers and sisters who do smoke but i am not proud of it it is a bad testimony for The Lord Jesus!

Does the Police have any credibility to the public if many policemen who represent the Policeforce themselves were to smoke, cuss and be a drunkard, liar thief and a robber during on-duty and off-duty? What would that make the public to think... they would not take the Police much if any serious at all anymore!!

How much the more for us who represent GOD Himself !!!

Can a Christian mock God or blaspheme or can a christian together with co-workers at work laugh and make fun of others or gossip? Can a Christian visit the nightclubs and drink in excess where satan dwells? Can a Christian who calls himself by The Name of The Lord dwell in iniquity? NO So therefore let us stop doing anything that can make the world think negative of us Christians, in general we already have a bad reputation of being hypocrites many going to church on sunday but lying stealing and whoremonging on monday kind of thing...

Let us not be like that!

2 Timothy 2:
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the Name of Christ depart from iniquity.

If you do smoke or do sin like if you are in adultery or if you swear and cuss all the time please for the testimony of The Lord Jesus Christ and your brothers and sisters all over the world and His Name sake please stop it immediately.

We need to think about the testimony of our faith The Lord Jesus ion this earth, and in my opinion smoking does not glorify God in any way whatsoever it profits nothing only costs a lot of money and makes your health weaker and you will be prone to more diseases and sickness especially later on.

May GOD Help us all to live a clean and a unspotted holy life for Him at all times!

 

[DutchChristian]

I am 100% persuaded what goes into my body may well make me stupid...may even make me sick...but it cannot make me a sinner...

Dear sister,

That statement is error.

What about taking in cocaine and hallucinogens, mushrooms into your mouth (Pharmakeia) or a overdose of pills (suicide)? Or taking large amounts of alcohol (drunkard)?

That will make you sin. We are each responsible for our bodies that the Lord Has Given us. We are the temple of GOD when we are filled with The Holy Ghost and we are His vessels: if i damage my own body which is Fully His as it is Gods vessel, by taking in mind altering drugs or cocaine for example then that is sin.

What The Lord Spoke about is this: that our own words that which comes out of our own mouth can defile us BUT not our food or the method how we eat our food (with unwashen hands) as the hypocrites thought: Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. Matthew 15:2! The Pharisees thought the disciples did evil because they ate food with unwashen hands! BUT They were hypocrites not understanding the Lord Jesus and His disciples as Pharisees ritual and tradition of man always needed clean and washen hands before to eat etc with the whole ritual etc. They condemned the disciples because they did not wash their hands when they did eat bread. They just ate food but the Pharisees thought that eating with unwashen hands was sin and defiles a man.

But Jesus Said:

Matthew 15:
16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

This is talking about food only the context is that the Pharisees condemned the disciples because they were eating with unwashen hands! (Matthew 15:1-2!) and this is NOT talking about the things that is of satans poisonous sin "candy": sexual male to male contact, taking in of mind altering drugs / poison, cocaine, excessive alcohol (towards getting drunk and being drunk) or taking in hallucinogen mushrooms etc etc. Because taking in those inside through the mouth CERTAINLY CAUSES YOU TO BE A PARTAKER OF SIN 100% AND SO ALWAYS OF DEATH

Romans 6:
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God Bless you,
dutch

 

[Coconut]

Dear sister,

That statement is error.

What about taking in cocaine and hallucinogens, mushrooms into your mouth (Pharmakeia) or a overdose of pills (suicide)? Or taking large amounts of alcohol (drunkard)?

That will make you sin.

Dear Brother, your statement is in error.

Christ said nothing you put into your mouth makes you a sinner.

What part of "nothing" don`t you understand?

Some of you attempt to find fault with my message, because you do not understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let Gods word be true and every man a liar.

 

[revbrad]

What about taking in cocaine and hallucinogens, mushrooms into your mouth (Pharmakeia) or a overdose of pills (suicide)? Or taking large amounts of alcohol (drunkard)?

It is what these things cause a person to do that is the sin, it is what proceeds from the heart after putting them in your mouth.

You list alcohol but specify large amounts, if alcohol is sin it is sin in any amount. You specify large amounts because large amounts cause the person to sin., it causes the heart to act in an ungodly manner.

If God tells you not to smoke, don't smoke, but how does smoking cause the heart to act in an ungodly manner?

Sin is of and from the heart.

 

[DutchChristian]

Mark 7:
1 Then came together unto Him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
2 And when they saw some of His disciples eat bread*1 with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. *2

Question: What did they eat?
Answer:eat bread *1

Question: What was found fault by the Pharisees?
Answer: eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. *2

3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.*3
4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.*3

Question: Why was found fault by the Pharisees?
Answer: For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. ...except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. *3

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?*4

Question: What was the subject of the matter?
Answer: Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? *4

6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
14 And when He had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

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.
16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Question: What was the subject again?
Answer: Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? *4

17 And when He was entered into the house from the people, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.
18 And He saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?*5

Question: Was The Lord Jesus talking here about strong drink or psychotropic drugs?
Answer: No but only about food and bread: but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats *5

20 And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

So when The Lord Jesus Said: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Does not mean that you now can have a free license to just go ahead and eat drink and take in anything you want let's say drink away a whole bottle of wine, or participate in men with other men defilement, or eat rocks of cocaine! or eat psilocybin mushrooms just because Lord Jesus Said: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: GOD FORBID!

The Scripture is talking about eating bread with unwashen hands, that unlike the Pharisees did they had to have everything cleaned and washen hands before they ate!

i hope you understand that drinking a whole bottle of wine makes you drunk and someone who is drunk is named and called a drunkard and we should all know that no drunkard shall inherit The Kingdom of GOD!

1 Corinthians 6:
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

The context of this message can also be also found in Matthew 15:
1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

But to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man

17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

That is the subject! But the Pharisees were condemning the disciples because they ate not according to their rules and tradition of rituals of the washing of hands, but they themselves were hypocrites and defiled themselves out from their hearts/mouths!

The Lord Jesus Christ Reproved and Taught them.

And yes of course you can go ahead and freely eat food and of course it won't defile you and yes even a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities!

BUT we are to never abuse this God Given freedom by The Lord Jesus to just go ahead and instead participate in any sin! By putting things in your mouth that do not belong there And go about to drink away a bottle of strong drink a day just because you think the Scripture approves of it by your own understanding (because isn't that what The Lord Spoke about it) by your own 'self-suitable interpretation' and makes you think it might you get away with it BUT:

At the end of the day:

SIN = STILL SIN

The problem is when Scriptures are used to suit ourselves: let us eat so much that we become overweight, let us binge on alcohol and strong drink. Neither let us put something in our mouth that does not belong there just because Jesus Said: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Let us not abuse this freedom that The LORD Has Given us!

God Bless you,
dutch

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

It is what these things cause a person to do that is the sin, it is what proceeds from the heart after putting them in your mouth.

That is a good point worthy of expanding on.
A substance may remove the inhibition that causes fear of releasing or allowing to be seen what is already lodged deep down in the heart.
Inhibition may keep you alive long enough to receive(from Christ) a changed heart through Christ but it is at best just another sin management system.

If inhibition was removed from a clean,loving regenerated Christ dominated/domiciled heart then the person would probably just preach the gospel.