Drinking and Laughing

I have seen and heard a lot of Christians talking about alcohol, crude movies (even some that non-christians have avoided for crudeness), and talking coarsely about sex and drinking. I know for myself I often laugh, and or enjoy something, that if I later think more about I realize I probably should not have indulged. As a Christian I don't want to lead a brother or sister into sin, nor do I want to sin. My goal should be to glorify God and to lead others to him through my example.

Let me start by saying, I have an occasional drink and enjoy movies. The scripture tells us that Jesus turned water into wine, and of course the last supper has him drinking the cup and passing it to the disciples. The culture of his time would also dictate that one would just drink wine at a meal. so, if wine is unholy, then there is no way Jesus could have had it to drink, he is perfectly holy, so a drink in this case would mean he sinned against himself and his father's commands to be holy.

Now, take food for example. I like food, I need food. Jesus ate food. Food however, can be (key word, can) sinful if it is abused. In this example, over eating food to the point of excess, gluttony, is a sin. 

Paul tells us that all things are permissible, but not all things are good for us. Food, wine, beer, movies, all permissible, but not all good for us (1 Corinthians 10:23).  The point of the entire chapter of 1 Cor 10 is to do all things to the glory of God, whether that is eating or drinking, the reason you do those things ought to be so that God may be glorified.

Paul begins the chapter with some stern warnings to the people of Corinth (1 Cor 10:5). He is warning them that if they depart from God, God in his perfect justice and holiness will punish them with death. He reminds them that this is no new thing, but that God has always throughout history punished those who do evil, and especially those who do evil while claiming to be God's people. See the Old Testament if you need more convincing.

Is a movie bad? In and of itself, not necessarily (although many are). But what is the movie leading you to do? Maybe you are a strong person and not easily influenced. While that is good, the scripture is clear that bad company corrupts good morals. So if we go regularly to the company of immoral movies, whether at home or the theatre, we will in one way or another be influenced and brought into the things that are portrayed. If that is drunkenness, harlotry,  gambling, murder, etc and we enjoy the movie, we are in some way partaking of the sin.

Here is what the Bible says regarding drinking wine or in this case watching a movie or talking coarsely:

Ephesians 5:1-21

1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.

 8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

   "Wake up, O sleeper,

      rise from the dead,

   and Christ will shine on you."

 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

from <http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5&version=NIV>  emphasis is mine.

As Christians we are commanded to be as holy as God. That doesn't mean we always will be, but that is why Jesus died for us. That said, the command still stands and we must obey it. If we willfully disobey, then we deserve nothing but God's wrath. He is merciful, and gives freely to all who hear his voice and turn from their sins. But as Jesus said to many of those he healed. Go and sin no more.

Please prayerfully consider what is being said by the apostle in this passage. Ask God to show you the motives of your heart. Ask him to drive out any sinful desires, and to give you a heart of flesh that beats for him.  There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is death. Be filled with the spirit.

With prayers, and concern for your soul, your friend,

Rocky

Do Christians Have Feelings?

Think back my Christian friend to the last time you felt close to God. What did it feel like, can you even remember? No doubt there was joy, peace, clarity of mind, commitment to service. Where are those feelings now? Was it just youthful Christian zeal that has now given way to learned stoic faith? How do you feel about God? He has feelings about you.

These brief thoughts flow from the book I am going through with the high school class. The book is titled, Feelings and Faith, and it was written by Brian S. Borgman. I recommend it. http://feelingsandfaith.com/

Please don't die

Ezekiel 18:31-32

It doesn't matter how much you have done wrong. Starting now live for God. He will forgive you if you leave off sinning and start living right. His son, Jesus, made a way for your mistakes, your evil deeds to be forgiven. Will you accept this forgiveness and live? If you look for him you will find him.


- Rocky

What is a Christian? Does it even matter?

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. - 1 Peter 2:24

What is a Christian? I think the first question is why does it even matter? Do we need to be saved, and if so from what?

The verse above tell us that He (Jesus) bore our sins. So lets start with that. What are our sins? Sin is simply defined as any breaking off from God's law, whether by deed or by thought.

Many of can say we keep God's law outwardly. That is, we don't kill people and we don't do drugs. But what of this idea that our thoughts even condemn us? We are told by Jesus that if we just lust after a woman in our minds we are guilty of adultery, or if we are angry with another without good cause, we are guilty of murder.

Let's expand on this concept. Have you ever been driving down the road and been cut off by someone? What was your reaction? Did you respond kindly in word and deed? What about in thought? Yes, they cut you off and that is rude, but what was your response? Did you kill them with your mind?

Now let's consider our outward deeds. Do you know any of the 10 commandments? Here are a few:

1. You shall have no other God's before me.
4. Remember the Sabaath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.

Of these three which have you broken? Where were you last Sunday? Church? Football game? Sleeping? Working? If Sunday is now the Lord's Day, then what should be done on that day?
What about your parents? Have you ever talked back to them? I am willing to bet that all of us at some point have disobeyed our parents. Think back to highschool.....

So, we are guilty of breaking God's laws. If not in deed at least in thought. And if we are guilty then God tells us that the punishment is eternal punishment in Hell. Since we are guilty of breaking his laws, then we are deserving of the punishment that he tells us will come to those who break his commands.