(There are two articles on this page)
"What Shall We Say Then?"
by Glendol McClure
Romans 6:1-2 says, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein?” What a foolish notion that we can preach about the grace of God and not address the subject of sin and salvation in Christ. A gospel preacher who was invited to hold a gospel meeting was asked by the preacher of the congregation inviting him what he thought about having the meeting in a neutral place and not mentioning the name of the church due to prejudice on the part of some denominational people. Question: Does the attitude this preacher exemplified by asking such a question share any likeness with the bold nature of Christ and His Apostles as they preached the gospel of Christ to a lost and dying world during the first-century church? Not at all! Consider the following questions:
“What shall we say then?” If a Jew is in the audience, shall we avoid preaching “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” because of the prejudice of Jews (I Corinthians 2:2)? “God forbid” – Mark. 8:38; Romans 1:16; 9:33; II Timothy 1:12.
“What shall we say then?” If a Muslim is in the audience, shall we avoid teaching on the Deity of Christ because of the prejudice of Muslims? “God forbid” – Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:17; I John 4:2-3, 15; 5:1.
“What shall we say then?” If members of denominations are in the audience, shall we expect the preacher to avoid preaching on the identity and purpose of the Lord’s church because the denominational world teaches, “one church is good as another,” or for fear of “embarrassing our visitors” or being accused of “blasting denominations”? “God forbid” – Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 2:21-22; 4:1-16; 5:22-33.
“What shall we say then?” If we have evolutionists or atheists in the audience, shall we avoid teaching that God exists and that He is the Creator of all things, because of the prejudice of evolutionists and atheists? “God forbid” – Genesis 1-2; Psalms 8:3-4; 40:5; 74:17; 95:5; 100:3; 104:24, 30; Isaiah 40:28; 43:7; John 1:3; Acts 17:24-29; Romans 1:19-20: Colossians 1:16.
“What shall we say then?” If immoral folks are in the audience, shall we avoid preaching “repentance for the remission of sins” because they may be prejudiced regarding certain moral issues as adultery, fornication, homosexuality and same-sex “marriages,” polygamy, pornography, use of tobacco, gambling (including playing the lottery), abortion, immodest dress (including wearing shorts that expose the thigh), drinking alcohol, stealing, lying, etc.? “God forbid” – Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Romans 1:21-32; I Corinthians 6:9-20; 7:1-2; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:28 Colossians 3:1-10; I Peter 4:1-4.
Well, “What shall we say then?” We must declare “ALL the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). We must “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2). If we seek to please men, we will not be the servants of Christ (Galatians 1:10). We must “speak the TRUTH in love” and teach all things commanded by God for man to do (Acts 10:33; Ephesians 4:15; Matthew 28:19-20; John 14:15, 21; 15:10;I John 5:1-3; Revelation 22:14). Now, what will YOU say then?
Recreational Marijuana Use
by Joe R. Price
Washington and Colorado have legalized the possession and use of marijuana. Is pot smoking harmless? Is it approved by God? Christians need the clear teaching of God’s word on the recreational use of marijuana.
Marijuana is still a banned substance under federal law. Unfortunately, the U.S. Justice Department has taken a hands-off approach to enforcement. More states are working to legalize it. Remember, just because man legalizes an action does not mean God approves it. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Marijuana harms those who use it. It is not harmless fun. “Marijuana smoke is actually more irritating to the mouth, throat, air passages, and lungs than tobacco smoke. What’s more, it contains 50 to 70 percent more cancer-provoking hydrocarbons. And pot-smokers tend to inhale deeply and hold their breath while smoking. As a result, long term marijuana users, like their tobacco-puffing counterparts, are at higher risk than the general population not only for chronic lung disease but also for cancer of the upper respiratory tract and lungs” (Perspectives on the Legalization of Marijuana, Focus on the Family). “Long term marijuana users are also known for developing a marked lack of motivation … Other research has linked marijuana use with poor overall job performance. This includes increased tardiness, absenteeism, accidents, and workers’ compensation claims” (Ibid). A Christian smoking pot is not pursuing “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (I Timothy 6:11). Smoking a “gateway drug” is not a godly example (I Timothy 4:12).
The purpose of recreational marijuana use is to become intoxicated. People smoke pot to “get high.” This can be likened to drinking to get “buzzed.” “Marijuana is a Schedule I hallucinogenic substance under the Washington Uniform Controlled Substances Act” (norml.org). People smoke pot for its “mood-altering, mind-altering” effects. The gospel says not to be drunk, high or buzzed, but to be sober-minded (Ephesians 5:18; I Peter 4:3; Titus 2:6). Intoxication of the mind is the main point of recreational marijuana use. Social pot-smoking, like social drinking, is against the will of God.