Welcome the Weak
How should we live in the gray matters of life • Sermon • Submitted
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· 10 viewsLearning how to navigate where the bible is silent or non-commital
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1 Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, and he gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
My young wife was being taught some things about being a first lady
My wife was bright eyed and excited to learn
My wife was told that she was to never wear pants in the church
My wife left a little maligned yet she did everything she could to fulfill that mandate
My wife now has a brace which precludes her from wearing a skirt. I have not seen her in a skirt for 3 years now.
where did the saints who mean well get this philosophy from? This has been passed down through the years. I don’t know if I ever remember a time when my sister wore a pare of dress pants/slacks to church growing up. It was unheard of
Where did this come from?
5 “A woman is not to wear male clothing, and a man is not to put on a woman’s garment, for everyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord your God.
Seems pretty straightforward!!! Only is it?
According to this text neither Male or Female’s should wear jeans or dress slacks because they did not exist then. And in ancient time both the man and the woman wore long dresses.
The Bible in the this text is giving a principle. As culture changes Men and women’s clothing will be defined. As rule dress according to your gender is the principle. In Global Culture a woman wearing slacks, or jeans does not have the connotation of her dressing manly. A woman can be very feminine in jeans or slacks.
Watch how people cherry pick the OT
19 “You are to keep my statutes. Do not crossbreed two different kinds of your livestock, sow your fields with two kinds of seed, or put on a garment made of two kinds of material.
Intro:
Intro:
Stats about the Virus among Evangelical Christians and Vaccinations:
in February 45% of Evangelical Christian said they would not get the Vaccination
In May of 2021 40% of White Evangelical Christian said they would not get Vaccinated
Only 30% of the people are Vaccinated in the state of Florida. 70% is needed to get to Herd Immunity
Reason cited by Evangelicals for not getting the Vaccine;
The Government is not in control of me or my freedom
We are creations of God so therefore will do what wants us to do rather than the government
We will exercise our Religious Freedom and trust in God for our health.
I know aborted Fetal cells are involved in these vaccines
Getting the Vaccine is the start of the end times.
Christian should only be using Natural Homeopathic Methods of healing the body
Getting Covid-19 grants you immunity against the Virus
Bill Gates is using the Vaccination to track people
The Vaccination is a ploy to get you to connect Biochemically to 5g cell towers.(If you own a cell phone you are already connected to cell towers.
The Vaccination can cause infertility in women
People have died after taking the Vaccine
The Vaccine could be used to Kill off Minorities.
Stephanie Nana, an evangelical Christian in Edmond, Okla., refused to get a Covid-19 vaccine because she believed it contained “aborted cell tissue.”
Nathan French, who leads a nondenominational ministry in Tacoma, Wash., said he received a divine message that God was the ultimate healer and deliverer: “The vaccine is not the savior.”
Lauri Armstrong, a Bible-believing nutritionist outside of Dallas, said she did not need the vaccine because God designed the body to heal itself, if given the right nutrients. More than that, she said, “It would be God’s will if I am here or if I am not here.”
What does the Bible Say about this very serious and personal choice?
How do we navigate these kinds of decision where the Bible is relatively quiet about it?
Let me lay a little bit of foundation:
My Intent is not disparage, clown, or discourage folks who have decided not to get the Vaccine or those who choose to get it. My intent is provide some biblical principles of how to work through issues where the bible is relatively quiet:
Biblical Absolutes: Sexual Immorality, Greed, Murder, Sowing Discord, Lying, Deceitfulness. These are places that the Bible has spoken unequivocally. These are places where I feel comfortable on Sunday Morning saying these things are not only wrong for me, but you as well......
Wisdom Issues/Personal Conviction: Playing Cards, Drinking Alcohol, Celebrating Holidays, Personal Medical Decision(Jehovah Witness considered it sin to get blood transfusion)(Christian using CBD or Marijuana to help with pain), Celebration of Religious Holy Days, Modesty or Dress for Woman, Dating as Christian, Diet(Meat vs. Vegetables)(Pork vs. Fish)(Clean vs Unclean), Hymns vs Contemporary Music.......These are issues where I have conviction about but I am not comfortable telling you that you need to believe the way I do or somehow your faith is deficient or you are being disobedient.
Whole Denomination have split over Wisdom Issues or Personal Conviction. The Seven Day Adventist are a separate denomination over Saturday Worship & Food Laws.
This is a very Important Sermon. I will tell you why? Satan is crafty at causing us to Minimize Biblical Absolutes and Maximize Wisdom Issues or Personal Conviction.
More Concerned with what day People Worship on than the Fact they are at Worship.
More Concerned about peoples Food but Personally committing sexual immorality.
Paul dealt with these kinds of issues in the church at Corinth and the church at Rome.
We will be dealing with both of these text over the next several weeks, but our foundation will be the passage in Romans
Always: Unity of the Body must supersede our own personal conviction. We must not use your freedom or restrictions as an excuse to cause any division in the body
Always: Unity of the Body must supersede our own personal conviction. We must not use your freedom or restrictions as an excuse to cause any division in the body
I. The Problem
I. The Problem
1 Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables.
1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
(Exe)(v.1) “Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters”
(v.1) Paul gives us our first indicator of the problem by showing us one part of the issue. He says “as for the one who is weak in faith”
It is imperative that we determine what Paul meant by “weak in faith”
Does he mean they got less faith than others? or that there is something deficient about their faith?
(v.1) “As for one who is weak in faith, “Welcome him”
Paul tells us that the weakness of this individuals faith should not keep them from being accepted into the covenant community.
Clearly Paul is directing this message to the stronger more mature believer. He tells them to “Welcome those who are weak in faith”
Paul is setting up the dominant principle of this text. Those who have freedom in their conscience bear the responsibility of helping those who are “weak in faith”
What did Paul mean by “weak in faith”? this verbiage seems a little harsh
We need to take a look at another text where Paul is dealing with similar issues to determine what he means when he says “weak in faith”:
1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by him. 4 About eating food sacrificed to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”—6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him. 7 However, not everyone has this knowledge. Some have been so used to idolatry up until now that when they eat food sacrificed to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not bring us close to God. We are not worse off if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat. 9 But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone sees you, the one who has knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, won’t his weak conscience be encouraged to eat food offered to idols? 11 So the weak person, the brother or sister for whom Christ died, is ruined by your knowledge. 12 Now when you sin like this against brothers and sisters and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ.
(v.7) “Their weak conscience, being weak, is defiled”
(v.9) “be careful that this right of yours does not become a stumblingblock to the weak”
(v.10) “weak conscience be encouraged”
(v.11) “So the weak person”
(v.12) “wound those with a weak conscience”
Explain the issue: (v.7) Explain’s it well
It is safe to conclude when Paul says “weak in faith” he does not mean this in a negative way. He is simply trying to communicate this person “faith” is still in its infancy stages and like a baby it needs to be cared for and some sensitivity needs to be extended to them.
1 Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters.
(v.1) “Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters”
(v.1) Based on the grammar of this text it seems as if Paul is still putting the onus on the more mature believer to not spend time arguing about “dispute matters”
Disputed matters-CSB & NIV
Opinions-NASB & ESV
Doubtful Things-NKJV, KJV & HCSB
It is imperative that we understand this phraseology.
What does Paul mean by Disputable matters/Opinions?
Disputable matters are those things and areas the ultimately have no bearing on his or her maturity.
The text says “but don’t argue about disputed matters” Paul is telling the strong welcome in the weaker brother but not for the purpose of debating
This a person who does not know how to distinguish between Spiritual Principles and Personal Convictions. They are not spiritually mature enough to separate the two so they judge all things they personally feel convicted about as Spiritual Principles.
2 One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables.
5 One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind.
(EXE)(v.2) “One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables”
(EXE)(v.5) “One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same”
Explain and Summarize: You have a blended church with Jewish and Gentile Christians. The Jewish converts though saved and converted had trouble detaching themselves from the OT ceremonial law. From the celebration of the Jewish holidays to the keeping of the OT food laws. The conscience would not allow them violate any of the traditions from which they grew up in.
know Interestingly the writer of this letter Paul was also a Jewish Convert but he had matured past the OT traditions and had learned to apply his new faith correctly to contemporary issues.
Summarize the Problem:
There seems to be some disunity in this church as Gentile Christian walking in the freedom they have in Christ and not according to the OT Law were beefing with Jewish Converts still still trying to follow OT customs and in some ways trying to impose those customs on Gentile Converts.
2 One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables.
(EXE)(v.2) “One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables”
(v.1-2) Paul in verse one tells the strong to welcome the Weak. Those who’s conscience is still very sensitive to sin. He also tells the strong to not argue with the weak on matters of the conscience(personal conviction). Interestingly Paul starts this teaching portion of scripture by first telling them the conclusion and then he goes into a detailed set of points and counterpoints to argue his initial premise. Paul is like a lawyer giving his final summation or closing argument.
He tells us in (v.2) what the problem is:
One group “the strong”: Believes all foods are good and are meant to be enjoyed in moderation
Second group “the weak”: Believes meat and food sacrificed to idols should not be consumed
The Conscience of the weak is being seared or hardened because they believe ‘the strong” are in sin.
Paul writes Romans in part to deal with this stalemate in the church. Because for Paul the unity of the body supersede personal freedom.
Open the doors of the church
Open the doors of the church
“Let each one be convinced”
“Let each one be convinced”
Part II
Part II
II. The Solution
II. The Solution
3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, and he gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Intro:
Intro:
Play video
Observation
He claimed the men and women are bound by modesty laws, but the video focused on the women
He claimed that dress is a heart issue but then he dressed all the women in the video with what he determined was modest.
The Video conclusion it is a woman’s job to subdue the Lust of man. Leaving the man as a weak participant caught in the web of this female temptress
We quoted Proverbs 6, which talks about the female prostitute. Clearly in the case of a prostitute or porno star the game enticement. But all women are not engaging in that type of lifestyle. So that text does not apply to the young girl who likes to wear stylist clothes but is not interested in enticing men to sleep with her.
Point: There are many place where God in his word has left things blank but the church has taken it upon itself to fill in the blanks.
Review:
Review:
(v.1) Paul tells “the strong” those who understand their freedom in Christ you are too Welcome in “the weak” you are not encourage them and not allow cliques to develop with “The Strong” in one group and “The weak” in another group
(v.2) Paul tells us the problem One person eats everything from the rooter to the tooter and the other person is a vegetarian. The freedom of the strong is causing strife with the restriction of “the weak”
Paul calls them “the weak” not because something is wrong with them, but because their conscience is still being sharpened and molded by the spirit so they are very sensitive to certain things and their true heart intent is they do not want to sin.
(v.1) Paul puts this issue in the category of a disputable matter: Theologian use a greek word to describe this issue: Adiaphorism, (from Greek adiaphora, “indifferent”), in Christian theology, the opinion that certain doctrines or practices in morals or religion are matters of indifference because they are neither commanded nor forbidden in the Bible.
In your Christian walk you must continue to grow in the word so that you can discern the difference between “Disputable matters & Biblical Absolutes”
Food laws & Observation of Special Days are considered disputable matters
Transition statement: Paul then moves from the problem to the solution by giving us some questions and logical deduction to consider
Transition statement: Paul then moves from the problem to the solution by giving us some questions and logical deduction to consider
3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him.
(Exe-v.3) Explanation of Eating & Drinking:
Those of you who have a decent understanding of OT food laws will notice that some of these Jewish Christian had conviction that ran deeper than went further than what the OT prescribed. The group of people Paul describes as “weak” in this text did not eat meat nor did they drink wine. Let me start off by saying first their vegetarianism was not for health reason it had religious implication.
Why did this group of Jewish Christian have a lifestyle that was even more stringent than the Law required?
At least two theories have merit:
1st Theory: The Jewish people of the Diaspora wanted to separate themselves from Gentiles so they followed a diet similar to what Daniel followed in Babylon reasoning that Daniel had the proper attitude towards the delicacies of the ancient gentile world, which was seperation
2nd Theory: Pure desperation. Some commentaries reason that because of the sparse population of Jewish People in ancient gentile lands it would have been hard for truly Jewish people to avoid eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. They feared even accidently eating meat sacrificed to idols so they just went vegan to avoid this problem. You see this problem in 1 Corinthians 8:
Conclusion: the 2nd Theory sounds most plausible to me but it may have been a combination of both. Whatever the reason. This group of believers in the church of Rome were seriously convicted about diet
The Strong Group did not have any of these objections about food at all. They eat everything from the rooter to the tooter. Paul placed himself in this group.
5 One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind.
(Exe-v.5) Explanation of Special Days
The Weak believers that new Christians should still be observing the Jewish Holidays: Passover, Sabbath, Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Purim, Feast of Booths
The Strong did not put any value in special days but generally believed that everyday is is a special day to God and should be dedicated to him.
The Strong recognized that God owns the days an that all claims to Holy Days or Pagan Days must submit to his Lordship.
SIdenote: All of the Jewish Holidays and Feast pointed to Christ. He is the fulfillment of all the Holidays. Passover was the apex of all the feast. When Christ Died as the Passover Lamb it made the feast obsolete because he was the final lamb the needed to be slain. If Passover is obsolete then every Jewish Holiday is as well.
16 Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.
The Solution
The Solution
3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him.
(Exe-v.3) “One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat”
(v.3) Paul immediately goes to “The Strong” and says do not look down(show contempt)
That word Contempt means: To scorn, make fun of, and demean.
Clearly the Strong seemed to be clowning “the weak” because of their restriction. They look down on them for their lack of growth and knowledge in this area. They essentially exalted themselves over “the weak”
(Exe-v.3) “One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does”
(v.3) “and one who does not eat must not judge one who does” It is imperative that we realize Paul uses another word. He does not say the weak show contempt he says the weak have the tendency to “Judge”
Judge-Condemn, Right off, Reject.
Paul says to those of you who believe everyone else is not following the Bible Correctly “Tone it down” stop condemning folks based on “disputable Matters”
(Exe-v.3) “One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does because God has accepted him”
(v.3) Paul gives his seal of approval from God to both the Strong and the Weak brother in this text.
4 Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind.
(Exe-v.4-5) “4 Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand.”
(v.4) “Paul starts by asking a question “who are you to judge another’s household servant?” Paul sets the table for an excellent Analogy or Illustration. He uses something familiar to these folks in the ancient world. Rich people during these times had household servants who worked at the behest of the Master of the House.
(v.4) “Before his own Lord he stands or falls” Paul says those household servants that work at 202 Romans Rd in the city of Rome have a Master they must answer to. This Master sets the rule for how they are to function. You are not in a position give any orders to anyone based on your standards because they have a Master.
Yall could imagine going into one of your friends house on a Saturday while they do family chores and telling your friend I don’t think boys should mop the floor so therefore he needs to stop.
I was reading about a couple who had been married for like 75 years and were still living in their 90s, the journalist ask them “What is the secret of your union???!” I love these kinds of articles because I can glean some insight. I know the Journalist was waiting for this profound mystery! What is the secret of your success. The wife took time and composed herself and said “Learn how to mind your business!” Boy I died laughing!! Yall think about though. If you only got involved in people lives based on Explicit Sin issues in the Bible and issues of personal conviction you let people figure things out. You will probably live to 90 as well...
(Exe-v.5) “5 One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind”
(Exe-v.5) Paul makes it clear in this text. Both the strong & weak are not mind their own business. And let Each one be fully convinced in his own mind.
6 Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, and he gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
(v.6-9)Paul is saying the The Strong in his freedom can be dedicated to the Lord, and the weak brother in his restriction can be equally dedicated to the Lord!!!
(v.10-12) Reminder Text: Paul reminds the believers at Rome via two question: Why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why you do despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgement seat of God. (v.11) For it is written, As I live says the Lord every knee will bow to me and every tongue will give praise to God. (v.12) So them, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Application
Application
Paul tells both the Strong and the Weak to spend more time working out their own salvation than monitoring the behavior of their brother in Christ.
Pauls say to the Strong if you are free enjoy your freedom in Christ, but don’t look down on those who feel restricted with any sense of disdain or contempt because of the freedom you enjoy.
Paul says to the weak if you feel convicted by disputable matters then restrict yourself to the glory of God, but do not condemn others who don’t share your conviction.
Part III
Part III
Sermon Title: Pursue what promotes Peace
Sermon Title: Pursue what promotes Peace
13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean. 15 For if your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and receives human approval. 19 So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. 20 Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make someone fall by what he eats. 21 It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. 22 Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.
III. The Reason
III. The Reason
13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister.
(Exe-v.13) “Therefore, let us no longer judge on another”
This is fourth time Paul emphatically commands this:
(v.3), (v.4), (v.10) and then in (v.13)
Why is Paul being so redundant in this command? (We get it Paul, “Do not judge”)
Theory: Paul understands Human nature. Paul knows that when the church starts to become “judgmental” on disputable matters it will ceased to be a church and will become a country club. Whereby only certain people can get based on an unbiblical criteria.
(v.13) “Therefore, let us no longer judge on another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister”
(v.13) Paul says to the both Parties “the Strong & the Weak” Make a decision to not be Stumbling-block, or pitfall in the path of your brother or sister.
Stumbling-block: In an intentional roadblock put in the way of a traveler
Pitfall: This is an intentional trap set to catch animals
Paul uses both of these methods/tools to describe what happens when the church becomes overly critical on “disputable matters”
In this case I think Paul is putting the onus on those that “our Strong” to hold the unity of the body together.
14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean.
(Exe-v.14) “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean”
(v.14) Paul says “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus”
I know and am persuaded-Both “know and persuaded” are in the perfect tense, which means “A completed past act the has continued implication”
Paul is essentially saying I have done the research and have come to a settled unchangeable conclusion that:
“Nothing is unclean in itself”
What Paul is not saying: Paul is not saying there some things that are not unclean. Clearly doing drugs, Drinking alcohol, sexual immorality are all unclean things.
What Paul is saying? what is the context. The subject matter is Special Days and Food
Paul tells us what side of the argument he agrees with(The Strong). And let’s not forget Paul is writing under the inspiration of the HS and he says this “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus” Paul attaches the Lord Jesus to this conclusion.
Application: Saints what Paul is saying is that OT food laws like the sacrificial system of Israel has been done away with. He is saying “No Food” is unclean. Saints I have to stress this because I have had loving debates with multiple people who claim to be Christians who will argue to they are blue in the face saying that the church should be following the OT law as it pertains to Food laws.
16 Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ. 18 Let no one condemn you by delighting in ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm. Such people are inflated by empty notions of their unspiritual mind.
I want to digress real quick to make a salient point:
Romans 14 is describing “the weak” these are baby immature christian who are trying to grow and think by restricting themselves they will grow closer to the Lord. Their motives are pure but their methods are wrong. They have a heart for the Lord. They just need to grow
Col 2:16-18: This text is not describing that same kind of “person from Romans” in Gal & Col Paul is dealing with Pseudo Believers who are stirring up the body by questioning the Salvation and adding requirements to salvation before folks could be a part of the body of christ.
In Galatians it was circumcision:
1 For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. 3 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to do the entire law.
So we see in Gal & Col and surrounding areas a group of “Judiazers” were trying to force new Gentile believers to follow the custom of the OT nation of Israel. Notice the issues:
In Gal-Circumcision which was required in the OT for Gentile Prostelytes
In Col-OT dietary Laws and the celebration of the Jewish Holidays, and observation of the Sabbath.
Paul has harsh words for those who turn people away from the freedom in Christ found in the New Covenant back to the Old Covenant which is insufficient in bringing salvation.
16 Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ. 18 Let no one condemn you by delighting in ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm. Such people are inflated by empty notions of their unspiritual mind.
(v.16) Paul says don’t let folks have you feeling guilty about laws and commandments that I have already freed you from. All of those things point to Christ he is the fulfillment of them
(v.18) Let no one condemn by calling your salvation or sanctification into question because they seem to live “an ascetic” very disciplined lifestyle living on just the bare minumum of food and clothing. Always claiming to have this special relationship to God because of their lifestyle making you believe your faith is less than their’s. Watch Paul at the end: “Such people are inflated by empty notions of their unspiritual mind” This is Paul way of saying “They ain’t nothing but a whole lot of hot air!!!”
What to do when someone ask you if you are keeping the OT laws as a Christian?
Ask them “Are you!?”
If they say “Yes” them tell them they are more spiritual than Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, and the Prophets!
Despite all of their best efforts they all failed to keep the OT law.
15 For if your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died.
(v.15) Paul says to the “Strong” if your freedom is affecting the conscience of others in the body and you continue to flaunt that freedom you are not longer behaving in love.
(v.15) “Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died” Paul is clear in this text. You don’t have the right to deconstruct the work of the Spirit in the heart of a person by flaunting or criticizing the faith journey of someone based on your own Personal Conviction. You better learn real quick from the word what’s wrong or right before you go around being the Church Security Guard.
16 Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and receives human approval.
(v.16) Paul says there are times that your freedom(good) can bring about the slander of the Word of God. If your freedom leads folks away from Christ then it can serve to do damage to the Gospel
(v.17) Paul the kingdom of God is not “The Retention of your Right’s” but the exercising of your righteousness and the fruits of the spirt(Peace, Joy in the HS)
John Mac goes back to indoor church despite injunction against large indoor church gatherings
State of CA sues the Church.
Church worships without following social distancing and mask mandates. Even stating we will take our makes off and sing to the Lord
Covid goes through the church and the Pastor gets Covid in Dec of 2020. They fail to report these numbers to the State of CA
Church wins lawsuits against the state and county. State has to pay church 400,000 and County has to pay 400,000 The church calls this a monumental win as Pastor Stands up to the state and wins.
in a letter to supporters of the John MacArthur Charitable Trust, obtained by The Los Angeles Times, MacArthur called the settlement a “monumental victory” and said “there is no circumstance that can cause the church to close. The church is not only a building but is the bride of Christ and exists to proclaim the truth.”
Based on what you know about scripture now, was this really a win?
This played out in #1 most populous state in America CA.
Instead of Churches being known for helping mitigate the loss of life his church defied the government mandate, which was his right based on the 1st amendment of the US.
But here is the caveat CA only banned indoor worship of large gatherings. Not just for the church but for all large venues. They did not prohibit outside Worship. This church is located in a place with a Tropical Climate.
This was not a case of religious persecution it was a case of a church demanding it’s rights to worship the way they wanted too. And they flaunted that freedom by removing mask and sitting right next to each other in a 5000 congregation church.
A church of this size should have called the governor personally and asked What can we do to help. Only that won’t happen because the governor is a bleeding Liberal.
Who cares about politics at this point. The Death count is at 680,000 and rising.
The American Evangelical is Fighting Feverishly to Retain their rights and making a mockery of the very Gospel they claim to be fighting for.
Paul is telling us that Christians should be know by our willingness to suspend a right for the greater good of society. and or the good of our other brothers’ and sisters in Christ in who is trying to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
19 So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. 20 Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make someone fall by what he eats. 21 It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. 22 Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.
1 Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves.
Paul Sermon Conclusion:
Paul Sermon Conclusion:
(v.19) Paul let us “Pursue” this in the present tense meaning something we do daily! This word was used to describe an army running down it’s enemy. Paul says we are to “Pursue” Peace in the local church in the same way an army chases down it’s enemy
(v.20) Paul again commands the body of Christ “Do not tear down” God’s work because of food. In other words you may be free to do something according to the world and the word but that does not mean you should particularly if it affects someone’s faith.
(v.21) Paul calls us to a higher standard right here “it is a good(righteous) thing for you to restrict or suspend a right if what you are doing causes someone to fall(other brother or sister in christ) or slander(unbeliever) in the world.
(v.22) As a rule “keep your personal conviction” personal. If you go somewhere and someone offers you something that you are personally convicting not to do “Just say no thank you!” they did not ask you for a 4-point sermon why enjoying a glass of wine is wrong. If they ask explain your personal conviction make sure you tell them “ITS PERSONAL”
1 Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
I dont’ know why they put the brake of the chapters right here instead of after these two verses. It is clear these two verses are apart of the previous chapter notice what Paul says:
(v.1) Paul calls “The Strong” which were the folks he was talking about in the previous chapter. He tells them you have “an obligation” in other words this is your reasonable to service to God “to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves” We are to walk with the weak or immature on their journey treating them like a patient that is recovering from a bullet wound to the back. They are just getting their christian legs under them. Let them keep growing before you weigh them down and let them work out their own Personal Conviction. “CARRY THEM”
(v.2) Because “The Strong’s” primary goal is not “eating, drinking, and enjoyment” it is the Edification of those that they do life with!!!
Part IV
Part IV
Field Training 101
Field Training 101
Intro:
Intro:
John Mac Video
83% of Dem want full equality for Homosexuals
54% of Republican want full equality for Homosexuals
Problem with the video:
John Mac has the right to encourage folks to vote a certain way based on his personal convinction
John Mac does not have the right to make political decision a litmus test for Salvation. why?
There are christians at many levels of growth in a Church:
Baby
Teenagers
Young men
Fathers
Old men
John Mac has so much influence that those who he as affected will go around preaching the Gospel plus Republicanism
Question to ask yourself as you face Tough Decision
Question to ask yourself as you face Tough Decision
It is Sinful?
Implicitly-Something not mentioned but still sinful
Explicitly-Something mentioned very plainly
Does it negatively affect a fellow believer?
Does it affect your testimony at Unbelievers
Does it go against your Conscience?
Is it Unwise?
Often Unwise decision can lead to sinful outcomes to get out of the decision
Scenario #1-Gambling, Betting or Lottery
Scenario #1-Gambling, Betting or Lottery
Scenario #2-Home School vs Public
Scenario #2-Home School vs Public
Scenario #3-Women Working outside of the home
Scenario #3-Women Working outside of the home
Scenario #4-Vaccine
Scenario #4-Vaccine
I. Gambling
I. Gambling
OT example
OT example
8 As the men prepared to go, Joshua commanded them to write down a description of the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, write a description of it, and return to me. I will then cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the Lord.” 9 So the men left, went through the land, and described it by towns in a document of seven sections. They returned to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh. 10 Joshua cast lots for them at Shiloh in the presence of the Lord where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions.
30 We will not give our daughters in marriage to the surrounding peoples and will not take their daughters as wives for our sons. 31 When the surrounding peoples bring merchandise or any kind of grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or a holy day. We will also leave the land uncultivated in the seventh year and will cancel every debt. 32 We will impose the following commands on ourselves: To give an eighth of an ounce of silver yearly for the service of the house of our God: 33 the bread displayed before the Lord, the daily grain offering, the regular burnt offering, the Sabbath and New Moon offerings, the appointed festivals, the holy things, the sin offerings to atone for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. 34 We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our ancestral families at the appointed times each year. They are to bring the wood to our God’s house to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the law.
Explanation of the “Casting of Lots”: Casting of Lot
Joshua-Joshua cast lots to determine the distribution of the lands to the 12 tribes. The Israelites believed that God would work through the casting of lots. In other words they used “lots” to determine the will of God
Nehemiah-Nehemiah casted lots to determine which family would bring wood to burn on the altar of God.
NT Examples
NT Examples
Casting of Lots for Jesus clothing at the cross
Casting of lots to determine which disciple would replace Judas
THE HISTORY OF GAMBLING IN ANCIENT GREECE
December 11, 2020
Modern forms of gambling can be traced back to many ancient cultures, from China to Egypt and beyond.
Yet, the truth is that ancient Greece played a bigger part in the development of modern forms of gambling than most places.
A Look at the Origins of Gambling in Greece
You wouldn’t expect casinos with the highest payout slot machines, but Ancient Greece had their own means of placing wagers.
Gambling games based on throwing dice and tossing coins have been mentioned in some ancient Greek books and stories. Some sources suggest the game of poker may also have begun here, although others think that it was first played in China or Persia.
What can’t be denied is that gambling was hugely popular in this culture, with special places where gamblers could go to place some bets. We can see it in sculptures and paintings too, with people betting on fights and races.
Interestingly, the Gods Hermes and Pan are both said to have placed wagers, while Zeus, Poseidon and Hades decided how to split up the world by drawing straws. Yet, some Greek philosophers were against gambling and thought that it would damage civilization if left unchecked.
Some of the Most Popular Games
One of the games that is often mentioned as being popular in the olden days in Greece is Heads and Tails. This was first played with shells, before the introduction of coins made it easier to gamble on which side would end up facing upwards.
Examples of Jesus lauding the investment of resources as sound financial planning:
Examples of Jesus lauding the investment of resources as sound financial planning:
14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
Jesus in this Parable is lauding or praising the stewards who took their resources and used them to gain more resources. In an indirect way Jesus is implying that investing your money is sound financial planning.
401K, IRA, and 403B are low-risk investement
Lottery and Casino are high-risk investement
Neither are explicitly sinful in the bible.
11 Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle, but whoever earns it through labor will multiply it.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
5 Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.
Question to ask ourselves:
Is it Sinful
Explicitly -NO
Implicitly-NO
Does it negatively affect a fellow believer-Strong possiblity
According to the custom of the culture you reside in would this behavior be largely consider sin and do damage to your testimony-Strong Possibility(Gambling is associated with loose living)
Does it go against your conscience? In other words while you are doing it are you justifying your behavior at the same time?
Is it unwise-
Investment accounts are usually intended to provide a standard of living for you when you pass the working age.
Investment accounts are increase little by little based on compound interest.
Casino thrive on get rich quick mentalities(Quick money usually leaves quick, slow money usually stays around longer)
Casino are driven by the premise we get rich while you remain poor.
There are certain games in the Casino driven by skill(Poker & Blackjack) rather than raw luck like(Roulette &
II. Where you going to School? Home School(Private) vs Public
II. Where you going to School? Home School(Private) vs Public
Family Driven Faith by Voddie B. Voddie was calling for a wholesale exodus of Christian who attend public school based on what he determined was a departure from Moral Ethical Education into a immoral abyss. It was largely based on the premise of this book.
4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
1 In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it. 2 The Lord handed King Jehoiakim of Judah over to him, along with some of the vessels from the house of God. Nebuchadnezzar carried them to the land of Babylon, to the house of his god, and put the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 The king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility—4 young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the Chaldean language and literature.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. 4 Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
The Bible does not settle the argument of Homeschool/Private School vs Public
The Bible does prescribe a principles that can be applied to both Private School Kids and Public School kids. And that is the Parents should be the primary disciple’s of their children not the Pastor, Youth Pastor or the their Headmaster.
Question to ask ourselves:
Question to ask ourselves:
Is it sinful(to send your children to public school)
Explicitly-NO
Implicitly-Possible if your kids are not to the maturity level to experience what they are being exposed to at school(this is on a case by case basis)
Does it negatively affect a fellow believer-possible
Does it affect your Testimony to Unbelievers-No our culture does not view going to public school as sinful
Does it go against your Conscience-
Is it unwise
Could be if your local public school is poorly run and your child will be exposed to gross sin at too young an age.
Could also be unwise to shelter your children for too long by not allowing them to associate with people in the world so that when they get old they are ill-equipped to engage, or defend themselves as young adults
If all Christian at this moment remove their children from the public setting how will children in the world come to Christ and be exposed to the Gospel. I am sorry but one of the most effective means of the Gospel is to be exposed to the Gospel by people you see everyday. A teacher, and another Student who loves Jesus.
III. I’m every Woman
III. I’m every Woman
Young women are to be workers at home…workers at home. What does that mean? That means what it says, workers at home, home workers. God must have written that for our day when millions and millions and millions of women are working mothers outside the home. Millions of them have young children. In fact, the statistics of the number of women who work outside the home and have children under three is staggering; it’s something like a third of all mothers with children under three work outside the home.
You wonder why there are delinquents? This is a very fascinating term, workers at home, oikourgos from ergo, to work; and oikos, home, work at home. Your task is at home. A woman’s task, a woman’s work, a woman’s employment, a woman’s calling is to be at home.
I mentioned 1 Timothy 5:14, “I want younger widows,” of course implied here, but it touches then all women, “to get married, younger women, get married,” that’s where I got my introduction. Get married! Bear children! You hate this: Keep house! That’s what it says. Get married, bear children, keep house and give the enemy no cause, no occasion for reproach. A married woman is in a safer place, a more spiritually beneficial place, a more protected place. She must care for her husband; it’s a more selfless place. And she must care for her children and it’s again more selfless.
This isn’t hard to figure out. This is a divine principle. Abandoning children to work outside the home is a violation of Scripture. You say, “Well, my kids aren’t home while I’m at work.” That’s not the point. That doesn’t change the obligation because they went to school. It’s the home that you prepare when they aren’t there that makes the home a home. If you arrive when they arrive and leave when they leave, it’s unlikely that the home will be the kind of home the children need.
Working women contribute to lost children, delinquent children, children who have lack of proper understanding of God-ordained roles in the home, terrible decline, drugs. We don’t even talk about the working woman phenomenon of adultery and divorce. And for a woman to be the bread winner…you say, “Well, our house payment requires two jobs. We both have to work.” Then get another house and have a family.
Is it a sin for a married woman to work outside of the home particularly if she has children?
4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. 15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants. 16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. 17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. 18 She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.
Question to ask ourselves:
Question to ask ourselves:
It is sinful for wife to work outside the home
Explicitly-No
Implicitly-Possible if it takes her heart away from the home
Will it negatively affect a fellow believer-Possible
Does it affect your testimony to Unbelievers-Probably not. Our culture does not view working women as sinful
Does it go against your conscience?
Is it unwise?
If it is a demanding corporate role that takes you from the kids
If is is physically exhausting leaving you no energy for your role when you get home.
IV. It’s my body
IV. It’s my body
As Christian we should not be exposing our bodies to manmade methods of medicine. God gave us an immune system therefore we should trust God and let our immune system do it’s job. Therefore as Christian we should not be vaccinating ourselves. We should only be using homeopathic methods of medicine.
Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process.
The Primary Reason most Evangelicals it based on two reasons:
1. Government overreach-The US government does not have a right to tell you what to do with your bodies. There is a feeling that if we allow this then eventually they will force us to get biometric chips put in our bodies.
2. Spiritual-The Sovereignty of God. “God will protect me If I get a Virus” our bodies are capable of fighting off the virus. When Christian die from the virus they are categorized as “weak in faith”
This one right here is very difficult not a whole lot of scriptural data to draw from. When it is like that you must then look for principles that are associated with this issue to find some information.
The Bible is relatively silent about this this issue so it is incumbent on us to use biblical principles where we can find them and some logical wisdom.
6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, no spot is uninjured— wounds, welts, and festering sores not cleansed, bandaged, or soothed with oil.
21 Now Isaiah had said, “Let them take a lump of pressed figs and apply it to his infected skin, so that he may recover.”
22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? So why has the healing of my dear people not come about?
8 Suddenly Babylon fell and was shattered. Wail for her; get balm for her wound— perhaps she can be healed.
Observation from the text:
Observation from the text:
There were physician in the Ancient world who had a more advanced understanding of the human body than the masses. There were experts in the Ancient world in their field of study. The Biblical Writers expected the Doctors to work and provide cures in their areas of expertise.
In an Era where miracles happened more often it did not eliminate the need for Physicians
The Experts learned how to avail themselves to a natural resources in an attempt to study, and test medicine to address physical ailments in the Ancient world.
Now let’s take a look at a situation with Paul and Timothy:
23 Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
(v.23) Paul the one who could heal with a touch told Timothy “Go take some medicine!”
Wine had medicinal value. Please understand too much wine could kill you. But in the right dose it could heal you. In other words Paul suggested Wine as a medicine knowing that wine has side effects if it is abused.
Notice what Solomon says in Prov 31:6
Notice what Solomon says in Prov 31:6
6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter.
(v.6) Solomon suggest Hennesy to the brother who is at the throws of death to help with the Pain as he perishes. And he suggested Moscato to the person who is going through a tough emotional time in their life.
Jesus in the NT:
Jesus in the NT:
Many use the example of Jesus on the Christ refusing the Narcotic that they Roman Soldiers offered him for the pain and to elongate death, as a justification for not taking manmade medication.
Once again what happened to Jesus on the cross was not prescriptive it was descriptive. You cannot build a doctrine off that narrative
Explain Theory of why Jesus refused the Narcotic:
Ministry to the Thief on the cross
Ministry to his Mother making sure she was cared for by John
I Thirst
My God My God
It has finished
into your hands a commend my Spirit.
All of these were basically apart of the prophetic exit of the Messiah They had to be fulfilled. The narcotic would have cloudy his mind and sharpness, plus it was important that he experience the full weight of sin without a chaser.
Jesus was not establishing a doctrine of not taking Manmade concoction to help with medical ailments.
Logical Deduction:
Logical Deduction:
If it shows a lack of faith to avail/use human means of protection against virus, bacteria, sicknesses or pain then that would apply in all medical cases without exception:
No Chemo, No liptor(Chlestorol), Divan(blood pressure), Those who take medicine for their immune system to function, anti-rejection medication, All surgical procedures that require anesthesia.
All of these medication are manmade. So if you break your arm and it needs to get set. Do not accept anesthesia just let them set it without dulling the pain and when you leave the hospital don’t get any meds. Motrin, Hydro, or anything. Gut it out
Also don’t lock your doors at night, and you certainly don’t need a ever have a gun. Because if God can protect you from a microscopic virus he certainly can protect you against a 220lb rapist or buglar.
I am not being Trite or Sarcastic I am simply showing you from the word that God has blessed people through general revelation to invent powerful things that even God would expect you to avail yourself with if it can help you.
If you don’t want the Vaccine fine but don’t let it be because you believe avail yourself to human means of protection is a lack of faith. If you believe that then sleep at night with the door wide open. After all in Ps 91 he says:
2 I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust: 3 He himself will rescue you from the bird trap, from the destructive plague. 4 He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day, 6 the plague that stalks in darkness, or the pestilence that ravages at noon. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, the pestilence will not reach you. 8 You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord—my refuge, the Most High—your dwelling place, 10 no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent. 11 For he will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. 12 They will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Question to ask ourselves:
Question to ask ourselves:
Is it sinful or show a lack of faith to take the Vaccine
Explicitly-NO
Implicitly-Possible of your conscience is troubling you
Does it negatively affect a fellow believer-Possible especially if that believer is a close relationship with you.
Does it affect your testimony to Unbelievers?
not taking the vaccine has more of an affect on the unbeliever. They see it as selfish, which is the opposite of what little they know about Christ. With a vaccine with such a high efficacy most unbelievers see it as ludicrous that “Christian would not be concerned about their brother” to prove a political point.
Does it go against your conscience?
at least wear your mask
Is it unwise?
Current Situation: 219M case globally 4.55M Deaths, 687000 deaths in the US. ICU filled in MS, LA, TX, AL and several other states
Long-Term Effect folks how had Covid are still suffering symptoms that have effected Lungs, Kidneys, Senses, and Heart. UNKNOWN.
Families at MBC have been personally effected by the Virus
There are two highly effective shots both Moderna & Phzir
If you have previous medical condition it may not be wise for you to take the vaccine at this moment. Be prayerful. Ask God for insight.
If you have not taken the virus it would be unwise to not wear your mask for you and your children. There have been credible medical peer review studies by Texas Tech university and Duke University
Maskless-Covid-19 1 to 2.5 “One person can infect up to 2.5 people”
Maskless-Delta Variant “One person can infect Six”
Masked-1 to 0.5” with both Covid and the delta
If you wear a mask the infection rate drops by nearly 75%
Conclusion: As a rule I will not advise folks on their personal medical decision. I have too much influence from the Pulpit some folks will do it just because the pastor said so. And being this is a disputable matter let your conscience be your guide.
But I will say if you aren’t going to get it and also wear a mask “Know that you are playing with fire!”
The US as lost 680,000 people with mitigation. “what do you think it would be without mask and social distancing?” that number might be 10m easy.
Martin Luther, writing during the Bubonic Plague of the 1500s:
Martin Luther, writing during the Bubonic Plague of the 1500s:
I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I will fumigate, purify the air, administer medicine, and take medicine. I shall avoid places and persons where presence is not needed in order to not become contaminated, and thus perchance inflict and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me. But, I have done what he has expected of me, and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person, but will go freely. This is a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash, nor foolhardy, and does not tempt God-Martin Luther
Open the Doors
Open the Doors