In the Old Testament God expected His people to know the difference between the holy and profane and the clean and unclean. With the Bible we have that at our fingertips. When we drink, we are showing that we are not separated from the ways of the world and are not discerning the difference between the two. This is because we are hindering our obedience by justifying our pet sins. Where did we ever get the idea that Christ saved us so we can do what we want? (Prov 23:31 KJV) Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. Many Christians believe there are no Scriptures which prohibit the drinking of alcohol. Here is one which tells us that we should not even look upon the red wine in the cup. Looking comes before drinking. Alcoholic beverage is such a snare that God does not even want His children looking at it because He knows how strong temptation can be and how inadequate the flesh is in handling it. The object that distinguishes the real Christian from the false Christian is our separation from the world. Nowhere in Scripture are we to go back into the sins of the old nature. Alcohol is a sin of the old nature. (Rom 14:7-8 KJV) For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. {8} For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (Rom 13:14 KJV) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Alcohol ministers to the flesh and does not minister to the spirit. Ask yourself the question, while you are drinking beer or whiskey, how much thought do you give to the things of the Lord? NONE, because you are too busy feeling a falsely induced euphoria.
BACK TO BASICS CHURCH MINISTRY In March, 2011, my wife, Linda and I embarked on a journey that seemed impossible except that we believed God. We were led by the Holy Spirit of God to raise funds through the foundation to send 100 homeless men and women on a 4 day / 3 night retreat in the mountains. After seven months of concerts, prayer breakfasts, and church partnerships from around the country; we were able to raise enough funds to send 80 men and women on the retreats. But just raising the money could not prepare us for the miraculous and inspiring work that the Lord did on both retreats. Forty homeless men went to the retreat in age ranging from 21 to 65. These men were in various states of drug addiction, depression, alcoholism, and all kinds of other illicit activities and sin. They came off the streets, under bridges, and in shelters and mental hospitals. Early in the morning, got cleaned up and boarded a bus for Blue Mountain Christian Retreat Center in New Ringgold, Pennsylvania and their lives wound never be the same. Stay tuned for a repeat real soon. Contact Pastor Milt & Reverend Linda Matthews (301) 772-7777, send your email to: Linda.matthews@btbmm.com, 59
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