Pastor John,
Just a quick question for you, this my be to simple but hey it is worth a try.
Driving home today i saw one of those church van and the guy getting into was just puffing on a cigerette. Now my question is….Is there somewhere in the bible that says like to stay away from smoking and drinking and all that. (i dont have a concordance so maybe that is why i am asking instead of looking it up myself). I always took it for granted ever since i was a boy not to smoke becasue it is bad for your health, and drinking well that is another story. Just wanted to get something so i can read for myself. Obviousely those good xtns could not find something in the bible and i was just wondering if there was anything.
Steve
===========
Hi Steven!
I can tell that you just don’t understand these things. Many Christians smoke because they are trying to do what the Bible teaches; namely, to be on fire for Jesus. They just don’t know how.
Seriously, Paul taught us to do nothing that would lay a stumbling block for others (Rom. 14, 15; 1Cor. 8:13). Jesus warned not not to do anything that would cause one of his “little ones” to stumble (Matt. 18:6). John wrote that if we walk in God’s love, we will not lay a stumbling block for others (1Jn. 2:10).
That love of our brothers and sisters covers much more than smoking, drinking, and vulgar language. It covers everything we do every day. Walk in love, and you will not be a stumbling block for anyone.
jdc