Featured The doorway of Drugs to the spirit world

That is EXACTLY my point. Too often people dismiss what the Word teaches to legalistically follow what suits them. They justify and elevate their own desires (even if the object is not 'sin') and call it "liberty." Their sin is not in drinking, or dancing, or smoking. It is this elevation of the self over and beyond others. Present company, apparently, included.

BTW, ministers being "above reproach" is not my "opinion."

 

Keeping in mind I said drinking was not the issue, what does Scripture say? You are taking the same legalistic approach, just in an opposite direction.

 

No, John. I interpret Scripture the same as you insofar as drinking is concerned. Legalism is a concentration on the action. Some take a legalistic approach to these issues by saying it is a sin to drink, dance, etc. Other's take a legalistic approach by saying Scripture does not prohibit these actions so they are "legal" for the believer in a self-centered manner. But Scripture takes a different approach. Those acts may not be a 'sin' in themselves, but do you not see the principle behind refraining or participating? Does this really escape your grasp or are you just defensive of your pet indulgence?

Where we do disagree is that you seem to focus on a 'me' centered life while I interpret a different responsibility in terms of the believer as a member of the Body of Christ. The difference is a participation that is for the glory of God (which I advocate) and a participation that indulges the flesh, our desire, or just because we "like the taste" and it is legal (your position). In other words, we may both sit across the table and enjoy a Mikes Hard Lemonade (yuck) but we are of entirely different mindsets. In other words, I am saying that you lack discernment when it comes to "Christian liberty." It was never a liberty to indulge the flesh, but it is the opposite of legalism. Again, you are taking the same legalistic approach, just in an opposite direction.

 

John, I am not talking about drinking.

 

I didn't. My initial comment was about alcohol as an introduction to other drug use in adolescents. you ventured into legalism and you're right to drink, not I. Once there I found the subject more interesting and followed your lead.

 

If drinking is an introduction to drugs which are doors to the spirit world then I am not sure age matters. Personally I don't put stock in drugs being such a door, but if it is then we need to look at those introductory drugs as well. Basically I was playing off the Mike's comment.

 

You are seriously saying that Baptists often assume that everyone "whom" drinks socially will fall into drugs? I'd post a rabbit picture, but I'm all out. That's silly.

I don't even think that all who use drugs or play D&D will fall into satanism.

I hate to mention this, but you are the one who indicated that drugs are doors to the spiritual world. You made that link and started this thread. Were you being dishonest then, or are you being dishonest now? Were you speaking of drugs that help with one's health or were you speaking of illegal hard drugs used recreationally? You and I sometimes (perhaps often) disagree. But I have made a concerted effort to be honest, not only because of my faith but also out of respect for you. Sometimes I do fail, but at least I try. You are being extraordinarily dishonest here.