Legalizing Alcohol Sales

The following series of articles may also be found on the website of the 

Mill Street church of Christ in London, KY

www.millstreetcoc.org

The articles also appeared in the weekly newspapers of the: 

Sentinel Echo Newspaper Article & Times-Tribune Newspaper Article

on:

Friday, November 4, 2011      &      Saturday, November 5, 2011

London, KY                                  Corbin, KY

~Another Vote for Liquor Sales Expansion?~

Will London lose its innocence…again?

 “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: 

he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”  

– Proverbs 21:17 –

Part 3

The effort that is underway in London to “take the city’s ‘moist’ alcohol sales to ‘state liquor’ sales” is also underway in Corbin and Barbourville according to an article in last week’s Corbin News Journal.  The reasons stated in that article are the same as the reasons cited by those in support of the petition here in London.  The article said: “This effort is about replacing lost tax revenues and lost jobs.”  Indeed, it is all about money!  Therein is the truth about their motive.  Is their cause worthy?  Ought we not be concerned over lost tax revenues and lost jobs?  Certainly!  I have a deep concern for the plight of those who suffer financially and who are emotionally stressed and under great duress associated with financial depravity.  I am not against pursuing efforts to address this need.  However, to pursue a remedy for financial needs thru advocating sin is condemned in the Bible.  We read in Prov. 28:20, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.”  Again in Prov. 28:22, “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”

Expanding alcohol sales will not help an addict overcome alcohol, nor will it encourage abstinence.  No doubt it will raise revenue, but only thru sheer exploitation of those who suffer from addiction.  Those who seek to gain monetarily from this effort to expand alcohol sales do not empathize with the pain and suffering of others.  It is proof that they are desensitized to the consequence of their actions toward others.  It is not a concern for those who currently suffer from addiction to alcohol with a view to helping them overcome their addiction; it is not to encourage sober living in view of eternity by abstinence; it is simple fear due to a lack of faith in God being able to provide! 

This petition is a disguise for their love of money.  The petition that was printed in the Corbin newspaper stated that it was to keep “…the tax dollars spent on alcohol sales in neighboring areas in Corbin.”  Do they desire to benefit personally at the expense of those who suffer from alcohol addiction by making it more readily accessible?  Is their concern in keeping drunks off the roads, thereby making highway travel safer, or is it a cloak to recoup their loss of revenue due to current economic conditions?  Are they lacking in faith and trust that God can resurrect a sagging economy?  Will alcohol sales expansion achieve what God, in His infinite power and wisdom cannot? Their motives and tactics are known both to them and to God.  The Bible teaches that drunkenness is a sin!  People suffer from it and need help to overcome it.  IT CAN BE OVERCOME but not by making alcohol more readily available under a pretense of concern for loss of jobs. 

The petition states that passing a referendum would:

·         Help our community begin to recover from a more severe economic downturn by providing new jobs. 

·         Provide additional tax revenue by keeping the tax dollars spent on alcohol sales in neighboring areas in Corbin.

·         Take advantage of the multiplier effect when money is spent locally.

·         Increase our tourism by attracting more dining and entertainment establishments.

·         Change Corbin’s disadvantaged position with nearby cities like Manchester who have passed this referendum as well as London and now Barbourville who are forming a petition.

The Bible is clear about those who put their trust in “uncertain riches”.  Are the cities of London, Corbin, and Barbourville ‘disadvantaged’ because Manchester is robbing local tax dollars?  This is an insult to those in London, Corbin, and Barbourville who have a love for moral pureness and who are not covetous, but have trust in God to provide for their needs.  The Bible says:

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Timothy 6:9)

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy...” (1 Timothy 6:17)

London is not at any disadvantage to Manchester due to that city already having “expanded alcohol sales”.  Those behind this petition are repeating the behavior of the Israelites in the days of the prophet Samuel, when they demanded, “Give us a king…that we may be like all the nations…” (1 Samuel 8:6, 20).  Israel wanted to be like the surrounding nations, who had an earthly king.  They were discontented with their current living conditions.   Economically, their country was impoverished as the Philistines were subjecting them to their past days of slavery.  Their future looked grim with no hope in sight.  Their fears overwhelmed them in every facet of their daily life.  However, they were in denial of the real source of their misery: their own idolatry and religious hypocrisy!  Moses had repeatedly pled with them to follow the Ten Commandments.  Yet we find Moses stating of them that they were doing “…whatsoever is right in his own eyes” (Deut. 12:8).  He cautioned them not to live that way when they got to Canaan, yet in Judges 21:25 we find Joshua saying that conditions had not changed.  He said, “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”  This was the reason for their plight. 

Moses had warned them in Deut. 12:29-31, “When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them…and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods…”.

Because of spiritual blindness, they followed the path of the wicked and sought to remedy a situation thru copying the immoral ways of the majority.  They envisioned that if they had an earthly king, like the nations around them, all their problems would be solved.  The nations around them were immoral and wrong in their religion.  So Moses warned them in Deut. 12:30 to, “Take heed…that thou be not snared by following them…”

Yet we see this same sinful behavior in the pleas of those who advocate the expansion of alcohol in London.  They say, “others” (Manchester, Richmond, Danville) have it; let’s be like them!”  The article in the Corbin News Journal stated: “We should fall right in line.”  We see with this statement the proverbial “give us a king…that we might be like the nations (cities) around us”! 

I pray that those behind these petitions will see the folly of trusting in ‘uncertain’ riches and put their trust in God to provide and be content with having their needs met thru His divine providence.  Lost revenue and lost jobs can and will be handled by God.  However, spiritual blessings will only come thru faith and obedience to Jesus Christ.

to be continued…

Legalizing Alcohol Sales

The following series of articles may also be found on the website of the 

Mill Street church of Christ in London, KY

www.millstreetcoc.org

The articles also appeared in the weekly newspapers of the: 

Sentinel Echo Newspaper Article & Times-Tribune Newspaper Article

on:

Friday, October 28, 2011      &      Saturday, October 29, 2011

London, KY                                  Corbin, KY

~Another Vote for Liquor Sales Expansion?~

Will London lose its innocence…again?

 “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: 

he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”  

– Proverbs 21:17 –

Part 2

Does “the end justify the means”?  Shall we “sin that grace may abound”?  In the October 14, 2011 edition of the Sentinel Echo, a second article on a petition for expanded liquor sales appeared.  In this article, we see the purpose stated and motivation of those associated with the petition…economic prosperity.  I have no animosity toward anyone associated with this petition, but I do have a godly concern for their soul.  One statement in this second article was that London “…have a choice.”  I agree that people are entitled to make a choice in this matter, but their choices need to be based on accurate information.  As one who professes faith in God, Christ and the Bible, I want all to make their decisions on this petition certain of what the scriptures teach.  That ought to be an option for all; if not, why not? 

There was repeated mention of the concern for the potential economic benefit to London from this…I am not against the economic prosperity of London.  Many other potential benefits were cited in support of this expansion of liquor sales.  I am not opposed to any of these possible benefits.  I have no problem with both the positive and negative aspects of expanded liquor sales upon a community being made public.   

I am opposed to achieving that goal thru deceptive motives and tactics.  As was stated last week, false pretense is the concern.  Any worthy cause needs no pretense to advance itself.  If it is honorable, people need not lie, deceive and/or take advantage of anyone to solicit support for that cause.  If the cause is in harmony with the will of Christ, it ought to be publicized, supported with all our being!  Is this so?  Consider a few questions in regard to liquor: Is liquor addressed in the Bible?  What does the Bible have to say about intoxication?  Do those who have signed (and will sign) this petition, profess to be Christians?  Do they claim do they make an appeal to the scriptures in support of this effort?  Would they publicly advocate it in their congregation?  Would their pastors promote or condemn this?  Did they begin with their fellow church members in soliciting signatures?  Is social drinking condoned or condemned in the scriptures?  Can a Christian be in support of any movement to advance sin?     

Aside from any plausible reasons that may be given as to why London needs expansion in liquor, the truth about intoxication as set forth in the Bible needs to be known.  Then and only then can the people of London make an informed decision in regard to both signing a petition AND casting a vote on this matter.  Do all who claim to be born-again Christians have any confidence in God to bless London with growth apart while abstaining from worldly lusts?  Does moral courage and purity matter with God?  The matter of whether or not the Bible condemns drinking needs to be settled.  Is drinking right or wrong in God’s sight?  What saith the scriptures?  If you claim to believe in, and to follow the Bible, then your decision ought to be made based upon what IT says on liquor/drinking of intoxicating beverages.  Your decision will reveal the genuineness of your faith or whether your heart has been hardened thru the deceitfulness of sin.  I’m confident that there are people in London and in this county who have a fear and respect for God. 

This principle was dealt with by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:1-2 when he asked, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

Do you claim to have died to sin?  If so, can you support this (or any) effort to advance an activity that is clearly set forth in the Bible as sinful?  Will you act on the principle that “the end justifies the means?”  If the Bible sanctions intoxication, then preachers ought to “shout it from the rooftops”.  If it is a God-ordained move to make available liquor more readily accessible so that London will benefit economically, then the petition ought to make its plea based upon a ‘thus saith the Lord’.  Does it?  Again, I haven’t seen the petition, nor do I know what is being told verbally as to its purpose.  I do know what God has said on the matter and that is what I desire to make known.  If we want God’s approval, let us follow His will in all our decisions; let us consider what He has revealed on any matter. 

I have confidence that if I “seek first the kingdom of God”, my daily needs will be provided (Matthew 6:33).  Therewith, may I be content (1 Timothy 6:8).  Do those who support this petition have such confidence and contentment? The Hebrew writer warned Christians to: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’.” (13:5). In view of these passages, in supporting this petition; does it reveal that you are seeking first the kingdom of God or that you are covetous?  Let us “walk by faith, and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  Remember the admonition from Solomon in Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Solomon stated of intoxicating drink in Proverbs 23:29-35: "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying, 'They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?'"

to be continued…

Legalizing Alcohol Sales

The following series of articles may also be found on the website of the Mill Street church of Christ, London, KY

www.millstreetcoc.org

The articles appeared in the weekly newspapers of the: 

Sentinel Echo Newspaper Article   & Times-Tribune Newspaper Article

on:

Friday, October 21, 2011          &       Saturday, October 22, 2011

London, KY                                            Corbin, KY

~Another Vote for Liquor Sales Expansion?~

Will London lose its innocence…again?

 “Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, and whoever

is led astray by it is not wise.” — Proverbs 20:1

Part 1

In the September 21, 2011 edition of the Sentinel Echo, it was reported that a petition is circulating in order to, quote: “take the city’s ‘moist’ alcohol sales to ‘state liquor’ sales.”  The article went on to state that, “If enough signatures are obtained, it could be on the ballot this November.”  Finally, the article stated, “This petition is to address the sale of liquor to the public through stores, countering the current ‘moist’ alcohol sales at area restaurants (only beer and wine).”

If you remember, some time ago, a similar effort was successful in achieving what this article referred to as ‘moist’ alcohol sales in restaurants in London.  That effort also began by way of a petition, with an ensuing ballot vote.  We now see in this second ‘circulating’ petition, an effort to broaden on that which was successful in the first petition and vote.  With this second petition we now see a progression toward a larger goal by its advocates, as this will not be the last of related petitions/votes. 

Anyone who is familiar with the teaching of the Bible knows that sin spreads in this same manner...i.e. progressively.  So it is not difficult to understand why a second move or petition has surfaced to expand liquor sales.  This progression is following an age-old pattern once the proverbial ‘toe-in-the-door’ has occurred.  Progression is typical in many plans or efforts, as it achieves an ultimate goal step-by-step.  For example, in dieting; there is a goal, but the goal is achieved in progression.  If one desires to lose 50 pounds, then the goal is to do so step-by-step.  The ultimate goal in connection with sin is to eliminate restraint entirely, but little by little. Thus, there is an ever-so-slow shift, one step at a time; so slow that it is unnoticed until one day it is observed, “How did it all happen”?  Is there any doubt as to the ultimate goal of those behind these petitions?     

Sin is not an abstract thing; i.e., it does not advance by itself.  Sin is transgressing a command of God.  People commit sin.   Animals do not, nor does anything else that was created.  The reason for this is that man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27).  As God freely chose to grant unto man eternal life thru Christ (Eph. 1:4-5), man has the ability to freely choose to accept or reject God’s offer.  Thus, the commands given to him of God thru Christ can be obeyed or refused.  Refusal to obey those commands constitutes transgression (John 12:48-49).   Man submits to Christ by submitting to the commands that Christ gave and man rejects Christ by rejecting His commands (2 John 1:9).  Sin is advanced by those who have made their choice to reject submission to Christ’s commands. 

Their motivation is seen from 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”  This petition is being advanced by people whose motivation is a love for the things of this world.  Whoever was in favor of the first petition will likely be in favor of this petition, but who are they?  I haven’t seen the petition, but I do recall the manner in which the first petition was circulated.  I recall elderly people being told that the petition was for the purpose of putting boot-leggers out of business!  Such pretense is the focus of the article.  Any worthy cause needs no pretense to advance its case.  If it is honorable, people should not have to lie, deceive and take advantage of anyone to solicit support for that cause.  Certainly, if the cause is in harmony with the will of Christ, it ought to be publicized, supported with all our being!  Is that the case?  The manner in which this petition is advanced will reveal its worthiness (or lack of), but it will be in harmony with its true nature as well as reveal the character of those involved.

What does the Bible say about those who are involved in sin, especially as it relates to how they work secretly and deceptively?  The Bible identifies the behavioral pattern of those involved in sin.  It never has changed as they will always follow the same pattern, working their plans in secret, advancing their cause, while remaining in seclusion.

The Psalmist described the wicked in Psalm 10 as follows: “Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.”

The apostle Peter described the similarity between false prophets and false teachers in 2 Peter 2:1.  They act in secret.  He said they would “…privily…bring in damnable heresies.”  Moses had written long ago of the similar tactic of those whose motive was to lead others away from God in Deut. 13:6, “If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly...”. 

Will we see this “secrecy” of behavior in connection with this petition?  Time will tell.   Again, if the cause is worthy, the people advocating it need not be facetious in their support of it, nor be underhanded in any way in their actions.  Other articles may come out in the Sentinel Echo mentioning who is behind this petition.  Aside from any plausible reasons that may be given as to why London needs expansion in liquor, the truth about intoxication as set forth in the Bible needs to be known.  Then and only then can the people of London make an informed decision in regard to both signing a petition AND in casting a vote.

As a preacher of the gospel, I am not ashamed to put my name to any cause in which I am involved, for if it is a worthy cause, it will stand on its own merits.  I need not misrepresent the gospel in order to get people to accept its message.  Alcohol is clearly discussed in the Bible and equally condemned as sinful.  This will be shown in future articles as it pertains to this matter. 
to be continued...

RDB

Love abounding in knowledge & judgment

Love is characterized by the two words: knowledge & judgment.

KNOWLEDGE:
What kind of knowledge characterizes love?   To answer this question, notice what kind of knowledge was ABSENT in the people under consideration by Paul the apostle in Romans 10:1-3:  
Brethren, my heart's desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.  
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to KNOWLEDGE.  
For being INGORANT OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.

The knowledge lacking here, pertained to ‘God’s righteousness’.  Where IS God’s righteousness to be found?  Moses told Israel in Deut. 6:24-25, “…the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us.'

The Psalmist wrote:
Psa. 19:9; 119:7, 62, 106, 137, 138, 160, 164 - thy righteous judgments.
Psa. 119:172 - My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments [are] righteousness.
Paul said of the GOSPEL that, “...the righteousness of God” revealed. (Rom. 1:17)

From these passages, what do we conclude?
Is it not in the commandments that God gave to man that God’s righteousness is found?  His commands are righteous, and when man complies with the applicable command, righteousness is ‘imputed’.
God’s love for man is seen in the fact that God gave man commands to live by.  They do for man what nothing else can do –make him wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15).  They enable man to sidestep Satan’s traps giving him insight as to how Satan attacks (2 Cor. 2:11).

Solomon, in Prov. 1-7 spoke in depth of the lures and traps of the wicked.  Those ‘void of understanding’ (7:7) fell prey –ALWAYS!  The ‘understanding’ here, by context was of God’s commandments/statutes.  God defines sin in His word, God explains what lusts of the flesh are and how they are used to tempt us to fulfill OUR will rather than HIS, thereby committing sin.  God warns of consequences for disobedience and promises reward for obedience…all of which require FAITH from man as to what God has spoken.

KNOWLEDGE AND MAKING JUDGMENTS  
Knowledge of God’s commands (righteousness), enables us to make the wise decisions and/or render judgments in view of salvation and eternity.    That is ultimately what every decision we make is dependent upon – where do we want to spend eternity?  Do we believe what God has promised and warned?  Is my motive in reference to any decision I must make in life, decided because I have determined that it will benefit me spiritually?  Will it benefit others?   OR is the decision solely a pleasurable one that satisfies my lusts?

HAPPINESS OR SADNESS?
God’s wisdom (sp. Knowledge) is not designed to benefit the flesh, nor bring joy/pleasure to the flesh; it fact, it will ‘war’ against the flesh!  His commands are not designed to appeal to your flesh, but to the part of you that was made in His image…the inward man, or your intellect.  They are not for the benefit of your flesh, but for your soul’s benefit.  It is your soul that will live in eternity somewhere.  The issue is, where do you want to spend eternity?   Eternal life, (Heaven) is promised thru obedience to Jesus’ commands (Heb. 5:8-9).

For now, you are called upon to follow in His steps.  He sacrificed His physical life so that you might have spiritual life.  You must live that way, i.e., do that for others.  Thus, He taught in John15:13-14, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

This is how love abounds in knowledge & judgment.
RDB

Condemnation and Justification...the Missing Link!

Jeremiah told God's people Israel WHY they were hypocrites in chapter 7:8 - - He said, "Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit." – Did they trust in lying words by faith alone, or by praying a 'sinner's prayer'?
No, for in verses 9-11, he gave specifics of their hypocrisy. THEN in verse 13, he stated, "And now, because ye have done all these 'WORKS'." 
You are not condemned by faith only any more than you are justified by faith only. Sin is a transgressing of a command in either adding to or taking away from that command. (cf. Rom. 14:23; James 4:17; 1 John 3:4; & 5:17)

For those who have been preached that trusting is done thru prayer, notice what Jeremiah was told NOT to do by God in verse 16, "Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee."

False teaching is characterized by ONE DOMINANT ASPECT! IT DOWNPLAYS COMMANDS & COMMANDMENT KEEPING! JESUS DIED FOR ALL, YET IS THE AUTHOR OF SALVATION TO THOSE THAT O B E Y!!! (Heb. 5:9).
You obey Him by obeying His commands (2 John 1:9-11).

Likewise, truth, or true teaching will stress commands; and obedience, this is what separates it from false teaching. Read the entire chapter of Jeremiah 7 to see the similarities of Jeremiah's day and our day. Truly, there is nothing new under sun...