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…
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