Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are ignored and neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. While it is proper and fitting to “pay our respects” for any who have died, I simply am pointing out that the holiday was originally intended for those who died in service to our country.

I want to address how and why observance of memorials diminishes, and specifically, how it relates to the changes that have occurred in its observance.  If one did not know the history behind the establishment of the holiday, one would never know but what the present observance was how it had always been. There were many memorials established in the Bible and as we study the changes that occurred with them, we can see how and why the same thing has occurred in regard to Memorial Day.

As we begin, let it be noted that the idea of a ‘memorial’ is to remember something outstanding about a person or persons or event(s) that had a significant effect in society, whether locally, regionally, or globally. The particular activities associated with each memorial observance are such as would relate to what that person(s) or event(s) were noted for. In other words, the activities ought to be such as would keep the memory alive, but also be accurate to that person or event. When the cause for which any memorial observance becomes obscured or lost, then changes take place which may be based upon inaccurate information. We see such has happened with respect to Memorial Day in that it is thought by many today to be a day whereby we honor all the deceased.

As we turn to the scriptures we see that some memorials were only for certain people, while others were for all humanity.

Memorials in the Old Testament  

The “Passover” – it was not established for all nations, but for the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob. It was in remembrance of their freedom from bondage in Egypt.

We read in Ex. 12:14, “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.” Then in verse 17, “And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever.” Still later, in verse 24, “You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever.”

Let us note some particulars of this memorial. This was to be observed by those who had been in slavery in Egypt and for their descendants. This had no significance or meaning to the Philistines or the Canaanites! They had no reason to ‘remember’ this event. We find further in Ex. 13:3-10, “Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which YOU came out from Egypt..the LORD brought you out from this place.  Today...you are going out. And when the LORD brings you into the land…which he swore to your fathers to give you...you shall keep this service in this month.  You shall tell your son on that day, 'It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.' And it shall be to you...a memorial.  You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.”

We note also, that the manner of observance was significant! They could not do just anything! The importance of observing this memorial correctly is seen in the condemnation that was pronounced upon them for failure in this area. Did it matter how and when they observed the Passover? Did it matter that they remembered to keep it at all? Could they substitute any particulars? Sadly, we find that several centuries later, they had been unfaithful in remembering their past bondage. In 2 Kings 23, we read of a series of interesting events in this nation. At this time they were ruled by a king, named Josiah. He gave this commandment to the nation, “…Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant. For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah.”

How did Josiah know of the Passover? Its observance had not been ‘remembered’ for several hundred years. Why not? The answer lies in their failure in another area. The failure to pass the story accurately from one generation to another! This nation was given laws, statutes, and ordinances from Mt. Sinai thru Moses (Ex. 20-40). They were given explicit instructions to adhere strictly to those laws (Deut. 4:1-10),

Please take note of the following exhortations and warnings given by Moses to this nation, which they FAILED TO HEED!  

[read: Deut. 6:6-7, 12-15; 7:1-11 ; 8:2-6, 11-17; 9:4-6; 10:12-13; 12:2-5, 8; 12:29-32]

From these passages we have a detailed explanation of how the Passover memorial was perverted and then abandoned.

Many years later, we find that even the copy of the Law, given to Moses had been lost! Then in 2 Kings 22:1-20, when the Law was discovered (AND READ FROM), then the truth about the observance of the Passover was learned and immediate changes were ordered so as to do as God had commanded of this nation. The punishment for disobedience was also discovered in the reading of the Law of Moses. Josiah knew what needed to be done to avoid further wrath from God; and he knew the importance of abandoning present practice! Their worship was corrupted, for they had incorporated the idolatrous practices of the heathen nations into their worship. Josiah restored true worship in accordance with the Book of the Law and he demanded a re-commitment to the keeping of that Law. In 2 Kings 23:25, his efforts were so pleasing to God that it is recorded of Josiah, “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.”

Failure to teach the will of God accurately is the ultimate cause of any departure. This happened repeatedly to this nation. After Moses died, Joshua led them into the land of promise, Canaan, and following Joshua’s death, we read in Judges 2:7, 10, “And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel..and also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.”

This is what happened in regard to the Passover memorial. It is the same pattern of failure in any departure.

Another memorial for this nation was when they reached this Promised Land. At the entrance into the Promised Land memorial stones were to be set up for a remembering. The story was to be passed down from generation to generation of the significance of those stones. We read of this memorial in Joshua 4:1-7.  Again, in this area, there was a failure to teach the children, and the result was forgetfulness!
  

Memorials in the New Testament 

There are memorials in the New Testament. It is interesting, for a perversion of this memorial has resulted in idolatrous worship before God. In Acts 10:1-4, we find “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” In Acts 10:31 it is further said, “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.”
What ‘memorial’ did God remember from the prayers of Cornelius? In Acts 10:35 we read: “In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

God remembered a promise He had made prior to the Creation…the promise of eternal life –

Titus 1:2 – “In hope of eternal life, which God…promised before the world began…”
This was purposed in Christ – Eph. 3:11: “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus.” (cf. Eph. 1:4-5, 7)

In connection w/this redemption, Christians have a memorial to observe. It is the observance of the death of Jesus in which our forgiveness was purchased.  “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” – 1 Cor. 10:16.

Jesus gave instructions to Paul concerning this memorial in 1 Cor. 11:23-30.  It is to be observed EVERY first day of the week, hence the purpose for our assembling (Heb. 10:25).

Has the death of the Son of God lost significance with you?

• look at your assembling habits
• look at your preparation for partaking
• look at your manner of partaking; do you examine yourself or others?

These are just a few reminders in hope that we might be prepared for the return of Christ in judgment (Rom. 14:12-13).  Let us resolve to be as Josiah upon learning the truth on any subject in God’s word and restore our religion to “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27).

rdb

Choices

Who holds me captive? Who paralyzes me? Who causes me to lose my focus? Who keeps me spinning my wheels instead of moving forward? 
I do.


When I mess up, I choose to do nothing, or I choose to ask for forgiveness.
When I say the wrong thing, I choose to carry that around with me, or I choose to make it right.
When I wrong God, I choose to pray to Him and repent, or I choose to allow that to separate me from Him.
When I face a challenge or a decision, I choose whether to seek God's will for me, or I choose to charge forward with no pause.
When I am angry, I choose to take that anger out on others or myself, or I choose to take it to God, and let Him take care of it.
When I am sad, I choose to become depressed, or I choose to praise God and dwell on His promises.
When I have been wronged, I choose revenge, or I choose to trust God to handle the situation for me.
When I am confused, I choose to talk to everybody but God, or I choose to take it to Him first.
When I am lost, I choose to seek direction in this world, or I choose to follow the road God has made for me.
When I am hurt, I choose to feel sorry for myself, or I choose to draw from that hurt in order to help others.


There is ALWAYS a choice.
Who sets me free? Who gives me life? Who gives me purpose? Who helps me move forward?
That would be GOD, but the CHOICES are up to ME.

How can I make the RIGHT choice?

God has pre-counseled me thru His commandments!  If I live by them, I walk by the Spirit...I am being led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-25)...
I show my love for Christ (John 14:15, 21) by obeying His commandments as outlined in the gospel...I walk in love (Eph. 5:2; 2 John 1:6)...by obedience to His commandments.


God's Commandments...they are the focus of Satan's attack in deceiving us.  He seeks to get our focus off WHAT God said to WHY God said it, thereby questioning God.  He did so w/Eve and continues.  He perverted commandments when tempting Jesus (Matt. 4) and Jesus resisted by using 'rightly dividing' God's commandments.  Such is the ONLY way to resist temptation and the ONLY way to expose false doctrine.  False doctrine is characterized by the minimizing of obedience, stressing 'trust' and 'belief only'.  Truth is recognized by the setting forth of obedience to doctrine (Romans 6:17-18).  There is a 'form of doctrine' that MUST be delivered in order to be born anew (John 3:3-5).  It must be OBEYED, from the heart.  It is not by prayer.  Prayer is for one who has obeyed the applicable commands of the gospel as a sinner.  Once, born anew, you THEN have the right to pray and address God as YOUR heavenly Father, because you have become His child.  The simple proof of all this is seen in the fact that Jesus died for all (John 3:16), yet is the author of salvation to those who OBEY Him (Heb. 5:8-9).  You obey HIM by obeying the COMMANDMENTS that He gave.  
Your attitude toward God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit is revealed thru your attitude toward the commandments and your obedience.  This is how you evidence your humble-ness...submission...your meekness/pureness of heart...your mourning of sin...your poor-ness of spirit...your desire for mercy...your hunger/thirst for righteousness...your desire to have peace w/God.  All are connected with God's word (commandments) which are for our good...ALWAYS, as acknowledged by Moses (Deut. 6:24-25).  
Grace from God was connected with instructions as to how to live (Titus 2:11-12).  Love from God was shown thru teaching God's commands (John 15:22-24).  
Jesus was hated, not for His acts of healing, but for what He taught.  He taught commandments (John 12:49-50).  Those 'words' (commandments) were given to the 12 apostles to be preached "into all the world" (John 17:8).  They preached those commands (1 Cor. 11:23; 14:37).  


Thus, religious truth is distinguished from religious error, as the apostle John wrote: "We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error." - 1 John 4:6


Psa 103:17-18 - But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.


Rev 1:3 - Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.


rdb

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 11, 2011      &      Saturday, November 12, 2011

London, KY                                  Corbin, KY

~Another Vote for Liquor Sales Expansion?~

Will London lose its innocence…again?

 

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil…that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight…that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” — Isa. 5:20-23

Part 4

What has been the effect on the people of London from a seven year exposure to alcohol sales?  The editor of the Sentinel Echo stated in the October 19, 2011 paper, “We’ve grown accustomed to it!”  He then stated, “So likewise, in a few years, we will have grown accustomed to seeing the package liquor stores on the corner and the cases of beer in the coolers at Walmart, CVS, and Speedway.”  He acknowledged that all this was a part of London’s “progressive path”, stating that today, “…we don’t think twice about alcohol…a wet vote doesn’t mean that bars and clubs sprout up in London”.  However he then wrote, “we don’t want to see bars and clubs sprout up in London.”  He referred to them as the “seedy elements” of alcohol. 

Whatever ethical standard he is appealing to, in saying that “bars and clubs” (which sell liquor) are the “seedy elements” of alcohol, but that restaurants and package liquor stores, or Walmart, CVS pharmacy, and Speedway which do so, are not “seedy elements”; that standard is certainly not the Bible.  By what standard of authority then does he condemn “bars and clubs”?  It is certainly not due to their selling of alcohol!  Does he appeal to the Bible in his reference of “bars and clubs” as “seedy elements of alcohol”?  Are “seedy elements” viewed as sinful in his mind?  Is his opposition of them due to any sinful activity that goes on inside? Does he accept or reject the Bible’s definition of, and condemnation of sin?  Is the Bible also a ‘non-issue’ with him?  The Bible calls lasciviousness, drunkenness, revellings AND SUCH LIKE (Gal. 5:19-21) works of the flesh!  They are sin!  Does he oppose bars and clubs on this basis?  He mentioned the need to get past ‘misinformation’.  That is the point of making known what the Bible says on the matter.  The Bible condemns those who put out misinformation because, in doing so, God’s truth is distorted.  As a result, those who desire the truth, are exploited (2 Peter 2:2-3 - “…the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you).

The Bible teaches that misinformation is spread by covetous people who have no faith in God’s ability to provide for their needs (Luke 12:15; Col. 3:5). Otherwise, they would appeal to the standard of the Bible in all matters.  The Bible not only provides the truth on alcohol and drunkenness, it reveals that a person who views sin as a “non-issue”, has an evil heart.  He mentioned several times of how people have grown accustomed to the sight of alcohol, concluding that exposure for the last seven years makes THIS petition a “non-issue”.  The Bible calls this, hardening of the heart.  It occurs thru continued exposure/practice of sin (Romans 1:32).  “Continued exposure” has resulted in exactly what the Bible has consistently foretold in regard to sin: hardness of heart. 

Hardness of heart was why the prophet Jeremiah stated of Israel, there was a “perpetual backsliding” (Jer. 8:5), until “…they did not know how to blush.” (Jer. 8:12).  They came to view their sin as a “non-issue”.  The statement that sin is a “non-issue” is not only evidence of a hardened heart but of a proverbial ‘fence-straddler’, which is also condemned in the scriptures (Matt. 6:24).  The church at Laodicea had such an attitude toward sin and was void of convictions.  They were told, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” (Rev. 3:15-19)

It is also an insult to those in this city and county who have moral convictions, and who are unwilling to compromise morality for the sake of worldly gain/profit.  It evidences the mindset found in the Old Testament of Israel who, in asking for a worldly king, “wanted to be like the nations around them” (1 Samuel 8:5-6, 19-20).  We see this same mindset in the language of those who support expanded alcohol, or who view it as a ‘non-issue’.  They both reason, “other nearby cities already have it; let’s be like them.”  Would this logic be equally applied to abortion clinics? Is this not the logic behind expanded gambling, horse racing facilities…other states/localities “are doing it”?  The Bible principle is, “don’t follow a multitude to do evil…so as to pervert justice” (Exodus 23:2 – “You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice...”).

The Bible is clear as to the reason for the wrath of God: “…ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Rom. 1:18).  Truth continues to be suppressed as people progress in their view of sin as a “non-issue”.  Misinformation on sin makes the one who distorts the truth, just as guilty as those who are openly involved in the sin!  Rom. 1:32 declares, “Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”  One who advocates economic success thru immorality is against God, and also condemned in the Bible (Rom. 6:1). 

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4).  This blessing is for those who mourn over sin rather than see it as a non-issue because of their lack of conviction and a calloused heart.  The Bible states the real ‘phobia’ of such people in John 3:19-21 – “…this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” 

to be continued…

rdb

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…