IS SMOKING A SIN WORTHY OF DISFELLOWSHIPMENT?

[BillG]

This thread reminds me of a true story...

A guy got saved and turned from drugs and a life of sin...He hadn't been going to church but for a couple of weeks, and the preacher sees him out in public smoking. The preacher really let him have it. Telling him how he was committing sin and that he couldn't have truly gotten saved if he even thought about committing sin. Smoking was going to send him strait to hell and he had better quit.

Well, the guy tried to quit and apparently it wasn't that easy because he just couldn't quit smoking. So he thought he was damned and never had gotten saved and quit going to church and went back to his old lifestyle.

Now, it is evident that someone committed sin in that situation...and I'm pretty sure that real sin was judging and putting a stumbling block in a brothers way.

The old preacher man had cleaned up his outside, but on the inside he was full of dead men's bones.

That's why I think it would pay people to be very careful before judging others and adding to the word of God.

Shocking, truly shocking indeed.
No wonder people don't want to come to church.

I had the pleasure of baptising a guy a couple of months back who suffers with bipolar (quite severe) and has to take meds.
Would we say to him "Your taking meds and therefore don't have faith God will heal you therefore not saved"

I help in the Alpha Course, when there is a break some will go out for a smoke. I go out with them and just talk to them.

I sit with a guy at the back of church who is an alcoholic and has to go out and top up and smoke. He then comes back in and sits with me and we talk.

A lady got baptised last month. When the service was finished she was outside having a smoke. I went up to her and said "It's so amazing to see you baptised this morning.

Why on earth do believers act like your preacher man?
The purifying work of the Lord tskes a life time. It's not instant.
He knows how to purify and he does it correctly and knowing what needs dealing with in us and in his timing.

No wonder people don't come to church and no wonder people leave the church.

Mark my words such people like the preacher man will give an account for their words.
We all will.

Lets all make sure we be like Jesus to others

 

[1ofthem]

Shocking, truly shocking indeed.
No wonder people don't want to come to church.

I had the pleasure of baptising a guy a couple of months back who suffers with bipolar (quite severe) and has to take meds.
Would we say to him "Your taking meds and therefore don't have faith God will heal you therefore not saved"

I help in the Alpha Course, when there is a break some will go out for a smoke. I go out with them and just talk to them.

I sit with a guy at the back of church who is an alcoholic and has to go out and top up and smoke. He then comes back in and sits with me and we talk.

A lady got baptised last month. When the service was finished she was outside having a smoke. I went up to her and said "It's so amazing to see you baptised this morning.

Why on earth do believers act like your preacher man?
The purifying work of the Lord tskes a life time. It's not instant.
He knows how to purify and he does it correctly and knowing what needs dealing with in us and in his timing.

No wonder people don't come to church and no wonder people leave the church.

Mark my words such people like the preacher man will give an account for their words.
We all will.

Lets all make sure we be like Jesus to others

Amen...Really Good testimony...

As far as my story goes; however, It was truly a sad situation...That preacher had judged and condemned many people for small things like that. He actually thought he was doing the Lord some type of favor, by running people away from church.

One time, he got up and told about a dream he had...He said he dreamed that he was standing before the Lord with blood dripping off his hands...You could see a smile on everyone's face in church when he was telling about the dream because we all thought that meant he was going to repent and start showing the love of God and preach the word of of God without throwing in his opinions...Our happiness was short lived, though, when he told us that his dream meant that he should and was going to start judging people even harder...

 

[Depleted]

I smoke, in fact I'm having a smoke now whilst I post this.
I'm not proud and I don't like what I'm doing.
Been told that I'm gong to hell and will smell like it when I go there.

Now what I am going to say is thruth.

When away on a break I went for a smoke.
Sat outside and someone asked me for a light. I gave him him a light.
God asked me to engage with him.
Long story short turns out he had just been release from prison. Was on probation.
God asked me to ask him why (I crapped myself) so I asked him.
He answered why but he said one sentence I honed in on.

"I used to be a Christian?
I said "Used to be, have you confessed Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins?
He said yes.

That night he came back to God.

I am going on holiday next month to the same place I'm have been to for the last 7 years.
I like to have a beer and a smoke late in the afternoon.

Every year whilst sat doing that I started conversation with people and every year I have been able to pray for them.
In fact for the last 4 years I have met the same people and they have asked me to pray for them.

Ok I'm not advertising smoking here but just giving my experience.
Smoking is bad I agree but equally not loving people is tragic.

God has used my weakness to help others.

Last year, when hubby was in a VA hospital, I needed smoke breaks. In wintertime, particularly on weekends or during and after snowstorms there weren't many folks out there with me. So I had time to watch people go by. Lots of disdain walking by and it wasn't aimed at the cold, the weekend, or the snow.

But during the week, many more smokers out there. (Our veteran's hospitals are mostly for doctor appointments and tests. The one hubby was in has 8 floors, one floor for the psych ward, two wings for in-patients, and about 25 beds in the intensive care unit, to give you some idea of how much it isn't made for in-patients.) Many of the guys smoking with me, (and some of the gals) were ex-military. Everyone had one thing in common -- they couldn't afford good healthcare, so they took that VA Center's healthcare. (Mixed bag. Out-patient is very good. In-patient can kill you.)

With that, things I noticed:
-- Smoking with other ex-military was as good as it got for many of the people there.
-- They seemed way too used to the disdain looks.
-- Everyone encouraged and supported each other. They encouraged me when I needed it, and I was able to encourage them when they needed it. And it wasn't the easy-peasy type of encouragement, (a pat on the back with a "you take care now, y'hear.") It was the good stuff. ("Talk to the folks on the first floor in the corner. They can help you with that." "Try this agency. They can help you with that." I've got no money, man, but here are some cookies I had stashed for later. Eat them, until you find someone with money." or, "No, I don't have change, but here's $2.")
-- They're funny and goodhearted people worth noticing! Not worth the haughty disdain.

On Tuesdays and Fridays was Clinic. Clinic was where the addicts got their methadone and counseling. I admired them for their determination to make it. I also became one of the few people who would talk to them as a human being.

I heard a lot of "Praise God" said with sincerity in that hospital. If God gives me whatever I need to quit someday, I'd still rather hang out with the smokers than rub shoulders with disdain-faces.

On here, and IRL.

But beer? Such a terrible sin!

 

[preacher4truth]

Shortly after salvation I asked the Lord to take away the desire to smoke, and He did.

 

[Issachar92]

Can we stop abusing the whatever enters the mouth doesn't defile a man verse? This has got to stop, i dunno if this is just ignorance and pulling stuff outta context or if this is distortion on purpose.

The context is about eating with unwashed hands as the Pharisees and their customs would want Jesus and His disciples to do.

Why would God forbid getting drunk if nothing that enters a body defiles you? This is just pure retardation to use this verse to try to justify smoking or drinking.

Another verse I see ignorance or lies and distortion on purpose is the all things are lawful from Paul in Corinthians.
The context of this verse is food sacrificed unto idols and Paul is telling em just eat whatever you want from the store.

I just wanted to make this clear so the few who honestly didn't know the context can now go check it out and see the truth of the matter, don't let these guys pull a fast one on ya, cause they will try and try.
And to you guys who did know the context and still decided to use these verses in a way to justify smoking and drinking, shame on you. We all sin in one way or another, the difference is, do we admit it or do we make up excuses and lies for our sins.

 

[BillG]

Last year, when hubby was in a VA hospital, I needed smoke breaks. In wintertime, particularly on weekends or during and after snowstorms there weren't many folks out there with me. So I had time to watch people go by. Lots of disdain walking by and it wasn't aimed at the cold, the weekend, or the snow.

But during the week, many more smokers out there. (Our veteran's hospitals are mostly for doctor appointments and tests. The one hubby was in has 8 floors, one floor for the psych ward, two wings for in-patients, and about 25 beds in the intensive care unit, to give you some idea of how much it isn't made for in-patients.) Many of the guys smoking with me, (and some of the gals) were ex-military. Everyone had one thing in common -- they couldn't afford good healthcare, so they took that VA Center's healthcare. (Mixed bag. Out-patient is very good. In-patient can kill you.)

With that, things I noticed:
-- Smoking with other ex-military was as good as it got for many of the people there.
-- They seemed way too used to the disdain looks.
-- Everyone encouraged and supported each other. They encouraged me when I needed it, and I was able to encourage them when they needed it. And it wasn't the easy-peasy type of encouragement, (a pat on the back with a "you take care now, y'hear.") It was the good stuff. ("Talk to the folks on the first floor in the corner. They can help you with that." "Try this agency. They can help you with that." I've got no money, man, but here are some cookies I had stashed for later. Eat them, until you find someone with money." or, "No, I don't have change, but here's $2.")
-- They're funny and goodhearted people worth noticing! Not worth the haughty disdain.

On Tuesdays and Fridays was Clinic. Clinic was where the addicts got their methadone and counseling. I admired them for their determination to make it. I also became one of the few people who would talk to them as a human being.

I heard a lot of "Praise God" said with sincerity in that hospital. If God gives me whatever I need to quit someday, I'd still rather hang out with the smokers than rub shoulders with disdain-faces.

On here, and IRL.

But beer? Such a terrible sin!

Oh dear I'm stuffed cause I have a beer with a smoke.

I still believe that even in our weakness he can still use us.
I must admit that in the past I have gotten a downer concerning my smoking and it can affect another believer and non believers.

With regard to believers I don't smoke in front of them. Only those that I know it doesn't offend and know me are those that I would have a cigar in front off.

With regards to non believers I would say that I don't smoke in front of them but I would day "ooh I like a smoke"
I don't think it's hypocrytical it's being honest.
What I find interesting is that they seem more relaxed and willing to open up and be honest.

 

[BillG]

I wonder how many people here when they wake up in the morning need a coffee or cup of tea before they can function.

 

[BillG]

Can we stop abusing the whatever enters the mouth doesn't defile a man verse? This has got to stop, i dunno if this is just ignorance and pulling stuff outta context or if this is distortion on purpose.

The context is about eating with unwashed hands as the Pharisees and their customs would want Jesus and His disciples to do.

Why would God forbid getting drunk if nothing that enters a body defiles you? This is just pure retardation to use this verse to try to justify smoking or drinking.

Another verse I see ignorance or lies and distortion on purpose is the all things are lawful from Paul in Corinthians.
The context of this verse is food sacrificed unto idols and Paul is telling em just eat whatever you want from the store.

I just wanted to make this clear so the few who honestly didn't know the context can now go check it out and see the truth of the matter, don't let these guys pull a fast one on ya, cause they will try and try.
And to you guys who did know the context and still decided to use these verses in a way to justify smoking and drinking, shame on you. We all sin in one way or another, the difference is, do we admit it or do we make up excuses and lies for our sins.

Shame on you to.
You assume that others are using verses out of context to excuse their sin.
Did God rebuke Noah for getting drunk?

No one here is using verses to justify their sin, and I'm sure most of us struggle with sin will acknowledge it and ask for help.
You seem to think when we do it's dealt with straight away. God deals with his children in the way he knows what is best for us.

News for you it's not.

You concentrate on smoking and drinking, and that's a sin, what about love of money, or fear God won't meet our for food that we can't afford to buy? What about needing a coffee first thing in the morning to start the day and the list could go on.

Shame on you

 

[Meggido]

Can we stop abusing the whatever enters the mouth doesn't defile a man verse? This has got to stop, i dunno if this is just ignorance and pulling stuff outta context or if this is distortion on purpose.

The context is about eating with unwashed hands as the Pharisees and their customs would want Jesus and His disciples to do.

Why would God forbid getting drunk if nothing that enters a body defiles you? This is just pure retardation to use this verse to try to justify smoking or drinking.

Another verse I see ignorance or lies and distortion on purpose is the all things are lawful from Paul in Corinthians.
The context of this verse is food sacrificed unto idols and Paul is telling em just eat whatever you want from the store.

I just wanted to make this clear so the few who honestly didn't know the context can now go check it out and see the truth of the matter, don't let these guys pull a fast one on ya, cause they will try and try.
And to you guys who did know the context and still decided to use these verses in a way to justify smoking and drinking, shame on you. We all sin in one way or another, the difference is, do we admit it or do we make up excuses and lies for our sins.

you have much to learn padwaan....You should start in Romans 14

 

[dcontroversal]

Shame on you to.
You assume that others are using verses out of context to excuse their sin.
Did God rebuke Noah for getting drunk?

No one here is using verses to justify their sin, and I'm sure most of us struggle with sin will acknowledge it and ask for help.
You seem to think when we do it's dealt with straight away. God deals with his children in the way he knows what is best for us.

News for you it's not.

You concentrate on smoking and drinking, and that's a sin, what about love of money, or fear God won't meet our for food that we can't afford to buy? What about needing a coffee first thing in the morning to start the day and the list could go on.

Shame on you

AMEN......pretty sure that it is not those things that enter into a man that defiles a man covers those things that enter into a man dia his mouth....and throw in....ALL things are LAWFUL unto me (although not necessarily profitable) and how ALL THINGS means ALL THINGS......and pretty sure JESUS was not called a wine bibber because he drank GRAPE JUICE etc.........just saying.............I am so glad that Jesus was not a hyper legalistic religionist.......

 

[Gabriel2020]

I posted earlier that we that are spirit filled is immune from doing the same things as those that walk in darkness. We eat the same food and dont get sick. We drink the same water and dont get sick. The things we do are blessed by God.

 

[Issachar92]

Shame on you to.
You assume that others are using verses out of context to excuse their sin.
Did God rebuke Noah for getting drunk?

No one here is using verses to justify their sin, and I'm sure most of us struggle with sin will acknowledge it and ask for help.
You seem to think when we do it's dealt with straight away. God deals with his children in the way he knows what is best for us.

News for you it's not.

You concentrate on smoking and drinking, and that's a sin, what about love of money, or fear God won't meet our for food that we can't afford to buy? What about needing a coffee first thing in the morning to start the day and the list could go on.

Shame on you

I see you didn't even read my post, how sad, you got instantly triggered. I specifically said we all sin in one way or another, did that escape you? And I like the way you just ranted about this and that instead of addressing my point which was; These verses ARE used out of context knowingly or unknowingly by christians ALL the time and you know it. I also said that some do it knowingly and some unknowingly, judging by how you reacted, the shoe must fit? If you dont use those verses outta context on purpose why get so mad?

Somebody had to tell the truth, maybe the ones who still care about the Bible read the post and noticed hmm looks like i've been scammed by these buncha people quoting verses outta context.

 

[preacher4truth]

Shame on you to.
You assume that others are using verses out of context to excuse their sin.
Did God rebuke Noah for getting drunk?

No one here is using verses to justify their sin, and I'm sure most of us struggle with sin will acknowledge it and ask for help.
You seem to think when we do it's dealt with straight away. God deals with his children in the way he knows what is best for us.

News for you it's not.

You concentrate on smoking and drinking, and that's a sin, what about love of money, or fear God won't meet our for food that we can't afford to buy? What about needing a coffee first thing in the morning to start the day and the list could go on.

Shame on you

Paul didn't rebuke the Corinthians for getting drunk either. He instead suggested that they have homes they could do that in. I've always found that interesting. (1 Corinthians 11:22)

 

[BillG]

AMEN......pretty sure that it is not those things that enter into a man that defiles a man covers those things that enter into a man dia his mouth....and throw in....ALL things are LAWFUL unto me (although not necessarily profitable) and how ALL THINGS means ALL THINGS......and pretty sure JESUS was not called a wine bibber because he drank GRAPE JUICE etc.........just saying.............I am so glad that Jesus was not a hyper legalistic religionist.......

Not sure if you read my post about how God used a situation I found myself in when I wine away for weekend.
I went outside for a smoke. Got talking to a guy on probation and led him back to our Lord.

What came out of my mouth?
Yes smoke but the words that God laid on my heart for this man, he came back.
I say he came back but Jesus came and sought him out.

I have only posted that on this site because to be honest if I went up in front of Church there would be eyebrows raised and me criticised (mainly by those who don't know me and think we must be perfect to witness)

I have no idea if this man has gone back to church or not but one thing I'm sure of is that a supernatural encounter happened and I have to trust God that he knew what he was doing.

Also we lived 200 miles apart.

Shame on me for smoking

Yes I don't like smoking and would love to stop and don't get why I stumble.
But hey the Father who delivered me from a 30 year severe gambling addiction in the click of a finger can do the same for my smoking.

 

[Issachar92]

So here is what this thread is about: "getting drunk is a sin" -"well so is malice and love of money so who cares!!!!"

PS: Nice post dCONtroversal agreeing with a guy who after being shown the context of the verses mentioned you STILL decided to disregard it and go with your own manmade interpretation outta context

So what you just did is DISREGARD the context where Pharisees were accusing Jesus and the disciples for eating with unwashed hands according to their traditions.

You know this is so retarded and dumb, do you realize by your interpretation Jesus could be eating swine while He was on earth in the flesh and was supposed to keep the law?

This is absolute WILLING ignorance and IGNORING Scripture. Then again judging by the quality of the posts here I shouldn't be surprised, one verse here one verse there, lets throw out the context.

Once you disagree with Scripture thats when you know there is nothing more to be done.

This is retarded. I hope nobody who aint christian reads this topic. Once the Bible verses quoted in context don't work, and helping folks realize they've been scammed by someone taking something out of context gets you told off by someone who gets surprisingly salty for who knows what reason; THEN, you know its time to leave the topic, since clearly this topic has brought up some interesting facts and viewpoints. Its a done deal folks wrap it up.

Im gone, enjoy the smokes! i aint judging ya dont worry you sensitive ones.

 

[Meggido]

So here is what this thread is about: "getting drunk is a sin" -"well so is malice and love of money so who cares!!!!"

This is retarded. I hope nobody who aint christian reads this topic. Once the Bible verses quoted in context don't work, and helping folks realize they've been scammed by someone taking something out of context gets you told off by someone who gets surprisingly salty for who knows what reason; THEN, you know its time to leave the topic, since clearly this topic has brought up some interesting facts and viewpoints. Its a done deal folks wrap it up.

Im gone, enjoy the smokes! i aint judging ya dont worry you sensitive ones.

come back after reading and praying over Romans 14....

 

[BillG]

I see you didn't even read my post, how sad, you got instantly triggered. I specifically said we all sin in one way or another, did that escape you? And I like the way you just ranted about this and that instead of addressing my point which was; These verses ARE used out of context knowingly or unknowingly by christians ALL the time and you know it. I also said that some do it knowingly and some unknowingly, judging by how you reacted, the shoe must fit? If you dont use those verses outta context on purpose why get so mad?

Somebody had to tell the truth, maybe the ones who still care about the Bible read the post and noticed hmm looks like i've been scammed by these buncha people quoting verses outta context.

Yes I read what you posted that's why I repsonded.
My shoes do fit.

You said people use the verses out of context to justify smoking and drinking.

I fully know and understand the verses you used in their context. But to be honest to me you took it further with regard to smoking and drinking and said it's and excuse and shame on you.

thats calling people shameful.

Yes we all sin but did I call you shamefull for admitting that and make you feel a second class citizen?
You haven't been scammed at all.

ALL OF THE TIME?

I didn't get mad at all. I just replied to you in your language.

Seems to me it was you who got mad with post I repsonded to.

 

[BillG]

So here is what this thread is about: "getting drunk is a sin" -"well so is malice and love of money so who cares!!!!"

PS: Nice post dCONtroversal agreeing with a guy who after being shown the context of the verses mentioned you STILL decided to disregard it and go with your own manmade interpretation outta context

So what you just did is DISREGARD the context where Pharisees were accusing Jesus and the disciples for eating with unwashed hands according to their traditions.

You know this is so retarded and dumb, do you realize by your interpretation Jesus could be eating swine while He was on earth in the flesh and was supposed to keep the law?

This is absolute WILLING ignorance and IGNORING Scripture. Then again judging by the quality of the posts here I shouldn't be surprised, one verse here one verse there, lets throw out the context.

Once you disagree with Scripture thats when you know there is nothing more to be done.

This is retarded. I hope nobody who aint christian reads this topic. Once the Bible verses quoted in context don't work, and helping folks realize they've been scammed by someone taking something out of context gets you told off by someone who gets surprisingly salty for who knows what reason; THEN, you know its time to leave the topic, since clearly this topic has brought up some interesting facts and viewpoints. Its a done deal folks wrap it up.

Im gone, enjoy the smokes! i aint judging ya dont worry you sensitive ones.

Pot kettle black comes to mind.

I agree with you. I hope those who ain't a Christian don't read your posts.
Yes you are judging.

 

[dcontroversal]

Not sure if you read my post about how God used a situation I found myself in when I wine away for weekend.
I went outside for a smoke. Got talking to a guy on probation and led him back to our Lord.

What came out of my mouth?
Yes smoke but the words that God laid on my heart for this man, he came back.
I say he came back but Jesus came and sought him out.

I have only posted that on this site because to be honest if I went up in front of Church there would be eyebrows raised and me criticised (mainly by those who don't know me and think we must be perfect to witness)

I have no idea if this man has gone back to church or not but one thing I'm sure of is that a supernatural encounter happened and I have to trust God that he knew what he was doing.

Also we lived 200 miles apart.

Shame on me for smoking

Yes I don't like smoking and would love to stop and don't get why I stumble.
But hey the Father who delivered me from a 30 year severe gambling addiction in the click of a finger can do the same for my smoking.

I did bro and I thought I liked it HAHAHHA

 

[Stunnedbygrace]

I see you didn't even read my post, how sad, you got instantly triggered. I specifically said we all sin in one way or another, did that escape you? And I like the way you just ranted about this and that instead of addressing my point which was; These verses ARE used out of context knowingly or unknowingly by christians ALL the time and you know it. I also said that some do it knowingly and some unknowingly, judging by how you reacted, the shoe must fit? If you dont use those verses outta context on purpose why get so mad?

Somebody had to tell the truth, maybe the ones who still care about the Bible read the post and noticed hmm looks like i've been scammed by these buncha people quoting verses outta context.

Well the great thing is that we can plainly see who walks in the Spirit in love, gentleness, kindness, longsuffering, patience, not reviling when reviled, forgiving, not holding and carrying grudges, etc. So then we can decide by who most acts like our Lord who we think we should listen to and by who least acts like our Lord who we might not want to.