Barry Chaffin

commented on May 15, 2013

It's a current event that is happening in our country and it will effect His Body. Why not mention it?

James Walker

commented on May 15, 2013

Is this where mega "seeker" church worship and so many other "cutting edge" attempts to reach each successive generation has gotten us? My question is genuine and comes without an agenda attached. Is this part of the "great falling away" spoken of in scripture before the return of our Lord? Is this "having a form of godliness, but rejecting the power thereof" that we read in scripture? Have we missed teaching God's Word to our youth? Is this "my people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge" as God spoke through the prophet Hosea? Perhaps this could just be another chapter for Dr. David Jeremiah to add to his "I Never Thought I Would See the Day". Puzzled and perplexed.

Catharine Rhodes

commented on Sep 4, 2023

I believe it’s well intentioned. How many of our churches and ministry staff have spent years believing that we are called to serve addicts and drug dealers even though Ephesians 4:14-16 and every other description of sinners and sin proves the canon is against serving the unrepentant and poisoning our churches?

Casey Scott

commented on May 15, 2013

Forgive me for sounding like an old curmudgeon here, but the ethical ignorance of my fellow American Christians is appalling. When more than half (no matter how you look at the numbers) of them believe it is not a sin, we have an ethics crisis! No matter how states rule, the growth, sale, and use of marijuana is a FEDERAL crime. The use of it is not commanded in Scripture, therefore to break the law that way is a sin… plain and simple. The “argument from creation” falls apart pretty quickly. While yes, God created the plant, he also created the coca plant; from which we get cocaine, and no one is saying we should legalize that. Lord, have mercy!

Sincerely Woods

commented on May 15, 2013

I have Christian friends that claim there isn't scripture against it, but I believe there is scripture that pertains to it not being right. I do not believe it's what is approved of God as something to do, unless it's use is counted as medicinal. Yet, too many claim they use it that way and abuse it. I don't feel they are using it appropriately and they're addicted and confused. I have difficulty believing someone is Christian or I feel they are backsliding when they refuse to believe scripture that backs not harming your body in various ways. Yet, the bible also says warn divisive persons 3 times then it is upon their heads what they choose. I can only do so much to change their mind, then it is upon them to decide. But I pray somehow their eyes will open to understand why this may not be right or best to continue using marijuana

Shawn Hill

commented on May 15, 2013

Alcohol and Tobacco kill more people every year than Marijuana does. I would be for legalizing it. While it is illegal I would hope that Christians would not use it, but I would be in favor of making it legal.

Pastor C.s. Lesko

commented on May 15, 2013

truthThere is Scripture support regarding this issue. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 6:19-20 clearly tells us that our bodies are the Temple of God. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. Can we honestly say that it is not sin to take in a substance which alters our thought processes? I am both an R.N. and a Pastor. I have seen people who have just used marijuana and their eyes are glassy, their thinking is slow, and they cannot make clear decisions. Does that glorify God? We pastors need to preach the truth and not be afraid of the peoples' reactions. Scripture tells us that in the times before Christ returns that Christians will flock to those who preach "smooth things" (2 Timothy 4:1-5). We must not worry about our popularity. We are called to preach as Christ modelled to us: preach always in love, but always with truth.

Oludare Odejobi

commented on May 15, 2013

The fact that there is no scripture specifically declaring using marijuana a sin does mean that the scripture is silent about abusing our body. As far as I am concerned, anything that has the potential to destroy our body when used is a sin as scripture clearly declared, and whosoever engages in such will be destroyed. The scripture says: You should know that you yourselves are God's temple. God's Spirit lives in you. If you destroy God's temple, God will destroy you, because God's temple is holy. You yourselves are God's temple ~ 1Co_3:16-17.

Tim Adams

commented on May 15, 2013

First time in history that 48 percent consider killing brain cells recreational. My 33 year old son regrets all the years he smoked it swearing to his dad that though it is called the "gateway drug" he would never go beyond the gate. He used crack, LSD, and that's all he will confess. He is bipolar, schizoeffective for the rest of his life. He lives with constant paranoia. Yet the grace of God has permitted him to hold down a job for 12 years. I say "Repent ye and be converted" for "woe unto him that called evil good and good evil."

Thomas Clocker

commented on May 15, 2013

There is context relating to the passages about the Christian being God's temple. In I Cor. 3 Paul writes concerning the "destroying" of "God's temple". The word temple is singular. The passage is on disunity in the body. Those who are creating conflict are destroying God's sacred temple, again singular, meaning the church. In I Cor 6 Paul IS talking about individual Christians but the context is sexual immorality, although you can ascertain a broader understanding in vs. 9-11. In 2 Cor 6 Paul is talking about being yoked with unbelievers, often used in the context of marriage Paul's primary point is the intermingling of true faith and worship with the worship and practices of the pagans. None of this is to say the Christian should not be careful in caring for his body but even here Paul is much more concerned about the spiritual. Unity in the church, sexual union with unbelievers for "two become one", and mixed faith and worship practices with unbelievers. Paul's emphasis is on the Holy Spirit that dwells within us as the primary concern.I The use of marijuana is a sin because it is against the secular law and authorities we are commanded to obey in Romans and elsewhere. If it is legalized it becomes similar to alcohol---not sinful to use---but sinful to abuse. Preaching that it should not be made legal is addressing issues better answered by the medical and legal authorities. The church has far too often, in it's history, made the rules of men into the commands of God. What do we "feed" the Holy Spirit within our temple is of greater concern---the Word, or modern culture, satisfaction through things or in God Himself etc. We preach Christ crucified. Preaching is primarily to focus on Christ. Tom C

Sheldon Boyd

commented on May 15, 2013

It would appear (as it has for me for a number of years) that even Christians have lost their moral compass. I guess the words, "holy" and "Come out form among them" have no relevance to many in the Christian community these days. Abortion is legal so why aren't we OK with that? Just because something is called "legal" or "OK" by the community at large does not make it right.

Oludare Odejobi

commented on May 15, 2013

The fact that there is no scripture specifically declaring using marijuana a sin does mean that the scripture is silent about abusing our body. As far as I am concerned, anything that has the potential to destroy our body when used is a sin as scripture clearly declared, and whosoever engages in such will be destroyed. The scripture says: You should know that you yourselves are God's temple. God's Spirit lives in you. If you destroy God's temple, God will destroy you, because God's temple is holy. You yourselves are God's temple ~ 1Co_3:16-17.

Harry Love

commented on May 15, 2013

Situational ethics, the philosophy that drove the sexual and ethical revolution of the 1960's and 70's, is now coming home to roost. I heard an radio commentator today say that, "now that we live in a society with no moral absolutes, we have taken the first step to fully developing the potential of humanity." While we can debate the Scriptural prohibitions or silence for years to come, the desire to "self-medicate" and "change my realilty" will continue to wreck the daily lives of God's dear souls and tear apart the fabric of our families and society in general. 80 to 90 percent of the crime in our communities, the shooting, the robberies, and the daily casualties can be traced to people seeking to find funds to purchase drugs or to facilitate the trafficking of them. Legalizing pot will not remove the blight it has brought upon us. And yes, alcohol is marijuana's brother and the affects of it are just as devastating, and it's legal. Too bad America judged prohibition to be a failure when the real issue was the country's will to enforce the law. BTW, legalizing it doesn't necessarily put it on a approved "recreational activities" list. Maybe we will wake up and repent and rediscover "sin" as Biblical and realize that "feel good" Christianity is only preaching part of the Word. Forgiveness and grace are only understood in the overall sense of moral absolutes, right and wrong, Godly and ungodly, sinfulness and holiness.

Dayna Winke

commented on May 15, 2013

If we are to state that marijuana use is a sin because it violates the sanctity of our Christian bodies, then we must include sugar addiction, salt, fried food, soda, etc.

Dayna Winke

commented on May 15, 2013

If we are to state that marijuana use is a sin because it violates the sanctity of our Christian bodies, then we must include sugar addiction, salt, fried food, soda, etc.

Dayna Winke

commented on May 15, 2013

If we are to state that marijuana use is a sin because it violates the sanctity of our Christian bodies, then we must include sugar addiction, salt, fried food, soda, etc.

Dayna Winke

commented on May 15, 2013

If we are to state that marijuana use is a sin because it violates the sanctity of our Christian bodies, then we must include sugar addiction, salt, fried food, soda, etc.

Thomas Clocker

commented on May 15, 2013

RE: O.O. on I Cor 3. As I said in that verse the "you" is plural but the temple is singular. Paul says to Christians who make up the Body of Christ, that you (plural) are the temple (singular, ie. the church) this passage has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with our physical bodies. It's talking about bringing division into the church and destroying THAT body (the church). Look at the context beginning in 3:1. Man when will be stop grabbing singular verses, divorce them from their context in order to use them to make a broad generalization. Yikes

Dennis Cocks

commented on May 15, 2013

Here is a verse that prohibits the use of illicit drugs, Rev. 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." The Greek word for "sorcerers is "Pharmakeus" from which we get our English word "pharmacy" i.e. drugs. Putting ANYTHING in our bodies that alters our thinking, our minds is SIN, PERIOD! Satan is after our minds. That includes alcohol. We are commanded to abstain from alcohol not just drunkenness. Prov. 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Prov. 23:29-33 "29Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things." Prov. 31:4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:" As Christians we are kings, Rev. 1:6 "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Wine, strong drink, drugs are not for Christians to use, (or anyone for that matter). And just because it's legal doesn't mean a thing! Abortion is legal, homosexual marriage is legal, God calls both SIN! I do a Bible study in a correctional center where the inmates wish they had NEVER TAKEN THAT FIRST DRINK OR DID THAT FIRST DRUG! Just look at all the harm and evil alcohol and drugs do. How can ANY Christian believe it is alright to use them at all! We are to abstain from the very apperance of evil! 1 Thess. 5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."

Rodney Shanner

commented on May 15, 2013

Marijuana is one of the gateway drugs to addiction. No thinking believer should ever support anything that can interfere with Jesus' Lordship in their lives. It should be addressed from the pulpit. Isn't this what "Celebrate Recovery" seeks to address?

John Mury

commented on May 15, 2013

James Walker, mega-churches are almost all white evangelical protestant and the same are the only religious group that differs from the rest of society on this issue. If not an agenda, I'm not sure from where your question comes.

Bryan Thompson

commented on May 15, 2013

Pointing to other bad or sinful behavior in order to justify bad behavior should be an Olympic sport, because we have gotten so good at it. To those bringing up tobacco, soda, fried foods, etc...avoid those also. Salt was also mentioned, but my mother was recently told by her doctor that she needed to consume more salt. Eating is something you have to do. We should be careful about what we eat. But nobody EVER needs to smoke anything.

Oscar Longoria

commented on Sep 20, 2023

Do you believe the late theologian C.H. Spurgeon is with the Lord? He smoked cigars. Just curious.

William Higuchi

commented on May 15, 2013

It is sad to see how the world is becoming but unfortunately have to accept how the media will always make things look worst that it seems. As a believer, we must share our faith and convey our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ to others. Marijuana, tobacco, alcohol, etc. All are external substances that will destroy humanity as along as we choose to take it in and accept it as part of our source of life. We must stay strong in the words of God through prayer, fellowship and worship. Never miss going to church. Always remind yourselves who we live for. God Bless. William.

John Modgling

commented on May 16, 2013

I believe the stats mentioned in the article, as well as many of the comments, are evidence of the fact that people who have never smoked marijuana have a fear or misunderstanding of something they don't know about. Those who have smoked it know that it's not the big bad brain killer that some would have us believe.

Charles Ingwe

commented on May 16, 2013

Br Tomas, with due respect to your theological exposition of the temple, are you aware that even if we are to get 2cor 6 episode where we state the spiritual emphasis we still find that marijuana affects the spirit or rather destroys the spiritual morality of a person to a level of maybe just being like a dog? If the spiritual position of someone is destroyed is that not worse than even one getting physical cancer? Marijuana was used by my elder brother and home was suddenly turned into hell. Marijuana has no small dosage. Its effects are alarming and devilish. I cannot believe that a true christian can for a second want to discuss the usage of marijuana. If theology can even be wrongly stated for the sake of saving the sanctity of the body of christ better than to have lovely theology that will lead people to hell. Peter tells us to be sober minded, if we are not sober in our minds that will surely lead to making decisions that will affect the spiritual position due to wrong decisions taken. Is that not common sense. Let us preach not only in context that remain fleshly but in context that show deeper wisdom for the devil has blinded many even through theology.

Don Bearden

commented on May 16, 2013

the question for any thinking Christian is this: Why would you as a Christian want to use marijuana?

Brenda Spencer

commented on May 16, 2013

When ANYTHING altars your mind in ANYWAY and prohibits a clear way of thinking, you should stay away from it (unless it is prescribed by a doctor and is for medical use only).

Dennis Cocks

commented on May 16, 2013

@John Modgling, I most certainly know what I am talking about! I used marijuana and other drugs along with alcohol in my younger days. I know EXACTLY what these drugs do to your mind. And if you think that God is pleased with people using these drugs, you must serve some other God than I do!

Charles Reed

commented on May 16, 2013

Is it possible that these statistics reflect the consequences of years and years of not addressing issues such as this. The church, as has government, has increasingly become more and more liberal over the years...and there must be a consequence for that. Things we should address in the pulpit aren't being addressed...and things we should not be talking about are being talked about. Perhaps that will change when we see these statistics...I'm just sayin...

Rev Chinedu Nnakwue

commented on May 16, 2013

Marijuana in my country is for the foolish, never-do-well, mad persons. Preaching it in the church will be regarded as madness. The congregation will gradually leave the church. You dare not talk about it in the church in Nigeria

Maralyn Benay

commented on May 16, 2013

I work directly with parents whose children use and abuse marijuana. This is not a herb. It is a mood altering drug that affects the brain in many negative ways. It causes fights, physical and emotional problems. God would not support its use. It is not the "old weed" of the sixties. This is mostly toxins and a lot is tampered with to enhance the effect.

Mark Pittman

commented on May 16, 2013

Jesus is Lord. Lets go to some commands Jesus does clearly speak: 1. He affirms that we are to love God with all we are and have (which includes our body and our stuff), 2. that we are to love others as ourselves, but gives the example in his own self-sacrifice, and 3. this love extends to calling others to be his followers, the greatest gift we can give. Then, 1. as a follower of Jesus I want to give him my very best because of my love and devotion to him. I see little use for MJ to help me with that. 2. If I want to do what is best and loving for others, then again putting folks in jeopardy by example using MJ is not what I want to do, even if i have a "right" to do so. Finally, 3. how does choosing to be impaired and slow in my thinking help me in being useful to Jesus in calling others to follow him? Note, these are instructions for Jesus' people, not the "christian" nation as a whole. But, it does give us insights into how we could argue against its use. As Scripture tells us, all of the law is summed up in understanding God's love. A love that desires the absolute and ultimate best for the loved one.

Jon Ralph

commented on May 16, 2013

This is a very interesting topic. There appears to be two different issues here, one, should it be legalized, two, is it sinful to use. The first is purely a political issue. Should there be freedom in this country to use things that are bad for us (something very bad, other not so bad). In my city there is a city ordinance that bans the use of plastic bags because they are bad for the environment, seems a little excessive to me. However, on the other side Marijuana is bad for you. I had friends that are seriously affected by the use of it and he had quite for many years. It seemed to me that he was brain damaged though only slightly. I don’t want to see all the people in this country be slightly brain damaged. So I would say that no it shouldn’t be legalized. On the other hand that only slightly has to do with it being sinful or not. Yes, as long as it is illegal it is sinful but it seems to me that we are focused way too much in that direction. It seems to me that living just inside the line of what is not evil is completely the wrong direction. Christ wants his followers to be completely in love with him and completely following him. So abandon the line, follow Christ and this issue will not be an issue. When we are completely in love with him then why would we want to take mind altering drug? It would distract us. If we want to love him with “All your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37) Mind alter drugs would affect that. I pray that I call God’s people in his church not to “not do Marijuana” but to so love him that they wouldn’t even consider it because it would hinder that relationship even momentarily. Christ called us to a deeper life, so let’s go deeper.

Dennis Cocks

commented on May 17, 2013

@Jon Ralph says "Yes, as long as it is illegal it is sinful but it seems to me that we are focused way too much in that direction." So because abortion is legal it is no longer sinful? So because homosexual adoption and "marriage" are legal in many states homosexuality is no longer sinful? So you believe man's laws overide God's Laws? Remember what Jesus told the woman caught in adultery? "Go and SIN no more." Or how about when Jesus says, "If ye love Me, keep My COMMANDMENTS." Yeah, seems to me we are "focused way too much in that direction." Why should we actually call sin, sin? Sin is no big deal to God, is it? He only sent His Son to die because of it.

Gerald Graham

commented on May 17, 2013

I must say that I agree with many of the comments against the need to legalize marijuana. Really liked Mark Pittman's comments. I have personally tried it as a teen as well as alcohol and other things. It may not "kill the brain" but I have seen enough evidence of it's destructive altering work around me to know we don't need it legalized. I once heard someone say "it would lower crime" to legalize it. No it won't. People will just find other high paying crimes to commit. Not to mention other drugs to sell. And the medicinal argument? There's nothing it can do that other drugs don't already do. So yeah, I'd preach about it. and say what I just said...

Dennis Cocks

commented on May 17, 2013

It really amazes me that so many focus on whether it is "legal" in man's laws as oppossed to "God's Laws"! Drugs are a pathway to Satan and ANYONE who thinks God is okay with it needs to read their Bible!

David Hodgin

commented on May 17, 2013

Here in Washington State marijuana is now "legal." It soon will be in your state as well. "Medical marijuana" has been legal here for several years. It serves as a pain reliever and even some faithful Christians use it with success, after they found the standard pharmaceuticals did not work. Though I preach "tea-totaling" many in our church see nothing wrong with a glass of beer or wine with a meal, I suppose I will soon be hearing the same thing regarding MJ from some of them. It all grieves me, as I suppose it does most of you. But the solution is not the need to preach more abstinence, but on the holiness of God and the sanctification of the believer. It is love that conquers and we must preach what it means truly to love God. Telling people all the things they ?can?t do? does not make them better disciples, helping them to focus on the things they should do does. So will I be raising this topic in a sermon? Not as a major point. MJ is going to be just one more thing in the long list of things that God will need to deliver people from. People who pick and choose which sins they will turn from, really turn from none. So I will continue to preach total repentance from all sin and complete pursuit of God?s kingdom. Not a popular message, but the mandate taught in scripture.

Dennis Cocks

commented on May 17, 2013

@David Hodgin, while I agree that Christianity is not a list of rules, (do's and don't's), it is a relationship, we are still commanded to preach against sin. 2 Tim. 4:2-3 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" Also 1 John 5:2-3 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." I agree that the more we fall in love with the Lord, the more sactified we will become, but that still doesn't mean we shouldn't preach against sin. And drugs that alter our minds are sinful to take and people need to understand that!

Jon Ralph

commented on May 17, 2013

@Dennis Cocks I think you miss understood what I was saying. I mentioned it is illegal but we shouldn't be worried about it being illegal or a sin because we shouldn't be walking the line of just inside sin (meaning we don't sin but by just "a little bit") but instead we should be going so deep into our relationship with God and his love that MJ should be off of our radar. So, does that mean we should preach about it? Yes we should preach about it but we need to do more than just say "yes it is sin." because than we would need to make lists of sins and preach that list and hope nothing ever comes us that isn't on that list, obviously not going to work. What we should focus on in preaching is, not what is unacceptable, sin, wrong but what we should be doing, what is acceptable, what is righteous. That is, more faith and a deeper relationship with him, and MJ has no place there.

John Mury

commented on May 17, 2013

@Dennis Cocks, I ask that you consider toning down the apparent irony, sarcasm, and indignation in your comments. I submit your response to Jon Ralph as an example (also a misunderstanding of his comments).

Dennis Cocks

commented on May 17, 2013

@Jon Ralph, I understand what you are saying, but as I've stated, the Bible tells us to preach the whole counsel of God's Word. People sometimes won't know something is a sin unless they are taught that it is. In Romans 7:7 Paul said, "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." Take this topic for example, there are some who have posted who do not think smoking pot or drinking alcohol is sinful, they need to be shown from Scripture that they are. God certainly is a God of love, and we need to preach that He indeed is. But we also need to preach that He is a God of wrath and that if you violate His commands there are dire consequences you will pay, eternal separation from God in a lake of fire for the lost, or chastisment from God if you are His child. You must preach both His love and wrath. You must preach falling in love with Jesus, but you must also preach "this is what He says to do and not to do."

Dennis Cocks

commented on May 17, 2013

@John Mury, sorry if you believe I am being sarcastic and indignant, nothing could be further from the truth! I also don't think I misunderstood him at all as I just posted in my response to him. I was simply showing the faulty thinking that just because something is legal it is somehow alright with God, using abortion and homosexuality as examples. The caps is the only way to emphasize a point on this board.

David Hodgin

commented on May 17, 2013

Dear Sermon Central guys, Can I petition you to change the settings on the replies to articles? I think one reply per person is plenty. We should be addressing the article, not micro analyzing other people?s posts. A topic like this one on MJ is important here in Washington State and a very cutting edge issue here. I would love to hear people answering your questions. Instead I read people responding to responses, not the topic at hand. I am sure this prompts many to not post and causes many to grow weary of even reading the articles. Thx

Dennis Cocks

commented on May 17, 2013

@David Hodgin, Yeah we certainly don't want to encourage any kind of dialog on here. Name ONE post where I went off the topic of the article! The article talks about legalizing marijuana and it's sinfulness, I include alcohol because it is mind altering, and it mentions same sex marriage, show me where I have posted about anything else. If someone can't back up what they write with Scripture, then maybe they shouldn't write anything because people are going to challenge it, and that's a good thing! My response to you was civil, why didn't you offer any type of response to me? Many authors on this site encourage all the dialog we give each other in response to their articles. It causes us to think and defend our positions better when we are challenged. Go ahead and challenge anything I have posted, I encourage it! But be sure to use Scripture to back it up.

David Hodgin

commented on May 18, 2013

Dennis, I emailed a lengthy reply to RevDennis2@aol.com I hope you still use that one!

Mark Mignery

commented on May 23, 2013

Being a Biblical Science major I can quote a lot of scipture both for and aganst Legalizing Marijuana. And, yes quite a while ago I did smoke it and yes I did inhale it and yes I have felt it's effects both good and bad. The one bad effect I had after being saved was the temperal feeling of the loss of the power of the Holy spirit. Quoting Pastor C.S. Lesko, "1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 6:19-20 clearly tells us that our bodies are the Temple of God..." I truley belive it numbs the mind and so this is a side effect God is trying to protect us from.

Barry Watson

commented on Jun 7, 2013

We live in the last days, I believe firmly. Subjects that were once accepted as "just plain wrong" are now commonly accepted as okay. Homosexuality is wrong, and common sense tells us so. Doing drugs? Same thing! If you don't have the sense to know smoking pot is wrong, ESPECIALLY if you claim Christ as Saviour, there's something seriously wrong between you and God. Maybe I'm an exception (but I don't think so), but I took my first drink of alcohol at age 11. My dad bought me a can of beer to take to fifth grade to test for acidity/alkilinity. I thought it'd be funny. On my way walking home after school, I drank it. I loved the TASTE, the SMELL, the BUZZ! I began drinking regularaly at age 14 and was an alcoholic for 31 years until Jesus saved me. Same with POT. Same with HALLUCINOGENS. Same with OPIATES. Same with METH. There should be no debate over this matter. Trust and obey!

Alex Norman

commented on Jul 15, 2013

I believe it is extremely important to raise awareness within the church concerning cannabis use (and other drug use simultaneously for that matter). 1 Peter 5:8 reads 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour'. NKJV. I am 25 years of age and from the age of 13 have used vast amounts of cannabis up to May 2012 which is when the Lord ?pulled me out of the dark well? as it were. I used cannabis for 11 years in which the psychotic symptoms continually became worse and worse. I have had 3 admissions to a psychiatric hospital during this time. The feelings I mainly encountered were extreme fear, paranoia , depression and hopelessness. During my last month of cannabis use I suffered with severe paranoia through drug induced psychosis. Cannabis destroyed everything positive in my life until only negative things were left. I thank God that He rescued me that May of 2012. It was in May 2012 that my eyes were opened to the reality of God and I decided to follow him with all I am. That same month He freed me from psychosis and I haven?t had a paranoid thought, neither any form of fear and especially no hopelessness since! I have trials in my life which I am currently going through but in no way do they compare to the former situations. Because the trials which I now face, I face with a sober mind and I discern God?s presence and His works in them so I am able to rejoice. Because now I can see the way in which God uses these trials to advance the church and His kingdom! I plead with everyone that comes across this comment to raise awareness to those with drug habits and are Christians to quote 1 Peter 5:8 in a gentle manner. And for those with drug habits who are not Christians, pray for them with an earnest heart. And of the leaders of the church I ask of you to speak to your local body concerning this. I give permission of use of my comment as a testimony if helpful for anyone.

Catharine Rhodes

commented on Sep 4, 2023

The bible is clear on the point of addiction, and clearly delineates our ministry as Christians from enabling people who harm themselves or others. We are called to be examples to the flock, and not to look like the enemy. Young people should not go to church and receive the same messaging and misinformation they hear from trafficking organizations that sell drugs, women, children, and perform any other form of illicit activity because they have no morality and gauge all importance in their lives by how much money they make. Christians are called to lead a different path. We don’t publicize the results of fake studies. We have faith, we trust God, we trust eachother and ourselves. We know that the young people in our churches don’t support criminal industries, and trust our fellow leaders to have raised up young women and men who don’t support criminal industries. We knew before the Canadian government reported it, that studies provided by the marijuana industry were falsified and the results would never be reproduced in a scientific and peer reviewed study. Trudeau’s liberals proved, by instituting blanket federal legalization and doing their own studies, that we were correct. Marijuana pundits have moved on to other countries and have created more fake stories by purchasing fake views on media. Because of our faith we know the truth. Our message regarding addiction may vary based on our faith. However, the bible does not encourage us to serve unbelievers and addicts, especially while ignoring the people of God. There has been a trend in some churches to expose our members and our youth to addicts and unapologetic atheists and Satan worshipers. There is no precedent for doing so in the bible. “ 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:14-16) There is a difference between serving the needy and enabling criminals, thieves, violent people and schemers.

Oscar Longoria

commented on Sep 20, 2023

Man there is a bunch of self righteous comments here. I hope these aren't pastors making these comments. Are you going to judge someone (which no one is qualified to do) because they sin differently than YOU do? It's plank eye syndrome. All have sinned all fall short of the glory of God. Man if we would be disgusted with our sin as much as we are with others, it would be life changing, we are to be inward facing. Anytime you point the finger at someone you have three pointing right back at you. Those self righteous comments are by religious nuts. Down with religion, it's not about religion it's about a relationship. Do you not know that sin is 100% an archery term in both the Greek and Hebrew? It means to miss the mark. Try your hand at archery, you will miss more than you nail the bullseye. When Jesus got heated, it was at the religious nuts (Pharisees, religious teachers of the law). He exposed the publicly as hypocrites, which in the greek means actor. The acted the part but didn't know how to love and were dead inside. This is a bigger problem than weed. Paul knew about the struggle with sin and was authentic about it. Look at what he said about himself and the sin within himself, which is what we should do. Paul is so transparent and not a hypocrite (actor). Romans 7:14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 21I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. It's the same with legalistic "Christians" who say you shouldn't get tattoos. Do you not know that God has tattoos on his hands? You going to judge him for that, lol? Thank God for Jesus!!! That's what Paul did and I will do the same.