We are seeing more and more in today’s Churches, the use of words like “Tolerance” and others that are represented in a light that really says “Compromise”. Instead of trying to Set the Pace for the secular world to see as righteousness, and purity, we try to get as close to the world’s culture as we can without offending our God!… Not the correct mindset!
To site an example… There is a big push recently to legalize smoking POT in a few states. If this happens it may set a dangerous precedence that will have a devastating effect on our country! Recently someone known as a Christian wrote an article entitled: “Marajuana? A bad thing? HAHAHAHAHA!!!” ... this was a very bold and provocative article. I consider the “spirit” of the article not the author in this case.The author went on to try to use the Word of God to justify Smoking Pot.
Even if it were submitted by a secular liberal source I would boldly respond with the following:
The word “pharmacia,” which is a Greek word that is translated in the Bible for “witchcraft” is the root word that we get the word “drugs” from. It is no coincidence, there is a relationship. To influence another with any spirit (drug) that is not the Holy Spirit is witchcraft!
See ISAIAH 57:3 – 60:22
Another is in Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NIV)
The bolded word witchcraft above is the translation of the Greek word pharmacia, which refers to the usage of mind-altering drugs. It’s where our words pharmacy and pharmacuticals come from.
Also in Revelation 9:21; 18:23
The word, pharmakeia is associated with medicine, drugs, spells, poisoning, and witchcraft. The supposed primary purpose of this practice was to protect the patient from demonic forces, but the Bible warns against these things. Taking this term in its original context… its modern application could be associated with the field of Psychiatric medicine. Many of the common “disorders” that are now treated with medication would have been viewed in ancient times as demonic. Pharmakeia can also be associated with the sale and use of illegal drugs.
The Bible clearly states to abstain from every appearance of evil…Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thess. 5:19-22)
The Question to ask is… Are we trying to get as close to the line of Sin VS Purity as possible without crossing it ….or are we trying to get as close to God and his son Jesus Christ as we possibly can? A good measuring stick for how close you are to God is how much you hate what he hates and love what he loves.
Which is correct: Calamus or Cannabis? One of the favorite attacks which Bible-corrupters like to hurl at believers is that the King James mistranslates the word “calamus” in Exodus 30:23. According to Nave’s Bible Dictionary, calamus is “A sweet cane of Palestine – Song of Solomon 4:14; Ezekiel 27:19; “An ingredient of the holy ointment – Exodus 30:23; Isaiah 43:24.” The 48 King James translators were educated men and knew what they were doing. They were extremely proficient in the Hebrew and Greek Languages. The calamus was mixed with cinnamon and myrrh to form an oil for anointing purposes.
We really need to ask ourselves the question… Do I want to stay as close to God as I possibly can, or do I want to live as close to the world as I possibly can?
Is this really how you want to live?… Very Dangerous!
