This historic position of Word for the World Family Church concerning the use of alcohol and tobacco has been one of abstinence. We hereby publicly reaffirm that position with regard to all Christian believers in the United States of America.
Reasons:
The National Studies on drug abuse conclude that alcohol and tobacco are the two greatest drug abuse problems in the United States.
The potential social and health hazards of each are commonly accepted among the American public. Both are generally perceived as associated with a permissive life-style not becoming for a Christian. According to the first book of Thessalonians, a Godly appearance is to be a great consideration in the life of every believer. Our Godly example must be sensitively set by us, as believers according to Romans chapter 14.
There are strong scriptural injunctions against the use of alcoholic beverage and marijuana (Proverbs 22:31-32; 20:1; 31:4-5). These passages weigh heavily against biblical teachings on moderation according to Philippians chapter 4, verse 5, or alcohol for medicinal use (I Timothy 5:23, which also implies that Timothy had conscientiously chosen the position of abstinence). Also to be considered are the options available to us as compared to our biblical counterparts.
II Corinthians 7:1 is certainly applicable to tobacco or marijuana.
Habits or practices that have the potential to dominate and control are best to be avoided (II Corinthians 6:12).
Habits or practices that have the potential to dominate and control are best to be avoided (II Corinthians 6:12).
The biblical instructions to "do all to the glory of God" (I Cor 10:31) speaks loudly to us in light of the serious problems we are having with alcohol, substance abuse including tobacco in America.
We believe our Christian testimony is best served by a position of abstinence regarding the use of alcohol and tobacco and all other forms of substance abuse.
As far as I know, there is no other person who has returned their medical marijuana card to the state of Oregon on their own volition. A man came to our service for prayer. He had a chronic back pain that would torment him. After prayer, he was so surprised to see that the pain was not only gone, but that it would not come back. Hallelujah. Later that month, he made an appointment to come see me at my office in Portland. I had never heard a question posed to me like that which I was about to hear. "Pastor, what do I do with my medical marijuana card, now that I'm healed?" I froze, not ready for the question and frankly, not having a clear answer that would suffice the State of Oregon. I told him I would call around and find out. We did and here is what we did. We explained the healing from the Lord Jesus, mailed the card back to the state of Oregon and sent it certified mail.
It is very possible to claim not only your healing but also your dependence from any chemical. Praise God. A great alcohol treatment program that we as a church refer people to is found at this link www.yourliferecovery.com.
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