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The Christian practice of the Lord's Supper speaks of unity and fellowship with Jesus. The pagan banquets, given in the honor of idols, speak of unity with demons. To eat at a pagan temple banquet is to have fellowship at the altar of idols. In 1 Corinthians 8:4-13, the apostle Paul wrote: "So now, what about it? Should we eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God and no other. According to some people, there are many so-called gods and many lords, both in heaven and on earth. But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we exist for Him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. However, not all Christians realize this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. It's true that we can't win God's approval by what we eat. We don't miss out on anything if we don't eat it, and we don't gain anything if we do. But you must be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble. You see, this is what can happen: Weak Christians who think it is wrong to eat this food will see you eating in the temple of an idol. You know there's nothing wrong with it, but they will be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been dedicated to the idol. So because of your superior knowledge, a weak Christian, for whom Christ died, will be destroyed. And you are sinning against Christ when you sin against other Christians by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong. If what I eat is going to make another Christian sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live--for I don't want to make another Christian stumble."

How does this apply to Christians today? Christians should not do anything that offend other Christians. We should not have the attitude, "I have the right to do anything I want to, as long as it is legal and moral. Christians should always take into consideration the feelings of fellow Christians. 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 says: "You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is helpful. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is beneficial. Don't think only of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them. Here's what you should do. You may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace. Don't ask whether or not it was offered to idols, and then your conscience won't be bothered. For "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." If someone who isn't a Christian asks you home for dinner, go ahead; accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you and don't ask any questions about it. Your conscience should not be bothered by this. But suppose someone warns you that this meat has been offered to an idol. Don't eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person. Now, why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it? Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. That is the plan I follow, too. I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them so they may be saved."

    Note the following
  1. It is okay to participate in something, like eating at a pagan temple, as long as you do not get involved in their un-godly practices. There are people who will not go into a Chinese restaurant where there is a statue of Buddha. There is nothing wrong with going into such a restaurant as long as you do not worship Buddha, and as long as those with you do not object, but if one does, go to another restaurant. Christians should put the feelings of others first.
  2. Do not do something that will cause problems for a Christian who may be weaker than you.
  3. Just because you have the right to do something does not mean that you should do it.
  4. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it," so do not feel guilty if you do something that is legal and moral; but someone else does not feel the same, as long as you take into consideration the other Christians feelings. Do not do it in their presence or speak of it unless it is really necessary.
  5. Remember: "Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God."

    These articles may be used for any legitimate purpose - As long as the original meanings are not altered
Dolan Springs Baptist Church
www.dolanspringsbaptist.com
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15065 Pierce Ferry Road
P.O. Box 637
Dolan Springs, AZ 86441

Pastor Daniel Klahn (928) 767-3050