Jerusalem Blade
Puritan Board Professor
Perg, talking about the general “US population” is one thing—those who do whatever their secular, ungodly orientations allow their consciences—and, on the other hand, Christians committed to following Christ according to the Scriptures and the gracious, wise oversight of their pastors / elders.
I understand that you have in your younger days lived according to wisdom in not partaking of recreational drugs of various sorts. That has been a blessing to you, even though you do not realize—from experience—how much of a blessing.
When you question “[how] the terms ‘drunk’ and ‘high’ differ?” it evidences the innocence of a godly soul as regards a demonic activity. Even those who partake of sorcerous agents with no occult or spiritual intent, but only the enhancement of fleshly enjoyments (friendship, sex, food, entertainment, art, nature, etc) through intensification of pleasure and perception, avail themselves of demonic agency to heighten sensation. Sorcery is not only about enhanced psychic / occult activity, it is also about enhancing general fleshly activity.
Alcohol is a CNS (central nervous system) depressant, while the psychedelics—including marijuana—are CNS energizers, even though they may have different affect in people according to their psychological makeups. Yes, alcohol may make one merry or glad, and enhance ones’ state of mind if done in moderation, which the Scripture even approves of; but sorcerous agents are classed by Paul in Gal 5:20, 21 as against the Spirit (Gal 5:17), and are indicative of those who “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
It was a gift of God in your providence that you steered clear of such stuff; others of us did not receive that gift, but rather the saving mercies of Christ while in the “strong delusion” and depths of sin these agents plunged us into, and we testify of His power and love, while testifying of the awful depths and delusions He delivered us out of.
I have already heard from pastors dealing with these things in their churches, who are glad to have the resources to comprehend this stealth assault of Satan upon their flocks.
When it comes to my time to face my Creator and Saviour, I do not want to hear Him say, “Steve, I gave you understanding to testify to the church in this matter, but now on your watch you have fainted in the face of just a little opposition.” May that never be said. Whoever teaches against this witness, based upon Scripture and the responsible and sound exposition of same, will also have to face Him, who is jealous for the purity of His bride—which sin spoken of here, among others, has brought down civilizations (Isa 47:7-15 [especially note vv 9 and 12]; Rev 18:23).
I understand that you have in your younger days lived according to wisdom in not partaking of recreational drugs of various sorts. That has been a blessing to you, even though you do not realize—from experience—how much of a blessing.
When you question “[how] the terms ‘drunk’ and ‘high’ differ?” it evidences the innocence of a godly soul as regards a demonic activity. Even those who partake of sorcerous agents with no occult or spiritual intent, but only the enhancement of fleshly enjoyments (friendship, sex, food, entertainment, art, nature, etc) through intensification of pleasure and perception, avail themselves of demonic agency to heighten sensation. Sorcery is not only about enhanced psychic / occult activity, it is also about enhancing general fleshly activity.
Alcohol is a CNS (central nervous system) depressant, while the psychedelics—including marijuana—are CNS energizers, even though they may have different affect in people according to their psychological makeups. Yes, alcohol may make one merry or glad, and enhance ones’ state of mind if done in moderation, which the Scripture even approves of; but sorcerous agents are classed by Paul in Gal 5:20, 21 as against the Spirit (Gal 5:17), and are indicative of those who “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
It was a gift of God in your providence that you steered clear of such stuff; others of us did not receive that gift, but rather the saving mercies of Christ while in the “strong delusion” and depths of sin these agents plunged us into, and we testify of His power and love, while testifying of the awful depths and delusions He delivered us out of.
I have already heard from pastors dealing with these things in their churches, who are glad to have the resources to comprehend this stealth assault of Satan upon their flocks.
When it comes to my time to face my Creator and Saviour, I do not want to hear Him say, “Steve, I gave you understanding to testify to the church in this matter, but now on your watch you have fainted in the face of just a little opposition.” May that never be said. Whoever teaches against this witness, based upon Scripture and the responsible and sound exposition of same, will also have to face Him, who is jealous for the purity of His bride—which sin spoken of here, among others, has brought down civilizations (Isa 47:7-15 [especially note vv 9 and 12]; Rev 18:23).