May I smoke here??!

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Nicotine Dependence 305.1 Is a diagnosed mental illness. Enough said!

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

AAk, the original poster. We KNOW for a fact he doesn't believe smoking is a sin. Or... does he? Please. Since we are all accused of making huge assumptions, how about it? Tell us what you believe? Phelps hasn't answered back.

Originally Posted by edjen01

I no not believe smoking is a "sin".....but i also don't believe something has to be a "sin" or "not-a-sin".

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

Well, I can. However, I took exception with your statement that I said smoking was OK, since I NEVER said that.

I appreciate you admitting that you read something in to my post that wasn't there.

I am getting ready to get on a conference call, but when I'm finished, I'll detail my position unequivocally - deal?

It may not be a sin but is a diagnosed mental illness

[edjen01]

i grew up around churches where everything had to be defined. in my experience it created weak believers. ones who had to ask if something was sin or not....instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to do its work. It made "gods" out of pastors who now had the "power" to declare anything a "sin".

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

It may not be a sin but is a diagnosed mental illness

3 minutes until my conference call, but before I go, let me state emphatically that I do not believe nicotine dependence is a mental illness, and whoever classified it as such is incompetent, at best.

Now, THAT'S a loophole if I ever heard one.

Smoking is a nasty, unnecessary habit, and it is definitely within anyone's power to break, if they so desire.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

Cigarette smoking, justification by faith, anti-standards, etc... some posters want the Apostolic Church to look like the church they left their Apostolic church for.

Justification by faith??? What's wrong with that? That's bible, not a church one left.

BTW for the record I can't stand that term "standard" or "standard of holiness"....since the term Holiness was never used in the bible in regards to hair length, makeup, jewelry or clothing. Following those things is fine, but to make it a "standard of Holiness" to me is presumptuos and missleading. True Holiness is in the heart and a true "standard" of Holiness should be the fruit of the Spirit vs the Works of the flesh. Anyone can wear a costume and pretend to be something they are not.

[edjen01]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

It may not be a sin but is a diagnosed mental illness

so are many of the things practiced by Apostolics.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

3 minutes until my conference call, but before I go, let me state emphatically that I do not believe nicotine dependence is a mental illness, and whoever classified it as such is incompetent, at best.

Now, THAT'S a loophole if I ever heard one.

Smoking is a nasty, unnecessary habit, and it is definitely within anyone's power to break, if they so desire.

I didn't write the book...just telling you how we treat it in substance abuse counseling Anything can be an addiction...just like mine is chocolate

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by edjen01

so are many of the things practiced by Apostolics.

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by edjen01

i grew up around churches where everything had to be defined. in my experience it created weak believers. ones who had to ask if something was sin or not....instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to do its work. It made "gods" out of pastors who now had the "power" to declare anything a "sin".

I grew up in a church just the opposite. Strong believers, strong families, strong young people, and not too many have fallen away. We've gained more than we've lost, and continually.

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by edjen01

so are many of the things practiced by Apostolics.

What an indictment. Care to explain or further ellaborate? Are you Apostolic yourself?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by edjen01

I no not believe smoking is a "sin".....but i also don't believe something has to be a "sin" or "not-a-sin".

If that is the case, what do you think of what Paul said and how does it apply?

1Co 6:12 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.

1Co 10:23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.
1Co 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
That kind of stuff is addicting..if you had a brother that quit, would you smoke around them or try to convince them it is fine to do? Would you do something you might become enslaved to?