Today we shall look in the Bible to learn if it matters as to what we eat.  Some churches teach since Christ came, we may eat anything we desire as long as we thank God.  There seems to be no punishment for eating unclean meats, people eat it everyday.  Most of us have eaten unclean meats in the past.  Churches of our tradition teach you must eat only “clean” meats.  Perhaps it has changed or science and refrigeration has made it OK to eat.  Maybe it’s time for us to review what the Bible really says.

Did “Mankind” evolve or was he created?  Genesis 1:26-28, 2:7

To whom should we look for guidance?  Psalms 25:4-5, 143:10

What were man’s first foods?  Genesis 1:29, 2:15-17

From the very beginning did man eat the right food?  Genesis 3:1-6

Were they (and we) punished for disobedience?  Genesis 3:16-19, 2:17

So far we’ve learned that in the beginning men did not eat meat, only fruits, nuts and vegetables.  We also learned that to disobey God causes suffering and death!  It wasn’t until the time of Noah that God gave men permission to eat animal flesh. 

How many animals did Noah bring on the ark?  Genesis 6:19-22, 7:2-3,8

Why seven “clean” animals?  Genesis 8:20-21, 9:3

Where do we find the difference in clean and unclean animals?

Leviticus 11:1-23, 29-30, 41-43

Deuteronomy 14:3-20

Is there any other reason not to eat?  Deuteronomy 4:1-2

What about the blood and fat?  Genesis 9:3-4, Leviticus 3:17, 7:22-27

Are there any other things that should not be eaten?  Leviticus 3:7-11 

I understand that this is part of the “Sacrificial Law”, but in my opinion, we should not eat the liver and kidneys or any of the internal organs.  Each of you must choose for yourself.  I looked them up in my computer encyclopedia, both liver and kidneys are made to filter out impurities and wastes.  A brief summary of these organs purpose.

The liver has several functions, (1) storing blood sugar, (2) production of bile, a yellowish brown liquid that breaks down fats, (3) collects, stores and releases vitamins as needed, (4) produces chemicals and proteins necessary for the body, (5) filters the blood of toxic and harmful substances.

The kidneys also clean and filter the blood.  They control the acidity of the bloodstream and process vitamin D to stimulate bone development.  But their primary function is urine production for waste removal.

So far we’ve only dwelt with Israeland the Old Testament, let’s move on to the New Testament!  If there have been any changes for Christians, we should be able to find them. 

Does God have one law for the Jew and another for Christians?  Romans 3:29-31

Should Christians eat the blood?  Acts 15:1-2,7-9,12-13,18-20

Are pigs a viable animal to raise on a farm?  Matthew 8:28-34 

Apparently Jesus didn’t think so.  If they were a food animal,Jesuswould not have allowed the devils [demons] to drown the swine.  Destroying food would be sinning and the Bible tells us Jesus never sinned!

These are some verses I’ve seen used to show Christians can eat whatever they want!  Of course they’re taken out of context.

Didn’t Jesus say what you eat won’t defile you?  Mark 7:18-19                                                                      

Now read verses 20-23.

Paul said eat whatsoever is set before you. 1 Corinthians 10:27                                                                       

By reading a few more verses, we learn Paul wasn’t talking about clean and unclean meats, but [clean] meats that may have been sacrificed to Pagan gods.  1 Corinthians 10:19, 25, 28-33

Paul said, “Nothing to be refused if received with thanksgiving.”  1 Timothy 4:4                                             

Now read verses 3 & 5.  Notice in verse 3, “meats, which God hath created to be received.”  God did not make unclean meats to be received!  Now notice in verse 5, “For it is sanctified by the word of God.”  Clean meats are sanctified by God, as we read earlier in Leviticus and in Deuteronomy.

This one I’d think they would be ashamed to use.  Acts 11:5-9                                                                          

By going back to Acts 10 we read of Peter seeing the vision three times and immediately three men came for him.  The context is found in Acts 10:28, 34-35

Romans 14 is another favorite for the misguided, they use it to abolish the Sabbath too!  I’m not going to bother with reading it, but to summarize, Paul’s instructions are to quit judging one another for fasting on certain days or for being a vegetarian, or for eating meat that may or may not have been sacrificed to idols.  Paul says our criticism and judging on trivial matters causes a stumbling block for those new in the faith.  Paul never mentions the Sabbath nor is he teaching you can eat anything unclean.

Does the Bible have any warning for those people that continue to eat unclean things?  Isaiah 65:2-6, 66:15-17, Leviticus 26:14-19

Are there any other reasons not to eat whatever we want?  Jesus said in John 14:15, 21, Leviticus 20:22-26, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:22-26

I said at the beginning of this lesson there seems to be no punishment for eating the unclean.  But I wonder where does cancer come from?  I’ve heard of people getting very sick from eating pork.  I’ve heard of people even dying after eating shellfish.  Some churches teach you shouldn’t eat mushrooms and I agree with them.  The mushroom is not a “green” plant, but is a fungus and has little nutritional value.  People have died after eating the wrong kind.  Again, you must choose for yourself.

I really don’t think God is punishing anyone with cancer or illness.  I think there is a possibility they are a natural result from eating the wrong things.  God has created the unclean animals to be scavengers to clean up the dead and rotten things.  Certain fish were designed for filtering the water and cleaning the ocean floor.  These unclean animals will contain wastes and poisons that could make us sick.

Some contend the clean/unclean laws are just for our health.  They say it’s not a sin, just be sure it’s properly cooked before you eat it, don’t believe them, they teach rebellion!   1 Samuel 15:23

Does God command us to be holy?  Leviticus 11:44-47

God has not changed nor have His laws.  There are some things we should not eat, but God has created many good things for us to eat.  Trust in His word, it’s a guide to health and life!

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