The biblical wording CLEAN creatures was simply used to DIFFERENTIATE from the WORST flesh food. It didn't mean that CLEAN creatures were SAFE to eat but SAFER, less harmful.
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are
not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Cor 6:19,20, ESV).
Temples Of The Holy Spirit
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully MADE, we are GOD’S creation,And we surely knowing that the mind and body have a direct relation.
Poor health not only undesirable, but such dragging emotionally,
And corrupted thoughts, gloominess, stress and worry weakening physically.
So, why would God want what He has made in His IMAGE marred or injured, and hey,
What kind of REFLECTION would that be? Age and misfortune bad enough, I say.
We surely not inviting Christ into a dirty, unhealthy home, and why
Our mind and body should be suitably maintained, and not their OWNER deny.
The Spirit wishes to dwell where there’s PURITY of thought, RESPONSIBLE care,
A polluted mind and body less receptive, or not receptive, I fear.
Such bodies hardly sacred shrines of the Holy Spirit, but corrupted, and
We violating what we’ve no right to—GOD’S PROPERTY—and thus guilty stand.
Given we’ve been redeemed from eternal death, God’s someone we should glorify,
And we do this when we keep our bodies in the best condition ’till we die.
We showing gratitude, witnessing correctly so that others might follow,
No longer plagued by self-inflicted wounds (mind or body) in which some wallow.
Yes, we BELONG to God, and thus are to live as He directs, not slaves to sin,
But keeping our appetites and desires under control, wisdom within.
God valuing the human race highly, and why in His eyes it’s an offence
When we abuse our bodies, shame His name, are all the worse as a consequence.
By Lance Landall
By the way:
Made In God's Image
Ancient Eden reflected God’s creative and artistic ability,Human’s its crowning glory, but what we see today is another story.
Many humans hardly reflecting that made-in-God's-image shape and beauty,
They hardly like Adam or Eve given that they're overweight or too skinny.
Though such isn’t their fault if caused by something medical or genetic, say
But overindulgence, laziness, neglect or abuse where most go astray,
’Cause it’s our duty to look after ourselves, both outwardly and inwardly,
Lest we blur and distort that made-in-God's-image Edenic shape and beauty.
And also that clear distinction between the sexes, I must add, God’s design,
Which we’ve no right to tamper with, we not our own but His, thus should mind that line.
Yes, we having no right to do whatever we want with that precious body,
All why God isn't impressed when we usurp His creative authority.
And hey, be that via tattoos, body piercings, intemperance or plain abuse,
Drugs being another effrontery, Earth’s resources not put to good use.
Yes, another sad indictment, which physically and mentally oft shows,
But where angels fear to tread, as they say, mankind wrongly and foolishly goes.
So,
It’s no good saying he or she should accept me as I am if it’s our fault,
We having taken an unwise path, and why down that path, one should quickly halt,
’Cause it affects one’s health and relationships, and insults God’s ability,
Who intended that via our sound mind and body we would reflect Him rightly,
And the heavenly.
By Lance Landall
ALCOHOL
"I'm tired of hearing about temperance instead of abstinence, in order to please the cocktail crowd
in church congregations."
Vance Havner (1901-1986)
Alcohol is a drug (an intoxicating substance) that affects every organ in the body.
"No amount of alcohol is safe."
World Health Organization
"The idea that drinking small amounts of alcohol will do you no harm is a myth."
Professor David Nutt, professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London.
3. Christ Was No Drinker
Some say
Christ drank alcohol, but how silly's that, 'cause since when
has Christ been into a befuddling brew,
And how could He have lived a sinless life while here, if
such mind altering liquid He’d chosen to pursue?
Such clouds one’s judgment, quickly removes self-control,
hence why Satan oversaw its introduction,
All good reason why those texts regarding the use of
wine shouldn’t be given some faulty construction.
No, Christ wouldn’t have gone near the stuff, at least in so
far as consuming it goes, 'cause He's far too wise,
And not alone in refraining, 'cause there're many medical folk
who alcohol’s harmfulness realise.
Yes, even humans
are aware of its capacity to harm, even when taken in moderation,
But what Christian would want something that pickles and numbs
the brain, creates a sinful intoxication?
Surely no
Christian, 'cause we're told not to mistreat our God-given body, nor give Satan some control,
Which we will the moment we sip such, 'cause under its influence, partakers aren't in charge of the whole.
And to make things clearer, it only takes one glass, hence
why Christ would not have partaken of such a brew,
And why (despite those misinterpretations of Scripture), alcohol's not meant for, nor good for, me and you.
No, Christ was no drinker, and even on the cross such
intoxication was clearly seen to refuse,
'Cause He knows how alcohol affects one’s sense of right and
wrong, and how under such, there's further abuse.
Thus Christ never intended that we swallow such, and nor did He, 'cause
alcohol’s a devilish drug,
A callous, heartless thug, which given half a chance,
robs and mocks midst giving one a nasty, heavy slug.
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 6 March 2020.
It's very interesting (and telling) how most are very quick to defend the drinking of alcohol, but when they’re accused of some sexual indiscretion, say, they’re also very quick to somewhat excuse themselves by blaming it all on being under the influence.
Using borrowed thoughts:
Scholars have long recognized that the Hebrew, Greek and Latin words for wine (Hebrew – Yayin; Greek – Oinos; Latin – Vinum) could refer either to fermented or unfermented grape juice. The biblical approval or disapproval of wine is therefore determined by the nature of the wine itself. All the positive references to wine have to do with unfermented, unintoxicating grape juice. In contrast, all the indictments of wine have to do with alcoholic-intoxicating wine. The latter is condemned irrespective of the quantity used.
Once again: According to the Cancer Council (Australia), alcohol is a major carcinogen and there is therefore no safe level of consumption; such causing cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast.
See texts and facts under the poem below.
4. Liquid Poison
No one who calls them self a Christian, and via their words
or actions, can afford
To sanction the drinking of alcohol, for such is abhorrent to the Lord.
And therefore, any Christian that's found endorsing such perversion of
the vine,
With evil powers of darkness has very foolishly let them self
combine.
You see, it's only since the Fall of Adam that such fermentation has
been,
Thus it simply the handiwork of Satan, and shrewdly tailor-made to
glean.
And it's been very successful in its purpose, 'cause
many lives it has claimed,
And where it hasn't
claimed lives, it has badly maimed, caused chaos, or simply shamed.
Oh yes, 'cause it's poison in a bottle thats main
target is the human brain,
For such is where one's godly sense of right and wrong it can very
quickly drain.
And just one glass affects one's judgment (which worthy documented
research shows),
Because once it has made its silent entry, it's straight to
the brain that it goes.
To so foolishly impair our judgment is to go contrary to God's will,
And therefore, it's very clear that only total abstinence can fit the
bill.
But alcoholic drinks also destroy brain cells that will never be
replaced,
And there's so much more
damage that to this injurious liquid can be traced.
And hence why the Holy Bible strongly warns us never to be led astray,
As well as warning not to put a stumbling block in another person's way.
And yet this is exactly what happens when someone consumes this nasty
brew,
Or chooses to endorse its substance thinking that such is quite okay to
do.
That which is unfermented, and that which is fermented, some
folk have confused,
Because the Word of God when speaking of the grape, the word “wine” for
both has used.
Hence why a thorough investigation should leave anyone without a doubt
That partaking of fermented “wine” the Scriptures have very clearly
ruled out.
Hence why it would be a terrible insult for us to use
fermented “wine”
To symbolize the pure blood of Jesus — that is, during our Communion
time.
And hence why where this time is spoken of, only “fruit of the vine”
has been used,
And thus calling it “wine” as usual, they have very clearly such
refused.
Some say that when Christ attended the Cana wedding He made fermented
“wine,”
But such an unwise miracle our Saviour's sinless nature would undermine,
Because to increase intoxication that would befuddle more by
the hour,
Would only shame
our sinless Saviour, and such would be a misuse of His power.
Yes, some people say that Christ did
drink alcohol, but that simply is not true,
Because Jesus all throughout His time here on Earth, only the right
thing chose to do.
But some people, using the Scriptures in their defence, that they've
got very wrong,
Attribute certain things to Jesus that to Him definitely don't belong.
As our Saviour hung upon Calvary, they offered Him a little wine to
drink,
But from its injurious fermentation, our Lord was very quick to shrink.
Yes, even when He was so close to death, alcohol Jesus still
wouldn't take,
And there's no stronger statement that Christ himself (who's our
example) could make.
No, our righteous Saviour would not condone whatever would harm the
human mind,
So as hard as any Christian may look, our Lord's approval they will not
find.
Plus, the Bible says that we're called His Holy temple, and with a
price were bought,
And that therefore, we shouldn't harm this temple, which via
Scripture we have been taught.
Certain things that our Saviour sometimes allowed, His approval didn't
always meet,
And this fact is something that we should remember and not past
mistakes repeat.
So, where clarity is lacking, we should always tread with the greatest
of care,
Lest it be that we be found imparting lies that Satan wants people to
hear.
No, our Saviour would hardly imperil His own judgment via such a
substance.
By Lance Landall
This
older poem was upgraded 29 October 2017.
1) Causes cirrhosis of the liver – alcoholic hepatitis – the inflammation and destruction of liver cells and tissue.
2) Irritates the lining of the stomach, giving rise to a long lasting inflammatory condition known as gastritis, which leads to a loss of part of the lining of the intestines. Gastric ulcers are frequently reported among alcohol drinkers.
3) Destroys blood cells and hinders white blood cells in their fight against disease.
4) Increases the risk of certain kinds of cancer at various sites – tongue, mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, lung, prostate, colon, breasts, and pancreas.
5) Injures the digestive organs.
6) Enters your system immediately and can create the same problems that a sudden overload of sugar does.
7) Disorders related to alcohol include – congestive heart failure, irregular heart beat, enlarged heart, distended neck veins, pulse and blood pressure abnormalities, swelling of the arms and legs, joint inflammation.
8) When taken during pregnancy it can result in “fetal alcohol syndrome,” a deformity of the baby’s face and head that is often accompanied by mental retardation.
9) Causes impairment of vision, speech, thinking processes, co-ordination, reflexes, balance, and increases the risk of injury. Just one drink can affect your driving ability.
10) Interferes with the digestion and absorption of nutrients and vitamins, encouraging the development of chronic disease.
11) Contributes to osteoporosis.
12) Can lead to damaged DNA.
13) Can cause enlarged breasts in men who drink excessively, because it causes a drop in the level of testosterone.
14) Damages kidneys
15) Leads to addiction. Drinking regularly increases your tolerance.
16) Disorders [confuses, deranges] and depresses the central nervous system causing fatigue, agitation, anxiety, and depression. It diminishes your body’s supply of melatonin – a loss of melatonin leads to depression.
17) There are more than 400 substances in alcoholic beverages.
18) Can interact with different drugs. In some cases it impairs the drug, in others it increases its effect. Either situation can be especially dangerous because either can occur after a single drink.
19) Is among one of the most common causes of migraines.
20) Suppresses and weakens the immune system.
21) Destroys brain cells [which are irreplaceable]. The brain is the organ most affected by alcohol. When you drink a glass of alcohol it goes straight to the brain, flooding it.
22) Harms practically every major organ of the body. Takes a heavy toll on the body in general, particularly the liver, brain, stomach, heart and reproductive system.
23) It can cause a short circuit in the brains communication networks that give rise to seizures, manic-depressive episodes and a variety of mental problems.
24) Results in, ill health, death, crime, accidents, marital and family breakdown, tremendous costs to society, and encourages violence.
25) Is a drug, a sedative, and anesthetic.
“Then they
offered Him [Christ] wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it”
(Mark 15:23, NIV).
“But Daniel resolved
that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine
that he drank...” (Dan 1:8, ESV).
“For
a bishop [elder/pastor] must be blameless, as the steward of God; not
self willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given
to filthy lucre” (Titus 1:7, KJV).
"Wine is a mocker,
strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise”
(Prov 20:1, ESV).
“Moreover, wine is
treacherous [a deceiver]...” (Hab 2:5, RSV).
“Who
has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has
wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger late
over wine, those who keep mixed wines. Do not look at wine when it is
red [alcoholic], when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. At
the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. Your eyes
will see strange things, and your mind utter perverse things” (Prov
23:29-33).
“Ah, you who rise early
in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger in the evening to
be inflamed by wine” (Isa 5:11).
“Woe unto them that are
mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink...”
(Isa 5:22,23, KJV).
“Do not be among
winebibbers...” (Prov 23:20).
“It is not for kings, O
Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong
drink” (Prov 31:4, ESV).
“
‘Now be careful not to drink wine or strong drink [addressing Samson’s
mother], for you shall conceive and bear a son’ ” (Judges 13:4,5).
“Drink
no wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons, when you enter the
tent of meeting, that you may not die; it is a statute forever
throughout your generations. You are to distinguish between the holy
and the common, and between the unclean and the clean; And you are to
teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the Lord has spoken to
them through Moses” (Lev 10:9-11).
“
‘For he [John the Baptist] will be great in the sight of the Lord, he
must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be
filled with the Holy Spirit’ ” (Luke 1:15).
“These
also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the
prophet reel with strong drink, they are confused with wine, they
stagger with strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in giving
judgment” (Isa 28:7).
FLESH FOOD
"The beef industry has contributed to more American deaths than all the wars of this century, all natural
disasters, and all automobile accidents combined. If beef is your idea of real food for real people,
you'd better live real close to a real good hospital."
Neal D. Barnard, M.D., President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, D.C.
"If you step back and look at the data, the optimum amount of red meat you eat should be zero."
Walter Willett, M.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Hence the wording "Every moving thing" in Genesis 9:3, as the blood can only be drained at that moment a creature is killed. Thus, "Every moving thing" does not imply that any creature at all can be eaten, like many think.
Though God allowed the eating of certain creatures after and due to the flood (but with the blood and fat removed), it's clear that He hardly wanted it to remain a part of our diet. The following shows how man's lifespan rapidly decreased after the introduction of flesh food:
Adam lived for 930 years. Noah lived for 950 years. Abraham lived for 175 years. By David's time, people were only living to 70 years of age.
Clean meats [creatures] didn’t mean meat that was good or suitable for ones health, but simply meat that was less injurious than unclean meats, though bad enough, as has been proven.
When God granted the concession for humans to eat certain flesh (minus the blood and fat), it removed the sin aspect but not the curse, which is reflected in health problems, and all why God wants it out of our life.
So read on.
1)
“And
He said to them [His disciples], “Then are you also without
understanding [like the crowd that had just been addressed]? Do you not
see that whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him, since
it enters, not his
heart but his stomach, and so passes on?” (Thus He
declared all foods clean)” (Mark 7:18,19, RSV).
The problem being discussed here, between Jesus and the Pharisees, had nothing whatsoever to do with the kind of food to be eaten. It was all about the way in which it was to be eaten, that is, whether with or without ritual hand washing (Mark 7:1-5). According to Jewish tradition, even meat that was clean according to Leviticus chapter 11, might still be considered as unclean by reason of contact with someone unclean. In Mark 7:19, Christ points out that eating with unwashed hands has no moral effect whatsoever on anyone. Christ therefore, was simply denying the validity of oral tradition (Mark 7:3,7,8). Christ was more concerned with defilement of the soul (Mark 7:15).
“Thus He declared all foods clean” — that is, irrespective of whether the eater had or had not carried out the ritual hand washing.
Keep this in mind — The Greek word ‘bromata,’ translated ‘meats’ in the KJV, means simply ‘that which is eaten,’ ‘food’.
2)
“One
believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables.
Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who
abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. I
know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in
itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean”
(Rom
14:2,3,14, RSV).
Certain meat that was lawful to eat [according to Leviticus chapter 11, that is] was considered by some who were oversensitive [weak], as unsuitable to eat, simply because of its association with idol worship (1 Cor 8:1-13). A certain amount of this meat ended up in the market place for sale. Just in case they offended in this matter, some Christians ate no flesh food at all. The uncleanness however did not lie in the nature of the food but simply in the believers view of it. Regarding this matter Paul advised mutual tolerance and respect.
The Greek term ’koinos’ which is used here to designate unclean food is very different from the word ‘akathartos’ used in Leviticus chapter 11 to designate unlawful foods.
3)
Answer:
“Which God created”, “Everything created by God” — in other words, the original diet that God gave mankind in Eden (Gen 1:29). God specified at creation the food he intended humans to eat, therefore to not partake of it would be to question God’s wisdom and will.
“Abstinence from foods” — Paul here, is referring to ascetic influences that had permeated the church, introduced by the Gnostics.
4)
(1 Cor 10:23, RSV).
Answer:
Here we are dealing with the same problem as in Rom 14:2,3,14 — the eating of meat offered to idols.
“All things are lawful” — that is, those things that are in harmony with the will of God.
What Paul is saying here, is that although a Christian is quite entitled to do anything that is in harmony with the will of God, [e.g. eating clean meat (Lev 11)] there are times when it would be best not to do a certain thing, lest it offend someone , or cause someone to falter, who sees differently, perhaps due to an oversensitive conscience (1 Cor 10:23,28).
5)
you must not call common’ ” (Acts 10:13-15, RSV).
Answer:
This vision Peter received did not concern food but people. In this vision, dietary restrictions [clean and unclean meats (Lev chap 11)], had symbolic reference to Jewish distinctions between people — that is, themselves and Gentiles. The Jews saw themselves as the exclusive objects of God’s interest. They despised non Jews. The doing away with these distinctions between themselves and others, was the point at issue. There was to be no distinctions made between Jews and others (Gal 3:28,29). Peter was slow to learn this, hence the vision was repeated three times, and hence why he was also rebuked by Paul (Gal 2:9-21). Peter was shown that he was not to call anyone common or unclean (Acts 10:28).
5. Junk Food
Ears to hear, a nose to smell, a mouth to chew, and legs to walk on Earth like we.
Yes, they living, breathing creatures too, but defenceless come man’s sad appetite,
Or cruel and slave-like treatment that shouts of an inner darkness rather than light.
I don’t know why God allowed their slaughter, but don’t eat the blood and fat He said,
And only certain creatures, but man had other ideas in his foolish head.
He gorging on anything and everything, and all this when there’s no need,
Innocent creatures suffering pointlessly, and why “Stop!” God surely must plead.
A temporary allowance, clearly, the Earth no longer covered by a flood,
But rather (given the billions of creatures that have died) Earth covered in blood.
It gushing from slaughterhouses, the bodies of men now grave yards and cess tanks,
Rotting flesh having polluted and sickened, and yet, for such food some give thanks.
Cold blooded murder, one could say, given there’s other food that’s available,
But where’s sense, evidence shouting how flesh food’s unproductive and makes one ill.
The environment polluted too now, and good food’s wasted to fatten up,
But oh, how dare you mistreat that darling little kitten, or that cute wee pup.
On one hand it’s cruel to kill them, and on the other, fine to kill pointlessly,
And yet, vegetarians having dined and survived more than adequately.
Their conscience as clean as their body’s inner sanctum, no harmful fat or blood,
Nor hormones and antibiotics that add to the strain, that pain induced thud.
Such reminds me of that quail that sickened and killed, manna from Heaven better,
And surpassing those harmful dairy products, be they butter, cream or feta.
Natural food not gunking up the nasal passages, one’s liver or veins,
Nor causing all that sneezing and wheezing, those miserable arthritic pains.
Sure we can eat flesh food, the so-called clean creatures, but worse off we’ll always be,
God enlightening us via more and more evidence so that better we’ll see.
No flesh food in Eden, nor Adam downing milk just designed for calves, and why
We won’t be eating or drinking such either come the moment we upward fly.
Yes, junk food, which fallen man’s addicted to, craving it like those who perished,
Because rather than the food designed for them, it was fallen food they cherished.
Rather than herbivores, they began acting like carnivores, and why we see
Ill health plaguing mankind, and creatures with feelings (like us) dying pointlessly.
By Lance Landall
6. Why Meat's Not For Me
Given
you’re reading this, you’re wanting to know why I’m a
vegetarian, why I won't eat flesh. Well,Eating flesh is a harmful practice, inhumane, clearly contradictory, and hardly biblical.
Why so? Well, it’s a product of the Fall, not mankind’s original diet, nor that of creatures too,
And though permission came later, God said, "Do not eat the blood or fat," and clean and unclean Noah knew.
Despite this allowance (in line with the instructions above), God tried to wean the Israelites off meat,
'Cause they were to be witnesses of a better way, and thus no longer such a diet were to eat.
Yes, flesh food is very injurious, a known medical and scientific fact, and hence why
God wanted it removed from their diet, clearly wants it removed from ours, lest we get sick, even die,
Which those with vested interests won’t say; and as for Christians who pursue such, aren’t they in denial,
Given God considers our body a Holy temple, one which partakers thereby clearly defile,
And without excuse, 'cause biblically and medically the following is very clear indeed:
We weren’t designed for it, can’t eat it without injury, don't please God when we eat it, nor such need.
Why did God allow such then? Well, there's been a lot of speculation, but right from its introduction
The lifespan and stature of humans rapidly decreased; this account adding to our education,
'Cause after all, some long-living Hitler would be able to inflict even greater devastation.
But surely we can see how inhumane the eating of flesh food is, and thus very contradictory,
Given Christians should be anti violence, cruelty and taking life unnecessarily.
After all, isn’t the Gospel all about love, and isn’t there also a terrible irony,
Given we tell our kids not to be cruel to creatures, and on the other hand, most barbarically
Slit, gut, pluck and hack creatures (or butchers on our behalf) which we then roast, fry, boil and chew happily?
And you know, come to think of it, isn’t eating creatures just one step away from eating humans, me,
Or you?
After all, isn’t flesh flesh? Don’t creatures have a face? And is this why there’s much hardness on Earth today,
Even among Christians? 'Cause there’re those who take their gun and some poor creature unnecessarily slay,
Given there's other food available to them, food that God provided in the garden of Eden,
Food that our bodies were designed to manage, and not the injurious flesh food most are taking in.
Many point to texts in defence of eating flesh, but seeming endorsements can be explained away,
And at the end of the day, we’re either wanting what's best, or those things that our Lord would simply dismay,
'Cause after all, Jesus didn’t die so that we could still continue in sin, just keep on doing what suits
But rather, to not only save, but change us, 'cause the old way is one that destroys, defiles and pollutes.
God knows that what affects the body affects the mind, and visa versa, and that ill health hinders our walk,
Hence why when flesh food was first introduced, He forbade the eating of the more harmful flesh foods like pork.
And evidence proves that what He forbade is more harmful, and I mean, as harmful as the rest and more so,
Which is why we should return to a non-flesh diet, refrain from that food that overtime lays us low.
Let’s not think that everything ended at the cross — hygiene for example, though part of the Jewish law
(The ceremonial law), 'cause hygiene is still valid today, and thus something we shouldn't ignore.
Nor the dangers of flesh food, 'cause after the cross, flesh never became fit to eat, but quite the reverse,
'Cause evidence declares that flesh food is a greater risk today, 'cause things aren’t getting better but worse.
We’re all meant to be making our way back to Eden, and meant to be preparing for the heavenly,
Not clinging to what amounts to a temporary post-Fall allowance, and given hindsight, clarity.
But tell me, how can we truly talk of love, compassion and tenderness whilst stabbing with knife and fork
Creatures God didn't intend for food, creatures that have feelings too — yes, isn’t it time that we walked the talk?
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 6 March 2020.
"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin"
(James 4:17, ESV).
See texts and comments under poem number six.
7. Behold The Lamb
A lamb’s a creature, an innocent, living, breathing thing that has feelings too,A creature that suckles its mother’s teat just like little human babies do.
This something that those knives and forks choose to forget as they further mutilate,
Slaughterhouses having begun the sad process that continues on each plate.
Lambs once frolicking, full of life and wonder, and running after Mummy too,
Just like those very helpless, needy, innocent little human infants do.
But such not in the minds of diners who give little thought to that other Lamb,
If any, midst tucking into other creatures labelled beef, poultry or ham.
Yes, behold the Lamb, slaughtered on the altar of Calvary for you and I,
Who came after those other unblemished lambs over which we should also cry.
It all a result of sin, and why every single lamb should remind us
That every lamb slaughtered represents failure, that rebellion cost Jesus.
Yes, Christ the anti-type, those innocent lambs simply a type thus pointing to
The Lamb of God who’d redeem from death, sin and Satan, and create hearts anew.
Each preceding slaughtered lamb expressing the heinousness of self-cum-sin,
And how much blood has flowed since? Those laden dinner tables where one might begin.
After all,
It’s just a propagated myth that meat is needed, and it tradition bound,
Meat proven to be harmful, and hence why where it’s eaten, ill health is soon found.
But to kill living, breathing creatures when such really isn’t necessary,
Is nothing but indifference, which shouldn’t be found midst Christianity.
By Lance Landall
8. Hazardous Food
Daniel (when in Babylon) sought out a diet free of meat,
Knowing that health wise, flesh food isn't something that one should
eat.
And he was proven to be right, and we will benefit too
If we exclude meat also, keeping it right off our menu.
Though flesh food was permitted after the ending of the Flood,
God said that were one to eat it, it must first be drained of blood.
And hence “every moving thing” would ensure that its bleeding
Could be carried out by those who (here) the Bible were
heeding.
And this instruction from the Lord has never been overturned,
Yet, foolishly, humanity, God’s wise ruling here has spurned.
And given that a creature’s blood harbors all the very worst,
It’s no wonder that the flesh eater with ill health is cursed.
Our God knew that evil would (once again) soon overtake man,
And seemingly allowed meat in order to slash man's lifespan.
For malice in the heart of one whose life continued too long
Would multiply in evil, and thereby produce much more wrong.
Right from meat’s introduction one's life span rapidly decreased;
And those indulging in its dangers much sooner were deceased.
And along with shortened stature, human bodies now displayed
The terribly sad results of eating what has never paid.
It was soon after the fall that foolish humans flesh food
craved,
And ever with more tragedy has that old pathway been paved.
And though humans have received the penalty of their choosing,
They are still seen eating meat and the butcher’s wares perusing.
The diet that God first gave man, and creatures too, says it all,
So why would any justify meat’s indulgence via the Fall?
And yet, within their thinking, this is exactly what most do,
Even when alternatives are so clearly within their view.
We’re called God’s Holy temple — therefore, this requires
action,
'Cause harming such a temple wouldn't be a small infraction.
But hey, where the light shines brighter, surely there we should be
found,
Embracing what is better with a thinking that's much more sound.
Material’s available proving that meat is harmful;
Evidence of its damage can be gathered by the armful.
But like the Israelites of old (whose sad demands got them quail),
It’s not until later that some learn that it can make you wail.
The sad results of eating meat are continuing to rise,
Yet, if more made the effort, they would discover what’s more wise.
Although, even when proof’s seen that could save people from such pain,
There are those who’ll still eat meat, thus giving its harm free reign.
And another thing...
Some creatures God banned
as food, and well before the Jewish law,
And Noah, these same unclean creatures, also knew of before.
And yes, God’s wise restrictions still have validity today,
For they’re verified by science and by lives that God obey.
Not all that our God permitted met with His full approval,
And hence why our health is better once we’ve seen meat’s removal.
Our Creator knows what’s best and desires that all return
To that diet He first gave — lest we, the hard way have to learn.
By Lance Landall
This
older poem was upgraded 29 October 2017.
“But
Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations
of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to
defile himself. ‘Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be
given vegetables [a non flesh diet] to eat and water [non alcoholic
beverages] to drink. At the end of ten days it was observed that they
appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating
the royal rations [why did Daniel refrain from flesh food if it isn’t
injurious?]’ ” (Dan 1:8,12,15).
“God
said, “See, I have given you [humans] every plant yielding seed that is
upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit
[in other words, grains, nuts and fruit]; you shall have them for food.
And to every beast of the earth [even them], and to every bird of the
air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has
the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food [in other
words, vegetables, green plants, grass].” And it was so”
(Gen 1:29,30).
Note also Gen 1:11,12.
“ ‘But you shall not eat
flesh with its life, that is, its blood’ ” (Gen 9:4, ESV). Note also
Lev 7:24.
“Then
the Lord said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and all your household,
for I have seen that you alone are righteous before me in this
generation. Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male
and its mate; and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male
and its mate; and seven pairs of the birds of the air also, male and
female, to keep their kind alive on the face of all the earth’ ” (Gen
7:1-3).
“For
by fire will the Lord execute judgement, and by His sword, on all flesh
[mankind]; and those slain by the Lord shall be many. Those who
sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following the
one in the center, eating the flesh of pigs, vermin, and rodents, shall
come to an end together, says the Lord [these people openly defied God
by partaking of things particularly abominable to Him. Swine and the
mouse are listed among the unclean animals forbidden to be eaten (Lev
11:2,7,29,44)]” (Isa 66:16,17).
“But
they soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel. But they
had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the
desert; He gave them what they asked [sent them quails], but sent a
wasting disease among them [because God knew His people would be better
off on a non-meat diet, He provided them with manna. However, they were
not content with the manna and clamoured for a diet like the one they
had been used to in Egypt. The result was a display of God’s wrath]”
(Ps 106:13-15).
9. Head Back To Eden
When God created
this earth, He did not intend that we eat
Those creatures that He had created that moo, oink, quack, cluck or
bleat.
In fact, no creature at all was to be eaten as if food,
Thus, many should change their diet, direction and attitude.
The killing of creatures and flesh consumption, occurred post-Fall,
Thus our measuring stick is the state that existed pre-Fall.
Yes, it’s that
we should emulate, not the state we see post-Fall,
So head back to Eden's garden, that diet God gave pre-Fall.
Killing creatures for food just isn’t right, nor necessary,
Such killing hardens the heart, it’s callous and predatory.
'Cause not just we
have a right to life, but God’s creatures as well,
Plus, talking about love, yet killing creatures, just doesn’t gel.
Those who kill creatures for food or sport, soon somewhat die within,
And some become so hardened that they could kill a man and grin.
And their love for guns and bullets borders on the obsessive,
Their false idea of manhood making them hard and aggressive.
And often the heads of prized trophies are found lining their walls,
Such being a heartless indifference that Jesus appals.
And soon they're seen seeking out more, enjoying the buzz they get
From stalking and slaying innocent creatures that pose no threat.
But aren’t all
just as heartless who put food upon their clean plate
That's taken from some creature killed on their behalf, I must state.
Yes, they’ll happily eat creatures, but kill them themselves? No way!
For they would rather go without -- hypocrisy, one might say.
The diet that God first gave us was the one He knew was best,
And it was that
one, for all
living things, that He ordained and blessed.
He wanting to wean His people from their harmful post-Fall food,
As the diet He first gave, slaughtered creatures didn’t include.
Now, going by the Scriptures, God condemns that which wrecks our health,
And evidence clearly shows that flesh food will damage our
health.
So why did our God allow flesh food? Well, we can only guess,
But one thing is very clear: Such things He didn’t always bless.
Yes, God did allow flesh food post-Fall, but with stipulations:
Only certain creatures, no blood, no fat — wise eliminations!
However, He points back to Eden, 'cause He's well aware
That there you’ll find His blueprint, that there what’s best for us is
clear.
Both killing and flesh food consumption resulted from sin,
And therefore, neither of them are of Edenic origin.
This means, Eden’s diet must be best, and the right one to choose,
But as for us killing creatures, surely love such would refuse.
So don’t be like the Israelites who desired their own way,
But take note of their rebellion, how they wrongly went astray,
Why kill and eat a creature where Eden’s diet can be found,
And why repeat history, why make choices that are not sound?
No, Christians killing creatures certainly doesn’t gel with me,
Nor Christians eating harmful food that ill health will guarantee.
Killing’s an abhorrent act, and eating flesh food is unwise,
And both soon desensitize us, and will also brutalize.
By Lance Landall
This
older poem was upgraded 29 October 2017.
“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the
fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young
shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over
the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not
hurt or destroy on my holy mountain…” (Isa 11:6-9).
10. Will You Respond
Now, imagine our heavenly Father talking to someone,
A human, a Christian, a male, who He addresses as, son:
“I see you’ve been out hunting, son” “Yes, Father, I’ve just
returned.
You don’t mind do You, Father?” “Well, son, I am very
concerned.
I didn’t create creatures for humans to kill for sport,
And nowhere in My Holy Word is such a thinking taught.”
“But I also eat them, Father.” “You mean, as a last resort?”
“No...I do have other food I can eat...see what I’ve bought?”
“Yes, I can. Then you’ve not a need for creatures, have you, son?”
“Well...no, Father, not really.” “So it’s plainly desire and
fun?”
“Well...I guess so, Father.” “You do enjoy hunting don’t you,
son?”
“Well...yes, Father, I do, and in that sense I guess it’s fun.”
“But not so in My eyes, son, and nor should it be in yours,
Besides, it’s not necessary, and, humans are herbivores.
You’re not designed for eating flesh, son, it will make you ill,
It will shorten your life, and history just parallel.
You see, after its introduction human life span decreased,
And physical and mental illness rapidly increased.
At the time, humans were told not to eat the blood or fat,
But that was largely ignored, son, and now look where they’re at.
They’ve also been eating creatures that I said not to eat,
As some cause greater
illness — though all
meat, health will deplete.
Flesh was not the original diet I gave humans, son,
So surely logic tells you that such you’d be wise to shun.
But as for killing for sport, not real need, but just for fun,
That’s a warped
desire — clearly sin, when all is said and done.
You were created in My image to love and to care,
To show compassion to all
living things that I’ve placed here.
To be merciful and kind, to preserve
life, not take it,
And to never act outside of that which I might permit.
No true child of Mine will get a kick out of killing, son,
And nor will they take pleasure in owning some sort of gun.
That distasteful love for hunting comes from the evil one,
Who well before your time, cruelty and killing had begun.
If you truly love Me, son, you’ll stop that killing right now;
There’s other food available, and you’ve gardening know-how.
Yes, follow My pre-Fall diet — that is, the Edenic one,
And all unhealthy food and beverages wisely shun.
The concessions made post-Fall are often misunderstood,
And therefore, misapplied, abused, skipping what’s better, what’s good.
And that’s why you should study with an open heart and mind,
For only that way, son, the truth of the matter you’ll find.
When I first created creatures they weren’t there for eating,
Nor for experimenting on, caging, plain mistreating.
They had the same rights as you, the right to life, love and care,
And the same surroundings, peace and happiness, were to share.
That’s how I want things to be again, and you can play a part
By not hurting, killing, eating creatures — thus, making a start.
I’m into restoration, I’ll be reversing the Fall,
And I want you,
son — everyone
— to respond to this call.”
By Lance Landall
11. Spare The Creatures
It’s so easy for folk to fall back on God’s permission to eat
flesh, want colouring their view,
And blocking further light that shows that flesh we shouldn’t eat, and
that God no longer wants us to.
And that such aside, the presence of creatures being a test to us, for
how we treat them conveys:
Just how humane we are, the depth of our heart, and whether we’re truly into far
better ways.
It’s no secret that creatures have feelings and can interact with human
beings, and that they too
Bear and raise young ones, they protective, playful and affectionate,
and food and shelter pursue.
Hence why they mourn over lost loved ones like us, the hunter, butcher
oft their greatest enemy,
And we not needing
their flesh, for God has provided other
food, food that is far more healthy.
Yes, no creatures were eaten in Eden, and nor will they be eaten come
Earth’s end and renewal,
For such was never God’s plan, our bodies suffering because
of flesh, which He has tried to tell.
But who’s listening, open-mindedly researching? — their heart bigger
than their appetite, and,
They thus falling in to line with what God originally, knowingly and
lovingly planned.
Why did He allow such? Well, one can only guess, but surely what’s
better each Christian should do;
Loving one and killing another being something pretty askew — even
bizarre, in my view.
Hence why killing never figured in Eden, it the product of the Fall,
and man’s corrupt desires,
For only but a fallen, degenerate palate, a taste for innocent flesh
and blood acquires.
By Lance Landall
12. What's Better?
When God made all the creatures, He made them for humans to
love,
And not for humans to slaughter while He watched from up above.
For He is the Giver of Life, the Creator, our Maker,
Who’ll soon end sin’s deadly reign, and say, “No more!” to the
life-taker.
It’s just the devil who enjoys humanity’s killing spree,
Yes, it’s just Satan who enjoys all this taking of life we see,
Just Satan who enjoys watching blood flowing constantly,
Not the Giver of Life, whose own blood was spilt on Calvary.
No, when God made all the creatures, He intended that they live,
And to man (you and I) the role of caretaker chose to give.
These creatures that He created, man was to love and protect,
And the sanctity of life was to uphold, foster, respect.
But sin, alias the devil — and later, man — spurned God’s will,
Hence all the slaughter that soon began, and is happening still.
Why? Because a return to Eden in practice and principle
Here, appears to be what most do not find desirable.
By Lance Landall
13. Why Did God Allow Flesh Food?
Well, no doubt the eating of flesh food already existed
courtesy of Cain,
And after the flood, God knowing that men would turn to it again, and
not abstain.
And so, in order to lessen its ill, He specifying which creatures to
eat,
And which ones not to eat, though later He trying to wean His people
right off meat.
But having said that, any animal’s blood and fat was forbidden, and
therefore,
Such shouldn’t be consumed today, both very injurious, and at ill
health’s core.
Though better no meat at all, it having shortened the lifespan of man,
and this why
God may’ve allowed it, lest evil tyrants reign too long, ’cause how the
afflicted cry!
By Lance Landall
CIRCUMCISION
The apostles only spoke against circumcision in the context of one's salvation. Thus, circumcision was hardly given as a sign only. Our creative all-knowing God deserving far more credit than that.
Facts:
Circumcision decreases penile cancer.
Circumcision decreases cervical cancer.
Circumcision decreases urinary tract infections.
Circumcision facilitates better hygiene.
Circumcision lessens what can become unhealthy handling.
Circumcision existed before the Jews and their ceremonial law:
Interestingly, when God commanded that Abraham be circumcised, and all his offspring, He intended it be forever:
Yes, it was actually God himself who instituted circumcision:
Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall
be a sign of the covenant between me and you’ ” (Gen 17:10,11, ESV).
A male child should be circumcised on the eight day:
(Gen 17:12).
In a new born baby, ‘prothrombin’ shoots up on the eighth day to a level that is above normal, then it levels off. The eight-day-old-baby therefore has more prothrombin at that time than on any other day in its life. Prothrombin is a key element in the complex process of coagulation of the blood. It prevents excessive bleeding. Hence why circumcision should not be carried out immediately after birth, but only on the eighth day, thereby preventing the complications that occur [like excessive bleeding] that arouse the negative reactions to circumcision. To offset the excessive bleeding that can occur when a baby is circumcised immediately after delivery, doctors administer an injection of vitamin K. Vitamin K plays an important role in the production of prothrombin.
Source of above paragraph: Institute In Basic Life Principles
Sometimes one has to be cruel to be kind, so to speak.
A question to ponder:
Was circumcision man’s naturally created state in the garden of Eden, and did the non-circumcised state come about as the result of the fall?
Or
Was man’s naturally created state in the garden of Eden one of non-circumcision, but circumcision later implemented as a necessary step due to the fall and its complicating factors?
You may find the following two articles interesting:
Circumcision benefits outweigh risks, August 29, 2012, 9:05 am lifestylechannels
The most influential paediatricians group in the United States is now publicising their approval for circumcision in newborn boys.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says the health benefits of circumcision in newborn boys outweigh any risks and insurance companies should pay for it.
Circumcision of newborn boys involves the surgical removal of the foreskin and has been a procedure debated about for quite some time.
The American Academy of Paediatrics is releasing their evaluation based on 10 years of evidence. The academy said the benefits of newborn male circumcision justify access to this procedure "for families who choose it".
Recent research bolstering evidence that circumcision reduces chances of infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections and penile cancer influenced the academy to update their 13-year-old policy.
The evidence also dispelled the common belief that circumcision affects sexual pleasure later in life. It said the procedure "does not appear to adversely affect penile sexual function/sensitivity or sexual satisfaction".
Slice Of Research, The Dominion Post 7 Nov 2007
New Zealand research shows that circumcising all baby boys could cut the rate of sexually transmitted diseases by about half. A report by David Fergusson of Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences was published in the international scientific journal Pediatrics. The study followed 510 newborns till the age of 25. Even after accounting for other factors, such as the number of sexual partners, unprotected sex and family background, circumcised youths were less likely to become infected.
