AUGUST 23 "LET'S EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY"

  Well, so much for the argument that I've heard Christians tell Atheists, "well, even if there is no God, and we are not resurrected, we have lived a better life". Paul doesn't seem to agree, Paul writes, if there's no resurrection then let's enjoy the sinful pleasures of this life" (paraphrased by me of course). Paul writes "there are many things that I am free to do, that I do not because they are not constructive to my walk with God or may be a stumbling block to others (paraphrased by me). In short Paul is saying that the Christian life is a life of much self restraint, that there are even things "which are permissible" that Paul doesn't do, for the sake of others. And I can relate to that, can you? If there's no judgement, no resurrection then Paul says, "let's loosen up a little, boys!" Never mind this mantra, "well, we have lived a better life"  Paul says, "no way, no resurrection, let's party then!"  Let's live a life of self indulgence, like everyone else! The whole premise of all we do is that there is a resurrection of the dead, there is a judgement and this coincides with Proverbs, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all Wisdom".  I am being a little facetious here, no doubt, living an alcohol, drug free live is better for us, our families and marriages, but the point is, we must always preach that what ought to constrain beyond worldly and health benefits, to live right, is that fact that we will one day be resurrected and stand before God, take that out of the equation and every other argument we give people is weak and easily dismissed. We are not here to preach that the Christian live is a healthy lifestyle or a prosperous lifestyle or a good family religion; we are here to preach that the reason for being a Christian is that we will all return to our maker, there is a resurrection and you'd better make sure you're right with God, plain and simple! 

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