In Acts, chapter 15, we are told to abstain from four different things. That we “abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:20) This is said in verse 20 and 29 of this same chapter. Above, we have verse 20, and here is verse 29. “That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” (Acts 15:29) Again, these things were mentioned twice because the church’s biggest problem back then was getting mixed up with these things, of which caused the Jews to stumble. The #1 thing is not being involved with idolatry. This can be eating things that were eating things offered to idols, having idols among you, or even worshipping idols themselves. As for the #2 thing, which is fornication, that was when two single people had sexual intercourse with each other. As for our society now, this can also mean looking at pornography, for the person is having sexual fascinations with these men or/and women while looking at the pornographic videos. This is just half of what the church abstained from then. Now, as for idolatry and fornication, these are huge issues in our society today, where every true believer would not continue therein, but let God free them.
The last two things on the list have to do with, #3, eating meat that was strangled, and #4, eating meat from animals where blood is still evident. Of course, you may say that these were last two things were part of the Mosaic laws, and you would be correct. However, abstaining from these things was taught in the early church. So those that are saved now should follow these guidelines. As was spoken, we are not to eat meat with blood. Therefore, when we cook meat, it is important that we’ve cooked out the blood. Now, when it comes to eating meat that was not strangled, this can be very difficult in our society. Unfortunately, we do not know how things take place with animals before they are killed and butchered. So I believe God is more lenient on this one, especially for things we do not know and eat from supermarkets. Now, if we hunt and kill animals for food, we are to not strangle the animal. This would keep to what these guidelines are saying, as was brought up in the early church. Now, I know that many churches do not abstain from these last two things, but as for me and my house, we will continue to follow what was prescribed for us as believers two thousand years ago. Always remember that we are still to be like the New Testament church, even though many have tried to change it. We are God’s people and keep to what is written.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for teaching me something new when it comes to abstaining from idolatry, fornication, and the eating of meat that is strangled or if the blood is not cooked out. I knew about idolatry and fornication, but after reading Acts, chapter 15, I can now see the issues with the eating of meat that is strangled or if the blood is not cooked out. And I would not want to do anything that would cause my dear Jews to stumble also. They may keep the whole Mosaic law still, but for me to do these few things also, there will be less animosity around us and more peace and love. So I am grateful for this chapter and everything it has taught me, God. As I have been from the beginning, my heart is open to truth from the heavens above. So continue to pour into me Your truth, which is greater than men. I believe in You, Lord. Only You can help me abstain from such things. Especially fornication, which is my biggest downfall, according to my past experiences. Earlier in my years, I could not do this, but now I am able to. You are able to keep my sexual fantasies at bay. Even lust for women is much less now, as I continue to abide in You, Lord. You have also stopped my desire to look at porn, because of Your hand over my life. You keep me in the ways of righteousness. Thank You, God. Certainly, I am not alone when I fight and win against different temptations. You are with me in these trying times and it is so sweet to come out victorious. I love You, God. Amen.
