Acts 15: 19-21

We live in a slimy world.  The Old Testament word “aven” (translated as “sin”) refers to the power of evil in the world.  That evil is a slimy, ugly mess that sticks to everything and everyone it touches.  Christ sets us free from the power of rebellion and disobedience; He also washes away the slime of sin.  Christ cleanses our hearts of rebelliousness and gives us a spirit of love.  God cleanse the stains and heals the hurts that have resulted from sin and a sinful world, however it can take time.

New Christians have an obligation to respond to God’s grace.  That response is not limited to gratitude and worship; it also includes an obligation to live pure.  The early church asks the question “What should all Gentile Christians abstain from an order to avoid being corrupted by the world?” Some modern Christians would love to have been part of that discussion.  They have a list, “Christians do not: dance, play cards, curse, gamble, drink, smoke, go to movies, wear shorts, cut women’s hair, wear jewelry, work on Sunday, eat out on Sunday, listen to rock music, view pornography, or do drugs” and I will stop because the list is endless.  The Pharisees had their list of laws also; it was so long and confusing that they could not obey them all and it could not keep them pure.

The church decided they should not make it difficult on the gentiles turning to God.  Their list was short and simple, 1) avoid food offered to idols, 2) live sexually pure, 3) do not eat strangled meat, and 4) do not drink blood.  All four items on the list were associated with false gods, idol worship, demon sacrifices and pagan practices.  To remain pure and unstained by sin in the world, Christians need to avoid sinful places and practices.  If a place is sleazy, don’t go there; if it makes you feel dirty, don’t do it.  God purifies us; to remain pure we must live pure.