1. Simple Answers Troubling Questions to ? ? Is It Sinful to Smoke Marijuana?

2. Marijuana Facts - 1 Dried and shredded mixture taken from the leaves of the hemp plant Smoked, usually as a cigarette (joint) Affects the hippocampus (brain component). Affects learning and memory capabilities. Persons high on marijuana show the same lack of coordination on standard drunk driver tests as do people who have had too much to drink.

3. Marijuana Facts - 2 Has same carcinogenic properties as tobacco Most commonly used illicit drug in the United States As of 2000, 37.7% of all children 12-17 smoke marijuana at least once a month Users are 104 times more likely to use cocaine than non-users Source: Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

4. As Important a Question as asked re: Social Drinking! There is a difference between alcohol and marijuana – one is legal to use, and the other is not However, the stigma in the minds of an older generation is just that, generational and has no bearing on whether the practice is sinful The two are both intoxicants! The question of intrinsic sinfulness is the same for both!

5. Smoking Marijuana is Unlawful In Texas, the possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine The sale of ¼ oz. to 2 lbs. is a state felony punishable by up to 2 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine. The possession and use of marijuana is sinful because it is against the law. (cf. Romans 13:1-7)

6. The Use of Marijuana is Intrinsically Sinful It is condemned as a lust of the flesh in the term “sorcery”, found in Galatians 5:20 Greek (pharmakeia) – medication. (“pharmacy”), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively):--sorcery, witchcraft. “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (vs. 21)

7. The Use of Marijuana is Intrinsically Sinful - 2 It is an intoxicant Proverbs 23:29-35 (Read) 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 Note: Read Luis Zamora’s article in bulletin

8. 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. A Christian should never “lose control” by the recreational use of any drug

9. The Use of Marijuana is Intrinsically Sinful - 2 It is an intoxicant Proverbs 23:29-35 (Read) 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 Note: Read Luis Zamora’s article in bulletin Destructive to Christian influence Matthew 5:13-16 1 Peter 3:15-16

10. Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

11. 1 Peter 3:15-16 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

12. Conclusion Smoking marijuana is against the law of the land. As such, those who possess and use it are considered by God to be “evil doers.” Smoking marijuana is an intoxicant like alcohol. Wise individuals will realize its destructive nature, and submit as servants to Christ, maintaining purity in the body. Smoking marijuana is destructive to Christian influence. Smoking marijuana is a Sin!