[Steve Myers] How do you know what food is
good to eat? It’s a controversial topic. Walk down the aisle in your supermarket you'll
see all kinds of foods that claim this one’s healthy, that one’s nutritious. Whole foods; natural foods; organic foods. Is this really beneficial or am I being misled? Even experts disagree about the proper amount
of sugar, salt and fat in our diets. Growers and government debate labels and packaging. But beyond all this, could there be a spiritual
connection to what food we eat? Who decides the standard? Have you thought about what God has to say
about food? Prepare to be challenged on Beyond Today as
we examine “The Biblical Food Laws: Does God Care What You Eat?” [Announcer] Join our host Steve Myers and
his guests as they help you understand your future on Beyond Today! [Steve] Would you allow God to tell you what
you should eat? You might be surprised to learn that the Bible
instructs Christians not to eat certain foods including pork—bacon, ham, in fact anything
that comes from a pig (Leviticus 11:7). But didn’t Jesus do away with that? Wasn’t it just a rule for the Jews? Well we’re going to talk about that in just
a moment. We know God did create all the animal life
on our planet and He tells us that some were created for the specific purpose of providing
us food. The New Testament verifies we should be “eating
foods that God created—and he intended them to be accepted with thanksgiving…” (1 Timothy 4:3; CEB). So Scripture tells us—today, in the Christian
era—there are some foods that God specifically made to be eaten and others that should not
be eaten at all. But does it really matter? Does it matter that much what I eat? Does the Bible’s instruction apply to me
or only to Jews? And what about the apostle Peter’s vision? Didn’t God deem all food clean in the New
Testament? Well stay tuned and we’ll cover that vision
and you’ll see it does matter and it does apply to you. So when did God say what to eat and what not
to eat? Don’t assume that since the first few chapters
of Genesis really don’t have a clear command of what to eat—don’t think that proves
that God gave no food instructions right at the beginning. Because it’s not true. Think of it this way: You won’t find a command
against murder before Cain killed his brother Abel. Yet, no one would conclude that murder was
acceptable before that time. Obviously the command was known and already
applied. So we shouldn’t just assume that because
it’s not mentioned right at the very beginning of Genesis that God didn’t give guidance
on food right from the start. He did. Genesis remember, is a book of beginnings. It gives historical record of what took place
right from the start. It’s not a complete listing of specific
laws. So, just like the rule against murder was
already in place, God’s instructions on food were already in effect as well. The first statement in the Bible that makes
a distinction between animals is found in the story of Noah. Genesis 7:2—Noah’s commanded to take seven
pairs of each kind of clean animal and only one pair of each kind of unclean animal. Now here’s something to think about: When
God told Noah to build that giant ark, He gave precise, detailed instructions on the
design, the size, the structure of that ship. But, God didn’t say a word to Noah about
the difference between which creatures were clean and which creatures were unclean. Why not? Because Noah already knew! God’s directions and Noah’s response clearly
show that He already understood which animals were “clean”—that’s those animals
that God says we should eat; and those that are “unclean”—those not to be eaten. So even though there isn’t a specific command
recorded before this, God’s guidelines on food were already in effect. Now at the end of that great Flood, God made
it clear to Noah that animals were given into man’s control in the same way the green
plants were given. Now that didn’t mean that Noah could eat
any animal or any plant. There’s an important parallel: Some plants,
they’re suitable for food. Some are used for building materials. Some are for beauty—but we know some are
poisonous and will make you sick and bring death if you eat them. Now in the same way, some animals are suitable
for food while others provide fibers for clothing, strength for working the land or even protection
from danger. But the lesson is this: like poisonous plants—some
animals are not intended to be eaten. God does care what you eat. Long before Moses’ covenant—and before
the Israelites left Egypt; the Bible designates animals for food or in connection with a sacrifice. They’re designated as clean animals. This verifies the biblical food laws were
in effect before the Old Covenant. Now later, God organized and classified animals
in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. He shows which creatures are suitable for
food and which are not. The term used to designate animals acceptable
for food is “clean,” while the term used for those that are not proper for food is
“unclean.” God revealed powerful principles that would
provide safe, healthy food, protect the environment, prevent the spread of disease for anyone willing
to follow His instructions. His biblical food laws are simple, rational,
practical and profound. But if these laws are so logical and beneficial
for all people, why did God say not to eat pork and ham, or that we should avoid clams,
and lobsters and other shellfish? Hasn’t that all been abolished? Is it still important today? Well God says, yes it is still important for
Christians today. It continues to be important to discern the
difference. Here’s what He says: “You must distinguish
between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those
that may not be eaten’” (Leviticus 11:47, NIV). But this is not only an Old Testament command. As we’re going to see, it has a modern,
spiritual application for you and me right now. The point is that we should make a difference,
a distinction. It’s choosing to make a separation between
the clean and the unclean. You know why? He says, “for you are a holy people to the
LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 14:2, 21). So why change your diet and avoid unclean
foods? Holiness. God says it’s all about holiness. It’s a reminder to choose holiness in thought
and in action. The New Testament confirms this: “…Come
out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive
you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall
be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). Do you see the connection to food? God’s people are to separate themselves
from this spiritually unhealthy world. The influences of wrong ways of thinking are
bombarding our minds. God’s people must distinguish what should
be on their personal menu. Making a distinction between the good and
the bad, the right from the wrong, the holy and the unclean—and then choosing right
actions. Well how important is this? Well if you claim to be a godly person you
must think differently—think like God thinks. God must be the authority in your daily diet
physically and spiritually. You don’t even want to touch, let alone
consume anything that’s impure. He instructs us to bring every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). So His people reflect godly values and His
thinking—recognizing the difference between biblically right and wrong behavior. Now this means the only recipe for success
is basing your life on the Word of God, the Bible. God says in Ezekiel 44:23 that “They shall
teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern
between the unclean and the clean.” Can you discern the difference? God wants you to be different, to be holy. Since we belong to Him, He doesn’t want
us to contaminate ourselves through any kind of impurity, any defilement, any uncleanness. So honoring God means choosing the right diet
of holiness in our thoughts and actions. It’s true with food, and it’s true with
God’s way of life. Are you choosing to be different in what you
watch, in what you say, in what you think—even in what you eat? I’d like to help you see this spiritual
connection to what we eat and how we live. Order your free copy of our Bible study aid:
What Does the Bible Teach About Clean and Unclean Meats? It’s designed to help you understand what
the Bible says about being separate from a sinful society, what holiness is all about,
and how you can have it. Our free study guide, What Does the Bible
Teach About Clean and Unclean Meats? will help you realize that God made distinctions
that reveal which foods are appropriate for us to eat. To order, just call us toll free at: 1-888-886-8632. That’s 1-888-886-8632. Or you can write to us at the address on your
screen or visit BeyondToday.tv to read or download your copy [Beyond Today, PO Box 541027,
Cincinnati, OH 45254]. God’s Word provides a pattern for physical
and spiritual healthy living. His principles of health and holiness are
for our good. He doesn’t want us to contaminate ourselves
physically or spiritually. He tells us: “Do you not know that your
body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you
are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore
glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). In God’s sight, refraining from eating unclean
animals is a special spiritual sign. The specific purpose God gave for avoiding
unclean meat, it’s a sign of holiness. It should remind us that we are different
from the world around us. Now you might be thinking—“Didn’t Jesus
do away with that?” Well we’re going to talk about that in just
a moment. We know that obeying the law doesn't save
us; our faith in the sacrifice of Christ does. Yet, when we understand the spiritual principles
that are the basis for God's law, Christians keep His commandments. “By this we know that we love the children
of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep
His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome”
(1 John 5:2-3). These commandments—including the food laws
in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14—they exist for our benefit. They remind us that God’s ongoing desire
for His people is to be holy. It’s a constant thing. The apostle Peter encouraged all Christians
to “...be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy
because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16, NLT). Of course, Peter had in mind a much wider
range of godly behavior than merely refraining from unclean meats. He tells us to draw a line between what’s
right and what’s wrong, between what’s holy and what’s sinful, and partake of what
is clean and right—that principle runs throughout the entire Bible. “Holy” signifies being ‘separated’
or set apart. We each have the choice of what to consume. God’s set the table you might say and says
it’s up to you to choose right. He doesn’t impose His will on us or force
us to do what He wants. God gives us the choice on this buffet of
life. Now this is important: Choosing rightly identifies
who we are and to whom we belong. Our perfect, pure and holy God wants us to
choose to be His holy people in every aspect of life. This theme of holiness—what is clean, what
is unclean—is often emphasized by Jesus in the New Testament under the New Covenant. We’re told that “everyone who has this
hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). Well no wonder the biblical food laws are
still important and continue for all Christians today. It’s a daily physical reminder that our
body is a spiritual temple that houses the Spirit of God. Our eating can reflect our identity and our
values. Most importantly, it can even reveal our spiritual
health. We’re commanded: “In your lives you must
think and act like Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5, NCV). This means we separate ourselves from what
is unacceptable and then we truly become God’s people. That even connects with the animals that we
are told to eat. Those animals—they’re described as sanctified,
which means “set apart.” And it has a dual meaning—being set apart
from something as well as set apart for something. So the only animals set apart by the Word
of God, His Bible, are those listed in it as clean. They’ve been set apart from all other animals
and set apart for our nourishment. Animals designated as unclean, well they’re
unfit for human consumption and shouldn’t be eaten. So every day, when you choose what to eat;
it’s your daily reminder to make a conscious choice to select good, clean food according
to God’s biblical food laws. Now in the same manner, it reminds you that
you must make a conscious effort to choose holy conduct in every aspect of your life—in
your attitude and in your actions. It’s your day-to-day notice to constantly
choose and be set apart from sin and set apart for God’s way of righteousness. God has given us a wonderful object lesson
in food. He reminds us that we shouldn’t just let
anything come into our mouth. In the same way, we shouldn’t let just any
thought come into our mind that would result in wrong behavior. So just like choosing good food to eat, we
must choose a diet of godly actions in our life. Up next, we’ll discuss the “what abouts”
with the BT panel. The “what about” idea that Jesus made
all foods clean or what about that voice that told Peter to rise, and kill, and eat? Well that’s up next. But first, I hope that you will choose to
learn more about the biblical food laws by requesting our free Bible study aid, What
Does the Bible Teach About Clean and Unclean Meats? When you request our free Bible study aid
on this subject, we’ll also send you a free subscription to our bi-monthly Beyond Today
magazine. Beyond Today magazine not only gives insight
into world events and the difficult times that you live in; it also brings a vision
of a positive, hopeful future. So, please call: 1-888-886-8632. That’s 1-888-886-8632, or go online at BeyondToday.tv
for the free study aid, What Does the Bible Teach About Clean and Unclean Meats? and Beyond
Today magazine. Or, write to us at the address shown on your
screen. We’re continuing our discussion on biblical
food laws with fellow hosts of the program, Darris McNeely and Gary Petty. Now there are many “what abouts” that
some people argue saying the biblical food laws are done away with and of course that
they don’t apply to Christians today. So let’s talk about a couple of those “what
abouts.” There’s one especially that is sited in
the book of Mark. Mark 7:19. It says this, in the NIV: “‘For it doesn't
go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body.’ (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods
“clean.”)” Now what about that idea? Is that really what was meant by that passage? That you can eat anything you want? [Darris] No, not at all. That passage is talking about something completely
different, not the topic of clean and unclean foods. In fact, in that NIV translation it is one
example of where the editors of that Bible inserted an opinion and if you want a denominational
or doctrinal idea that, that’s what that passage means. It is not, that phrase is not found in the
Greek, and it does not fit the context certainly of what Jesus was addressing there. It’s one of those examples of where through
the years people have actually added into the Word of God. There’s another one dealing with the subject
of the Trinity and this is one dealing with these meats. And that one’s easily explained. But getting to the real core of that scripture
is really what’s important. [Gary] You talk about context. Context is so important. When you look at any passage of Scripture,
what is it all about? So you just don’t pull out phrases and make
it say what you want it to say. You know we go back to that Mark. Let’s just look at something here. In this passage. Let’s look at why Jesus said this. Why would Jesus even bring this up? What’s the purpose of which this discussion
is taking place? And here’s how it started: “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him,
‘Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread
with unwashed hands?’” (Mark 7:5). This is a really, really important point. The Jews had a ceremony of washing their hands
before they ate. It had to do with the concept that a man was
the priest of his own home. So he had to do this ceremony. And even later in this passage He says, “For
laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers
and cups, and many other such things you do” (Mark 7:8). Now the commandment that was given in the
Old Testament not to eat pork, shellfish, those kinds of things was a commandment from
God. So the whole point here that Jesus Himself
is making—and all you have to do is read the passage—is about the commandments of
men. These traditions that they were doing. It has to do with unwashed hands. It doesn’t have to do with actually clean
and unclean means. [Darris] And He’s really talking, ultimately,
about what comes out from the heart, that’s what defiles a person and that’s the real
main spiritual teaching from that passage. And when you focus on that, you’ve got it
right on. [Steve] So if you got a little dirt on your
hands for not washing, it’s not going to matter. That’s going to come out. And it wasn’t referring to ceremonial things
either like some might relegate Leviticus and Deuteronomy to just ceremonial rules,
but it really was about the foods we should eat. [Gary] Right, right. In fact, in the ceremonies even He is talking
about, they weren’t even in the Bible! They were rituals that they had made up. [Darris] And all the rituals, even the washings
and everything, as they were originally intended in Scripture were also part of a holiness
code that meant our relationship with God—you touched upon that. [Steve] Now the other “what about” that
often comes up is Peter. Peter had this vision, this dream and in that
dream something pretty amazing happened and people often site that very thing. And in that passage, in Acts 10:13 is where
it specifically it says, a voice came to Peter, it said “Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.” And of course many people assume then, all
of those things that were in that blanket, or that sheet, all the creepy crawlies, all
the pigs and all the other stuff, that was okay to eat now. And so they assume that. But is that really what that passage is saying? [Darris] Not at all. That is the monumental episodes of the Bible
that shows the door of faith being opened up to the Gentiles and Peter in a vision was
being taught that through the distinction again, of the animals. He said in that passage that he had not been
doing that. It’s not his practice and that was years
after the death of Christ. So if you’re going to use that, Christ’s
death as a time when everything was changed, that alone works against that idea. And, Peter said I don’t eat those things. And then He comes right down to him and says,
I’m showing you that there is no distinction in terms of a spiritual condition between
any group of people and the others. This was a big issue at that period of time
for the church and a big hurdle to get over and it was a very dramatic and a very momentous
vision that Peter was having. [Gary] You know, it’s really sad that we
look in Acts 10 and 11, and it has to do with eating spam. You know, I challenge anybody: go take your
Bible, open it up and read all of Acts 10, all of Acts 11. And what you see is that this is one of the
most—as you said, monumental passages in the New Testament. That the Gospel and that salvation was open
to all peoples. This had to do with accepting people—that
people could not be declared unclean or common, and Peter actually explains the vision to
the elders in Jerusalem in the very next chapter. The meaning that Peter got from this that
God gave to him, it’s expressed by Him Himself. So there is no real debate. This whole debate’s made up! Because in the Scripture itself, it explains
it. There is no debate. And it’s amazing truth that’s being taught. [Steve] It’s interesting in both of those
first examples that we talked about, it’s not even addressing the kinds of foods that
you should eat. It has nothing to do with those especially
when you read exactly what it says. [Gary] Correct. [Steve] Alright, let’s do one more. One more “what about.” What about that section in 1 Corinthians 10:27
where it says, “If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire
to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake”? So, should we eat whatever is plopped down
in front of us? [Darris] No, for a lot of reasons. But definitely, again, this is an example
that is not talking about food laws. The whole context of that passage from Paul
is meat offered to idols and whether or not people’s conscious was defiled if they happened
to go to the supermarket and buy a pound of beef that had that morning been offered to
an idol. Paul said that it didn’t matter, the idol
is nothing. Be concerned about each other’s conscious
but he was addressing the subject of meat offered to idols and in that context idolatry—much,
much bigger than the matter of clean and unclean meats. [Gary] You know when you look at Jesus’
account there, if He would have, to a group of Jews, in that environment, made that statement,
they would have stoned Him. I mean this was one of their identifying signs—is
that they didn’t eat these unclean meats. So that can’t be what He is talking about. But what Paul is writing about here, it’s
hard to understand the superstitions that came along with idolatry. So if something was offered to an idol it
took on certain, in the minds of people who ate that, certain qualities, and what Paul
is saying is, that’s not true! It’s not true. Now it’d be like today if you went to a
Hindu community and went to a store and bought vegetables since they are vegetarians and
it had been blessed by a Hindu. Would that somehow take away from our Christianity? That’s the issue, not whether they are eating
oysters or pork. [Steve] So really when you really get right
down to it, we see those things are very specific for the times that they were talking about. Issues that really had nothing do with the
kinds of foods you should eat as far as pork of beef or those kinds of things. [Darris] No, they did not set aside those
laws. That part of the law from the Old Testament. And it shows actually, a clear honest reading
of it shows that that part of the law was still being practiced and taught and observed
even by the apostles. [Steve] And there’s an important spiritual
connection we don’t want to forget about, so I’d like to remind you about our free
offers today: What Does the Bible Teach About Clean and Unclean Meats and of course our
Beyond Today magazine. To obtain your own, personal, free copies
of these publications, call us toll free: 1-888-886-8632. That’s 1-888-886-8632 or go online at BeyondToday.tv. Hi, I’m Steve Myers. I’m the pastor here at the United Church
of God Cincinnati East congregation. I’d like to welcome you to come and join
us on this great spiritual journey. We have hundreds of congregations around the
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committed to following Jesus Christ in everything we do. We’ve found God’s way is the best way
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God is doing in our efforts to bring His message to the world. God is certainly pleased that you’re looking
into knowing Him better. And we’re here to help! We would love to have you come and visit and
worship with us. We’re looking forward to meeting you soon! Come and join us! Now we all want to draw even closer to God. Here’s an easy way to do just that. Each day, when you choose what to eat: remember,
you’re not only choosing to follow what God says about good food but it will also
reflect in your holy lifestyle. Read and follow His instructions in Leviticus
11 and Deuteronomy 14. It’s your daily reminder to make a deliberate
effort in the food you choose, but most importantly, in choosing godly conduct as your way of life—in
attitude and in actions every day. It’s not only a matter of diet, it’s a
matter of holiness. Thanks for joining me today. Don’t forget our free offers and be sure
to tell your family and friends about us. Tune in again next week, at this same time,
for another edition of Beyond Today. I’m Steve Myers—Thanks for watching. [Announcer] For the free literature offered
on today’s program, go online to BeyondToday.tv. Please join us again next week on Beyond Today!
