Comments on: Smoking

By: Christine Liebel

Christine Liebel — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:42:52 +0000

About 5 years ago I wrote Steve devastated over the fact that I was about to become a Certified Biblical Counselor and I hadn‘t quit smoking yet. I wrote Steve feeling like he was the only person in the world I could confess my grief to. I felt I couldn’t be an affective counselor if I had an addiction I couldn’t over come.
How could I help others over come anything, if I couldn’t over come my addiction to cigarettes? I wanted so much to serve God, but how could I? Imagine the lunacy… me being a sinner… helping other sinners? Little did I know how God had lead me to the perfect person, and the most authentic person I know.
Ironically, I didn’t know Steve was a smoker at the time. And I don’t consider it smoking if you don’t inhale. LOL …makes me think of President Clinton. The fact that Steve was authentic is what lead me to him when asking for help. To make my point…Steve once did a sermon at a counseling conference on the “mask” we wear. Steve taught about the apostles, and how they moved away from the gentiles when the Jews showed up, and talked about how we never do God justice when we pretend to be something that we are not. I couldn’t agree more. Us Christians tend to get stuck on the little things which can also lead us into a trap of grief, and guilt. Steve said, “Smells like smoke to me!” and he was right! Satan had set a trap for me.
God used Steve’s authenticity to help me, help others. I once heard Steve say, “I’d rather be an authentic clown than a fake actor.” Amen brother!
I beg God that I would be authentic clown like Steve, so that others may feel I’m approachable. And through my authenticity, I know others have come to know His grace too. It is by God’s grace that he sets us free from anything he chooses if He chooses ..And if He doesn’t give you the grace to quit smoking… we can still help sinners. This IS God’s methodology. … And It’s a beautiful thing.
Thanks Steve;) God loves ya, and so do I!

By the way… that picture of Steve smoking came out long after our discussion, and I knew what God and Steve were up to. They were trying to shake up all those Pharisee types that can’t seem to figure Steve out.
right Steve!

By: Ben M.

Ben M. — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:13:59 +0000

@J. Mark, so by that logic, the weaker brother logic, if someone struggles with food, we shouldn't eat in front of them? If someone struggles with marriage, sexual, or faithfulness issues, we shouldn't wear our wedding rings around them? Christians, like myself, are a funny breed. Overweight pastors are extremely common place, and being overweight is just as unhealthy, if not worse than smoking. Yet pastor after pastor has no problem eating garbage. Even if you're not overweight, even if you maintain a healthy BMI, shouldn't you just eat flavorless, fat free foods all the time? I mean, if smoking in moderation is still a problem, and mustn't be celebrated, then eating bad foods in moderation is just as bad. The bible does in fact make mention of how we shouldn't be of large appetite, but, never mentions smoking. Before the church makes a big deal over smoking, maybe it should make a big deal over food.

By: J. Mark

J. Mark — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:27:22 +0000

Not passing judgment here. (Back up and red that again, just so we are clear). I want to ask you though do you think that:
1) Your posting of your pipe could hinder a "weaker brother"?
2) That your posting is somehow an offensive maneuver to squash the guilt you have over allowing (perhaps… just perhaps) your flesh to have dominion over you.

Now I am not saying you should sneak around, or lie, or that we as Christians are perfect or that we think we can actually be perfect, but should we celebrate these area's?
Again, I am not judging anything here. I am not even saying its "wrong". Just that it is perceived as wrong by many. Would be interested in your thoughts. Love the show and your materials by the way.
In Christ,
Pastor J. Mark
(and no, I'm not a "fundamentalist" nor do I want to have any "Pharisee" in me (though I probably do).

By: Jess Lester

Jess Lester — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:11:48 +0000

Dear Steve, I remember, several months ago you told your radio audience about your cardiac scare. You also indicated that you were concerned about your pipe. I would encourage you to stop smoking, not because you will go to hell, but because nicotine constricts the blood vessels and might not be good for your cardiac system. I am a physician and former pipe smoker. I wanted to do what was best for the old "bod". So far, so good. I just turned 78 and am still very active.Thank you for your ministry. Jess

By: Anthony Baker

Anthony Baker — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:51:46 +0000

I love pipes. I love cigars. All in serious moderation, of course. Pastors can't afford too much fun, you know. Wow, is that profound, or what?
Actually, I really started smoking cigars for the simple reason that I had to do something to separate me from my legalistic past. I figured if Spurgeon smoked 'em, I could, too.
The real problem is finding a place to smoke them. I live in the parsonage right next to the church. The only facilities that allow smoking anything now are bars. That's not good for the ol' testimony either, is it?

Anthony

By: S. Herron

S. Herron — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:53:09 +0000

In hopes that some might read this link ya'll gotta check out this article. http://www.ransomfellowship.org/articledetail.asp?AID=147&B=Jeremy Huggins&TID=8
I met the author some time ago when I was a student at Covenant Seminary. Great guy Great Article! Blessings to your ministry Steve!

By: Johnny Long

Johnny Long — Wed, 27 May 2009 11:23:11 +0000

AND, http://www.pipecluboflondon.com. I'm the Webmaster of The Pipe Club of London, a lover and collector of antique pipes, and an occasional smoker of the same — all things in MODERATION. For my/our critics who diss pipes, pipe smoking, pipe collecting, and anything to do with shire weed (bless it), I REVEL in the fact that I can puff away with my pagan friends here, and when it's time to dine, I'm asked to "say the grace" and I can PRAY THE GOSPEL! What a rich, rich privelege - to be God's man in a company of men who need SOMEONE there who knows, loves and serves the One they so studiously try to avoid.
That said, MODERATION is the key! I am careful to make sure I'm in the saddle riding tobacco, not the other way round, so for me, it's 2, 3 or 4 pipefulls a week, and sometimes none. - LongJnSilver -

Johnny Long
Presbyterian Church in America
World Harvest Mission UK
London, England (a great place to collect antique pipes!)

By: Ron Cervero

Ron Cervero — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:17:08 +0000

Steve,

Smoke up big boy! I smoked a pipe for over 30 years, but it was filled with pot! Enjoy that meershaum pipe, and take a big puff for me. The sins of our hearts far outweigh the sins that we are aware of…aren't we all just murderers at heart? Raca!!!

Love Ya,

Ron

By: Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:36:01 +0000

I love you Steve! Pipe and all! God bless you for you have blessed me!

Jerry

By: eva

eva — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:24:22 +0000

You are so refreshing in the midst of religion. I too smoke & have struggles with this off/on for years. Several yrs ago I accepted that i smoke & i quit thinking about it. God & I were very close. Since I decided to quit 2yrs ago (I didn't) it has colored my whole life for the worst (trying to quit) So i don't want this on my mind day & nite, i'm leaning toward accepting myself again, so I can hear God speak to me more clearly. I don't know if He has ever spoken to me about this.
eva

By: Miriam

Miriam — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:25:20 +0000

As Steve has said so many times, God helps those who CANNOT help themselves! Well let me tell you, I cannot help myself on this issue. I have prayed for a long time for God to do something about this nasty habit of mine and so far I am still smoking like a chimney. However, He is definitely working powerfully in other areas of my life and I am so grateful. If He wants me to quit smoking He will help me do the deed. I am so tired of feeling guilty of all my imperfections and there are many but I know God loves me, I love Him and He just wants to have a relationship with me. God bless you Steve and your ministry but you probably aught to pray that I quit because all the money I spend for cigarettes could be going to your ministry. LOL!!!!!

By: Lori M

Lori M — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:19:08 +0000

I just came across this and want to thank you for your honesty. My eldest son was a Worship leader at a church in Ohio (after attending college for Ministry) and although he had quit smoking, fell back into it. When the church leadership found out they first "counseled" him, then when he couldn't/didn't want to quit, they fired him and announced to the congregation that he was stepping down from ministry until he could get his life under control. Needless to say he quit the church and the ministry altogether. It has been almost 5 years and it still breaks my heart to see him driving a tow truck when I know that God has given him an incredible annointing to usher people into His Presence thru music, but it has been abandoned due to misteaching by ignorant, overzealous, (overweight) "Christians". (If, as they teach, smoking is idolizing something over God, wouldn't overeating be the same??)

I will refer him to this sight and continue to pray for God to get thru to him that He hasn't rejected him because he isn't perfect.

Thank you!

By: Marie M

Marie M — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:07:49 +0000

Hi Steve,
My husband smoke's and I don't like it, because he smokes in the house and no matter what I say to him about it he doesn't listen to me, I just want him to smoke outside, if he doesn't want to stop.
I think that's fair don't you.

By: Deb L

Deb L — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:51:41 +0000

Wow! What a soap box!!!

Somehow it's become popular to blast a person who smokes. Not only popular, but righteous!

I've heard long discussions about smoking and people who smoke. If as much conversation and energy were put into causes such as world hunger, evangelism, clean air and the wise use of money, perhaps our world would be a better place.

Steve, don't worry about all the hype about smoking. It's just that.

I pray that the same passion will someday be used by this many people to tell the world about Jesus.

Thank you for all of your wonderful work and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Also in His Grip, Deb

By: Joel Sinke

Joel Sinke — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:29:23 +0000

I agree with Michael, English blends are for the truly saved…

By: perimeter member

perimeter member — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:35:07 +0000

Steve, I love the smell of pipe smoke. It reminds me of my dear grandpa who is no longer with us. I wish someone in my family would take up pipe smoking just to trigger my happy memories of my grandpa.

Smoke your pipe away. Unless you replace that tobacco with cocaine…then we have a problem!

By: Love_Alabama

Love_Alabama — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:04:58 +0000

It is funny how I am so cultrally influenced. I totally see the pipe as an option and maybe even cigars…but cigarettes?

I guess there's no difference but wow…I'm not sure I can give in. SO you are safe as long as you stick with a pipe (which is really just more trouble and more expensive) but pick up the fowl smelling cancer stick and we've got a problem.

I know I am being judgemental but hey if you can hang on to smoking I can hang on to being the church lady…but I am a guy…uh-oh…I really need help.

By: richard cofer

richard cofer — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:25:32 +0000

jesus saved me from paganism, sin and my self, but you saved me from christians (okay that was christ too). when i got saved i went to the lake lit up and thought about the tobacco fields, the rain, the rollers, all the things it took to make the maduro in my hand and i got into a pentecostal worship fit. i even started sharing, which was not like me and felt god was working on me. then they got there hands on me, my brothers. it wasn't just smoke, it turned out it was country music (singing about hard work and family and god… and getting drunk too), the way i prayed and every thing. i almost quit church. but i didnt. if u come around lake wales ARP church, come 2 my fav. cigar shop

By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:14:26 +0000

First, Steve I love listening to your show on keylife via the net.

Second, as mentioned by others smoking isnt a sin, no more than eating junk food or watching to much TV. But it is bad for ones health and for others around you. Im not condemning any one for smoking, I TOO smoke and wish I didnt. And as others have mentioned, we as Christians are suppose to be an example to others. If someone see's me smoking, most likely they want even care what I have to say, which might be about the Grace with have in Jesus.

Keep up the great work Steve. God Bless!

By: Allen

Allen — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:14:30 +0000

Brian-

Hahahah. Thanks for the laugh, Brother! (lol)

Although, I'll ask you to kindly spare the Methane just now… I had enough this past weekend from my pals.

Grace and peace to you and yours- Allen

By: Mmike

Mmike — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:58:50 +0000

I've been thinking lately about the song Amazing Grace…the first part of Vs. 2….Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear, and Grace my fears relieved…and I thought about that…it was Grace that taught my heart to fear…and I thought about it, and it kinda made me shiver…because it WAS Grace that taught my heart to fear…to fear the awesomeness of a infinitely powerful and terrible God that has the power to forgive sin…and forgives mine…and it made me shiver, and relieved my fears. His mercy endures forever.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:00:46 +0000

"One would think an addiction would say: "Let's have one now!!!", eh? [I actually didn't have one on the day I mentioned above that I would- it's very easy to say in camraderie: "I'll join you." But in fact I didn't that evening.]"

So then Allen….you deceived me into thinking you really were gonna have that smoke??…. afterall, you promised!! You promised you'd smoke and you didn't. You lied to us all, and must now repent for not smoking when you said you would. : )))

I'm justht methane with ya!

By: Allen

Allen — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:09:10 +0000

A small addendum- there's something else to smoking that is addictive. I highly doubt it's the nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapies are well known to be ineffective. It's definitely not an addiction when you don't do it for well over a week and can't even think when you last smoked a pipe, or if you even want one today. I think perhaps not. Perhaps tomorrow- who knows. One would think an addiction would say: "Let's have one now!!!", eh? [I actually didn't have one on the day I mentioned above that I would- it's very easy to say in camraderie: "I'll join you." But in fact I didn't that evening.]

Now, cigarettes may be addictive, but a Pipe has never been for me, nor any other form of nicotine, but I haven't smoked cigarettes (well known pH tampering and nicotine infusion), so I can't discuss those. This leads me to believe it's not the nicotine. But, let's not drudge up yet another argument.

C.S. Lewis was well known to have said to his American Lady, that he strongly suggests one not to take up smoking.

By: Allen

Allen — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:16:42 +0000

Oh but it has created a change in me. God no longer sees me for who I am in life, he sees me for who Jesus is in me. I can go confidently before his throne. That is a true gift. Without Christ, I would never make it to the throne ante-room even. Or the servant's entrance where the trash is taken out. That is the true gift.

And if we're talking about the temple, there are so many other things that I need to attend to, not just smoking. Whether I eat healthy or not, is also equally as dangerous. Even if I slightly over eat, or slightly under-eat, these can all be considered to be disrespect. If I breath noxious car-fumes that can cause cancer, this is also disrespect to the temple God has given me… or spend too much time in the sun… there are so many many things. Perhaps I need someone to turn a light-switch on for me on the Sabbath?…

-Allen

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:20:41 +0000

Whatever does not effect a change in you….couldn't possibly be all that dangerous. Grace is only dangerous when it actually creates great changes in your life!!

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:54:51 +0000

You must be on some good snuff there Allen!! : )) Well while your'e waiting for an act of God to make changes in your life, consider that the grace you were already given contains the power to make an effectual changes with regard to all sin in your life….and you should be struggling just like every other believer.

Where does original sin say that all sin (ie in this case "smoking") cannot be avoided?? The reason you smoke is that you enjoy your addiction more than you do to obey the living Christ who's grace has already provided you the ability to quit. You give up a struggle b/c you don't believe God's Grace can enable you to change this….so perhaps you never will. Those who deny their destruction of the temple of the H.S. (ie the body) will continue to focus on the pleasure it brings them, just as an alcoholic needs his vice. Anything to which you could not do without than to survive….is an idol. There is hope for anyone who actually desires to put up a fight over time….over any sin…any addiction….there is always hope….over time….it can be defeated and overcome by the exact same Grace which forgives, and empowers true repentance. One's lack of desire to struggle with sin is a clear example of one's lack of faith in a particular area. It's "in the way" of your sanctification if you're not wresting with it. If God's Grace is only good for Justification (and not sanctification as you are clearly suggesting here)….then you are clearly embracing a synthetic grace without the power to cause an effectual change within you. Do you believe this about all sin???

Just b/c Steve says it's ok….does that make it ok?? Just b/c he's resigned the struggle vs it, does that mean you should too?? Isn't your body the temple of the Holy Spirit?? Wouldn't you rather enjoy "real freedom" from your idol rather than rely on just the forgiveness from it??

Just for the record…..Someday…..you will realize that Steve is just making you feel better about your sin. Stubborn selfish pride is what keeps so many from what they really could be enjoying in the newness of Christ!! I'll let you get back to your vices…..alas….since Steve says it's ok!!

Just having fun with you snuffers!!

Sin is dangerous snuff!! : )))

By: Allen

Allen — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:57:14 +0000

The Christian who sins because others sin is in for a world of hurt. This world is full of sins, and there's no possible way we can avoid them (original sin says in fact we can't avoid them). We can surely try however (knowing we will fail), and by the Grace and Goodness of God and the Holy Spirit we will eventually cast them aside. Even our Faith is from God. (You realize this means I don't even have to try and have faith! - it's from Him, given as a gift to me!)

Brian- I'm sure that Steve will be happy to send another free sin coupon to you. I think I have some spares lying around here… there's one… oh goodie, I can have a pipe tonight.

Just for the record, I was a pipe smoker well before I even knew Steve Brown existed. Of course if you're a physicist you may believe he didn't exist before I heard of him, but I suspect that's likely wrong. Or, perhaps the pipe-smoking particles are anti-particles, moving backwards in time causing me to smoke because in the future Steve would tell me it's ok…

Just having fun.

Grace is dangerous stuff,
-Allen

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:49:14 +0000

Great Job Steve!!
Where grace abounds, so does the sin!! Yeah baby, can I borrow your wife tonight? We'd like to get stoned!!!

: ))) Let it abound all the more!!!!

By: Allen

Allen — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 07:11:56 +0000

Wow, those lengthy discussions made me smoke my pipe!! hahahah

Steve, pass the tobacco, Brother, I'll join you. I'll cash in my free sin coupon,
-Allen

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:12:09 +0000

By the way, my Grandmother lived to be 82, I believe, and my Mother was 84 when she died.