There is a food fight currently raging across the land which pits the so-called wisdom of man, against the wisdom of God, and which seems for the most part, to apparently prove that God was wrong when He gave us certain instructions, and laws pertaining to diets and foods. In many instances, the Bible seems to be at odds with scientific research, and because of this, many people have become very confused as to the right course of action to pursue, in the quest for health, and longevity.
The health message, which is described as the right arm of the third angels’ messages of Revelation 14 was given to us as a precious legacy, to be given to the world. But we are called to not only deliver the message, but to be the message. In our day God has given His remnant people diamonds, in the form of the health message, and this means that in our own persons, the wisdom of God in the health message should be exemplified, and materialized literally.
In other words, God has called us to debunk, in our own persons, many of the flawed theories, research and studies that now abound, pertaining to diet and foods, and instructions for healthful living. Often, by so-called conclusive scientific evidence, persons are ensnared into ingesting harmful substances, foods, and liquids, with the inevitable, adverse side effects. The so-called studies often seem to show that there are benefits to doing the direct opposite to what is written in the scriptures.
But we should always bear in mind that the many studies done on thousands of individuals, are more likely to involve those who are not following God’s instructions, for if research was to be done on the obedient, entirely different results would be made apparent, in most cases.
And therefore, the research and its results can be both true, and seriously flawed at the same time. For this reason, we will begin by demonstrating the results of a few “Studies” which to the casual reader may seem to be conclusive. In one recent interview on CNN, Dr. Sanjay Gupta advocated for drinking one or two glasses of wine per day, for as he put it, there are very real benefits to be derived by doing so.
His conclusion is also backed up by studies done by Harvard, which seem to show that several glasses of wine per week, deliver antioxidants, and nutrients that may otherwise be missing from a person’s diet. Thus, as we investigate the various studies and their apparent results, we will begin with what the Bible teaches on the same point, and then we’ll observe a pattern of contradictory evidence on the part of the “researchers”.
[1] The Biblical instruction on the use of wine:
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
Research on the benefits of red wine: [Harvard Nutrition Source]
The comparatively low rate of heart disease in France despite a diet that includes plenty of butter and cheese has come to be known as the French paradox. Some experts have suggested that red wine makes the difference, something the wine industry has heavily, and heartily endorsed.
Some studies have suggested that red wine—particularly when drunk with a meal—offers more cardiovascular benefits than beer or spirits. These range from international comparisons showing a lower prevalence of coronary heart disease in wine-drinking countries.
Red wine may contain various substances, in addition to alcohol that could prevent blood clots, relax blood vessel walls, and prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “bad” cholesterol), a key early step in the formation of cholesterol-filled plaque.
[2] The Biblical instruction on oysters, crabs, and
mollusks:
Leviticus 11:9 These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.
10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:
11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.
12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
Research done on the benefits of eating oysters, crabs, and other shellfish:
Immune Boosting: Mollusks pack a solid dose of both vitamin E and C. They also contain various other minerals that help our immune system. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of oysters also protect against free radicals, which are released during cellular metabolism.
Heart Health:
Oysters positively influence heart health. They reduce the plaque that accumulates on arteries by inhibiting it from binding to the artery walls and blood vessels. Moreover, the high magnesium and potassium content in oysters helps lower blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels.
Good for Eyes:
Oysters top the list of natural sources of zinc, the mineral that ensures that the eye’s pigment is adequately produced in the retina.
Improves Brain Function:
Oysters are a rich source of B12, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and iron, benefiting brain function.
Mood Boosting:
Due to the high levels of zinc found in these sea dwellers, they are known to stabilize mood. Zinc is considered an essential mineral because it is not stored by the body and needs to be consumed through diet. Another study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adequate zinc intake was effective at reducing anger and depression in young women.
Good for the Skin:
The powerful mineral zinc plays a big role in skin repair by helping create and boost collagen. Collagen is crucial for the structural support in skin and reduces sagging. It also helps maintain stronger nails, and keeps scalp and hair healthy.
Healthy vascular system and blood vessels:
A serving of oysters contains 16-18% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. They are also high in omega–3 fatty acids, potassium, and magnesium which are known to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and also effective at lowering blood pressure.
Energy Boosting:
Oysters contain a good amount of B12 vitamins, which boost energy and turn the food we eat into energy. Recent studies suggest anywhere from 15-40% of Americans don’t have adequate levels of B12 for optimal health. Oysters also contain iron, which helps the body transport oxygen to individual cells giving an energy boost.
Bone Health:
The Presence of selenium, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus and calcium found in these mollusks lead to stronger bone health and density. According to an article in The Independent, French biologists have been studying the way oysters produce nacre (mother-of-pearl), and believe the process could be replicated to provide cures and preventative treatments for osteoporosis, arthritis, and certain skin complaints.
[3] The Biblical instruction on animal fat:
Leviticus 7:22 And the Lord spake saying,
23 Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.
Leviticus 3:17 It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.
Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
Waitress Mary Brasda posing with a "Quadruple Bypass Burger" at the Heart Attack Grill in Chandler, Arizona June 17, 2009.
Newsweek Magazine: BY CHRIS RIOTTA ON 4/19/17 AT 4:51 PM
SORRY, VEGETARIANS: ANIMAL FAT MAY ACTUALLY LOWER CHOLESTEROL, NEWLY DISCOVERED STUDY FINDS.
Previously unreported findings come from the largest study of its kind to dispute the idea that polyunsaturated fat, typically found in vegetable products, is healthier in the long term than saturated fats, found in meats, creams and butter. The research found that replacing vegetable oils with saturated fats in fact lowered cholesterol levels in participants age 20 to 97 by an average of 14 percent.
And we are not finished yet, because studies and research, have not only muddied the water, as it pertains to diet and foods, but so-called research has also entered the arena of marriage, where the sacred institution ordained of God in Eden, is now being questioned and debunked by scientific study. In other words, cheating on one’s spouse has now been proven to be beneficial to one’s marriage, according to one study. Let’s read:
New Study Reveals . . . Cheating Makes Your Marriage Stronger. By MATT BETT
TURIN, Italy -- Thou shalt not commit adultery . . . unless you want a stronger marriage! According to a new study, husbands and wives who cheat on each other are more likely to stay together. Dr. Lucielle Ostertag from the Italian Institute of Social Sciences conducted the controversial research.
"I started the analysis project to discover how damaging infidelity was to marriages," says Dr. Ostertag. "I was as surprised as everyone when the numbers proved that cheating on your spouse is actually good for your marriage." According to the scientific survey, the more extramarital flings a couple enjoys, the more likely they are to remain together and the happier they will be. "Some of the strongest unions I studied included spouses who each were involved in repeated extramarital affairs throughout the relationship," explains Dr. Ostertag.
Now brethren, if God says something is bad for us, and our scientific research shows on the contrary, many benefits of doing the exact opposite to what God says, then, the logical conclusion will be that God must have been ill-informed in His instructions, and if so, then the wisdom of our scientific research must be superior to the wisdom of God, and if so, then man is more intelligent than His maker, thus, God and all His instructions and laws must therefore be subservient to what our own “findings” reveal.
This takes us into the core of our Bible study, “The Food Fight”, because it is obvious that the wisdom of God, and the wisdom of man have been pitted against each other. With the beginning of a new year, many resolutions are being made in regard to health, for people are beginning to understand that the choices we make can either prolong life, or shorten it. However, the way we go about making the necessary changes in our lifestyle and habits, should be based upon those Biblical instructions given to us, instead of the many quick-fixes that abound today. When the issues of food, exercise and rest are appropriately addressed, benefits will be seen, and felt almost immediately.
But in order for us to win the food fight, the issue must be tackled at its two main components, the spiritual, and the physical, for both are uniquely, and inseparably intertwined. In other words, the spiritual factors such as self-restraint, temperance, consistency, and faith in God, must then be coupled together with good food choices, a regular exercise program, and adequate rest to recuperate oneself. Let’s read:
[C.D pp 62>63] A close sympathy exists between the physical and the moral nature. The standard of virtue is elevated or degraded by the physical habits. Excessive eating of the best of food will produce a morbid condition of the moral feelings. And if the food is not the most healthful, the effects will be still more injurious.
Any habit which does not promote healthful action in the human system, degrades the higher and nobler faculties. Wrong habits of eating and drinking lead to errors in thought and action. Indulgence of appetite strengthens the animal propensities, giving them the ascendancy over the mental and spiritual powers.
To those who are now looking for the soon coming of Christ, definitive decisions, and modes of thought would need to be adopted, if we are to be prepared to receive the “finishing touch of immortality”, if we were to live until Jesus comes. This means that all of the ground work, the eating habits, the lifestyle, the food choices, coupled together with obedience, and prayer, will have been incorporated and practiced in our daily lives.
Thus, in harmony with this ideal, we must revisit the parameters given for success.
[1] Consistency.
Exodus 15:26 If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
Diligence is one of the spiritual factors which will directly impact our success in the food fight. There are those days when we will “Feel” to eat junk food, especially on those social or festive occasions, when impulse is prone to given preeminence over sound judgment and principle. Then there are those days when we wont fee to exercise, because it’s cold and raining outside, or because we’re tired.
Any Christian who allows feelings, and impulse to govern his/her decisions and choices, will lose the food fight, because stern discipline is needed if we are to achieve anything worthwhile. In fact, good wholesome food, exercise, and rest is worthless without the character trait of discipline, for if we wait until it feels good to do it, it will never be done consistently. Instead, we will begin our regimen in the heat of the moment, and then, a few months later we will run out of steam.
[2] Self- Denial:
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
When my dad had diabetes, there were times when he longed for a piece of fruit cake, especially around Christmas, when everyone one else was enjoying ice cream, and other delicacies. He would look with longing eyes on the various pastries within reach, but stern discipline caused him to deny the gnawing cravings he then felt. In the food fight, there will be certain items we cannot eat, if we are to be victors.
Temperance:
1st Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Eating intemperately of the best food, will have adverse effects on our system, and will cause us to lose the food fight. Too much salad is just as bad as too much water, and a temperate meat eater is far better than an intemperate vegan. Thus, our motto should be to use judiciously, only those foods that are wholesome, in a manner that wouldn’t burden our system with overloads. This leads us to our fourth and final component.
[4] Faith in God.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This is the missing link in the food chain, by which the other three components are made to work both harmoniously, and consistently, to produce results that defy logic. Whenever genuine faith in God is exercised, when by faith we choose the wisdom of God over the so-called wisdom of man, whenever we trust and obey, relying on God’s power, promise and the original God-ordained diet, then it is that the researchers will be confounded in their findings, for they will discover that the wisdom of man is too often foolishness in the sight of God.
Let us then, as stewards of the messages given to the remnant, be faithful in implementing what The Lord has given us now for many years, for the time is soon coming when we must rely solely on a plain “Thus saith The Lord”. Let’s read:
When properly conducted, the health work is an entering wedge, making a way for other truths to reach the heart. When the third angel's message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body.
God Bless!