The Bread of Deception: Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Toasting

What Every Believer of God in Christ Jesus Should Know About Toasting

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8

So many times, we participate in societal customs, family traditions, and holidays without ever stopping to ask ourselves why we even do them in the first place.

For instance, just to name a few, why do millions of people each year watch a "ball" drop on New Year's Eve? Why do Christians put "Christmas trees" (Jeremiah 10:3-5) in their homes? Why do we "knock" on wood? Why do we toss coins in a fountain and make a wish? Why do we wear charm bracelets? Where did all these things come from, and what is the true meaning behind them?

With careful and responsible research, you will not only learn that most of these practices are rooted in superstition, but they also originated from the evil practices of devil worship, witchcraft, and Paganism; All of which are against God's Holy Word and instruction to us in Christ Jesus.

Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. - Revelation 22:15.

Yesterday, I was having a glass of wine with my husband, and we decided to "make a toast" as we have oftentimes done before. But this time was different. As my husband was offering up the toast, the Holy Spirit of God spoke to us both. I suddenly felt like what we were doing was wrong. Without knowing my inner thoughts, my husband ended the toast by adding the words "in the name of Jesus Christ" (something he has never done before), and I quickly said, "Amen".

Later on in the evening, I thought about it: When we "make a toast" to someone, who are we addressing? Why do we "clink" the glasses?

The Holy Word of God tells us: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."- Colossians 3:17.

God instructs us to do everything in His Name in Christ Jesus. I don't ever recall hearing the name of God or His Son, Jesus Christ, when most toasts are made. In addition, we shouldn't mix Pagan practices with the sacredness of worshipping the Almighty God in Christ Jesus, because: "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons." - 1 Corinthians 10:21.

(Needless to say, I will not be clinking glasses anymore or participating in any more toastings.)

Instead, we should offer up all that God has given us with thanks and gratitude, and then make any requests to Him through faithful and sincere prayer: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. All glory and praises should go to God the Almighty through His Son Jesus Christ!

After my revelation, I decided to do a little digging on the "origins of toasting" and "the clinking of wine glasses."The results horrified me, and I immediately prayed to God and asked Him for forgiveness.

This is what I found:

• The practice of raising a glass originated from ancient cultures where drinking was associated with honoring, worshipping, and making requests to false gods.

• Toastings were Pagan rituals involving libations, or offerings of sacred liquids to the gods, to secure good fortune or express gratitude for a wish; a prayer summarized in the words' long life!' or 'to your health!'"

• Toasting was also seen as a way to ward off evil spirits.

• Some cultures believe that not following certain protocols, maintaining eye contact during a toast, or clinking the wine glasses properly can bring bad luck.

• Some believe "toasting" invokes a "spirit" from within the wine.

• Come, ancient cultures made a "toast" to the gods, requesting protection from any poison that may be in the drink. They also waited for the host to take the first sip to establish trust that the drink was safe.

Do you see how the devil has tricked us?

As believers of God in Christ Jesus, we have to stop participating in traditions without questioning why we do them in the first place. And if something doesn't feel right, listen to that, because God has placed His Holy Spirit in all faithful believers in Christ Jesus to guide you, protect you, and testify to you the truth.

Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you." - John 14:15-16.

You shall have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3

God has made it very clear that we are not to partake in idolatry, witchcraft, or any superstitious practices, or He will turn His face away from us (Leviticus 20:6.Deuteronomy 18:10-13). (And make no mistake, toasting is a form of idolatry.)

By attributing power to actions, objects, and rituals, we undermine God's Sovereignty in Christ Jesus and misplace our trust in other things instead of placing our full trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Wine toasting, clinking glasses, and other Pagan practices mislead us to believe we can manipulate our fate instead of relying on God alone through Christ Jesus: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13.

Something we also need to remember: God is faithful, He loves us, and He shows us much mercy in our ignorance (Lamentations 3:22-23), but once the truth has been revealed to us, then the choice becomes our own, and He will hold us responsible (Hebrews 10:26-27).

When we realize our sinful and wrong offenses against our Heavenly Father, we must repent and do them no more! (Acts 3:19), (1 John 1:9).

Not conforming to the ways of the world.

We are not to follow the ways of the world for the Word of God says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing, and perfect will." (Romans 12:2.)

In addition, loving both God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ requires us to be obedient in keeping God's Holy Commandments.

Our Savior Jesus Christ said, "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." - John 14:21

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. - John 6:35

Key Takeaway: By placing importance on rituals, falsehoods, lucky charms, and omens, etc., we shift our focus away from a direct relationship with God and towards false practices that are not based on God's Holy Word in Christ Jesus. And remember, any practice not rooted in Jesus Christ is demonic and evil.

Do not eat from the "bread of deception," but rather eat from Jesus Christ, who is the "Bread of Life"!

For Jesus has said, "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons." - 1 Corinthians 10:21.

May the power of our loving God protect and guide you in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. - 1 John 5:21

Sources:

1. The history of Toasting (1881). (n.d.-a). https://www.horntip.com/html/books_&_MSS/1880s/1881_the_history_of_toasting__richard_valpy_french_(HC)/index.htm

2. Wija, T. (2023, March 22). A global tour of drinking superstitions designed to ward off Danger. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/a-global-tour-of-drinking-superstitions-designed-to-ward-off-danger/

3. Meg. (2016, August 16). Toasting – the pagan origins. Meg Sorick, Author/Artist. https://megsorick.com/2016/08/16/toasting-the-pagan-origins

4. Rupp, R. (2014, December 26). Cheers: Celebration drinking is an ancient tradition. Culture. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/drinking-alcohol-culture#

An Invitation to Accept Jesus Christ

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

If you are reading this and have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I ask you to do so now. You are not reading this by coincidence. The Word of God says: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." - Romans 10:9-10.

The time is now. There will be no second chance after death: "And just as it is appointed to man to die once, and after that comes judgement, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him." (Hebrews 9:27-28). Life is your second chance. Every second of the day that you live, God is giving you the chance and opportunity to accept the gift of salvation given to all of us through His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.

There will be no other chance after death.

Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14.

Which road will you take? The choice is yours, but the time is now, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. (Proverbs 27:1).

There is no in between either. You must pick a side, for Jesus Christ has said, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." - Matthew 12:30.

I plead with you, with all my heart, to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Please repent of your sins, get baptized (Acts 2:38), and profess with your mouth from your heart, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 3:16), He suffered and died on the cross for the sins of the world, God raised Him from the dead three days later, and He accended into Heaven and now sits at the Right Hand of God Almighty, His and our Father. He will come again to judge both the living and the dead. (2 Timothy 4:1).

I testify by the Holy Spirit of God that these things are true. I say all of this to you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." - Revelation 22:12-13.