The Christian and alcohol...freedom or bondage?

[Smalcald]

Alcohol has caused a lot of problems for many many people, as Christians we are given many warnings about drunkenness. So we all just have to decide how to best live that out and minister to people who are addicted.

[godrulz]

Alcohol has caused a lot of problems for many many people, as Christians we are given many warnings about drunkenness. So we all just have to decide how to best live that out and minister to people who are addicted.

The Church has historically been legalistic on the issue. There is also a cultural factor with German and French Christians wondering what the fuss is about, while North Americans have made it a big issue. The other danger that is more common now is that we have gone to the side of license where there is little difference between us and the world. Some Christians incorporate it into church, Bible studies, entertaining, etc. and end up with problems and lack of witness. It also makes it hard for those coming from a worldly lifestyle who may need to give it up to not be confused. The balance between freedom/liberty and responsibility/appearance is a fine line at times.

[Guest man]

I think people who hide their drinking believe deep down that drinking is wrong. Otherwise why hide it?

I personally don't believe it to be a sin. What is sinful are the toughts and behavior that alcohol produces. Some people can get snot-slinging drunk and never cross the line, while for others, just the tought of a drink is enough to trip them up.

We need to know who we are, spiritually, and act accordingly.

[enoob57]

I've not seen this topic since I've come here, so I've decided to start it. Should Christian believers enjoy alcoholic beverages? For me, it's a case of I can if I like, but I rarely like. Maybe 2-3 times a year I will have a good quality beer. I never drink hard liquor at all. I haven't had wine in ages. I'm fortunate that my physical make-up allows me to handle alcohol. Not every person can. Not only that, not every Believer's conscience or teaching will allow them to partake of alcohol. I believe that alcohol is something that each Believer must decide for themselves by the Spirit's leading and also by what they know about themselves and their background.

It disturbs me that so many denominations have the audacity to teach that the wine Jesus drank was nothing more than grape juice. The Greek texts clearly state that Jesus drank oinos, which is wine. While this may seem insignificant, its significance becomes clear when such groups teach that drinking of alcohol is a sin. They inadvertently teach that the Son of God was a sinner. If what Jesus drank was grape juice, then why would the religious authorities accuse Him of being a winebibber (Gr: oinopotes, someone given to wine, a wino)? You can't get crocked on grape juice.

Alcohol can be used responsibly and sensibly, contrary to much evangelical teaching. Just because a Believer has the occasional drink, that doesn't mean that they will become an alcoholic, nor does it make such a person "a sinner". There IS freedom in Christ. What WE have to do is use that freedom to uplift Christ. Likewise, not every unbeliever who drinks alcohol is wicked. It becomes wicked and sinful when one abuses alcohol by overindulgence. Christians need to realize this distinction when dealing with people who enjoy alcohol on occasion, whether they be Believers or unbelievers.

What is the difference? Just drink water...

what about offense to others? 1 Cor 10:23-33

What is a heart that desires minimum commit for sake of temporary pleasures...? One must ask is that what the Lord did when He laid aside being God to come down and become Man and Die a cruel death

-so we might escape hell- ! His Life to be installed in us as witness of Him... as to reflect His sacrifice of Life and Duty to the Father for us. Him???, now in us, to say how close can I get to the pleasure of flesh but still??? ..... This spirit must be investigated according to Scripture whether it be of Spiritual Godliness or spirit of ungodliness.... Love Steven

[wyguy]

If it wasn't for beer, and lots of it, I'd never be able to sit through the evening news...

[Believer1997]

If it wasn't for beer, and lots of it, I'd never be able to sit through the evening news...

It doesn't make it go away, though does it? Hate the news...

[wyguy]

If it wasn't for beer, and lots of it, I'd never be able to sit through the evening news...

It doesn't make it go away, though does it?

No. But the hallucinations sure make it more bearable.

[Guest man]

What is the difference? Just drink water...

what about offense to others? 1 Cor 10:23-33

What is a heart that desires minimum commit for sake of temporary pleasures...? One must ask is that what the Lord did when He laid aside being God to come down and become Man and Die a cruel death

-so we might escape hell- ! His Life to be installed in us as witness of Him... as to reflect His sacrifice of Life and Duty to the Father for us. Him, now in us, to say how close can I get to the pleasure of flesh but still ..... This spirit must be investigated according to Scripture whether it be of Spiritual Godliness or spirit of ungodliness.... Love Steven

You shouldn't judge everyone according to your weakness. I am not you and you are not me.

If you believe that the consumption of alcohol is a sin, then don't drink it.

[Guest LadyC]

The Church has historically been legalistic on the issue.

not trying to be contentious, just trying to clear up my confusion.... WHAT church has been historically legalistic on the issue? usually when people say "the church" they're kinda referring, at least abstractly, to the roman catholic church. and i know they certainly don't have any legalism about drinking wine or beer!

[godrulz]

The Church has historically been legalistic on the issue.

not trying to be contentious, just trying to clear up my confusion.... WHAT church has been historically legalistic on the issue? usually when people say "the church" they're kinda referring, at least abstractly, to the roman catholic church. and i know they certainly don't have any legalism about drinking wine or beer!

I am Pentecostal, so I am saying Pentecostal (Holiness traditions), Baptist, etc. Mainline churches (Lutheran, Anglican, etc.) don't seem hung up on it.