Is it wrong to drink?

[Christ_Sheep]

Is it wrong to drink? I know the bible says it is wrong to become intoxicated, and even in the bible Jesus and his disciples drank wine (probably plenty of times), but it was probably of a different potency back in those times. However, I was wondering is it wrong to drink champagne? Smirnoff? Wine, mixed drinks, things of that nature?

Now, I know the first question might be ... have you checked your spirit about this? Or, why do you want to drink in the first place, but I already have. I was one whom many times drank in excess, but I have recently cut that all ou because I felt a churning in my spirit against it, and honestly have no real access to it. I believe its a poor choice to deal and skate by life getting drunk every chance I got. I do, however, enjoy the taste of some of the things I did drink ... and I was wondering should I cut myself off completely?

Thoughts?

Edited October 27, 2007 by Christ_Sheep

[Guest LadyC]

it's really an issue between you and God. if you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit when you have a drink, then you should pay heed. God will let you know if you're displeasing Him.

as for asking us here, well, you'll get a wide variety of answers. many are very strongly opposed to any drinking whatsoever and don't believe the wine Jesus served was even fermented. others of us disagree with that position.

i enjoy an occasional drink. God has never chastised me over it... probably because it's a rare thing, and if i ever do become intoxicated (which is extremely rare) i do so in the privacy of my home and go to sleep... because intoxication makes me sleepy. in fact, that's really the only reason i ever bother to become intoxicated, is to sleep really good.

there've been very very few exceptions to the above.

[Blien]

I used to drink to a massive excess because I was hanging around the wrong crowd a while ago. I stoped drinking totally after this new years because I found that Satan tries to take advantage of you when you are drunk. It might seem a little over the top but its true. Especially if you are not Born Again, then for sure he will use you to do whatever he pleases wheither you are aware of it or not. ...what is it that you think that happens when you drank so much you cannot remember anything about the party you are in? There is a reason why you cannot remember. Its because he is using you.

It is actually becomnig more and more acceptable these days to be a non-drinker I found. So keep in the faith bro, stay strong

[Guest]

I think the issue of drinking is mainly going to be between you and God. With that said, I can tell you what has happened in my life as I started following Jesus more closely. At first I would have a beer or two, but that was about it. Before long I started to not like the taste (before I was saved I drank like a fish!) and within about six months or so I just didn't want to drink alcohol any longer. I didn't even want to go to the store to buy the stuff any more. It's a little hard to describe, but that's how things work for me. I never had any "conviction" about it, just didn't feel like doing it. The Lord works that way sometimes. During this time I was steadily in the Word and in prayer and going to church too.

Hope this helps.

[Blien]

Yes thats what happened to me too! I can't stand the taste anymore!

[damo1]

damo1

speaking for my self i am in recovery and i had to stop and give up the beer and the spirits due to the harm it was doing me so i know that this is dangerous for me i have now been free since 2001 as i went into wiilam booth in 1991 and then i went to teen challange in 1993 as well

drinking was not just my addiction my other addiction was herroin and speed and pot and hash but i am free as i went cold turkey as i busted sevral times but gave it my best shot until i beat it i even fasted to over come this as my body was in pain so un like others who get instantly heald i was the one who had to do all the hard yarns with god also helping me

yet i am in no right to sit in on judgment on my other brothers and sisters in the lord who do drink as it should be between them and god as god only knows the persons heart not us

be ready for a warzone as this topic is a hot one

[chin]

i think that a drink does nothing to enhance a life, but mocks and steal's one's dignity. my whole family struggled and died from alcoholism. i have been sober for nineteen years, the only one freed from alcoholism in my family. it destroys life, there is nothing to be gained from drinking. the end result is jails, institutions and death. i have buried five brothers, two sisters, a mother and father becuse of alcoholism. i have two sisters and three brothers still drinking and very much alcoholic. my son and daughter both have had issues with alcohol. jim

[LightofJesus]

I think it depends on why you really want to drink? I was one that the Lord delivered instantly!!!!!! I was a heavy drinker and smoker and had my share of drugs all gone instantly!!! Praise God forever!!!! But I also think it is an issue that only you and the Lord knows what is best for you. I will not say that you should not cause it may not be an issue for you but for me it would be sin cause it is an issue for me! An occassional glass of wine with dinner or something I see nothing wrong as long as it does not take you down a wrong road as it probably would with me.

[Shad]

I see no problem with drinking socially it's when one like with anythingelse begins to abuse alcohol is where the problem is. For instance I have never been able to stand the taste of beer or even wine for that matter, basically anything with a strong after taste of alcohol but I can tolorate certain flavors of wine coolers, strawberry daiquiri's, fuzzy navel's, and my favorite drink the margarita. On occasion I will take a small shot of something like Crown Royal but those times are very far and in between.

Now I realize that I'm never going to be considered a cool party goer with simpleton drinks like those mentioned but then again you have to ask yourself why you want to drink in the first place. Is it to just have a good time with some friends after work or is it to impress a bunch of people you don't even know at a party scene??

Edited October 27, 2007 by Shad

[Tehilah Ba'Aretz]

The culture that surrounds you has something to do with the way this question should be answered. Here in Israel, it is common for the home to have a glass of wine on the table for the Shabbat meal. Even the little children dip a finger in the glass and have a taste. With that as a starting point, many would expect there to be a high level of alcoholism. The opposite is the reality however. For some reason, since wine is not forbidden, it is not a huge temptation. Until the recent influx of Russians who seem to have a cultural fixation on Vodka, public drunkenness was nearly unknown. Even the Russians who came as alcoholics are drinking less and less the longer they live here.

On the other hand, if I were to sit in a bar in Missouri and drink beer or wine, it would undoubtedly be a stumbling block to somebody. Having seen what Damo wrote, I would never consider ordering a glass of wine if I were to take him out to dinner. That would definitely be wrong. If the question is, "Will I be sinning if I drink a glass of wine in the home of a Jewish friend next Shabbat?" The answer is probably no. If the question is, "Do I have the right to do anything that may cause my brother to stumble?" The answer is that I do not have that right at all and it would be a sin to do it.