Should christians drink alcohol if so whats permissible. Ive heard people say the only drink needed is to drink in the spirit of christ. I myself class alcohol as a drug it causes the mind and senses to relax it can be that small letting down of the guard and allow the enemy a window of opportunity. I would like to hear of other peoples opinions.
Alcohol and christians
- Thread starter Bigchief
- Start date
I personally will have a drink or two a month with a friend or my wife. I limit it to a few because after that it does have a tendency to take over your mind and may cause problems. I think there is a time a place for it. I have a buddy that is not saved. I see him every couple of months are so. We always have a few beers together and it seems the only time he will talk about Salvation is in this time. Many people may beg to differ if this is right or not, but I walk by what is the conviction in my heart. I see nothing wrong with this. If someone has a opinion on what is the difference between drinking wine in the bible opposed to drinking it now, I would love to hear it.
hischildaswell
Member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2011
- Messages
- 71
If your are able to receive it
Pro 23:29...,Hab 2:15,
Pro 23:29...,Hab 2:15,
Dear Friend and brother in Jesus.
Thanks for you post....and question
I recall Jesus turning water into wine. The 'Wedding Breakfast Host's' were at wits end when the wine barrel ran dry! Jesus stepped in to save their blushes by turning 'water' indeed, into 'wine.' Amazing. Jn.2
This was early in His ministry and at that time there were no Pentecostals, Baptist, Methodist, Salvation Army and such present.
Not that I would endorse drunkeness. Absolutely.... not.
My off the cuff thoughts.
John 2:1-11
John 2
Jesus Changes Water Into Wine
1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 9:17
17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
1 Timothy 5:23
23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
John 2
Jesus Changes Water Into Wine
1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 9:17
17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
1 Timothy 5:23
23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
SpiritLedEd
Member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2005
- Messages
- 5,315
I'm a recovering alcoholic (27 yrs sober). Its been my experience that an alcoholic does not drink for the taste of the alcohol; he/she drinks for the effect. Alcoholics choose to drink because numbing themselves appears to be an easy escape from life's problems.
So, the question is: Why do you want to drink alcohol? If you're trying to solve problems/relax by numbing yourself with a couple of drinks, you may be headed down a dangerous path. My drinking started with one or two beers a day. When it stopped 30 years later, my relationships were all but destroyed and I was usually consuming a case (24 12oz bottles) per day.
SLE
Last edited:
To drink or not to drink.
Years ago, we had a debate whithin the church over whether a Christian should drink alcohol or not, or what amount was considered safe.
This debate went for weeks, some good opinions were offered. Scriptural instruction on this topic was considered of course. In fact
it became a quite complex debate.
Interesting just how many points there are to consider.
a) Could I cause my brother to stumble by drinking.
b) Drunkeness is a sin.
c) Reformed alcoholics within the church.
d) Drinking is addictive.
e) What is moderation? Just how much can I have?
f) Legalism, obviously a hotly disputed point.
I was amazed just how strongly some opinions were held.
In fact, I followed the debate with curiosity after every
Sunday service.
We found that to set a limit on the number of drinks was
not a possibility, as each individual varies in thier tolerance
to alcohol. Further, when drinking a person tends to be less able to control the intake with each extra drink. Also that this was a legalistic approach.
We had two reformed alcoholics in the congregation, so for this
reason alone a ban was placed on the public consumption of alcohol at any church events. Fair enough.
Also, the Australian way of life (hot, dry climate) is celebrated with lots of drinking. So this was not a popular topic with the hard core
drinkers.This ban by the way, included no wine with breaking the bread. Reformed alcoholics of course.
Since drunkeness was a sin and the scriptures are clear on this. The pastor had no choice but to recommend the abstinance from alcohol.
A rather interesting conclusion, but a hot topic of course.
By the way, our church was not affiliated at that stage to any
higher organisation. We were free to attempt to deal with every
problem as it arose.
I don't drink of course so it was more entertaining than TV.
Years ago, we had a debate whithin the church over whether a Christian should drink alcohol or not, or what amount was considered safe.
This debate went for weeks, some good opinions were offered. Scriptural instruction on this topic was considered of course. In fact
it became a quite complex debate.
Interesting just how many points there are to consider.
a) Could I cause my brother to stumble by drinking.
b) Drunkeness is a sin.
c) Reformed alcoholics within the church.
d) Drinking is addictive.
e) What is moderation? Just how much can I have?
f) Legalism, obviously a hotly disputed point.
I was amazed just how strongly some opinions were held.
In fact, I followed the debate with curiosity after every
Sunday service.
We found that to set a limit on the number of drinks was
not a possibility, as each individual varies in thier tolerance
to alcohol. Further, when drinking a person tends to be less able to control the intake with each extra drink. Also that this was a legalistic approach.
We had two reformed alcoholics in the congregation, so for this
reason alone a ban was placed on the public consumption of alcohol at any church events. Fair enough.
Also, the Australian way of life (hot, dry climate) is celebrated with lots of drinking. So this was not a popular topic with the hard core
drinkers.This ban by the way, included no wine with breaking the bread. Reformed alcoholics of course.
Since drunkeness was a sin and the scriptures are clear on this. The pastor had no choice but to recommend the abstinance from alcohol.
A rather interesting conclusion, but a hot topic of course.
By the way, our church was not affiliated at that stage to any
higher organisation. We were free to attempt to deal with every
problem as it arose.
I don't drink of course so it was more entertaining than TV.
nzdaughter
Member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2007
- Messages
- 96
This is a good topic to raise, as I come across it now and again (in regards to problems which can arise in my personal walk or in others' walk).
"I'm a recovering alcoholic (27 yrs sober). Its been my experience that an alcoholic does not drink for the taste of the alcohol; he/she drinks for the effect. Alcoholics choose to drink because numbing themselves appears to be an easy escape from life's problems.
So, the question is: Why do you want to drink alcohol? If you're trying to solve problems/relax by numbing yourself with a couple of drinks, you may be headed down a dangerous path. My drinking started with one or two beers a day. When it stopped 30 years later, my relationships were all but destroyed and I was usually consuming a case (24 12oz bottles) per day."
I have done this for over a decade. It's clearly not a problem for me. I do understand your point though. I have never thought having a couple of drinks are wrong. I read alot of scriptures in the bible that refers to drinking wine in the bible. I take them as in very controlled moderation it's ok. There are scriptures about drinking that causes someone to be drunk is definitely wrong.
So, the question is: Why do you want to drink alcohol? If you're trying to solve problems/relax by numbing yourself with a couple of drinks, you may be headed down a dangerous path. My drinking started with one or two beers a day. When it stopped 30 years later, my relationships were all but destroyed and I was usually consuming a case (24 12oz bottles) per day."
I have done this for over a decade. It's clearly not a problem for me. I do understand your point though. I have never thought having a couple of drinks are wrong. I read alot of scriptures in the bible that refers to drinking wine in the bible. I take them as in very controlled moderation it's ok. There are scriptures about drinking that causes someone to be drunk is definitely wrong.
shipwrecksoul
Member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2009
- Messages
- 489
alcohol
One day my older brother Charlie, by almost 20 years, asked me " Mario two woman say its wrong to drink period what do you say"?
He knew I was born again and whole heartily on fire for the Lord.
I told Charlie "Let me share you a story", and Charlie listened.
One day me and my wife and two Christian friends went to a Chinese restaurant and ordered food.
When the two friends ordered their food they ordered soda.
When I ordered our food, at a table, I said to myself "I'm going to order a wine to share between myself and my wife".
So I did I asked the waiter " Can we have to drink one Merlot, a red wine?"
The waiter said "Yes"
No sooner than the waiter said yes that one of our Christian friends said "I like to change my drink to a 7an7."
I asked Charlie "was that right that he changed his drink?"
Charlie said no.
I then told Charlie my brother in sharing the story with him " Charlie I should have at that moment change our drink to a soda because I became a stumbling block for one of the two Christian friends."
Charlie said "yes I see"
I then told Charlie " I think this is what the two woman were trying to share with you about drinking."
One day my older brother Charlie, by almost 20 years, asked me " Mario two woman say its wrong to drink period what do you say"?
He knew I was born again and whole heartily on fire for the Lord.
I told Charlie "Let me share you a story", and Charlie listened.
One day me and my wife and two Christian friends went to a Chinese restaurant and ordered food.
When the two friends ordered their food they ordered soda.
When I ordered our food, at a table, I said to myself "I'm going to order a wine to share between myself and my wife".
So I did I asked the waiter " Can we have to drink one Merlot, a red wine?"
The waiter said "Yes"
No sooner than the waiter said yes that one of our Christian friends said "I like to change my drink to a 7an7."
I asked Charlie "was that right that he changed his drink?"
Charlie said no.
I then told Charlie my brother in sharing the story with him " Charlie I should have at that moment change our drink to a soda because I became a stumbling block for one of the two Christian friends."
Charlie said "yes I see"
I then told Charlie " I think this is what the two woman were trying to share with you about drinking."
Last edited:
Ive just read most of these posts and I would like to ask what your opinion is on my situ.....
I am the only one saved, born again, in our family they being all married now and with children, well my daughter who is now 37yrs old usually has parties every now and then, I avoid them as all it is is drinking and loud music and neither appeals to me, I made the mistake of trying to 'show my face' one time, and found myself sat on the stairs till I could get out the front door and home.
Then my husband, unsaved also, threw a party at our home which I knew nothing about, I ended up in the living room by myself looking after their children, I wasnt bothered but it just shows too that not even my family could spend time with me, they know were my morals lay, so I find they become uncomfortable around me when there is drinking is around.
I tried going out on a Sat night only 3 weeks after I got saved many years ago, I felt so very uncomfortable that I couldnt stay, I left and never have went back to do it ever again, It just wasnt right for me but that's me.
I am the only one saved, born again, in our family they being all married now and with children, well my daughter who is now 37yrs old usually has parties every now and then, I avoid them as all it is is drinking and loud music and neither appeals to me, I made the mistake of trying to 'show my face' one time, and found myself sat on the stairs till I could get out the front door and home.
Then my husband, unsaved also, threw a party at our home which I knew nothing about, I ended up in the living room by myself looking after their children, I wasnt bothered but it just shows too that not even my family could spend time with me, they know were my morals lay, so I find they become uncomfortable around me when there is drinking is around.
I tried going out on a Sat night only 3 weeks after I got saved many years ago, I felt so very uncomfortable that I couldnt stay, I left and never have went back to do it ever again, It just wasnt right for me but that's me.
I don't drink personally, but I don't think there is anything wrong with a drink or two, as long as it is done in moderation. For some people though, with addictive personalities, it is probably a bad idea to even start.
Sam Canvas
Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2011
- Messages
- 43
I don't drink. I just don't like it -- never did. But I know the bottom line is this, and always this:
How does drinking alcohol affect my relationship with God?
That's the way it is with so many things in life.
The Bible highlights EXCESS as an issue because this is linked to character flaws and godless behaviour.
Alcohol has so many bad associations at the very least the believer has to stop and think about the potential implications of accepting it into his or her life:
How does drinking alcohol affect my relationship with God?
That's the way it is with so many things in life.
The Bible highlights EXCESS as an issue because this is linked to character flaws and godless behaviour.
Alcohol has so many bad associations at the very least the believer has to stop and think about the potential implications of accepting it into his or her life:
Alcohol is implicated in around 40,000 deaths each year.
Deaths have doubled in 10 years.
Half of all violent crime is linked to alcohol and generally alcohol-related crime costs £7 billion a year.
There are 180,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions each year.
Around 40% of Accident and Emergency admissions are due to alcohol consumption and at peak times the figure can be as high as 70%.
Treating the effects of alcohol currently costs the National Health Service £1.7 billion a year.
UK Stats
Deaths have doubled in 10 years.
Half of all violent crime is linked to alcohol and generally alcohol-related crime costs £7 billion a year.
There are 180,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions each year.
Around 40% of Accident and Emergency admissions are due to alcohol consumption and at peak times the figure can be as high as 70%.
Treating the effects of alcohol currently costs the National Health Service £1.7 billion a year.
UK Stats
Interesting topic
Dear Jeffi435, like you I do not drink. For us it is easy to see the perils of drinking alcohol.
But I have a question for you?
Just how does a person know before they start drinking, whether they have an addictive personality? People usually start drinking when they are young. When they are nieve.
I have lived with alcoholics in boarding houses. When they start drinking, the word moderation is not in their vocabulary. Sometimes I did not want to open the door in the morning. Wary of what damage had been done by these drinkers the night before.
I had a flatmate who drank heavily. He became a Christian eventually, but he had to drink at Christian functions. He was very nervous without alcohol. He had never learnt to socialise without alcohol, he had started drinking at a young age. He finally gave up drinking completely, married a Christian girl, and trusts in Jesus Christ.
This took time, years. If I had slammed him in the face with biblical quotes such as Ephesians 5:18 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." I wonder whether that would have distracted him from reading the bible.
At another church I attended, we had a fellow from AA. He attended church for two years, not a Christian of course. It was part of the philosphy of AA that its adherents look to a higher authority than themselves. So he arrived every Sunday and just sat there.
We never preached to him or upset his quite contemplation. Guess what? He became a Christain two years later. I was in shock.
There are no hard and fast rules for dealing with alcoholics, they are all different personalities. Let Jesus do his work.
Dear Jeffi435, like you I do not drink. For us it is easy to see the perils of drinking alcohol.
But I have a question for you?
Just how does a person know before they start drinking, whether they have an addictive personality? People usually start drinking when they are young. When they are nieve.
I have lived with alcoholics in boarding houses. When they start drinking, the word moderation is not in their vocabulary. Sometimes I did not want to open the door in the morning. Wary of what damage had been done by these drinkers the night before.
I had a flatmate who drank heavily. He became a Christian eventually, but he had to drink at Christian functions. He was very nervous without alcohol. He had never learnt to socialise without alcohol, he had started drinking at a young age. He finally gave up drinking completely, married a Christian girl, and trusts in Jesus Christ.
This took time, years. If I had slammed him in the face with biblical quotes such as Ephesians 5:18 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." I wonder whether that would have distracted him from reading the bible.
At another church I attended, we had a fellow from AA. He attended church for two years, not a Christian of course. It was part of the philosphy of AA that its adherents look to a higher authority than themselves. So he arrived every Sunday and just sat there.
We never preached to him or upset his quite contemplation. Guess what? He became a Christain two years later. I was in shock.
There are no hard and fast rules for dealing with alcoholics, they are all different personalities. Let Jesus do his work.
shipwrecksoul
Member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2009
- Messages
- 489
All so true as the above, I even know a pastor who went to school and had support from the other pastors try to jam scripture down the throats of alcoholics who where there for recovery.
After a year of doing this his only comment was "He does not understand why they dont listen to scripture" NO REALITY!
Dear Sam Canvas, awesome set of statistics. No wonder the US introduced prohibition in the early twentieth century. Over here in OZ
they relaxed the hours that drinking establishments could operate in.
What happened, assaults went through the roof. Crime in general rose, but assaults climbed higher in the stats. Now they are cutting the hours back again. Stupid decision in the first place don't you think.
Hospitals complained, police complained, also the general public complained. It was a nightmare. So much for moderation!
they relaxed the hours that drinking establishments could operate in.
What happened, assaults went through the roof. Crime in general rose, but assaults climbed higher in the stats. Now they are cutting the hours back again. Stupid decision in the first place don't you think.
Hospitals complained, police complained, also the general public complained. It was a nightmare. So much for moderation!
Sam Canvas
Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2011
- Messages
- 43
We are having similar problems in the UK.
If alcohol were a person you wouldn't want him as a friend.
If alcohol were a person you wouldn't want him as a friend.
LifeinJesus
Member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2011
- Messages
- 107
Alcohol is not bad but too much of it is. If it were up to me, we wouldn't even need alcohol. Why would you need it when you have God? I like water, apple juice and fizzy drinks (Not coke though). None of them are harmful like Alcohol.
Drinks are good, they allow you to taste. I like drinks more than food but I think alcohol is senseless - even more so for a Christian.
Me? I've probably had 6 drinks in the 16 years of my life on days of celebration but that's it and the alcohol drinks I've had are rather lacking in alcohol.
So use of alcohol during celebration is not bad but use of it too much is, also refrain from drinking alcohol daily, that's not needed as you have Christ.
Drinks are good, they allow you to taste. I like drinks more than food but I think alcohol is senseless - even more so for a Christian.
Me? I've probably had 6 drinks in the 16 years of my life on days of celebration but that's it and the alcohol drinks I've had are rather lacking in alcohol.
So use of alcohol during celebration is not bad but use of it too much is, also refrain from drinking alcohol daily, that's not needed as you have Christ.
AudreyNicole
Member
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2010
- Messages
- 313
I'm only 19 but...
I am only 19, so I don't drink. But when I turn 21 I intend to! HAHA don't think I'm some crazy underage kid or anything. I really love wine, not simply just the drink, but the culture and history... I truly appreciate it. I'd love to travel around Italy learning about the cultures and family histories that surround their incredible wines. I don't think this is bad.
Alcohol abuse can have incredibly ugly consequences. Trust me I've seen. The way it can ruin lives and separate families is atrocious. But its not the alcohol that does it, its the abuse. Anything can be abused and used in sinful ways... that doesn't necessarily make it bad.
I think alcohol is one of those things, just like many things... God blessed us with it here on this earth and it is up to us how we use it. We can use it for the wrong purpose and then it becomes sinful. Moderation is a virtue. I think as long as we allow God to watch over us and guide us we can successfully use our wisdom to navigate the temptations of this world and not let sin get the best of us.
I am only 19, so I don't drink. But when I turn 21 I intend to! HAHA don't think I'm some crazy underage kid or anything. I really love wine, not simply just the drink, but the culture and history... I truly appreciate it. I'd love to travel around Italy learning about the cultures and family histories that surround their incredible wines. I don't think this is bad.
Alcohol abuse can have incredibly ugly consequences. Trust me I've seen. The way it can ruin lives and separate families is atrocious. But its not the alcohol that does it, its the abuse. Anything can be abused and used in sinful ways... that doesn't necessarily make it bad.
I think alcohol is one of those things, just like many things... God blessed us with it here on this earth and it is up to us how we use it. We can use it for the wrong purpose and then it becomes sinful. Moderation is a virtue. I think as long as we allow God to watch over us and guide us we can successfully use our wisdom to navigate the temptations of this world and not let sin get the best of us.
This is the role that alcohol plays in my life.
I do not believe God disapproves of responsible drinking. I have never been drunk. I drink socially, enjoy drinking in moderation, rarely going over 2 in one night. I sometimes have a glass of wine at home. Most of my friends do not drink but do not have a problem with me drinking. So I may or may not drink when I'm with them, I never feel I have to go one way or the other. I have a friend who is a recovering alcoholic and I would never drink in front of her or suggest going to a bar.
So this is what works for me.
I do not believe God disapproves of responsible drinking. I have never been drunk. I drink socially, enjoy drinking in moderation, rarely going over 2 in one night. I sometimes have a glass of wine at home. Most of my friends do not drink but do not have a problem with me drinking. So I may or may not drink when I'm with them, I never feel I have to go one way or the other. I have a friend who is a recovering alcoholic and I would never drink in front of her or suggest going to a bar.
So this is what works for me.
