This past weekend I was taken to task for a picture I posted to my FB page. This one in fact:
As you can see it contains not only a bottle of wine but -Gasp!- a glass full of the stuff.. E-gads what was I thinking?? Me, a preacher of the Gospel of Christ drinking -in my own home.. with a meal- Hmmm..
Now this will probably raise all kinds of Doctrinal debate especially because my particular faith if based on the Baptist Doctrine, but let me be clear, as our umm esteemed POTUS would say, there is not a scripture in the entire bible that says THOU SHALT NOT DRINK. No you ask, what does the bible really say then? Keep reading, we'll get to that.
Paul said that he became all things to all men that they may come to the knowledge of Christ. If one comes to a friend sneering at the drink in his hand and with a "holier then thou" attitude what do you think will happen? Now imaging going to that friend in the love of Christ sharing with him the Good News of Eternal Salvation, while politely refusing an offered drink till your work is done. Do you think there will be a different outcome? Yes, telling people about God is like a job and I don't know about you, but I don't think it is a good idea to be drinking while your working. A reference listed below talks about the priest may not drink when he enters the inner court.
The thing to remember is that above all, we strive to be Christ-like. We are ambassadors of Christ and as such should comport ourselves in an upright and dignified manor at all times. Drunkenness does NOT help you remain upright or dignified so if you can not control yourself, literally for God's sake, stay away from the hooch! We have enough idiots running around trying to give God a bad name and don't need your help in the matter.
Old Testament
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go, eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, because God has already approved your works.
Ezekiel 44:21
No priest may drink wine when he enters the inner court.
NEW Testament
1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.
Titus 1:7
Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
My reading and study of this subject has told me that the consumption of alcohol in excess makes you a fool, and unworthy of honor which has been and is borne out almost daily in the bars and parties across this country. This is where God has an issue with drinking. However, drinking in moderation with family or friends after your work is done seems to be ohkey dohkey with God..
Its at this point that I must make something absolutely clear: If your drinking, or for that matter eating, causes a brother to stumble the onus is on you bud. What does this mean to me? If I, in my idiocy, offer a recovering alcoholic a drink, causing him to return to a life of indulgence that would be a sin. So be careful and most of all be honest with yourself, if you can't handle what the bible tells you about drinking, i.e. don't get drunk 'cause it makes you stupid, then don't do it.
May God continue to love ya!
NOTE: For the curious the wine in the picture is a sweet red made in Texas, the food in the bowl is Chili Con Carne that I whipped up. and yes, that is a salt and pepper shaker in a cowboy boot holder..
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