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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | is a christian allowed to drink | 1 Cor 6:10 | Beja | 213568 | ||
Justme, I wish I could let myself leave it as just what you have said. I wish I could leave it, "this has been abused and therefore lets just not mess with it, and not bother defending it." However, it is with a regret that I suggest to you this position is a luxury. It is a luxury of which few of us, especially a pastor can indulge. Consider this, a church that is convinced that alcohol is wrong, and a new Christian who wants to join who drinks a glass of wine before bed. The church wants to exclude this person based on drinking. What then? I dearly wish it could simply be solved by saying, "lets all keep our opinions to ourselves and not judge." I do not say this mockingly or with sarcasim, I truely wish it! There are times we need to know the truth about this. In such a situation do we need to exclude the person or are we putting requirements on church membership which God Himself did not place? Dare we exclude one that God does not find fault with for our own traditions? So I say this, at points we must know the truth on this topic, and we must stand fast in it. But until that is forced upon us I agree with you. There is no need to pursue it to the point that we are known as the "pro-booze church." In love, Beja |
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2 | is a christian allowed to drink | 1 Cor 6:10 | justme | 213586 | ||
Beja: I see in your profile you and Hank live in what I call "South Missouri". My wife and I live in the Garden of Eden, better known as Missouri. I am glad you responded to my note. Let me say I was not speaking as to what position the church should have in requirements for membership. However in the "Bible Belt" it common for Baptist churches to have a statement, saying what is required for membership. Often the consumption or selling of alcohol is forbidden. A Southern Baptist Chruch about 2 miles from where we live has this requirement for membership. This is listed on a plywood board about 3'feet by 5 feet. This board has a list of several things that members must abide by. As we know there are those who will agree to sign such a statement, and then work in a store that selld beer or wine. There are those who see no wrong having a drink, and will sign the statement but have no intentions to stop having a drink Personally I saw the list while visiting one time, and we never returned, mainly because of the list of do's and don'ts. I believe the Holy Spirit will convict us as we grow and such a list does not allow for the different stages of growth people are in while maturing in Christ. I do think there are a few things membership needs to address, such would be a born again experience with Jesus Christ and baptism by emersion. Beyond this that is up to the church to decide. The more "requirements" we have the less fish we catch for the Master. I do believe for the position of Pastor, Elder, Deacon and Trustee and Teachers there should be Biblical requirements. Again these requirements are up to the denomination or local church to decide. I am not so sure the position of a person taking a drink is so much a luxury as it is allowing the Holy Spirit to move and become active in each persons life. I will keep my own thoughts of drinking alcohol to myself, so I do not cause offense for the brother how finds it's ok for him to have a drink, or for the brother who believes it's a sin to take a drink. years ago the list of do's and don'ts included playing cards, smoking, gambling, dancing, using makeup, listening to rock music, going to the movies, cussing, and not being there at the church when the door were open. Frankly these lists did not really work then and they most likely would not do much for church growth now. When we take over the work of the Holy Spirit we make a real mess. I hope this helps make my note a little clearer. Blessings. justme |
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