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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | word for wine in the original text? | Bible general Archive 1 | inmyheart | 68846 | ||
John, "But" this view does not take into account the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer." (this is what you stated). That first word (But), in the recovery world is always viewed as a denial word, for me this is a red flag. However, I post the following in terms that I hope you will find easy to follow; I have spent time talking with alcoholics who want to stop, but they have difficulty because it is a drug that is chemically addictive. Almost all of them say it's like a demon that has control of their lives. And because it is addictive, it becomes a self-inflicted disease. They simply cannot stop drinking, they say, even though they know it will destroy them and everyone around them. The compulsion to drink is so deep that they often resort to stealing, lying and cheating just to get a drink. I believe that God, through his Holy Spirit can heal them, but the temptation to drink -- and there are those in this boat in practically every church in America -- seldom goes away. A little taste of alcohol, or watching a respected leader have a beer, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, can help set it off. Images on television or at sporting events can also trigger the craving. The apostle Paul in Romans 14:21 tells us that we are to avoid doing things if it causes our brother to "stumble" or "is offended or is made weak," even if our conscience is O.K. on the matter. The Bible also tells us to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2). The way I see things, just the fact that everyone seems to be drinking is not good reason to participate. Peter reminds us that we are to look at the eternal perspective in all things because we are "sojourners and pilgrims" on this earth. We're just passing through. Therefore, "abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11). I can almost hear the objections now from some who might call me a "pietist." There will be some who'll accuse me of being a legalist. They might say that Psalm 104:15 declares that "wine makes glad the heart of man." Didn't they call Jesus a winebibber and a sinner? The problem is, there are many more verses warning against the abuse of alcohol. Proverbs 20:1 says "wine is a mocker," and in every place in both the Old and New Testaments, drunkenness is outright condemned. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to "not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit." This contrasts drunkenness with being Spirit-filled. When people drank wine during the time of the Bible, it was very rarely -- if ever -- done in the same manner it is today. The nature and uses of wine was different. There were certainly no bars around in the same way as there is today. Drinking was not intertwined with the entertainment and sports industry as it is today. There were no billboards and media campaigns promoting drinking that were bombarding people all day long. Instead, wine was part of the sustenance of the Middle Eastern peoples, and in some cases it was used for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23). Today it is a supplemental luxury used almost exclusively in social settings. I am convinced that the enemy of our souls wants to promote drunkenness as much as possible. He wants to keep many in a daze every moment of their lives so they never get serious with Jesus. The enemy has almost succeeded in doing this in some cultures around the world. Thank you again for your response. God bless |
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2 | word for wine in the original text? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 68866 | ||
Inmyheart, I worked with drunkards for six years, and of the hundreds I have known, not one was a moderate drinker. In fact the vast majority of those who enjoy one or two drinks do not turn into drunks. In fact I have known heavy drinkers that once having experienced trouble from overindulging, either quit drinking or cut back to sensible limits. And this without any help from any human agency. (as a christian I would explain it as God's "common grace"). I overlooked the red flag you mentioned. Allow me to rephrase my statement: I know the arguements from the otherside that contend that it is too dangerous to take even one glass for it may lead to another and another. This view does not take into account the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. I hope this will set your mind to rest :-) God Bless, John |
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3 | word for wine in the original text? | Bible general Archive 1 | inmyheart | 68915 | ||
John, Well stated! God bless |
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