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NASB | Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. [Prov 23:29, 30; Is 28:7; Hos 4:11] |
Subject: Don't understand Jesus's view on alcohol |
Bible Note: Greetings Hank! Even though Dr. MacArthur and I disagree on the issue of election, he is still one of my favorite preachers. I have had the opportunity to hear him in person. And, as a pastor in Ohio, I even had the opportunity to go to a pastor's prayer breakfast which he hosted in Lima, OH. It was fun. After breakfast, we all went to the sanctuary of the host church and had a Q and A time with Dr. MacArthur. The main reason I got interested in this particular subject was that my denomination had a total abstainence position and there was some discussion of weaking that offical position at our General Assembly. So, I began to do research on the issue in terms of both Scripture and practice. We were allowed to e-mail our comments and thoughts to the official committee investigating this issue. So, I e-mail mine to them. In the end, the official recommendation was very much in line with my thoughts, and we kept our offical position as it was. As a pastor, I have of course had to think about these issues. We all are in agreement that Scripture forbids drunkeness. But, as a practical matter, at what point is someone drunk? Does God go by Indiana State Law? I could not in good conscience tell someone that it is okay for them to drink but not get drunk, if I can't give them a definite answer as to what drunkness is! ;-) In the end, I believe we are much better off by abstaining period. There is no harm or danger in such a position. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |