Subject: word for wine in the original text? |
Bible Note: Dear inmyheart, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I do not agree with your two 'reasons' above. First, man has been able to make wine (and stronger drink) for thousands of years with fairly simple processes. You imply that 'invented' processes are evil and ungodly, which would outlaw the computer you are now using, because it CAN be used for evil. Second, you cite the holy nature of Jesus as making Him incapable of fellowship with sinners. Such is not the case while He walked the earth, and certainly He continues to interface with the lives of those who need salvation! Praise God! The quote from Proverbs is clearly speaking of the abuse of wine. Friend, I was saved from alcohol and substance abuse, as well as the sin unto death. Been there, done that. I worked with the drug addicts and alcoholics for years, and still do in my ministry now. I now know that it was not alcohol that enslaved me, but the desire to flee from God (and reality). I abstained from all alcoholic consumption for 20 years, but never preached against it. I preached instead for freedom in Christ Jesus to great effect! A few years ago I was advised by a doctor to have a little red wine for my heart and for my stomach (stress-related). I am aware that there are conflicting thoughts on this issue, but in my case I find that it works. I rarely drink ouside the home, and usually only a half-glass of wine. I find that indeed it is relaxing and stress-relieving, therefore beneficial. I don't get 'tipsy' or drunk, and don't drive. I don't 'push' drinking to anyone, and strongly encourage self-control to those that do. Our church is not a 'drinking' church, nor is it teetotalist. On a side note, we use grape juice for communion. I find that good grape juice is a lot less expensive than good wine, and I don't believe in using 'cheap' anything for the Lord's Supper. :-) If you want to judge this from afar, feel free to do so. If you want to come here and judge for yourself, welcome to Yokohama! But in my estimation, God knows each of us individually, and judges on a case-by-case basis, not according to 'absolute' set of rules and regulations. I do not find "Thou shalt not drink any alcoholic beverage" in my Bible. I only see the wisdom of self-control and temperance. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |