Subject: word for wine in the original text? |
Bible Note: '"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.' Does this "red flag" go up every time you see one of the apostles using the word "but" in Scripture, too? Please be sensible! " 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." And that is bondage to sin. I don't think John will diagree with that at all. It is not the alcohol that is the "demon," though. The "recovery model" that you seem to approve of makes the sinner out to be a "helpless victim," not the voluntary slave to sin that the Bible characterizes a drunkard to be. You wrote: '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.' No, what Paul tells us to avoid is putting our Christian freedom ON DISPLAY before the weaker brethren (look at the following verse). By the way, the same chapter tells the weaker in conscience not to judge the stronger one, as you did by implication in the first paragraph of your post. "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." I (and, I would assume, John also) agree completely. --Joe! |