It will be recalled that when Jesus was offered wine to relieve His agonies at the cross he refused (although he was given the sour vinegar stuff right before He died). ( Matthew 27:34 as compared with John 19:29). Hence in that case the alcohol was for antiseptic purposes; when in the first it would have mitigated suffering. The verse in 1 Tim. 5:23 implores Timothy because of bad water and digestive issues to drink a little wine. Christ was accused of being a "winebibber" in Matthew 11:19 clearly demonstrates that indeed there were alcoholic beverages He and the disciples would partake in (as the wedding in Cana would also suggest since it was tasted by the official there and verified as such).
As Paul warns; not all things we are at liberty to do should be done. Firstly; we need to consider ourselves and anyone around us to make sure no one has problems with alcohol OR is a believer such as the person you responded to in order not to offend them with your liberties. That short of family settings and perhaps one or two close friends gets pretty difficult. Even drinking a bit to excess can be a slippery slope. At any event; clearly it isn't a sin to do this in context; and the fact it was used for many centuries as a pain killer when other more effective techniques only recently developed; as Proverbs states it is for those who are in great pain ( Proverbs 31:6-7). Those dying should be given pain relief is Solomon's message; but of course we shouldn't be drawn to excesses as he was as the rest of Proverbs teaches us with wisdom after the fact.
Simply being a distraction from God or enjoying any substance that is controlling us is dangerous. We have to be ever vigilant; such benefits as resveratrol found in red grapes and in wine can certainly be found in the fruit itself. Certain medication perhaps in a tincture of alcohol can be more effective.
Thank you for your thoughts Richard...and they're good ones.
I have read some time ago that good, 100 percent grape juice has the same health benefits as wine!
Alcoholism is so prevalent, and destroys not only the imbibers, but often, their whole families! "Lead us not into temptation" is what the Lord ask us to pray - and let's not throw ourselves into temptation by even toying with those things that so easily become a snare!
As Paul warns; not all things we are at liberty to do should be done. Firstly; we need to consider ourselves and anyone around us to make sure no one has problems with alcohol OR is a believer such as the person you responded to in order not to offend them with your liberties. That short of family settings and perhaps one or two close friends gets pretty difficult. Even drinking a bit to excess can be a slippery slope. At any event; clearly it isn't a sin to do this in context; and the fact it was used for many centuries as a pain killer when other more effective techniques only recently developed; as Proverbs states it is for those who are in great pain ( Proverbs 31:6-7). Those dying should be given pain relief is Solomon's message; but of course we shouldn't be drawn to excesses as he was as the rest of Proverbs teaches us with wisdom after the fact.
Simply being a distraction from God or enjoying any substance that is controlling us is dangerous. We have to be ever vigilant; such benefits as resveratrol found in red grapes and in wine can certainly be found in the fruit itself. Certain medication perhaps in a tincture of alcohol can be more effective.
May He guide you in these matters.
Agape.. Rich P
I have read some time ago that good, 100 percent grape juice has the same health benefits as wine!
Alcoholism is so prevalent, and destroys not only the imbibers, but often, their whole families! "Lead us not into temptation" is what the Lord ask us to pray - and let's not throw ourselves into temptation by even toying with those things that so easily become a snare!
Blessings!
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