Churches Of Christ/Drinking Alcohol in Moderation

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Expert: - 1/17/2012


Question
Eph.5:18 Explain this verse and drinking alcohol to excess is never a healthy option, in other words is moderate drinking of alcohol okay?

Answer
Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

As you said correctly, not only is drunkenness bad for the body but is condemned as something which causes people to be lost. So we need to avoid that.

Many people will tell you that all drinking, even in moderation is wrong. Though I do not drink and think there are FAR more things about it that can hurt rather than help people I cannot legislate something that God does not. But unfortunately many people feel free to do exactly that.

There is a CLEAR proof from the Old Testament that drinking in moderation was not looked down on.

Deuteronomy 14:24-26 (24) But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the LORD your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the LORD will choose to put his Name is so far away), 25 then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. 26 Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice.

That said, in my view it is better off avoided. For many people it is like having a pet viper, eventually it ends up biting them.

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John Fields

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I strive to intelligently and respectfully discuss thoughtful questions pertaining to doctrinal issues within the Churches of Christ and feel I can contribute thoughtful answers in most cases. I feel myself to be especially adept when answering questions regarding the Gospel of Christ and baptism. I always strive to be humble, realizing that there are some issues that are respectfully and honorably debatable. I realize that the Bible is perfect and able to provide any truth that the seeker of truth is after. At the same time I realize that though I am very conscientious about pointing people in the right direction, I am still a fallible human being and certainly capable of making mistakes. I will always give my opinion AS my opinion and strive not to state as fact something which cannot be supported by good logic or a good thorough study through the scriptures.

Experience

I am a minister within the Churches of Christ. I have been preaching for 14 years and have been on five separate mission trips to the Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa. I have preached the Gospel to literally thousands of people and it is my passion to do so.

Education/Credentials
I graduated with honors from Atkins High School in Atkins, AR in 1984. I went on to get my Bible degree at Harding University in Searcy, AR where I graduated Cum Laude.

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