Hello Beloved,

This question doesn't change my understanding of God's standard on drinking. He abhors it, Period!

But i got so keen about the question when recently a new convert i was teaching approached me and demanded  explanations on the subject. i soon discovered that he sell alcohol as business and takes "small" too.

Now, he is willing to serve God but finds it very difficult to leave the business that took him over 7 years to learn as a trade and now has made him rich.

Send your views please.

There is absolutely no christian teaching that condenms the taking of alcohol, we were only warned to take it in moderation. Jesus christ himself used to consume alcohol socially, if you are in doubt read luke 7:33-34.

The emphasis in Luke you sited wasn't on drinking, it was on sociability to the people unlike John the Baptist who is more of an introvert and choses a solitary life. Besides, vs 34 never actually mentioned what Jesus was drinking.

Hello Mcfrac, I understand your concern but the case is a little bit dicey. Issues like this, especially one involving a new convert, require a great deal of tact, maturity and patience. If he's truly born-again, the Spirit of God will make him see reasons why a true Christian should not involve in such business. Alcoholic drinks have several damaging effects on our body which is the "temple of God." And whosoever defiles or destroys the temple of God will not be spared. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 says: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

You can enlighten him on the terrible effects of alcohol, and then ask him if he thinks it's proper for him to engage in selling such to others. But please, don't pressure him; let the Spirit of God work on him, "for as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14).

You can get more information online about the various hazards that alcohol poses to our bodies. Here is one:

THE HARMFUL AFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BRAIN AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Alcohol is a depressant, which slows down the central nervous system and can cause drowsiness, relieve pain and induce sleep.

- Drinker experiences mild euphoria and loss of inhibition as alcohol impairs region of the brain controlling behavior and emotions. Alcohol impairs behavior, judgment, memory, concentration and coordination (shortened attention span, impaired problem solving abilities), as well as inducing extreme mood swings and emotional outbursts.

- Alcohol acts as a sedative on the central nervous system, depressing the nerve cells in the brain, dulling, altering and damaging their ability to respond appropriately. Large doses cause sleep, anesthesia, respiratory failure, coma and death.

- Impaired or distorted visual ability and hearing (affects ability to distinguish between sounds and perceive the direction they are coming from) ; dulled smell and taste (reducing the desire to eat) and loss of pain perception; altered sense of time and space

- Impairs fine motor skills, and slows reactions.

- Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs caused by nerve damage from depletion of thiamine (B vitamin); when severe, can damage other nerve endings, causing staggering, etc. (Wernicke's Encephalopathy).

- Long term drinking may result in permanent brain damage (Korsakoff's Syndrome or 'wet brain'), serious mental disorders, and addiction to alcohol.

ON THE LUNGS

- Lowered resistance to infection.

- High amounts of alcohol may cause breathing to stop, then death.

ON THE LIVER

- Chronic heavy drinking may cause alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation and destruction of liver cells) and then cirrhosis (irreversible lesions, scarring, and destruction of liver cells). Impairs the liver's ability to remove yellow pigment, and skin appears yellow (jaundice).

- Liver damage causes fluid to build in extremities (Edema).

- Decreases production of blood-clotting factors; may cause uncontrolled bleeding

- Liver accumulates fat which can cause liver failure (“alcoholic fatty liver”), coma and death.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM – Male and Female

- Sexual functioning can be impaired and deteriorate, resulting in impotence and infertility, sometimes irreversible. Females also have a high risk of developing breast cancer.

- In men, may lead to sterility, atrophy of the testes and enlargement of the breasts.

- Early menopause and menstrual irregularities are common in women who drink excessively.

- Drinking during pregnancy significantly increases chance of delivering a baby with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; small head, possible brain damage, abnormal facial features, poor muscle tone, speech and sleep disorders, and retarded growth and development.

HEART

- Weakens the heart muscle and ability to pump blood (Cardiomyopathy).

- Abnormal heart signals, irregular heart beat and heart enlargement.

- Increases blood pressure, risk of heart attack and stroke.

- Inhibits production of both red and white blood cells.

MUSCLES

Due to lower phosphate, muscles become weaker and atrophy; pain, spasms and tenderness.

STOMACH/INTESTINAL/DIGESTIVE

- Irritation and damage of esophagus lining, induces severe vomiting, hemorrhaging, pain and difficulty swallowing. Can contribute to throat cancer.

- Irritation of stomach lining, can cause peptic ulcers, inflammation, bleeding lesions and cancer. Minute blood loss may deplete the body's iron stores, causing irritability, lack of energy, headaches and dizziness.

- The pancreas becomes stressed from having to create insulin to process the sugar present in alcohol. This creates a significant risk of pancreatitis, a chronic inflammation that can be fatal. - rly menopause and menstrual irregularities are common in women who drink excessively. of sugar in alcohol. n severe,

- Irritation of the intestinal tract lining and the colon

- Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating and loss of appetite are common.

- Alcohol impairs the small intestine's ability to process nutrients and vitamins.

- Chronic drinking may result in inflammation, ulcers, and cancers of the intestines and colon.

BONES

- Alcohol interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium, resulting in bones being weak, soft, brittle and thinner (Osteoporosis).

Well, IMO, I really dont see the sin in alcohol consumption. I think the keyword here is MODERATION. What God frowns against is excess consumtption.

Science-inclined people will agree with me that alcohol is can be derived from fermented sugar. Thus, all sugary drinks if left to stand, have some alcohol content, no matter how minute. Does it mean that we should avoid those as well?

Hello Mcfrac, I understand your concern but the case is a little bit dicey. Issues like this, especially one involving a new convert, require a great deal of tact, maturity and patience. If he's truly born-again, the Spirit of God will make him see reasons why a true Christian should not involve in such business. Alcoholic drinks have several damaging effects on our body which is the "temple of God." And whosoever defiles or destroys the temple of God will not be spared. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 says: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

You can enlighten him on the terrible effects of alcohol, and then ask him if he thinks it's proper for him to engage in selling such to others. But please, don't pressure him; let the Spirit of God work on him, "for as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14).

You can get more information online about the various hazards that alcohol poses to our bodies. Here is one:

THE HARMFUL AFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BRAIN AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

      Alcohol is a depressant, which slows down the central nervous system and can cause drowsiness, relieve pain and induce sleep.

      - Drinker experiences mild euphoria and loss of inhibition as alcohol impairs region of the brain controlling behavior and emotions. Alcohol impairs behavior, judgment, memory, concentration and coordination (shortened attention span, impaired problem solving abilities), as well as inducing extreme mood swings and emotional outbursts.

      - Alcohol acts as a sedative on the central nervous system, depressing the nerve cells in the brain, dulling, altering and damaging their ability to respond appropriately. Large doses cause sleep, anesthesia, respiratory failure, coma and death.

      - Impaired or distorted visual ability and hearing (affects ability to distinguish between sounds and perceive the direction they are coming from) ; dulled smell and taste (reducing the desire to eat) and loss of pain perception; altered sense of time and space

      - Impairs fine motor skills, and slows reactions.

      - Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs caused by nerve damage from depletion of thiamine (B vitamin); when severe, can damage other nerve endings, causing staggering, etc. (Wernicke's Encephalopathy).

      - Long term drinking may result in permanent brain damage (Korsakoff's Syndrome or 'wet brain'), serious mental disorders, and addiction to alcohol.

ON THE LUNGS

      - Lowered resistance to infection.

      - High amounts of alcohol may cause breathing to stop, then death.

ON THE LIVER

      - Chronic heavy drinking may cause alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation and destruction of liver cells) and then cirrhosis (irreversible lesions, scarring, and destruction of liver cells). Impairs the liver's ability to remove yellow pigment, and skin appears yellow (jaundice).

      - Liver damage causes fluid to build in extremities (Edema).

      - Decreases production of blood-clotting factors; may cause uncontrolled bleeding

      - Liver accumulates fat which can cause liver failure (“alcoholic fatty liver”), coma and death.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM – Male and Female

      - Sexual functioning can be impaired and deteriorate, resulting in impotence and infertility, sometimes irreversible. Females also have a high risk of developing breast cancer.

      - In men, may lead to sterility, atrophy of the testes and enlargement of the breasts.

      - Early menopause and menstrual irregularities are common in women who drink excessively.

      - Drinking during pregnancy significantly increases chance of delivering a baby with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; small head, possible brain damage, abnormal facial features, poor muscle tone, speech and sleep disorders, and retarded growth and development.

HEART

      - Weakens the heart muscle and ability to pump blood (Cardiomyopathy).

      - Abnormal heart signals, irregular heart beat and heart enlargement.

      - Increases blood pressure, risk of heart attack and stroke.

      - Inhibits production of both red and white blood cells.

MUSCLES

      Due to lower phosphate, muscles become weaker and atrophy; pain, spasms and tenderness.

STOMACH/INTESTINAL/DIGESTIVE

      - Irritation and damage of esophagus lining, induces severe vomiting, hemorrhaging, pain and difficulty swallowing. Can contribute to throat cancer.

      - Irritation of stomach lining, can cause peptic ulcers, inflammation, bleeding lesions and cancer. Minute blood loss may deplete the body's iron stores, causing irritability, lack of energy, headaches and dizziness.

      - The pancreas becomes stressed from having to create insulin to process the sugar present in alcohol. This creates a significant risk of pancreatitis, a chronic inflammation that can be fatal. - rly menopause and menstrual irregularities are common in women who drink excessively. of sugar in alcohol. n severe,

      - Irritation of the intestinal tract lining and the colon

      - Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating and loss of appetite are common.

      - Alcohol impairs the small intestine's ability to process nutrients and vitamins.

      - Chronic drinking may result in inflammation, ulcers, and cancers of the intestines and colon.

BONES

      - Alcohol interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium, resulting in bones being weak, soft, brittle and thinner (Osteoporosis).

.

kunleweb:

I believe alcohol is a substance just like ethanol,ethanol is gotten from vines and the back of grapes,in the law of Moses the Bible clearly stipulates that vines,their juices and barks must not be drunk but be left for the worms to eat them and why?, that the worm would not eat the root of the crop.we are fluid beings in pressed jars of His Majesty,it makes our vessels contaminated with what a Holy Spirit would recognize as flit and reduces our spirituality in Him even by the smallest index even if we do not accept it.

Wow. Some very deep yarns.

kunleweb:

I believe alcohol is a substance just like ethanol,ethanol is gotten from vines and the back of grapes,in the law of Moses the Bible clearly stipulates that vines,their juices and barks must not be drunk but be left for the worms to eat them and why?, that the worm would not eat the root of the crop.we are fluid beings in pressed jars of His Majesty,it makes our vessels contaminated with what a Holy Spirit would recognize as flit and reduces our spirituality in Him even by the smallest index even if we do not accept it.

It really pieces me off when people try to force their own opinions into the bible, ther is absolutely NO injunction in the bible which forbids the drinking of alcohol by christians. We were just advised to drink in moderation.

mcfranc:

The emphasis in Luke you sited wasn't on drinking, it was on sociability to the people unlike John the Baptist who is more of an introvert and choses a solitary life. Besides, vs 34 never actually mentioned what Jesus was drinking.

There is no point in subtracting from the bible just becos it doesn't favor your argument the bible makes it clear that he drinks in that passage. The emphasis of the passage is not what is the issue here it is the drinking issue which th passage confirms and for emphasis i would reproduce it here:

Luke 7:33-34:

   33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and ye say, `He hath a devil.'
   
   34The Son of Man is come eating and drinking, and ye say, `Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!'

Xtrians are enjoin to drink ogogoro, chelsea, shepe etc see Proverbs 31:6-7, amazing isn't it ?

Abuzola:

Xtrians are enjoin to drink ogogoro, chelsea, shepe etc see Proverbs 31:6-7, amazing isn't it ?

Best stuff. Ah, the benefits of being a Christian!

Muslims on the other hand are forbidden to partake in alcohol, they are enjoined to slaughter and feast on infidels

Yeah during hostile

Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:Isaiah 5:22

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! Isaiah 5:11

Alcohol intake in moderation is nt a sin.It becomes a sin when taken in excess which d eventual result wl be d substance taken control of u which wl lead to misbehaviour.

even in comandmend there is ban on too much eating its sin tooo

Alcohol intake is a sin cos when u start taking one shot, it must definitely get to a stage that u can't stay without taking alcohol and that is a sin before God.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. it is nt gud 2 shayo

It is good to shayo says the bible, but drink moderately. Hahahaha what a trick

i think the real issue is not whether drinking or or not is a sin, we all know God doesn't like us getting drunk on wine!

for the new convert, let him understand the implications of the business and of not trading (believe it or not alcohol moves!) then let him seek the face of God. full stop.

Alcohol intake is a sin cos when u start taking one shot, it must definitely get to a stage that u can't stay without taking alcohol and that is a sin before God.

That's not true. It's all about self-discipline.

@Poster,

In my opinion, moderate alcohol intake is not a sin, but excessive intake which leads to misbehaviour and self-disgrace thereby disgracing christianity too is what i see as a sin.

Eph 5:18 - "Do not be drunk on wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit"

It never said Do not take wine. But as an option to getting Drunk, get filled with the Holy Spirit.

My advice here is: Dont force your opinion on him. Just leave him to God. All you should endeavor to do is help him to grow spiritually.

Alcohol consumption is not a sin, however excessive consumption of alcohol and just about every other thing IS a sin.
The big deal about alcohol however is the fact, most consumers indulge with a mind to control their intake but get carried away. Very few people consume alcohol with a mind to getting drunk, yet they end up drunk.
Its like sex, which is a good and certainly divine activity but is abused when practiced outside the confines of a legal union / marriage, or when practiced with a view to dominate, insult or belittle your partner.
God has made all things for our own good, the tree in Eden was a shade but fruits there of was not to be eaten, human nature just had to do the unapproved and eat thereof.
God always lets you know the rules but then we are a human and can always find a good reason to mess up but don't ever claim ignorance, Excessiveness in any and everything IS A SIN

if you got the time, check out Prov. 20:1; 2Sam 16:2; Gen 9: 21-22; Deut. 21: 20-21

I don't know if its a sin to God, but i sure know that it is a sin to oneself, because it harms the body.

I'm loving this.

Abuzola:

It is good to shayo says the bible, but drink moderately. Hahahaha what a trick

All you know is to quote the bible in a negative way. KEFERI

There is a difference between alcohol wine and non-alcoholic wines. Alcoholic win is sin.

Re: Is It Really Sinful To Take Alcohol?
« #6 on: September 04, 2009, 08:50 PM »

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Hello Mcfrac, I understand your concern but the case is a little bit dicey. Issues like this, especially one involving a new convert, require a great deal of tact, maturity and patience. If he's truly born-again, the Spirit of God will make him see reasons why a true Christian should not involve in such business. Alcoholic drinks have several damaging effects on our body which is the "temple of God." And whosoever defiles or destroys the temple of God will not be spared. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 says: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

You can enlighten him on the terrible effects of alcohol, and then ask him if he thinks it's proper for him to engage in selling such to others. But please, don't pressure him; let the Spirit of God work on him, "for as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14).

You can get more information online about the various hazards that alcohol poses to our bodies. Here is one:

THE HARMFUL AFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BRAIN AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Alcohol is a depressant, which slows down the central nervous system and can cause drowsiness, relieve pain and induce sleep.

- Drinker experiences mild euphoria and loss of inhibition as alcohol impairs region of the brain controlling behavior and emotions. Alcohol impairs behavior, judgment, memory, concentration and coordination (shortened attention span, impaired problem solving abilities), as well as inducing extreme mood swings and emotional outbursts.

- Alcohol acts as a sedative on the central nervous system, depressing the nerve cells in the brain, dulling, altering and damaging their ability to respond appropriately. Large doses cause sleep, anesthesia, respiratory failure, coma and death.

- Impaired or distorted visual ability and hearing (affects ability to distinguish between sounds and perceive the direction they are coming from) ; dulled smell and taste (reducing the desire to eat) and loss of pain perception; altered sense of time and space

- Impairs fine motor skills, and slows reactions.

- Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs caused by nerve damage from depletion of thiamine (B vitamin); when severe, can damage other nerve endings, causing staggering, etc. (Wernicke's Encephalopathy).

- Long term drinking may result in permanent brain damage (Korsakoff's Syndrome or 'wet brain'), serious mental disorders, and addiction to alcohol.

ON THE LUNGS

- Lowered resistance to infection.

- High amounts of alcohol may cause breathing to stop, then death.

ON THE LIVER

- Chronic heavy drinking may cause alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation and destruction of liver cells) and then cirrhosis (irreversible lesions, scarring, and destruction of liver cells). Impairs the liver's ability to remove yellow pigment, and skin appears yellow (jaundice).

- Liver damage causes fluid to build in extremities (Edema).

- Decreases production of blood-clotting factors; may cause uncontrolled bleeding

- Liver accumulates fat which can cause liver failure (“alcoholic fatty liver”), coma and death.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM – Male and Female

- Sexual functioning can be impaired and deteriorate, resulting in impotence and infertility, sometimes irreversible. Females also have a high risk of developing breast cancer.

- In men, may lead to sterility, atrophy of the testes and enlargement of the breasts.

- Early menopause and menstrual irregularities are common in women who drink excessively.

- Drinking during pregnancy significantly increases chance of delivering a baby with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; small head, possible brain damage, abnormal facial features, poor muscle tone, speech and sleep disorders, and retarded growth and development.

HEART

- Weakens the heart muscle and ability to pump blood (Cardiomyopathy).

- Abnormal heart signals, irregular heart beat and heart enlargement.

- Increases blood pressure, risk of heart attack and stroke.

- Inhibits production of both red and white blood cells.

MUSCLES

Due to lower phosphate, muscles become weaker and atrophy; pain, spasms and tenderness.

STOMACH/INTESTINAL/DIGESTIVE

- Irritation and damage of esophagus lining, induces severe vomiting, hemorrhaging, pain and difficulty swallowing. Can contribute to throat cancer.

- Irritation of stomach lining, can cause peptic ulcers, inflammation, bleeding lesions and cancer. Minute blood loss may deplete the body's iron stores, causing irritability, lack of energy, headaches and dizziness.

- The pancreas becomes stressed from having to create insulin to process the sugar present in alcohol. This creates a significant risk of pancreatitis, a chronic inflammation that can be fatal. - rly menopause and menstrual irregularities are common in women who drink excessively. of sugar in alcohol. n severe,

- Irritation of the intestinal tract lining and the colon

- Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating and loss of appetite are common.

- Alcohol impairs the small intestine's ability to process nutrients and vitamins.

- Chronic drinking may result in inflammation, ulcers, and cancers of the intestines and colon.

BONES

- Alcohol interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium, resulting in bones being weak, soft, brittle and thinner (Osteoporosis).



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Beta 2 b 8ted 4 wat u r, dan 2 b luvd 4 wat u r not!




The only sin associated with u just wrote is 'attempting suicide', after raeding this i think i have 2 reduce,Thanks

IS IT ENGLISH LANGUAGE THAT PEOPLE DONT UNDERSTAND OR IS IT THAT THEIR HEARTS ARE TOO HARDENED BY FOLLY?

THE ANSWER TO ALL THIS ARGUMENTS CAN BE EXTRACTED FROM LUKE 7:33-34

KunleOshob:



   33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and ye say, `He hath a devil.'
   
   34The Son of Man is come eating and drinking, and ye say, `Behold, a gluttonous man and a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!'

WINE ACCORDING TO THE OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY IS "an alcoholic drink made from the juice of grapes that has been left to ferment.
BIBBER:  somebody who regularly drinks alcohol (archaic)

WOE TO ANYONE THAT SAYS TAKING ALCOHOL IS A SIN, COS HE/SHE WOULD BE IMPLYING THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS A SINNER

from what you just said, it doesnt imply in anyway that christ was a "Bibber"

These are by no means my thougts, just quoting John Milton. i find it a bit comical, yet quite deep.

"Let me give you a little inside information about God. God likes to watch. He's a prankster. Think about it. He gives man instincts. He gives you this extraordinary gift, and then what does He do, I swear for His own amusement, his own private, cosmic gag reel, He sets the rules in opposition. It's the goof of all time. Look but don't touch. Touch, but don't taste. Taste, don't swallow. Ahaha. And while you're jumpin' from one foot to the next, what is he doing? He's laughin' His sick, fuckin' ass off! He's a tight-ass! He's a SADIST! He's an absentee landlord!"