I would like to say for the record that i was not attacking or pointing the finger at anyone. People make their own choices and it's between them and God so it's nothing to do with me! And Maj, there's no need to attack me that way. I would like to know how much YOU know about the historical and social situation that existed centuries ago. Can you tell me what the paradigm was back then in palestine? For goodness sake people! This argument about alcohol has so much potential to take a nasty turn and I know for sure that's not what God wants to happen between us since we all serve Him and are christians... I'm going to drop out of this while I'm ahead. Good luck and God bless.

Lady J

I have heard it said before that the wine in Bible times was diluted 4 parts to 1 part 4 being water.

I think I came across something to that effect in the Bible but can't find it again, maybe someone else knows where, or it could have been a commentary.

Song of Solomon 8 v 2 I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.

surely this verse is relating the juice of fruits as wine, which then could be misleading as fruit juice is non alcoholic, perhaps they were drinking that and just calling it wine, as grape juice produces wine but so does the juice of grapes produce Shloer, grape juice.

I have said before I think it is in our personal relationship with Jesus how we use this 'wine' what then for other alcohol drinks or do all Christians drink only wine those who part-take?
Are we saying it's okay to drink beer, or spirits? even the advertisements on TV are proclaiming it's detremental effects on the body.

What then would the 'world' have to say bout us as Christians if we are drinkers. As unbelievers are the first to correct Christians in their walk and we don't want to carry Jesus name wrongly.

Just today I came across a witing I had and it is just about WINE and Dr.M.R.De Haan, to quote him says,
It is abuse of wine rather than the use of wine whice is strongly condemned in the Scriptures.
Personally I do not use it, and I wish that we could eliminate it entirely. But it is well to remember that the use of wine does not mean the abuse of wine.
Certainly it was never meant to be used for the purpose of intoxication, and I believe that it would be a great deal better not to use it at all, seeing the evil to which it often leads.
again not MY words.

Mr. Stein explains: the fruit of the vine used at the institution of the Lord's Supper was a mixture of three parts water to one part wine.

I new I read it somewhere, there it is.

Mr.Stein expressed his opinion, which I agree on. We must always look at Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to grant us wisdom and understanding of His Word, ultimately.

Hallelujah

Chad did you get my P.M. would you let me know please.

What more could anyone say, we must first turn to the scriptures for confirmation indeed.
If it's not written, then it's not worthy.

I listened to a sermon on the website Sermon Audio about alcohol. Stephen Hamilton brings up many good points, uses the Bible and history to prove himself. It is 59 minutes, but worth listening to. I hope this may help someone on this issue. God Bless

The Christian & Alcohol - Why Abstain?

Cody2
yes, now what more need WE say?
everyone should listen to this, I hope all on this thread do.
I didn't want him to finish, will listen over again.
Thank you for this Brother.

Thanks for listening to it, Maureen. I thought it was very interesting how he explained how back in the Bible days, the wine wasn't as alcoholic as it is today.
Today beer and wine are put through a process that makes it stronger than it was back a long time ago. Also, he pointed out many facts. Alcohol has led to so many car accidents, murders, rapes, violence, divorces and etc.

Know what Cody I live with a husband who drinks, he's not an alcoholic, or drunkard as the Bible would have us term them as proper, neither a Christian.

In 35yrs I've had my fair share of 'mental' abuse through drink,
which has effected me in ways.

I do term alcohol as the 'Demon drink' I know I've experienced it.

It is best left alone, I pray they manage to do something about it as they have managed with the smoking. As the young and even the older do binge drink, hubby does.

No wonder the Lord tells us not to touch strong drink that it is raging, how true.

I hope no-one has to suffer at it's cost,

Sister Maureen, I agree with the "demon drink" and "strong drink", put together that is. In my personal experience, I've learned that one too many hard drinks (or mixed) led me to an angry state of mind I would not normally have without the drink otherwise. I hate beer and do not drink beer, but beer back in the old days never did the same to me as hard drinks would. Wine I drink with dinner every now and then. If anything, it makes me sleepy eventually.

One thing to keep in mind for anyone who drinks with the wrong reasons:

your problems, worries, concerns that you try to "drink off" for the moment will remain the same. Therefore, to get buzzed, drunk and stupid will not solve your life's issues and only hurt your body and mental state as well.