Wednesday, May 25, 2016

WHEREIN IS EXCESS By Pastor Bob Hanna




Many denominational churches teach that to let so much as a drop of alcoholic beverage pass one's lips constitutes a mortal sin. This is not found in Scripture. Christ's first recorded miracle refutes this teaching. Jesus and his disciples were invited to attend a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Those in the wedding party desired wine, and Jesus obliged. "And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And He saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine ... " (John 2:6-9).

The apostle Paul advised, "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess" (Ephesians 5:18). He didn't say, "Don't drink wine". He simply warned against over indulgence. When enumerating the qualifications of church officials, Paul said that they should be "not given to much wine" (l Timothy 3:8). "Of the elder women as wives and mothers, he wrote the same advice - that they be "not given to much wine" (Titus 2:3). Crediting wine with medicinal properties, Paul recommended to Timothy, "Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often infirmities" (l Timothy 5:23).

Throughout Biblical history, wine was a customary beverage. Wine and strong drink were not disapproved as such; It was their abusive use that was unacceptable. Wine was used in celebrations, taken as medicinal potion, made part of ceremonial occasions and imbibed socially. We are cautioned to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thessalonians 5:22). Because so many believers are sincerely convinced that any consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden, we may be well advised not to partake, observing the principle set forth by the apostle: 'Wherefore, if meat (or wine) make my brother to offend, I will eat (drink) no flesh (wine) while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" (I Corinthians 8:13).


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