Fermented or Unfermented? – Alcohol and the Christian

I was asked recently if I could publish my stand on the subject of alcohol drinking and the Christian. Some of you will not agree but that is between you and GOD.

I believe to start out with it would be in order for me to give a brief background on myself. Have I drank alcohol in the past? YES! Have I been drunk before? YES! Has my thinking been impaired by my drinking? YES! Was it my intention to get drunk when I took my first drink each time? NO!

Historically, I have been involved as a worker with the Teen Challenge Addiction Recovery Program and I led an addiction recovery program through an inner-city church I pastored for five years. Have I had my share of working with addicts? YES! Did any of them take their first drink with the intention of becoming an addict? NO!

To begin, I would like to share some facts published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism based on the year 2013. About 88,000 Americans die annually from alcohol-related causes; 10,076 died in alcohol-related traffic fatalities. In 2006, alcohol misuse cost the US 223.5 billion dollars. Alcohol contributes to over 200 different diseases and injury-related health conditions. Each year, 696,000 young people between 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking. 97,000 drinking-related rapes occur annually on college campuses. This small list of alcohol-related consequences gives us a picture of the problems with alcohol.

Now, as alcohol related to Christians. I hear so many say, “I drink in moderation, so that is okay.” Well, I wish that these same misguided individuals could produce Scriptural evidence to that fact. Let me say that in both the Hebrew and Greek, the same word is used for fermented and unfermented so to say that wine always relates to fermented drink is an abuse of the original language. Jesus turned water into wine. The word for wine again is used both ways. I would postulate that Jesus turned the water into unfermented grape juice.

Certainly, you can disagree with me but I want to look at a few texts Solomon wrote. I believe Solomon partied a great deal. I believe he realized he made a great deal of bad decisions during those times of partying under the influence of alcohol.

In Proverbs 20:1, Solomon wrote: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” He warned in Proverbs 23:19-20 that a wise person will refrain from hanging out with drinkers of strong drink. In verses 29-30, he warned that drinking causes woe, sorrow, fighting, babbling, etc. Noah got drunk and his son paid for his mistake. Lot got drunk and ended up acting immoral. I could proceed throughout the Scriptures showing bad decisions and outcomes due to alcohol consumption.

Let me go over to what Paul tells the believer in Ephesians 5:18, “And don’t get drunk with wine, which [leads to] reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit.” In 1 Corinthians 6:10, drunkards are in the listing of those who will not inherit the kingdom of GOD.

Certainly, there are those out there who fail to heed these warnings for themselves; rather, following the path that could very well end in eternal destruction. That is your choice, of course, but it is not GOD’s choice for you.

I believe, as Christians, we are called to live to a higher standard than the rest of the world. We are called to live above these things and to not allow them to have any control over us. When an individual “drinks in moderation” they are already hooked by the drug. Otherwise, they would just say NO out of reverence for GOD and His Word and His divine direction for His children.

As a means of closing, let me relate something to you. I remember meeting with a mom and dad who had just lost their child in an auto accident involving a “drunk Christian.” I will never forget the questions out of broken hearts pertaining to how a “Christian” could get drunk, get behind the wheel and go out and take their child’s life? Did that “Christian” set out to drink and drive that day? I doubt it, probably just a moderate drinker that got overtaken by his desire for a little wine.

I have stood and talked to people trying to overcome their addictions while “Christians” are sitting around in the same room drinking a little wine. They cannot fathom how any “Christian” can do that to themselves and worse yet, do that to the one in recovery trying to get away from it.

Let me be straight-up. I will never adhere to the belief that drinking in moderation is okay for Christians. When I hear and see “Christians” taking up for their drinking in moderation, it sickens my soul. GOD help us to take a stand against every evil thing in this world. GOD help us to say NO! to every evil thing in this world.

There is not enough time left for Christians to be sitting around enjoying their drink while people all around are dying and going to hell.

Let Go of the Baggage!

Many years back I was involved in a summer mission’s building project in Santiago, Chile. As a member of the team, we were allowed to take a military-style duffel bag containing all our clothing and a sleeping bag. We were then given an additional carry-on that contained food supplies for the team while we there. I can remember the difficulty of making it through airport after airport transporting these heavy bags and then making it out to our site once we arrived. By the time we finally made it to our destination almost 24 hours later, we were all worn out.

As I think back to that time and then I consider the ongoing difficulties we have in life, I can draw out some comparisons. I remember how tough it was getting through the security of several different countries with all that baggage. I remember the hard time we were given by the security forces at an airport in Bolivia where we had to change planes. They were determined to make life even more difficult for us hoping somehow to get us to pay them off.

As I think about all this, I think about how Satan does much the same thing to us. He loads us down with the baggage of our past and keeps throwing it into our faces every time we attempt to make some forward progress. If we dwell long enough on our past baggage, we get down and depressed; we start questioning our stand with GOD, wondering if He even cares about us any longer. Soon we find ourselves adrift on the ocean of life lacking the hope and security we once found in Christ.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus said: “if the Son sets you free, you really will be free” (John 8:36). We must come to the place where we recognize our position in Christ. The past is gone through Jesus. My present belongs to Him and my future is an eternal promise of kingdom living in the presence of Almighty GOD. Quit allowing Satan to bring up that which is already gone. Quit allowing him to get you down and out. Claim your victory in Jesus Christ today and live that victorious life through Him. All that baggage is under the blood of Jesus, let it go!

Finding Peace Through Forgiveness!

C.S. Lewis said: “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” So much truth contained in that little statement. Certainly the idea of forgiveness is considered to be the crown jewel of ideas until that moment, of course, when an individual needs to forgive someone at which time that crown jewel becomes a piece of worthless coal.

Perhaps one of the most difficult ventures any of us ever has to set out on is the venture to grant forgiveness for something someone has said or done to us. When you think about the last time someone hurt you, what has been your overall response to that person since the incident? Have you held a grudge against that person or have you found it in your heart to sincerely forgive them? It is often easy to say we have forgiven someone but we find that as soon as we think about or hear about that person, the initial thought is that incidence of pain from them. Have you really forgiven them if that is your response? Have you sincerely removed it from your heart and life?

In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus included these words into that prayer: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). GOD clearly directs us to forgive those who have wronged us or hurt us in any way. We see clearly that GOD’s forgiveness of our faults and wrongs is based upon our own forgiveness of the faults and failures of others irregardless of the hurt or pain we may have suffered through because of it. 

As we seek to find help in this area, I believe a few carefully orchestrated steps will help us to find the peace we need when we have been wronged. It is important we do not seek revenge. Leave the acts of vengeance and retribution in the LORD’s hands. Do not orchestrate judgment upon the individual for the wrongdoing. Reconcile with the offender if at all possible. Pray for the individual and for your own heart. Show love for those who hurt you. Overcome acts of evil with acts of goodness and kindness.

If, after doing all these things, you still cannot find peace in your heart and spirit, pray that the LORD will grant you His power to forgive the individual. Chances are the only person suffering through is you. Many people who have offended others are not even aware they have done so. So discover the peace of Jesus Christ that passes all understanding in order to find peace within yourself.

Blessings for Cursings!

Troublesome times seem to always be right around the corner. Almost seems as though you get through one hurdle only to find yourself up against another. More difficult even than troublesome times seems to be troublesome people. Seems like Satan always has a fresh one right around every corner of your life.

These are those who delight in nothing more than making your life difficult. Whether they are spreading lies about you or antagonizing you or talking “smack” about you—seems they are always there. Just about the time you find relief from one, another arrives on the scene. The natural human response is to recoil and smack back. But, is that GOD’s solution? Is that what GOD would have us to do? What does GOD instruct us to do in these difficult times?

You’re not gonna like this any more than I did, but the truth is the truth and that is what I am here to communicate and try to always live within. Jesus said: “bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:4). Okay, that can seem a bit extreme, but when we truly consider what GOD expects of us, we can do nothing less than reflect His love and grace in and through all situations and circumstances.

As we consider the pain and agony our sins put the Lord Jesus Christ through, we can begin to understand a bit better through His response how we should respond. His response was Father, forgive them! Our response to those who persecute us, ridicule us and lie about us, should be Father, forgive them! Father, allow my light to shine in their dark world so they may come to know you. Retribution will never change a sinning heart; but, a forgiving heart may. Even if it doesn’t change the sinner, your conscience will bear witness that you have done what is right.

An Obedient Substitute

“And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.” (Genesis 22:10)

Has GOD called you to leap out into unknown territory? Has GOD called you to get outside your comfort zone? Has GOD asked you to trust Him, put your faith in Him, be obedient to Him? Chances are He has done it recently. Why? Because He is growing you, He is stretching you out. He is enlarging your faith so He can enlarge your territory.

Oftentimes, we cry and whine about the trials and tribulations we seem to always be going through. Granted , they are not fun, fact is, they are often miserable. But, when we come out victorious on the other side, we recognize GOD has done something miraculous within us; He has brought us through while strengthening our faith and equipping us to be better prepared for what still lies ahead.

Consider Abraham and Isaac for a moment. GOD instructed Abraham to pack up the supplies necessary to carry out a sacrifice and take his son, Isaac, along as the sacrifice. I don’t read where Abraham questioned GOD at all about this decision. He readied all the supplies and his son and took off for the mount GOD was directing him to. Now, Abraham knew this was the child GOD was going to build a great nation out of, but that never came up. Abraham simply acted in obedience to GOD’s direction.

Once they had arrived at Mt Moriah, Abraham set about assembling the altar and then took his only son, Isaac, bound him and placed him upon the altar. As he raised the knife of sacrifice in obedience to GOD, his faith was made evident before GOD. In that moment as he was about to plunge the knife into his son, GOD stopped him and showed him HE had provided a substitute, a ram hung up in a thorn bush. Isaac’s life was spared and the substitute ram became the sacrifice.

Two lessons we can learn from this. GOD desires obedience in all things. When He allows trials and tribulations to come our way, it is not a time to be trying to find an out but a time to be trusting in the power of GOD as we walk forth in obedience to Him. We are also reminded of what GOD did for all of us at Calvary. We were all sinners without a hope. But, GOD, in His great love for us, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as the only Substitute that could free mankind from his sins. Jesus. acting in obedience to the Father, died so that we may through Him, live for all eternity.

Grown Up Believing…God Wants to Bless Me With More!

(This is the second part in my “Grown Up Believing…” series. If you missed part 1, please read it first. It is a previous blog. God bless!)

It has always been interesting to me how many people have the misconception that GOD will give His children whatever their little heart desires. I was watching a posting on Facebook recently where some ministry posted a pic with the minister sitting at a desk with a heap of money in front of him. He had written, Your financial is about to increase from this movement to whoever will type Increase in Jesus’ name. For those who shared it, they were promised that good things would happen by the end of the week. Sadly, over 42 people have already responded with the vast majority following the pied piper with a LIKE and SHARE and the words Increase in Jesus’ name. A few, like myself, spoke out against such heresy, but the truth is evident that people have been lied into believing that GOD is a genie in a bottle awaiting our next order.

How do people justify such behavior and actions? Sadly, by the misconception that GOD just wants me to be happy and my happiness comes through getting whatever I desire. Sadder yet is the fact that most often the only one getting richer out of the deal is the false prophet speaking the lies and deceit. 

Romans 8:28 speaks about this. Paul writes: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.“ When an individual is living within the purpose and plan of GOD, GOD will, in turn, work all things out for the individual. He doesn’t say He will grant every wish of the individual’s heart.

Philppians 4:19 addresses the issue even more directly with these words: “But my GOD shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” The promise of GOD is to supply all of an individual’s needs never is wants and desires mentioned. 

True happiness is only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ and in doing His will. Certainly, we may have tribulations and unexpected trials but in and through it all Jesus Christ will be with us.

Grown Up Believing…Not Gonna Happen to Me!

As I was growing up, I was taught a great deal of “Biblically-based truths” that I discovered later in life to be totally false and untrue. As I look back, I have come to discover that too often we believed everything the pastor was saying without searching the Scriptures for ourselves for the truth. As I have continued to study this phenomenon, I have also come to discover that the propogation of these unScriptural truths has resulted in a great deal of people abandoning the church. Even today, when I hear individuals utilizing these common lies and deceptions to try to swerve their kids and grandkids into doing something or being something more, I find myself grieved in my spirit.

The simple truth is, we are a lazy people when it comes to reading and understanding GOD’s Word for ourselves. We would much rather have someone teach and preach it to us and just believe that what they are saying is all truth. The result is exactly what I spoke about above. You end up with a generation of people that have no idea what GOD’s Word really says and so they are easily swayed by any teaching they hear. I much prefer to know the Word so when untruths are taught, I recognize it immediately.

How many of you remember being told this: “God want give you more than you can handle?” Heard it time and again and still do….Certainly, there is a bit of truth in the statement as we know that GOD does not dish out problems and complications upon us. We are living in a world that is under the dictate of the god of this world and it is he who dishes it out. However, the idea implied still stands that GOD’s children will not have to endure any difficulties in this life and that is simply wrong as we can search the Scriptures and observe what is happening to believers around the globe and know how untrue that statement really is.

Paul wrote of this in his own life when he said: “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8). Apparently, Paul was so heavily afflicted that he went so far as to despair of life itself. Now, let me state something here that truly bothers me and that is when Christians today get this idea that they are somehow better and their lives are somehow beyond that of the apostles. Even though it happened to them, GOD is not going to allow it to happen to me. GOD wants me happy and blessed beyond measure always. Hogwash!!!

What we need to learn straight-up is the fact that all of life in this fallen world for a believer is beyond what one can handle. We do not have to go it alone and we shouldn’t even try. The god of this world is out to get us and in our own strength we are unable to make it. We need the LORD beside us at all times. We need the SPIRIT of the Living God dwelling within us, working through us. We need to lay our lives at His feet and allow Him to guide and direct our every step. The LORD beckons to us with these words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Why? Because He understands that we need Him to endure all the hardships that life will throw at us so in the end we can stand firm!

Trust in the LORD for the Victory!

In the midst of your struggles, in the midst of despair—there you will discover that only GOD can be trusted to carry you through. Man’s attempts to make it better often leads to further despair, but when GOD comes on the scene, He offers comfort, He offers His peace and in the end you will come forth shining for the battle belongs to Him and victory is His!

What Can We Expect in the Coming Days?

I am often amazed at the America “Christian” mindset. Believers in America have been so protected for so long that even attempting to believe that persecution could somehow affect us is simply out of the question. We can watch the beheadings in the Middle East on TV and feel so sorry for those Christians over there; and yet, never begin to consider the reality of it here on our shores. We can hear all about the persecuted church in North Korea and China but once again never consider its reality in the good ole USA.

The fact is believers in America are experiencing increased persecution every day. As our rights and freedoms are slowly chiseled away by the powers-that-be, we carry on day-to-day never giving it a second thought. We find ourselves falling under increasing public ridicule but blow it all off as just the times we live in.

More and more churches are succumbing to the politically-correct crowd. More are bending away from Scriptural truth to become relevant to outsiders rather than standing on the truth and proclaiming it as such. Signs that provoke negative thoughts in the minds of sinners, like the cross for example, are being left out of many churches so as not to offend anyone. The names of the pastors have become greater than the names of the churches. Do you recognize a pattern here?

If you are truly a follower of Jesus Christ, you should be seeing where I am going here. The church has let down its guard. Satan has infiltrated the train of thinking of those in power. So, those of us who truly believe the Word of God and stand firmly upon its truth had better wake up because persecution is coming our way. I am not talking about the tribulation period, I am talking about persecution as the apostles endured; persecution as the early church endured; persecution as many of our brothers and sisters around the globe are enduring right now.  Why do we think for a moment that we should not be enduring the same persecution? Because we are in a free country? A free country that now promotes lifestyles that are ungodly? A free country that is running rampant with pornography, murder of unborn babies, child molestation, etc?

Brothers and sisters, persecution is coming to believers in America. Outside of the rapture, you and I will face terrible persecution in our life times and I simply can’t imagine what will occur in the life times of our children and grandchildren, should the Lord’s coming tarry. We must learn, and teach others, to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10) for a time is coming soon where that Source of strength and power is going to be all we have to run to.

Be blessed mighty Church of the Living God!