Have a Beer! It may be sinful NOT TO!

[Old Union Brother]

If you drink alcohol how do you decide when you have had enough? Do you drink until you feel impaired? or quit before you feel impaired?

 

[webdog]

If you drink alcohol how do you decide when you have had enough? Do you drink until you feel impaired? or quit before you feel impaired?

Quit before feeling impaired.

 

[Luke2427]

It is always a sin to violate one's conscience. Is this life so precious that we can justify placing a stumbling block in the way of weak Christians for an illusory 30% chance of missing a stroke or heart attack?

Perhaps one should focus more on resisting his gluttonnous propensities than on attempting to counter affect them by filling one's self with wine.

Being fat and being a glutton are not synonymous. You need to think that through.

There are people who are not gluttonous who are fat and there are people who are very gluttonous who are lean.

There is not in the Bible an ideal weight whereby one can judge if he be a glutton or not and that is because weight and gluttony are not necessarily linked. "Ideal weight" is a man made measure- it is not in the Bible and you should not add it to the Bible.

Furthermore, there are numerous verses in Scripture that speak of being fat in positive terms.

Gluttony is a lifestyle that may or may not manifest itself in being overweight- much like being a sex pervert may or may not manifest itself in public infidelity. A man may cover his perversion. Just so a man may cover his inordinate obsession with food by a powerful metabolism which he inherited or by working it off at the gymn or swimming it off like Michael Phelps does. BTW, I may be a glutton, but I do not consume NEARLY as much food as Michael Phelps does.

Gluttony, just like ALL SINS, are matters of the heart that often, but not always, manifest themselves outwardly.

Being somewhat fat is PROBABLY a good thing. Being rather large with fatness is not something to be reproved unless it hinders one's health and ability to work and function in society.

Gluttony, not being fat, is what is condemned in Scripture. You should know this.

You should also know that DRUNKENNESS not drinking is what is condemned in the Bible.

 

[Luke2427]

Before I got saved, I used to drink alcohol of all types, but it was never for the medicinal benefits, although we used to joke that it was. Nor did any of my friends drink for that reason. In fact, we drank to get a buzz. But there are health benefits to wine, that is no doubt. Grape juice may give you the same benefits. From the Mayo Clinic website:

Does grape juice offer the same heart benefits as red wine?

Answer

from Martha Grogan, M.D.

Possibly. Some research studies suggest that red and purple grape juices may provide some of the same heart benefits of red wine, including:
Reducing the risk of blood clots
Reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol
Preventing damage to blood vessels in your heart
Helping maintain a healthy blood pressure

Grapes are rich in health-protecting antioxidants, including resveratrol and flavonoids. These antioxidants are found mainly in the skin, stem, leaf and seeds of grapes, rather than in their pulp. The amount of antioxidants in grapes depends on many factors, including the kind of grape, its geographic origin and how it's processed. Dark red and purple grapes tend to be higher in antioxidants than are white or green grapes. Likewise, the level of antioxidants such as resveratrol found in wine varies, with higher levels in red wine.

Besides grape juice, other grape products may offer health benefits, including dealcoholized wine, grape extracts and grape powder.

Keep in mind that it's also beneficial to eat whole grapes — not just grape juice. Some research suggests that whole grapes deliver the same amount of antioxidants that are in grape juice and wine but have the added benefit of providing dietary fiber.

Alcohol also has negative affects:

Issues with Alcohol
Most red wines contain about 10 percent alcohol, although some contain as high as 14 percent. Despite being able to reduce the "stickiness" of blood platelet cells involved in clotting, most health experts agree that alcohol cannot be considered healthy. Alcohol has a depressant affect on the brain; it reduces cognitive function and coordination; its breakdown products are toxic, and are especially harmful to the liver, pancreas and nerves; and it is habit forming. As such, the negative health consequences of alcohol may greatly negate the benefits of red wine, which means that high quality grape juice made by crushing dark-colored grapes with seeds may offer more health benefits overall.

So keep on drinking your alcohol, but don't kid yourself that you are doing for health benefits. Just be honest that you like the way it makes you feel.

Beer, Bronco, beer. That's what the OP is about. Not wine- BEER.

And you are right. Though there are CLEAR medical benefits to consuming alcohol responsibly, this is not the only reason Christians should feel free to embrace the responsible consumption of alcohol.

God gave it to us to make our hearts merry and to enjoy.

That's a very good biblical reason ON TOP OF the health benefits.

 

[Luke2427]

Wine is also good for you. It's been studied as a way to fight osteoporosis.


Everyone seems to assume the "weaker brother" is the one struggling with alcohol addiction. My experience is that the weaker brother is usually the one struggling with legalism.

You are right.

It's not just our experience that tells us this, it is also Scripture.

People who have the most problems with what you eat and what you drink, etc... are the more biblically ignorant people. That's not me that says that. THE APOSTLE PAUL said it.

 

[Luke2427]

Studies which show the health benefits of occasional use of alcohol shouldn't surprise us as believers, after all Paul, UNDER THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND WITHOUT A CAVEAT, said, "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses."

Clearly, a "LITTLE" wine had benefits then, and it still does. Praise God for it and be cautious not to over indulge, as with food, sugar, caffeine, medications, sleep, vacations, or just about any of God's gifts and comforts of life.

Very good my friend!

 

[Luke2427]

Quit before feeling impaired.

I don't even think that is necessary- biblically.

The being impaired part is the very thing that makes merry the heart of man, and according to the Bible that is one of the reasons God gave it to us.

Now, I think it is obvious that Scripture does not advocate a condition of falling down drunk, but it does permit the benevolent effects of drinking alcohol which evidently include those which lighten the heart, relax the body and aid in merry making.

 

[Tom Butler]

I have a friend who is the king of malaprops. He told me one time he didn't drink, but did take a little wine for municipal purposes.

In case you're wondering what a malaprop is, that's one. If you look it up, you'll find that it came from a character in a Broadway play named Mrs. Malaprop.

 

[jaigner]

Wine is also good for you. It's been studied as a way to fight osteoporosis.


Everyone seems to assume the "weaker brother" is the one struggling with alcohol addiction. My experience is that the weaker brother is usually the one struggling with legalism.

Good point. Actually, those with weak faith were those whose faith did not allow them to partake in a certain substance or activity. Those with strong faith were those who were allowed by their conscience to do so.

It's not "strong" in terms of substance, but in terms of what the faith permitted.

 

[Skandelon]

I don't even think that is necessary- biblically.

The being impaired part is the very thing that makes merry the heart of man, and according to the Bible that is one of the reasons God gave it to us.

Now, I think it is obvious that Scripture does not advocate a condition of falling down drunk, but it does permit the benevolent effects of drinking alcohol which evidently include those which lighten the heart, relax the body and aid in merry making.

I don't care what soteriology you hold to, I think we'd get along just fine if you lived in my part of of the country. We'd be out on my boat this Friday talking theology and drinking a brew. :thumbsup:

Maybe even a cigar? :laugh:

 

[webdog]

I don't even think that is necessary- biblically.

The being impaired part is the very thing that makes merry the heart of man, and according to the Bible that is one of the reasons God gave it to us.

Now, I think it is obvious that Scripture does not advocate a condition of falling down drunk, but it does permit the benevolent effects of drinking alcohol which evidently include those which lighten the heart, relax the body and aid in merry making.

What I was referring to in regards to being impaired was drunkeness (speech, motor skills, etc.). I agree the euphoric feeling is not sinful, if it were anything that felt good would be sinful.

 

[jaigner]

I don't care what soteriology you hold to, I think we'd get along just fine if you lived in my part of of the country. We'd be out on my boat this Friday talking theology and drinking a brew. :thumbsup:

Maybe even a cigar? :laugh:

Make mine Maker's Mark and I'm there!

 

[webdog]

I don't care what soteriology you hold to, I think we'd get along just fine if you lived in my part of of the country. We'd be out on my boat this Friday talking theology and drinking a brew. :thumbsup:

Maybe even a cigar? :laugh:

I bet there is plenty of common ground on a boat in the middle of nowhere :laugh:

 

[convicted1]

If you drink alcohol how do you decide when you have had enough? Do you drink until you feel impaired? or quit before you feel impaired?

The main problem I have with someone drinking is the negative effect it may have on one's testimony. I find it hard to be a good witness with a Bud Light in one's hand.....but that's me.


It's like all the alcoholic commercials seen on TV. All they show are the people laughing as they "pop a top", dancing on the dance floor, laughing, giving a "hearty cheer" as the drink. They never show those who wake up with a hangover, those who are placed in the backseat of a squad car, those who go on trial for slamming into someone when they had "one too many", all the divorces that alcohol has caused, etc.

If one drinks, they should do it at home.

 

[convicted1]

I bet there is plenty of common ground on a boat in the middle of nowhere :laugh:

If you got someone out in the middle of Lake Erie, I have a feeling you'd be right about everything, even if you entertained a DoG'er....:laugh:



Your motto could be, "agree or walk".....:thumbs:

 

[webdog]

The main problem I have with someone drinking is the negative effect it may have on one's testimony. I find it hard to be a good witness with a Bud Light in one's hand.....but that's me.


It's like all the alcoholic commercials seen on TV. All they show are the people laughing as they "pop a top", dancing on the dance floor, laughing, giving a "hearty cheer" as the drink. They never show those who wake up with a hangover, those who are placed in the backseat of a squad car, those who go on trial for slamming into someone when they had "one too many", all the divorces that alcohol has caused, etc.

If one drinks, they should do it at home.

Well, the Lord said drinking it in His presence was kosher...maybe churches should have taps

Your commercial example could really apply to anything. Car commercial showing a family enjoying their new car...they don't show the father driving to his mistress' home at 2am. Friends enjoying a football game...they don't show one who bet their mortgage on the outcome or Vinny coming to his home afterwards to bust up his knee caps.

Fact is drinking is a normal cultural occurrence that can even enhance the witnessing of some. I know it has with me and my neighbor.

 

[convicted1]

Well, thye Lord said drinking it in His presence was kosher...maybe churches should have taps

you commercial exxample could really apply to anything. Car commercial showing a family enjoying their new car...they don't show the father driving to his mistress' home at 2am. Friends enjoying a football game...they don't show one who bet their mortgage on the outcome or Vinny coming to his home afterwards to bust up his knee caps.

Fact is drinking is a normal cultural occurrence that can even enhance the witnessing of some. I know it has with me and my neighbor.

You have to be patient with me because I am coming out of the "teetotaller" camp. I want nothing to do with it, but I really do find it hard to believe that one can really witness to a sinner with a Budweiser in their hand. I have seen all the negative effects it has had on people, so I abstain. To each their own, I guess.

 

[Luke2427]

What I was referring to in regards to being impaired was drunkeness (speech, motor skills, etc.). I agree the euphoric feeling is not sinful, if it were anything that felt good would be sinful.

Right.

____

 

[Luke2427]

I don't care what soteriology you hold to, I think we'd get along just fine if you lived in my part of of the country. We'd be out on my boat this Friday talking theology and drinking a brew. :thumbsup:

Maybe even a cigar? :laugh:

I think you're right. Except I'd join in with my pipe instead of a cigar. :thumbs:

:godisgood:

 

[Luke2427]

Make mine Maker's Mark and I'm there!

Straight or with Coke? :thumbsup: