How does God feel about those who drink alcohol or smoke marijuana?

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I've heard so many different opinions on this subject and now I'd like to hear what all of you in this great forum think.

I was taught that drinking and smoking marijuana is wrong but I've heard other Christians justify moderate drinking and marijuana use since it (marijuana) is a "natural" herb. I'd like to find out if all Christians were taught the way I was. Thank you all for your time. God bless.
 

Gerry

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What does your heart tell you?

Does it harm your body which is the Temple of the Holy Spirit if you are a Christian?

Does it edify?

Does it cause a brother to stumble?

Is it a good witness and testimony to non Christians?

If Jesus came to your house and sat on the sofa, would you offer Him a drink and a joint?

These are questions you must let your conscience answer.
 
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kern

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It's hard to imagine that Jesus would be against drinking since he urged his disciples to drink wine, and he changed water to wine for wedding guests. Now, getting drunk is another matter; I'm not so sure Jesus would be for that (although he was Jewish, and perhaps he participated in Jewish seders?? :))

-Chris
 
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Chris†opher Paul

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Originally posted by kern
It's hard to imagine that Jesus would be against drinking since he urged his disciples to drink wine, and he changed water to wine for wedding guests. Now, getting drunk is another matter; I'm not so sure Jesus would be for that (although he was Jewish, and perhaps he participated in Jewish seders?? :))

-Chris

Thats what I was going to say. Wine is good, else Jesus wouldn't have drank it and provided it for others.
 
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Julie

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God, The Lord Jesus Christ says: Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Jesus Christ is our High Priest, The Lord commanded the priest not to drink wine.

Leviticus 10:8-11 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

Today believers are called priests.

1 Peter 2:5-12 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
 
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I love the reasoning that "marijuana is an herb." Well, I can think of a half-dozen or so "natural herbs" that have the potential to KILL you. Wanna bite?

In the Ten Commandments, there's one that says, "Honor your Father and your Mother." That means more than just saying "Yes, Ma'am" to Mom, and "No, Sir," to Dad. It also means having respect for authority and following the laws.

And smoking/eating/injesting marijuana is against the law.



Peace be with you,
~VOW
 
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God, The Lord Jesus Christ says: Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

So when Paul told Timothy to "Stop drinking only water and use a little wine" (1 tim 6:23), he was telling the Pastor of a church to be a mocker? Was Paul decieved? or is Proverbs talking about one who gets drunk on wine?

Furthermore, was Christ then sinning when He instituted the Last Supper?

I have enjoyed your previous responses, Julie, but you are creating your own doctrine based on one verse, not on Scripture as a whole. Proverbs also says,

"Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more." Proverbs 31:6-7

Was not Christ a king and priest, and did He not drink? then there must be another meaning to the quoted verse.

Leviticus 10:8-11 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

Jesus was and is not a levitical priest...he is a priest in the high order of Melchizedek (who also drank wine...see Gen 14:17-19) (Heb 6)

"if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood, why was there still need for another priest to come--one from the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? foir when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of law." Heb 7:11

The levitical priests also had to be circumsized (see the entire book of Galatians), had to offer burnt offerings (see Heb 9-10), and had tons of food regulations (see Christ's own words in Matt 5:15)

My sister, you are grossly misquoting Scripture.

Today believers are called priests.

YES! We are priests of the High God in the order of Melchizedek, like our Savior, Christ Jesus! We are not bound by the Jewish ceremonial system (the Old Covenant), as evidenced by the destruction of the Temple by God after Christ's sacrifice made the Old Covenant obsolete. (again, see Heb 10)

1 Peter 2:5-12 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Amen! I love Peter's epistles because he lays it down so hardcore! We can allow no sin to dominate, nor even remain in our lives...and we've been given "the Word of the prophet's made more certain" (2 Peter 1:19) so that we can be certain what is sin and what is not. Alcohol is both uplifted in moderation and condemned in excess by the Bible.

If a Christian decides not to drink, I support their choice. Yet, it is false teaching to tell others that the Bible commands otherwise. We who teach will be judged more strictly, so we must be careful to watch our doctrine closely, lest we be proved liars by the Word of God.

As to marijuana...amen VOW. Our bodies our the temple of God...to pollute our bodies is to disregard their value. Inhaling smoke which ruins the lungs and distorts the mind semi-permanently is hardly keeping oneself pure for the day of judgment. (For those who want to say alcohol pollutes the body, they need to clarify...it only harms us when used in excess (when it's abused), and used moderately has been shown to be healthy.)

Good question...tough answers...can we accept Scripture whollistically?

Peace to all who seek it,
<><
 
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Drinking is not forbidden or a sin, drunkenness is. Deuteronomy 21:20-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and Galatians 5:19-20 clearly show that drunkenness is a sin. You can see more passages like these in Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1, Isaiah 5:11. and Habbakkuk 2:15-16 . However, Jesus did turn water into wine as his first miracle, and wine represented the blood of Christ at the Last Supper. See such verses as John 2:1-10, Psalms 104:15, and 1 Timothy 5:23 . So it is ok to drink as long as you don't become drunk.
As for other drugs, such as marijuana, the Bible is against such things. The Old and New Testaments both condemn sorcery and witchcraft. The Greek word translated "witchcraft" (Galatians 5:20), "magic arts" (Revelation 9:21), and "magic spell" (Rev. 18:23) is pharmakeia, the word from which we get "pharmacy" and "pharmaceutical." Witches and shamans prepared drugs in ancient times. In case you didn't know that drugs have been around that long, I didn't either.
I hope this helps. Also, I got most of this information from Moral Dilemmas by J. Kerby Anderson. It's a great book that I think every Christian could use.
God bless!
 
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I don't recommend drugs; even stuff like cocaine has "natural" origins.

As far as alcohol? Everything is fine in moderation. I've tried a couple of alcoholic drinks, but have never been drunk. I can't even finish a beer, it's so disgusting. With a meal, I might have a wine cooler. That's it.
 
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I think the whole marijuana smoking is ridiculous..it is harmful to your health..smoking one marijuana joint is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes all at one time. The body is a temple and shouldn't be destroyed and scientific evidence proves that smoking pot is harmful.

As far as drinking..it is a misconception that drinking is a sin. The bible CLEARLY states that it is acceptable:

I Timothy 5:23 "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities."

It is also a scientific fact that one glass of wine a day can help to combat heart disease.

On top of that the bible doesn't speak out against drinking wine..it speaks out of drunkness..and yes for those that don't know it is possible to drink with self control and not get drunk..

Another point is that Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding..so if it was so wrong WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD HE DO THAT ?? And Jesus is without sin..so I just don't see him sinning all of sudden..

Missy
 
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Originally posted by Julie
God, The Lord Jesus Christ says: Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Jesus Christ is our High Priest, The Lord commanded the priest not to drink wine.

Leviticus 10:8-11 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

Today believers are called priests.

1 Peter 2:5-12 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.


Julie, you have grossly misinterpreted the scriptures on this issue..The first issue is you using Lev.10..in the wrong context..first of all Priests in that time were set apart..they followed certain rules that other Jews didn't have to adhere to. IE: Priests needed to marry a virgin from their own people and she couldn't be a widow or divorced woman. Secondly that scripture says "And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation , lest ye die:" Do not take it out of context..it clearly says don't drink when you go into the tabernacle..not do not drink.

Oh sorry, I forgot Proverbs 20:1 this verse is saying not to be decieved by wine..meaning do not let the drink control you..it doesn't say don't drink..deception means that one is tricked or that a view has been misguided..when one drinks to intoxication..it does deceive/trick..you loose your equalibrium..your motor skills..not to mention your cookies (LOL..little joke). So yes..wine can be a mocker..and strong drink can deceive if you do it to excess..

Anyway the last quote of I Peter..I don't see what that has to do with drinking so I will not address it..


Missy
 
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Julie

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Anyway the last quote of I Peter..I don't see what that has to do with drinking so I will not address it..
1 Peter 2:5-12 Today the believers are called priests.

Not just a priesthood but an holy priesthood.

Our priesthood is greater than theirs, our holiness should be greater than theirs.

You are to show forth the praises of the Lord.

Abstaining from fleshly lusts which war against the soul (drinking would qualify here).


We are to be separated from the world and unto God.




Proverbs 31:4-7 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Drinking makes one to forget the law.

Drinking makes one pervert judgement.

Drinking causes one to fail to protect the afflicted.

First mention of wine or drunkenness in the Bible is associated with an Resulted in:(as it does so often today in 2002):

Nakedness.

Sexual Perversion (Homosexuality).

A division in the Family.

The Cursing of a grandchild, and his progeny.












Isaiah 19:14 The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.
 
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Originally posted by Julie

1 Peter 2:5-12 Today the believers are called priests.

Not just a priesthood but an holy priesthood.

Our priesthood is greater than theirs, our holiness should be greater than theirs.

You are to show forth the praises of the Lord.

Abstaining from fleshly lusts which war against the soul (drinking would qualify here).


We are to be separated from the world and unto God.




Proverbs 31:4-7 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Drinking makes one to forget the law.

Drinking makes one pervert judgement.

Drinking causes one to fail to protect the afflicted.

First mention of wine or drunkenness in the Bible is associated with an Resulted in:(as it does so often today in 2002):

Nakedness.

Sexual Perversion (Homosexuality).

A division in the Family.

The Cursing of a grandchild, and his progeny.












Isaiah 19:14 The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.


Well Julie, you and I are will have to agree to disagree. I still feel drinking is fine according to the Bible. I just think you have convinced yourself otherwise..which is fine. It's not like not drinking is going to keep you out of heaven. So if you don't want to drink, hey nothing is wrong with that..

But as for me..I am going to enjoy my Pinot Greggio and my Chardonnay on occassion with my dinner. Because I am fully persuaded in my own mind that drinking wine is acceptable and not against God's will.

If you ask me, Jesus probably drank wine..I mean come on after all that work at the wedding turning water into wine..I would have had a few sips myself...LOL!! :p
 
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The most important thing is that they are SLEEPING.

"take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkeness, and cares of this life, so that that day (the end) come upon you unawares."

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
For they that sleep, sleep in the nigh; and they that are drunken are drunken in the night.
But let us, who are of the day , be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, hope and salvation."

Wildfire
 
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altya

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I believe everything you do to your body to abuse it falls under this ‘category’ and for me its wrong, smoking, drinking and drugs. Also to eat too much, or to eat too much junk foods are wrong but this is to me. Everybody is supplied with only one body (and no spare parts are available) to accommodate his/her spirit and it’s your choice how you want to treat this home that is also called the temple of the Holy Spirit.

If you think about it – would you go to your church drunk and with a smoke in your hand? No, Christians won’t do that, now why on earth would anyone abuse the ‘temple of the Holy Spirit. We are obligated to take care of everything God has given us. If we are not trustworthy to take care of our bodies how can we take care of the Body of Christ?
 
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Caedmon

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Originally posted by Julie
Abstaining from fleshly lusts which war against the soul (drinking would qualify here).

I suppose cough syrup would apply here as well.

Proverbs 31:4-7 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Drinking makes one to forget the law.

Drinking makes one pervert judgement.

Drinking causes one to fail to protect the afflicted.

In case you don't know, that Scripture is concerning the just leadership of a king while carrying out his daily duties. Don't take things out of context.

First mention of wine or drunkenness in the Bible is associated with an Resulted in:(as it does so often today in 2002):

Nakedness.

Sexual Perversion (Homosexuality).

A division in the Family.

The Cursing of a grandchild, and his progeny.



Isaiah 19:14 The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.

:sigh: *SIGH* :sigh:

Once again Julie, you have mistaken drinking alcoholic beverages for drunkeness. Oh, and let's examine Proverbs 20:1 again, but this time, let's use an accurate translation.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. - Proverbs 20:1, NASB
 
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I believe Alcohol in moderation is okay but Marijuana is wrong. Marijuana is against the law and the Bible instucts us to obey the leaders. Alcohol if you are 21 and over and drink a glass of wine or a beer or a mix drink I believe that is okay. Drinking and driving is wrong. Drinking to the point that it interfers with you body and mind is wrong. We can dance and drink and be merry we just can't be stupid. Love and God Bless.
 
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