alcohol

JoshFL

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I have asked this before but I wanted to ask in a different forum.
After research I have noticed alcohol is not a sin, drunkeness is.

However I still feel guilty If I were to have a beer or two?

Would like some insight.
In the bible it says if we feel guilty its a sin to us.
I have been brought up my whole life alcohol is bad so maybe thats why i feel this way?

Also, maybe because the culture looks at alcohol as worldly and since things are viewed differently now, I wouldnt want someone to stumble and think im living in sin "only because alcohol is such a problem these days"



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discipler7

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After research I have noticed alcohol is not a sin, drunkeness is.
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LEVITICUS.10: = 8 Then the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying: 9 “Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. ..."
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Unless new Christians are already alcoholics or addicts, they should stay away from alcohol or other intoxicating/psychotropic drugs, eg sleeping pills, marijuana, nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, etc.
 
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I have asked this before but I wanted to ask in a different forum.
After research I have noticed alcohol is not a sin, drunkeness is.

However I still feel guilty If I were to have a beer or two?

Would like some insight.
In the bible it says if we feel guilty its a sin to us.
I have been brought up my whole life alcohol is bad so maybe thats why i feel this way?

Also, maybe because the culture looks at alcohol as worldly and since things are viewed differently now, I wouldnt want someone to stumble and think im living in sin "only because alcohol is such a problem these days"



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No the act is not a sin, but your intent would be where it would be a sin.

I've questioned the same thing, and especially knowing that my culture sees is as something worldly, its put extra pressure for me, which at this point, its fine. Paul faces these same issues with the church of Corinth, when he mentions about how even though things are lawful, he doesn't act on them (1 Corinthians 6).So the question isn't whether or not its a sin, because they didn't explicit address the very act, but when does it become sin. And its situational. Some cases, its fine to have it. Some cases, it wouldn't be wise to do it. And some cases, you're committed a sin in which the fruit of it would be you drinking. Some people rather just forgo drinking all together. Personally, I like a beer occasionally.That's not to say I'm more right or more wrong than those that refrain, but everyone have to work that out.

So this is just a little test I give myself, anything I'm doing something that in act isn't necessarily an abomination to do

1.Is this act dishonoring God?
2.Is this act against my conscious?
3.Would this act tamper my ability to witness?
4. Is this act being a stumbling-block to someone else?

If in that situation, it pass all those questions, I proceed. So for example, having one beer with a friend. Its not dishonoring God, its not against my conscious, it doesn't tamper my ability to witness, and its not a stumbling-block to them.

Take the same instance, and say that I'm having a beer with a friend in which I know have a drinking problem. Then it wouldn't pass. Same if I had a beer in front of my mom who doesn't like it. Same if I was to have this drink at a club. Same if you were underage. Same if my ability to drink makes me boastful in my heart to those that choose to refrain. All situational.

Drunkenness is seen as sin, because you putting yourself at a point of no control, of over-excessiveness. A person's heart when they are getting drunk, no matter what situation, isn't towards honoring God. They are not able to properly discern, they are not really caring about the people around them, etc, etc.
 
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Doug Melven

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LEVITICUS.10: = 8 Then the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying: 9 “Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. ..."
.
Bolded mine.
There is nothing wrong with alcohol itself. But if alcohol starts controlling you, then it is a problem.
Paul told Timothy to use wine for his stomach's sake.
Jesus turned water into wine. If it was still grape juice I don't think the ruler of the feast would have said how good it was.
Paul said in Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess....

Unless new Christians are already alcoholics or addicts, they should stay away from alcohol or other intoxicating/psychotropic drugs, eg sleeping pills, marijuana, nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, etc.
I agree about most of these.
I know many Christians still smoke. I know it will not send them to hell, I just do not understand why they want to smell like they have been there.
I think if you told Christians they could not drink coffee or Mountain Dew I believe you would have a riot on your hands.

Psychotropic drugs, sleeping pills, marijuana and cocaine are controllers themselves. Stay away.
 
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Unofficial Reverand Alex

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"They call it the devil's drink, but Jesus drank more of it than I!"
As with so many things, alcohol is not inherently bad, but can all too easily lead you astray. Be cautious, but drinking in moderation is alright.
Do keep in mind that Jesus himself drank & made much alcohol in His lifetime. His first major public miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana; it's what "put him on the board", so to speak.
Also keep in mind the last supper, where Jesus chose bread and wine to turn into his body and blood (a tradition we still keep in the Eucharist today). He's God; He could've just as easily used bread and water.
I can almost certainly say that your straying from your upbringing is what's bringing the guilt. My upbringing, with my Eastern European heritage, has always involved dozens of bottles of alcohol in the open, and I've never felt guilt for drinkng. Your guilt likely comes from "What would my parents say?" kind of thoughts, not because you're being led away from God. That being said, do be cautious, but 2 beers is nothing to be ashamed of (unless you're the designated driver, of course!, or any situation that requires maximum attention).
Oh, and do keep in mind, for anything you need guidance on, James 4:8. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
Keep and active, intensive prayer life, and answers will come. Go to church, daily mass, youth groups, Bible study, whatever is available to you, do it. The fact that you're on this forum right now says a lot for you; keep at it, God won't let you down.
 
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Hi Josh, and welcome to CF! (A bit belated but I see you haven't posted a lot) :)

You are correct - drinking alcohol is not a sin. Getting drunk is. But in moderation, it is certainly allowed. Jesus drank wine, so by that fact it can't possibly be a sin.

However, we tend to carry with us and be affected by our past. If you were raised to believe drinking any alcohol is a sin, and you feel uncomfortable doing it for that reason, it is right that you abstain. If you drink in violation of your conscience, it isn't the drinking that is a sin, but the violation of your conscience that is.

You are also quite right to be sensitive to the weaker consciences of anyone else. If someone might see you drinking alcohol, even if you are convinced (rightly) that it is not a sin, but if THEIR conscience says it is, and you cast doubt on Christ or scandalize someone because of drinking alcohol, then that violation of someone's weak conscience is a sin because it's not loving and could damage their faith.

It's not a thing we must do. I know it's allowed, but I don't care for the taste, so I very rarely drink alcohol. We miss nothing spiritually by not doing it (though I do receive Holy Communion from bread and wine).

God be with you!
 
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PloverWing

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I have been brought up my whole life alcohol is bad so maybe thats why i feel this way?
There's a good chance that your feelings are influenced by your upbringing. If you've been trained your whole life to think of something as bad, it's hard for your emotions to shake that off.

Form your conscience by thinking through the issue, reading Scripture, and analyzing the positive and negative effects of alcohol. It sounds like you've done this already. Once you've formed your conscience, don't let your emotions bully you.
Also, maybe because the culture looks at alcohol as worldly and since things are viewed differently now, I wouldnt want someone to stumble and think im living in sin "only because alcohol is such a problem these days"

This is something to pay attention to, but in a thoughtful way. You don't have to refrain from alcohol just because somebody somewhere objects to it. But you can be the person at the party who looks out for the needs of people who don't drink. Make sure drinks like soda or sparking cider are available. Offer to be the designated driver sometimes. Don't make fun of people who don't want to drink; say "Okay, here's a soda" instead of "C'mon, loosen up, have a beer" when someone turns down the offer of alcohol.

I sympathize with your situation. Like you, my path took me from believing that alcohol is always wrong to believing that alcohol is acceptable if used responsibly. Even now, when I have a glass of wine, I can feel the ghost of my mom's disapproval peering over my shoulder. It's just a ghost.
 
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Dave-W

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LEVITICUS.10: = 8 Then the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying: 9 “Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. ..."
That was a specific group when they were doing a specific function. It is the equivalent of telling the pastor and ministry heads to not get drunk before church services.

It is not and was not a blanket prohibition for all believbers at all times.
 
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RaymondG

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I have asked this before but I wanted to ask in a different forum.
After research I have noticed alcohol is not a sin, drunkeness is.

However I still feel guilty If I were to have a beer or two?

Would like some insight.
In the bible it says if we feel guilty its a sin to us.
I have been brought up my whole life alcohol is bad so maybe thats why i feel this way?

Also, maybe because the culture looks at alcohol as worldly and since things are viewed differently now, I wouldnt want someone to stumble and think im living in sin "only because alcohol is such a problem these days"



advice
The bible mentions different offices in the church and the difference amounts of wine you can drink for the office. Maybe you are be prepared for an office that requires less or no wine. I'd say listen when your self is telling you that you have done something wrong, and go and sin no more.
 
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Dave-W

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However I still feel guilty If I were to have a beer or two?
Would like some insight.
You need to understand the difference between condemnation from the devil and conviction from the Holy Spirit. "Feeling Guilty" falls into the condemnation side of the equation.

Condemnation just makes you feel bad and gives the false message that you are no good and will always do bad. (false)

Conviction OTOH is clean with hope and encouragement. If you have sinned, it says to repent and you can do better.

In the bible it says if we feel guilty its a sin to us.
No, that is NOT what it says. It says what is not done in faith is sin. Big difference.

Romans 14:23
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

So if you have read the WORD and believe that alcohol can be taken (in moderation) then any guilt is condemnation from the devil. (and to be ignored)
 
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Dave-W

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The bible mentions different offices in the church and the difference amounts of wine you can drink for the office.
Really? Where?
 
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MyGivenNameIsKeith

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If you feel guilty about it, don't. You've already stated that. So quit trying to convince yourself that it isn't a sin. Think about the objective of what you are doing with the thread....
You are attempting to justify drinking alcohol when you currently see it as not so good....
That's messed up.
 
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Favourofone

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In the bible it says if we feel guilty its a sin to us.

Some people feel guilty that they can only donate two kidneys. Firemen or paramedics certainly feel guilty they can’t save everyone but that probably doesn’t make saving who they can a sin.

I would suggest this is one those things you should take as useful guideline and not literally.
 
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JoshFL

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You need to understand the difference between condemnation from the devil and conviction from the Holy Spirit. "Feeling Guilty" falls into the condemnation side of the equation.

Condemnation just makes you feel bad and gives the false message that you are no good and will always do bad. (false)

Conviction OTOH is clean with hope and encouragement. If you have sinned, it says to repent and you can do better.


No, that is NOT what it says. It says what is not done in faith is sin. Big difference.

Romans 14:23
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

So if you have read the WORD and believe that alcohol can be taken (in moderation) then any guilt is condemnation from the devil. (and to be ignored)



the verse you quoted is what I meant, sorry I was trying to remember best I could
 
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JoshFL

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I guess just drinking makes me feel guilty although I know its not sin if used properly. I feel people that may look up to me maybe let down and the fact im bothered by or questioning is probably smartest to refrain. I just enjoyed drinking a craft beer and the varieties here and there but I just dont want to sin or go against my conscience

I just cant shake feeling weird about it. I feel like im just doing wrong. Like I could personally be a better witness if I dont drink at all. Not saying drinking is a sin and anyone is less than me, im not saying that at all, just for me I feel maybe its best I dont if I feel that way.
 
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Dave-W

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Like I could personally be a better witness if I dont drink at all.
To who exactly? And a witness of what?

That to all those heathens you are dour old legalist that is against having a good time?
 
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JoshFL

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I just enjoy the varieties like I said and trying new beers etc but I cant shake feeling like im doing wrong everytime I try. I just cant tell if its conviction or just feeling guilty.


If someone who does not have knowledge drinking is not a sin IN MODERATION. They might not understand and the way I am causes them to stumble.
So by not drinking at all I dont have to even worry about it.

Regardless if drinking is a sin or not, its looked at more worldly in this day and age so people dont really associate it with christian behavior so it might throw people off that dont know any better?
You see what im saying?
 
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