A very wise man once said:
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

Seems simple to me.

A few thoughts:
1) There were multiple words in the Bible times translated into English as "wine." Alcoholic wine, mixed wine drinks, grape juice, and also a word of concept but not actual drinking.
2) Anyone who holds that all mention of wine in the Bible referred to alcoholic wine is promoting an agenda rather than the truth. I cannot trust any other statements they make. You should beware.
3) Alcoholic wine has been around a long time, and is spoken of in the Bible. For instance when Noah got off the big boat, got drunk, and then cursed his son for sad event. Also Lot impregnating his daughters after they got him drunk. On the day of Pentecost, the locals thought the Spirit-baptized believers were drunk.
4) Why play with fire? I don't see how friendly I can be with other women than my wife and it not become adultery, I don't speak to try and be just short of a lie and yet still be in the white, why would I drink something that I have to stay short of becoming drunk (exactly where is that line?)?
Lay aside every weight and sin that does so easily beset you.
5) Drunkards are listed with many others in their eternal punishment:
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." Why risk it? All drunkards started at the same point as casual drinkers: one drink.

Jesus is risen. Live in new life, not the old man and old ways.

Its not complicated. People use ethanol for the same reason they use any other drug. They like how it makes them feel. I dont know what the big deal is. if you dont like or want an alcoholic beverage then dont drink one. I think we would do well to quit worrying about other peoples choices. You can only control what you do.

If people stayed out of the public arena during or after drinking, that would be fine. Way too many people cause other people problems with their drinking.

I'm aware that the Bible makes specific reference to non-alcoholic grape juice (don't put new wine into old wineskins.....). But, the fact of the matter is that there was no way to preserve fresh grape juice back then, so unless it was drunk fresh, there was alcohol present in the beverage. Grapes have naturally occuring yeast on them that gets into the juice when pressed, and will ferment the juice unless stopped by cold or hot temps or chemical preservatives. Now, their grapes may not have had a tom of sugar, resulting on a low alcohol content, but low alcohol isn't no alcohol. They also weren't shipping grape juice from all over the world, so unless it was within a week or so of grape-picking season, any grape juice available at any other time of the year other than grape picking time would have had alcohol. That's not agenda, that's just how thinks work.

I like your explanation of this passage.
This was also the first miracle Jesus did during his ministry.
Serving the good wine last, it pointing to the marriage in heaven.
This is a spiritual passage about eternity with our creator.
The good wine, at the wedding feast.

A little wine for thy stomachs sake.
The last of the fruits of the spirit mentioned in Galatians ch 5 is about temperance, or self control.
Give thanks for all that God has provided.
After Paul mentions self control, he mentions against such ther is no law.
Now with no law there's no condemnation, only liberty.

I guess what I don't understand is the attempt to justify alcohol use knowing that it leads to many folks destruction. I'm speaking of professed believers with my statement.

They probably engage in usury too.

Some can handle it, some can't.
Some folks have addictive behaviors and can't be around any amount of alcohol without abusing it. Some people can't keep sweet desert type foods in their house because they have no self control and will eat till the last cookie or Doritos in the bag is gone.

Diabetes is rampant in this country.
Look at the food that is pushed on folks at church potluck dinners. 2nd and 3rd helpings are normal with no one cautioning not to overindulge.

good watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FgRRVRBP3k

I feel personally attacked LOL

Deuteronomy 14:26: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after: for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth; and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou and thine household.


Here's one for you. The Lord was throwing his annual party and told his chosen people what to bring. . Plenty of barbecue and liquor for everyone. Sounds like a good time.
There were undoubtedly some Pharisees in the crowd shaking their heads and tsk tsk'ing everyone. Debbie Downers. lol

Present your argument.

A priest you say?

I could never imagine an alcoholic catholic priest.

Truth.

We already have laws against drunk driving, beating your kids or wife, bar fights, etc. What else do you want? Ten people read the bible and get ten different opinions. Anybody think they are always right?

You’re starting to grow on me!

Danny knows.

BTW I do what I want.

Amen lol

I don't mind a cold beer myself every now and then but I'm not going to go tell the teen group at the local church it's okay to drink cause Jesus did. I just thought that was common sense.