Statement on Alcohol in the Church
Friday, April 16, 2010
Statement on Alcohol in the Church
Understanding the nature of human beings - the attraction of the forbidden fruit - people are going to drink - We cannot force anyone to do anything - however:
We would strongly warn and recommend against the use of wine and alcohol by those who are followers of Jesus, believe the Bible and believe in keeping themselves pure for the coming of the Lord.
Because of these things
1. In drinking alcohol it''s about intoxication - and that means coming under the influence and control of another "Spirit" other than the Holy Spirit.
2. Wine and Alcohol has destroyed hundreds of millions of lives over the years - broken homes, shattered dreams, premature deaths, broken hearts, wounded souls.
3. We as children of God should abstain from all appearance of evil. Remember we don't need the wine of the world when we have been given the new wine of the Spirit to drink by Jesus.
4. If we are trying to lead someone to Christ then how do we win them to the Lord and introduce them to the Holy Spirit and the other spirit at the same time.
5. What if we caused them to fall, lose their soul, and go to hell, and to a lost eternity?
6. It's the thin edge of the wedge because it opens up a door - a foothold for the enemy to take over and get control of our lives. People may start of having what they might call "a little for their stomach"s sake", but before long they are needing a designated driver or being arrested for DUI.
7. Just in the ministry alone Adonica and I have seen the devastation in the lives of ministries and marriages of wonderful precious men & women of God - that had powerful anointing reduced to nothing but a crust of bread - all because of alcohol - it is the saddest thing - makes you weep - Oh how the mighty have fallen - it seemed fine when they were successful it did not show, but when they hit hard times they ended up turning to alcohol to relieve the problem, instead of turning to Jesus.
8. I asked many why they drank - they said the pressure was so great that they tried to get relief and then the enemy hooked them and took them into a dark hole - a hole they could not get out of. As with anything addictive, initially, people always believe they are the ones in control until they try to let it go or stop and finally they have to acknowledge that the substance has control of them.
9. Each one will have to follow their conscience the voice of their heart in this matter - our recommendation from 30 years in the ministry and dealing with this problem in the church - don't touch it. This is not about rules and regulations. This is not about being religious. It is about being free it is about your eternity. You are the slave to the one to whom you yield -the one you give place to and submit to. The devil is looking for any opportunity he can find to take you out. He is looking for the chinks in your armor. Why allow a weakness of flesh or mind to be the crack in your door that gives him place.
10. Please read this online book written by a friend, theologian and scientist - on the subject of alcohol in the church - from a biblical, theological, historical and scientific view
http://www.abidingplace.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=145&Itemid=126
PS We are not posting this to bring condemnation on anyone but to help those that are facing a battle !
Love and Blessings
Pastor Rodney & Adonica