Danylle payne # 4713

Danylle Payne # 4713 Christian Lifestyle Midterm Essay Our Christian life is based on the word of God and nothing else. As a Christian we are held to a higher standard. We should abstain from alcoholic drink. The bible clearly shows that drinking alcoholic beverages result in cheating, hypocrisy, pride, and blasphemy. The spiritual damage caused is not worth it, not only that but the physical health problems as well. Christians should act responsibly concerning their personal testimony and influence. Romans 14: 21 “ Do not do anything that will hurt your testimony as a believer. ” Alcoholic beverages today are much stronger than those of the biblical era and much more likely to produce imperilment of judgment and drunkenness. Today, 5 ounces of wine equals 12 ounces of beer which equals 1. 5 ounces of whiskey, such drinks are approximately three times the alcohol contained in an 8-ounce cup of diluted wine in biblical times. Luke 12: 45, “ Drunkenness will cause a person not to be ready for the Lord’s return. ” This is bad because we must be ready for no one knows the day or hour. Alcoholic beverages today provide no spiritual benefit but have the realistic potential for harm to many people spiritual and physically. Habakkuk 2: 15, “ woe to him that gives his neighbor drink. ” Paul cites the Corinthian motto, “ Everything is permissible, ” and then counters, “ but all things are not beneficial” 1 Corinthians 10: 23-24. Paul is condemning that which we do, that which is spiritually beneficial, constructive, and good. As a matter of Christian witness we should not do anything that could seriously jeopardize our witness to others. Many lost people expect that Christians should not drink. Others who have been victimized by alcohol-related crimes are extremely sensitive to this issue. They might think that social drinking Christians are heartless and out of touch with the real world. Our concept of freedom should not allow us to participate in this activity that has been so injurious to millions of people in the world. As it says in Proverbs 23: 19-20, “ A wise person will not be among the drinkers of alcoholic beverages. ” You must be mindful of your actions because being a Christian is like living in a glass house, everyone is watching and is aware of everything you do, even if you don’t think anyone’s watching. Our own lifestyles will influence others both outside our home, especially inside our home. Children will most likely follow the example of their parents in alcohol related matters, which means you are held personally responsible for s that Childs sin. People have to eat, but they do not have to drink in the world. Social-drinking is purely a choice and not a compulsion therefore you do not have to give into it. It is a choice that is offensive to some and deadly to many. Alcoholic beverages today could lead to sinful slavery. 1 Corinthians 6: 12 say, “ But I will not be mastered by anything. ” Today alcoholic beverages are extremely addictive and when your addicted to it your allowing it to master you. The easiest way for believers to obey this verse is to abstain from drinking completely. As it says in Proverbs 23: 31, “ God instructs not to look at intoxicating drinks. ” Therefore you should just abstain from them. Not only that but, Alcoholic beverages today will more than likely cause others to spiritually stumble Philippians 2: 4 ;  Roman 14: 19-21 “ It is better not to drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. “Alcoholic beverages today have greater potential of drunkenness and are more closely associated with the unsaved life. The mind should be controlled by the Holy Spirit and lead by the Holy Spirit, not alcohol. We should treat the human body as the temple of God in whatever we do rather we are working, eating, or winning souls. The bible says to do everything you do as you were doing unto the Lord your God. 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20, “ Our bodies are God’s workmanship. ” God created us to praise him and win souls not to fall into the world. Alcohol consumption subjects God’s temple to unnecessary risks which to me far outweigh the benefits, it’s not worth the spiritual and physical abuse you put your body through. Alcoholic beverages today are easily and regularly abused and lead to other forms of wickedness. “ And these also reel with wine and stagger from strong drink, “ They are confused by wine, they totter when rendering judgment” Isaiah 28: 7 Alcohol abuse is a causal factor in 70% of drowning and choking, 50% of “ freak accidents, ” 27, 000 deaths per year due to liver disease, 30% of suicides, 20% of airplane crashes, 50% of fire deaths, and alcohol contributes to 500, 000 injuries per year. Alcoholics outnumber all other addicts. Approximately 77% of all high schoolers use alcohol and nearly 30% drink heavily. Amazingly, over 40% of 8th graders drink. About one in ten of all drinkers will become alcoholics. According to a national surveys, alcohol is a contributing factor in 65% of all murders in the USA, 40% of assaults, 35% of rapes, 55% of domestic violence, 60% of child abuse. Looking at all the negative physical effects cause by alcohol it is clear that it is important now more than ever to abstain from alcohol and focus on winning souls and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. The lost souls of this world need an example not someone to go with the flow of the world. Not only that, but when you drink you open yourself up for other spirits to come in and affect your mind as well. That is why it is very important to be prayed up and filled with the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 5: 18, “ In contrast to being drunk with wine, the believer is to be filled with the spirit. ” Then you are not leaving yourself open for these evil works. The bible clearly states alcoholic drinks are evil, God condemns the drink itself. Proverbs 20: 1 says, “ Wine is a mocker, a strong drink raging; and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise. ” God does not lead us into evil; but he delivers us from it. When drinking you begin to lose control of your body. Genesis 19: 30-38, “ Lot was so drunk he did not know what he was doing; this led to immorality. ” Based on the biblical evidence given, it’s quite clear what our stand on the subject of drinking should be as born again believers. If Jesus did not make, use, approve, commend, or tell us to use intoxicating wine then the bottom line is we don’t use it. 1 Peter 4: 3-4, “ The past life of drunkenness and carousing has no place in the Christian’s life. ” Yes we as believers are going to be tempted and tested but that is why we have to have a deep and personal relationship with God. Titus 2: 2-3, “ the older men and older women of the church are to be temperate and not addicted to wine. ” We must be completely focused on God and deep in his presents. As a believer, leader, and example for the lost it is critical that we keep our focus on God. 1 Thessalonians 5: 6-7, “ Christians are to be alert and self-controlled, belonging to the day. Drunkards belong to the night and darkness. ” Galatians 5: 21, “ Acts of the sinful nature, such as drunkenness, will prohibit a person from inheriting the kingdom of God. ” Your heart cry should be for God and to do his will in every aspect of your life. Leviticus 10: 9-11, “ God commanded priest not to drink so that they could tell the difference between the holy and the unholy. ” As believers we must be able to tell the difference between the things of this world and the things of God. So should we abstain from drinking alcohol? The answer is clear, “ Yes! ” Romans 12: 1-2 , “ therefore, I urge you, brother, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what’s God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. ” We must stay in God’s perfect will and to do that we must abstain from drinking alcoholic drinks, in this way we are keeping our heart right.