Hot Topics: Can a Christian Drink Alcohol? - Archie Callahan

Bridge Church Virginia Beach

August 4, 2024
Series: Hot Topics

Sermon: Can a Christian Drink Alcohol?

Scripture: Proverbs 23:33-35

'Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”'

INTRODUCTION: Should a Christian Drink Alcohol?

Dangers...

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;

whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

- Proverbs 20:1

'Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. '

-Proverbs 21:17

'Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. '

-Proverbs 23:19-21

'Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. '

-Proverbs 23:29-32

“Wine has robbed my people of their understanding. '

-Hosea 4:11

Boundaries...

A boundary is a limit and the purpose of setting a healthy boundary is, of course, to protect and take good care of others and yourself.

'Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.'

-1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

-Luke 21:34-36

The Christian Witness...

'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” '

-Acts 1:8

'Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, '

-Ephesians 5:15-18

CONCLUSION: Our Christian witness is formed by the word of God and our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.