WHICH WINE ARE YOU CONSUMING?

Описание: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? We know that the topic of drinking alcohol is going to cause some tension to arise amongst some in the Christian Community. Well, I'm going to come at this from an angle whether you consume any wine, or none at all, and prepare ourselves to dive deeper into this topic. And, framing it in a way to avoid legalism, but at the same time, not jump into overly justifying that the consumption of alcoholic beverages should just be something we dismiss all together especially pertaining to the Church.

To begin, I want to point out that the bible does make comparisons between natural wine and spiritual wine. In other words, we can find biblical context in which the Holy Spirit also symbolizes what it's like to be intoxicated with natural wine--but it's the Spirit.

"For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:" Acts 2:15

*Some Christians might believe that this event in the Holy Spirit was what was to occur then on the Day of Pentecost, but may not feel this type of manifestation should be sought after today. Well, He is the same Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost as today. Yet, I do believe that we shouldn't be aiming to perform a certain outward way, rather allow the Spirit to guide us. Yes! Let's sing, dance, and rejoice in our God; we are called to this. But, keeping in mind that outward expression and movement doesn't always indicate where one is with God, or if they know Him at all. I'm aware how some will often claim to be in the Presence of God. I'm not one quickly to challenge people regarding their experiences, but I will stand on this, if we are indeed in God's Presence, then heart transformation will take place based on the scriptures. Also, lots of nosie doesn't always correlate to the Presence of God either.

WHAT WINE ARE YOU CONSUMING?

While not every shout and tremble is always the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be seekers of the outpouring work of the Holy Spirit in our lives as Believers. Some of you who are skeptical about whether shouting and shaking is the moving of the Holy Spirit, wouldn't be as skeptical about the person in front of you who's clearly tipsy and they are just getting started. One man's moderate consumption might be another man's overload.

"May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine." (Genesis 27:28)

Wine is sometimes referred to as a symbol of joy in the Presence of the Holy Spirit!

"And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit."
(Ephesians 5:18)

*Have you taken notice how "drunk with wine" and being "being filled with the Spirit" is in the same verse?

*I know some will say, "see you can drink wine just don't get drunk..." My question for you is: Should you only focus on enjoying your wine moderately? Are we not seeing that God wants us to be so filled with Him that it looks like one who is under heavy wine consumption? And I'm not referring to falling on the floor like a drunk person of uncontrollable laughter. For being filled with the Spirit of God means our lives, our interactions, and reactions are going to look more and more like (1 Cor. 13th chapter).

*We need Holy Spirit consumption to be that image of Christ! I do get that many are content to say that they are a Christian. Amen. That's wonderful! Our salvation is not based on good works that we have done. However, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit our lives will represent the Goodness of God and His righteousness because we are being renewed and santified in His Presence.

*So, as some of you fill your wine glasses, remember, we are called to long for the Holy Spirit to fill our lives; our spiritual cups.

NOW FROM A SECULAR & SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE:

Consumption of alcohol has caused many deaths in our society due to over consumption, broken relationships, the lost of jobs and some severe health conditions. Alcohol is said to be damaging to the skin but I imagine that's over some time. Alcohol has some damaging impact on the brain, again, I guess that's over a period of time. It is wisdom to advice someone you know who's just had a bad life set-back, lost, divorce, death, trauma, etc., to stay away from alcohol. This would be the advice from even secular councel. Well, how much more we as the people of God should render the same warning? For some, it just takes that one drink to take them down a journey of alcoholism. If the world can talk about this candidly, then why should the Church back out of these discussions?

Yes, I know food can be an addiction. But let's be real here, five donuts won't likley make you dangerous on the road like five glasses of wine would. This is open for more godly discussion.

I don't know about some, but I need my WHOLE mind at all times!

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