......maybe a little controversial, but here it goes......I've noticed in reading varies profiles here, and on other sites for that matter, that many of the brothers either drink socially or take 1 or 2 on occasion.
This is not to say that on profiles of sisters, that they too don't indulge. My question, which will obviously go for both genders, but right now I'm addressing my sisters........could this be something you'd compromise on? I ask because personally I've noticed that a lot of brothers who may view my profile and I in turn view theirs, they either drink socially, or on occasion. I, by choice, don't drink or smoke and that's something I just can't compromise on.
Ironically when I view these profiles, a large number of these brothers really have so many other qualities I do admire in a man.....it's just a little frustration! I can't help but wonder if amongst those few who had sooooooo many other qualities I admire, that there might have been just one who........well you guys know where I'm going with this, still knowing that who God has for me, is for me..........I just had to ask(smile)!
JUST TO NOTE***In God's Word, there are so many verses dealing with the consequences of "strong drink", in Proverbs especially, that I really didn't want to go there, but again I know this subject is sensitive to many and my intentions is NOT to offend anyone.....I just want to have a healthy, adult discussion......be blessed!
I am currently a member of a Southern Baptist church. However, growing up, I also attended Free Will Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Church of God, Pentecostal Holiness, Mennonite (with some of my cousins who are Mennonite), and Quaker churches.
If the bible clearly states that "drinking" is wrong and should not be done, then of course to me it would be a sense of worry.
But due to the fact that it does not state that at all, I will not limit myself from giving a chance to those Possibilities.
As long as it is not excessive as the word states, I am one stress less.
I for one don't need to drink to relax myself and have fun, but I do it because there are some things (hopefully more safe than not) that are new (for me at least) that I am willing to try.
If it does not stop me from still being under Elohim's good grace, than I am up for the adventure and getting to know the person of interest.
There are some very good arguments to this forum but some that I personally (strongly) believe is misinterpreted (I do not discard that I might be wrong and will ask Elohim for guidance)
iwalkAlone,
there are some things you said that I do agree with, but the way it was delivered was arrogant and unforgiving. Even reading it reeks of pure arrogance.
I do understand that we get passionate and celos
about the word of our Lord, but just remember that we have to be as tactful as he. He did it with a style that leaves ones speechless, enlightened and with out him breaking a sweat. The less animosity the better.
I hope and pray that you do not take what I wrote with offense but instead as a reminder.
How have you been, old friend? I for one have not been on this site for a looooong time but am happy to be back.
Now, there are some things in the bible that I believe can be Interpreted as literal and as clear as day, but as we all know there are sonething that are more complex and have many meanings.
For example, your example:
Luke 5:37-3937 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.
I personally believe that the above verses has to do with new and in some cases old believers.
When we fist get to know Elohim and find out exactly the type of life style we are getting ourselves into, it is very tempting to turn back. ether it be in the beginning or middle of our walk ( for some towards the end). The Jewish people also faced this when leaving Egypt and had said many things that means going back to the old ways.
I believe when he said new wine, he means allowing him to enter our temple (bottle) anew, fresh, with out any left over debris. Allow him to wash us and prep us for his stay. He cannot reside in an unholy place and there for he needs to work on us, mold us as he sees fit.
He knows that we will be resistant and are at the moment week in faith but he is willing to work at it.
I truly don't believe he was literally talking about wine. I believe that he used it as an example.
I do believe that you should go for what you feel comfortable with.
But, if there is one thing that I am sure of about my Lord and savior (it could be that he prefers OUR personal relationship this way) he a lot of times puts us with people we believe we would not get along with to test our faith and love for him.
I personally will not limit myself from being with someone who loves the Lord but has something that I personally (humanly) don't agree with.
I've learned that the Lord always pushes me and places me in situations that I Don't agree with or would not want to be in, but it all always works out for my best interest. Lessons learned.
Come to think of it, its a Daniel and the Whale type relationship. LOL!!
if this need to be with a nonalcoholic drinker is from the Lord, he will let you know. Just ask for HIS guidance.
I think the bible is very clear on wine and strong drink. It also associates them with fools and harlots. For me, befriending someone who drinks alcoholic beverages is a definite NO.
