Bible Discussion Thread

Referring to John 46, a lovely person I know, who was born again and gave up all vises to serve Jesus, told me that the water Jesus turned to wine, was nonalcoholic, nonfermented. That Jesus never drank wine that contained alcohol..She said drunkeness was a sin. Believing that last statement, I also believe that the wine that Jesus created at the wedding was alcoholic and that it can be consumed without allowing yourself to become drunk. Yes I do have a glass of wine on occasion but do not get drunk. Is there any proof in the Bible that tells if this wine was with alcohol or not.? Thankyou.

I'm sorry, but I question even the smallest things I read in the Bible. Not because I don't believe. I certainly do believe have faith and trust and love for God and Jesus. Questioning helps me to understand things better. Everyone has their own beliefs and opinions and interpretations. I question to find the reasons for mine. Thank you Linda

It will be recalled that when Jesus was offered wine to relieve His agonies at the cross he refused (although he was given the sour vinegar stuff right before He died). ( Matthew 27:34 as compared with John 19:29). Hence in that case the alcohol was for antiseptic purposes; when in the first it would have mitigated suffering. The verse in 1 Tim. 5:23 implores Timothy because of bad water and digestive issues to drink a little wine. Christ was accused of being a "winebibber" in Matthew 11:19 clearly demonstrates that indeed there were alcoholic beverages He and the disciples would partake in (as the wedding in Cana would also suggest since it was tasted by the official there and verified as such).

As Paul warns; not all things we are at liberty to do should be done. Firstly; we need to consider ourselves and anyone around us to make sure no one has problems with alcohol OR is a believer such as the person you responded to in order not to offend them with your liberties. That short of family settings and perhaps one or two close friends gets pretty difficult. Even drinking a bit to excess can be a slippery slope. At any event; clearly it isn't a sin to do this in context; and the fact it was used for many centuries as a pain killer when other more effective techniques only recently developed; as Proverbs states it is for those who are in great pain ( Proverbs 31:6-7). Those dying should be given pain relief is Solomon's message; but of course we shouldn't be drawn to excesses as he was as the rest of Proverbs teaches us with wisdom after the fact.

Simply being a distraction from God or enjoying any substance that is controlling us is dangerous. We have to be ever vigilant; such benefits as resveritol found in red grapes and in wine can certainly