Bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper: exposing the debilitating effects of alcohol and drugs.

LESSON 10

BITES LIKE A SERPENT AND STINGS LIKE A VIPER: EXPOSING THE DEBILITATING EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

You are welcome to another edition of Insights from God's Word, a Bible study programme that is committed to sharing God's Word by allowing the Bible to speak for itself.

In this edition, we continue with our series on How to Prosper in Health. The topic for this study is: Bites like a serpent and stings like a viper: exposing the debilitating effects of alcohol and drugs. In Christendom today, there is no contention in relation to the harmful effects of stimulating drugs such as cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine and heroin. However, when it comes to alcohol, there are two major views that prevail in Christendom. The large majority of Christians today believe that there is nothing wrong in using moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages. A small minority of Christians however believe in the total abstinence of alcoholic beverages.

In this study, we are going to consider among other things the following:

i) The two types of wine in Scripture;

ii) The biblical viewpoint in relation to alcoholic beverages;

iii) An explanation of the original words which are translated as wine in Scripture;

iv) An examination of various Bible passages that seem to lend support to the use of alcoholic beverages;

v) The history of the Christian church in relation to alcoholic beverages;

vi) The negative effects of alcoholic beverages and other stimulating drugs;

vii) and a scriptural appeal on abstinence as the key to remaining sober in this time of the end.

1) THE TWO TYPES OF WINE IN SCRIPTURE

For us to come away with a clearer understanding of this lesson, it is important for us to first obtain the point that the Scripture generally presents two types of wine: 1) unfermented wine and 2) fermented wine. Unfermented wine refers to the new or fresh juice of the grape or other fruit. This wine is not intoxicating. Fermented wine on the other hand refers to the sour or aged juice of the grape or other products. This type of wine is intoxicating as it contains the drug alcohol. In this study, our focus will be on what the Bible has to say on fermented wine which contains the drug alcohol.

2) THE BIBLICAL VIEWPOINT IN RELATION TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

In this section, we are going to consider what the Bible has to say in relation to alcoholic beverages. We are going to find an answer to the question: Does the Bible expressly forbid alcoholic beverages, or somehow endorses moderate drinking? Thankfully, the Bible's position on alcoholic beverages is very clear. At this point, I want us to review what the Bible clearly puts forward in relation to alcoholic beverages:

A) "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1).

B) "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!" (Isaiah 5:11).

C) "Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink" (Isaiah 5:22).

D) "29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder" (Proverbs 23:29-32).

E) "19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, DRUNKENNESS, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21; Capital Emphasis Added).

F) "9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, NOR DRUNKARDS, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Capital Emphasis Added).

From the perspective of these texts of Scripture, it is clear that the Bible expressly forbids the use of alcoholic beverages. At this point in our study, some questions that I believe many readers will want to find an answer to are these:

i) What about other texts in Scripture that support the use of alcoholic beverages?

ii) How do we reconcile those texts with the texts we have just covered above?

Friends, the clue to understanding texts of Scripture that seem to allow the use of alcoholic beverages lies in the correct interpretation of the various original words which are generally translated as wine in Scripture. Clearly, a lack of understanding of the key original words translated as wine in Scripture have emboldened many of God's children to partake of alcoholic beverages with the view that the Scripture does not wholly frown on alcohol.

3) AN EXPLANATION OF KEY ORIGINAL WORDS WHICH ARE TRANSLATED AS WINE IN SCRIPTURE

The Bible makes use of several different original words that are translated as wine in our modern English Bibles. This general translation has often obscured the correct meaning of various passages in relation to alcohol in the Bible. Three original Hebrew words that are often translated as wine in the Old Testament are yayin, shekar and tirosh. In the New Testament, the original word that is often translated as wine is oinos. At this point, we will consider a brief explanation of these four original words that are commonly translated as wine in the Bible:

Yayin - The word 'yayin' is a generic term that is often utilised in the Old Testament for the juice of the grape, whether fermented or unfermented.

Shekar - The word 'shekar' is utilised in the Old Testament to refer to fermented wine. Shekar has frequently been translated in the Old Testament as strong wine or strong drink. This fermented wine is produced from dates, barley or other fruit source besides the grape.

Tirosh - The word 'tirosh' is employed in the Old Testament to refer to the freshly pressed out juice of the grape before fermentation had begun. It is often referred to as "new wine" in the Old Testament.

Oinos - The word 'oinos' is frequently translated in the New Testament as wine. Just like yayin, oinos is a generic word which can be applied to both fermented and unfermented wine.

From the explanations we have gone through on the key original words translated as wine in Scripture, it is only the word 'tirosh' which is utilised almost specifically for unfermented wine. Shekar is employed for fermented wine while yayin and oinos are all employed for both the fermented and unfermented condition of wine. It is this lack of specification in translation that has brought about a lot of confusion in the interpretation of certain texts of Scripture that make use of the general word 'wine'.

Beloved, even though there seems to be a lack of consistency in relation to the various original words that are translated as wine in Scripture, yet an understanding of these words will actually help one to come away with a better interpretation of seemingly confusing texts on the subject. With this background, I would want us to now consider various texts that seem to allow the use of alcoholic beverages, and how an understanding of the original words translated generally as 'wine' actually helps to come away with a better understanding of the various seemingly confusing texts.

4) AN EXAMINATION OF VARIOUS PASSAGES THAT SEEM TO ALLOW THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Some texts that seem to allow the use of alcoholic beverages and their suggested explanations are outlined below:

A) PASSAGES THAT GENERALLY AFFIRM THE USE OF WINE

i) "And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, OF THY WINE (TIROSH), and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always" (Deuteronomy 14:23; Capital Emphasis Added).

ii) "... WINE (TIROSH), which cheereth God and man..." (Judges 9:13; Capital Emphasis Added).

Key Explanation: A superficial reading of the two passages above is likely to suggest to the reader that the Scripture does not totally frown on alcohol. However, it is interesting to note that the original Hebrew word which is translated wine in the texts above is 'tirosh' which simply denotes the freshly pressed out juice of the grape. In other words, it is unfermented wine which does not contain alcohol that the Bible is advocating in these texts. Thus beloved, these two texts of Scripture above cannot be utilised to support the point that the Bible endorses the use of alcoholic beverages.

iii) "Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, AND DRINK THY WINE (YAYIN) WITH A MERRY HEART; for God now accepteth thy works" (Ecclesiastes 9:7; Capital Emphasis Added).

iv) "14 He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; 15 AND WINE (YAYIN) THAT MAKETH GLAD THE HEART OF MAN, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart" (Psalm 104:14-15; Capital Emphasis Added).

Key Explanation: The original Hebrew word which is translated as wine in the two texts above is 'yayin' which can be utilised for both fermented and unfermented wine. However, it is clear that in the texts above, unfermented wine is the type of wine that is being referred to. This is basically because this wine is mentioned among a range of natural products from the earth such as grass, herb, food and oil. Fermented wine which contains the drug alcohol is not a natural product of growth but rather of rottenness, and thus cannot be the type of wine that is being referred to in these texts. As the texts stipulates, it is actually unfermented wine which refreshes and makes glad the heart of man, and not fermented wine which rather kills the soul.

B) PASSAGES THAT SEEM TO AFFIRM THE USE OF STRONG WINE

i) "And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the STRONG WINE (SHEKAR) to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering" (Numbers 28:7; Capital Emphasis Added).

Key Explanation: The original word 'shekar' which is utilised for fermented wine is the word translated as strong wine in this text. From a superficial understanding of this text, many have argued that if strong wine was utilised for the sanctuary ordinances then the Bible cannot completely condemn it. But it is important to note that these drink offerings were not drunk by the priests but poured out beside the altar. In fact, in relation to alcoholic beverages, the Lord had commanded the priests that it was an abomination for them to take in alcoholic beverages while they ministered in the sanctuary (see Leviticus 10:8-10).

ii) "And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or FOR STRONG DRINK (SHEKAR), or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household" (Deuteronomy 14:26).

Key Explanation: The original word 'shekar' which is utilised for fermented wine is the word translated as strong drink in this text. This text has often been quoted in Christendom to support the use of alcoholic beverages. But when we compare this text with other texts where the original word 'shekar' is employed, it becomes clear that this passage seem to be among the few odd ones. This is because the original word translated as 'shekar' in Deuteronomy 14:26 is actually condemned in several places of Scripture because of its negative effects on humanity (see Isaiah 5:11; Isaiah 5:22; Isaiah 28:7; Isaiah 29:9; Micah 2:11; 1 Samuel 1:15; Proverbs 20:1; Leviticus 10:9).

Friends, from the principle of scriptural consistency, it is clear that the text in Deuteronomy 14:26. should have a deeper meaning than what we obtain from it through a superficial reading. And yes! That's exactly what we discover when we look deeper. When we consider the entire passage of Deuteronomy 14:22-29, we learn that the passage specifically deals with the subject of tithing. From this context of tithing, we come to learn that strong drink and other products were to be purchased, not for usual consumption, but rather for the payment of tithe that one couldn't give earlier because he or she was far away from the central place of congregation.

With this point in hand, it becomes clear that the text in Deuteronomy 14:26 cannot be used as a justification for alcohol intake. For how could God, who has declared that He changeth not (see Malachi 3:6), expressly condemn the consumption of alcoholic beverages (shekar) in several portions of Scripture (review Isaiah 5:11; Isaiah 5:22; Isaiah 28:7; Isaiah 29:9; Micah 2:11; 1 Samuel 1:15; Proverbs 20:1; Leviticus 10:9), and then turn around to allow its free usage at such a time when His people have gathered at the central place of worship to present themselves before Him.

From the eminent Jewish Rabbi Daniel Hue, we also learn the following in relation to the Jews: "In their oblations and libations, both public and private, they employed the fruit of the vine, that is, fresh grapes and unfermented grape juice."

iii) "4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink WINE; nor for princes STRONG DRINK (SHEKAR): 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give STRONG DRINK (SHEKAR) unto him that is ready to perish, and WINE unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more" (Proverbs 31:4-7; Capital Emphasis Added).

Key Explanation: The original word 'shekar' which is utilised for fermented wine is the word translated as strong drink in this passage. From the passage, we are told that this type of wine perverts judgement, and hence not good for the king. Moreover, the situation under which this kind of wine is sarcastically recommended tells clearly that it cannot be a wholesome product: for it is to be given to the one who is ready to perish. You see friends, just like chloroform is applied to deaden the pain of patients during surgical operations today, so was a special kind of fermented wine, usually mixed with gull or myrrh utilised in ancient cultures to deaden the agony of pain.

In fact, it was this kind of fermented wine which was offered to the Saviour to deaden the agony of His pain whilst He hang on Calvary's cross (Matthew 27:33-35; Mark 15:22-23). But you know what? Our Lord preferred to maintain a pure mind at that critical hour when the destiny of this world hanged on His sacrificial death on the cross. Christ, knowing the adverse effects of fermented wine decided to rather endure the harsh agonies of the cross than choose to even sip a small amount of fermented wine which had the capacity of perverting His judgement at that crucial hour. Beloved, if we want to follow the example of Jesus in everything, then it is clear that we cannot also partake of fermented wine which contains the drug alcohol.

C) TEXTS THAT SEEM TO SUPPORT MODERATE DRINKING

"Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, NOT GIVEN TO MUCH WINE (OINOS), not greedy of filthy lucre" (1 Timothy 3:8; Capital Emphasis Added). Key Explanation: The expression "not given to much wine" in the text above is usually quoted by moderate drinkers to justify their practice of alcohol intake. Such people argue that the apostle Paul did not wholly condemn the use of alcoholic beverages, and that a moderate use of alcohol is not condemned by Scripture. But friends, when we analyse this text from the context of the passage within which it is found, we come away with a different understanding.

You see friends, in outlining the qualifications of bishops and deacons; Paul clearly states the following in his letter to Timothy: "3:1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3:3 NOT GIVEN TO WINE, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

3:8 LIKEWISE must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, NOT GIVEN TO MUCH WINE, not greedy of filthy lucre;

3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."

(1 Timothy 3:1-13; Capital Emphasis Added) Beloved, from this passage, we can deduce clearly that Paul did not mean that bishops should abstain from alcoholic beverages while the deacons used the same in a moderate manner. The key expression "LIKEWISE MUST THE DEACONS BE ..." which was utilised by Paul in introducing the qualifications of a deacon, right after he was done with that of the bishops, makes it clear that all persons who will qualify to be bishops and deacons must actually exhibit the same godly characteristics.

What this means is that if the bishops were to abstain from alcoholic beverages, LIKEWISE were the deacons to follow the same rule. From this point, it follows that the phrase "not given to much wine" was used by the apostle Paul in reference to unfermented wine instead of fermented wine, especially when we know that the Greek word 'oinos' which is translated as wine in this controversial text can be used to also denote the unfermented condition of wine.

Beloved, from this understanding, it is clear that Paul in utilizing the phrase "not given to much wine" was concerned that the leadership of the church will not give in to gluttony in the drinking of even "good wine", so to speak, but rather observe the principles of moderation or temperance in relation to it. It is with this same principle that the similar text in Titus 2:3 should be understood.

D) CHRIST CHANGED WATER INTO WHAT TYPE OF WINE?

From John 2:1-10, we come across Christ and His disciples at a wedding in a town called Cana. At this wedding, the wine that was being used to serve the guests got finished and Christ was called upon to help in this circumstance. The account makes it clear that Christ turned six waterpots of water into wine for the guests at the wedding. The question that begs for an answer from this story is this: What kind of wine did Christ produce for the wedding guests at Cana? In other words, was this wine fermented or unfermented wine?

Friends, a careful reading of the account in John 2:1-10 makes it clear that it was the pure unfermented wine that Christ graciously provided for the guests at the wedding at Cana. We gain such an insight from the governor of the wedding feast who said: "Every man at the beginning doth set forth GOOD WINE; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the GOOD WINE until now" (John 2:10; Capital Emphasis Added).

From Professor Moses Stuart, we learn that the people in ancient times regarded unfermented wine "as of a higher flavor and finer quality than fermented wine." Moreover, Dr. Samuel Myer Isaacs, an eminent Jewish rabbi, bears the following testimony: "The Jews do not, in their feasts for sacred purposes, including the marriage feasts, ever use any kind of fermented drinks."

Beloved, these quotes come to support the point that the wine that the governor proclaimed as good at the wedding at Cana was nothing more than the fresh and nourishing kind of unfermented wine. In fact, given all the negative effects of alcohol that we know today, it is unimaginable to think that the Gentle Jesus would actually create six waterpots of alcoholic wine that could get the entire guests at the wedding feast at Cana drunk and out of their minds to pursue despicable things.

E) THE PASSOVER WINE: WAS IT FERMENTED OR UNFERMENTED WINE?

"26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26: 26-29; see also 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

The passage above depicts the celebration of the Passover feast by Christ and His disciples. Christ commanded His disciples to commemorate His death through the celebration of this feast which is now referred to as the communion service in many denominations. In following the words of Christ in celebrating the communion service, many churches in Christendom do make use of fermented wine which contains the drug alcohol. However, there is no justification for this practice in Scripture. It is important to note that whatever was used during the Passover week was free from ferment or leaven. In fact, during the Passover service, the Jews made use of only unleavened bread as well as unfermented wine which were perfect symbols for the perfect body and blood of Christ (see Leviticus 23:6; 1 Peter 1:19). From this background, it is clear that the communion wine which signifies the blood of Christ cannot be represented by an unwholesome putrefying product such as fermented wine. It is however sad that today many churches make use of fermented or putrefying wine in administering the communion service, and thus introduce their members to one of the most dangerous poisons ever put together by human hands.

F) USE A LITTLE WINE FOR THY STOMACH'S SAKE: PAUL'S ADMONITION TO A TEETOTALER

"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" (1 Timothy 5:23).

Many in Christendom today quote the text above as justification for their intake of alcohol. It is however important to note that when the apostle Paul counselled the young Timothy to "use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" (1 Timothy 5:23), it was unfermented grape juice that he was referring to, and not fermented wine that contained alcohol. In fact, some Bible commentators have argued that the advice from the apostle Paul to Timothy became necessary as the young Pastor was actually a teetotaler, and hence had to be encouraged by Paul to take a small amount of even unfermented sweet wine for his stomach maladies.

It is interesting to note that besides Scripture, history also helps us to understand how unfermented wine served as a medical prescription for stomach disorder. From Athenaeus (A.D. 280), we read the following counsel in relation to the medicinal effects of unfermented wine: "Let him take sweet wine, either mixed with water or warmed ... as being good for the stomach; for sweet wine does not make the head heavy" (Athenaeus, 'Deipnosophistae, 2). Beloved, it is clear that the text in 1 Timothy 5:23 cannot be referring to fermented wine which contains alcohol, as this kind of wine does not provide any healing effect for the stomach, but rather affects it negatively. From Alcohol Answers, we learn that Alcohol, taken even in relatively small amounts, can interfere with many stomach functions and cause problems such as altered gastric acid secretion, acute gastric mucosal injury, and interference with gastric and intestinal motility (see www.alcoholanswers.org).

5)

THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Several research studies have made it clear that the consumption of alcoholic beverages does not just affect the stomach, but also destroys the body's immune system, and thus leads to various diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, nerve damage, sexual weakness and certain forms of cancers. In fact, the effects of alcoholic beverages go beyond the fatal diseases that are mentioned above. Several studies also note the following as other negative effects of alcohol intake:

i) Alcohol destroys the dignity that God gave mankind at creation. It destroys our brain cells and dramatically affects our ability to reason.

ii) Alcohol affects the level of usefulness of a person. It promotes apathy and disorientation for the important things of life.

iii) Alcohol intake leads to poor judgement which can lead to various accidents such as fatal falls, on the job injuries, burns, drowning and car crashes.

iv) Alcohol intake is highly linked to serious problems such as broken families and relationships.

v) Alcoholic beverages promotes promiscuity and other sexually - related sins.

vi) Alcohol is an addictive drug. Two out of five people who begin drinking will have serious problems later in life.

6) WHAT ABOUT CIGARETTES AND OTHER STIMULATING SUBSTANCES?

Besides alcohol, the Bible provides principles that make it clear that God's children must also stay away from other stimulating substances such as cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, heroin and their like (see 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).

Friends, just like alcohol, these drugs contain toxic substances that destroy our bodies. Research has shown that cigarette smoking contributes to heart diseases, strokes, various forms of cancer, emphysema, premature births, poor circulation and shortness of breath. The Beckman Research Institute has estimated that "cigarette smoking kills over 1,000,000 people each year". With this information on cigarettes, we can only imagine how other deadly drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin are also destroying the lives of millions around the world.

7) TOTAL ABSTINENCE: THE ONLY SAFE COURSE

Beloved, with all the negative effects associated with alcoholic beverages and other stimulating drugs, it is understandable why the Scripture frowns on their use. Today in Christendom, many who will not argue about the devastating effects of stimulating drugs do not find any problem with moderate alcohol intake. But beloved, irrespective of our attitude towards alcohol, the scriptural admonition for all of God's children is this: "31 LOOK NOT thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder" (Proverbs 23:31-32; Capital Emphasis Added).

Friends, as we can clearly see from the above passage, the biblical command in relation to alcoholic beverages is to "look not", so we are not even tempted to drink. The wise king Solomon makes it clear that just as the venom of the snake will kill a man, so will the poison in alcohol destroy those who play with it. Shakespeare, the renowned writer was right on the spot when he made the following remark about alcohol: "O God! That men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains."

Beloved, the only safe course in relation to alcoholic beverages is total abstinence. In the 18th and 19th century, most churches and influential preachers such as John Wesley, boldly taught total abstinence from alcohol as a biblical moral imperative. However, during the past century most churches have abandoned their belief in total abstinence as a biblical imperative. As a result, many sincere Christians today see nothing wrong with moderate drinking. From all indications, it is clear that the devil has succeeded in leading many denominations in Christendom to compromise on alcohol so that the hearts of men and women will be caught up in its use, and be naturally prevented from realising the time of the end in which we live.

Friends, if there was ever a time that it was very dangerous to make use of alcoholic beverages; it is today, even now, when the coming of our Lord is more imminent than ever. Complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages is the only way that God's people can be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually sober in watching unto our Lord's return. For how can we expect to be watchful when our judgement is compromised by alcohol? For those who think that they can moderately partake of alcohol and maintain their integrity should only consider how alcohol perverted the reasoning of righteous persons such as Noah (see Genesis 9:20-21) and Lot (see Genesis 19:31-36).

8) Beloved, through this study, I believe the Lord is calling upon all His faithful children to make a definite decision to abstain from alcoholic beverages and all other addictive drugs so as to spare themselves the deadly physical and spiritual effects that these substances bring upon those who make use of them. My beloved friend, do you freely make use of alcohol? Are you addicted to it? Have you tried to quit without success? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I want to encourage you that all is not lost. From John 15:15, we read the following reassuring words of Christ: "If the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed". Dear friend, this is a powerful promise from the Creator God that you only need to claim to be made whole. I know Christ can help you to overcome the bottle and any other stimulating drug because I have seen how He has helped other people to overcome such addictions. My dear friend, why don't you take the hand of the Saviour now, and ask Him for strength in prayer to overcome the destructive habits of consuming alcohol and drugs?

Exhortation: "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee" (Psalms 84:11-12).

"19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; NKJV).

SELECTED REFERENCES / FURTHER STUDY

1) The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages by Samuel Bacchiocchi

2) Beer and Wine: The Bible's Counsel by William H. Shea

In our next study, we will consider the topic: Back to the Original Diet: The Best Option for Optimum Health Today. The Bible study reference for this study is 2 Chronicles 20:20. Please do well to go through this text before the next study is released.

Stay blessed and keep shining for King Jesus.

Maranatha!

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