Quote:  “Biblical principles warn us against the dangers inherent in alcohol use. Instead of being controlled by alcohol, believers are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Those who refrain from alcohol consumption will never suffer the ill effects associated with its use. Liberty Baptist Church expects its members to abstain from the recreational use of alcohol. Members are also encouraged to avoid involvement in selling alcohol if possible and to avoid patronizing establishments whose primary goal is the sale of alcohol.”

That is a statement from our church policy manual. Similar language encouraging Christians to abstain from alcohol consumption is contained in the governing documents of many Baptist churches. Baptists typically are not alcohol drinkers.

The Bible provides no comprehensive treatment of alcohol use and abuse, but we may draw some reasonable conclusions from the many passages in the Bible that make reference to it.

Today I want to speak on the topic of alcohol use by Christians. Some Christians think that it’s perfectly fine to use alcohol. You may be aware that some of the churches in town sell alcohol in their fundraising projects. Other Christians, including myself, think it’s best for Christians to abstain from alcohol.

A hundred ago, evangelicals were very strongly against alcohol use—that was the prohibition era. Most evangelicals did not think alcohol use was fitting/appropriate for Christians. Many at the time thought it was in the best interests of the country to outlaw its use altogether. It was common to hear sermons denouncing the dangers of alcohol use and abuse. Many Christians were convinced not to use alcohol. But attitudes have changed over the years. Today, many Christians have decided that it’s OK to drink alcohol. In very few churches will you hear messages warning about the dangers of alcohol.

This summer, I’ve been talking about biblical convictions, and one area where we should maintain strong biblical convictions is on the topic of drinking alcohol. I believe that the best position on alcohol is to not use it; abstain from it.