May Christians Drink But Not Get Drunk?

Christians should not consume alcohol in any setting, including casual or social drinking. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not serve alcohol or intoxicating drinks. Watch time: 22:26 • That’s in the Bible • Hosted by Brother Bob Pellien Scripture references: Luke 21:34 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 1 Peter 2:21-22 Proverbs 23:31-32 1 Corinthians 5:11 Proverbs 31:5 Ephesians 4:27 _____________________________________________________________________________________ In This Episode: 3:03 What does the Bible say about getting drunk? 6:04 Did Jesus Christ drink or serve alcohol? 12:10 Is social drinking bad for Christians?   Click to expand transcript Full Episode Transcript Brother Bob Pellien: May a Christian drink alcohol as long as they don’t get drunk? [SHOW OPEN] The Bible, the basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and, most importantly, salvation—That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. We’ve received quite a number of questions through email, and social media and such that pertains to a common issue, which is drinking alcohol or intoxicating drinks that can lead to getting a person drunk. Here are some of what we have received. The first is from Faye and she asks: [On-screen text graphic] Faye Am I forbidden to have a drink of wine or a drink with a meal, not to get drunk but enjoy a drink with a meal? What is the true definition of drunkard as it pertains to the bible? Brother Bob: And we received this one from someone in Las Vegas named Jesse who asked: [On-screen text graphic] Jesse What was the significance of Christ giving Judas the bread dipped in wine? Brother Bob: Well dear friends, here we can see that the question is regarding the wine the Lord Jesus Christ used. Similarly, in one of our other programs also produced in the Church Of Christ called The Message, in an episode regarding why Christians should not drink alcohol, and we received a comment for that argument that Jesus is ok with drinking alcohol. Royce asked: [On-screen text graphic] Royce Dela Cruz The transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana (also called the marriage at Cana, wedding feast at Cana or marriage feast at Cana) is the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John. Does this mean Jesus is doing the wrong thing? Brother Bob: Well, thank you all for your important questions and also giving us the opportunity today to clarify the Bible’s teachings on these. So, let’s begin. Let’s learn, “What does the Bible actually teach regarding alcohol and intoxicating drinks that can get a person drunk?”. In order to accurately answer these questions, let’s frame our discussion together around these sub-questions:  What does the Bible say about getting drunk? Did Jesus Christ drink or serve alcohol? What is forbidden so Christians will not fall into drunkenness? 3:03 What does the Bible say about getting drunk? Brother Bob: Alright, let’s start with the first question. What does the Bible actually instruct regarding getting drunk? Let’s turn to the Bible and open it to Luke 21:34 wherein the following is recorded: “Be careful not to spend your time having parties and getting drunk or worrying about this life. If you do that, you won’t be able to think straight, and the end might come when you are not ready. [Luke 21:34 Easy-to-Read Version] Brother Bob: Notice who is giving the instruction: this is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ himself. What did Christ instruct? He said, “Be careful”. What should we be careful NOT to do? He said, “Be careful not to spend your time… worrying about this life… don’t spend your time having parties and getting drunk.” So according to Christ these are things that we should not do. According to the Bible then, the Savior Himself prohibits getting drunk. Why? “What’s so bad if one gets drunk?” one may say. Some might even say “It’s just having fun, it’s harmless.” What are the consequences however that the Bible makes mention which we sho