11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

1.  God said to be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 1 Peter 5:8; NKJV). The Greek word “nepho” literally means wineless; free from intoxicants.  

2.  We are to love God with all our minds (Mark 12:30).  Alcohol impairs that mind. 

3.  It is expensive (Proverbs 23:21). 

4.  It makes you do foolish things you would never do in your right mind (Proverbs 23:29-35).

5.  It is dangerous and addictive (Proverbs 20:1). 

6.  It hurts your testimony; you influence others to drink; you often harm others (Romans 14:21). 

7.  Drugs should not be used for recreation and pleasure. 

8.  Never take that first drink, and you will never become a problem drinker. 

9.  Drinking supports an industry that has destroyed untold thousands. 

10.  Not drinking is prudent and wise (Proverbs 20:1; 22:3). 

11.  You should rely on God, not drugs (Psalm 11:1). * 

These 11 Reasons also apply to marijuana, opioids, and other drugs.  There is great danger, stay away!

-David R. Brumbelow, author of Ancient Wine and the Bible: The Case for Abstinence.  gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com

Got questions about the Bible and Alcohol?  

Find answers in “Ancient Wine andthe Bible.”

(Permission granted to reprint.)   
* This is not intended to reject the legitimate use of drugs for strictly medicinal reasons.  

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 17, AD 2017. 

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Baptists, Eastern Orthodox, and Hank Hanegraaff

It is reported that Hank Hanegraaff, the Bible Answer Man, has left Evangelicalism and joined the Eastern Orthodox Church. 

While not following Hanegraaff very closely, in past years I’ve heard him give some good, biblical answers on radio.  On the other hand, I am a Premillennialist, so I have disagreed with Hanegraaff’s views on the Second Coming. 

Hank Hanegraaff has apparently been evolving for some time.  I thought this might be a good time to point out some differences between Baptists, Evangelicals in general, and the Eastern Orthodox. 

By the way, some years ago I was teaching a Bible course at San Jacinto College, Pasadena, Texas.  I had an international student in class who was Orthodox and wrote a research paper.  In passing, he mentioned his belief in Baptismal Regeneration.  I gave him an A for the paper.  Though I disagreed with his doctrine, he did a very good job researching and writing. 

What are some of those differences in beliefs? 

Orthodox believe their authority comes from the Bible and tradition.  Baptists believe the 66 books of the Bible are our final authority for faith and practice (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16). 

In addition, the Orthodox have added another 10 books to the Bible.  Along with the Bible, they also look to Church Fathers, church leaders after the Bible was written, as authoritative. 

The Orthodox believe baptism saves you.  They believe in baptizing infants, a practice not found in Scripture.  Baptists believe in Believer’s Baptism by Immersion, but do not believe it has a part in your salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Only faith in Christ saves you.  See the article below on Baptismal Regeneration. 

While Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a great, godly woman, Orthodox believe in her perpetual virginity and venerate her a little too much.  Baptists and most evangelicals believe after the virgin birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary had other children (Matthew 1:25; 12:46; 13:55-56; John 7:5). 

We also believe it is going a little too far to call Mary the mother of God.  Jesus is God the Son and came from Heaven to Earth to be born in human form.  Jesus is far older than His earthly mother (John 1:1, 14). 

For a summary of the Eastern Orthodox church, see the article by Bill Gordon and Paul Negru at the North American Mission Board:

https://www.namb.net/apologetics/eastern-orthodox

Be praying for Hank Hanegraaff, and make sure you are lashed to the Word of God, the Bible, for your faith and practice. 

Note: The word “orthodox” has also been used by Baptists to simply refer to someone who is conservative and biblical in their doctrine.  The word “Orthodox” in this article, however, refers to the denominational groups by that name. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 12, AD 2017. 

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Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1

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Ancient Wine Production and the Bible

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