Born-again Christians should not drink alcohol. Nine years ago, the Lord delivered me from near death addiction. My situation was extreme. Am I saying that yours will be the same if you have a beer? No, but for some, especially when times get tough, it could go there.

1) It’s a slippery slope.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

If you and I are saved, why are we here?

Our primary duty is to evangelize.

2) For the sake of testimony- so that others can know Christ.

“Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

“You are the light of the world…” Matthew 5:14

Christ living within us, we are light of the world. When a hopeless unbeliever walks into a restaurant, he should immediately notice a stark contrast between the other tables and ours.

The difference should be like black and white. Our joy and peace should be evident through countenance, conversation and actions. Others are watching. We all have influence over people. Take your influence seriously. It’s responsibility. We are called to a higher standard.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1

3) But we are free!

Well-intentioned: “I want to show everyone how fun it is to follow Christ!”

– We are not selling worldly fun; we are selling peace through forgiveness and freedom from sin.

Jesus turned water to wine to prove His deity.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Galatians 5:13‭-‬14

“All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:23‭-‬24

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1

“The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22‭-‬23

4) Alcohol impairs judgment.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 2 Peter 5:8

It’s difficult enough to follow Christ, all the more with impaired judgment.

We make ourselves sitting ducks for the enemy.

“Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12

What is the reason you drink?

“Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4

Do you long to be “part of”? Are we adults caving to peer pressure like a high school student?

Are you terrified to walk alone?

Are you not finding comfort in the Great Comforter?

Does He live inside you?

Do you start every day with Him?

When trials of life come, we should find comfort in the Father, not the bottle. Christ is enough.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

5) Christ is enough. Praise the Lord!