GFChurch’s Position on Alcohol

This question often comes up in Christian circles because of the surrounding world’s influence, so we cannot avoid difficult questions. The use of alcohol is in fact such a question. The reason is that Scripture does not directly forbid alcohol use. This is why there are many different positions and views. Our goal is not to investigate or even list each position. Our goal is to look at one text in light of the whole Bible:

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…” (Eph. 5:18)

So, what stands behind this simple command to not get drunk with wine? For this we need to look at Scripture and see how it describes the “grey areas” of the Christian life.

1) Is it necessary? We must consider the ancient cultural context. Water was often contaminated, and wine was used as a disinfectant. This wasn’t done everywhere or always, but it was a reality of the time when this epistle was written. This is specifically the reason why this command to not get drunk exists. It’s possible to get a little carried away disinfecting the water and to become drunk. We don’t have this problem with water today, so why do we use alcohol? Clearly not in an anti-bacterial way. We need to clearly admit that wine today is used purely for entertainment and is not a necessity. Beloved, this reveals a lot. We talk much about entertainment while Scripture speaks about our spiritual life as a spiritual battle for holiness, victory over sin, and soul-winning for God’s kingdom. This mentality is war-like! And yet we are converting the aircraft carrier of the church and the Christian life into a cruise liner simply for relaxation.

2) Is it the best choice? Even though there is no direct prohibition of alcohol in the New or Old Testament, we see that avoiding alcohol use is not a legalistic approach toward godliness but rather, a genuine committing of yourself to God. Aaron and the priests were forbidden to use alcohol as a visual representation of their calling toward a higher morality (Lev 10:9). This was also expected of the kings (Pr. 31:4-5). When a person took a Nazirite vow, he or she had to avoid anything that was a product of the grapevine (Num. 6:2-4). The Rechabites are a great example of obedience to their father to avoid wine and of devotion to God (Jer 35:1-19). Finally, the greatest OT prophet, John the Baptizer, is mentioned as one who avoided alcohol (Luke 1:15).

3) Is it habit forming? First Corinthians 6:12 says that we should not be dominated by anything. It’s well-known that alcohol addiction is one of the most common and dangerous addictions. Why play with fire?

4) Is it potentially destructive? Ephesians 5:18 speaks about wine as that which leads to debauchery, i.e., morally objectionable behavior. This word is used to describe the reckless living of the prodigal son (Luke 15:13).

5) Will it offend other Christians? First Corinthians 8:8-11 says that an improper use of Christian liberty can bring great harm and destruction to many other believers.

6) Will it harm my Christian testimony? First Corinthians 10:27-33 does not leave the door open for excuses for those who are seeking to justify alcohol use. It can set up serious obstacles in bringing the gospel of grace to unbelievers!

7) Is it right? Let’s be honest, after all the listed arguments against alcohol use, would it be right to use alcohol while hiding behind your freedom? If there is any doubt, then better to avoid it (Rom 14:23).

Beloved, there are reasons why some things in Scripture are set forth clearly like “do not murder” or “do not commit adultery.” We don’t find this command, “do not drink alcohol,” because this is a question that a believer should decide willingly, in freedom, praying, and with a desire to please God. If you willingly decide to refuse alcohol, then this will bring maximum glory to God! For this reason, we, the Elder Board, decided for ourselves to always and everywhere avoid alcohol use. Beloved, trust me, life has not become monotone, uninteresting, and boring.

¹ Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
² Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

³ You return man to dust
    and say, “Return, O children of man!”
⁴ For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

⁵ You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
⁶ in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers.

⁷ For we are brought to an end by your anger;
    by your wrath we are dismayed.
⁸ You have set our iniquities before you,
    our secret sins in the light of your presence.

⁹ For all our days pass away under your wrath;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
¹⁰ The years of our life are seventy,
    or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
    they are soon gone, and we fly away.
¹¹ Who considers the power of your anger,
    and your wrath according to the fear of you?

¹² So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom.
¹³ Return, O Lord! How long?
    Have pity on your servants!

• Thursday (6:30 PM) – Kid’s Bible School (open to all but required for parents), followed by a prayer service at 7:30 PM.
• Saturday (9:00 AM) – Women’s Christmas Breakfast (in the gym)
• Sunday services:
  • Worship Service in Russian at 9:00 AM
  • Worship Service in English at 11:15 AM