Wine or drinking alcohol is mentioned in the Bible more than 200 times. Whether people call it “drunk,” “wasted,” or “smashed,” Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, addressed the controversial topic of alcohol and whether or not Christians are allowed to drink.
Pastor Ed Young Says the Bible Gives Christians ‘Freedom’ To Drink Alcohol
In a recent sermon, Pastor Ed Young tackled the “most dangerous drug and the number one drug in America.” He began his sermon by bringing out a six-pack of beer, opening one, and pouring the contents into a mug. Young pointed out the number of emotions people had at that moment—mostly shock. He joked, “Ed, why don’t you drink the beer? Your sermon will be much better.”
Young recognized that listeners were from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and opinions about drinking. Some were living life in the hidden grip of alcoholism. Others had a family history of alcohol abuse. Still others were defensive of either stance—acceptance of social drinking or complete abstinence. Alcohol is a “hotly debated topic,” said Young.
Other pastors, including Pastor Robby Gallaty of Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, have also addressed the topic in sermons over the years.
“As someone who previously struggled with alcohol and drug addiction prior to salvation, I think we have an obligation as church leaders to speak openly about hard topics to help our people navigate present-day issues they are facing,” Gallaty told ChurchLeaders. “If we don’t disciple our people in biblical truth, the world will.”
The age-old question, “Can Christians drink alcohol?,” has been argued for years, and Young quickly answered the question with a resounding, “Yes.” While “the Bible does give us liberty—freedom—regarding consuming beverage alcohol,” drinking to excess or drunkenness is a sin, Young said, while quoting Ephesians 5:18.
Young argued that Paul uses alcohol as a metaphor. Instead of being controlled by alcohol, we’re to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. “What and who are you filling your life with?” was the bigger question presented by Young.
While intoxication can include any addictive substance, including weed or illegal drugs, Young focused on alcohol.
Young quoted theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem to help define drunkenness. Grudem lists specific traits associated with being intoxicated—including “a loss of good judgement, impaired thinking, diminished moral restraint, actions that harm personal or gospel reputation, compromised physical condition.”
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There are benefits to alcohol consumption. Referring to Psalm 104:14-15, Young noted the benefits of drinking—it “gladdens the heart.” He also noted that Jesus’ first miracle was turning “H2O into Merlot.”
