Allen Webster speaks on the topic "Convince Me: Recreational Drinking a Little Alcohol Is Wrong"

This video is from Polishing the Pulpit Branson, held July 16-21, 2025 in Branson, MO. For more information on future events, visit polishingthepulpit.com

INTRODUCTION
- The lesson addresses the contentious issue of alcohol consumption within Christian communities.
- Discussions focus on whether alcohol consumption should be considered sinful or simply unwise.
- Various scriptures are analyzed to determine if the Bible authorizes any use of alcohol.
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES
- **Proverbs 23:20-21 (ESV):** "Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the
drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags."
- **Key Insights:**
- Forbidden social drinking: advises against associating with those who indulge in wine and gluttony.
- Consequences include poverty and misery.
- **Proverbs 23:29-32 (ESV):** "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go
to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In
the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder."
- **Key Insights:**
- Heavy, long-term, and moderate drinking are all scrutinized.
- The text warns against even the curiosity of alcohol consumption.
- **Proverbs 20:1 (ESV):** "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not
wise."
- **Key Insights:**
- Considers alcohol as deceptive and leading to poor judgment.
INTERESTING NOTE
- Alcohol is paralleled with a serpent, highlighting danger, deceitfulness, and its toxic nature.
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES
- **Ephesians 5:18 (ESV):** "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the
Spirit."
- **Key Insights:**
- Discourages drunkenness and promotes being guided by the Spirit instead.
- **1 Peter 1:13 (ESV):** "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope
fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
- **Key Insights:**
- Calls for sobriety as a preparation for spiritual readiness.
- **Romans 14:21 (ESV):** "It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to
stumble."
- **Key Insights:**
- Emphasizes the importance of influence and the potential negative effect on others.
PERSONAL STORIES & OBSERVATIONS
- **Example Story:** Discusses the vulnerability of individuals at parties and the potential for unfavorable
situations, including date and acquaintance rape.
- **Observational Insight:** Alcohol's deceptiveness promises pleasure but results in multiple negative
outcomes including health issues and impaired judgment.
CONCLUSION
- The lesson concludes with significant emphasis on the dangers and sinfulness of alcohol consumption
according to Scripture.
- Final thoughts invoke historical figures' views on alcohol, such as Thomas Edison, to underscore the
negative impact.
- Ultimately, it's suggested that each Christian should determine their stance, but the scriptural evidence
seems conclusive against alcohol use for believers.