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Alcohol Abuse
A COUPLE OF DRINKS CAN'T HURT, CAN IT??
So what's the big deal about drinking anyway? Why is it -
You hear 'some' churches kicking up a big stink over a couple "harmless" little
drinks? Drunkeness is a sin, but is drinking socially - really?
Why do you want to Drink Alcohol (Beer, Wine, Rum,
Whiskey, etc...)?(check off the ones that apply)
_____
All my
friends are doing it.
_____ I'm bored. Nothing better to do.
_____ I like
the way it makes me feel.
_____ It helps me forget my problems and my
stress.
_____ I want to celebrate, and I "need" it to have a good time.
_____ Other: (?)
One last question: Do you think it's what God
wants you to be doing? Yes/No.
What does
the Bible have to say about the use of Alcohol?
Do
not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the
Spirit. Ephesians 5: 18 (NIV)
...P.S. "Debauchery" is a term used to
describe arguing, brawling, fighting, (disputes)...
Wine is a mocker
and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Proverbs 20:1
(NIV)
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on
meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in
rags. Proverbs 23: 20, 21 (NIV)
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has
strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at
wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In
the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see
strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. Proverbs 23: 29 - 33
(NIV)
So, do you want to be part of this
crowd?
Drinking, getting a 'buzz on', or getting drunk might seem
appealing - but that's just another lie that Satan would feed
you.
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding
to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native
language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8: 44b
(NIV)
He wants to trick you. He wants to leave
you vulnerable to his attack. He wants you to compromise your future (and the
present). ...And He's clever enough to make you think you're actually "having a
good time"...
...and then, just like the 'hang over' : You'll realize
"Hey, this is not all that it's cut out to be! " It's not really worth it.
- I'm flushing my money down the toilet...(or wherever else!!)
- I'm
making a fool of myself...
- I'm making dumb decisions and then regretting
them...
- I'm placing myself in danger...
- I could potentially be
placing others in danger...
- I'm
Disobeying God!!
Think of it
this way: Satan is the hunter. You are the prey. Booze is just a "snare" he sets
for you...Don't get caught in it.
Is Drinking
a Sin?
Well that depends. Are you drinking
"because" of thirst? (If so, I suggest something like water, or juice, or
something a little less potent!)
Your reason for drinking really
determines a lot. For instance, drinking for reasons to:
- reduce
stress, or cope with problems - be accepted by friends (because you feel like
you have to, in order to fit in) - for something to do (Boredom) Looking to "get
your kicks" - because you’re "craving" Booze (You’re addicted!) ...are ALL
SINFUL REASONS. Why?
Because your drinking has become an act of
idolatry.(Because it is taking priority over God - and it’s more important to
you, than doing something that God would want you to do.) Deuteronomy 6:
5 states:
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your strength.
Anything that "compromises your ability
to do this", means you’re putting something else before God.
...Not to
mention: Underage drinking is "illegal."
Is Drinking
"Harmless?
Drinking Alcohol is "addictive"...Not everyone
'needs' to drink alot in order to get addicted either. (Some people have a
genetic trait which leaves them vulnerable to alcohol addiction.) Whether you
realize it, or not - You may be playing Russian Roulette!
Even if
"addiction" isn't the issue - Alcohol does affect the nervous system. It slows
down your reaction time. It impairs your judgement...It may cause you to do/say
something really stupid! (ie...make a fool of yourself, hurt someone you love,
cause you to make wreckless decisions over sex/relationships, make you careless
over your own safety or others', cause you to say/do something you'll
regret)
There's probably countless other things I'm not even mentioning,
but I'm sure if you thought about it; There's times you can think of that you've
seen someone act really dumb all because of alcohol/drugs...
Are some of
your friends drinking, and you're worried about them?
Know some
things to watch out for...All of the following are signs of
"Alcohol
Poisoning" (Alcohol poisoning occurs when you've taken in too much alcohol, and
your body can't handle it. That's why they cause it "intoxified"...Because
Alcohol has a "toxic"/poisoning affect on your body)...which I might add: God
created in his image
• a person who is unconscious can't be
awakened by pinching, prodding, or shouting at them...(If you think you're
friend is "sleeping it off" - think again!)
• Vomitting...
• slowed
breathing, or labored breathing. (fewer than 8 breaths a minute, or more than 10
seconds between breaths.)
• Drop in body tempreture...(NOTE: You're friend
mighten think he/she's cold, but in actual fact Alcohol does make body
tempreture drop)
• Skin is cold,clammy, pale or bluish/purplish color (All
signs of decreased oxygen in the bloodstream)
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