My question is on Alcohol. I get really confused on whether we should consume alcohol or not. I know drunkenness is a no no and is not an issue for me, but I do like a beer every now and then. Should I feel guilty about doing this?
Also if you could explain the wine/new wine issue. I’ve heard some preachers say it was grape juice, but isn’t there a verse that says don’t get drunk on new wine? Great site by the way.
There is no Biblical prohibition against wine or any other fermented drink. As you say, the problem is with drunkenness. The Lord authorized using tithe money to purchase wine or other fermented drinks for the Feast of Tabernacles. (Deut. 14:24-26) And Paul cautioned us to avoid causing a weaker brother to stumble by drinking in the presence of one who can’t handle alcohol or feels that drinking is wrong. (1 Cor. 10:31-33) By this he was implying that drinking was OK under the right circumstances.
Since new wine was wine that hadn’t fermented yet it would not be possible to get drunk on it.