P: The Bible on the one hand speaks well of wine and beer. Jesus himself turned water into wine. God said of all the creation in Genesis, "It is good."
C: "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." John 2:10
P: Paul even knew that in moderation a little alcohol was good for young pastor Timothy's health:
C: "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." I Timothy 5:23
P: Someday all those who believe in Jesus will be in heaven with all the saints. Heaven is metaphorically described as a magnificent feast which includes food and alcohol:
C: "On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine--the best of meats and the finest of wines." Isaiah 25:6
P: Yet, alcohol and for that matter drugs are not often praised in scripture especially when they begin controlling a person, in other words becoming a person's god and stopping them from effectively obeying the other commandments. In such cases, they are condemned:
C: "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Pr 20:1
P: Proverbs 5:14-5 says, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel-- not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
C: lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights."
P: Prov. 23:20 says, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,
C: for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags."
P: Just as alcohol and drugs are addictive now so also the biblical writers knew of their deadly hold:
C: "Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!
P: "In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
C: "Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things.
P: "You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.
C: "'They hit me,' you will say, 'but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?'" Proverbs 23:31-35
P: The Bible teaches an alternative to drugs and using alcohol in excess:
C: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,
P: "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
C: "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
P: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
C: "Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:15-19
Litany Compiled by Pastor Travis. All Scripture is from the (NIV-1984) Bible
P: Lord Jesus, you give us in your word words that make us wise unto eternal life.C: Keep us firm in the true faith.
P: Lord, you also want us to have life now, and life that is abundant.
C: You empower us to live for you through Your good news.
P: Lord you give us the law not merely to show us our sin and to keep us from excitement.
C: You give us your law to protect us and to give us a life that is truly pleasant.
P: Teach us day by day to be content with your words.
C: Give us patience to listen and to learn your will for our lives.
P: Teach those who are parents and in authority to model responsible use of alcohol.
Adults: Send your Holy Spirit to enable us to serve you with song and music in our heart.
P: Teach youth to honor their father and mother so that they may live long upon the earth. Give them joy in life through actions that are respectful. Give them patience to obey.
Youth: Send your Holy Spirit to us.
P: Help us as a church to learn all the more what it is to enjoy this life you have given us. Give us thankful hearts for your good creation. Help us to be content with our service and
C: Teach us to use your gifts to benefit those around us.
P: Send missionaries so that all people would know that you are not only the creator of the world, but also the redeemer.
C: Send them so people would live life to its full.
P: Convict the hearts of those who have deserted you, O Lord, so that once again they may join your church now in praising you, but so they will enjoy all the saints in eternity.
C: Holy, holy, holy, are You Lord God Almighty.
P: Lord, Jesus you are the great physician. Bringing healing to all those who now name:______________. If it is your will restore them to health. Otherwise grant them peace. Lord in your mercy.
C: Hear our prayer.
P: O Jesus Christ, lastly we thank-you for your great hand in the world. You have saved countless from physical and mental tradgedy and delivered even more from eternal hell. Today we thank-you especially for ____________________. Keep our joys ever more focused on you. Allow us to live thankful lives daily focused on you, for you live and reign with one God Father and Holy Spirit now and forever world without end.
Amen