In recent years the American church has struggled with and over the subject of alcohol use and/or abuse. The use of alcohol as held by some, is strictly forbidden. The position asserts that alcohol should never be partaken of in any form or manner. This position has been seen in ministerial requirements, Bible school regulations, ordination standards and church membership agreements. For others, certain forms of alcohol are seen as a substance of worship, of celebration, of medical benefit and is condoned or even encouraged in moderation.
It is clear from the Scriptures (both Old and New Testaments) that the use of alcohol played a role in society, in fellowship and in worship.
A few references are as follows: Fellowship, (Gen. 14:18) Worship, (Lev. 23:13; 1 Cor. 11:25-26) Prescribed as a medication, (Psalm 104:15; Prov. 31:6; 1 Tim. 5:23) A beverage of celebration, (Ecc. 9:7; John 2:1-11) As a downfall of those who abuse it. (Gen. 9:21; Eph. 5:18) The Bible clearly forbids drunkenness. (1 Cor. 6:9-11)
It is also clear from the Scriptures that those who are free to exercise liberty and use alcohol are to be sensitive to those who may be caused to stumble as a result of their freedom. (Rom. 15:21-23)
Some have asserted that the use of wine as described in the scriptures is to condone the use of grape juice and not fermented drink. However, the context of the majority of those passages describing wine and it’s use, clearly denies this assertion.
It is therefore the position of Candlelight Christian Fellowship that the use of wine in moderation is permitted by the scriptures in, worship, fellowship and for medical benefit but should be used with sensitivity toward a weaker brother or sister who may be caused to stumble. We also wish to make clear that the Bible teaches we are never to be drunk with any intoxicating beverage and are to always be of a sound mind.
Furthermore, to teach that the use of alcohol is sin is to contradict the clear teachings of Scripture and teaching such a position is in and of itself sin.