Dr Paul Allen

A Kranz (wreath) of Kölsch beer. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Author: Michael Patton There are so many different positions out there with regard to this issue. Let me try to name a few: Those who abstain from alcohol and believe that this is the biblical position for everyone. Those who abstain from alcohol but don’t believe that this is a biblical mandate to enforce on others. Those who drink alcohol only for “celebratory” purposes (i.e. Lord’s table), but don’t get drunk. Those who casually drink wine or beer, but abstain from “hard liquor” and don’t get drunk. Those who casually drink alcohol in order to feel “merry” or “tipsy” but don’t get drunk. Those who drink alcohol and get drunk occasionally but are not “drunkards” (i.e. addicted). Outside of this, all Christians would (or should) agree that being addicted to alcohol is expressly forbidden in the Scripture as it relinquishes control of our faculties to the alcohol rather than to the Holy Spirit ( Eph. 5:18 ). Paul...

Martyrdom of Saint Andrew (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) The twelve apostles included “ Andrew ” ( Matt. 10:2). Andrew is a picture of all believers who humbly minister behind the scenes. It’s been said that no one likes playing second fiddle, but that wasn’t Andrew’s perspective at all. Growing up in the shadow of an aggressive, outspoken brother like Peter would be a challenge for anyone. Even in the Biblical record Andrew is known as “ Simon Peter ’s brother” (e.g., John 1:40). Yet when Andrew met Jesus , his first response was to tell Peter, knowing full well that once Peter became a disciple he probably would run the group. But Andrew was a truly humble man who was more concerned about bringing people to Christ than about who was in charge. Andrew’s faith and openness prompted him to take advantage of every opportunity to lead others to Christ. He knew that the Lord ’s primary mission was to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel ” (Matt. 10:6), but he led Gentiles as wel...