I’ve been reading a book by Dr. Mike Murdock titled, “Wisdom for Winning.” It’s been great, challenging, and refreshing.  I wanted to share with you his teaching in chapter 3, “7 Obstacles that Rob Us From Uncommon Success.” Sometimes we get stuck in a season and we can’t breakthrough and we need to evaluate our situation, our behavior, our mindset, what we may be missing, and/or what we need to do to breakthrough. I hope this helps you as it has challenged me.

OBSTACLE 1: AN UNTEACHABLE SPIRIT

An unteachable spirit is an unwillingness to change. Millions of people refuse to implement new and vital information as it becomes available. The most successful businesses are those which adapt to new policies, produce new products and keep informed. they consult with experts. They analyze procedures. Growing means change. Knowledge is exploding all around us. Uncommon men and women of God are sharing with us their expertise on faith, financial blessings and the power of God. We must adapt, grow, change, learn. “YOU ARE WHAT YOU HAVE DECIDED TO BE.” Invest in literature, teachings, spend time with a mentor, etc. “Don’t bankrupt your mind.”

OBSTACLE 2: UNPAID VOWS

Unpaid vows are the source of failure for many people. God holds you responsible for your promises. Ecclesiastes 5:4, “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay; for He hath no pleasure in foos: pay that which thou has vowed.” We must honor God and one another through honesty and integrity of your words. Do you owe someone? Did you make a promise and vow to someone? Take responsibility for the vows you’ve made.

OBSTACLE 3: OFFENSES

“And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any: that your Father also which is in Heaven may forgive you and your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in Heaven forgive your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25-26

Forgiveness isn’t a suggestion, it is a requirement. Unforgiveness, bitterness, hard feelings, resentment can hinder your flow of blessings, favor and opportunities.

OBSTACLE 4: UNWISE ASSOCIATIONS

Solomon said, “He that walks with the wise shall be wise. But a companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20

Disconnect from unqualified person who abuse and misues your life. Reevaluate your life and friendships.

OBSTACLE 5: UNBRIDLED TONGUE

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21

Words are forces. Words can build confidence for tear faith down. Words are tools, seeds, that build up your mind, spirit and others.

OBSTACLE 6: UNDEVELOPED GIFTS & ABILITIES

Winners are people who have discovered their special talents, abilities, and God-given gifts. Invest, grow, learn how to develop your potential into something fruitful. Being lazy will get your nowhere and keep your stuck in a season.

OBSTACLE 7: UNCOMMITTED HEART

James 1:8, “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

A committed heart is a decided heart. It is a result of a made up mind. Commitment generates an aura of authority. Get involved in something great and give your life and heart to it. Make a commitment to God and His Word.

DPC FAMILY,
I wanted to share with you that we are calling for a corporate 21 Day Fast for DPC beginning Wednesday, January 10th . First, fasting is a powerful discipline found throughout the Word of God for breakthrough, spiritual strength, and way to draw closer to the Spirit of God. In Joel 1:14, the Bible declares, “Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land into the Temple of the Lord your God.”

Those that desire to join us for the fast will be drawing near to God for themselves and for DPC. I believe it will be a time to deny our flesh and draw closer to the Spirit. FASTING is really FEASTING! It’s a discipline to deny the flesh and to grow the spirit within you. It will be a tremendous time for you and for our church.

DPC goals for fasting, seeking, and praying are:
-More salvations in our city
-Revelation and Truth
-Breakthroughs, Miracles, Healings, Signs & Wonders
-An even Greater Presence of God in our services

Below are some keys and types of fasts we picked up from Jentezen Franklin for you to lookover. Ask the Lord, “what will you desire for me to do?” You won’t regret joining in and seeing God touch your heart. I personally will be doing the 21 Day Daniel Fast. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

TYPES & KEYS TO FASTING:
There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.

Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

The Daniel Fast Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

3-Day Fast This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Scripture References for Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30,Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8).
Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.
According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and fast.
Biblical fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength—strength which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6.

When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire year.
Why should I fast?
Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?

BIBLICAL FASTING FOCUS 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
ROMANS 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.”
MATTHEW 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
ISAIAH 58:6
“[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
A great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will “undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free.” We are living in tough economic times and spiritual times and we know that so many people are under a great burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!
We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that, as we pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!

KEYS TO DANIEL’S FAST IN THE BIBLE
Step 1: Be Specific Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.
The king’s food was against dietary laws.
Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.
Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).
Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:
Your food choices.
The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.
Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin’s Role in Poor Health Notice James 5:13-16:
Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake
Repentance is linked to health according to James.Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FASTDaniel 10:3 KJV “I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
When going on a Daniel fast, or any type of fast, if you have questions outside of what Scripture says, prayerfully seek the Lord and be led by the Spirit for the specifics for your personal fast.
Daniel 1:12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
Step 7: Yield All Results to God Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).
Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.

I have been preaching a series the past few weeks called, “Dream Big.” God is an extravagant God and He is a dreamer Himself. He has created you with purpose and the “dreamer” is in your God-DNA. As we follow Him with our whole hearts, obey, and follow His leading and wisdom, we can live the dream. We have the opportunity when He is the center of our lives to “hold in our hands that which we see in our heart.”

Here are a few nuggets that I have been preaching…

1. You must “SEE IT”
2. You must “SPEAK IT”
3. You must “SEED IT”
4. You must “STEWARD IT”
5. You must not “SETTLE HALFWAY”
6. You must not “SELL IT OUT”

SEE IT… write it down and make it plain.

SPEAK IT… life and death are in the power of the tongue

SEED IT… it will take time, talent and treasure but if you seed it, He can then exceed it

STEWARD IT…smart management is key to see your dream live and flourish

DON’T SETTLE..as we are called to be content we must also not settle for less than God’s best

DON’T SELL OUT YOUR DREAM….don’t trade your future for a temporary fix/feeling

DREAM BIG AND THEN DREAM BIGGER!

“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” – 1 Samuel 14

In Part 1 of our Heart and Soul Leadership topic we shared these four attributes of a Heart and Soul Leader:

1. THEY ARE GOOD STEWARDS OF THEIR PERSONAL LIVES
2. THEY ARE OBEDIENT TO GOD’S PRINCIPLES
3. THEY ARE FULL OF FAITH & POSITIVITY
4. THEY SPEAK FAMILY LANGUAGE

Let’s continue with a couple of more attributes.

THEY HAVE CONSECRATED THEIR HEARTS TO HANDLE BOTH COMPLIMENTS AND CORRECTION
The Bible shares that we are to give honor where honor is do. The Bible (1 Timothy 5:17) is also clear to give double honor to those that share the word of God and do so productively (my emphasis). As a leader, we must learn to receive the compliments from others with a humble spirit BUT also receive the correction from God ordained leadership in our lives. Let me make a side note here, “Sheep don’t correct the Shepherd.” A good and real shepherd will be a person with authority and under authority. Beware of any leader/shepherd in a church that has no authority/spiritual mentors in their lives (this is just a side thought that may help someone).

Anyway, Heart and Soul Leaders have conditioned their hearts to handle both compliment and correction. We don’t take ourselves that serious and lift our noses to others but we do take our ministry place very serious giving our best always. To receive the compliment but not be able to handle the correction/adjustment from the leader reveals the immaturity and condition of the heart. Correction is no fun! I’ll say it again, “Correction is no fun!” However, if received it will make one better and stronger. Heart and Soul Leaders are open to both for they know their shepherd loves them, cares for them and has their best interest at heart (if he/she is a good shepherd).

THEY ARE LIFTERS
I’m not talking about weights here, although every Pastor wouldn’t mind a “beast” on the team to intimidate the haters (just kidding, kinda!) Lifters are people that lift the leader and others around them. Lifters attract others while non-lifters get avoided. Your leadership has the fruit of one of these two. What does your fruit look like?

In Exodus 17, Moses was instructed to hold his staff above his head as he looked down from the mountain while the Hebrews were in a battle against the enemy of God. While his hands were lifted, God’s people prevailed. When his arms became weary and began to come down, the enemy prevailed. Then at that moment of weariness, two Heart and Soul leaders surrounded Moses and lifted his hands until the battle was won. Aaron and Hur were the two men that were LIFTERS. The greatest place we can be for our leaders and brothers and sisters in the Lord is right up under their arms lifting the load so we can win the battles. God never called us to do ministry or life alone. We need leaders leading and lifters lifting and together if we are in our places we will see God’s Kingdom prevail.

Heart and Soul Lifters look like this:
• You don’t have to worry if they will show up or be late (being late consistently drives me crazy. It’s rude, especially if others are relying on you or if you are the leader 😊)
• They look for ways to lift the load
• They don’t cut out until the job is completed
• They don’t stand around and let others work around them
• They speak life and see the glass half full
• They have made themselves so valuable to the team that the team can’t make it without them (that’s a business principle; become so valuable that the boss needs you and will make sure you don’t leave).
• They stay in their lanes. They don’t assert authority that isn’t given to them.
• They lift a hand wherever the need is.
• They give their heart and soul every time.

I hope Part 2 challenges you! Let’s go to the next level!

1 Samuel 14, “1 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those Philistine men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” 7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. 14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.

I absolutely love this passage for it reveals heart and soul leadership/followship. During a battle, Jonathan believes that God will deliver the enemy into his hands. He and his armor-bearer will go up against twenty men of the enemy. This seems to be an impossible task and one of great risk and faith, however God’s promptings in Jonathan’s heart would reveal he was in tuned with Him.

First, you see Jonathan’s vision to take ground. It would require great courage, faith and trust to take out the enemy even though outnumbered. His vision would lead to great victory not only for himself but the Israelites. Secondly, you see the powerful connection that the armor-bearer has with Jonathan. He says, “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” Even though it would be a risk, he was so connected to Jonathan’s heart that his own comfort and desires were set aside to fulfill the vision and plan of his leader. Together they defeated the enemy and twenty men that day.

Great churches, organizations, teams, businesses, etc. must have “heart and soul” team members for it to be successful and make great impact. A great leader realizes that they may have a great vision but it will take special people with passion to see it come to pass. The greatest gift a leader can have is a “heart and soul” team member and one of the greatest gifts a team member can have is a leader with passion to make an impact. Together, purpose is fueled and lives can be forever changed.

Below are the first four attributes of a Heart & Soul Leader that I want to share with you.

ATTRIBUTES OF A HEART AND SOUL LEADER

THEY ARE GOOD STEWARDS OF THEIR PERSONAL BUSINESS
1 Timothy 3:5, “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? (NIV). One of the most important keys to opportunity in God’s work is taking care of your personal business to be qualified for God’s business. Many want Kingdom opportunity but struggle to take care of their own bills, family, home, etc. This must be a priority and consistently worked. Our personal flow of life effects our spiritual life and leadership.

THEY ARE OBEDIENT TO GOD’S PRINCIPLES
If one desires to lead others and make an impact, they must be obedient to God’s principles IN EVERY AREA. We can’t lead others while being disobedient in certain areas. As a leader/pastor I must fulfill all His commands in order to speak life and have influence on others. Example; how can I speak principles to one struggling financially if I don’t even bring God’s tithe to Him? How can I speak to one about being obedient to the team’s rules if I am disobedient to God in certain areas? Heart and soul leaders realize that we are held to a higher standard, must count the cost for leadership and realize that people watch every area of our lives. We must be pursuing obedience the best we can to affectively influence others.

THEY ARE FULL OF FAITH & POSITIVITY
The armor-bearer said, “whatever is in your mind, I’m with you heart and soul.” Faith and positive people draw others to them. Negative people will become avoided by others. Are people drawn to you or day they duck away when they see you? Heart and soul leaders speak faith and life. They see the glass half full and aren’t negative and touchy. Joshua and Caleb were the only two spies of twelve that said, “we can take the promised land.” The other ten spoke fear and negativity. Those ten didn’t enter in.

THEY SPEAK FAMILY LANGUAGE
Heart and Soul leaders use words like, “us, we, our, together” and shy away from words like “me, mine, I.” They realize that we are family and ministry is teamwork. To have this heart, we must abort any territorial spirit within us realizing that ministry is precious and inclusive. As a church grows we will have to make room for others to be part of team. Often we will have to submit to others and sacrifice our personal preferences for the benefit of the team and organization. Family language comes from a family mentality. Realizing it takes “us” and not “me” is most crucial.

Heart and Soul leaders are most valuable to the Kingdom of God. Selfless, sacrificial, giving, loving, positive, life giving, faithful & passionate are just a few words that relate to these type of incredible people of God.

“Accents are recognizable right away. There is an accent in leadership. You can recognize quite quickly if one has it or not. These leadership blogs are written to enhance the accent.”

YOU OFFENDED BRO?

Luke 17:1, “Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but offences will come:”

The spirit of offense may possibly be the greatest tool the enemy uses to break up godly ties. Jesus gave His disciples warning when He said, “offenses will come…”

The definition of the word offense:

• Something that causes one to be hurt, upset or angry
• The act of stumbling
• The act of feeling attacked
• The act of feeling displeased or insulted

Again, Jesus said this is going to happen. It is impossible to live a life where you won’t at times want to feel this way. This blog is for leaders and believe me leader, you will have the opportunity to be offended by people! There will be seasons where it will present itself quite often.

How we handle this will determine many things in our leadership and personal development. If our buttons are easily pushed and it ruins our day, maybe God is revealing that the problem is within us and needs to be worked on.

Most may be surprised if I tell you that some of the biggest church divisions, divorces, life long enmity all began with small and tiny seeds of offense. The spirit (attitude) of offense is brutal and can divide the closest of hearts.

One of the subtle temptations we all face is to entertain a “Spirit of Offense.” Although very subtle, such a mindset certainly disrupts personal peace and collective unity. Hence, this is a situation, an attitude, a mindset, a spirit we should flee from. A spirit of offense is the opposite of a James 1:19, “be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to anger.” Carrying this attitude looks like this: it is quick to speak (including rumors), slow to hear (including not hearing the positive aspects about others), and quick to become angry (or offended).

WHAT MUST WE DO?

1. BE COOL 
   Offense must come. Our Master said that. And there’s no two ways about it. Someone is going to rub you the wrong way. Someone is going to not treat you right. Someone is going to try and push you around. Remember you are bigger than that to take offense. Sure, they didn’t do right so that’s why you overlook it. To overlook the mistakes or intentions of offense of others and not getting bent out of shape is a sign of great Godly maturity.
2. REMAIN HUMBLE
   Most of the root causes of offense is the feeling of entitlement. We live in a world where people are taught to fight for their rights. While that is not wrong, however, it spills to taking quicker offense because of not getting what we think we are entitled to get. In the process we forget humility, forgiveness, and love.
3. DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR OWN SHORTCOMINGS 
   The fact is that at some point, our frailty gets in our way. Bitterness becomes too bitter, ego becomes too hurt, hate reaches its highest degree and humility can get out of immediate reach. We must forgive as we have been forgiven. We must realize that often times people don’t try to offend on purpose. We must put ourselves in other’s shoes and don’t take things so personally.

Keep your bumpers on. People are going to bump into you.
Guard your hearts at all cost and don’t give the devil an inch. Leaders rise above!

Fasting is a spiritual exercise found throughout scripture. Great men and women of God fasted at different points in their lives and ministries and the results were breakthroughs, answers, strategies, and a closer walk with God. Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Esther, Daniel,& Jesus all fasted. I’m sure fasting was a routine often exercised by these powerful men and women of God who saw mighty moves of the spirit in their journey.

See fasting is simply pushing something away (often it’s food) to spend that extra time with God and in His Word. It is saying “no” to the flesh and putting a focus on the spirit man within us. Fasting is actually feasting! When we say “no” to the routine and spend more time with God we began to feed the spirit which becomes more sensitive to God’s voice and heartbeat. I remember a season I needed absolute direction! I needed some answers and I wrote down my questions to God. I went on a 21 Day Fast and God supernaturally answered all my questions during that time. One answer came through the preacher. Another from a Christian book I was reading at the time. Another came in my heart while I was praying. One morning, I was reading the Bible and the answer was right before me. Fasting unlocks spiritual doors for answers and insight.

As you fast and seek the Lord you begin to get the “cutting edge” anointing flowing in your life. For example; one who cuts down trees (especially in the old days) would have to take time to stop and sharpen his axe to keep sharp to make greater impact. The time spent sharpening the axe would actually save him time in the long run trying to cut down and log trees with a dull axe. Fasting with praying is sharpening your spirit. It’s taking time and sacrificing to become more keen to the things of the spirit.

As you continue to fast, I want to remind you that you are digging a ditch and God will fill it! What is it that you are needing God to do? What area of you life do you need the grace of God to overshadow you? As you fast, have faith to know that God sees and hears! Your breakthrough is on the way!

Many of the things that I will write will be from Pastor Jentezen Franklin’s book, “Fasting”. Pastor Franklin has incredible insight and revelation on this topic. God has done miraculous things in his church and ministry that literally impacts the globe today.  Jentezen shares that his church’s annual fast is the key to the many breakthroughs and miracles they have experienced.

Here are some phrases and points from his book:

-“Fasting has been the secret to obtaining open doors, miraculous provision, favor, and the tender touch of God upon my life and our church.”

-“When I feel myself growing dry spiritually, when I don’t feel the cutting edge anointing, or when I need a fresh encounter with God, fasting is the secret key that unlocks Heaven’s doors and slams shuts the gates of hell.”

-“(Concerning the Holy Spirit) there are things that we desire more than food.”

-“When you eliminate food from your diet for a number or whatever God puts on your heart to fast, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God.”

-Jesus provided the pattern by which we should live our lives in Matthew 6. He said, “when you give, when you pray, and when you fast…” The believer is to have a lifestyle of giving, praying, and fasting.

-“Jesus fasted because He knew that there were supernatural things that could only be released that way.”

As you begin your fast, be sure to write down the things that you are believing God to do in your life. Be specific, have faith, pray, and trust the Lord. Also, pray for DPC as we are believing for these items:

1. Greater anointing/thicker Presence of God in our services
2. Favor in our city (doors of opportunity for us to do ministry)
3. more souls to come to Jesus in salvation
4. A Building or right opportunity to open up for us to have a permanent home
5. finances to increase (people will step out in faith of tithing)
6. Leadership development

I will write more about fasting each day so check back tomorrow!

I want to start this blog out by saying that Pastoring today is a very tough assignment! The hour in which we live is a society following their own paths, determining what is wrong/right in their own eyes, and the Holy Bible is viewed as just an opinion and not God’s Absolute Truth. Although the assignment may be tough at times and some folk have little desire to hear what the Word declares, there is a people hungry for Truth and Answers! I do believe there is a people looking for the “straight and narrow” path that Jesus talked about. A people that want to be as far from this world and as close to God as they can be. A people that desire to live holy and that desire to be transformed into the image of Jesus!

I write this blog because this topic is asked of me quite often. Actually, it’s probably the #1 Question I’m asked, “Should a Christian drink alcohol?”

If you are a church family member of Destiny Pointe Church, you know my heart and everything I preach and speak comes from a place of LOVE and from SCRIPTURE! I have no desire to shoot condemnation to anyone. Jesus came not to condemn but to save. Yet, He tackled tough topics and preached truth. He desired to show people the correct path and flow of life. As a minister of this Gospel message, I am responsible to share what God prompts in my spirit and to bring Christians (especially new believers) into the Light! I’m RESPONSIBLE to answer and address the tough topics.

DPC Family and all my friends reading this; thank you for knowing my heart as you read these words. Thank you for taking the time to carefully read and study the scriptures listed. Thank you for opening your heart and allowing me to share my thoughts and scriptures on this sensative subject.

Ok, here we go! To answer the question…

My opinion here, I don’t think it’s God’s heart for His children to drink an intoxicating substance that has the potential to dull and affect the mind. I’m not saying if a Christian does that they are sinning and going to Hell. I’m not saying that it is a salvation issue (although it may be for some). I truly don’t think that it is wise for anyone to drink alcohol because of the potential danger it can cause (that is my opinion).  I will say this again later in the blog; we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we are responsible for and will be held accountable for what we put into our bodies. Alcohol has the potential to dull the senses and cause one to lose awareness of reality. My heart here is to bring out scripture and facts to lead us to a place of wisdom. Again, I’m not making this a salvation issue or preaching a “grey area” as an absolute. If you know me, you know my heart.

SHOULD A CHRISTIAN DRINK ALCOHOL?

Often people ask this because there is three scripture references that cause debate or question. First, Jesus turned water into “wine.” Secondly, Apostle Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine for his belly’s sake (Timothy must have been ill and it was a form of medicine). Thirdly, the Communion element of wine. These three references cause much debate over this topic (however many ignore the SEVERAL HUNDRED warnings in scripture about it).

Here are my answers to these three references:

1. I don’t believe that Jesus turned the water into an intoxicating beverage! If Jesus turned the water into an intoxicating substance, it would have been in direct opposition of what a Priest was allowed to do according to God’s Word ((Leviticus 10:8-11). Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). Jesus, the Son of God Himself would have disqualified Himself from Priesthood by doing so. I don’t believe that it lines up with the whole canon of scripture that Christ would hand out intoxicating drinks to his friends and new acquaintances. (Below you will discover the type of wine that was created. It was more of a grape juice often referred to as the “best wine” than an alcoholic intoxicating beverage).

The scripture declares, “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him…” Habakkuk 2:15). Jesus turning water into an intoxicating drink would cause a curse to fall upon Him according to scripture.

2. The Communion Element – basically the same answer for this. In Holy Communion the “wine” represents his blood. Wine, the intoxicating type often represents drunkenness. I don’t believe Christ would choose an element that represents drunkenness to represent His precious blood shed for sin. So again, the wine used for communion is a more of a grape juice and not an alcoholic beverage.
3. Paul and Timothy – below you will read that wine was used for medical purposes as well. Paul wasn’t telling Timothy to go have a “cold one” and kick back for the weekend. No, Timothy was more than likely ill especially traveling like he did from country to country preaching and encountering foreign foods. Paul instructs him to take a “little wine” to settle his sick stomach. Many have argued their stance for going to the bars by saying, “Paul told Timothy to have some wine for his stomach.” I think we can agree that this isn’t even the same thing.

Again, if you know my heart, you will realize the sincerity of the words that I write on this matter. At Destiny Pointe Church, we have a Leadership Code for ministry. It’s a covenant to uphold the standard for leadership and to be a light in all areas of our lives. We ask all our Coordinators of ministries (Nursery Coordinators, Praise & Worship Leaders, Guest Services Coordinator, Usher Coordinator, Media Coordinator, etc) to count the cost for leadership and sign the Leadership Code Covenant. In our Leadership Code Covenant we covenant with our leaders and other team members  (amongst other items) that we will refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages.

Here’s another reason why? Many in our congregation don’t know the individuals that I am personally helping overcome alcohol addiction right now. In the past I have seen alcoholism destroy marriages, relationships, careers, etc. It doesn’t seem right to me to help many overcome this substance that has the potential to destroy and then partake in it at the same time. To me that is oxymoron! We have a standard for our Ministry Coordinators and those that minister on the platform. I want our church to know that our leaders don’t partake in this and we are here to help anyone dealing with this addiction. This is our heart and our standard. I don’t want my life or my actions to cause question or cause someone else to stumble. Leadership isn’t for everyone but the rewards are going to be out of this world.

Do you still love me? 🙂

The Next Portion of this Blog was mostly copied from Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D and Pastor of First Baptist Church of OC.

Pastor David writes…

“My heart aches for the family that lost their only two children in an auto accident recently. A drunk driver crossed the median and plowed into their car. The five month old and their four year old were killed. Their children wiped out. But, there is more. This tragic scene is repeated every 33 minutes. That’s right. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a person dies every 33 minutes in an alcohol related accident. And that’s not all. An estimated 310,000 persons were injured in crashes each year where police reported that alcohol was present. That’s an average of one person injured approximately every 2 minutes.”

Consider these additional statistics from the United States Justice Department: Nearly 4 in 10 violent victimizations involve use of alcohol. Also, victim reports show, on average each year about 183,000 rapes and sexual assaults involve alcohol use by the offender, as do just over 197,000 robberies, about 661,000 aggravated assaults, and nearly 1.7 million simple assaults. Another staggering statistic; every 10^th person that drinks any form of alcohol becomes an addict.

The Scripture is true! “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. It is at the root of all kinds of problems in our country today and it has been for hundreds of years. Proverbs 23:31-32 is a powerful injunction against drinking alcoholic beverages. It says, . 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

There is clear evidence in the Scriptures that believers should not drink alcoholic beverages. In this blog we list 6 Good Reasons Why Christians Should Not Drink Alcoholic Beverages. However, before we do that, we are going to look at the words translated wine, strong drink or drinking.

A LOOK AT WORDS:

There are 637 references to wine, drink and drinking in the King James Version of the Bible. Most people think in today’s terms, believing that when wine is mentioned it refers to alcoholic wine. Actually, that is not necessarily true. Thirteen different words are translated “wine” in the King James Version of the Bible. The word wine has a wide range of meaning in the Bible, covering everything from grape juice, to concentrated grape syrup to alcoholic wine. To understand what the Bible has to say about drinking, we need to look at several of these words. Understand that the original writings were in Hebrew and Greek and translated later into English. Words had different meanings than our current culture and time period in which we live.

OLD TESTAMENT HEBREW WORDS: “yayin” — It is a general term for grape beverages and includes all classes of wine, non-alcoholic or alcoholic; unfermented, in the process of fermentation and fermented. (Proverbs 31:4) The context will show whether it is alcoholic wine or not. Yayin, when used properly was always diluted with water.

“shekar” — It is the word for strong drink, unmixed wine. The 1901 edition of THE JEWISH ENCYCLOPEDIA says, “Yakin, wine, is to be distinguished from Shekar, or strong drink. The former is diluted with water; the latter is undiluted.” Shekar was not diluted with water.” (see Numbers 28:7)

“Tirosh” — This word refers to fresh grape juice. It is referred to often as new wine or sweet wine. (see Proverbs 3:10; Deuteronomy 7:13)

NEW TESTAMENT GREEK WORDS: “oinos” is the counterpart to the Old Testament word yayin. It is a general term for grape beverages and includes all classes of wine, non-alcoholic or alcoholic; fermented or unfermented. The context has to be used to determine whether the drink was intoxicating or not. (Luke 10:34; Ephesians 5:18). Oinos, when used properly was always diluted with water.

“sikera” is the counterpart to the Old Testament word shekar. It is the word for strong drink, unmixed wine. (Luke 1:15)

“gleukos” is the counterpart to the Old Testament word tirosh. “It refers to fresh wine, a new wine” or freshly squeezed grape juice.

 Pastor David continues to write…

“WHY I BELIEVE CHRISTIANS SHOULD STEER CLEAR OF ALCOHOl”

1 – DRINKING CAN LEAD TO DRUNKENNESS

DRUNKENNESS IS CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE

Isaiah 5:11— “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!”

Proverbs 23:20— “Be not among winebibbers;” The word means to drink so much that you become tipsy or drunk.

Romans 13:13 — “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting (drunken partying) and drunkenness (general drunken-ness)…”

Galatians 5:19a & 21 — “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these…drunkenness…”

Ephesians 5:18 — “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

DRUNKARDS ARE AMONG THE LIST OF THOSE WHO WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD…1 Corinthians 6:9-10 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

You can’t get around it, and in fact, all godly men agree that the Bible condemns drunkenness. Drunkenness is a serious matter.

 2 – THE BIBLE CONDEMNS THE STRONG DRINK

Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

NOTE again, Isaiah 5:11 — “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!”

Woe means to be “cursed, judgment, misfortune”

Proverbs 23:29-31 — “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? (30) They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. (31) Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.”

WHAT WAS “STRONG DRINK” IN BIBLE TIMES?

Distillation was not discovered until about 1500 A.D. Strong drink and unmixed wine in Bible times was from 3% to 11% alcohol. Dr. John MacArthur says “…since anybody in biblical times who drank unmixed wine (9-11% alcohol) was definitely considered a barbarian, then we don’t even need to discuss whether a Christian should drink hard liquor–that is apparent!”

CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT DRINK STRONG DRINK!

Since wine has 9 to 11% alcohol and one brand 20% alcohol, you should not drink that. Brandy contains 15 to 20% alcohol. Hard liquor has 40 to 50% alcohol (80 to 100 proof) and would be obviously condemned by scripture under the “strong drink” standard.

Remember the Hebrew word “yayin” and the Greek word “oinos” that we looked at earlier? These were the companion words for wine whether fermented or unfermented. In fact, whether fermented or not, it was MIXED WITH WATER.

Norman Geisler, former Dean of Liberty Center for Christian Scholarship, Liberty University, has written: “Many wine drinking Christians today mistakenly assume that what the New Testament meant by wine is identical to wine used today. This, however, is false. In fact, today’s wine is by Biblical definition strong drink, and hence forbidden by the Bible. What the Bible frequently meant by wine was basically purified water,” purified by adding some wine. The Holman Bible dictionary says, wine was also used as a medicine and disinfectant.

Geisler goes on to say, “Therefore, Christians ought not to drink wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages for they are actually strong drink forbidden in Scripture. Even ancient pagans did not drink what some Christians drink today.”

All alcoholic beverages used in our culture fall under the biblical classification of STRONG DRINK and would be condemned to partake as a Christian. The least ratio of water to wine mixture used in Bible times was 3 parts water to 1 wine. That produced a sub-alcoholic drink that was 2.5% to 2.75% alcohol at most. Normally, the ratio was even higher, up to 20 to 1. There is NO BIBLICAL SUPPORT FOR CHRISTIANS DRINKING THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF OUR DAY! What early believers drank was sub-alcoholic by today’s standards.

Pastors and deacons (deacon is often translated to LEADER) were cautioned to steer around even the sub-alcoholic stuff (I Timothy 3:3 & 8).

 3 – IT CAN CAUSE OTHERS TO STUMBLE

Romans 14:21 says “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to “to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”

Innumerable Christians claim their “Christian Liberty” when it comes to social drinking. In order to do that, they must turn their backs on this passage of Scripture. Drinking by Christians has given multitudes of people an excuse to drink. More than once, I have heard a believer say “there is nothing wrong with drinking in moderation. Pastor so and so even says it is OK.” The problem is, drinking often sets off a chain reaction of influences that are like tipping over the first domino. Drinking causes some to stumble, others to be offended, and many to be weakened. Again, the scripture is clear that we are not to partake in questionable things that can cause another Christian (especially a brand new Christian) to stumble or struggle themselves. The last thing that I would want is for someone to be disappointed in me knowing I’m a Christian and Christian Leader but partaking in something that is questionable.

According to a survey done by the Daily Journal newspaper, one of the top five reasons teenagers drink is because their parents drink. This has proven true time and time again.

Dr. David says, “Parents, you must remember that whatever you do in moderation your child will likely do in excess.”

The Bible clearly defines drinking as an activity that is to be foregone because it causes others to stumble and makes them weak (fall into sin).

There is yet another reason I believe Christians should not drink…

4 ­ – IT HARMS OUR BODIES WHICH IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

I Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

I Corinthians 3:16-17 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

The first effect of alcohol on the brain is to dull the capacity for self-criticism and the sense of caution. A lessening of care and anxiety follows this. The checks on irresponsibility and unreasonable behavior are also curtailed. Actions follow the impulses, which is dangerous. Reaction time becomes slower; coordination is disturbed; drowsiness follows.

Proverbs 23:29-33 gives clear testimony to the above description of alcohol on the brain. “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.”

(Pastor Josh)… “Alcohol has the ability to numb the brain. I don’t believe that God would want us to take in a substance that has the ability to cause us to lose control of our minds. Many have been involved in behaviors that they didn’t even know they were participating in because of the consumption of alcohol. Christians are responsible and stewards of their bodies and minds because they “house the Holy Spirit”. Again you are the Temple of the Holy Spirit! You and I will be held accountable for what we put into the Temple.”

Pastor David continues..

Alcohol has adverse affects on your esophagus, stomach & intestines, bloodstream, pancreas, liver, heart, bladder, kidneys, glands and your brain.

“The most drastic and noticed effect of alcohol is the brain. It depresses brain centers, progressively produces uncoordination, confusion, disorientation, stupor, anesthesia, coma, and even death.

Another reason why Christian should stay clear of this substance. You are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit!

5 – ALCOHOL IS ADDICTIVE

I Corinthians 6:12 tells us that we are not to “be brought under the power” or to be controlled by anything. The only exception is the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

Alcohol is clearly a powerful substance (Proverbs 23:35). Because alcohol is addictive, we should choose not to drink alcoholic beverages.

6 – BELIEVERS ARE KINGS AND PRIESTS SEPARATED UNTO GOD

“The prophets, the kings, the Nazarites, the leaders — those who were special in the plan of God were total abstainers” says Dr. Paul Dixon, and he is correct. Kings and public officials were not to drink (Proverbs 31:4-5). Further Dr. Dixon says “the priests of the Old Testament were to abstain totally.” The Aaronic priests were not to drink because they ministered in the tabernacle before the Lord (Leviticus 10:9)

The application: Believers are a “royal” or kingly priesthood (I Peter 2:9). We are the temple of God (I Peter 2:5). We are Gods special children and should choose total abstinence.

Drinking, even social drinking cannot be legitimately supported by the Bible. Every drink that is available today, even beer, falls into the category of unmixed or strong drink. Clearly, Christians should not drink alcoholic beverages. Drinking socially is often considered and related to worldly activity and in light of the fact that believers are neither to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2) nor love the world (I John 2:15) our choice should be clear. We ARE to be SEPARATE FROM the world (II Corinthians 6:17) and LIGHT TO the world (Ephesians 5:8; Phillipians 2:15). Perhaps social drinking has enhanced the acceptability of Christians in society, but it has not advanced the cause of Christ, and it does not glorify God! Social drinking has actually accomplished the opposite more times than not of blunting our testimony for Christ. There are at least SIX GOOD REASONS A BELIEVER SHOULD NOT DRINK.

Pastor Josh here…

As you see, I am very serious about this topic! Again, I have seen alcohol DESTROY lives, marriages, families, careers, etc. As a Christian and especially as a Christian Leader, I believe it is important for me to stay away from this substance. Not only to not hinder my own relationship with Christ but I don’t want to be a stumbling block to another (especially a new convert or someone struggling with alcohol addiction).

Thank you for taking the time and reading this article and studying the scriptures listed on this topic. Let’s all be led of the Holy Spirit. Again I say often, “I want to be more like Jesus and less like this world.”

If you battle with alcohol addiction, we are here for you. I know God will help you overcome. If you have any questions about this, please contact me. I want to be clear and for the reader to understand my heart. I have no desire to push people away but draw them closer to the heart of Jesus.