HAPPY ~ INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to Eat and Drink and be glad,” (Eccl. 8:15)

Is Beer a gift from God or a curse from the devil? King Solomon tells us that beer is given to gladden the hearts of the faithful, especially in times of trouble and distress: “Give Beer to the one who is perishing, and Wine to those in bitter distress,” (Pro. 31:6). Martin Luther, the Father of the Protestant Reformation is quoted as saying, “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer-!” (1514-1546 A.D.). Luther never encouraged getting drunk and condemned gluttony in the strongest terms, but his 1539 sermon on Soberness and Moderation finds the right balance: “If you are tired and downhearted, take a drink; but this does not mean being a pig and doing nothing but gorging and swilling… You should be moderate and sober; this means that we should not be drunken, though we may be exhilarated.” Martin Luther had a secret love for beer. It has been said that he started his Lutheran Church services late on Sunday mornings, because he would stay up late on Saturday nights drinking beer and sharing the gospel with strangers in the local pubs. However, many Churches today continue to condemn their members for drinking.

Although alcohol has been consumed by humans almost from the beginning of time, views on alcohol consumption still vary from one person to the next. Some verses in the Bible about alcohol, even seem to contradict each other: 1. “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do,” (Eccl. 9:7). 2. “Wine is a mocker and Beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise,” (Pro. 20:1). So, many Christians continue to have questions. Is consuming alcohol an evil sin or a blessing from God? Did humans first learn about alcohol by trial and error over centuries of time and effort or was this knowledge brought down from the Heavens by an advanced race of Star Gods? Is the apple really the forbidden fruit or was a fermented grain the intoxicant that the Devil used to seduce Eve in the Garden of Eden?

This article is divided into Two (2) Parts: Part One (1) will first examine the ancient Hebrew scriptures and the mythological stories concerning alcohol. It will then consider the use of alcohol throughout the Bible, and look at the origins of alcoholism and addictions in the human race today. Finally in Part Two (2), it will trace, and discuss the importance of Alcohol along with other psychoactive elements in the Sacred Sacraments.

Beer is one of the oldest drinks in the world. Many of us have enjoyed a cold beer on a hot summer day, but we haven’t given thanks to God for it, because we were taught in Church that God doesn’t approve of beer drinking. The biblical truth may be hidden in some ancient Holy Scriptures. International Beer Day (IBD) is a celebration on the first Friday of every August. This unofficial holiday was founded by Jesse Avshalomov in 2007, in Santa Cruz, California. It has grown from a small localized event in the western United States into an international celebration spanning 207 cities, 80 countries and 6 continents. Most of us have seen TV commercials where international corporations promote beer drinking, especially during the football season and the Super Bowl. So, what does the Bible say about making and promoting beer and should Christians celebrate this Holiday?

BEER BREWING (Solomon’s Recipe) ~ Make Beer and Drink it with Seven “7” Friends-!

“Throw your bread upon the face of the water, because in many days you will acquire it. Give a serving to seven and also to eight, because you do not know what evil will be upon the land,” (Eccl. 11:1-2)

King Solomon of Israel who became the wisest man in the world (1 Kgs. 4:29-34), taught us how to make beer in the above verse. Archeological evidence shows that beer was made by first baking "beer bread." This was a type of well-leavened, lightly baked bread that did not kill the yeasts. It was then crumbled over a sieve, washed with water in a vat and then left to ferment (Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt; banquets). Beer is liquid fermented bread. So casting your bread (grain) in the water and waiting many days to find it, is about the process of fermentation. It is about anticipating the final glorified liquid bread or Home-brew we call beer. Beer is the oldest recipe in the World. Thank GOD it’s FRiiiiiiiday-! (3400 B.C., Author Unknown). So, did the fallen angels first steal God’s wisdom to make beer?

SEVEN (7) ANCIENT BEER DEMIGODS ~ Children of the Fallen Angels-!

“It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink Wine, not for rulers to crave Beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights,” (Pro. 31:4-5)

Beer is one of the world's oldest prepared drinks, possibly dating back to the early Neolithic Period around 9500 BC. It is recorded in the written history of ancient Egypt, where the “fallen angels” first descended according to the Book of Enoch. Some believe that the technology of beer making was passed down from a superhuman race of fallen angels. These angels raped and intermarried with the beautiful women of the earth to produce offspring called the “Nephilim,” (Gen. 6:1-6; Num. 13:33). They were the giant-like demigods that ruled on earth before the Great Flood of Noah's time.  The “Hymn to Ninkasi”—an ode to the Sumerian goddess of beer may be the first song about beer. It dates back to 1800 B.C., and it includes a recipe for a beer brewed by female priestesses.

The origin of beer is associated with the mythological demigods of many different cultures. Listed below are seven (7) of the top Beer gods: 1. NINKASI: She was the Ancient Sumerian goddess of Beer and brewing. 2. OSIRIS: He was the god of Beer in Ancient Egyptian culture. 3. SILENUS: He was the god of Beer in Ancient Greek mythology. 4. DIONYSUS: He is also famously known for being the Ancient Greek god of Beer. 5. AEGIR: He was the god of Beer in Norse (Viking) mythology. 6. MBABA MWANA WARESA: She was the Goddess of beer in Zulu mythology. 7. TEPOZTECATL: He was the god of pulque in the Aztec tradition that is similar to beer. These demigods had a saying: I make Beer disappear! What’s your Superpower-?

THE ANCIENT ORIGINS OF BEER ~ Christian Monk Breweries-!

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be Happy" ~ Benjamin Franklin-!

The Ancient - Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians who lived to the east of Egypt (modern-day Iraq), were the first-known Beer brewers. Recipes for beer written on clay tablets, were unearthed by Archaeologists in 4300 B.C. But the Egyptians, were the first ones to document their brewing techniques for the world to later discover. Everyone in ancient Egypt drank beer to include the: pharaohs, priests, peasants, and even children, as part of their everyday diet.

By the Middle Ages, Christian monks introduced the use of hops to brew their beers. Today’s beers continue to be brewed with hops, herbs, and fruits to add flavor. The first large scale breweries in Europe and many advances to brewing techniques and technology were made by Christian Monks. There were thousands of these "Christian Brewing Monasteries," up until the French Revolution, the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Napoleonic Wars, when Europe’s monasteries started disappearing. So, was beer the forbidden fruit?

THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT (Alcohol) ~ Sexual Lust, a fermented Fruit, or Both-?

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; Drunkenness, orgies, …,” (Gal. 5:19-21)

Most of us are familiar with the Bible’s story of the Garden of Eden (Gen. 1). It says that it was the Serpent (devil) who tempted and deceived Eve. She then tempted Adam to disobey God - that caused the original sin eating an “Apple” from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But, the Bible doesn’t really clarify what kind of fruit it was. Many Christians believed the forbidden fruit to be an apple possibly because of the irresistible pun suggested by the Latin word “Malum,” which means both "apple" and "evil," and later because of some 14th Century art depicting the apple hanging on the tree in the Garden of Eden. Others speculate that the forbidden fruit was Eve having sex with the serpent, and they argue that Cain’s biological father was the Devil, not Adam (1 Jn. 3:12). Still others believe that it was the alcohol in the fermented fruit that got Eve drunk. But, could it have been a combination of getting drunk and having sex that resulted in the Knowledge of Sexual Lust?

In the Hebrew Talmud (Jewish Bible Commentary on Genesis 3:1) we can read how the cunning Serpent was jealous of Adam and Eve after seeing them in their first intercourse. The serpent lusted for the woman (Gen. Rabbah 18:6). Perhaps the Knowledge that the Serpent wanted to teach the woman was not “book knowledge,” but the knowledge of Sex, because he lusted after her and wanted to have sex with her. He knew that the fermented fruit would make her intoxicated and vulnerable. In ancient times knowledge between two people referred to Carnal Knowledge, as in both people having intercourse. This would account for Adam and Eve feeling naked and ashamed. We can also see that this sin was repeated by the fallen angels who lusted after the daughters of men (Gen. 6:1-2). Some believe that Eve consumed the forbidden fruit that intoxicated her enough to rebel against God and seduce Adam. So, what was this forbidden fruit?

ANCIENT HEBREW SCRIPTURES ~ Fermented Grapes-?

"It was like a species of the Tamarind tree, bearing fruit which resembled ‘Grapes’”

Historically, Jews and Christians have held that Moses (a Hebrew) wrote the Garden of Eden story in the Book of Genesis. Most ancient Hebrew Scriptures agree that the forbidden fruit was a type of fermented grape. The Book of Enoch, dating from the last few centuries before Christ and purporting to be written by the prophet Enoch, describes the tree of knowledge like this: "It was like a species of the Tamarind tree, bearing fruit which resembled ‘grapes’ extremely fine; and its fragrance extended to a considerable distance. I exclaimed, how beautiful is this tree, and how delightful is its appearance!” (Enoch 31:4).

The Zohar (the text of Jewish Kabbalah) also claims that the forbidden fruit was the “fermented” grape. According to the teachings of the Midrash (Hebrew Scriptures), the forbidden fruit that Eve ate and which she gave to Adam was the grape from which wine is derived. In the Talmud (Hebrew Scriptures), Rabbi Meir says that the fruit was a grape. In addition, the Talmudic tradition suggests that Eve made wine from the fruit, which she then drank. Some Slavonic texts also state that the forbidden fruit was the grape that was later changed in its nature and made into something good, much as the serpent was changed by losing its legs. According to the Midrash and Aggadah (Jewish Bible Commentaries) - The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was a grapevine. Eve took “of its fruit” (Gen. 3:6)—i.e., and what came forth from the fruit. She pressed the grapes and gave the wine to Adam. Wine is known for its intoxicating quality, which causes people to act without thinking. It is also possible that Adam did not identify this as the forbidden fruit when he drank the drink Eve prepared for him? What does the Bible say?

THE BIBLES ONLY FORBIDDEN FRUIT ~ And the Nazarite Vow-! (Is. 5:11)

“ … He must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins,” (Num. 6:3)

Contrary to popular belief that the forbidden fruit was an apple, no one actually knows for sure, because the Bible doesn’t say what the fruit was. But, the Bible does say that this fruit was forbidden to eat: “You must not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of good and Evil.” There is only one fruit that's identified as forbidden to eat found in the Bible’s book of Numbers. The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of dedication to the LORD as a Nazarite, they must abstain from Wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. He must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins,” (Num. 6:1-3). So we see here that grapes and the liquid from fermented grapes (wine) are the Bible’s only forbidden fruit.

NOAH AND SATAN ~ And their Vineyard-!

“Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its Wine, he became Drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent,” (Gen. 9:20)

The first mention of alcohol by name in the Bible, is in the above verse. It is recorded that Noah planted a vineyard and later on became drunk. Jewish theologian Louis Ginsberg wrote the following in the Legends of the Jews in 1909, from the Book of Enoch - mentioned in Jude 14. “This is the way it all came about. Noah found the vine which Adam had taken with him from Paradise (Garden of Eden), when he was driven forth. He tasted the grapes upon it, and, finding them palatable, he resolved to plant the vine and tend it. On the selfsame day on which he planted it, it bore fruit. He put it in the winepress, drew off the juice, drank it, became drunken, and was dishonored—all on one day.” His assistant in the work of cultivating the vine was Satan, who had happened along at the very moment when he was engaged in planting the slip he had found:

Satan asked him: "What is it thou art planting here?" Noah: "A vineyard." Satan: "And what may be the qualities of what it produces?" Noah: "The fruit it bears is sweet, be it dry or moist. It yields wine that rejoiceth the heart of man." Satan: "Let us go into partnership in this business of planting a vineyard." Noah: “Agreed!" Satan thereupon slaughtered a lamb, and then, in succession, a lion, a pig, and a monkey. The blood of each as it was killed he made to flow under the vine. Thus he conveyed to Noah what the qualities of wine are. “Before man drinks of it, he is innocent as a lamb. If he drinks of it moderately, he feels as strong as a lion. If he drinks more of it than he can bear, he resembles the pig. And if he drinks to the point of intoxication, then he behaves like a monkey. He dances around, sings, talks obscenely, and knows not what he is doing.” 

This deterred Noah no more than did the example of Adam, whose fall had also been due to wine, for the forbidden fruit had been the grape, with which he had made himself drunk (L. Ginsberg, Legends of the Jews, 1909). So, what are some other consequences of getting drunk?

GETTING DRUNK AND GETTING NAKED (Adam, Eve, Noah and Lot)

“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are Drunk, so that he can gaze on their Naked bodies!” (Lam. 4:21; Hab. 2:15)

Throughout Scripture nakedness and the drinking of wine are linked together. As mentioned earlier, it is recorded in Genesis 9:20, that Noah planted a vineyard and later on became drunk. The immediate consequence was that he found himself naked and indecently exposed himself. It may be coincidental, but some would argue that there are three parallel events occurring in the Scriptures that soundly confirm the identity of the grape vine as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These include: 1) the Genesis creation account, as well as the two judgments upon the world: 2) by water (the flood) and 3) by fire (Sodom and Gomorrah). In each event we see (1. Adam and Eve, 2. Noah, and 3. Lot) getting drunk, finding themselves naked, and feeling ashamed. Lot’s daughters took it a step further. They got Lot drunk on wine, had sex with their father, and both of them got pregnant and had Noah’s babies (Gen. 19:32-38). Is there a future prophecy about drunkenness?

IN THE DAYS OF NOAH ~ Drunkenness, Gluttony, and Angel Sex-!

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man,” (Mat. 24:37)

Jesus preached that the Nephilim conspiracy of evil would be repeated before his Second Coming. Jesus said that what happened before the flood, will happen again when he returns. So, what was happening in those days before the flood? But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be: “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown,” (Gen. 6:4). “For as in the days before the flood, they (The Nephilim - Fallen Angel’s Children) were eating (Gluttony), and drinking (Drunkenness), marrying and giving in marriage (Fallen angel sex with humans), until the day that Noah entered the ark,” (Mt. 24:37-38). Gills Exposition of the Bible indicates that the word here (Mat. 24:37) used for eating, signifies raw MEAT eating after the manner of BLOOD thirsty brute beasts: “They indulged themselves in a brutish way, in gluttony and drunkenness. It is certain from the account given of them, in Genesis 6:2 that they entered into unlawful marriages, and unclean copulations. Wherefore these things may be spoken of them, as what were really sinful and wicked, and denote a course of sinning, a constant practice of these sins of intemperance - the act of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess, a blood lust for killing animals, binge eating raw meat, and raping women (violent drunken induced orgies). This idol worship prompted the God t to send the Flood to destroy the them. But, is there any real evidence of the Nephilim?

Josephus the famous Jewish Historian talked about the remains of the Nephilim that were on public display in his time. He says that it was common knowledge that Giants previously inhabited the world during his time. These Giants stood from 10 to sometimes 30 feet in height. Some Nephilim had 6 fingers and 6 toes (2 Sam. 21:20), while others had 2 rows of teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. Native Indian tribes have documented the account of Red headed double rowed Nephilim that were wild and cannibalistic. Is there any evidence that humanoids of giant stature-even larger and more robust than "Neanderthal" man existed in the past? A study of the substantial evidence for a former race of giants in North America and its 150-year suppression by the Smithsonian Institution was presented by R.J. Dewhurst in 2013, in the book: “The Ancient Giants Who Ruled America: The Missing Skeletons and the Great Smithsonian Cover-Up.” So, did these ancient giants have an influence on humans getting addicted to drinking alcohol?

DO “STAR CHILDREN” COME FROM THE STARS-? (Addictions and Family Genes) 

According to Egyptian mythology, the demigods descended from the STARS of Orion and Sirius– the brightest star in the sky. Orion was a giant Nephilim huntsman in Greek mythology whom Zeus placed among the stars as the constellation of Orion. The Orion Nebula known as M42, is a stellar nursery where new stars are continuously being born. Throughout history many ancient cultures have had encounters with Star-gods or White masters that came down from the skies. Their visits have coincided with a sudden boost of advancement in their societies. The Nephilim were a superior race of fallen angels. Even before the Pharos of Egypt, during Zep Tepi these giants were building monolithic buildings. The humans were used as slaves by this superior race of White-gods, and those that refused to worship them were tortured and killed. Most ancient civilizations have legends that their leaders (Pharaohs, Emperors, Kings, Queens, & Monarchs) were worshipped as demigods because their royal bloodline was divine. Did they inherit their DNA from the “gods?” Well, we know that 12-15% of our present population are genetically preconditioned to inherit an addiction for alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, religion and sex, etc. Is there a connection here? The other 85% of the population are born with a capacity to self-regulate and control their behavior, sometimes by balancing out extreme behaviors after suffering negative consequences. Did you ever wonder why some of the most intelligent, talented, artistic and creative people from all over the world (in almost every academic/occupational field) throughout history and presently seem to suffer from alcoholism and other addictions? 

Could it possibly be that these STAR CHILDREN or gifted individuals along with approximately 12-15% of the world’s population continue to suffer from alcoholism and other addictions due to their ancient angelic genetic heritage (sinful nature)? Is it more than just a coincidence that throughout history many ancient cultures have had encounters with Super Star - Heroes? They came down from the skies, and their visits have coincided with a sudden boost of advancement in their societies. The idea that addiction runs in families is an ancient one. In recent decades, science has advanced this idea from the status of folk-observation to systematic investigation: “Addictive Behavior Could Trace Back to an Ancient Retrovirus - In Our DNA” (Popular Science, September 24, 2018). Considering the above, is it possible that part of the human race inherited these addiction genes from the angelic-children (Star-gods) who were also genetically skilled at many things, including magic, divination, art, music, and warfare? This is all interesting but, what did Jesus say about drinking alcohol and addiction?

DID JESUS DRINK ALCOHOL? (What Did Jesus Do?)

“For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking Wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a Drunkard, ...’ (Lk. 7:33-34)

Some of us were taught growing up in the Christian Church that drinking alcohol is a sin, or we were made to feel like second class Christians (ungodly) if we enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or any alcoholic beverage. Likewise, many Christian denominations prohibit or discourage the use of alcohol altogether. This is the total abstinence or the “Prohibitionist View.” However, at the same time, we were always taught to ask ourselves: What would Jesus do? Or in this case: What did Jesus do in regard to the question of alcohol? We all know that Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine mentioned at the Cana wedding celebration (Jn. 2:1-11). These verses describe a wedding celebration where the guests had not restricted themselves to just a few sips of wine in a toast to the bride and groom. Clearly they had been doing some serious drinking to the point where the host had completely run out of wine and was on the verge of being embarrassed. It is also clear that Jesus did not make grape juice or a cheap wine with little alcohol content even though the guests had already had too much to drink. In addition, Jesus didn’t just make a few extra bottles of wine for the partygoers. The scripture states that he made between 120 and 180 gallons of the good stuff (High Alcoholic content - Not Grape Juice).

Now if Jesus had a “Prohibitionist” view of alcohol, I doubt that he would have stayed at a wedding celebration where everyone was getting drunk, let alone agree to greatly replenish the supply. Some may still be questioning was it really wine? The most popular argument that many churches teach is that the wine of the Bible was nonalcoholic. In other words, when the Bible says "wine" it really means "grape juice." If this were true, why are there 17 warnings against drunkenness and the abuse of wine in the Bible? How did the partakers of the Lord's Communion at the church of Corinth get drunk on grape juice (1 Cor. 11:20-21)? Why would Paul say, "Be not drunk with wine?" And what about the 20 references in the Bible to people actually getting drunk? The only logical and reasonable conclusion is that when the Bible says "wine" it means wine. Wine, both in the New and Old Testaments were completely fermented wine. Unpasteurized grape juice only lasts for approximately 2 weeks out of each year. It is naturally created when grapes are crushed and placed in goatskins. It yields the exact same product today that it did the very first time it was created: wine with 10-15% alcohol by volume. So, what does the Bible say about hard liquor?

STRONG DRINK ~ “Zombie Spirits”

“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow Strong Drink; that continue until night, till Wine inflame them!” (Is. 5:11, KJV)

Some believe that the “Strong Drink” mentioned in the Bible is referring to beer, because it is made from grain. However, a stronger drink - Grain Alcohol was created by alembic distillation, which has been in use since at least 3500 BC. The same distillation method was used to extract precious oils from cedar, frankincense, and myrrh timber. Alcohol by volume for this “strong drink” was about 35-85%. But why is liquor called “Spirits”? Well the word “alcohol” is derived from the Arabic work ‘al-kuhl’ meaning a flesh eating spirit. ‘Al- ghawl’ is also the base for the English word ‘ghoul’ and Ghouls are folkloric monsters that eat human bodies - what we now call ZOMBIES similar to “The Walking Dead” (TV Series). Today, you can buy pure Grain Alcohol (190 proof) and it is dangerous, because you can quickly reach alcohol poisoning levels and die or end up in the ER.

The ‘new wine’ of Hosea 4:11, where connected with religious prostitution probably reflects an original ‘strong drink.’ It denotes an intoxicating draught of any sort and seen often to stand alongside or synonymous with, among others, the Hebrew “Mimsãkh.” This was ‘a spiced wine’ as either mixed or mingled. Many of these ‘mixed wines’ prepared with herbs and spices of various kinds were highly potent and widely used for medicinal or recreational purposes. Some also were narcotic. Where it known from Scripture and other ancient records, this wine was drugged with opium, myrrh and possibly mandrake. These Biblical ‘love apples’ (Gen. 30:14, Song of Solomon 7:13) were prescribed as anesthetic, medicinal or recreational in ancient times. Although classed as an illicit ‘sorcery’ at least in Hebrew law, (Ex. 18:22) it is clear from the Biblical narratives that addictive and harmful substances were widely employed for occult purposes in the ancient near-east.

THE BIBLE AND ALCOHOL ~ Positive, Neutral, and Negative References-!

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything,” (1 Cor. 6:12)

A search of the Bible using the King James Version and the New International Version, reveals that there are approximately 247 references to wine and strong drink in the scriptures. These can be divided into 3 broad categories: Positive references, Neutral references, and Negative references. Surprisingly, 84% of the references related to alcohol in the Bible are positive or neutral. There are 145 positive and 62 neutral references to alcohol in the Bible for a total of 207. These scriptures refer to wine and/or strong drink as a commonly accepted part of the culture. They have no value judgment attached to them, anymore than people in our culture would attach a value judgment to a choice of drinking iced tea or diet coke with a meal. These references show that no stigma was attached with the casual use of drinking alcohol in the Bible.

Nowhere, in these references is it suggested that drinking beer, wine, or strong drink is a sin. To the contrary, the following verses are biblical instructions to drink alcohol: “Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more,” (Pro. 31:6-7). Jesus, himself at the last supper commanded us to drink wine: “In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the New Covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it," (1 Cor. 11:25).

The Bible also has negative references to alcohol. The Apostle Paul had to rebuke the Christians at the Corinthian home church for getting drunk at the Lord’s Supper: “Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing?” (1 Cor. 11:20-22). The remaining 40 verses or just 16% are negative references. However, these scriptures are warnings against abusing alcohol or getting drunk, not against moderate drinking. Nineteen examples are of people abusing alcohol, and three refer to not electing church leaders to be ordained who are drunkards or practicing alcoholics.

AVOID STUMBLING A WEAKER BROTHER (Rom. 14:21)

“It is better not to eat meat or drink Wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall,” 

There is only one (1) verse out of the 247 (alcohol verses) in the entire Bible that “seemingly” advocates for all Christians to totally abstain from drinking wine or all alcoholic beverages. According to the above verse, if a weaker brother thinks that drinking wine is a sin, but he sees you drinking wine and decides to drink some himself - still believing in his heart that it is sin, then you have caused him to stumble. This is what the verse says we must not do. Many prohibitionists interpret this verse to mean that Christians should never buy or drink alcohol on the off chance that a weaker brother might imitate and consequently violate his conscience. But, if this was the correct interpretation, then what about (1.) the eating of meat, and (3) all other activities that may stumble your “brothers or sisters?” We must ask these questions: Are all Christians faced with the mandate of turning to a completely vegetarian diet to avoid causing our Christian brothers to stumble (e.g., Seventh Day Adventist Christians who think that it is sin to eat meat)? And what about other activities?

Some Christians teach that watching plays, movies, and TV dramas, and going to dances are sins. They also teach that it is sinful for women to wear make-up, jeans, shorts, jewelry, and bathing suits. The list goes on and on. Concerning eating meat sacrificed to idols, Paul says: “Eat anything sold in the market without raising questions of conscience, for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." ...... If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?” (1 Cor. 25-30). Likewise, we should drink our wine with a joyful heart (Ecl. 9:7). On the other hand, if wine (alcohol) is the “Forbidden Fruit” that caused biological death and the continued suffering of the human race, why wouldn’t the writers of the Bible and Jesus both be promoting a total abstinence of alcohol consumption? Instead, we find a moderate use of alcohol within a religious context being promoted at the Last Supper when Jesus commanded his disciples to drink it in remembrance of His death. Could it possibly be that Jesus understood human nature, and knew that the making of religious laws in organized religions against drinking alcohol and prohibiting all alcohol consumption only leads to increased alcoholism and religious addiction? So, what’s good about drinking?

SEVEN (7) BENEFITS OF MODERATE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION (1 Tim. 5:23)

“No longer drink only water, but use a little Wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments,” 

Although some studies suggest that red wine offers additional health-protective effects due to its high antioxidant content, the following health benefits listed can be obtained by drinking any type of alcohol in moderation (Beer, Wine, Hard Liquor, etc.).

1. DEMENTIA: A French study found that people who drank daily in moderation were less likely to develop dementia than nondrinkers and those who only had one drink each week.

2. GALLSTONES: Some studies have suggested that those who drink moderately cut their risk of developing gallstones by about 50%.

3. HEART HEALTH: Moderate drinking reduces the risk of both heart disease and death by heart attack. Studies have found variable risk reduction rates, ranging from 25% (various studies) to 40% (Nurses’ Health Study-a longitudinal study of 85,709 nurses).

4. ISCHEMIC STROKE: Moderate drinkers have a 70% reduced risk for ischemic strokes, a leading cause of disability and death. Heavy drinking increases the risk of suffering ischemic strokes.

5. TYPE 2 DIABETES: There are some indications that moderate drinking may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. But, consuming large quantities of alcohol increases the risk for this condition.

6. VASCULAR BENEFITS: Numerous studies suggest a 25% to 40% risk reduction for peripheral vascular disease in moderate drinkers.

7. GENERAL HEALTH: A national (U.S.) study found that moderate drinkers are more likely to get enough sleep each night, exercise regularly and be at a healthy weight than nondrinkers and heavy drinkers (Harvard School of Public Health, 2007).

Note: The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that if you choose to drink alcohol, you should do so only in moderation — up to one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men. Examples of one drink include: Beer: 12 fluid ounces; Wine: 5 fluid ounces; and Distilled Spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces. Moderate alcohol use may be of most benefit only if you're an older adult or if you have existing risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol. If you currently don't drink, don't start drinking for the possible health benefits. You can take other steps to benefit your cardiovascular health besides drinking alcohol, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising, for example (Mayo Clinic, 2011). So, is alcohol healthy for your sex life?

DOES ALCOHOL ENHANCE OR HURT OUR SEXUAL PERFORMANCE ? 

“Excessive drinking provokes the desire, but takes away the performance,” (William Shakespeare)

Most young male adults and many females find it difficult to imagine not drinking any alcohol at least on weekends. They also find it almost impossible to think of having sex without previously having a few drinks. These fundamental values appear to be deeply embedded in our culture. Somewhere along the line, we got the message that we need alcohol to have good sex. I recently heard a stand-up comedian refer to the term, “whiskey dick” when describing his friend who had drank too much and had difficulties with orgasm even while using viagra. Alcohol does reduce our inhibitions and it gives us a mellow feeling. It makes us more relaxed and more talkative. It can make shy people feel confident and bold. These effects can facilitate our sexual desires by developing our social skills. However, these positive effects are only present in the early stage of intoxication when we’ve consumed 1-2 drinks (assuming you haven’t already developed a tolerance for alcohol).

Alcohol’s negative effects on sexual performance have been widely documented. Men and women who have several drinks may find it very hard to achieve orgasm. Difficulties with achieving orgasm after alcohol consumption can be understood because alcohol dilates small blood vessels all over the body so that there is less engorgement of blood in the sexual organs. This leaves the penis flaccid or only partially erect so that sexual penetration is difficult. Women may find that they have decreased vaginal lubrication making sexual intercourse unpleasant and sometimes painful (Raff, 2006). Impotence is the constant inability of a man to maintain an erection for sexual purposes. It is estimated that impotence affects over 30 million men in the United States. We always assume that all these men are over 60 years old and older. A 2013, study however suggested that Erectile Dysfunction may affect as many as 1 in 4 young men under age 40, (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013). But, are there are specific reasons, circumstances, and times when some should never drink alcohol?

SEVEN (7) REASONS NOT TO DRINK ~ “Be wise as serpents” (Mat. 10:16)

“Drinking Beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But, being a Christian, that’s a tough call. That’s REBELLION” ~ Alice Cooper

We must keep in mind that moderate use of alcohol doesn't mean that using alcohol is risk-free. If you binge drink such as having 4-5 drinks in the space of a few hours — you face serious health problems, likewise if you drink and drive. Here are some other situations in which the risks of alcohol use may outweigh possible health benefits:

1. You're pregnant or trying to become pregnant; For men - it negatively affects sexual performance;

2. You take medications that can interact with alcohol or take over-the-counter pain relievers;

3. You've had a previous hemorrhagic stroke;

4. You've been diagnosed with alcoholism or alcohol abuse, and/or have a family history of alcoholism or breast cancer;

5. You have liver or pancreatic disease;

6. You have heart failure or you've been told you have a weak heart or dilated cardiomyopathy; and

7. You're planning to drive a vehicle, use tools or operate machinery (Mayo Clinic, 2011).

SEVEN (7) CULTURAL CONDITIONS FOR LOW ALCOHOLISM RATES

“But the Fruit of the Spirit is … Self-Control …” (Eph. 5:22-23)

Self-control is one of the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of every believer. Moderation exercises restraint and avoids extremes. Research on Alcoholism indicates that a recipe for moderate drinking can be constructed from seven (7) successful examples such as the: Jewish, Italian, Spanish, French, Greek, Chinese, and the Early Christian - cultures. There are seven (7) conditions that cross-cultural researchers have found to be correlated in most societies with non-abusive drinking practices and low rates of alcoholism:

1. Group drinking is clearly differentiated from drunkenness and associated with ritualistic or religious celebrations (such as drinking wine at the Lord’s Supper in the Early “Home” Churches).

2. Drinking that is associated with eating, preferably ritualistic feasting. Both sexes and several generations are included in the drinking situation, whether all drink or not.

3. Drinking not to escape personal anxiety or difficult (intolerable) social situations.

4. Inappropriate behavior when drinking (aggression, violence, overt sexuality) is absolutely disapproved, and protection against such behavior is offered by the `sober' or the less intoxicated.

5. A general acceptance of restraint indicates that drinking is only one of many activities.

6. Drinking that carries a relatively low level of emotionalism.

7. Drinking that is not associated with a male or female `rite of passage' or sense of superiority.

Note: The above Recipe for moderate drinking may work for the majority of the population, but what about those individuals that tend to struggle with their drinking and other addictive behaviors? (Zinberg, 1981). Obviously, those who have been diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence and that have a disease called “Alcoholism” need to abstain from all use of alcohol and drugs and take the Nazarite Vow as Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist did (Num. 6:2-4), as it may be genetic. We know that the Early Church obeyed Jesus and celebrated communion with alcohol (wine) in moderation for over 300 years. The Apostle Paul drank alcohol (wine) and also encouraged Timothy to drink it (1 Tim. 5:23). So, what else did the Apostle Paul say about drinking alcohol?

HOLY GHOST ~ CONTROLLED DRINKING-!

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” (Ep. 5:18)

The most popular view among professionals who treat alcoholism in the United States is that the goal of treatment for those who have been dependent on and abuse alcohol is total, complete, and permanent abstinence from alcohol and other intoxicating substances (Peele, 1992). Others believe that drinking in moderation - termed Controlled Drinking or CD should be the goal of treatment for those that abuse alcohol. Although CD may be a controversial alternative to AA, the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions - found CD to be equally effective as abstinence. Among the 43,000 alcoholics surveyed, nearly 36 percent were in recovery (18.2 percent - abstainers, 17.7 percent were moderate drinkers).

Jesus drank wine in moderation (Mt. 11:19; Lk. 7:34), and he and the Apostle Paul both instructed believers to drink wine (his Blood DNA) in order to participate in the Lord’s Supper or Communion: “This cup (of Wine) IS the New Covenant in my BLOOD, which is poured out for you,” (Lk. 22:20). Paul repeats this and further states that anyone who consumes (eats and drinks this Spirit) the body of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body (DNA) of Jesus: “That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep or died,” (1 Cor. 11:25-30). Here we see that God’s word is advocating for the controlled drinking of alcohol that has been blessed by the Holy Ghost - to prevent the weakness, sickness, and death of those drinking in an unworthy manner. Jesus taught us about moderate or controlled drinking of alcohol when taking Communion. But, is there more to this teaching?

PART TWO (2)

THE HOLY SACRAMENTS

HOLY WINE (Alcohol) ~ A Sacred Sacrament-!

"Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins,” (Mat. 26:27-28)

Jesus taught us the New Covenant at the Last Supper, when he celebrated the Passover meal by drinking Wine with his disciples for Communion with God. Jesus taught us that alcohol is a sacred sacramental element to be used to drink as His blood, and to honor, worship, and praise our Father in Heaven. In the Christian church, a sacrament is a religious ritual or ceremony (such as baptism and Communion) that gives us God’s grace through the elements. Christians consider the elemental sacraments of Holy Wine and Holy Oil to be the channel for God's grace to experience the reality of God in their life. Wine acts as the blood of Jesus. By drinking Jesus’ blood (wine), we are cleansed from all sin. Jesus said, “Drink from it, all of you. This (Wine) is My blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins,” (Mat. 26:27-28). From Christ's crucifixion to the communion sacrament - the drinking of the blood (wine) of Jesus constitutes the cleansing of our sins.

To this day, most Jewish scholars teach us that during the Jewish Passover or Seder meal, all God’s chosen people would drink up to four (4) cups of wine (learnreligions..com/passover-the-four-cups-of-wine-2076514). WOW-! It’s amazing how Satan has lied to us about God’s Holy sacrament- Alcohol. The Early Christian Church for the first 1800 years, used alcoholic wine as a Holy sacramental element during all religious ceremonies for God to channel His Grace to his chosen people. Many churches today are being disobedient to Jesus, by forbidding their members from drinking wine (alcohol) to commune with God, as Jesus commanded. 

The Bible has many other verses that promote the moderate religious use of alcoholic wine by God’s people. They used the psychoactive element of alcohol as a sacrament to prepare themselves to enter worship with their minds and hearts totally focused on God: The Jews kept Wine, Oil, and Incense in the temple in preparation for worshipping God: “Some of them were appointed over the furnishings and over all the implements of the sanctuary, and over the fine flour and the Wine and the Oil and the Incense and the spices,” (1 Chr. 9:29). The “Drink Offering” that consisted of Wine, was an essential part of the worship of the people of God: “With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of Wine as a drink offering,” (Ex 29:40; Lev. 23:13). The people of God brought Wine when offering sacrifices: “After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of Wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh,” (1 Sm. 1:24). 

According to the Bible, wine is a reward or fulfillment of your divine destiny (Is. 55:1-3). Wine will strengthen you if you faint (1 Sam. 16:2; Ps. 104:15). Wine promotes healing and restoration (Joel 2:24-25). Wine will heal and restore your broken wound (Lk. 10:34), and drinking a little wine will help your illness (1 Tim. 5:23). In addition, the New Testament instructs Church leaders to drink in moderation: “In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in Much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain,” (1 Tim. 3:8). “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to Drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money,” (1 Tim. 3:2-3). However, the excessive use of alcohol or wine as previously stated will promote drunkenness and that is a sin. (Eph. 5:18; 1 Tim. 3:3). So, we can see that when alcohol is not abused, it can be used as a Holy Sacrament in the Church. Alcohol is a mind-altering liquid drug. Are there other Holy Sacramental elements mentioned in the Bible, that are psychoactive substances?

HOLY ANOINTING OIL ~ A Sacred Sacrament-!

“ Then the Lord said to Moses, Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid Myrrh, half as much of fragrant Cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant KANAH-Bos (Cannabis), 500 shekels of Cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil ... It will be the Sacred Anointing Oil, …” (Ex. 30: 22-33)

As previously noted in Chapter 6 (The Marijuana Holiday - 4/20), God directed Moses to make his Holy Anointing Oil with “Kanahbos” or Cannabis. God gave Moses precise detailed instructions on how to make HIS holy anointing Oil. The original translation of the 3rd ingredient in the Hebrew Bible is Kanah-bos (Marijuana). God also warned Moses to not to change the ingredients or make any other oil with the same formula: God said, “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be MY Sacred Anointing Oil for the generations to come. Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people.’ ”

God makes it very clear that only His recipe for Anointing Oil (that includes Cannabis) should be used for all generations to come as a Holy Sacramental Element. After the tabernacle was completed, God told Moses to anoint it with His Holy Oil and all its instruments to consecrate them or make them Holy. Then Moses anointed Aaron and his sons to sanctify them so that they could minister to the Lord as priests (Ex. 30: 26-30). After the consecration was completed the Glory of the Lord came down, covered and filled the temple. But, is there any mention of this in the New Testament?

GOD ANOINTED JESUS ~ With the Holy Oil-!

“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by Anointing you with the Oil of Joy,” (Heb. 1:9) 

  The Apostle Paul informs us that God anointed Jesus our High Priest with the “Oil of Joy. Paul tells us, “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him,” (Acts 10:38). Since only priests could use this anointing oil, Christians are authorized by God to use the Holy Anointing Oil, because they are “Priests according to the order of Melchizedek,” (1 Pet. 2:9). The Anointing Oil is symbolic of the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in you—to “know all things,” (1 Jn. 2:27). Is this mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament? Well, an unknown woman ANOINTED Jesus' head with God’s Holy Oil, to prepare him for burial. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, wherever this Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her,” (Mt. 26:13). There are two other different accounts of women who also anointed Jesus with God’s Holy Oil. The first one mentioned is in Luke 7:36-50. The second is mentioned in John 12:1-8. 

The Bible also says that Jesus Baptized (anointed) ~ with “Fire” (Acts 2:3) - Not Water: “He (Jesus) will Baptize you with the Holy Spirit and FIRE," (Mt. 3:11). Fire and Oil both symbolize the Holy Spirit. Jesus anointed his disciples with God’s Holy Oil (2 Cor. 1:12). He then taught them how to heal the sick with Holy Oil, and sent them out to heal others using it: “They drove out many demons and Anointed many sick people with Oil and Healed them,” (Mk. 6:13). Jesus taught his disciples that the Holy Oil should be used during fasting and praying to strengthen and refresh them (Mat. 6:16-18). The Elders of the Early Church also followed this practice for the first 300 years of Christianity. They anointed and healed their sick with God’s Holy Oil: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and Anoint them with OIL in the name of the Lord,” (Jam. 5:14). Are there other mind-altering Holy Sacraments?

HOLY INCENSE ~ A Sacred Sacrament-!

“And the Lord said to Moses: “Take sweet spices, Stacte and onycha and Galbanum, and pure Frankincense with these sweet spices; there shall be equal amounts of each. You shall make of these an Incense, (Ex. 30:34-35)

God also directed MOSES to make his Holy Incense. He told Moses to start burning this Holy Incense (Ps. 141:2) in religious worship as a sacrifice by fire unto him. The recipe that God gave to Moses for Incense contains the following psychoactive drugs: 

1. MYRRH (Stacte) - is the extract of the transparent portion of the gum resin - Commiphora. This Opioid receptor is the same one that Morphine activates. This means that inhaling or absorbing myrrh incense can cause a drug reaction. Myrrh is a specific kind of gall (Mat. 27:34), a bitter tasting narcotic that was mixed with wine and given to Jesus on the cross. It was an attempt to intoxicate him to diminish his pain (Mk.15:23). But, Jesus refused to drink it. “Jesus was resolved to taste death at its bitterest and to go to God with Open Eyes,” (William Barclay).

2. GALBANUM - contains 3-pinene which is a gaba agonist. Inhalation causes anti-anxiety effects which would cause similar effects as Xanax. 

3. FRANKINCENSE - is an incense that contains Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is similar to THC - the psychoactive component of Cannabis (Drahl, 2008; Khan, 2012). There are over 52 references to Frankincense in the Bible.

God told Moses that this Holy Incense should be burned ONLY in the Tabernacle. It was used to show reverence and honor to God. The smoke was like prayer being lifted up to God, when the incense was burned. This sacred Incense like the sacred Anointing Oil, was so Holy that the people were strictly forbidden to copy it for personal use: “Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves; consider it holy to the LORD. Whoever makes incense like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from their people.” According to the law only the priests descended from Aaron could burn this incense (Lev. 2:2). Those who tried to usurp the priestly function of offering incense were punished by death (Num. 16:31, 32) or disease (2 Chron. 26:19), and even priests who offered incense improperly were killed (Lev. 10:1-2). But, is this Holy Incense mentioned in the New Testament? 

Well, we know that the gifts of the Magi at Jesus' birth included both Frankincense and Myrrh (Mat. 2:11). These are the same two ingredients that God gave to Moses for the recipe for his Holy Incense. In Jesus’ day, it was the custom of the priesthood to burn Incense: “He was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn (Holy) INCENSE. And when the time for the burning of INCENSE came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside,” (Lk. 1:9-10). The Apostle John (Revelation) informs us that the rituals of Holy Oil and Holy Incense came from Heaven, where he witnessed it: “If you are wise you will get from me gold tested by fire, so that you may have true wealth; and white robes to put on, so that your shame may not be seen; and OIL for your eyes, so that you may see,” (Rev. 3:18). “Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much INCENSE to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne.

The smoke of the INCENSE, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand,” (Rev. 8:3-4). John informs us that God’s anointing Seal is placed on the foreheads of his servants, identifying them as his own. Before this, John seen the 4:20 Elders fall down before the Lamb. “Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of INCENSE, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song” (Rev. 5:8, KJV). This Holy Incense was also used in baking God’s Holy Bread. So, the Bible tells us that God used the Holy Wine, the Holy Oil, and the Holy Incense as sacramental elements, but what about Holy Water?

THE HOLY WATER ~ Not a Sacramental Element, but a Curse-! (Num. 5:17)

“Then he shall take some Holy Water in a clay jar and put some dust from the tabernacle floor into the water,”

The Catholic Church would have you believe that their Holy Water is a sacramental element - just like the Holy Wine, the Holy Oil, and the Holy Incense in the Bible. But, the Bible tells a different story. Water is a very common word used in the Old and New Testaments, but the two words “Holy Water” together only appear one (1) time in the entire Bible - in the verse above. The holy water in this case (Number 5:11-31) is being used not as a sacrament or blessing to give God’s grace, but as a curse: The Priest “holds the bitter water that brings a curse,” (Num. 5:18). In fact the Lord told Moses that “he must not pour Holy Oil on it or put Holy Incense on the grain offering for jealousy (Num. 5:15). This bitter “holy water” is being used as a test for a woman caught in adultery by her husband, in an attempt to remove a jealous husband’s suspicion.

The priest prepared this water of bitterness for the wife to drink; “If she has made herself impure and been unfaithful to her husband, this will be the result: When she is made to drink the water that brings a curse and causes bitter suffering, it will enter her, her abdomen will swell and her womb will miscarry, and she will become a curse. If, however, the woman has not made herself impure, but is clean, she will be cleared of guilt and will be able to have children,” (Num. 5:27-28). So, this holy water was used to induce abortions on pregnant wives that were committing adultery. 

What was in this holy water? Scripture tells us that the priest put some dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. We know that this water was bitter and that it must have contained some type of poison, because it caused bitter suffering in women. Well, we know that the Wormwood herb is one of the most bitter medicinal plants in the world, and that it is mentioned in the Book of Revelation: “Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter,” (Rev. 8:10-11). We also know that the side effects of the Wormwood herb on pregnant women may cause a miscarriage.

We can also see that this holy water contained some type of truth serum, and that for 90% of us, alcohol may be a type of truth serum. The basic reason behind this is that alcohol overloads working memory, impairs judgment, and causes primary inhibitory impairment surrounding social situations. With lowered inhibitions and social rationalization, an individual may say what’s on their mind without filters, and some deeply personal information may be true. So this tabernacle holy water may have contained Alcohol and Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium - an herb used in the alcoholic drink absinthe). 

In summary, the Catholic Church has used this one verse in the Bible (Num. 5:17), where it says that holy water was in the Jewish Temple - to justify their exclusive use of holy water for baptisms, exorcisms, cleansing of sins, and blessing everything from mass goers to their pets. The Catholic Church claims that only they have the wells or springs considered holy, and the authority to bless regular water to make it holy. In the Bible, three thousand (3000) believers were immediately baptized on the same day they believed when the church began at Pentecost (Acts 2:41). They obviously didn’t wait around for some priest to first bless the water to make it holy. John the Baptist said nothing about the water itself being holy (Mat. 3:11). Baptism is a symbolic ritual, identifying oneself with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Even for ceremonial cleansing in the Old Testament, regular fresh water was used: “For the unclean person, put some ashes from the burned purification offering into a jar and pour fresh water over them,” (Num. 19:17).

So, what happens when you drink holy water in this day and age? Well, there is a new cocktail called “Holy Water” that combines Russian holy water (Vodka) and Puerto Rican holy water (White Rum). You can imagine its power to Curse depending on the amount you drink. Now, getting back to God’s sacraments. The Holy Incense was also used in baking God’s Holy Bread.

THE HOLY SHOWBREAD (Edible) ~ Sprinkled and Baked with Holy Incense-!

“Put the Bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times,” (Ex. 25:30)

God gave Moses a specific recipe to make his Holy Bread with his Holy Incense in the Tabernacle: “Take the finest flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. Arrange them in two stacks, six in each stack, on the table of pure gold before the Lord. By each stack put some pure INCENSE as a memorial portion to represent the bread and to be a food offering presented to the Lord,” (Lev. 24: 5-7). The biblical regulations specify that cups of frankincense (THC) were to be placed upon the twelve loafs of bread and offered to God as a sacrifice by fire. After its use in the temple, only the priests were allowed to eat this bread. Jesus who was accused of Sabbath breaking, tells us that David and his men who were not priests ate the Holy consecrated bread: “He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions,” (Lk. 6:4). Jesus was saying that David’s need to eat the Holy Bread was not to meet some ceremonial regulation. Similarly, our human need for the Holy Bread that God gives us, is more important than religious rules. It prepares our hearts and minds to worship God.

According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary, Shew-bread or Showbread was unleavened bread placed upon a table which stood in the sanctuary together with the seven (7) branched candlestick and the altar of incense. Every Sabbath twelve (12) newly baked loaves, representing the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, were put on it in two rows, six in each, and sprinkled with God’s Holy Incense, where they remained till the following Sabbath. Then they were replaced by twelve new ones, the Holy Incense was burned (into the bread), and they were eaten by the priests in the holy place. The name "Bread of the Face" seems to indicate that this is the bread through which God is seen, that is, with the participation of which the seeing of God is bound up, or through the participation of which man attains the sight of God. It follows that we shouldn’t think of this bread merely as the means of nourishing our physical life, but as spiritual food to appropriate and retain that life which consists - in seeing the face of God (biblehub..com/topical/s/shewbread). The Apostle Paul also mentions this Holy Bread in the Book of Hebrews (Heb. 9:2). It’s interesting to note that Beer is liquid fermented bread (remember Solomon’s recipe). So, what did Jesus say about the Bread of Life?

JESUS ~ Is the BREAD of LIFE-! (Jn. 6:35)

“I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty,”

Bible scholars inform us that the Holy Showbread was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ who is the true Bread of Life. It gives unfailing sustenance to all who partake of it. Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem which means “House of Bread.” Jesus is pictured as the Bread of Life in many places throughout the Scripture. He is referred to as the Bread of Life who has come down from heaven to give life to all who will accept Him. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. Your ancestors ate the Manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the Bread that comes down from Heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This Bread is my Flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (Jn. 6: 48- 52). Just as bread must be eaten to sustain our physical life, Jesus told us to eat the Holy Bread to commune with God, to sustain our spiritual life with him. So, what are the effects of taking these Holy Sacraments together - simultaneously?

HOLY BREAD (Oil & Incense) AND HOLY WINE ~ God’s Synergistic Experience-! (Lev. 2:1-2)

 ‘When anyone offers a (Bread) Grain offering to the Lord, ..he shall pour Oil on it, and put Frank-Incense on it .. And the priest shall burn it as a memorial on the altar, an offering made by Fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord,”

The power and meaning of the sacramental elements of the Holy Bread (Oil & Incense) and the Holy Wine when combined - goes beyond what appears to the perception of the human senses. Jesus said, that His Sacraments are REAL food and REAL drink (Not just symbols): Jesus said, “My flesh is Real Food and my blood is Real Drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them,” (Jn. 6:55-56). These sacred elements used simultaneously can give grace so that men and women can receive the very life and holiness of God. The synergistic effect of alcohol and these other psychoactive elements cause the total effect of these sacraments to be greater than the sum of the individual effects of each element. For example, if someone for Communion drank wine (or some other alcoholic substitute) and ate a piece of bread baked with Holy Incense and Oil (Cannabis), the synergistic effect may not be 10% (alcohol) plus 10% (cannabis) = 20%. But, it could be up to 10 times 10 = 100%. Synergism multiplies potency. The sacramental elements do not simply signify the grace of God, but they actually cause it. So, where was Alcohol first offered to God? 

First, we see a type of Christ (Melchizedek) doing this: “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out Bread and Wine (to Abraham). He was priest of God Most High,” (Gen. 14:18). Then we see Abraham’s grandson Jacob making a drink offering with Oil to God: “Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a Drink offering on it; he also poured Oil on it,” (Gen. 35:14). In God’s infinite wisdom, he has directed us to drink the smallest quantities of Alcohol, along with using the smallest quantities of his Holy Bread, Oil, and Incense - for a synergistic effect to prepare our minds to worship Him. This divinely prescribed formula of micro-dosing or only using very small amounts of the sacred elements in a religious setting to celebrate the sacraments (Baptism, Communion, etc.) may be the key to preventing the development of Alcoholism and other addictions. 

Satan has many of his followers abusing large amounts of alcohol and drugs to worship him. Satan also has his religious followers totally abstaining from God’s Holy sacraments, while condemning those that are obeying Jesus. Through the combined consumption of small quantities of the sacraments (mini-dosing), the Holy Spirit transforms and heals those who receive them, vitally uniting them to the Son of God to communicate Jesus’ divine life through the Church. Remember, todays Cannabis is not your grandfather’s weed. The potency of todays cannabis has increased over 300%, over the last 40–50 years. One puff and one standard drink is typically all you will need to experience God’s Synergistic effect. Warning: I strongly advise you to follow the previously mentioned precautions for moderate drinking and Do Not take any other medications or plan to drive a vehicle, use tools or operate machinery. Worship God in your Home Church. This may sound a little strange to the average Christian. Why would God want us to ingest psychoactive substances? Maybe, he created us this way?

GOD CREATED OUR BODIES ~ To Naturally make Alcohol-!

“My human body is not a temple…..it’s a microbrewery with legs!”

The human body produces very small amounts of alcohol naturally throughout our lives. And, it doesn’t wait until our 21st birthday to make our own alcohol. It also doesn’t matter what your parents or religion teaches you about alcohol. Your body still produces it. This process is called Endogenous Ethanol production. It occurs 24-hours a day, seven (7) days per week. Our bodies can produce from 4 grams up to about one (1) ounce of pure alcohol each day - equal to over one quarter of a drink to almost two alcoholic drinks. In fact, some people even experience gut fermentation syndrome or Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS). In ABS, the production of alcohol can be high enough to cause intoxication. So, a person who has consumed no alcohol at all may still wind up getting arrested for a suspected DUI, if he or she has Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), since it may cause patients to have a breath or blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit. People with ABS develop a tolerance for alcohol. This means that they may show no signs of intoxication at a BAC of .15%. However, too much stress or lack of sleep may cause symptoms at very high levels up to BACs of .3 or .4% (alcoholproblemsandsolutions..org/the-human-body-produces-alcohol-naturally-and-continuously). So, what other psychoactive drugs are produced in humans?

GOD CREATED WITHIN US ~ Endo-Cannabinoids (Cannabis)-!

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made …” (Ps. 139:14)

We must also remember that God created the human brain with an Endogenous Cannabinoid System named after the Cannabis plant. Marijuana molecules that are naturally made within our bodies are called endogenous cannabinoids. Researchers inform us that “Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. With its complex actions in our immune system, nervous system, and virtually all of the body’s organs, the Endo-Cannabinoids are literally a bridge between body and mind,” (Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System, NCBI-NIH). Scientists believe that our brain’s Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS) works as a master biological regulator (homeostasis). Similar to a conductor in an orchestra, it makes sure that all the individual musicians work in harmony with no one out-playing the other. However, some people don’t naturally produce enough endocannabinoids for their ECS to function properly. In many others, due to our 21st century tendency to work long hours, eat fast food, self-medicate with alcohol, and not sleep enough - our endocannabinoid system is out of whack struggling with the strain of multiple stressors (work, money, relationships, family, etc.). Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (CEDS) is any illness or condition stemming from a lack of Endocannabinoids in the body. 

Knowing this, it’s not a surprise that the Cannabis herb has been used for 1000s of years in China and around the world to treat multiple medical and mental conditions, as they help our brains to stay balanced and our bodies to heal naturally. But, you don’t need to use Cannabis products to keep your ECS working efficiently. You can boost your endocannabinoid system with diet (fasting), exercise (runner’s high), and mindfulness activities such as prayer, meditation (music) - just as Jesus taught us to “Watch (Meditate) and Pray,” (Mt. 26:41). But, who starts the fire?

GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE ~ His Spirit ignites the Oil and the Wine-!

“Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so Worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming Fire,” (Heb. 12:28-29)

The Lord God first sent fire from heaven to consume the burnt offering on the alter in the temple, and this fire was never to go out (Lev. 9:24). Jesus said, “I have come to bring FIRE on the earth,” (Lk. 12:49). God's fire is present in each believer's life today. He lights the fire when the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. When the disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit, he appeared to them like “Tongues of Fire,” and a rushing fiery wind blew through their temple (Acts 2:3). Fire must first ignite the Oil and the Wine (Alcohol) in order for it to fulfill its purpose. We prepare ourselves to worship God, by taking the Holy Communion’s sacred sacraments of Bread (Oil & Incense) and Wine. When we pray and receive the Holy Spirit to possess us, his Holy fire can burn away the corruption in our hearts, and the things that are unholy and harmful to us like idolatry - worshipping false gods: “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God,” (Deut. 4:24). When we pray and meditate on God, our brain’s Endocannabinoids together with our bodies natural alcohol are set on fire by God to empower us to do what God created us to do - WORSHIP HIM-! But, how does this happen?

The Holy sacraments help to slow our “perception” of time to enter the Kingdom of our God’s dimension. Consuming alcohol can cause “Time Dilation.” It may lead to time underestimation or overestimation depending on the task (Time perception and alcohol use: A systematic review, Neuroscience & Bio-behavioral Reviews, August 2021). Cannabis also causes time dilation or the perception that time is slowed down (example: 5 minutes may be experienced as 10 minutes). One theory is that God’s holy herb Cannabis - causes you to become more focused on a task, which creates the perception that “time is flying,” but in reality things are taking a longer time to happen in a short time. You’re in the Zone, as they say. It seems that time is slowing down, but in reality our brain’s synapses are firing so much faster and we are just taking in and processing more information so much quicker. This is what helps us to commune with God, without being distracted.

This is similar to when someone has had a traumatic experience (PTSD). Their brains record more sensory information in a short period of time for lasting dense memories. A gear in their mind gets activated and they experience a different state of consciousness. Time isn’t slowing down, but the hyper-memory is processing and storing more information quicker. Small quantities of released Cannabinoids can help the brain focus on the task at hand, and enhance learning potential by signaling the efficient processing of memories and the emotions attached to them (hcsd..com/cannabis-brain-effects-cannabinoids). Low doses of alcohol can also increase dopamine release in parts of the Nucleus Accumbens (cAN), that contributes to the rewarding effects of alcohol in the brain. So, cannabinoids and alcohol increase dopamine in the brain’s reward system (Heb. 11:6). Researchers inform us that Endocannabinoids are released in the “runner’s high,” and also in humans during sexual orgasms as a part of our body’s reward system (self..com/gallery/how-cannabis-affects-sex). This is what also gives us the desire and motivation to continue to worship God. So in essence Alcohol and all of God’s Holy Sacraments when used separately, can be both a Blessing (when used in small amounts) and a Curse (when used in large amounts). However when they are used simultaneously together in tiny amounts, you may experience a glimpse of God’s Shekinah Glory as a lightning strike that may have you fall to the ground in awe to worship God. 

TODAY’S CHURCH ~ Is Not using God’s Holy Sacraments (Oil & Wine) in a worthy manner-!

“That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep (died),” (1 Cor. 11:30)

Unfortunately for the most part, God’s biblical recipes for his - Holy Oil, Holy Incense, Holy Bread, and alcoholic Wine are not used in the majority of Catholic and Protestant Churches to celebrate the Lord’s Supper or Communion. Catholic priests drink the wine for the Holy Eucharist service, but Catholics worldwide only receive the Host at Holy Communion. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII specifically condemned the use of Cannabis in worship instead of Wine. He labeled Cannabis as an unholy sacrament of the satanic mass and issued a papal ban on Cannabis medicines. Jesus said, “Anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven,” (Mat. 12:32). When God’s people are disobedient to Jesus, and don’t prepare for Communion by meditating, praying, and correctly using HIS sacraments, they are mocking the Holy Spirit. The Communion service may then become a meaningless, monthly, mechanical, assembly line ritual - with stale crackers and a thimble of grape juice just to quickly get the congregation home in time to see the football game.

Most Protestant congregations strictly avoid cannabis and alcohol, and use crackers and grape juice. So, when did this start? Well, grape juice was not invented until 1889. Really? Obviously, there has always been grapes, and they’ve always had juice. But, the juice of grapes is loaded with sugar, and their skins naturally cultivate yeast. So the moment you squash a grape, the yeast gets in the sugary juice and starts turning it into wine. So, after the Church had historically used Alcoholic Wine for the Communion Service, since the days of Jesus (A.D. 33), an ordained Methodist minister and dentist named Thomas Welch invented “Welches Grape Juice.” Dr. Welch (a prohibitionist) was determined to get alcohol out of Christian worship, so he used pasteurization (invented in 1864) to kill the yeast and refrigeration (invented in 1835), to keep the yeast dead.

In addition to Alcohol not being used, Cannabis is typically ignored as an ingredient in God’s - Holy Oil, His Holy Incense, and his His Holy Bread for the Eucharist in the majority of Institutional Christian denominations in this day and age. WARNING: Please believe in Jesus and be baptized before you take communion or you will be sinning against the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Apostle Paul said, “For whenever you eat this Bread and drink this Cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep,” (1 Cor. 11:26-30). So, is there a prophecy about the Oil and Wine?

A FUTURE PROPHECY ~ “Do not harm the Oil and the Wine,” (Rev. 6:6)

After the Apostle John described the black horse and its rider in the book of Revelation, he hears "a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the Oil and the Wine’”. Most bible scholars believe that the black horse represents a famine. The high prices of wheat, barley, oil and wine illustrate the famine conditions of this end time tribulation judgement (A loaf of bread may cost a days wages). However, since Revelation is filled with symbolism and metaphors, some believe that there is a much deeper spiritual meaning to the phrase “Do not harm the Oil and the Wine.” 

We know that the Oil and the Wine were poured out upon the altar during the Feast of Weeks (Lev. 23: 15-18). These drink offerings and sacrifices by fire represent the Lord's sacrifice for his people. The slain lamb, the anointing oil of His priesthood, and the blood spilled - were all for those souls in Christ. The parallel verse in Revelation (9:4), tells us that those who have the Seal of God on their foreheads are protected by God and should not be harmed, just as the Oil and the Wine should not be harmed. So the Oil and Wine spiritually represent God’s anointed Saints on earth or the Church.

JESUS DECLARED ALL FOODS CLEAN ~ Nothing you Drink or Eat is Sinful-!

“Are you so dull?” … “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean,” (Mk. 7:18-19)

The Early Church was a secret society that subversively worked “covertly” together in small family home churches, in a quiet conspiracy to spread the gospel. They knew that they were fighting a spiritual war with the forbidden sacraments. In the Old Testament, you were forbidden to drink the Holy Wine and eat the Holy Showbread (Incense and Oil) outside the Temple. In the New Testament, Jesus re-instituted the forbidden practice of using God’s Holy sacraments outside the Temple (Ex. 30:32). Jesus declared that no drinks (including Alcohol) or foods (including Incense and Oil) were sinful to consume. He taught his disciples to heal the sick with the Holy Oil (Mk. 6:13), and to consume the Holy Wine and Holy Showbread that contained the Holy Incense. Jesus was arrested and charged with blasphemy, because “He was making himself equal with God,” (Jn. 5:16-18), by healing with these Holy sacraments on the Sabbath.

We continue to have Eternal Life by consuming the Lord’s Supper (You are what you eat). Jesus said this repeatedly: “"Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day … Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them,” (Jn. 6:53-56). So, we can see that Jesus taught us that the sacramental elements are used for us to receive God’s grace that saves us. It could also be argued that the alcohol in Beer could be substituted for the Wine and also used as a sacramental element.

BEER BAPTISMS ~ Practiced by the Catholic Church in the 13th Century-!

Apparently, in the 13th century, there was a region in Norway that had a water shortage, so the Catholic Churches were baptizing their members with Beer instead of water. We know this because Pope Gregory IX was forced to intervene by issuing an unusual decree, one saying that baptisms with Beer (instead of water) were not valid. It’s interesting that these Norwegians had plenty of water to make their beer, but not enough water to baptize their church members. It could have been the case, where all their water was contaminated - so they turned the Water into Beer, and used it for baptism services. This Baptizing with Beer is still being practiced in a South African church today (Gabola Church of International Ministries). The Pastor says that his people who drink and get baptized by beer are happy and peaceful. After all, Jesus did turn the Water into wine- so why not Beer!

BEER and CANNABIS ~ Responsible for Human Civilization-! (Manna - a Bread-based Beer-?)

“Thirst rather than hunger may have been the stimulus behind the origin of small grain Agriculture,” ~ Jonathan Sauer, 1953

We know that civilization started because of agriculture, but was agriculture started because of beer? Ancient humans in the Neolithic period grew grain that they used to make bread and brew beer. According to some anthropologists, what lured our ancient ancestors out of their caves may not have been a hunger for bread, but a thirst for beer (because their water was contaminated). This is the “beer before bread” theory. In many indigenous societies the majority of people consume beer as an everyday food product for its nutritional value. Research has found that humans can survive without food for up to 3 weeks, as long as they have water to drink. But, a person can only survive without water for about 3 days. Historically, beer kept people from starving to death. When man learned to ferment grain into beer more than 7,000 years ago, it became one of his most important sources of nutrition. Beer gave people protein that unfermented grain couldn’t supply and it tasted a whole lot better. Anthropologists tell us that the Cannabis plant was also one of the secrets to civilization, as it is one of humanity’s first domestic crops. Cannabis seeds are especially suited to the human diet, being able to provide the protein, amino acids, and essential fatty acids required to sustain human life (cannabisdigest..ca/cannabis-foundation-civilization).

Since Beer (and Cannabis) were considered foods, individuals who have the means to produce large quantities of beer used it to pay people to do work such as plant and harvest their crops. In order to gather a work party, beer was essential. Without beer, it was impossible to bring people together to cooperate on the task at hand. Beer was more than just a beverage to many indigenous societies. It was a critical component of their social, economic and political wellbeing. The invention of Beer has been argued to be responsible for humanity's ability to develop technology and build civilization. But in order to have a steady supply of beer, a steady supply of beer ingredients was necessary. Man had to settle down and give up his nomadic ways, and begin farming. Beer has always been an important part of civilization. Egyptian laborers received rations of beer when they built the pyramids. They made beer from barley. The Babylonians made it from wheat, and the Incas made it from corn. In 1868, James Death put forward a theory in “The Beer of the Bible,” that the MANNA from heaven that God gave the Israelites was a bread-based, porridge-like beer called Wusa.

BEER ~ Has saved the World-! (The Biblical Beer of Jesus’ Time)

“From there they continued on to Beer,” (Num. 21:16)

Most of us are not aware of how the alcohol in BEER has saved millions of lives throughout history, from contaminated drinking water. Beer’s life-saving historical properties include saving people from common intestinal parasites (Giardia). To this day, over 2 billion (29% of the world) still do not have access to safe drinking water. More than 3.4 million people die each year from contaminated water, sanitation, and hygiene-related causes. Beer is still safer to drink than water in many countries like - China, India, Mexico, Egypt, Cambodia, Jamaica, and Turkey, etc. Beer was used as an anesthetic for women in labor in medieval Europe. It allowed Louis Pasteur to discover the existence of bacteria, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization. His research in chemistry led to the prevention of many diseases. Beer has positively impacted everything from science to medicine to commerce. It’s strange how 7 glasses of water a day seems impossible, but 7 Beers are so damn easy-! Save water - Drink Beer!

It’s interesting that the Biblical place called “Beer” was at a Well, where the Lord said to Moses: “Gather the people together, and I will give them Water.” This is where God blessed his people with a miraculous supply of fresh pure water. When the ancient Israelites couldn’t find pure water to drink, God taught them how to purify contaminated water by making Beer (Remember Solomon’s Beer recipe: Eccl. 11:1-2). Although the Bible mentions wine a lot, beer would likely also have been familiar to Jesus and his disciples. Beer was brought over from Egypt by the ancient Israelites - who were slaves in Egypt for 400 years. People of all ages in the ancient past and up to the present day - consume beer and wine (not water), as their major daily thirst quenchers, because pure drinking water was and still is not unavailable everywhere. Beer and wine have long been staples of the human diet, including that of Christians and Jews.

Although Israel is traditionally known for its wine, in recent years it has become a haven for locally brewed beers. Some are even brewing a “Biblical Beer” said to be a similar recipe to that which was drank in Jesus’ time (Herzl Brewery). We would not think of depriving our bodies of water (fresh or purified), so why would we deprive our souls of Jesus - the Living Word, who alone can satisfy our thirsty souls. Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life,” (Jn. 4:13-14).

THINK ABOUT IT ! “Let us drink our fill of BEER,” (Is. 56:12)

Should Christians celebrate International Beer Day-? Concerning alcohol, the Bible has several warnings against drunkenness, but no commands to totally abstain from alcohol. There is caution to be careful, when you are in fellowship with Christians with a weaker conscience, that you don't cause a brother to stumble. But a total prohibition against the use of alcohol is absent in the Bible. “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or Drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath,” (Col. 2:16). So it appears that the Biblical position is an emphasis on the moderate use of alcohol with a caution against drunkenness. Jesus may have also been trying to teach us that a little beer or wine can be healthy for some of us, as even our modern day medical research supports this (1 Tim. 5:23). So, the question is not - should Christians celebrate God’s gift of beer, but how?

First, find your nearest International Beer Day celebration or create your own at your house (Home Church) or local pub, and follow these tips from the official IBD website. Thank your brewer and bartender (friends). Invite your family, friends and others from different cultures and buy them beer from other cultures around the world. Remember, beer like music is an International language that brings people from different cultures together. By giving the gift of beer to your friends and receiving the gift of beer in return, everyone’s beer becomes much more delicious. If you make this a pot-luck, everyone could bring an international beer. Be adventurous, try something new on International Beer Day! When you present the beer, say the traditional words of beer-giving: “I bring you the gift of Beer,” (For more info see: international beer day..com).

Warning: As previously mentioned in the St. Patrick’s Day chapter, if you find yourself struggling with alcohol or drugs, then I would encourage you to seek professional help. Submit to an alcohol or substance abuse assessment by a licensed and certified alcohol/drug counselor. Follow all of their recommendations and commit yourself to a lifelong relapse prevention plan. If alcohol and drug abuse are also spiritual problems, then we must seek out spiritual solutions (Alcoholics Anonymous, etc.). The Bible also describes a lifestyle of remaining totally abstinent from alcohol as taking the “Nazarite Vow.” By doing this, you will be following in the honorable footsteps of such great men of God as Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist.

AN INVITATION ~ To the Supper of the Lamb-!

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19:9)

From the above biblical research, I would also encourage you to celebrate the Christian sacraments regularly with God’s holy Bread (holy Oil, holy Incense) and Wine or Beer. It is through the combination of consuming Jesus’ flesh (Bread) and his blood (Wine), that through the Holy Spirit we can create a spiritual wormhole for us to communicate with God for eternal life. If you are not yet a Christian, Jesus wants to sit down and have dinner and a beer with you, and he is at your heart’s door: “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me,” (Rev. 3:20). Jesus is waiting for you to let him in and receive Him: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (Jn. 1:12). Jesus has chosen you: “I have chosen YOU,’ declares the Lord Almighty,” (Hag. 2:23; Eph. 1:4), and he will commission you to voluntarily serve Him as a New-Covenant priest within God’s Royal Priesthood:  “You will be for me a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation” (Ex. 19:5,6). 

We become ordained in the Royal Priesthood by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior; and by doing the following:  1). Be Baptized: The New Testament even calls baptism a washing in 1 Peter 3:21 and Titus 3:5;  2). Be Anointed with Oil: In the Old and New Testaments, believers would lay hands on, anoint with oil, and pray to God for the one who was sick or just baptized to serve - to confirm the filling of the Holy Ghost (Lev. 8:30; Ja. 5:14; 1 Jn. 2:20);  3). Eat the Lord’s Supper: The Communion meal or Love Feast fulfills the last part of our priestly ordination. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us and we eat His body and drink His blood in communion with God and one another to receive His DNA until he returns. Jesus “took the Cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it,” (Mat. 26:27). So, the next time you take the Cup or the Mug, and raise it in a toast to thank your Father in Heaven, say - “To the Body and Blood of Jesus.” Remember, we don’t need to use Alcohol or Cannabis to worship God, as our bodies can produce them naturally through prayer and meditation. God knew that the micro dozes of alcohol in our bodies and cannabis in our brains could be ignited by His Holy Spirit, if we asked. What if God created us just to hangout and party with Him each day - to know Him, love Him and have fellowship with Him. Be God-intoxicated-!

“Whether therefore ye Eat, or Drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” (1 Cor. 10:31)