We Love God!

God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

The Hebrew word translated wine in Genesis 14:18 is “yayin.” This word is used over 130 times in the Hebrew Bible to mean fermented wine, not grape juice. Alcohol is advised for medicinal purposes. Paul told Timothy, “No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (cf. Pro. 31:6; Mk. 15:23; Lk. 10:34). Wine was used in the Old Testament ceremonies of worship (Ex. 29:40; Lev. 23:13; Num. 15:5). Wine is described positively in the Bible (Gen. 27:28; Psm. 104:15; Psm. 104:14-15; Pro. 3:10; Ecc. 9:7; Jo. 2:24). Water needed to be purified in the biblical times so wine was added to it. And although the alcohol content was less than today, it was still considered wine and still commonly consumed by the people. I believe Jesus drank this wine (Mt. 11:18-19), made a better wine during His first miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11) and used wine when He instituted the Lord’s Supper (Mt. 26:29). Yes, people like Daniel (Dan. 1:8) made a choice to abstain. Others like the Nazirites (Num. 6:3; Lk. 1:5) and the Levites (Lev. 10:9) were commanded to go without alcohol. Kings are advised to avoid it (Pr. 31:4-5). Yet I do not believe Scripture necessarily forbids a Christian from drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol may be a sin. But I believe to declare that drinking alcohol is always a sin is a legalistic addition and should be avoided. We are free to abstain from alcohol. I personally think that’s the best position. But we are not free to condemn those who choose to drink in moderation as being either sinful or less spiritual.

Randy Smith

We Love God!

God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

Australian Sticky Toffee Pudding

January 22, 2023

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Eggs, Dairy	Australian	Desserts	6	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1	c	Dates (180g) — pitted and
		Chopped
1	ts	Bicarbonate of soda
1	c	Boiling water
2	tb	Butter
1	c	Soft brown sugar
2		Eggs
1 1/2	c	Self-raising flour-sifted
		Toffee Sauce:
1	c	Soft brown sugar
3/4	c	Light whipping cream.
1/2	ts	Vanilla
2	tb	Butter

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix dates and baking soda in a heat-proof bowl. Pour boiling water on top
and leave to stand. Cream butter and sugar until pale, then add eggs one at
a time, heating well after each addition. Gently fold in sifted flour, stir
in the date mixture, and pour into a lightly buttered 18cm or 7" square or
round cake tin. Bake in a preheated oven (180 C) for 30-40 minutes, until
an inserted skewer comes clean. Combine sugar, cream, vanilla essence and
butter in a saucepan, bring to the boil, stirring, and simmer for five
minutes. Set aside until ready to serve, then quickly reheat when needed.
Cut pudding into squares and place each square in the centre of a warm
dinner plate. Pour hot toffee sauce over each square and serve with fresh
cream.
Recipe By     : Jill Dupleix
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

A Message from our Provider:

“There’s a limit to God’s patience”