RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services?
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/10/2008 3:29:28 PM
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lw9
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1 Cor 11:20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Super you eat, 21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. 22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!...
31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. 33 So, then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.
34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
This passage is about taking the Lord's supper incorrectly, but notice that it also stresses taking care of your personal needs before you come together to worship. I don't know how much more clear it could be, and it effectively rules out treating worship time as one's personal snack time.
My thoughts echo SonInMe1's and a few others, as well. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but has our individual comfort become so overwhelmingly important that most people need drinks and snacks to get through a few hours of worship nowadays?
Yes, every church has different rules about this, and that's certainly their right to allow food and drinks into the service if they want, but it would be nice if as individuals we could all give this some serious thought about why there's this sudden 'need' to eat and drink during worship when this didn't exist before. Somehow for generations upon generations, Christians got along just fine with no food or drink during worship time. Why is that?
< Message edited by lw9 -- 4/10/2008 3:42:35 PM >
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/10/2008 4:05:37 PM
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SD456
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
I agree, let's get rid of water fountains and fellowship halls in churches... maybe even indoor plumbing completely.
*LOL*
Yes, I think God's building should have an outhouse far away from the complex, you know like they did in the OT. Far outside of the encampment to keep God's people 'holy'.
quote:
Somehow for generations upon generations, Christians got along just fine with no food or drink during worship time.
And tradition trumps everything!
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/10/2008 4:06:21 PM
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lw9
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quote:
JimboFletch: I agree, let's get rid of water fountains and fellowship halls in churches... maybe even indoor plumbing completely.
Your response doesn't make any sense in light of what I wrote and it doesn't address the scripture posted. I never suggested churches shouldn't have water fountains or indoor plumbing, and it has nothing to do with anything I've said. I am challenging people to think about the attitude behind their feeling the need to eat and drink during worship service, especially considering 1 Cor 11.
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/10/2008 4:09:33 PM
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SD456
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1 Cor is speaking solely about communion (or the Lord's supper), not about the worship service, considering especially there services historically lasted half the day and part of their meeting was often eating together.
But each church must do what the leadership wishes.
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/10/2008 4:13:13 PM
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SD456
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Verse 33 clearly states:
So, then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.
So they did eat together when they met for their services. The problem was that they were all wolfing down the food and not making sure that everyone had something, and they were often eating the bread and wine that was intended for communion as if it were a meal. That isn't the correct thing to do.
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/14/2008 4:15:29 PM
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jbow
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If the Lord is not convicting about it and if the church has no written rule about it... it is not a problem. You may be stepping on the toes of tradition but if the pastor is ok with it I wouldn't worry about it. People bring bottled water into our church all the time, no problem. Many churches have a glass of water on the podium for the speaker... what's the difference? Thirst is thirst.
Now, I have not read all the posts but I see that several people think water is ok but soda (Coke) is not... I totally don't get it? Is it the sugar? The brand name? What? I never drink water if Coke is available. Coke is my water... it has no alcohol? What is the difference?
J
< Message edited by jbow -- 4/14/2008 4:24:36 PM >
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/14/2008 4:41:39 PM
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jbow
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Well... now i've read through the whole thread and I am amazed that people some people seem to think that it is only ok to drink something in church if it is "needed", that it is "disrespectful", I don't get it. Drinking water or a cola is not a sin. True worshippers worship in Spirit and in truth. It has never occurred to me that God might be offended if I drink something.
I simply do not care if someone drinks something in a church service. Jesus said that it is not what goes into a man that defiles him but what comes out... from the heart. I think that some of this thread is incredibly legalistic.
It would bother me just a little if my church was selling coffee in the foyer. I think free coffee might be better, let folks bring their own cups. That is just my opinion though... no rules as far as I am concerned.
J
< Message edited by jbow -- 4/14/2008 4:48:25 PM >
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/14/2008 9:37:07 PM
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SonInMe1
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Its about respect. Can you put the things of the world aside for just a few minutes of your week to focus on the Lord?
Please tell me the spiritual implications of...a fast? Its kinda the same thing...putting the needs of the flesh behind the needs of the spirit.
The only exception to this would be a medical need. Obviously God would not want someone to die or get sick worshipping Him.
I don't think this should be a "rule". It should be a matter of respect. Something between you and the Lord.
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/14/2008 9:41:05 PM
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zoebob
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SonInMe1
Its about respect. Can you put the things of the world aside for just a few minutes of your week to focus on the Lord?
Please tell me the spiritual implications of...a fast? Its kinda the same thing...putting the needs of the flesh behind the needs of the spirit.
The only exception to this would be a medical need. Obviously God would not want someone to die or get sick worshipping Him.
I don't think this should be a "rule". It should be a matter of respect. Something between you and the Lord.
Exactly. And if it's a true need a water is probably all you "need" Drinking a soda instead is turning it into a want.
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/15/2008 4:49:19 PM
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lw9
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quote:
SonInMe1: I don't think this should be a "rule". It should be a matter of respect. Something between you and the Lord.
Agreed, and I think that's the point so many have missed. This isn't about legalism or tradition. It's about respect, reverence, and putting aside needs for just a few hours. There is no rule that I've ever seen or heard against drinks during service at our church, yet week after week the congregation manages to go without of their own free will. Are they extra special or naturally super saturated? No, not at all, but they are proof that it can be done, and they're not in any misery or pain because of it.
When I think of the difference between us and generations past, I see that it is perfectly possible to go without. It's just not desirable to do so today.
< Message edited by lw9 -- 4/15/2008 5:13:53 PM >
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/15/2008 8:23:07 PM
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Robin1b
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Wow. This is pretty amazing. All this over can someone drink water in church. If I may give my opinion on a few things.
Concerning the scripture in 1 Cor. I believe Paul was dealing with the fact that the people were not taking communion in unity. It was almost sarcastic. Sometimes when out, my son my scarf down food, I say to him "Don't you get fed at home?" Paul and Jesus were always dealing with heart issues. The issue was - this sacrament is to represent the price Jesus paid for all of us as a body. Take it together as a body and family. Yes, the people may have been eating it like dinner so Paul felt that they should respect the sacrament and eat at home if they were that hungry. I don't, however, know if I can say that meant that Paul was saying there should be no beverages during the service. It was about the heart that the people were taking communion with not the legalism of beverages.
Now, I find the whole "laundry list" of do's and don't very funny. My son, who is now 12, always had coloring books and quiet toys because he was a small child. Now he can sit through church without that. I see no problem with that. I personally would hat the feeling of having to send my children to the nursery, especially if I didn't know or was not comfortable with those caring for the children. The coloring books and toys were never a distraction to anyone and I got more smiles than anything from people who were happy that a young single mom would not only come to church faithfully but bring her toddler. Personally, I use lotion is I need it. I m quiet and discreet and it makes my hands feel better, dry hands hurt me. Also, when we chose our new chairs for the church we asked for samples to be brought in to test the comfortability of them. It was very interesting and fun. We wanted to make sure there was proper support. I see nothing wrong with that. 
Lastly, I understand that some people are just rude and people who would "crack open" a can of soda during the service are just rude. This also the same person who would make a distraction out of anything - blowing thier nose very often without leaving or rummaging in their bag. Ripping a piece of paper. Do we ban everything other than a Bible and hymnal? People like that would be rude regardless.
To me, there is nothing wrong with having a water. My church offers water and coffee/tea up until 5 minutes before service. This gives people time to get to their seats and then the kitchen is closed. I don't believe there should be unneccesary walking during the service because that is a distraction so having snacks in the back and people just g. As a member of the praise team we always have water because we sing for long periods of time. One of my jobs is making sure all of us and the drummer and pastor have water. My water never bothers anyone and I have never noticed anyone drinking theirs even though I know they have it. During Bible study we offer chips, water and soda. My Pastor does this because many people are just getting off work and didn't have time to eat. This may not be the healthiest thing but at least it's something to take the edge of the rumbling tummy until service is over and they can get home. Just my opinion - drink your water. Just do it quietly.
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/15/2008 8:25:19 PM
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earthless
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Someone pass the Evian....
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/20/2008 6:55:20 AM
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beliefisenough4me
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That's fine I feel.
I don't think it's wrong to take a drink of water, coffee, tea, soda, etc.
Don't worry about what you eat or drink.
If you sense disaproval from others, don't let it get you down. Only God knows what is right, and for someone to look upon you with judgement, when they themselves do the same are wrong, if they put you down for it.
I had this issue when I went to church. One person I knew was extremely health wise. I understand people want to eat healthy etc, I'm not saying it's wrong, it's good for them, but for them. Keyword is them. There's a verse somewhere in the bible about weak and strong. It talks about food, and such. I don't recall what it said, but it was about if you eat something, and you feel it is good for you then do it, you are right. If a brother doesn't eat something that you eat, he is also right. If the brother looks down on the other, then he has made him guilty of sin, if he feels guilt for it.
So if you like coffee etc. and others don't, that doesn't mean you're wrong about it. We have food for a reason. Chocolate, chips, etc. Vegtables too. Soda, etc. If a diabetic needed to eat a piece of chocolate in church due to diabetes to regulate their levels, would those people and could people in church look down on that person because, 'oh no! They have chocolate!' No I wouldn't think they could, and some things are not people's business either in church too.
God just wants us to be ourselves, he doesn't expect us to live up to all expectations in the bible, and if people also tell someone he/she has to be perfect, it's laughable. We are only humans. In example: people don't learn to ride a bike perfectly and know how to learn algebra, or know what to do their first day of work. It's ridiculous to expect people to know it too right away. We are not expected to know everything in life. How things work and why etc. It's impossible, and only God knows because He is all knowing. Pastors don't know as much either about some things, we are not expected to know, and to understand all of life.
I don't want to preach or say that I also have not judged, because we all fail, and are not perfect. If we were supposed to be perfect, then Jesus' death would be for nothing. It would mean we would not be saved.
God gives us free will. Our free will is what we use to make decisions too. If God forced love upon someone, or someone said they had a conviction to tell someone else they believe another person is doing wrong, and they will be kicked out, who are they to say that?
If the church is going to look at you that way, don't go there anymore. Look for people who accept you for you God created you to be. Human, just like us all. We are not meant to be perfect, so if people are bashing you down with preaching, don't let them. They may mean well, but there also has to be a balance. There are radicals out there, who think they are God, or like God, but they're wrong. Some people are pretty close, and have good relationships with God that are real, no doubt, but I feel like I know, there are many times we forget our places, and that we are all sinners. Don't let being self-concious for drinking or sipping stop you at all please. Best of luck to you!
< Message edited by beliefisenough4me -- 4/20/2008 7:16:26 AM >
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/20/2008 8:24:13 AM
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themaestro
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jbow
If the Lord is not convicting about it and if the church has no written rule about it... it is not a problem. You may be stepping on the toes of tradition but if the pastor is ok with it I wouldn't worry about it. People bring bottled water into our church all the time, no problem. Many churches have a glass of water on the podium for the speaker... what's the difference? Thirst is thirst.
Now, I have not read all the posts but I see that several people think water is ok but soda (Coke) is not... I totally don't get it? Is it the sugar? The brand name? What? I never drink water if Coke is available. Coke is my water... it has no alcohol? What is the difference?
J
Having taking the time to read all of these ;posts. that is 20 minutes of my life I will never get back. I have two points. This is a meaningless argument and this post is probably the best one.
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/20/2008 8:32:35 AM
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armydude
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SonInMe1
I guess the real question is, what is church to you? Why do you go?
Church to me is a time of refreshing. When I miss church, I miss that time of refreshing. I know the responses have been on both sides of the issue, but I honestly don't see any problem bringing in a small glass or bottle of water to a church service. I know there are people that would say, "That distracts me from worship," but I have to wonder, why are they looking at me in the first place? My eyes are on Him. Yes, I get distracted from time to time, but I don't blame others for ME getting distracted. That's my fault, not theirs. If it wasn't Sister _________ doing this, it would be Brother ________ doing that. It's me that gets distracted, and when I'm honest with myself, that's because my mind isn't totally fixed on Him. If our minds and hearts are totally fixed on our Heavenly Father, we won't be distracted so easily.
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RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages Durin... - 4/20/2008 10:48:21 AM
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SonInMe1
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quote:
There's a verse somewhere in the bible about weak and strong
This is probably the eating of foods sacrificed to idols Paul talks about....its not about healthy eating its about a spiritual matter. I think we should all endeavor to eat well.
quote:
ORIGINAL: SonInMe1
Well, if you are in a charismatic church why not hand out...beer?
Seems to me that would enhance the service too.
I guess the real question is, what is church to you? Why do you go?
Why the hostility?
I have a very apparent personality. If I was truly hostile there would not be any confusion to it. What is shown above is wit. A cutting humor used to illustrate a point.
It doesn't matter to me if you bring a seven course meal to church. All I would want is a self examination as to why for a few hours you can't totally focus your entire being on God?
( Please no comments about medical needs...I know the thread is long but I have those covered in previous posts )
Do you really have to have that soda? I'm not talking about possible disturbances. To me if you are in church to worship God, not much is going to distract you. If you are there for a spiritual lecture and its just a habit you are into or an entertainment you get for free, then by all means bring your drinks and popcorn and enjoy.
Please, for those who believe its ok to have drinks at church ( and I am not saying its ok or not ) define what a fast is? Isn't it to put aside the needs of the flesh for a time to focus on God?
Can't we just focus on God for a few minutes a week exclusively?
quote:
< Message edited by SonInMe1 -- 4/20/2008 10:54:26 AM >
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You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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