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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Whether it is acceptable to serve (and/or receive) either wine or grape juice during communion is a debate that can be very divisive. People defend their position with great zeal, and, in an effort...
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Bryan Myers
Supporter
The use of the fruit of the vine in celebration of the memorial we call the Lord's Supper is clear in Scripture. Some feel that the use of fermented wine is unacceptable due to the process as fermentation or leaven was symbolic of sin. I prefer to follow the guidance given in Paul's epistle to the Roman's to not put stumbling blocks before a brother. If one is convinced that wine is acceptable so be it; if one uses grape juice, so be it as the fruit of the vine is used.(see Rom 14:1-23)
Len Thies
Supporter
The Bible doesn't specify the type of bread or the type of liquid because they are of secondary consequence, a situation dictated by the culture of the time which was unleavened bread and alcoholic wine. Today, since the Bible doesn't specify, we can use whatever our culture accepts. The issue is that we need to do battle with the condition of men's souls rather than let the Devil lead us into ridiculous arguments like this one! I'm with Bryan!
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
According to Psych Central, approximately 28 million children have an alcoholic parent, and children who grow up with an alcoholic parent run a higher risk of becoming alcoholics themselves. The environment in which a child grows up can have a serious effect on their risk for alcohol issues in adulthood. Most simply, exposure to alcohol on a regular basis seems to increase a child’s risk for future alcohol abuse. I am the son of 2 alcoholic parents, and I CERTAINLY don’t want to become one myself. Because the Bible says in Ephesians 5:18, “And be not drunk with wine in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit,” I do not want to risk of becoming an alcoholic due to just partaking of the Lord’s Supper. My vote is for the natural substitute, “the fruit of the vine,” grape juice!
Vattachal-Vadakketil Thomas John alias V T John
Supporter
As per the age-old practice obtaining in the Syriac Orthodox Church leavened wheat flour bread and fermented wine are used in the Sacrament of the Holy Communion known as Qurbono. In fact unleavened dough and grape juice without fermentation exist only in theory. The moment dough is prepared by mixing wheat flour with water the process of leavening sets in even if leaven is not added. In the same way as soon as grape juice is prepared the process of fermentation sets in. It is the percentage of leavening or fermentation, as the case may be, that decides the question whether these items are leavened or fermented. It may be noted, unleavened dough and grape juice have no life in them. Presence of living plant organism is indicated by leavening and fermentation. So the Syrian Church use leavened bread and fermented wine for the Holy Qurbono.
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