When Christians talk about alcohol, one question comes up again and again: Is drinking a sin? Scripture makes it clear — alcohol itself is not sinful. Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1–11), and Paul even told Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach (1 Timothy 5:23). The Bible draws the line at drunkenness, not drinking. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
For me, the issue was never just having a drink — it was alcohol addiction. My story is one of years battling the grip of alcohol, a grip that didn’t just damage my health, but built an impenetrable wall between me and God. My work has always been about connecting faith and culture — and this part of my journey showed me how easily culture can normalize what slowly destroys our spiritual health.
When Alcohol Addiction Becomes the Center of Your Life
Addiction is an equal-opportunity offender. It doesn’t care if you’re a pastor or an atheist, wealthy or poor, happily married or completely alone. Once it takes hold, it demands everything.
In my own life, alcohol became my priority above everything else — above relationships, work, joy, and most devastatingly, above God. When I was drinking, my thoughts revolved around when and how I could have my next drink. Prayer became hollow, church felt distant, and my Bible gathered dust.
As many in recovery know, addiction isn’t just a bad habit — it’s a form of idolatry. The substance takes the place of God in your heart. That’s why it’s such a spiritual battle.
The Breaking Point
Physically, my body was worn out. Alcohol had taken its toll over the years, leaving me exhausted and unhealthy. But the deeper reason I finally had to stop was spiritual: I could no longer ignore the wall it had built between me and God.
I missed His voice. I missed the peace that comes from His presence. But alcohol had become my master, and until I surrendered it, I couldn’t be close to Him.
Where Alcoholics Anonymous Helped — and Where It Didn’t
I want to be clear: I’m grateful for Alcoholics Anonymous. In the early days of my sobriety, AA gave me structure, accountability, and a sense of community. I’ve seen it save lives.
Through my own recovery journey and an addiction class I took, I learned that AA is designed as ongoing support for people already clean — not detox, not rehab, but the community that helps you stay sober once you’ve started the process. And for many, that’s exactly what they need.
But as a Christian, I found that AA could only take me so far. In recent years, I began to notice that many meetings included stories, philosophies, and even outright condemnation of God. While the goal was inclusivity for all beliefs, hearing constant skepticism toward the God I serve began to chip away at my faith.
Sobriety for me wasn’t just about removing alcohol — it was about replacing it with Christ. I needed a support system that not only encouraged my sobriety, but also strengthened my walk with Him. That’s when I sought out Christ-centered recovery groups where the truth of God’s Word could be the foundation for my healing.
Addiction Is a Spiritual Battle
The culture often talks about addiction in purely physical or psychological terms. And yes, those are important — but for the believer, the root of addiction is also deeply spiritual. When you fill your life with something that isn’t God, you’re worshiping an idol.
The enemy knows that if he can keep your mind and body enslaved to something, he can keep you from fully living out God’s calling on your life. That’s why breaking free requires more than willpower — it requires surrender.
Freedom in Christ
My turning point wasn’t just deciding to quit drinking — it was giving the fight to God. I realized I couldn’t outthink or outmuscle my addiction, but I could trust the One who had already overcome sin and death.
Today, I live in the freedom Christ promised. That doesn’t mean I’m careless — I still guard my sobriety with wisdom and accountability — but I no longer live under the crushing weight of alcohol addiction.
If you’re struggling, I want you to know: freedom is possible. Not because you’re strong enough, but because He is. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Arch Kennedy
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I am fighting this battle, and I’m asking for your prayers
Thank you for your testimony! Not only about your struggle with alcohol, but how God brought you back to Himself out of a life of debauchery.
I read a recent article by you in CP where you shared your testimony. Everything you said about Progressive Christianity is spot on. It breaks my heart to see how naive believers are to Satan’s tactics. Truly the god of this age is working overtime not only to keep unbelievers blind but to blind the believers. We need more voices of courage and truth to speak out as you’re doing. I wonder sometimes if we who truly believe and obey the word of God are hated enough by the world. If we’re not hated like Christ was hated maybe we are too silent. I want to be hated. Of course for the right reasons. I speak at gatherings called Showing off God.
He rescued me from a life of immorality and now I tell His story. His story of redemption, restoration and reconciliation that He wrote upon a broken life. Only God can take one from sin’s despair to undying devotion of Him. I am ever so grateful that one day by His grace and mercy He did! God Bless your witness!!
PS I tried to enter my website below but it would not let me do I’m posting it here:
http://www.showingoffgod.com
God bless you!