A court in the Iranian city of Rasht has sentenced four members of the Church of Iran denomination to 80 lashes each for drinking wine during a communion service.What the punishment is is not completely clear as the sentence was for drinking alcohol and possession of a receiver and satellite antenna. Even the Torah limited lashes to 40 for serious crimes (Deuteronomy 25:3).
Though switching to grape juice would be permissible and not a denial of Christ, this is still persecution of those who are walking in obedience to Jesus. Wine was given for man and men should not forbid what God has permitted.
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food from the earth
and wine to gladden the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine
and bread to strengthen man's heart. (Psalm 104: 14-15)
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