Marsha's Musings: Wine (1 Timothy 5:23 NASB)

 No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. (1 Timothy 5:23 NASB)

It is interesting that the Bible doesn't teach against drinking wine.  It had some medicinal purposes according to this verse.

We must balance this scripture out with others that teach against drunkeness.  For some, abstaining altogether is best. Others can drink some alcohol and keep it in moderation so as to not get drunk.

This is an issue of Christian liberty. Personally, I will not drink alcohol outside of communion observance and I do not encourage my children to do this either.  It isn't something I feel I can do in my Christian liberty.  However, others may, so I afford them that liberty.