7 Ways to Know If Its False Gospel

How can we know if someone is preaching a false Gospel? 

Before determining if the true Gospel is being preached, the first priority is knowing what the true Gospel is. The following points outline the Gospel: 

• Christ is God (John 1:1–3, 14).

• Christ was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life (Matt. 1:23, 1 Peter 1:19, Luke 23:47).

• Christ died on the cross for our sins, not His own (Isaiah 53:4–6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:18).

• Christ rose after three days and now sits at the right hand of God making intercession for the saints (Luke 24:6–7, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).

• We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Six More Ways to Know

Once we establish what the true Gospel is, we can learn better how to discern if someone is preaching a false Gospel:

1. Are they preaching another Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4)? If so, stay away.

2. We ought to imitate the Bereans who checked the Scriptures to see if Paul was speaking accurately (Acts 17:11). If the Bereans checked even the Apostle Paul, we certainly need to be checking what modern-day evangelists are saying.

3. We should study the Scriptures so as not to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15). Are we verifying what the evangelist is preaching with what the Bible says? If not, we may one day be ashamed before God.

4. Christ told the Jews to search the Scriptures to learn of Him (John 5:39). Is the evangelist digging into the Scriptures?

5. Christ expounded the Scriptures to the disciples in Luke 24:44–49, saying the Scriptures concerned Him. Is Christ in the evangelist’s message? Is he expounding on the Scriptures—comparing Scripture with Scripture? Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

6. Is the “evangelist” adding to or taking away from the word of God (Rev. 22:18–19)? If so, it’s a dangerous place to be.

Bottom Line

We can know if someone is preaching the true Gospel if we first know what the true Gospel is as revealed in the Scriptures. Then, we can examine what they are preaching by the word of God.

END

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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by: Kevin Gonzalez on Unsplash

Can Christ Be Hugged Today?

Some people these days say they see Jesus; others are even hugging the triune God in their quiet times. Are they mistaken, or is it possible for us to touch God and Jesus Christ the Son of God? Are people seeing another Jesus?

Christ's Earthly Ministry

While Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, walked the earth, the disciples and many others touched Him, fell at His feet, hugged Him, and John even placed His head on Christ's bosom (chest). Jesus Christ is God in the flesh (John 1:14), so they did indeed touch God the Son. But because it was during His earthly ministry, He could only be in one place at a time when this happened.

After His resurrection, the risen Lord told Mary not to touch Him (John 20:17) but told Thomas to touch Him (John 20:27). He was telling Mary in essence not to hold on to Him or hug Him. 

Christ's Heavenly Ministry

Since His ascension, Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for the saints (Romans 8:34, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 3:22). This is the physical location of Jesus Christ today.

Because Jesus is still in human form, He can't physically be in two places at the same time. He demonstrated that when He was on earth. To leave the right hand of God where He is making continual intercession for the saints (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25) to give someone a hug during their quiet time is inconsistent with what we read in the Bible.

This is exactly why Jesus said it was expedient that He leave so that the Holy Spirit could indwell believers (John 16:7, John 14:16); meaning that the Spirit of Christ would be with us no matter where we go. 

So, instead of Christ being physically present, His Spirit makes us ambassadors of Christ wherever we are. And in that sense, we can say the touch of a Spirit-filled believer is the touch of Christ. But, to say Jesus, in the flesh, actually hugged you doesn't line up with Scripture. It would likely be "another Jesus" (1 Corinthians 11:4)—the Jesus not revealed in the word of God. 

We Walk by Faith Not by Sight

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, we read that we walk by faith not by sight. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

When we walk by faith, we don't need a physical hug from God because we trust from His word that our Abba Father is with us at all times. We trust that Christ is with us at all times—closer than any hug could bring us. A physical hug from God would defeat that purpose.

God's plan is to mold us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29)—our Example of the faith (1 Peter 2:21). Even when Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane groaning and sweating drops of blood for His coming pain and suffering, we don't read of Christ getting a big hug from the Father. Giving us physical hugs while we're on earth is counterproductive to faith-building.

The Apocalyptic Christ

John the Apostle, the one who laid his head on the Lord's bosom (John 13:23), fell at the Apocalyptic Christ's feet (Revelation 1:17). He was perhaps the closest human being to Christ, yet what he saw that day led him to drop to his knees.

There may be times in certain locations that don't have access to the word of God where the Lord will give visions (cf. Acts 2:17) and deliver people from horrific circumstances. But any vision of Christ must be in-line with the Scriptures or it is a false vision that can deceive us. But we're talking about hugs right now.

Hugging Christ is a different story. God has given us His word, a surer word of prophecy that we're to rely on in faith (2 Peter 1:19). And God's word tells us that Christ is presently at the right hand of God and will return to set foot on the earth once more when He sets up His Kingdom (cf. Zechariah 14:4, Zechariah 2:10,12; Revelation 19:15). When Christ does return to earth, for many, it will not be pretty. He'll take vengeance upon all those who reject the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

If someone has hugged Jesus today, it would be a miracle that he/she could have, because everyone else would be dropping on the ground to worship Him (Revelation 1:17) or fleeing and hiding from Him (Revelation 6:16).

Conclusion

What we do know from the Bible is that Jesus Christ has ascended, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will return at the appointed time. The Father, no one has seen (John 1:18) or touched.

Though some experiences may feel real, if they contradict the word of God, they must be false. Those who claim to have seen God or Jesus Christ and hugged Him today are mistaken—their experiences conflict with the clear and plain teaching of the word of God (2 Peter 1:19).

END

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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Image source: dreamstime.com, ID149672213 OneLineStock

Blasphemous Thoughts Resource

If you are a believer who struggles with blasphemous thoughts, you are NOT alone. The following resources may bring help, comfort, and encouragement—I pray in Jesus' name that they do.

Each title has a gleaning from the original text that may pique your interest to read further (just click on the link after each quote).

However, if you are suffering, you may want to take the time to read each one and discover that contrary to what you might think, you are NOT crazy and you are NOT the only one going through this trial or suffering with this infirmity.

Remember:

"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Peter 5:9).

I do not support all of the religious ideologies or practices of some of the authors or institutions listed here. But the main ideas of each text have something to offer that, when combined with the others, provide a larger picture of what you may be struggling with, how to face it, and encouragement to endure.

Are intrusive thoughts sin? Are spontaneous violent, sexual, or blasphemous thoughts sin?

The more we surround ourselves with worldly things, the more the world will invade our thoughts. Instead, we should concentrate on the honorable, the true, and the pure (Philippians 4:8).

Full Text: https://www.gotquestions.org/intrusive-thoughts.html

Help For Christians Who Have Difficulty Controlling Their Thoughts

As a Christian who battles with OCD, you can say something similar to yourself when unwelcome, intrusive thoughts occur: “That’s not me, it’s just my flesh.” Or, "That's not me. It is just a temptation." Recognizing this truth helps sufferers of OCD to jump off the treadmill and stop the endless feedback loop. Unwelcome thoughts must be seen as what they truly are, as misdeeds of a fleshly brain...

Full Text: http://www.benotconformed.org/thoughts.htm

Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers on Blasphemy

When the intellect begins to advance in love for God, the demon of blasphemy starts to tempt it, suggesting thoughts such as no man but only the devil...could invent. He does this out of envy, so that the man of God, in his despair at thinking such thoughts, no longer dares to soar up to God in his accustomed prayer. But the demon does not further his own ends by this means. On the contrary, he makes us more steadfast. For through his attacks and our retaliation we grow more experienced and genuine in our love for God.

Full Text: http://www.orthodox.net/gleanings/blasphemy.html

Tell God Your Blasphemous Thoughts

Because the Bible tells us over and over that He loves us no matter what. While we were yet sinners, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us (John 3:16; Rom 5:8). Love is the essence of who God is (1 John 4:8). Before you were ever born, God knew every sin you would ever commit, every word you would ever say, and all “blasphemous thoughts” you would ever say or think. And He sent Jesus to die for you anyway! Why? Because He loves you!

Full Text: https://redeeminggod.com/blasphemous-thoughts/

Battling with Blasphemous Thoughts and Despair

This mental warfare was indescribably difficult. Imagine the state of someone in battle, when two worlds are within you: one world is bright, of faith and hope in God and the burning desire for salvation; and the other, a world of darkness, instilling only destructive and blasphemous thoughts and disbelief. This unbearable warfare visited me especially when celebrating the Divine Liturgy. Standing at God’s Altar before the Holy of Holies and pronouncing the prayer for the action of the Holy Spirit to consecrate the Holy Gifts, I was at that very same moment continuing to be overcome mentally by defiled thoughts of disbelief and doubt.

Full Text: http://www.pravmir.com/battling-with-blasphemous-thoughts-and-despair/

The Beast of OCD

My greatest fear as a new believer was of displeasing God. This fear therefore created an irrational thinking against God and was the complete opposite that I really wanted and really meant. That's why these silly thoughts that I had were so distressing... So, the fear drives the thoughts. How do we know? Because the thoughts cause such distress and lead me to question whether I really mean them and whether I would want to ever act on them. If this wasn't the fear, the thoughts would simply pass me by and I wouldn?t give it a second thought. Trouble is I do, even though I know the best solution is to simply allow them to pass by.

Full Text:

http://www.mindandsoul.info/Articles/176065/Mind_and_Soul/Articles/The_beast_of.aspx

Blasphemous Thoughts: The Therapy of Trust

But why, you ask, would God want that? “What I want,” you say, “is to get rid of these awful obsessions, and to stop feeling anxious!” But that’s the point. Maybe God wants you to give up what you want, and to consent to what he wants. Maybe he wants you to simply accept this trial, and to put your trust in him. Isn’t it clear that God tests us for our own good? To bear obsessional thoughts without fighting, to willingly endure painful anxiety, to hold on just to his grace: This is the weakness through which we become stronger (2Cor 7). Perhaps you are too self centered right now, feeling that you must be in control of everything.

Full Text: http://ocdandchristianity.com/?p=291

Blasphemous Thoughts – A Testimony - Part 1

For the last 8 weeks I have had continuous attacks from satan, who has been trying to put filthy, blasphemous thoughts about the Holy Spirit into my mind. They are the most vile and horrifying thoughts you could possibly imagine. At the beginning they absolutely horrified me and caused me no end of distress, to put it mildly... So in summary, satan putting blasphemous thoughts into the minds of Christians is not unusual or uncommon... We must focus on JESUS, not satan or his attacks. NO MATTER WHAT, focus on Jesus and never forget that He will never forsake you or let the enemy harm you. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. No wolf or roaring lion will take you out of His hands!!!

Full Text: 

https://www.talkjesus.com/threads/blasphemous-thoughts-a-testimony-part-1.40193/

Mind Intrusion

Most everyone has intrusive thoughts at some point. They're the little nasty ideas that pop up out of nowhere. They may be about sex or blasphemous thoughts about God. They could be about hurting someone or even hurting yourself. As disturbing as they can feel, they're very common and don't necessarily mean anything serious. And they're not sin. It's not a sin to have a random thought. Although it may be sin to choose to keep thinking about it or to act on it.

Full Text: http://www.blogos.org/thetakeaway/intrusive-thoughts.php

John Bunyan 

(Describes his struggle with obsessive blasphemous thoughts.)

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a preacher and spiritual writer who is best known for writing Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan also wrote a spiritual autobiography, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, in which he describes his struggle with obsessive blasphemous thoughts.

Full Text: https://www.ocdhistory.net/firsthand/bunyan.html

Horrible Blasphemous Thoughts 

(Answer #2 by Justpassingthrough21)

So to really start getting through this and seeing huge results is first you have to stop falling for lies. That is anything that goes against what the Bible says. Basically if you have any thought that questions your salvation, don't believe it or even entertain it. If you have accepted Christ into your life, you can rest assured that as long as you are looking to Jesus (no matter how feeble the effort may seem to you), you are saved and on your way to heaven. So when you get a thought and think "I must be evil", "I must be possessed", "these blasphemies will never be forgiven", "God has left me", "it will never be the same again", you cannot continue to entertain those thoughts. As long as you do, you won't be able to make forward progress. You simple cannot believe lies, and at the same time expect God to be able to move on your situation. How will God be able to heal your mind and fill you with peace, if you keep thinking your unsaved and going to hell. It may take months before you finally get those truths in your Spirit man, but when you do, it will make you so firm in your faith, and you will begin to see major healing.

If you don't know if a thought is true, just test it and if it causes you to feel condemnation, or points to you losing your salvation, or makes you feel anxiety, you automatically know it is not of God. At that point you need to do 1 of 2 things. Just move onto something else and don't even think about it. Or memorize Bible verses and counter act the lie, with a truth from Gods Word. I actually do both, if I am with a group of people, I can't be sitting their repeating verses in my head. If anxiety comes and my mind starts racing, I will simple ignore it and it will leave my mind. That took lots of practice to be able to do. Or when I am alone I speak Gods Word, and I can feel it literally changing my mind and emotions.

Full Text: 

https://www.christianforums.com/threads/horrible-blasphemous-thoughts.7550544/

The Real Reason For Blasphemous Thoughts

This is common. With our every advance we can expect a counterattack in which the devil will try to retake the ground we have gained. We must stubbornly resist the pressure to surrender to his lies, whether it be false condemnation or believing that we are responsible for thoughts we do not want.

In war, the enemy can gain a major tactical advantage by making a show of attacking at one location when it is actually about to launch its main assault at a different location. If one falls for this trick, most of one’s defenses are moved from the area where they are critically needed and focused where they are not so needed.

Don’t waste your resources getting sidetracked into self-examination or fighting thoughts or guilt feelings. No matter how real and scary they seem, they are just cardboard cut-outs. The real battlefront is whether you believe that Jesus died for the sins of the world – believing that through Jesus forgiveness is available for every sin that anyone could ever commit, provided one accepts it.

Full Text: http://www.net-burst.net/guilty/uncontrollable-blasphemy.htm

Parting Words 

If you need someone to share your blasphemous thoughts burden with, contact me. I have experience with this subject and am a degreed biblical counselor. You're not alone. There is hope in Christ—nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:32-39, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 John 4:18) or take you beyond His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). 


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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash.

4 Biblical Motivations for Christians to Marry

Marriage is the fundamental social unit for humans in God's creation (Genesis 2:24). The Bible shows us that it is a lifelong commitment that God takes seriously. 

But what are the motivations for a Christian marriage? There are at least four reasons identified in the Bible why Christians should still marry.

1. For companionship (Genesis 2:18, 24). 

God made Eve a companion for Adam—from Adam, saying that it was not good for man to be alone. This shows that marriage is the norm for mankind rather than the exception, and that men and women may not feel complete (humanly speaking) unless they are married. 

Wanting to share your life with someone of the opposite sex is in line with God's plan for marriage and a great way to combat the loneliness of being a Christian in an increasingly God-denying society.

2. To raise godly children (Genesis 1:28, Ephesians 6:4). 

God commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and fill the earth. For some, the motivation to marry may be based simply on a couple's desire to obey God's commands. 

Since God has never commanded that marriages cease producing and raising children, the motivation to simply obey God lines up with God's plan for marriage and an excellent testimony to the value of a child—in the face of constant debate about abortion versus childbirth.

3. To avoid sexual impurity (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). 

Paul was saying that to avoid fornication, it is better to marry (1 Corinthians 7:2) where sex is honorable and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). 

A couple may be motivated to marry to avoid the struggle with sexual urges, lust, and temptation (Colossians 3:5; James 1:15). Wanting to be married to avoid sexual sin and to exercise God-ordained sexual relations within the bounds of marriage is also in line with God's plan for marriage. 

In a culture where premarital sex is celebrated, especially in movies and television series, marriage to avoid it is a testimony against worldly thinking.

4. To emulate and reflect the glory of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:25, 32). 

Paul writes that marriage reflects the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. 

Ephesians 5:21-33 presents a wonderful parallel of the relationship between husbands and wives and Christ and the church in terms of submission (Ephesians 5:22), respect (Ephesians 5:33), sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25), and unity (Ephesians 5:31). 

Reflecting the glory of Jesus Christ and His church through marriage is a testimony to the world that there are two sexes (male and female), and that these two genders (reproductive roles) are to dwell together in love and unity.

Whatever the motivations, whether those mentioned here or others, we must remember that there is no command to marry (1 Corinthians 7:6) just as there is no command not to marry. We should not judge anyone for their choices. 

However, these are biblical reasons to marry that can help Christians resist the influence of the worldly culture around them and reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ.

__________

Note: All scripture passages are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted. 

Source: Based on a past article written by the author at blogos.org. 

 

Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more. 

Photo by Jeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash. 

4 Ways to Pray Without Ceasing

Some Christians ask: How long do you pray every day?

People who ask this question may have the wrong idea about prayer. Some may see it as a religious duty—part of a daily checklist of responsibilities for good Christians. After completing their daily duty, they say:

Finished!
No more talking to God today!
I did my Christian duty!

That smacks of religiousness. Christianity is different.

God may not actually be impressed with our hour-long, two-hour-long prayer times. In fact, He tells us: Pray without ceasing. According to this verse, we should be praying all day! But how do we pray without ceasing? 

There are at least four ways to ensure you can pray without ceasing every day:

1. Be 'fessed up.

The Lord tells us that if we regard sin in our hearts He will not hear our prayers. If you want to have an open line of communication and pray without ceasing.

2. Be ready to 'fess up when needed.

Christians sin. We live in the world while struggling with temptation to sin. When we do fall, we must be ready to humble ourselves and admit our wrongdoing. Otherwise, we get stuck on number 1 above.

3. Whatever comes along, 'tell it to Jesus.'

 
Living in this world we are plagued with cares (concerns). Why hold them to ourselves? God told us He cares for us. So, when something is bothering you, don't hold it inside, pray without ceasing by sharing your cares with our heavenly Father.

4. Involve God in the major and minor decisions of life.

 
Every day we make decisions, so why not exercise unceasing prayer by including God in those decisions. Start with something simple like, Lord, what would you have me wear today, as a way to be in touch with Him all day. By coming to God for even the simple decisions that we encounter each day demonstrates a reliance on God. 

Prayer is an act of humility. By humbling ourselves and asking God what He thinks our choices and decisions ought to be, we exercise ourselves in unceasing prayer.

A Word About Prayer

Our days should be one long dialogue with God where we have open lines of communication: We tell Him what we think and tell Him our cares, as His Holy Spirit reminds us of His word in response.

We ought to have a dependence on God throughout the day; making requests; confessing; sharing our day with God. This is what we may be missing when asking the question: How long do you pray every day.

Wrap Up

The Christian life is not about checking off boxes each day and saying, I'm done with that today, or doing our duty. The Christian life is about a communicative relationship with Someone who loves you and is always with you. If you can practice these four points in your Christian walk, you will be on the right path to praying without ceasing. 

So, when Christians ask: How long do you pray every day?

My answer: All day!

_____

Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

How Not to Be Deceived

Paul wrote, "Let no man deceive you" (2 Thessalonians 2:3, Ephesians 5:6). God's will is that believers are not deceived by false teachers or false doctrine that would lead them into wrong paths, unfruitful lives, or shame when all is said and done (2 Corinthians 5:10). But God didn't just leave it there. He tells us not to be deceived, and He tells us how not to be deceived.

1. Prove and Hold Fast

God tells us to prove everything and hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). There are two activities at play in this passage. First, we are to prove everything; that is, we are supposed to put everything we encounter to the test. Second, we are to cling to that which is good. Since we’re supposed to test everything and hold onto what is good, we need a baseline to test everything against and know what is good—that baseline is the word of God.

If we are intimately familiar with the Bible, we will immediately notice false teaching. Christians are supposed to be narrow-minded when it comes to the fundamentals of the faith. The result: If we examine everything through the lens of the word of God, we will be more apt to spot false teaching.

2. Believe Not Everyone

We are commanded not to believe everyone who calls themselves Christian. We are commanded to “test the spirits” to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). Not everyone who claims to be a Bible teacher is really from God.

That means we do not simply sit in a pew and listen to someone teaching the Bible on a Sunday morning. We are to be active listeners—checking the verses, checking the speaker's words, and checking the doctrine in them. Don’t just sit and believe everything that is being taught—open your Bible and check.

The Bereans were an excellent example of this (Acts 17:11). Even though they had the famous Paul the Apostle in front of them teaching, they took the time to search the Scriptures to see if the things Paul was telling them were in-line with what was written in the Scriptures. If they did that with Paul, how much more should we be doing it with the people we call Bible teachers today.

3. Know the Word of God

How do we know what to scrutinize teachers about? How do we know what right doctrine is? God directs us to do what many of us seem to have an aversion to … study (2 Timothy 2:15). We are commanded to study for three reasons: (1) So we will enjoy God's approval; (2) so we do not need to be ashamed, and (3) so we will correctly handle the word of God. Why does God command us to study? Because clearly He loves us.

Parting Thoughts

These days, in the social media, fake news environment, it seems people believe almost everything they hear, read, or are told. But the Lord commands us to search the Scriptures and study the word so we will not be ashamed. Paul wrote, let no man deceive you … and God shows us how not to be deceived. It's all there in the Bible if we look for it.

So, how not to be deceived? Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good; don’t believe anyone without confirming it with what God says; be rooted and grounded in the word of God, and you will prayerfully be able to spot false teachers and false teaching a mile away then avoid it.

Note: All scripture passages are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted. 

__________

Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by Anne Nygard on Unsplash

Should Christians Change with the Times?

Should Christians Change with the Times?

Are churches to accommodate each generation that comes, or did God already give us the pattern to respond to this concern? The questions asked below may cultivate deeper reflection on the subject and lead us into a more biblically sound perspective on this issue. 

What are Christians? 

Whatever generation they may be, Christians are a called-out group of people following Christ (Romans 1:6) who have been granted grace, forgiveness, and everlasting life by faith in Jesus Christ. That is the fruit of the Gospel. The fruit does not change from generation to generation. As such, why would Christians change with the times? 

Does the message need to change? 

If we change the message, we lose the foundational doctrine of the church: The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of the sinless Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, on our behalf (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Since we are all born into sin (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12), we need a Saviour to save us from the wrath of God to come (Colossians 3:6). This is the same message Christ preached from the beginning (Mark 1:15). 

Does the Bible need to change? 

As we are told in 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (KJV): “all scripture is given by inspiration of God." Therefore, to alter the words of God means we revert to everyone saying what they think. If we change the Bible, we lose what God said, and our messages become nothing more than hearsay.

Do church traditions need to change? 

If we change church traditions, then we contradict what has been laid out for us by the Apostle Paul in his epistles to the churches (1 Corinthians 11:1-2, 2 Thessalonians 2:15). There are certain features of church that are timeless such as gathering once per week, fellowship, prayer, giving, and teaching of the word of God. 

Do the ordinances of the church need to be changed? 

Activities such as believer’s baptism and the Lord’s supper are ordinances handed down to the churches from Christ (Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:24-26). If we disobey the Lord’s commands, how can we say that we are Christ followers?

What makes the new generation different than the old? 

Why not accommodate the older Christians instead? Chasing generations of Christians leads to pursuing people instead of following Christ. In Acts chapter 2, we see the early church following Christ, and the Lord adding to their numbers. Perhaps we should keep our eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:2), walk in the Spirit, live as Christ, and let Him draw people to Himself. 

Are not Christians the same throughout time? 

In other words, we are called to trust Christ for forgiveness of sins (Acts 16:31) and called to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15). Every Christian, young, old, new, or experienced has the same calling. Regardless of the times, this remains unchanged. 

Does the music need to change? 

Amidst the demands for music that makes “me” feel good, or that “I” like, have we ever stopped to ask the more important question, what does God like? Instead of seeking to change music for the times, why not stay true to Christ when it comes to music in the church. That is, what music does the Lord want for His church? Better yet, what music has He prescribed for the church? I wrote a book on that called "Music in the Church," a discussion of that very question, with exhausting effort to stay true to the exercise of exegesis of the scriptures that dives deeper into this subject.

Lastly ...

The older generation is supposed to raise the younger, “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The new generation is supposed to be influenced by the previous generation. That means, if we must accommodate, perhaps we should be seeking to accommodate the older generations instead.

Nevertheless, Christ is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Christianity, the message, the Bible, church traditions, the ordinances, the music, and commands of Christ are without expiration dates. So, what message would Christians be sending if they changed any one of these to accommodate each new generation? 

END

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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more. 

Photo by Fares Hamouche on Unsplash

Give Not Thy Strength to Women

What is meant by "Give not thy strength unto women" in Proverbs 31:3 (KJV)? 

As can be observed in life, men have a tendency to be like puppy dogs with women they feel strongly about (whether love or lust).

King Lemuel’s mother taught him not to forfeit his strength (as a man, as a leader, and as a king) for his passions; i.e., not to lose his credibility or his ability to lead by allowing himself to be influenced by strange women.

As a king, there was a tendency to have more than one wife (hence women) which would lead him astray. For example, King Solomon had many wives and concubines, and in the end he was a mess because they turned his heart toward other gods (1 Kings 11:4).

David was a good king, but he gave his strength to Bathsheba. When he sinned with her (2 Samuel 11:4), he lost his strength to lead, was dishonored, had something to hide, had done evil… and was ashamed (Psalm 51).

END

Based on an answer by Jerry S on Quora and modified for this blog.  

__________

Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more. 

Photo by: febri sym on Unsplash

6 Steps That Led Peter to Deny Christ and May Lead Us Too

6 Steps That Led Peter to Deny Christ and May Lead Us Too

We know from the Gospels that Peter was a transparent man. He would ask Jesus direct questions (Matthew 18:21, John 21:21), showed his feelings (Luke 5:8), and even proclaimed that he would stay with Christ to the end (Matthew 26:35). However, that boasting did not last very long at all:

"... she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not ..." (Mark 14:66-68, KJV).

SETTING

Jesus had just been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper and taken to the house of the high priest, Caiaphas.

Peter said earlier in the evening that he was ready to die for Christ, but when Jesus was arrested, the disciples scattered—including Peter (Mark 14:50).

Peter followed from a distance and ended up warming himself at a fire before the house of the high priest.

When a servant girl pointed out Peter as one of Christ's followers (Mark 14:67), he denied that he knew Christ, just as the Lord had foretold (Mark 14:29-31).

FAITH LESSON 

To deny knowing someone is to refuse to acknowledge a connection with them. In Peter's case, he refused to acknowledge that he was a disciple of Christ.

Since Christ is no longer physically walking on earth today, Christians can deny knowing him in their attitudes, behaviors, words, actions, and even lifestyles.

People tend to give steps to the Christian life: steps to a closer walk with God, steps to a more fruitful Christian life, steps to ministry effectiveness, steps to a better prayer life, etc.

But how about approaching things from a different angle: steps to denial—steps to denying Christ.

If Christians follows the steps listed here (1-5) they will likely end up denying Christ in their lives outright (6) as Peter did; they will in essence be telling the world, I do not know Him.

1. Confidence in Self (Mark 14:29, 31)

Peter was sure of himself—that he would fight for Christ to death, but things did not play out the way he imagined. He was confident in his own ability instead of trusting Christ.

Perhaps we too are confident in something such as our own physical strength, our employment, our finances, or our know-how. But, will these things hold out when the time comes?

Confidence in ourselves will lead to the next step.

2. Lack of Prayer (Mark 14:37, 40-41) 

Instead of praying with Jesus, Peter was sleeping. He wasn't thinking about how he needed God's help in his life. The Lord warned him to watch and pray so as not to enter into temptation (Mark 14:38)—wise counsel from our God who knows our frame, that we are but dust.

Confidence in ourselves brings a proud slumber upon us. We neglect the humble reliance upon God (James 4:6) that we need from day to day (Give us this day...).

From a lack of prayer, the next step is even worse.

3. Not Heeding God's Word (Mark 14:47) 

Peter tried to fight the arresting officers but Jesus' arrest was needful to complete His ministry on earth. He had already indicated that (Mark 14:21-29).

Peter spent nearly three years learning at the feet of Jesus but on this night, as he progressed down the steps to denial, his mind was not on the words that Jesus spoke.

As Christians, when prayer time suffers, so does time spent in the word. If we rely only on a half-read devotional or are daydreaming during a sermon on Sunday morning, we too are not really paying attention to what the Lord is telling us.

When we do not heed God's word, the next step is a natural progression.

4. Hanging with the Wrong Crowd (Mark 14:54) 

Peter was standing with the people outside of the house instead of with the disciples encouraging one another. In his isolation from God's people, he was eventually put on the spot, and verbally denied Christ (Step 6).

Confidence in self, failure to humbly rely on the Lord, and missing the word of God, will inevitably lead to hanging out with the wrong crowd. Christians not walking as they ought to find more comfort with the world than in church with God's people.

Are we hanging out where we should not be? Are we spending our time with world instead of the people of God? If so, it would be a good time to examine ourselves in the light of Steps 1–4, to avoid the next plunge to Step 5.

5. Back to Old Habits (Mark 14:71) 

Peter started cursing. Something he would not likely have been doing in the presence of the Lord. Peter's progress to the next step reminds us that the more spend time with the world, the more the world influences us. Psalm 1:1 paints an excellent picture of this.

If we have confidence in ourselves, fail to pray, fail to be in the word, are hanging out with the world instead of believers, and going back to old habits, it is quite likely to lead to the sixth and last step of denial.

6. Outright Denial (Mark 14:71) 

Peter denied the Lord outright, saying clearly, "I don't know Him!"

Steps 1-5 are subtle denials of Christ, but Step 6 is a direct denial of Him.

If we continue down the path of the steps of denial, we will eventually come to a point where either our words, our attitudes, our actions, our behaviors, or our lifestyles will directly deny Christ.

People will look at us and not know we are Christians. In that sense, we deny the Lord who died for us, who should be glorified in us, and proclaimed to the lost by us. We keep His light under a bushel and show others that we do not have His light.

Denying the Lord is a frightful thing. It does not mean one has lost his/her salvation, but it does mean that we have sunken so low that we are no longer doing what the Lord asked us to do: enjoy your relationship with Him (Revelation 2:4) and letting that lead you to share Him with others (Revelation 2:5).

Nevertheless, there was hope for Peter. After the Lord's resurrection, prior to His ascension, Jesus restored Peter in love. He asked Peter thrice if he loved Him (John 21:15-19)—the same number of times Peter denied Christ. Peter answered three times, but each time, it became more intense, until Peter finally broke down.

SELF-EXAMINATION

Follow these six steps and you will head for a great fall, an ineffective testimony, lost rewards, and or shame before the Lord. One way to avoid these griefs is to ask yourself a few questions:

1. Am I being confident in myself or the Lord?

2. Am I relying on the Lord or my own power?

3. Am I spending time discovering what the Lord is teaching me in His Word?

4. With whom am I spending my time with?

5. Am I growing in grace or doing the same old things I used to do?

6. Do people know I am a Christian in attitude, word, behaviors, deeds, lifestyle?

If you have denied Christ in some way, confess it to Him, forsake it, and move forward with Him, trusting His forgiveness and His love. He is always ready to forgive and is the God of second, third, fourth, ... chances (Matthew 18:21-22).

END

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Author: Jerry Smith, Pastor, OLBC, from an idea based on the the Ryrie KJV Study Bible (1994), notes on Mark 14:72.

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Feature image source: www.LumoProject.com on FreeBibleimages.org at https://www.freebibleimages.org/photos/peter-denies-jesus/

Second image source: Ben White on Unsplash

Is Virtue Signaling for Christians?

Is Virtue Signaling for Christians?

Virtue signaling is a relatively new term that started becoming popular in 2015. It can be defined as making a statement or performing an action that implies you are morally excellent. Virtue signaling can be something as simple as posting your charitable gift receipt on Facebook (to show everyone that you're a generous person).

The Sermon on the Mount

The Lord addressed the idea of virtue signaling in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:1) long before it became a modern trend. Here the Lord refers to the hypocrites who love to do their alms (give money to the poor) so people can see them do it. 

The advice Jesus gives is not to let your right hand know what the left is doing (Matthew 6:3). In other words, keep your charitable activities—your virtue signaling—secret. If people happen to see it, so be it; but as the Lord says in Matthew 6:2, do not do it to be noticed.

God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance, and it is the heart that is of greater value to the Lord. As one old commentator writes, “the secrecy of our charity is one good evidence of its sincerity” (Matthew 6:1, William Burkitt Commentary on the New Testament, open source).

Does the New Testament Teach Christians to Virtue Signal?

Should Christians announce their Christian values? Scripture seems to indicate, no. We are told to study to be quiet, and do good to all men. We are not told to talk about our good works—but do them—quietly.

Matthew 5:16 seems to give an indication of what may be incorrectly concluded as a command to virtue signal, when we are told, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

This is not a reference to boasting or announcing our good works, or trying to impress others with our good deeds, because that is in conflict with what the Lord said in Matthew 6:1-4.

Jesus was telling us to live a life that is so obedient and filled with His Spirit, that others cannot help but notice our holy lifestyle and be drawn to Him through it.

We Are Fallen Creatures

It is our fallen human nature that leads us to proclaim our good deeds and good values. But, as Proverbs 20:6 (KJV) points out, “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”

But we forget that our hearts are entirely wicked; so, the Lord tells us to let our words be few (See also James 1:19 and Proverbs 10:19). Perhaps in the social media era we live in, that could be translated as let your posts be few.

Looking at Jesus, our perfect example, He did not simply signal his virtues and expect people to follow Him, but rather lived them and proclaimed the word of God.

What Are We to Proclaim?

What we are told to proclaim is not "our" righteousness, but Christ’s—in the form of the Gospel.

Philippians 3:3-8 is a record of Paul’s good deeds that he considered to be dung. The only signaling that Christians ought to be engaged in, according to Paul, is telling people about Christ. Paul wrote in Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

So much time is spent talking or posting about the good things "we" do—time that could be better used by sharing the good things we have in Christ.

John the Baptist

John the Baptist, the greatest of the prophets, had an opportunity to signal his virtues but did not. When approached by priests and Levites, he was asked: Who are you? and, What do you say about yourself?

He could have told them about his morals, the great works he was doing, and how people should listen to him because he was a good guy. Instead, John showed us the answer to the virtue-signaling question. He said, “He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.” John pointed people away from himself, but toward Jesus Christ. May we learn to do the same.

END

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Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and an avid writer on practical theology currently residing in the Philippines. He has a wide range of experience and education from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields and writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more. 

Photo by Ava Sol on Unplash

Where Is the Beauty That We Should Desire Him

Our Ebooks are for your enrichment and edification. They are free to download and share. 

FEATURED: Where Is the Beauty That We Should Desire Him

DOWNLOAD your free copy of this exposition of Isaiah 53 (.pdf format). It can be used as a personal devotional, for group study, or just for a good read. No gimmicks, no tricks, just sharing. 

OVERVIEW: These days in many churches, fellowships, and Christian organizations, there seems to be an almost overwhelming push to "make disciples" and on "ministry" but little emphasis on getting to know Christ more intimately and the fellowship of His sufferings. Revelation 2:4 reminds us that loving Jesus Christ is our first priority; and, if we focus on that, the works (including the "Great Commission," "making disciples", "ministry", and "soul-winning") will naturally follow, 

Sometimes referred to as the Gospel of the Old Testament, Isaiah 53 is one one of the most descriptive accounts of the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ (written 700 years before it happened). "Beauty..." is a closer look at the glory of the Lord through the eyes of Isaiah 53. It may be used as a devotional to bring us back to our First Love, to gain a deeper understanding of the chapter, or as an evangelical gift to bring friends or loved ones to see His beauty for the first time.

END

Building a Faith Bridge

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17 KJV).

Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, no one can come to the Father but through Him (John 14:6, paraphrased). That is the message of salvation, forgiveness, and grace the world should be "hearing" based on this passage. 

But for believers, our faith is built up by being in the Word: reading it, hearing it taught, studying it. Much like a bridge . . . 

"Whenever you see a bridge, let it serve as a symbol of how faith unites us with the living God and guides us to abundant life in Him. And keep in mind that a regular intake of Scripture reinforces our “bridge,” adding to its strength and stability" (In Touch Daily Devotional. March 12, 2024. Bridge to God’s Promises). 

— Photo by Cody Hiscox on Unsplash

Btw Where Did You Get That Income?

 

Apart from the obvious reasons, the book of Deuteronomy gives us a practical reason to be thankful for our income.

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God ...

“Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God... And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:11-18, KJV).

CONTEXT

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, a new generation of Israelites were getting ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land.

Moses was reminding the new generation about the great works of the Lord. Here they renewed their original covenant with God, to follow Him at Mt. Sinai.

Deuteronomy 8:11-18 was a specific reminder about getting wealth—making money. Since the Old Testament was written for our learning, these are still practical reminders for Christians today.

FAITH LESSON

Do we ever stop and consider with godly reverence what would happen if God had not granted us our skills, our job, our health to work, or our regular income?

When things are going well, we tend to forget God and neglect Him.

But rest assured, when things go wrong, we are right there pleading with Him to make things right.

Why not simply acknowledge God today for His blessings.

Moses' words to the Israelites remind us that everything comes from God. Just like our pets wait on us to feed them, so too we receive God's graciousness in this area of our lives.

REFLECTION

Am I thankful to God for my employment?

Am I thankful to God for my ability to make money?

Am I thankful to God for my health that permits me to work and earn?

SHARING

What are your personal implications for this reminder? Share in the comments.

END

Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and practical theology advocate in the Philippines, with a wide range of experience and education ranging from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields, who writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash

Does God Tell Christians to Blindly Follow Him?

 

Christians may often hear comments that they're blindly following God. Or they may be asked why they blindly follow God. But when we study the Bible, we discover just the opposite.

God Does Not Want Us to Be "Ignorant"

Several times in the New Testament epistles we read not to be ignorant (e.g., Romans 1:13, 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1, 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8, 2:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 2 Peter 3:8). Ignorance means unenlightened or not knowing something—and God doesn't want that for His people.

He's given us His word to help us know what we need in this life. He's even told us what to expect in the future. The only blindness involved is our own failure to read and study the Bible.

The Lord Says, "Search" the Scriptures (John 5:39)

Jesus told the Jews, many of which wanted to kill Him, to search the Scriptures because, He said, the Scriptures speak of Him.

The Lord wants us to search the Bible to know Him more. There's no suggestion of blindness here—we're invited to follow the Lord with understanding.

In Isaiah 1:18, God invites us to reason with Him about our sinful state. That means He welcomes questions and is in the enlightening business.

God Tells Us to "Study" (2 Timothy 2:15)

We're told to study to show ourselves approved of God, so we don't have to be ashamed and to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth. That doesn't sound like God asking His people to follow Him blindly.

Jesus Christ Came to "Reveal" the Father to Us

The most telling evidence against blindly following God is Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus came to reveal God the Father to us (e.g., John 1:18, Matthew 11:27, Colossians 1:15) so that we would not be left in the dark (Luke 4:18). That doesn't sound like God who wanting people to blindly follow Him.

He walked the earth, taught, healed people, suffered, and died on a cross, then rose the third day—all so people could see the path to God through Him (John 14:6).

Final Thoughts

There is no need for Christians to blindly follow God—He's revealed Himself to us through His word; revealed His plans and purposes, the future, and our condition. He even sent His Son to reveal Himself and reconcile us to God.

God doesn't even mind if we ask questions—God encourages them, so we do not have to be in the dark. We may tend to forget that God is a big God and He can take it because in the end, all truth points to Him (John 17:17, Titus 1:2).

Rather than follow God blindly, Christians are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, study the Bible, and walk according to Proverbs 3:5 when things don't make sense just yet.

How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

 

Our Ebooks are for your enrichment and edification. They are free to download and share. 

FEATURED: How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

DOWNLOAD your free copy in .pdf format. No gimmicks, no tricks, just sharing. 

OVERVIEW: It has been said that the fear of public speaking outweighs the fear of death. This little booklet will show you how to overcome that fear from the Bible's point of view. Once you realize that once we have been given a chance to speak in public, we have been given a golden opportunity, we will understand the secret of public speaking.

Can Christians Get Tattoos?

 

Can Christians get tattoos? The question should not be ‘can’ Christians get tattoos, as if they were breaking the law (Leviticus 19:28), Christians are not under a command forbidding tattoos.

The Bible tells us that Christ gave us a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20); meaning, we are not under Old Testament civil or ceremonial laws. We are under grace (Romans 6:14). Therefore, there are no black and white answers here because it falls under the liberty we have in Christ.

Thus, the question is no longer ‘can’ but ‘should’ a Christian get a tattoo. Maybe better, why would a Christian get a tattoo? What is the message it projects to the world—the people we are supposed to be witnessing to? Does a tattoo promote the image of Christ to the world?

Romans 14

Romans 14 is a passage that many Christians will point to in a discussion of this nature. It is certainly a place to visit when Christians judge each other.

But this is not a discussion about ‘judgement.’ This is a discussion about whether believers should get tattoos—a discussion about what we can learn about the subject from the Bible.

Not so very long ago tattoos were viewed in a negative light. They were traditionally associated with seafarers, ‘heathens,’ gangs, and or prisoners. Only in relatively modern times, when God has been progressively eliminated from the public, tattoos are commonly referred to as ‘body art.’

Nowadays, people put all manner of art on their bodies reflecting lifestyle choices, mottos, beliefs, quotes, beloved family members, heritage, cartoon characters, Bible verses, and the list could go on. Since, in light of Romans 14, there is no command against Christians getting tattoos, should you get a tattoo is best answered between the individual believer and the Lord.

What Else Does the Bible Say?

Those opposed to tattoos may argue that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19); as such, we are to glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). Marking our bodies with tattoos, they contest, is defacing our physical appearance. It is a strong argument not to get a tattoo. However, the emphasis of this text is on avoiding fornication—an internal defacing of believers, so to speak. As such, though the argument to glorify God in our bodies can be raised here, the Bible gives us more than just that one point to consider.  

We Are Peculiar People

The Bible calls Christians peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). Back then, the word meant a purchased people—people who were bought by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). God's peculiar people are ‘blood-related’ to Holy God who commands: (1) “be ye holy” in all manner of lifestyle (1 Peter 1:15, KJV) and (2) come out from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). The idea is that Christians are a called-out group of people separate from the world.

We Are Witnesses of Christ

We are also commanded to teach the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) and be witnesses of Christ's saving power (Acts 1:8). And though all things may be lawful for us (1 Corinthians 6:12), such as getting tattoos, Paul writes they are not always profitable.

We Are to Be Conformed to the Image of Christ

God's purpose for all of us is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). While this does not mean physical image, it does express the idea of conformity to the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5). So, we can agree that believers are meant to be more like Christ; to be peculiar people, not like the world.

Christians getting tattoos does tend to normalize the behavior. Attitudes toward tattoos among Christians have changed because we pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11) are perhaps trying to be like the world (e.g. sports stars, actors, wrestlers, other cool people); thus, justifying our desires for tattoos. But what message does the tattoo send to the people around us?

A Few Questions Before Getting Tattooed

If you are a Christian thinking about getting a tattoo and wondering what God’s will is about it, the scripturally anchored questions below may help you decide.

1. Do tattoos give the appearance of sameness to the unsaved; showing less of a difference between unsaved and saved (2 Corinthians 6:17)?

2. Does having a tattoo bring us more into the image of Christ to the lost, or does it bring us more into the image of the world to the lost (Romans 8:29)?

3. Does having a tattoo add more to an image of holiness, or does it give more of an image of worldliness to the world (1 Peter 1:15-16)?

4. Do tattoos make us look more like today's world or does an absence of tattoos give us a more peculiar appearance (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 6:17)?

5. Does having a tattoo promote modesty (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4)?

6. Is having a tattoo conforming a Christian more to the world system and worldly trends or more to a Christ-like appearance and testimony (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 6:17)?

7. Is getting a tattoo a personal decision to imitate the world; is it something that pleases God (Galatians 1:10)?

8. Does a tattoo glorify God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20)?

If after answering these questions you are not fully convinced to get a tattoo, you probably should not get one (e.g., Romans 14:23).

Final Thoughts

If a Christian is led to get a tattoo, it would seem contradictory based on what we can glean from the Bible. Christians are called-out separate people being transformed into the image of Christ. However, if a brother or sister is convinced to get one, to their own Master they stand or fall.

END

Author: Jerry S., Pastor, OLBC

Author Bio: Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher and practical theology advocate in the Philippines, with a wide range of experience and education ranging from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields, who writes articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, academic papers, and more.

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash