Judging bears a negative connotation among most of the population. When we think about the idea of judging, we conjure up images of heated theological arguments and memories of condescending comments. Also, we remember how “judging” has historically escalated to injustice, tragedy, and violence. But is all judging wrong or sinful?
We all judge. Some do more than others, but we all judge. If we know someone who routinely ignores stop signs, our courts would pass judgment. As believers, we repeatedly form and share judgments both small and large throughout each day. It’s a fact of life.
Sin brings conflict. Soon after Adam and Eve sinned, we have the account of Cain’s murderous behavior toward Abel. Without the presence of sin and evil, war and conflict would be foreign to us, as they will one day be when we enter the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21:4). That being said, should Christians ever be involved in a war in which the enemy is being mercilessly killed?
That God commanded the Israelites to go to war to kill their enemies is clear enough, but does this justify present-day believers to fight for their country? Are we …
Many evangelicals—perhaps most—believe that a Christian cannot be demon possessed for the simple reason that all believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, thus the idea that a demon could occupy the same space as the blessed Holy Spirit is unthinkable. However, we might be better served to consider it more carefully.
First, we must consider that the Scriptures never speak of a demon “possessing” anything. While many translations provide such language in numerous texts (e.g. Matthew 8:28), the original text does not convey any idea of possession or ownership. In reference to the human body, demons are squatters and …
Historically, Christians have proven contentious and confrontational concerning depicting Jesus in any form. Even since the flashpoints of iconoclasm (image/symbol breaking) during the early Middle Ages and the Reformation, the issue has never been completely without debate. We must approach this with an open mind and a respectable degree of tolerance.
Let’s begin by discussing the nature of idolatry in the Scriptures, and why it was consistently condemned. Let us examine Exodus 20:3-5.
You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the …
A great flaw of Western Christianity is its profound ignorance and trivialization of the occult with its related activities. The Scriptures not only confirm their reality and danger, but they also consistently condemn any association with them (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Galatians 5:19-20; Revelation 21:8). In fact, the church in Ephesus gives us an example of how occult practices were removed from the early church (Acts 19:11-20). No syncreticism (a blending of two or more belief systems) was allowed, as Christ alone was and is sufficient.
Condoning (or observing) occult practices is inherently an act of distrust against …
Within in the church, and throughout broader society, a great deal of mysticism and superstition surrounds the reality, ability, and work of demons. Because of this haze of opinions, we must root our understanding in Scripture.
The Demonic Narrative
Satan is the origin of evil, the father of lies (John 8:44).
Satan and his angels apparently still have access to heaven because during the tribulation period, there will be a war in heaven and they will be cast out unto the earth (Revelation 12:7-9).
Though crushed by the work of Christ two thousand years ago, their final end, eternal punishment, …
We belong to God by reason of creation; we also now belong to God by reason of redemption. In effect, we are "twice God’s," for we can claim nothing of our own. The implications are clear: We do not have the right to say, “This is my body, I can do what I want with it.” I have no more a right to do what I want with my own body than I have the right to do what I want with the money loaned to me by a friend who is expecting a return on his investment. …
For obvious reasons, we must tread carefully here, for we are aware that some struggle with obesity because of genetics, disease, medication, or other factors. (It is also possible that women who have been abused might deliberately put on weight, hoping that this will lessen the overtures of lecherous men.) We address this topic not to give a final word on this sensitive issue but with the hope that you might be encouraged and strengthened. We should be accepting of everyone’s appearance and believe that the present emphasis on beauty as seen on television is a curse, especially for young …
Fasting is only biblically correlated with abstinence from food, but there is no doubt that fasting can be practiced more broadly. The core issue then becomes, “Does a lack of direct biblical reference prohibit us from fasting from other pursuits and activities?” Perhaps we can gain some insight into this by considering the general principle of giving. Throughout Scripture, we find examples of giving money, food, animals, and land. Should this prohibit us from giving other things? Christian lawyers and doctors often give time and free health care to needy families. It’s not uncommon for people to give away cars, …
The Bible not only presents divine ideals but also sin-caused realities. In the Old Testament, divorce and remarriage were permitted under specific regulations. The question is whether or not any of these guidelines are applicable today within the context of the New Testament. Two instances demonstrate that divorce can, under certain conditions, be considered scriptural today.
1. When One Partner Develops a Pattern of Sexual Immorality
Christ said, “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, (fornication) and marries another, commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). Several observations should be noted:
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