Answers From God's Word

NOTEBOOK

The Bible tells us
where we came from,
why we are here, and where we are going.

"Go and sin no more," Christ said, and such still says today.

In the middle of the words pride and sin is the letter i.

Anger is one letter short of danger.

"Every Christian should have fallen out with Satan and in love with God, but not on the rebound."
The poet, author

“The reason why many Christians argue in defence of things is not because they’re right but because they're wanted.”
The poet, author

“Many have received what they pleaded for only to discover that it wasn’t God who delivered but the one who delights in fulfilling wrong desires that won’t take "No" for an answer despite any consequences.”
The poet, author

"If an angel were to tell you to do something that's contrary to God's Word, it would clearly be an evil angel."
The poet, author

"When in Rome do as Christ would do."
The poet, author

"Christians can't avoid living in the world, but they can avoid the world living in them."
The poet, author

"It's funny how many new creatures in Christ still look and act like the old creature."
The poet, author

"Save me from the error
of judging a church by
its size, popularity, or
the amount of its yearly offerings."
A. W. Tozer
(1897-1963)

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Introduction

Four introductory poems.

Two study guides under the linked heading Answers From God's Word.

A few small articles under the linked heading This And That.

And then fifteen poems under the linked heading Poems.


Yes, God’s Word is quite capable of speaking for itself, it trustworthy and true, and thus should be our first port of call, other than prayer. So I pray that you’ll find the general content of this page a real blessing. 

Regarding "Answers From God's Word."
More questions and answers (the latter in text form) may be added at any time and placed at the end of their respective section or anywhere within their respective section, and further texts may be added to existing ones.
Even more subjects can be found by clicking on the heading that states "The End-Time," or more directly, the subheading that states "More Answers From God's Word," Christian section, second poetry garden.

Answers From God's Word
 

Clarifications have been drawn from various available sources.

Study One — THE IMPORTANCE OF BIBLICAL DOCTRINE

What is biblical doctrine?

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom…” (Col 3:16, RSV).

“How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word” (Ps 119:9).

“ ‘…Your word is truth’ ” (John 17:17, ESV).

“And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 3:15, RSV).

“All scripture is inspired by God...” (2 Tim 3:16, RSV).

“But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’ ” (Matt 4;4, KJV).

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, RSV).

How important is biblical doctrine?

“… ‘If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free’ ” (John 8:31,32, RSV).

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4, KJV).

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...” (Eph 6:14, NIV).

 “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth” (Joshua 24:14, KJV).

“Behold, thou [God] desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom” (Ps 51:6, KJV).

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge [are lacking in a good understanding of biblical truth, doctrine, through a lack of effort, which works to their disadvantage, peril]…” (Hosea 4:6).

“ ‘If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ ” (Ps 11:3, RSV).

“But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him” (1 John 2:5, NIV).

What is the purpose of biblical doctrine?

To save —

“ ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life’ ” (John 5:24, ESV).

“...because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through...belief of the truth”
(2 Thess 2:13, KJV).

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17, NIV).

To teach —

“All scripture [Old and New Testament] is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16,17, RSV).

To change —

“ ‘Sanctify them in the truth [sanctify — to make holy — the work of a lifetime]...’ ” (John 17:17, RSV).

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22, ESV).

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee” (Ps 119:11, KJV).

Clarification: Have you ever heard this argument: “Let’s forget our doctrinal differences in the interest of Christian love?” The idea sounds very plausible, but it's not biblical. While Scripture commands us to love, it also commands us to abide by the truth. Let those who say that it does not matter what you believe as long as you love, go back to their Bibles, for everywhere the Scriptures bind truth and love together. Exchanging truth for superficial peace or unity is clearly forbidden (Gal 1:10).

Who is the source of biblical doctrine?

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life…’ ” (John 14:6RSV).

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He” (Deut 32:4, NKJV).

Through whom does God impart biblical doctrine?

“ ‘When the Spirit of truth comes [the Holy Spirit], He will guide you into all the truth [without the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit the Bible cannot be interpreted correctly, for the Spirit enables the believer to understand and apply Scripture]...’ ” (John 16:13, RSV).

“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit…” (1 Cor 2:10, ESV).

“ ‘But the Helper, the Holy Spirit...will teach you all things…’ ” (John 14:26, NASB).

How reliable is biblical doctrine?

“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, least He rebuke you, and you be found a lair [those who accept the authority of Scripture as it is written down and canonized, cannot accept any interpretation which views any part of the Bible as less credible than other parts] ” (Prov 30:5,6, RSV).

“All scripture is inspired by God…” (2 Tim 3:16, RSV).

“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you
accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers [the final product, the Bible, has God’s stamp of approval as being truly His word; the product of this co-operative effort between human and divine is trustworthy]” (1 Thess 2:13, ESV).

“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual” (1 Cor 2:10,13, ESV).

How did the apostles regard biblical doctrine?

“It gave me [John] great joy to have some brothers [brethren] come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 3,4, NIV).

“If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed” (1 Tim 4:6).

How important is it to interpret biblical doctrine correctly?

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth [human reason is subject to the Bible, not equal to or above it (1 Cor 2:1-8). The human conscience can never be the foundation of our religion and morality; only the word of God]” (2 Tim 2:15, ESV).

“...Teach what accords with sound doctrine [also known as beliefs]” (Titus 2:1, ESV).

“He [a bishop/elder] must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9).

“Hold to the standard of sound teaching [free from error] that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 1:13).

“But test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess 5:21, ESV).

Clarification: How would you feel if someone twisted, either accidentally or deliberately, what you had said, especially so if it caused problems for you, or someone else. Well imagine how God must feel when people misinterpret what His important Word, the Bible, says (Prov 30:5,6). As Christians it is our duty and responsibility to represent God and His Word correctly (Titus 1:9) because we are His witnesses. Imagine an ambassador to another country misrepresenting his country, or a salesman misrepresenting the company he works for. Imagine getting to heaven and discovering that what you had held on earth was a distorted understanding of God’s truths, and as a result, had been putting others wrong.

What does Scripture say regarding those who alter, distort or suppress biblical doctrine?

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth [biblical truth is very important to God. God does not want us to misinterpret His Word. How do you feel when someone distorts what you have said?]” (Rom 1:18, ESV).

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we proclaimed to you, let he be accursed!” (Gal 1:8, ESV).

What does Scripture say regarding those who discard or refute biblical doctrine?

“That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness [the neglect and disregard of Scripture is one of the greatest insults we can give to its divine author]” (2 Thess 2:12, KJV).

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (1 Tim 2:10, KJV).

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths” (2 Tim 4:3,4, RSV).

What does Scripture say regarding those who do not make a consistent and serious attempt to understand biblical doctrine?

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Heb 5:11-14, NIV).

“Speaking of this as he [Paul] does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the
ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures [the biblical writers always affirm the supremacy of Scripture over both culture and traditions (Matt 15:3-6), human philosophy (Col 2:8), human reason (Prov 14:12) and so-called knowledge (1 Tim 6:20)]” (2 Peter 3:16, RSV).

“So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles [if we adopt a theology someone else has constructed without testing the foundation, we do so at our peril]” (Eph 4:14, RSV).

“Always learning [those who maintain the appearance of religion, yet live in sin] and [but] never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth [religious dabblers possess only scraps of truth mixed with various errors; they do not see truth as a whole]” (2 Tim 3:7, ESV).

Why is it critical to hold sound biblical doctrine?

“ ‘For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect [committed followers and studiers of the Word]’ ” (Matt 24:24).

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, RSV).

“ ‘In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men’ ” (Matt 15:9, RSV).

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim 4:1, RSV).

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11, ESV).

“Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit” (Prov 12:17, ESV).

“First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20, RSV).

What is the test and practice of sound biblical doctrine?

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa 8:20, KJV).

“Whoever says, “I know Him” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him [referring to the Ten Commandments — the standard of Christian conduct. Not saved by, but judged by]” (1 John 2:4, ESV).

“ ‘Anyone, who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven...’ ” (Matt 5:19, NIV).

“...Yet, if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet [the function of the Law is to convict of sin and reveal the standard of righteousness]’ ” (Rom 7:7, ESV).

Note also Rom 3:31; 7:12,22; 2:13; James 1:25; 2:10-12,22; 1 John 5:3; 2:4; Rev 14:12; Gen 26:5; Matt 5:17-19; Luke 16:17; Acts 24:14; 1 Cor 7:19.

In light of all this which is the safest path regarding biblical doctrine?

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls” (Jer 6:16, NASB).

In light of all this what is our duty regarding biblical doctrine?

“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write and appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints [“contend” — to exert oneself in defence or support of]” (Jude 3, ESV).

“I have set watchmen [every spiritual leader is a watchman] upon thy walls, O Jerusalem [to guard its people against danger], which shall never hold their peace day or night [are vigilant, alert, industrious (2 Tim 4:2)]: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent [the spiritual watchman is accountable not only to his flock but also to God. On his fidelity depends the safety of the church]” (Isa 62:6, KJV).

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman [a watchman who warns of approaching dangers] for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, you shall give them warning from Me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand [failure to utter the warning may result in their rushing headlong to destruction, hence their blood will be required at the watchman’s hand. God depends upon the cooperation of human beings in His work of salvation]. But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul” (Ezek 3:17-19, ESV).

“I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded” (Rom 16:17,18, RSV).

What makes this duty all the more imperative?

“His watchmen [spiritual leaders] are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; that cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving slumber [are asleep at their posts. Unaware of danger they fail to sound a warning]” (Isa 56:10, ESV).

What does God’s Word say regarding circumstances that make the imparting of biblical doctrine difficult?

“Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching” (2 Tim 4:2).

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...” (Rom 1:16, ESV).

What does Scripture say regarding those who wrongfully avoid imparting biblical doctrine?

“ ‘For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels [referring to Christ’s Second Coming]’ ” (Mark 8:38, RSV).

In what manner are we to impart biblical doctrine?

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ [as Christians we have a moral imperative to examine what is proclaimed in Jesus name, and to expose and condemn false teaching. The biblical challenge is not to avoid truth that is controversial, but to speak the truth in love. The Bible says blessed are the peace makers, not peace keepers]” (Eph 4:15, RSV).

How are we to interpret biblical doctrine?

“ ‘For it is precept upon precept...line upon line...here a little, there a little [biblical principles have to be established on the basis not of subjectively selected texts but on the cumulative witness of the Bible. However, to use a text to support a doctrine is legitimate if the context of the verse or passage supports the point to be  made]’ ” (Isa 28:10, RSV).



 
Study Two — CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR, STANDARDS, PRINCIPLES AND MORALITY

Clarifications have been drawn from various available sources.

How important is it for Christians to carry out God’s requirements in their life regarding general behaviour, standards, principles and morality?

A)
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us…[Dare we represent God wrongly?]” (2 Cor 5:20, ESV).

“ ‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works [righteous living] and give glory to your father who is in Heaven’ ” (Matt 5:16, ESV).

Clarification: When we take on the name Christian, we automatically become representatives of the King of the
universe — the righteous, holy, merciful, just, and loving God, a God of truth and peace. Yes, we become His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). Thus it is no small matter how we act as His representatives. No one likes to be misrepresented, least of all God Himself. He intended that by representing Him correctly, and all that He stands for, we would be a light to a darkened world that has lost its way.

B)
“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven [obedience displayed by works]’ ” (Matt 7:21, ESV).

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God [the Ten Commandments are the standard of Christian conduct]” (Rom 8:6-8, ESV).

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works [obedience] is dead [proves one is not genuine, deserving]” (James 2:24,26, ESV).

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works [righteous living], which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10, ESV).

“ ‘Thus you will recognize them by their fruits [works]’ ” (Matt 7:20, ESV).

Clarification: God’s grace will only save where one’s acceptance of it is followed by a willing and committed attempt to walk in accordance with His will-cum-His biblical standard of Christian conduct, (we Spirit empowered), and the reason why is, because one’s failure to, (as a professed follower of Christ), would amount to hypocrisy and rebellion still, all of which would:
a) Convey a false witness.
b) Convey a divided heart and mind.
c) Convey a repentance bearing no proof.
d) Convey that one hadn’t left the old life behind.
e) Convey little concern over what sin cost Christ.
f) Convey an expectation of eternity that amounted to a cheek.
g) And would present a stumbling block to others.
All of which Christ’s robe of righteousness was hardly designed to cover, hence:

"Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law" (Rom 3:31, ESV).

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth [right and wrong], there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment…” (Heb 10:26,27, ESV).

“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty [the Ten Commandments]” (James 2:12, ESV).

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Eccl 12:14, NIV).

Clarification: Some mistakenly think that accepting Jesus as their Saviour is all that one needs to do, rather than accepting Him as their Lord too, but that’s definitely not what God’s Word says (Matt 5:29,30; 7:20,21; Jude 4; Heb 10:26,27). God, via His Word, has given us a code of conduct that He desires we live by (James 2:8-12; Rom 2:12,13; 3:31) — yes, commandments-cum-standards, principles, morals, ethics-cum-general behaviour (1 Cor 10:31). This code of conduct not only helps us to represent Him correctly (Matt 5:16), but it is the standard of Christian conduct that He will be judging all by (James 2:12; 2:24,26). Adhering to God’s requirements is proof of our genuineness (1 John 2:4; 3:4; Matt 7:20; James 4:17), and that He needs to see (Matt 7:21); it showing our suitability for God’s coming kingdom; it helping bring about the needed changes in our lives; and thereby enabling us to represent God more correctly.

To what degree should God’s requirements regarding general behaviour, standards, principles and morality, be carried out by the Christian?

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith [context behaviour. Loyalty to the revealed will of God]. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you [living out the principles of His perfect life in your life]?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test!” (2 Cor 13:5).

“...bringing into captivity [under control] every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5, KJV).

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5, NKJ).

“Abstain from all appearance of evil [Christians should go out of their way to avoid anything that might give  the slightest wrong impression, thereby misrepresenting God]” (1 Thess 5:22, KJV).

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt 26:41, KJV). Note also Matt 6:45, KJV; 15:18; Prov 4:23; 23:7, KJV; Rom 8:5,6; 1 Sam 16:7, KJV.

“ ‘If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell’ ” (Matt 5:29,30, NIV).

Clarification: Jesus here, in Matt 5:29,30, is simply using a figure of speech to help us catch a sense of the seriousness of sin. He calls us to break with any habit, any practice, that is antithetical to our profession as Christians. He wants us to surrender our lives and all our bodily parts to Him so that they are no longer instruments of sin. He wants to make those same very troublesome instruments of sin into instruments of righteousness. Christ is figuratively speaking of the resolute action that should be taken by the will in order to guard against evil. He who refuses to see, hear, taste, smell or touch that which is suggestive of sin has gone far toward avoiding sinful thoughts. He who immediately banishes evil thoughts when, momentarily, they may flash upon his consciousness, thereby avoids the development of a habitual thought pattern that conditions the mind to commit sin when the opportunity presents itself.

How does God feel about His ambassadors — Christians — representing Him and all He stands for, either wrongly or poorly?

“ ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth [lukewarm professors of religion are a continual weight to those who would be faithful followers of Jesus, and are a stumbling block to unbelievers]’ ” (Rev 3:15,16, NIV).

“ ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses it’s saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men [if we have become part of the world and are living by its principles we are no longer salt. We have become a part of the problem rather than the solution]’ ” (Matt 5:13, NIV).

What does Scripture have to say regarding Christians who are prepared to compromise God’s requirements regarding general behaviour, standards, principles and morality?

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of God” (Gal 1:10, NIV).

Clarification: We are called to be people of conviction, not conformity; of nobility, not social respectability. We are commanded to live differently and accordingly to a higher loyalty (Jer 2:18). Throughout the centuries the line of demarcation between the church and the world has often been blurred as Christians have conformed to the world. When  the church adapts to a righteous coated paganism, the line between church and world becomes increasingly hazy.
Compromise can always be identified by false sympathy for the sinner. In the name of acceptance and love, false
sympathy fails to help a person recognize and address sin squarely and thus denies that person the very thing needed, the transforming grace of God.

“You adulterous people [those unfaithful to God. Hypocrites]! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose that it is to no purpose that the scripture says, ‘He [God] yearns jealously for the spirit that He has made to dwell in us?’ ” (James 4:4,5, ESV).

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions–is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17, ESV).

Clarification: We demonstrate our love for the world by copying it, because the greatest evidence of admiration is
imitation. Our home, our car, our personal appearance, our use of time and money, should all reflect how Christ has changed our life from inside out. Those who allow their affections to dwell on interests that are opposed to God do not truly love Him. When church members who have professed loyalty to God continue to yearn for personal gratification
as supplied by the world, their love to God is subordinated. A persons real interests lie where their “treasure” is.

  What effect does such compromise have on us?

“...Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?” (1 Cor 5:6, ESV).

“… ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand’ ” (Matt 12:25, ESV).

“ ‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal [devoted] to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [there is no neutral position]’ ” (Matt 6:24, NKJV).

Can misrepresenting God wrongly-cum-behaving poorly affect others?

“ ...but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother” (Rom 14:13, ESV).

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak [personal convenience and inclination must not be the first consideration; one must give thought to the effects of his acts upon others]” (1 Cor 8:9, NIV).

How then should the Christian respond to this challenge?

“Since every thing will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and Godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11, NIV).

“You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness [God accepts people where they are, but He gives them no excuse for staying there]” (Eph 4:22-24, ESV). Note also James 4:17.

“Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean [in the world, but not of the world]; then I will welcome you” (2 Cor 6:17, RSV).
 
“Do not be conformed [to conform oneself to another’s pattern] to this world, but be transformed [into the image of Christ – sanctification] by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect [that which the heart desires contrary to the will of God will in the end be found a curse rather than a blessing]” (Rom 12:2, ESV).

Let’s take a deeper look at this realm of general behaviour, standards, principles and morality. The content of the following three sections isn't necessarily in any particular order, and content may cross sections.

Firstly though,

What approach should a Christian take in regards to anything they may do, read, watch, listen to, attend, or take part in?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true [all that is morally and spiritually sound], whatever is noble [worthy of respect], whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable [those things that harmonize with Christian ideals]—if anything is excellent [moral excellence] or praiseworthy—think about such things [let them play an active part in your life]” (Phil 4:8, NIV).

“But watch thou in all things…” (1 Tim 4:5).

“Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess 5:21, ESV).

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God [in a way that meets with His approval and thus represents Him well; which automatically will bring Him more glory]” (1 Cor 10:31, NIV).

Clarification: The Christian should exercise his choice at all times in a way that meets with the approval of God. The Christian should do everything in such a way that God, not man, is honored.
For the Holy Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord, we should involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christ-like purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement, entertainment, interests and pursuits, should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. How can we pray for the Holy Spirit to give us the mind of Jesus if we are filling our brains with the mind of Satan?

SECTION ONE — CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR

How should a Christian regard a fellow Christian?

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility regard others better than yourselves” (Phil 2:3, NIV).

How Should a Christian treat a fellow Christian?

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins [where charity is lacking there is a tendency to magnify the faults and failings of others, but where love reigns, men are willing to forgive and forget]” (1 Peter 4:8, ESV).

“ ‘In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets’ ” (Matt 7:12, NASB).

“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people ” (1 Thess 5:15, NASB).

“Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor [consider first the welfare of others]” (1 Cor 10:24, ESV).

“Let each of you look not only to your own interests [do not let your attention be wholly absorbed by your own concerns], but also to the interests of others [to have a benevolent regard for the happiness of our fellowmen. Christians have a particular responsibility for the spiritual welfare of others]” (Phil 2:4, ESV).

“Live in harmony with one another...” (Rom 12:16, ESV).

“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Rom 14:19, NASB).

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour [quarreling] and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted [having a tender regard for the weaknesses and needs of others], forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:31,32, RSV).

“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar…” (1 John 4:20, RSV).

“Do not rebuke [speak discourteously to] an older man, but exhort him [speak to him] as you would a father [even secular propriety recognizes the moral appropriateness of youthful deference toward age and experience. Regardless of the correctness that may characterize a young person’s ideas, it is highly disrespectful for him to treat inconsiderately those who are older]; treat younger men like brothers, older woman like mothers, younger women like sisters, in all purity” (1 Tim 5:1,2, RSV).

How should a Christian treat a fellow Christian who is weaker, hurting or struggling?

“...weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15, NASB).

“And we exhort you, brethen….encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient [long suffering] with all of them...” (1 Thess 5:14, RSV).

“We who are strong [spiritually strong, able] ought to bear with the failings of the weak [weakness of faith], and not to please ourselves [instead of insisting on our own rights and desires, we should be willing to subordinate them to the welfare of our brother, no matter how weak and prejudiced he may seem to be]” (Rom 15:1, NIV).

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness...and patience, forbearing one another...” (Col 3:12,13, RSV).

How should a Christian act towards a fellow Christian who is on a lower socio economic level?

“Do not be proud [puffed up, boastful, prideful (1 Cor 13:4)], but be willing to associate with people of low position [display humility]...” (Rom 12:16, NIV).
 
How should a Christian act towards a fellow Christian in material need?

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him [refuses to help], how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17, NIV).

“If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace [an offhand shirking of responsibility], be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit [to be given scriptural texts and godly precepts without the material help needed would be cruel mockery]?” (James 2:15,16, RSV).

“Contribute to the needs of the saints [those who are “of the household of faith” (Gal 6:10, KJV) are to have special care. Christians should treat the needs of their brethren as if they were their own and be willing to share with the unfortunate], practice hospitality extend hospitality to strangers” (Rom 12:13, RSV).

What should a Christian do if their fellow Christian wrongs them?

“ ‘Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him’ ” (Luke 17:3, NKJV).

“ ‘If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault [this is more than a wise admonition; it is a command], just between the two of you [the less publicity that is given to a wrong act, the better. To circulate reports concerning what a brother may have done will make it more difficult, perhaps even impossible, to reach him. We must also remember that for evils that we might have checked, we are just as responsible as if we were guilty of the acts ourselves]. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over [the best way to dispose of our enemies is to make friends of them]. But if he will not listen [that is, if he will not admit his wrongdoing, change his course of action, and make right, as far as possible, the wrongs of the past], take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses [presumably take ones who are not involved personally and are therefore in a better position to express an unbiased opinion and to counsel the offending brother. In case the offending brother neglects to heed their admonition, they can bear witness to the efforts that have been put forth on his behalf and also to the facts in the case]. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church [the local body of believers acting in their corporate capacity, not the church universal]; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or tax collector [by refusing the council of the church the erring member has severed himself from its fellowship. Members should beware of associating with him in such a way as to make it appear that they share his point of view or participate with him in his evil course of action. However,  he should not be despised or shunned or neglected. Efforts should now be put forth for the erring member as for any nonmember]’ ” (Matt 18:15-17, NIV).

Is it alright for a Christian to threaten a fellow Christian in an attempt to retrieve
 what they rightly think they are due?

“...He said to them, ‘Do not extort money [or other] from anyone by threats…’ ” (Luke 3:14).

Is it alright for a Christian to seek revenge for a wrong that a fellow Christian did to them?

“See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all” (1 Thess 5:15, RSV).

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:19-21, RSV).

“ ‘You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist [do not seek revenge] one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. But I say to you, Love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ ” (Matt 5:38-42,44, RSV).

Is it alright for a Christian to take a fellow Christian to court?

“When one has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous [a civil court composed of unbelievers] instead of taking it before the saints [the church to deal with]?  To have lawsuits at all with one another is defeat for you [a loss of vision of their high calling as sons and daughters of the Creator of the universe]. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—and that even your own brethren” (1 Cor 6:1,7,8, RSV).

Clarification: By bringing lawsuits against each other Christians show that they have lost the mutual forbearance,
patience, and love that are the guiding motives in the hearts of true followers of the Master. Christians ought to be more anxious that the cause of Christ be not injured or hindered than that they themselves be spared loss. It is better for a church member to permit himself to be unjustly deprived of property or to suffer falsely than to expose his trouble with another member before unbelievers. Those who do not have faith in the only true God, and who, by virtue of the lack of knowledge of God and the principles of His kingdom, do not understand or practice righteousness, are not fit persons to settle differences between Christian brethren. 

How should a Christian react to a fellow Christian who has something against them?

“ ‘So if you are offering your gift [special offerings] at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift [Christ insists that men must make things right with their fellow men before they can be reconciled to God (1 John 4:20)]’ ” (Matt 5:23,24, RSV).

Is it alright for a Christian to show favoritism in their dealings or relationship with a fellow Christian?

“But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9, NKJV).

 Is it wrong for a Christian to not forgive a fellow Christian?

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col 3:13, RSV).

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:26, KJV).

However: Some Christians have adopted the idea that they should forgive everyone who commits evil against anyone. For example the Oklahoma City bomber who murdered 168 people. This doctrine advances the amoral notion that no matter how much you hurt others, your fellow citizens will forgive you. It destroys Christianity’s central moral tenets about forgiveness. Even by God, forgiveness requires repentance, and forgiveness can be given only by the one sinned against (Luke 17:3-4). We have no right to forgive the Oklahoma City bomber, only those the Oklahoma bomber sinned against have that right. If we are automatically forgiven no matter what we do, why repent? In fact, if we forgive everybody for all the evil they do, God and His forgiveness are unnecessary. We have substituted ourselves for God.

How should a Christian child treat his parents?

“For God said ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘he who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death’ ” (Matt 15:4, NASB).

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that children within their spiritual capacity, should obey from principle rather than from necessity], for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you [children are happier when they have learned obedience to parents, and all are happier when they have learned obedience to God] and that you may live long in the land [Paul is stating a natural law as well as announcing special blessings of God upon the obedient]’ ” (Eph 6:1-3, RSV).

“Children, obey your parents in everything [except where contrary to God’s will. A sinful command lays  no obligation on the child. Paul is addressing Christian families], for this pleases the Lord [to please God should be the child’s supreme objective. While he is carrying out the rules of his parents he is pleasing God]” (Col 3:20, ESV).

“He who curses his father or mother, His lamp will go out in times of darkness” (Prov 20:20, NASB).

Is it alright for Christian parents to exercise appropriate smacking?

“The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame [when the rod and reproof are judiciously used they produce a good result. Either their neglect or overuse brings failure]” (Prov 29:15, KJV).

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son, but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes [he who neglects to discipline his children because he is indolent, or because he has a distaste for the task, puts self before his children, and so may be said to “hate” them]” (Prov 13:24, KJV).

Is it wrong for a Christian to act in a way that could cause the faith of a fellow Christian to falter?

“ ...but rather decide never to put a stumbling-block or hindrance in the way of a brother [be considerate of  the feelings and consciences of the weaker brethren, taking care to avoid offending or confusing them]” (Rom 14:13, RSV).

“Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak [personal convenience and inclination must not be the first consideration; one must give thought to the effects of his acts upon others]” (1 Cor 8:9, RSV).

Is it alright for a Christian to feel hate towards a fellow Christian?

“He who says I am in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still” (1 John 2:9, RSV).

“If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen [the finite human mind finds it much easier to love the seen rather than the unseen]....” (1 John 4:20, RSV).

Is it alright for a Christian to compete against a fellow Christian?

“Let us not become conceited [egotistical], competing against one another, envying one another” (Gal 5:26).

“When they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” (2 Cor 10:12, RSV).

“Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbour” (1 Cor 10:24, RSV).

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:3,4, NIV).

Clarification: Competition is based on gaining through someone else’s loss. One’s success is dependant on another’s failure. One attempts to win by doing all within their power to see that the other doesn’t. God’s Word admonishes Christians to put others before themselves. The spirit of competition runs completely contrary to such instruction. Competition encourages selfishness, pride, rivalry [side taking], and creates jealousy.

Is it alright for a Christian to be angry with a fellow Christian?

“Be angry, and [but] not sin” (Eph 4:26, KJV).

Clarification: Moses was noted for his meekness (Num 12:3), but that did not prevent righteous indignation. At one time his indignation was so great that he threw down the two tables of stone (containing the Ten Commandments) and broke them in pieces, an act for which God did not rebuke him (Ex 32:19). God Himself was angry (Ex 32:9,10). Moses’ anger did not immediately subside, for when he saw the golden calf he ground it to pieces and made Israel drink the water (Ex 32:20). There are times when righteous indignation may appropriately be displayed. It is at such times, doubtless, that Paul’s advice applies, “Be angry, and not sin.” Of himself Paul says, “Who is offended, and I burn not?” (2 Cor 11:29, KJV). When Paul saw others mistreated, he was indignant. The word here translated “burn” means “to be set afire.” When Moses broke the tablets of stone his “anger waxed hot.” For this Aaron reproached him (Ex 32:19,22), feeling there was no occasion for anger. But, as pointed out, the Lord agreed with Moses that there was just cause for anger. His anger was due to zeal for God and His cause, not to personal pride or vindictiveness.

Is it alright for a Christian to admonish an erring fellow Christian?

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom…[“admonish” — to caution, warn, advise strongly]” (Col 3:16, RSV).

“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16,17, RSV).

“Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching” (2 Tim 4:2).

“But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them” (Prov 24:25,NKJV).

“Son of man [us], I have made you a watchman [a watchman who warns of approaching dangers] for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, “You shall surely die,” and you give them no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand [failure to utter the warning may result in their rushing headlong to destruction, hence their blood will be required at the watchman’s hand. God depends upon the co-operation of human beings in His work of salvation]. But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you will have saved your life” (Ezek 3:17-1, RSV).

SECTION TWO — CHRISTIAN STANDARDS AND PRINCIPLES

 Is it alright for Christians to swear, talk obscenely, or indulge in silly banter?

“But avoid worldly chatter [secular empty talk, trivial], for it will lead to further ungodliness” (2 Tim 2:16, NASB).

“Nor should there be obscenity [that which is filthy and shameful], foolish talk [stupid, without edification or profit] or course joking [vulgar, low, coarse, indecent]; but rather thanksgiving” (Eph 5:4, NIV).

“Wherefore lay apart [remove] all filthiness and superfluity [abundance] of naughtiness…” (James 1:21, KJV).
 
Is it alright for Christians to tell lies, deceive, or pretend to be someone else?

“Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices” (Col 3:9, NASB).

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour” (Ex 20:16, NASB).

“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will not escape”
(Prov 19:5, NASB).

“He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me” (Ps 101:7, NASB). Note also Prov 12:17; 6:16-19; John 1:47; 1 Peter 2:22.

Is it alright for Christians to break promises?

“ ‘Simply let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one’ ” (Matt 5:37, NIV).

Is it alright for Christians to steal?

“You shall not steal” (Ex 20:15, NASB).

Is it alright for Christians to use God’s name inappropriately?

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless  who misuses His name [this clearly would include the ‘common’ expression “oh my God”]” (Ex 20:7, NIV).

Is it alright for Christians to eat and drink whatever they like regardless of
how it may affect their health?

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. You were bought with a price; therefore honour God with your body” (1 Cor 6:19,20, NIV).

“If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are” (1 Cor 3:17, NASB).

Is it alright for Christians to disfigure their body?

“You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord…” (Lev 19:28, NASB).

Is it alright for Christians to break the law of the land?

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (Rom 13:1,2, RSV).

Clarification: The requirements of government may at times be contrary to the law of God, and under such circumstances the Christian is to obey God rather than men (Acts 6:29). Paul’s point is that the ruling power of human governments is entrusted to men by God, according to His own purposes for man’s welfare. Their continuance in power, or their fall from authority, is in His hands. Therefore, the Christian should support the authority of the existing state. He  will not presume to take it into his own hands to resist or to depose the powers that be.

Is it alright for Christians to join unions?

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men…” (2 Tim 2:24, KJV).

“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Rom 14:19, NASB).

“… ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages’ ” (Luke 3:14).

“Slaves, be obedient to those who are your earthly masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as to Christ; not in the way of eye service [only while being watched], as men pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free” (Eph 6:5-8, RSV).

Is it alright for Christians to involve themselves in Transcendental Meditation? 

“My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises” (Ps 119:148, NIV).

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night” (Ps 1:2, RSV).

Clarification: Transcendental meditation is deeply rooted in Eastern philosophies and religions.

Is it alright for Christians to read horoscopes?

“Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have laboured at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. Here are no coals to warm anyone; here is no fire to sit by. That is all they can do for you—these you have laboured with and trafficked with since childhood. Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you” (Isa 47:12-15, NIV).

“There shall not be found among you...anyone who practices divination [predicting or foretelling events or discovering hidden or secret things by real or by alleged supernatural means]...” (Deut 18:10, RSV).

Is it alright for Christians to partake in anything belonging to the realm of the spiritualistic?

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Eph 5:11, RSV).

“...what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor 6:14, KJV).

“Those shall not be found among you...anyone who practices divination, a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer [witch – KJV], or a charmer [one who casts spells], or a medium [one who consults ghosts or spirits], or a wizard, or a necromancer [one who seeks oracles from the dead]. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord; and because of those abominable practices the Lord your God is driving them out before you” (Deut 18:10-12, RSV).

“Do not turn to mediums or wizards; do not seek them out, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your
God” (Lev 19:31, RSV).

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers…” (Mal 3:5, RSV).

“A man or a woman who is a medium or a wizard shall be put to death…” (Lev 20:27, RSV).

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live [shows how dangerous and deadly everything of this nature is in God‘s sight]” (Ex 22:18, KJV). Note also Acts 16:16,18; Isa 8:19,20

“Many also of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all” (Acts 19:18,19, RSV).

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for the murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev 21:8, RSV).

“Moreover Josiah put away the mediums, wizards, and the teraphim, and the idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem…” (2 Kings 23:24, RSV).

Clarification: The spiritualistic includes the following —
1) Attempting to communicate with the dead via mediums, séances, Ouija Boards, etc.
2) Attempting to tell the future via clairvoyants, psychics, astrology, tarot cards, palmistry, etc.
3) Involvement in any rituals, and practices associated with the occult [another name for the spiritualistic realm], e.g. Satanic ceremonies, books, items, clothing, white magic, symbols [supposedly having magical properties], etc.
4) The use of things supposedly containing supernatural powers, e.g. crystals, amulets [used to ward off spells], etc.
5) The playing of games, the reading of books/material or watching of movies/videos that contain spiritualistic content, e.g. ghosts, wizards, sorcerers, hobgoblins, trolls, dragons, vampires, werewolves, zombies, fairies, witches, spells, magic, gods, occult symbols, witchcraft, encompasses fairy tales, legends, etc.
6) Observing the likes of Halloween [witches holiday], St. John’s Eve [midsummer witches celebration], Yule [midwinter witch festival] —  dressing up as witches, wizards, etc.
7) Practicing Satanism [the religion devoted to the worship of the devil] with all its associated rituals, Voodoo [a religion that uses magic, communes with the dead, etc], etc.
It must be remembered that God does not make distinctions between “good” sorcerers and “bad” sorcerers, or  between “good” wizards and “bad” wizards, as is portrayed via the likes of  fairy tales, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings material, in its various forms. In God’s eyes all such things stand in condemnation, as all are part of the occult, and those found enjoying such, incur His strongest displeasure. Such things do not have God’s blessing, and no
Christian should therefore even dare to tinker with such, for they would clearly not only be putting themselves in Satan’s territory, but also placing themselves and their children in the pathway of divine wrath and its coming Judgment.

Is it alright for Christians to adorn themselves?

“Also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, in suitable clothing, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes [purchases should be compatible with Christian stewardship], but with good deeds [the internal nature of genuine religion], appropriate for women who profess to worship God” (1 Tim 2:9,10, NIV).

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not Let your adorning be external [vanity, wrongful pride]—the braiding of hair [any hair style that is designed to attract special, and flattering attention to its owner], and the putting on of gold jewellery [rings, etc] or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:1-4, ESV).

Is it alright for Christians to marry non-believers?

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God...Therefore, come out from them and be seperate, says the Lord..." (1 Cor 6:14-17, NIV)

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3, KJV).

SECTION THREE — CHRISTIAN MORALITY

Is it alright for Christians to indulge in lustful thoughts?

“ ‘But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart [a serious violation of God’s marital concept of a one-woman man or one-man woman (Gen 2:24; Matt 19:5,6; 1 Tim 3:2; 5:9)]’ ” (Matt 5:28, NASB).

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman [the lust of the eye is one of man's biggest spiritual battles]?” (Job 31:1, KJV).

“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes…” (Ps 101:3, NKJV).

“Be happy, young  man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth [appreciation of the blessings of life]. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see [legitimate desires and needs], but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment” (Eccl 11:9, NIV).

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness…” (2 Tim 2:22, KJV).

Is it alright for Christians to dress and act sexually outside the confines of marital privacy?

“A gracious woman gets honor, but she who hates virtue [moral excellence, sexual purity] is covered with shame [a Christian woman should dress and act in a modest way sufficiently covering the body to avoid embarrassment or temptation]” (Prov 11:16).

“I also want women to dress modestly, with decently and propriety...appropriate for women who profess  to worship God” (1 Tim 2:9,10, NIV).

“Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your nearest kin, That they may keep you from the
immoral woman...” (Prov 7:4,5, NKJV).

“For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil [the words of temptation are smooth and sweet to the ears because they are carefully calculated to appeal to the inherited and cultivated weakness of mankind]; but in the end she is bitter [the bitterness of remorse is soon felt by the one who gives into temptation] as wormwood [a plant with a very bitter taste], Sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of hell [if this alternation of pleasure and sorrow is persisted in, the pleasure fades and bitterness increases until the helpless slave of sin is forever lost in eternal death]” (Prov 5:3-5, NKJV).

“ ...but rather determine this — not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way” (Rom 14:13, NASB).

Is it alright for Christians to indulge in premarital sex?

“...since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ…” (2 Cor 11:2, ESV).

“Now concerning the matters about which you wrote [questions the Corinthian church had asked Paul]: “It is good for
a man not to have sexual relations with a woman [a euphemism for sexual intercourse (not regarding marriage)].” But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband [as protection against immorality. Intimacy is for marriage alone]. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry; For it is better to marry than to burn with passion [Paul advises those who have undue difficulty in keeping their sexual desires under control, to marry rather than be constantly subjected to the excitement of unsatisfied desire. Paul was addressing a particular situation in Corinth where immorality abounded]" (1 Cor 7:1,2,9, ESV).

“For this is the will [desire] of God, your sanctification [holiness – the work of a life time]: that you abstain from fornication [illicit sexual intercourse (or general sexual activity) between unmarried persons. Can also refer to  illicit sexual intercourse (or general sexual activity) between persons other than spouses]; that each one of you know how to control your own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one wrong or exploit [take advantage of] a brother or sister in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we have already told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Therefore whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God, who also gives His Holy Spirit to you” (1 Thess 4:3-8).

“Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication [illicit sexual intercourse (or general sexual behaviour) between unmarried persons or between persons other than spouses], impurity, licentiousness [unbridled lust]” (Gal 5:16,19).

“Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers— none of these will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor 6:9,10). Note also Eph 5:3; 1 Cor 5:11; 6:15, KJV; Rev 21:8; Rom 6:13.

Is it alright for Christians to partake in sexual activity with members of their own sex?

“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination” (Lev 18:22, NKJV).

“If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them [such practices are sinful and apart from God’s will (1 Tim 1:8-11). Practices of this type produce a serious distortion of the image of God in men and women, and are strongly condemned throughout Scripture]” (Lev 20:13, NKJV).

“For this reason God gave them up [allowed them to reap what they sowed] to degrading passions [the unnatural vices of pagan society]. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural [anal], and in the same way also the men, giving up natural intercourse with woman, were consumed with passion for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men [the depraved practices of homosexuality and sodomy] and received in their own persons the due penalty for their error [sexually transmitted diseases, ill health or death]” (Rom 1:26,27).

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God [this implies that their rejection of God was not unconscious], God gave them up to a debased mind [God left them to a state of mind that was evil] and to things that should not be done [indecent, perverted, unnatural]. They know [revealed in the conscience] God’s decree [judgment], that those who practice such things deserve to die [the fatal consequences of sin]—yet they not only do them but even applaud [show approval, encourage, heartily endorse] others who practice them” (Rom 1:28,32). Note also Phil 3:19.

“Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire [same-sex sexual acts, sodomy], serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones” (Jude 7,8, ESV).

“Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites [Cassell dictionary states – anal intercourse with a man or woman, or sexual relations with an animal], thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers— none of these will inherit the kingdomof God” (1 Cor 6:9,10). Note also Lev 18:6-17,23 regarding bestiality and incest.

"And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned" (2 Peter 2:2, NASB).

Clarification: It is not a sin to be a homosexual in the sense that it appears people can sadly be born that way due to certain unfortunate occurrences. But we must recognize that participating in homosexual acts, and deliberately continuing to do so, definitely is sin. It was God’s intension that only a male have sexual relations with a female, and that this only take place within marriage.
"Homosexual practice is an illustration of the idolatrous human impulse to turn away from God's order and design."
From Kevin Deyoung's book, What Does The Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality?
See my page Aberrant Attraction, second poetry garden, secular section.

Is it alright for Christians to indulge in masturbation?

“Neither yield your members [the organs and faculties of the body] as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin…” (Rom 6:13, KJV).

Clarification: Masturbation can not only be addictive, but conveys a lack of self control, and is a willful act of self-gratification, a self-centered view of sex, and akin to same-sex sexual acts.

Is it alright for Christians to dress up in clothes of the opposite sex?

“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God [the Bible attaches great importance to the preservation of gender distinctions]” (Deut 22:5, KJV).

"Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory?" (1 Cor 11:14,15, NIV).

Is it alright for Christians to indulge in extramarital affairs?

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers [illicit sexual intercourse (or general sexual behaviour) between persons other than spouses. Can also be seen as a relationship with some one other than your spouse that involves any mental or physical inappropriate interest or activity]” (Heb 13:4, ESV).

“...thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife…” (Ex 20:17, KJV).

Is it alright for Christians to indulge in any sort of sexual behaviour within the confines of the marital relationship?

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled [referring to wrongful sexual conduct within the marriage. Only when marriage is perverted to serve unworthy purposes does it lose the quality of being honorable. The marital bed is not to be degraded either by turning it into an instrument for the gratification of base lust]...” (Heb 13:4, ESV).

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things...[exercises self control. For health to be durable and a sex life to be vital, moderation is demanded]” (1 Cor 9:25, KJV).  

What is 1 Corinthians 6:18 referring to?

“...every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against the body itself ” (1 Cor 6:18, RSV).

Clarification: When alcoholics or drug addicts get hooked to the point their bodies crave the momentary pleasure that
is slowly destroying them, the object of their habit is “outside their own bodies.” When that drug enslaves them, their
hatred is directed toward the bottle, or a needle, or even a marijuana cigarette. But those who yield their bodies to the control of sexual immorality find that they are hooked on their own bodies. As they discover that their cravings control them, they begin to hate the tyranny of sensuality over their lives, and the object of their hatred easily becomes themselves. An already wounded self-image, scarred from the erosion of self-respect that comes from trivializing sex, is further harmed by the internalization of guilt heaped upon guilt until a person comes to hate himself or herself. Often that person doesn’t even know why.

Also see my page Sex And The Christian.

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