2024 Articles

As Christians, we are called to embody lives of moral integrity, reflecting the depth of our faith in every aspect of our lives. Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (NKJV Luke 8:8). Yet, hearing has never been enough – it is our obedience to His word that sets Christians apart from the world (Luke 6:46; James 1:22; 1 John 2:3). In today’s rapidly changing and often morally ambiguous world, it is essential for us to engage thoughtfully with various moral issues that challenge the faith of Christians today.

Morals matter, and our understanding of them shapes how we live. Scripture presents individuals who stood out in their time due to the distinct lives they led. Even when the world was consumed by wickedness and morality was at a devastating low (Gen. 6:5), Noah was described as a just man, perfect in his generations (Gen. 6:9). It was Noah’s moral uprightness that led him to find favor in the sight of God (Gen. 6:8). Both Noah and Enoch were said to have “walked with God” (Gen. 5:24, 6:9), a phrase that reflects the integrity of their lives and their commitment to a righteous path.

Still today, it is important to remember that God’s expectations remain unchanged. He is pleased with those who live morally upright and godly lives (Matt. 5:6, 8; Ps. 1:1, 2). However, the challenge lies in the fact that not every matter of morality is as clear-cut as many have taught in the past. If we approach Scripture with open minds and honesty, we will recognize that while some topics allow for firm boundaries, others may leave room for differing opinions. In the coming weeks, we will explore issues such as tattoos, gambling, drinking, dancing, lying, modesty, pornography, marriage and divorce.

By: Jerrod Hammond

Nearly 1 in every 3 adults in the United States has at least one tattoo.[1] More than that, approximately 1 in every 5 adults has more than one tattoo.[2] In other words, research reveals that tattoos are very common in today’s society. This being the case, we as Christians might wonder, “Is it okay for a Christian to have a tattoo?”

One of the first places that many will turn in their Bibles when this question is asked is Leviticus 19:28 – “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD” (NKJV). The difficulty, however, is that this verse is in a context of being different from the idolatrous practices of the pagans.[3] In our culture, tattoos in general are not connected to idolatrous worship practices. Moreover, we as New Testament Christians are no longer bound to the Law of Moses (cf. Matt. 5:17; Rom. 7:4-6). With this in mind, the restriction on tattoos under the Old Law is not binding on us as Christians today. While Leviticus 19:28 is not a restriction for us today, the New Testament still has something to say regarding tattoos. While we are not going to find the term “tattoo” in the New Testament, there are certain New Testament principles that we ought to apply to our consideration.

Next week, we will consider two principles from the New Testament that we ought to apply to the question concerning Christians and tattoos. As we consider the principles of modesty and stewardship, lord willing, we will be able to reach a biblical conclusion on the matter of tattoos.

[1] Katherine Schaeffer & Shradha Dinesh, “32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one,” Pew Research Center, 15 August 2023, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/15/32-of-americans-have-a-tattoo-including-22-who-have-more-than-one/, Accessed 15 October 2024.

[2] Ibid.

[3] John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, Accordance electronic ed. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 134.

By: Preston McElyea

Last week, we posed the question – “Is it okay for a Christian to have a tattoo?” This question is perhaps more complicated than what we might realize. As we considered in the previous article, Leviticus 19:28, the go to verse from the Old Testament regarding tattoos, is not applicable for us today. Moreover, we as Christians are not bound to follow the Old Law (cf. Matt. 5:17; Rom. 7:4-6). This being the case, we must consider what the New Testament says regarding the subject of tattoos.

Although the New Testament does not specifically speak of tattoos, it does teach us principles we can and should apply to the discussion. The first principle to consider might be modesty. Unfortunately, we almost always tend to align modesty with our dress and forget that modesty is more than the clothes we wear. To be modest is to be both respectable and appropriate.[1]

How then does modesty apply to a discussion of tattoos? If a tattoo brings unnecessary attention to one’s person, or the tattoo itself is an image of that which is inappropriate, the tattoo may cause one to be immodest. Maintaining modesty as a Christian is linked directly to “professing godliness” (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Consider how there are some tattoos people receive today that actually harm one’s ability to profess godliness. Some receive tattoos of naked women, filthy language, or offensive and racist signs. If we are being honest with ourselves, the difficulty of sharing the love of God with someone while displaying something crude and offensive on our person is not likely to “profess godliness.” It might be the case, however, that one may have a modest tattoo. It may be a small tattoo on the wrist or somewhere that is not going to draw undue attention. The tattoo may be of a Bible verse or a harmless image that would not cause issues when sharing the gospel with someone else. A tattoo has the potential to be immodest, but a tattoo can be modest just the same.

Next week, we will consider a second New Testament principle that applies to this conversation regarding tattoos – stewardship.

[1] BDAG, s.v. “κόσμιος(ία),” 561.

By: Preston McElyea

Over the past two weeks, we have been considering whether or not it is okay for a Christian to have or to get a tattoo. Up to this point, we have considered how the Old Testament usage of Leviticus 19:18 does not apply to our present-day situation and how the New Testament principle of modesty ought to bear weight on our understanding of whether or not tattoos are okay. This week, we will be looking at a second principle to help us reach our conclusion – stewardship.

The second New Testament principle to consider in the discussion of tattoos is that of stewardship. To be a steward is to be a manager of something entrusted to one’s care.[1] What we must come to realize is that we have been entrusted with our bodies by God, and we are to be the best stewards of our bodies as we can be. Genesis 1:26-27 teaches us that we have been created by God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches us that our body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit” given to us by God and that we are to “glorify God in [our bodies] and in [our spirits], which are God’s.” Based on these verses, we can draw a connection based on the principles of modesty. If a tattoo is going to lead to more harm than good, perhaps it is not the wisest decision to make regarding the stewardship of our bodies given to us by God. As stewards, we must remember that our bodies are not our own. The decisions we make regarding our bodies (how we mark them, what we wear, what we consume, etc.) all factor into the discussion of stewardship.

Just as stewardship applies to the handling of our bodies, it also applies to our use of God’s financial blessings. James 1:17 teaches us that “every good and every perfect gift” is from God the Father – and this includes our money. On the subject of stewardship, Brother Jim Hampton writes, “How can a Christian spend God’s money excessively on their personal lusts and worldly pleasures knowing what Jesus gave for their salvation?”[2] Tattoos cost money, and they are not always cheap. How can we as Christians, knowing that our financial resources are a gift from God, spend it frivolously on things that may be putting distance between us and our God? As a good steward of the finances given to us by God, we must weigh out whether or not the decision to get a tattoo is the wisest use of God’s blessings.

While there are perhaps other principles that could be considered regarding whether or not it is okay for a Christian to get a tattoo, in the end, it falls to a matter of opinion – so long as the tattoo does not violate the principles of modesty or stewardship. In these matters of opinion, we need to keep verses such as Romans 14:14-17 or 1 Corinthians 8:13 in mind. We must ask ourselves whether or not the tattoo might cause more harm than it will good.

[1] BDAG, s.v. “οἰκονόμος,” 698.

[2] Jim H. Hampton, Storing Up Treasures in Heaven (Winnsboro, TX: True Light Publications, 2013), 12.

By: Preston McElyea

At the close of last week’s article, we considered how tattoos are ultimately left in the realm of opinion – so long as one’s tattoos do not violate the principles of modesty or stewardship. Notice the so long in the last sentence. If one’s tattoos cause him or her to be immodest or violate stewardship principles, there may well be a need for repentance. If one’s tattoos harm his or her influence and ability to effectively share the gospel, there may well be a need for repentance. But what does repentance look like for something that we cannot just wipe off our bodies?

Obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ requires one to repent of His sins and to be baptized (Acts 2:38). In baptism, our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5). While this is true, baptism does not wash away one’s tattoos.[1] Therefore, when an individual with tattoos displaying sinful images, offensive signs, or foul language obeys the gospel, he or she will exit the waters of baptism with their tattoos still on their person. This being the case, one has several options. It might be that based on where the inappropriate tattoos are, he or she can easily cover them up by wearing long sleeves or long pants. Perhaps it is a situation where one needs to cover a tattoo with a bandage to keep it hidden. It might even be the case that an unforeseen consequence of taking care of one’s past sinful decisions would be to undergo the pricey process of having a tattoo removed.

Subjects of morality are not always easy to discuss. They make us uncomfortable (and perhaps for good reason) because they are not always as cut and dry as we would like them to be. God’s word is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, [and] for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Determining whether a tattoo is or is not acceptable is not as simple as finding one verse that says “thou shall” or “thou shalt not,” but God’s word still provides us with the wisdom and principles necessary to reach a right conclusion. May we always strive as children of God to make wise decisions, and may we always strive to “glorify God in [our bodies] and in [our spirits], which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:20).

[1] Don Blackwell, The Truth About Moral Issues (Maxwell, TX: World Video Bible School, 2014), 9.

By: Preston McElyea

The topic of gambling has been the subject of much debate among Christians seeking to determine whether it is right or wrong in the sight of God. Many understand it to be sinful but are uncertain how to prove this from scripture, while others use the absence of a direct command against gambling as a justification for it. The truth is, there is no verse that specifically says, “Thou shalt not play the slot machines, roulette, or blackjack.” That being the case, we must look at the principles taught throughout scripture to better understand why gambling is a sin.

To begin, let's define gambling. The Oxford Dictionary describes it as "the activity of playing games of chance for money or betting on the outcome of future events, such as races or games." Merriam-Webster defines it as "the practice or activity of betting: the practice of risking money or other stakes in a game or bet." From these definitions, and the given fact that there are winners and losers involved we can conclude that gambling is: (1) the act of risking money or something of value on the outcome of an event or game, with the primary goal of winning more money or prizes; (2) it involves elements of chance, risk, and uncertainty, where participants place bets on unpredictable or random events; and (3) this results in a winner who gains financially at the direct expense of someone else. In simple terms, gambling is wagering on chance with the potential for quick profit at the cost of another’s loss.

Secondly, when considering gambling, several questions arise: Is purchasing a raffle ticket the same as buying a lottery ticket? Does the purpose of the raffle, such as supporting a good cause, make a difference? If gambling is defined as risking money to make a financial profit, does investing in the stock market fall under the same category? What about entering a sporting event, like a golf tournament, that has an entry fee and a payout for the winners—does this count as gambling? Is Bingo played for money gambling? What if it is just a friendly game of poker with minimum steaks? How are establishments like Chuck E. Cheese any different than casinos? Over the next few weeks, we will explore Biblical reasons why gambling is wrong, as well as clarify which activities fall under the umbrella of gambling and which do not. “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Th. 5:21 NKJV).

By: Jerrod Hammond

What kind of fruit does it produce? Jesus gave us a way to evaluate such matters—what we might call the “fruit test.” Whatever the topic, teaching, or activity, we can measure it by the fruit it produces. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7:16-20 NKJV). Now within the context this passage was dealing directly with false teachers, but the principles can still apply in activities of life.

Two questions asked by brother Don Blackwell, in his book titled “The Truth About Moral Issues,” are as follows: (1) “When legalized gambling arrives in a new community, does it raise the moral standards of that community?” (2) “Does it help to lessen the hardship of families in the area?”[1] Studies show that casinos and gambling establishments erode a community’s ethical and moral fabric that often leads to higher crime rates, including theft, fraud, and money laundering. It can also cause social disruption, with widespread addiction breaking down families, relationships, and increasing divorce rates due to major financial losses and even bankruptcy. Additionally, casinos often target vulnerable, low-income individuals who may view gambling as a quick fix to financial problems. Brother Blackwell stated that “the busiest day in Atlantic City Casinos is the day after welfare checks hit the mailboxes. People who can’t afford to lose their money are in the casinos, hoping to strike it rich.”[2]

If we evaluate gambling based on its fruit, would you consider the "tree" of gambling to bear "good fruit" or "bad fruit"? Casinos often highlight the smiling faces of big winners who walk away with thousands or even millions. However, it's crucial to recognize that these wins come at the expense of countless other losses. In this sense, the winner is celebrating their fortune, which was gained through someone else's misfortune. Christian principles, however, should reflect the opposite attitude. As Paul wrote in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all…” Gambling takes advantage of the poor and vulnerable. The National Impact Study Commission revealed that people with incomes under $10,000 spend more on lottery tickets than any other group, and high school dropouts spend four times as much as college graduates. Gambling preys on the weakness of others and profits at the pain of others. This stands in direct contrast to Biblical ethics, which call for us to care for the poor and disadvantaged, and strongly warn against exploiting their struggles (Prov. 14:21; 14:31; 22:16; Is. 3:14-15; Amos 5:11-12).

[1] Don Blackwell, The Truth About Moral Issues (Maxwell, TX. 2014), 13.

[2] Ibid, 13

In last week’s article, we explored gambling through the lens of the fruit it produces. As mentioned previously, Jesus introduced the concept of the fruit test to help identify false teachers. He said, “Therefore, by their fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7:16-20 NKJV). This same test is effective when assessing activities like gambling, and the fruit it yields has proven to be negative.

This week, we will delve into the true nature of gambling and its addictive qualities. At its core, gambling is driven by covetousness and greed. Whether it's poker, blackjack, roulette, slot machines, scratch-offs, or pick 6, these games are played with the hope of striking it rich on the next roll of the dice or pull of the lever. When you’re sitting at the table, weighing whether you have the right cards to win, it’s your neighbor’s money that you covet. The last of the Ten Commandments warns, “You shall not covet.” But what is it that should not be coveted? It says, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s” (Ex. 20:17).

Jesus cautioned in Luke 12:15, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses.” In his letter to the Colossians, Paul urged the brethren to “put to death covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5). For the majority, gambling becomes a habit that fosters a deep desire for money. Paul also warned Timothy that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:10).

At its core, gambling is driven by a strong desire for money and the thrill of winning. When a person wins, the immediate urge is to win even more. When they lose, they are compelled to recover their losses, and this marks the start of a destructive cycle. The love of money fosters greed and covetousness, which is idolatry. The winnings, or the things those winnings can buy, become the primary focus, overshadowing the fact that they come at the expense of someone else's misfortune.

By: Jerrod Hammond

In recent weeks, we have been carefully studying gambling to gain a deeper understanding of why it is considered sinful. While one person may win a large sum, it comes at the expense of another’s loss. Despite claims from city officials and other influential figures that casinos will benefit a community, statistics consistently show the opposite. The fruit test (Matt. 7:16-20 NKJV) reveals that gambling causes more harm than good. At its core, gambling is driven by covetousness and greed, and it can become highly addictive.

Another important principle to consider when discussing gambling is stewardship. In Genesis 1:28, God instructed man and woman to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth.” While we often refer to humanity as the crown of God’s creation, entrusted with dominion over all things, we must never forget that we ultimately belong to Him. We are stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us.

Good stewardship involves using our resources such as time, talents, and finances, responsibly. In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), the master gives three servants a portion of “talents” (currency) and leaves with the expectation that they will invest and increase what he has entrusted to them. Two of the servants did so, but one did not. The servant who failed in stewardship was called a “wicked and lazy servant” (Matt. 25:26). While we often emphasize that this parable teaches us to use our abilities in service to God, it is also a reminder that we are called to be good stewards of all our blessings, including our financial resources.

In a blog by Jane Shaw, Senior Editor at Casino.Us, her research reveals that in 2021, the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip alone earned over $7 billion from gamblers. In 2022, sports bets contributed an additional $1 billion in profits for Vegas bookmakers. Despite these staggering figures, Las Vegas continues to be one of the top tourist destinations worldwide, drawing more than 38 million visitors in 2022, with an average daily room rate of $170. When we think about the money lost each day in Sin City, one can’t help but wonder how much work for the kingdom could be accomplished with those funds. But also, how many lives are affected negatively because of poor stewardship.

By: Jerrod Hammond