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 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 …

We have all experienced the letdown of someone failing to keep a promise they have made to us. Just the same, we have likely failed to uphold a promise we made to someone. I would assume that it is never our intent to let someone down, but it still happens. I remember as a child hearing people say things like, “I swear on my mother’s grave.” Or even, “I swear to God.”  I say that not to condone it but only to point out this kind of reasoning. Somehow, by calling to a higher authority, it is like our words are supposed to carry more weight.             The Hebrew writer wrote, “For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all disputes” (Heb. 6:16 NKJV). The oath given is like a final confirmation that what has been promised will be delivered. Knowing the nature of man, God puts Himself on the stand (Heb. 6:13) as evidence for the great hope and confidence we have in Jesus Christ (Heb. 6:17-18). God made the oath for our sake. He doesn’t have anything to prove; His word is strong enough. He is inviting us to check His track record so that we can rest assured He upholds His promises. It is the sureness of His promises that emboldens us and gives us confidence to turn to the God of refuge (Heb. 6:18), who will not disappoint.             Just as sure as God upheld His …

Being the Christmas season, it is not uncommon to see signs in people’s yards proclaiming that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” To the majority of the religious world, Christmas is recognized as being the birth of Christ. Come springtime, the majority of the religious world recognizes Easter as being Christ’s resurrection. With so much religious focus around these holidays, we may begin to wonder, “What should I be doing,” or “How should I be celebrating?”             The history of Christmas and Easter as religious holidays does not find its origin in Scripture but in later history. Christmas was not recognized as a religious celebration of Christ’s birth until the 3rd century.[1] Concerning Easter, there was no celebrated holiday of Jesus’ resurrection until sometime in the 2nd century.[2] When we look to God’s inspired word, what we find is that there is record of Christ’s miraculous birth (Matt. 1:18ff; Lk. 2:1ff, NKJV), but there is no record of a commemoration or holiday stemming from His birth. We also learn from Scripture that Jesus did rise from the dead (Matt. 28:6; Mk. 16:6; Lk. 24:6; Jn. 20:1ff; 1 Cor. 15). Within His resurrection, we do find that God has given command concerning a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. This celebration, while it is a joyous thing, is at the same time a commemoration wherein we are to keep the body and blood of our Lord in mind (Matt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). Jesus’ resurrection is to be observed not every spring, …

            In the context of Isaiah chapter 7, the mention of a child born of a virgin provided two things. One, it should have provided Ahaz with a means to trust in God. In a short time, the two kings Ahaz feared would be gone. In the time that a woman could conceive and give birth to a son, and that son could grow to a knowledgeable age, the kings would be gone. The second points toward the virgin birth of the Son of God. This one was likely not understood by Ahaz, and many scholars suggest it might not have been fully understood by Isaiah at the time it was proclaimed. However, there does not seem to be enough evidence to prove that Isaiah did not know the meaning of what he was saying. Either way, the Holy Spirit led him to utter the words that pointed to the birth of the Messiah.                 In the Garden of Eden, Eve was deceived by the serpent and partook of the forbidden fruit; likewise, Adam partook of that which was forbidden. After these events, judgment came by God on Adam, Eve, and the serpent (devil). In Gen.3:14 (NKJV), a curse is placed directly on the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly, you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.” In the following verse, there is a connection …