Conduct

The use of alcohol for medicinal purposes is permitted. While the drinking of alcoholic beverages is not forbidden, drunkenness is severely condemned. Because of the poor example it sets and the possibility of alcoholism, it is best for the followers of Christ to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages altogether.

Scripture makes it clear that God intended for marriage to be between one man and one woman for life. However, if one of the partners dies, the surviving partner may marry again.

Though polygamy (having more than one wife) and polyandry (having more than one husband) is not explicitly forbidden, it is clear that this is not God’s ideal. Marrying more than one person after becoming a Christian would be looked on with extreme disfavor. If someone already has more than one wife or husband before becoming a follower of Christ, he or she is not required to divorce all but one of them. However, a person with more than one wife is disqualified from becoming an Elder or Deacon in the church. (See 1 Timothy 3:2, 12 and Titus 1:6.)

God’s intent was for marriage to be between one man and one woman for life. He never intended for marriage partners to divorce. Jesus said that the reason God permitted the Jewish people to divorce was because of their hardness of heart. (Matthew 19:8) Christians should not be hard-hearted. Instead wives and husbands are to respect and love each other with the same kind of love that Christ has. (See Ephesians 5:22-33.)

In light of the love which should exist between husband and wife, Jesus said that, except in cases of infidelity, to divorce and re-marry is equivalent to adultery. (See Matthew 19:3-12 and Mark 10:2-12.)

The Apostle Paul writes that if one marriage partner is a follower of Christ, and the other is not, the believer should not divorce the unbeliever. If the unbeliever divorces the believer, however, the believer is free to marry again. (See 1 Corinthians 7:12-15.)

Christ has also said through the Apostle Paul that marriage partners should not separate, but if they do they may not divorce or marry someone else. (See 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.)

On the basis of Malachi 2:13-16 some feel that though God hates divorce, He permits it as an escape from violence.

In summary, a Christian may divorce only if:

1) His or her spouse has committed adultery. (Though it is not necessary to divorce in this circumstance.)

2) His or her unbelieving spouse requests it.

3) It is the only way to escape violence.

If a Christian couple feel they can no longer live together, they may separate, but they may not divorce or marry someone else.

The Bible consistently includes magic with those thoughts and actions which are evil and immoral. Therefore, magic is incompatible with faith in Christ. Hell is the natural destiny of all those who practice or participate in magic. “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8 NIV)

An amulet is a piece of jewelry which people wear because they think it will protect them from evil. Similarly, a charm is supposed to attract good fortune. In reality, wearing such things demonstrates a lack of faith. Instead of putting our confidence in a piece of jewelry, we should put our trust in Christ. The Apostle Paul writes, “…If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-39 NIV)

No. There is no inherent power in any piece of jewelry, including a cross, to do anything whether good or bad. To put our trust in a cross or other symbol is actually a form of idolatry. Instead of depending on a cross to protect us from evil, we should submit ourselves to Christ. He is our Lord and King. We should ask Him for protection. The Apostle Paul writes, “And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NIV)

People go to fortune-tellers and consult horoscopes in an attempt to know the future or to ask direction in making decisions. It is worth noting that fortune-tellers and horoscope writers do not consider themselves Christians. That being the case, why would a follower of Christ consult an unbeliever about things to come? Doing so demonstrates a lack of faith. Instead of going to unbelievers for guidance we should do what the Scriptures teach us. The Apostle Peter writes, “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:2-3 NIV) To put it another way, if we feel a lack in our lives it is because we do not know Jesus as we should. James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NIV) Also, God’s Holy Spirit lives within those who follow Christ. Jesus said, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13 NIV)

In short, instead of consulting horoscopes and fortune-tellers, we ought to seek to know Christ better, pray to God for wisdom and to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us.

It depends on the purpose. There is nothing wrong in showing respect or honor to a godly person by visiting their burial place. However, many people go to shrines in the hope of receiving healing or to ask the person buried there to intercede with God on their behalf. It is when we revere someone or ascribe divine power and attributes to them that it becomes wrong. Instead of going to a shrine for healing we should call for the Elders of the church to pray with us and anoint us with oil (James 5:14-15). Scripture also makes it plain that we have only one mediator who can bring our requests to God and that is Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Therefore, it is wrong to pray to another person or to ask that person to take the place of Jesus in presenting our requests to God.

Yes, it is as long as we keep the relationship pure, honorable and holy. There were several women who were very dear to Jesus. For example, Martha and her sister Mary (Luke 10:38-41, John 11:1-37, 12:1-9). The Apostle Paul also counted women among his dear friends (Romans 16:12).

It depends on the circumstances whether or not it is appropriate for a Christian to date. The true purpose of dating is to find a marriage partner. Therefore, Christians should not date in any situation where the relationship cannot end in marriage. For example, in societies where marriages are arranged it would probably not be appropriate to date because it would not lead to marriage. Instead, it would merely cause heartache and disappointment.

Dating (more properly called courtship) is appropriate in situations where people are expected to find their own spouses. However, since followers of Christ may only marry someone in the faith, it is not right to date someone who is not already a Christian.

As in every other aspect of life, when Christians date they should act and behave in ways which honor Christ. They should do nothing which will give Christ’s name or the church a bad reputation. This means that a Christian will not dress or act to provoke lust or inappropriate passion. Instead, a Christian will encourage the person he or she is dating to become more like Christ. While becoming acquainted with one another, they will take the time to pray with and for each other. They will ask the Lord to guide them in their relationship. They will discuss spiritual things and whether their service to Christ will be more effective should they marry. If they find that their relationship is pulling them away from Christ or from ministry to others, they will end it and seek someone else who can be a true partner in Christian service.

Absolutely not. Any sexual activity – even lustful thoughts – outside of the covenant of marriage is wrong and sinful (Matthew 5:27-28). The Bible makes it clear that we cannot participate in such sexual activity and still be part of God’s Kingdom. One of the reasons Jesus came was to cleanse us from such sins and transform us into people who are holy. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV)

There is nothing wrong in being attracted to or liking someone of the opposite sex as long as our thoughts and actions remain pure. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “…Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2 NIV)

If we cannot be around someone of the opposite sex without thinking wrong or lustful thoughts then we need to obey another of the Apostle Paul’s instructions, “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 NIV)

Yes, provided that it does not draw attention away from your inner person. When people look at you they should see the beauty of Christ rather than be distracted by what you are wearing. “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” (1 Timothy 2:8-10 NIV)

No. The basic purpose of a bribe is to pervert justice so that we get what we want even if we are in the wrong. Since God is just, it follows that He is opposed to bribes. God said through Moses, “Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:19 NIV) In another place Scripture says, “Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:7 NIV)

The Bible does not say anything directly about gambling or games of chance. However, there are some principles which we should take into account before participating. The attraction of gambling is that it promises a large return for little expenditure. In other words, it appeals to greed. The pursuit of easy money can destroy our faith. The Apostle Paul writes, “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV) Scripture also equates greed with idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

Another potential problem with gambling is that it can easily become addictive. We should not allow anything to master us. Instead, we should be self-controlled. In speaking of God’s grace Paul writes, “It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” (Titus 2:12 NIV)

In response to the argument that if something is not prohibited, it is permitted Paul writes, ““Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV) In view of this if gambling is a temptation to us, we should refrain from it.

We should also consider the purpose for which God gives us money and possessions. It is so that we will have the ability to help others who are in need. For example, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (Ephesians 4:28 NIV) It is better to spend our money in a way which helps someone rather than gambling it away.

Our words should always build others up. The Apostle Paul writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV) In the same letter Paul adds, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:3-4 NIV)

From this we can see that derogatory language or telling jokes at the expense of others is inappropriate. Similarly, we must avoid obscene words and salacious stories. In contrast, our words should help others draw near to God and to live holy lives. We should express thanks rather than voice complaints.

We should evaluate all forms of entertainment by whether they will draw us closer to God or whether they will cause spiritual harm. Will participating help us become more like Christ? The Apostle Paul sums it up this way, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

It may be. Though God never causes anyone to sin, He may use their sin to accomplish His own purposes. When the followers of Christ suffer persecution, God uses it to refine them and test the genuineness of their faith. The Apostle Peter explains, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV)

In short, we should follow the example of Jesus when people persecuted Him. “…it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV)

A follower of Christ should never take a fellow believer to court. To do so presents a very bad example. The Apostle Paul writes, “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:1-7 NIV)

Whether it is permissible to take an unbeliever to court is not so clear-cut. There may be times when it is necessary. However, even when we have been wronged by someone outside the faith, we should try arbitration before bringing a court case. We need to remember that our ultimate goal is to win people for Christ. In order to do so, it may be necessary to let go of our own rights and endure the wrong someone has done against us.

Jesus provided the answer when He said, “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” (Matthew 5:25 NIV)

But what if our opponent refuses to settle or his demands are totally unreasonable? In such circumstances we must trust that God will bring good out of the situation and continue to do what is right (Romans 8:28). We must be truthful, even if the facts go against us (Ephesians 4:22-25). We must not take revenge, but leave that to God (Romans 12:19). We must follow Jesus instruction to pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:43-45).

A follower of Christ may certainly avail himself of all legal means to influence or change government policy. However, we must do so with respect and in a way that honors God. The Apostle Paul writes, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:1-7 NIV)

The Apostle Peter writes that the purpose of government is, “…to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:14 NIV) Therefore, if a government asks us to do what is wrong or forbids us to do what is right, that law or regulation is outside the bounds of God’s intent. In such cases as followers of Christ we must obey God’s higher law. We must follow the example of Peter and John when the authorities forbade them from preaching about Christ, “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”” (Acts 4:18-20 NIV)

When people say outrageous things against us and our faith, it can be tempting to reply in kind. However, even if what we say in response is true, it can bring a charge of blasphemy down on our heads. How can we avoid being accused of blasphemy? One way to avoid this is to follow Jesus’ example of remaining silent. During His trial He did not respond to all the accusations people made against Him. In the same way, we do not need to say anything when people try to provoke us. We should respectfully decline to comment on their beliefs, their religion or their scriptures, and limit our remarks to what the Bible teaches. Let them draw their own comparisons and conclusions regarding their belief system when they hear teaching from God’s word.

When people honestly want to know what we believe and it becomes necessary to say something about their beliefs, then we should follow the example of the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:19-33. On that occasion Paul used the truth found in the other people’s belief system in order to point them to the greater truth in Christ. We should always remember that it is not our purpose to win an argument, but to win people for Christ.