Some things are very black and white. Personally, I like that. When things are clearly black or white I don’t ever have to wrestle with how much is too much, or how far is too far. As believers, we usually don’t go around asking how much murder, stealing or adultery we can get away with before it’s sin. That doesn’t mean that we don’t ever have to wrestle with the sin itself, just not whether or not something falls into that category.

The Bible is very clear on most matters of sin. It spells out lots of do’s and don’t’s. For example: murder is wrong, prayer is right. It is never right to murder (note: murder, not kill) and it is never wrong to pray. But there also seems to be topics that don’t fit easily or neatly into either the right or wrong category. Unfortunately, these are usually hotly debated topics that tend to cause a lot of division within the body of Christ.

How are we to reach a conclusion on things not specifically mentioned in the Bible? How do we maintain a balance between extreme legalism and using our liberty as a license to sin?

The following questions can serve as a concise checklist. Consider them prayerfully and answer them honestly. By the time you have answered them it should be pretty clear.

Will it edify?
The first thing to ask is will it edify. Is it profitable? Will it build me up? Will it build up the body of Christ? There is a lot said in the New Testament about edification. First Corinthians 10:23 is a great summary verse when considering edification: All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.

Other verses site specifics as to how we can edify one another. Romans 14, especially verse 19, covers eating and drinking. Speech is covered in Ephesians 4:29. First Corinthians 14:12 and 26 proclaim that fellowship, worship, teaching and spiritual gifts are all to be done for edification.

Can this become an unhealthy addiction in your life?
First 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

Not only should it be edifying, but it should not be enslaving. You should never allow a non-moral thing—not even a “good” thing to become your master. For example going to the gym may be a good thing, but an addiction to working out at the expense of time with God, family and friends is not. So ask yourself whether or not the thing your are considering will bring you into bondage? Does it have the potential to make you its slave? Is it addictive? If so, watch out.

Will it be an encumbrance and weigh you down?
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.

The encumbrance in Hebrews 12:1 that we are to lay aside is different than sin. The word is onkos (ong’-kos). It simply means “bulk”. There’s lots of forms of bulk: legalism, ceremonialism, things that just waste our time and energy. It is anything that weighs us down, diverts our priorities, or dampens our enthusiasm for the things of God. Sometimes “good” things can be an encumbrance for God things. Life is hard enough without needless encumbrances weighing us down.

Runners use weights when training and swimmers often train with old loose-fitting swimsuits to create drag. They add these encumbrances when they train so they will perform better at the actual event. As believers, we are not training to live the Christian life, we are living it now! Can you imagine a sprinter showing up with a backpack full of weights strapped to him as he approaches the starting line at the Olympics. Unfortunately, we often run the race of our lives with all sorts of encumbrances strapped to us.

Will it usurp the Lordship of Christ in your life?
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:22–23

If you choose to do something, it must fit within what you believe is the will of Christ in your life. Basically, if you feel convicted about doing something don’t do it. To continue doing it will only sear your conscience.

Will it cause you to be a stumbling block to other Christians?
But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9

Would you want weaker Christians to follow your pattern? Could they interpret what you are doing in a wrong way? Could they use your example as an excuse for their sin? Our love for one another should be such that the thought of causing a fellow believer to somehow stumble should cause us to be very particular with regards to the things in which we participate.

Will it lead others to Christ?
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, Philippians 2:14-15

Your love toward one another may be the greatest testimony that you have in evangelism.

Will it be Christ-like?
The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:6

You have probably seen items with WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) on them. Don’t let the meaning of those words pass like some fad. Think about it. Would Jesus do this? Will doing this move you toward Christ-likeness?

Will it glorify God?
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. –1 Corinthians 10:31

Will this exalt God? Will He be glorified and honored and praised as a result of this? How do you represent God in what you do? Much of Jesus’ earthly ministry was bringing glory to the Father.

After considering these questions, I have noticed that in my own life the gray, questionable areas seem to vanish. Sometimes there may be greater liberty. Sometimes there may be a need for greater restraint. All times require obedience to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that this has been helpful.

How is it the there can be so many denominations and so many different beliefs among Christians who all say that they believe and follow the same Bible? How can so many well-meaning pastors, teachers and Christians arrive at such a variety of beliefs? For some, I would say it could be a lack of study all together. Others, while they may study intensely, interpret the Bible through their own presuppositions and experiences and impose their beliefs on the Bible. Some even have differing opinions of the Bible itself.

There are others, however, that humbly approach the Word of God, and allow it to unfold the truth for us, regardless of our own opinions. This is most dificult at times, especially when what we find contradicts our preconceived ideas and traditions. It causes us to wrestle with the truth. It points out our shortcomings and reminds of God’s grace.

Before you study the Bible you should size up what you believe about the Bible itself. Most churches and denominations have some sort of statement regarding their view of scriptures. Beware of any claiming that they have revelation equal to or greater than the Bible, or that you can only understand the Bible through them, or they say the Bible changes with the times.

The following is Article One of the Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention along with references to the verses that support it.

I. The Scriptures

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

This statement, or one similar to it, is vitally important to any study of the Bible. Without an absolute adherence to the fact that the Bible is the inspired, infallible and inerrant Word of God, there is room for anyone to make the Bible mean virtually anything, and there are many who do. If Christians don’t agree on that, then they certainly won’t agree on other matters of faith and practice.

In searching the scriptures one should use the principles of the Literal Grammatical Historical approach. Not only does it sound scholarly, but—more importantly—it also allows the Bible to speak for itself without our opinions getting in the way. Bible study should be inductive, not deductive. In other words do not impose a meaning on a passage, but seek a meaning from the passage.

The Literal Grammatical Historical approach is as follows:

• It is Literal in that the words mean what they say in the normal or plain sense. The literal method does allow for symbolism, parables, poetry, similes, metaphor, figurative language, etc. where indicated.
• It is Grammatical in that we follow the rules of literature and language, especially in the original languages (e.g. Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic). While the full working knowledge of Biblical languages would certainly aid in this area, most correct interpretations can be arrived at by using language commentaries, study aids and perhaps a few good English translations.
• It is Historical in that we determine the historical background and context before rendering an interpretation. To whom, where and when was it written?

Other principles to follow:

• Interpret according to context within passages, books and the entire Bible. A text without a context is a pretext.
• Compare scripture with scripture. Let scripture interpret scripture. God’s Word will not contradict itself. If one particular passage is unclear, compare it to one that is clear on that subject. If a contradiction remains, then you have not yet arrived at the truth. This is not to say we will know or understand everything in scripture, but that it will not contradict itself.

In studying a passage, begin with observation. Ask the who, what, why, when, and where questions. What is the main idea of the passage? Sometimes it is a good practice to ignore chapters and verses when searching for main ideas and the context. Chapter and verse markings were not part of the original text and were added between the 11^th and 16^th centuries. Sometimes ideas in scriptures are divided in chapter and/or verses. For this first part, wear your detective hat and look for all the clues you can find.

The next step is interpretation. Following the literal grammatical historical approach, determine the original intended meaning of the verse. There is only one correct interpretation for a particular passage, however there may be many applications.

The final and perhaps the most fulfilling step is application. Application answers the question “What do I do?” It transforms a Bible study from an academic exercise to a life-changing challenge. When going through this process ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there an example to follow?
• Is there an action to take?
• Is there an action to avoid?
• Is there a challenge to accept?
• Is there an attitude to change?

As you study the Bible, either by yourself or in a group, you are presented with truth. That truth may be in line with what you already believe, do or don’t do. In which case, your beliefs and/or actions are affirmed and you should continue in them with even more fervency and confidence. However, the truth revealed in scripture may also be contradictory to what you may already believe, do or don’t do. Sometimes God’s Word will conflict with our experiences. It may conflict with what is taught by one who exhibits signs and wonders. It may conflict with lifelong traditions. In these cases, we must repent and follow the truths and teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as revealed in scripture. It is His Word that endures forever.

2 Thessalonians 2:9–12
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

One last thing, discovering Biblical truth is like coming to a fork in the road. When you come to it you must take one of two paths, remaining still is not an option. Following one path makes you more of a disciple. Following the other makes you a deserter. This desertion is exactly what happended in John 6:66:

John 6:60 & 66
60 Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” 66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore.

My prayer for you is that as you study God’s Word, may you always leave changed and made into more of a disciple of Christ.

Now grab your Bible, but don’t open it. Just hold it there in your hands. Nothing in all of literary history, whether secular or religious, has had such an impact on mankind. Nothing else even comes close in comparison. The Bible was written over a 1500-year span. It was written by 40 generations, by over 40 human authors from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, and scholars. It was written in different places, including in the wilderness, in palaces, in prisons, while traveling, and on lonely islands. It was written at different times—times of peace, and times of war. It was written from the mountaintops of joy as well as from the valleys of sorrow. It was written in three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was written in three languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Its subject matter includes controversial topics. Yet, throughout the entire sixty-six books of the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—there is one unfolding story of the redemption of man through Jesus Christ.

Throughout history, the Bible has evoked extreme reactions. There have been those who have hated it and those have been hated for it; those who have denied it and those who have denied themselves for it; those who have banned it and those who have been banned for it; those who have burned it and those who have been burned for it; those who have torn it to pieces and those who have been torn to pieces for it.

In 600 B.C. King Jehoiakim is seen cutting up the Word of the Lord, page by page with a scribe’s knife and throwing it into the fire. He also imprisoned all the prophets and priests. In 90 A.D., John is banished to the Isle of Patmos. In the early 1380s, John Wycliffe instigated two English translations of the Bible, at that time everyone who was found with a copy in English was killed by the Roman Catholic church. As these martyrs in England were burned, they held the scriptures close to their chest. Over 40 years later, in 1428, the Catholic Church is still so upset with John Wycliffe that they declared him a heretic and dug up and removed his remains from sacred ground. In 1536, William Tyndale, who has again translated the New Testament, is strangled and burned at the stake. Thousands of people who have either written, translated, or distributed the Bible have suffered persecution or died horrible deaths for doing so. In spite of persecution and death the Word of God still stands.

In the late 1700s, a French atheist traveled the world speaking against the Bible. He predicted that 100 years after his death, the Bible would no longer be in existence. He died in 1778. Fifty years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society bought his home. The Geneva Bible Society then used the same printing presses that he used to produce his atheistic propaganda, to produce Bibles and has been doing so ever since. Few remember his name—it was Voltaire—but despite criticism, the Word of God still stands.

In America, we are now facing one of the greatest attacks on the Bible. I am not referring to the criticism and persecution done by those outside of the church, but rather the apathy that is present within the church and those that claim to be Christians. Chuck Colson, in one of his books, mentioned the fact that so many of us have Bibles, yet the Bible doesn’t seem to change us as it should. Out of 1382 people that were surveyed, 81% of the people surveyed in a recent poll said that they were evangelical. However, only 42% of them knew that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount and only 48% of them could name the first four books of the New Testament. Even more tragic, less than 1% of them said that their lives were directed and truly changed by what the Word of God said. In other words, many people read it; but it doesn’t always change them.

Although these statistics are bleak, I do not fear the collapse of Christianity—not because of any faith I might have in mankind, but because of the faith I have in God. You see, when Jesus says in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” I believe it. And when I read in Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” I believe it. The question is not will the Word of God stand, the question is will you stand with it?

1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Colossians 4:15
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Philemon 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house.

Today, there are many local churches that meet in homes. These believers also hold each other mutually accountable for living the Christian life. Within the home setting there is a strong sense of family, as well as an opportunity for people to share their testimony, their joy, their sorrows and even their needs. It’s a safe place where you can open up and reveal your true self. It’s here that you’ll find a special kind of Christian fellowship that many have never known. This smaller, more intimate setting promotes active participation on each person’s part, encouraging all to use their God-given gifts for the edification of the body (Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 14). It transforms spectators into participants, and hearers into doers.

James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Anyone who has been in a healthy home church can attest to the intimacy there and the closeness one feels to God and other believers. This is no small matter, because it is often difficult for those of us who were brought up with American traditions that are steeped in rugged individualism, independence and pride to think of ourselves as a mere parts of a corporate body (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). To admit dependence on someone other than one’s own self and resources is often viewed as a sign of weakness through the world’s eyes.

Please understand, and this can’t be stressed enough, this is not to say that large churches with buildings are wrong or somehow out of touch with God, but simply that that was not the way it was at the beginning of the Church. We believe that the Body of Christ is made up of believers in churches with a variety of shapes and sizes, that are as diverse as the individual believers that are in them. God wants unity, not uniformity (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Not having a building, along with the mortgage, rent and/or maintenance that goes with it, can actually been a blessing—both to the church and to the ministries and people supported by it. This also means we have no minimum membership requirement other than the “two or three and Jesus”. Imagine a handful of people and Jesus—that’s something to get out bed for on Sunday morning.

Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.”

Home churches, as well as small (or cell) groups can provide the ideal setting to:

• Bear one another’s burdens. (Galations 6:2)
• Teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. (Colossians 3:16)
• Encourage and edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
• Stimulate one another to love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)
• Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. (James 5:16)