For Situations Not Specifically Mentioned In Scripture
A Study in Romans 14
In the early church, a great disagreement arose whether one could consume meat that had been offered to pagan idols. Believers of all faiths offered sacrifices through their priests. Often the best cuts of beef and lamb were brought to the temples for this purpose. Once the offering had been prayed over, the priests immediately took the fresh product to the market to be sold. The priests earned money through this practice. However, some early Christians severely objected to the purchase of meat that had been offered to pagan gods. This became a contentious debate among believers – is it permissible or not? Is eating meat offered to idols an offense toward God? Paul addresses the topic in Romans 14, allowing each believer to follow his own conscience in this matter. He encourages us to enjoy our liberty in Christ while avoiding any actions that cause a brother to stumble. Furthermore, he declares we are not to judge the habits of other believers who may be weaker, or stronger, in their faith.
In modern times, we, too, are faced with plenty of decisions in church, family or business life. Perhaps the Bible is not specific on these issues. We have been set free from the Law, but how do we properly use our spiritual freedom on such occasions? The Bible says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Cor 3:17) Yet we should never exercise our liberty in a manner that damages the conscience of another person. Here are several principles to consider when settling such matters in your heart:
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Certain men are born with big, self-sufficient personalities. They are wired to win and to lead, not merely to participate. Some apply these qualities in competitive athletics, politics, business pursuits, scientific discovery, or the military. They are larger-than-life men like Joshua who was told by God:
When you use the word “make“ it makes me wonder if you’re proposing some sort of genetic engineering? If so then you’re looking to play God. If not then I’m uncertain as to how you want to implement the idea of ‘making’ people avoid injuring one another. In my faith
There is a massive and unfortunate premise in your question which implies that God is in “control” and is therefore responsible for suffering. If you follow Judeo-Christian theology, you’ll notice that after Creation, in Genesis 1:26, man was given delegated, governmental authority over this planet. Eventually, by defying one simple
As you continue to explore your identity as a spiritual father, be willing to press deeper, to the true, biblical meaning of the term. We can colloquially say you are “fathering” certain individuals, but be willing to challenge yourself: is it really fathering, or perhaps discipling, or maybe just training?
The Lord’s fundamental identity is to be a Father. He wants us to draw close to Him as spiritual sons. He also encourages our relationship with our natural fathers, when possible. He pours grace into our relationship with a spiritual father, as well.
Here is a conversation-starter for you and
The scientific, not faith-based, evidence for ex-nihilo, instantaneous, organized creation is abundant. The 1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics insist on a time when the universe was fully “wound up”. It is not eternal. What amazes me is the suspension of intellect that Darwinian evolutionists perform because of their deep
