Controversial Issues in the Christian life (part 1)

Recently I was talking with a friend about our study on questionable issues (grey areas) in the Christian life.  I did a quick translation into English so he could see what the study said.

So I thought I would share it with you here too.

Two things to remember, though.  First, remember this is a part of a larger series of studies that included topics such as Who is the Holy Spirit and How does God work in my life? and How can I understand the Scripture?.  So it really isn’t stand alone.

Also, this was written for the context we’re in here in Mexico City, and was translated almost directly.  Obviously wherever you are you’ll have your own issues and your own emphasis.

That being said, here’s part one (I’ll post the rest tomorrow):

What about “grey areas”?

Why are there so many disagreements among Christians about how to live the Christian life? For example:

• Should a Christian go to the casino, or play the lottery?
• Should a Christian smoke? Drink? Do drugs?
• Are video games bad?
• Is it a sin to listen to certain types of music?
• Is it ok for a woman to wear pants?
• Is it good for a Christian to go to the movies?

There are some things that the Bible doesn’t talk about directly.  For example, the Bible doesn’t talk directly about video games.  Sometimes the Bible does talk about something, but we don’t agree about how to apply it to our lives today.  For example, the question of alcohol.

We disagree about something – now what?!

Our goal is to study the Scripture together, and to come to an agreement wherever possible.  But there will always be certain things we don’t agree about.  What should we do when that happens?

Romans 14:1-8
“Welcome/receive/accept the one who is weak in faith, but do not quarrel over opinions/quarrel over disputable matters.”

Every person must obey God in their own hearts.  “It is before his own master that he stands or falls.”

We have the responsibility to study these things for ourselves, so that we can be “fully convinced in our own mind.”

According to these verses, how should we treat people who disagree with us when it comes to “grey areas”?

(what do you think?)

…more tomorrow.