Upwards Church

40% of people in our country, between the ages of 26 and 40 years of age have a tattoo.

Tattoos can be controversial in different circles, especially in Christian circles. Some people would say, “Oh, no! You can’t do that! You are being very rebellious!” Others would say, “Hey, tattoos are just an artistic expression on my body.” Some would say, “Oh no! It’s a dangerous, satanic and cultic practice.” Others would simply say, “You know, it’s a personal expression.” The bottom line isn’t as much as what does people think, but what does God think about tattoos? What does the Bible say? And the answer is, not a whole lot! There’s one verse that speaks directly to tattoos. It’s found in Leviticus 19:28, when the Bible says:

Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:28

You could say that God is very, very clear and says, ‘You should not have tattoos,” right? Well, to understand this verse, you have to look at the text in the context of what Leviticus 19 was saying as a whole.

You see, the Israelites had just escaped from Egyptian bondage and passed through the Red Sea and God was telling them, ‘Don’t take on the Pagan practices of the Egyptians.’ When an Egyptian would die, the remaining relative, they would often cut into their body to let out what was known as the life blood. This was a pagan ritual, God said, ‘Don’t do that!’ Some would also tattoo on their bodies pictures of pagan Gods; and again, the One true God said, ‘Don’t you ever do that!’

If you want to take Leviticus 19 literally, we need to be careful, because this was the Old Testament Law, fulfilled by Christ in the New Testament. Leviticus 19 also tells us:

Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard. Leviticus 19:27

It also says:  Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material. Leviticus 19:19d

The above are things that we all do every day.

Leviticus 19; the bottom line, was talking about idolatry. Don’t take on the pagan practices of the Egyptians.

Some of my friends, who are believers that are very pro-tattoo, make a very good argument that a Christian tattoo can be a good witness, or a good conversation starter. They will also argue, if you want to be against tattoos, you should probably be against ear piercings, because Leviticus 19:28 says, “Don’t cut your body.”

Others make a very strong argument that even God has a tattoo! Isaiah 49:15-16 says

¹⁵ “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  ¹⁶ See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; (NIV)

If you are His child, adopted into His family by faith in Christ, God has a tattoo of you on his hand. Great verse.

If you are considering getting a tattoo, there are a few of things to think about.

First of all, you might be considered rebellious by some. If you are going in for a job interview, or meeting someone for the first time, people can be very judgmental, and they may look at the outside and make a judgment on you, so it’s something to think about.

Secondly, you need to remember that you might be making a decision that you would later regret. I heard of someone who tattooed, ‘I love Shelly’, and then he married Michelle.  Also what looks good on you at 22 might look very saggy at 62! I love the joke about the guy who had a bull dog tattoo that years later looked like a char pay.

Thirdly, if you are 17 years old and living with Mom and Dad, and Mom and Dad are paying the bills, and you want a tattoo and Mom and Dad say no, there’s no tattoo for you! If my kids ask, “Daddy, can we get a tattoo?” I’m going to tell them, I don’t think so right now.  When they are grown ups, if they want to get a tattoo, I’d simply say, let’s make sure it’s something you want forever, in a place you want forever, and a size you want forever. I’m not going to recommend they get it, but again, it’s like a haircut, a style; it’s the outside, what’s on the inside matters most. That’s my take on tattoos.

Darrell

For more about the series, Things that Make You Go Hmm, go to www.RidgeFellowship.com

I used to think that the soul and spirit were the same, but upon further study I now know I was mistaken.

The soul and the spirit are the two primary immaterial aspects that Scripture ascribes to humanity. It can be confusing to attempt to discern the precise differences between the two. The word “spirit” refers only to the immaterial facet of humanity. Human beings have a spirit, but we are not spirits. However, in Scripture, only believers are said to be spiritually alive (1 Corinthians 2:11; Hebrews 4:12; James 2:26), while unbelievers are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:13). In Paul’s writing, the spiritual was pivotal to the life of the believer (1 Corinthians 2:14; 3:1; Ephesians 1:3;5:19; Colossians 1:9; 3:16). The spirit is the element in humanity which gives us the ability to have an intimate relationship with God. Whenever the word “spirit” is used, it refers to the immaterial part of humanity that “connects” with God, who Himself is spirit (John 4:24).

The word “soul” can refer to both the immaterial and material aspects of humanity. Unlike human beings having a spirit, human beings are souls. In its most basic sense, the word “soul” means “life.” However, beyond this essential meaning, the Bible speaks of the soul in many contexts. One of these is humanity’s eagerness to sin (Luke 12:26). Humanity is naturally evil, and our souls are tainted as a result. The life principle of the soul is removed at the time of physical death (Genesis 35:18; Jeremiah 15:2). The soul, as with the spirit, is the center of many spiritual and emotional experiences (Job 30:25; Psalm 43:5; Jeremiah 13:17). Whenever the word “soul” is used, it can refer to the whole person, whether alive or in the afterlife.

The soul and the spirit are connected, but separable (Hebrews 4:12). The soul is the essence of humanity’s being; it is who we are. The spirit is the aspect of humanity that connects with God.

 Functions of Soul and Spirit

A careful study of the Bible will show that man has a spirit (Job 32:8), that his spirit has a definite function (Rom. 1:9), and that the function of the spirit is different from the function of the soul (Luke 1:46-47). Since all of God’s communications with men occur in the spirit, it is crucial that a believer know his spirit. If he does not know his own spirit, he does not know how to have fellowship with God in the spirit. Not only that, he mistakenly takes the thoughts or emotions of the soul for the activity of the spirit. Confining himself to the realm of the soul, he seldom reaches the realm of the spirit. The Bible clearly shows first that we have a human spirit, second that our human spirit is not synonymous with our soul, and third that it is not the same as the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16).

The Human Spirit

According to the revelation of the Bible and the experience of believers, the human spirit can be said to have three main functions. These three functions are conscience (Rom. 9:1; 8:16), intuition(Mark 2:8), and communion (John 4:24). The conscience is the part of the spirit which distinguishes right from wrong and is not influenced by knowledge stored in the mind; it is rather a spontaneous direct judgment. The intuition is the “knowing” part of the spirit. All true knowledge originates not in the mind, but in the spirit. The revelations of God and the movements of the Holy Spirit are known to the believer through his intuition. A believer must, therefore, take care to heed these two aspects of his spirit: the speaking of his conscience and the teaching of his intuition.

Communion is the third function of the spirit, and is related to the worship of God. The soul is not competent to worship God. According to John 4:24, “God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

The Human Soul

Not only does man possess a spirit which enables him to function in the spiritual realm; he also possesses a soul which is the organ of his self-consciousness. The soul is the seat of the human personality. The ingredients which make us human beings belong to the soul. The intellect, thought, ideals, love, emotion, understanding, decision, choice, and other like qualities are all associated with the soul. The three main functions of the soul are the will (Job 7:15), the mind (Lam. 3:20, RSV), and the emotion (2 Sam. 5:8; Deut. 6:5). The will is the instrument for making decisions and choices. The second function of the soul is the mind, the instrument for thinking. It is in this part of the soul that man reasons and has knowledge (Prov. 2:10). The third function of the soul is the emotion. This is the instrument of likes and dislikes. Through the emotions we are able to express love or hatred, joyfulness, anger, sadness, or happiness. A shortage in this area will render us insensitive. By a careful study of the Bible we cannot help but be impressed that these three primary functions of the personality belong to the soul.

Vital to our Spiritual Experience

This matter of distinguishing the spirit from the soul is not just something of academic or doctrinal interests. It is vital to our spiritual experience. If we do not know our human spirit, how shall God communicate with us (Job 32:8); how shall we worship Him (John 4:24); how shall we receive revelation from God (Eph. 1:17); and how shall we pray properly (Eph. 6:18, praying…in spirit)? These vital experiences are a matter of knowing our spirit. Even serving the Lord must be done in and with our spirit (Rom. 1:9). Many today are satisfied simply to find an open door to serve the Lord, but Paul was regulated rather by the rest in his spirit (2 Cor. 2:12-13).

If you are a Christ follower, your spirit has been made alive by the Spirit (John 3:6), and today Jesus Christ is with your spirit (2 Tim. 4:22).  If we are going to worship God, we must worship Him in spirit (John 4:24).

For more about the series, Things that Make You Go Hmm, go to www.RidgeFellowship.com

Here’s a recent question from someone who served our country in the military.  What does the bible/God say about serving your country? About the military? Should we encourage someone to enlist? Is joining the military considered ungodly?

First of all, thanks so much for serving our country!  I appreciate you. Here’s what I understand about the military, God and the Bible:

In the Old Testament God commanded Moses and Joshua to go into the Promise land to conquer the inhabitants.  It was military action.  It is also be clear to me that this is considered judgment after years of God waiting for repentance. God tells Abraham: ¹⁶ Four generations later, your descendants will return here and take this land, because only then will the people who live here be so sinful that they deserve to be punished. Genesis 15:16 (CEV)

We read about it extensively about this military action in the book of Joshua.  From there we get the popular story of Jericho’s walls falling.

In Judges we see ongoing military action, God uses other nations to punish his people, then they repent and God raises up a Judge and the Judge using military action and God’s help to destroy enemies.  We get the great stories about Sampson conquering the Philistines, Gideon taking down the Midanites, Debra destroying the Canaanites and other great military stories.

Who can forget David taking down the Philistine giant Goliath?

David writes in Psalm 18:34, “He trains my hands for battle” NIV

David seemed to be called to take down Goliath, take Jerusalem by military action but when he desired to build the temple, God said Solomon would : 1 Chron 22:7-9

⁷ David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God. ⁸ But this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. ⁹ But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side.  (NIV)    

David was called a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22) he wrote many of the Psalms but his calling to battle didn’t mean he could do whatever he wanted.

God has different callings for different people.

*To me, I see that some are called to battle (or to protect through police work or military) some are called to peace.

So much of I & 2 Samuel, 1 &2 Kings and 1 &2 Chronicles are about the military actions of the Israelites and their kings. Many of our great biblical stories involve military action, such as Elijah killing the prophets of Baal on Mt Carmel, and on and on.

New Testament?

Some may say “well that’s Old Testament.”  The New Testament is different.  Really?  When John the Baptist came on the scene he was preaching and drew great crowds.  People were convicted and moved by his message, some were soldiers:

Luke 3:14-16  ⁴ Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely-be content with your pay.”

¹⁵ The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ.  ¹⁶ John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. NIV

Notice John didn’t say, get out of the military.  He affirmed their job and said to be “content with your pay.”

Same thing with Jesus one time a Centurion (A Roman military commander over 100 soldiers) came to Jesus asking that his servant be healed; Jesus commended his faith and did NOT condemn his job.

Here’s what Jesus said,

Matt 8:10-11

¹⁰ When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him about the (Roman military) man, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. NIV

In fact in Jesus teachings he tells people to support the military by teaching people the popular saying,

Matt 5:41  If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. NIV   The Roman military by law could ask a citizen to carry to their equipment one mile.  Jesus said, carry it two miles.

*To me, I see no mention ever of Jesus criticizing the military.  Rome was an occupying army.  It was very unpopular to many Jewish people, but not to Jesus.

Paul is the same way, he was chained to military guards but he led them to Christ.  He never criticized the Roman army or government.  In fact in Romans 13 he says,

Rom 13:1-7

¹ 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. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ 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. 4 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. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.  NIV

It’s pretty clear to me, they (military, police, government force) are there by God’s permission and design. “They are God’s servant” Later in Timothy he says to pray for all government authorities.

That’s my take on the military or police, if someone feels called to serve in that capacity.  Do it, “they are God’s servant.”  If you sense that you are to be a man of peace, like Solomon was, be a man of peace.  Solomon still had a military though.

Darrell

For more about the series, Things that Make You Go Hmm, go to www.RidgeFellowship.com

questions@ridgefellowship.com