Following Jesus

No. We aren't bound to the ceremonial law in the Old Testament. (Full disclosure: I have multiple tattoos.)

It's the same as alcohol, but with more of a warning. The Bible forbids getting drunk, and this includes not being sober in all of its forms.

No, the Bible doesn't call gambling a sin. But gambling in excess is unwise, and addictions as a whole should be avoided.

The Bible never mentions it directly, so it's not explicitly a sin. But lust is a sin, and that is directly connected to masturbation.

Yes, but honoring them doesn't mean pretending it didn't happen, obeying them as an adult, or giving them unlimited access to your life.

How you grew up or how you're wired is never a valid reason not to be like Jesus. Those things may describe you, but they should never define you.

A pastor is called to shepherd: to protect, guide, and provide for the people God has given them. And yes, a healthy pastor is a gift. Let them pastor you.

Integrity is being consistent no matter where you are or who you're around. It's being the same person in private that you are in public.

Count the cost. Ministry is the most fulfilling thing you'll ever do, and the hardest. Ministry requires a calling. If you're not called by God, don't do it.

A Christian can be affected or afflicted by a demon, but not controlled by one. A believer belongs to Jesus and has the Holy Spirit living inside them. A demon can harass you, but it can't own you.

Yes. The Bible has a lot to say about your words, and cussing shouldn't be part of them. Winning the battle over your mouth helps you win in other areas too.

Not quite. Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, but He also tells us to judge rightly: with humility, by agreeing with God, and to restore people, not to be right.

It's not a simple yes or no. Reject what's dark, receive what's good, and redeem the night as a chance to love your neighbors.

Then it's time to make it your own. Borrowed faith works fine until it gets tested.

It means you stop running your own life and let Jesus run it. Every day.

There's probably something God has already put on your heart. Your excuses don't scare Him; if He's called you to it, He'll equip you for it.

By believing what God says about you more than what anyone else has said about you, including you.

Don't start at Genesis. Start with the Gospel of John, one chapter a day, and keep showing up.

Just talk with God. Notice I said with, not to. Prayer is supposed to be a dialogue, not a monologue.

Yes, you can experience it. God is everywhere, but He also makes Himself known in moments you can actually sense, usually where He's wanted.

Mostly through the Bible, and also through people, circumstances, peace and the Holy Spirit's quiet voice. He's speaking more than most of us realize.

Yes, and it's simpler than you think: follow Jesus and help others follow Jesus. Your calling is more about people than your profession.

Yes. Not just know about Him, but actually know Him. That was the whole point from the beginning.

No. Going to church matters, but the goal is to be the church, live on mission, and let your life point people to Jesus.

A change of mind that produces a change in action. It's not just feeling bad, and it's not a one-time ceremony.

Anything you pursue or pledge your allegiance to above Jesus. We all have one; they're just harder to spot than the ones in the Bible.

The way Jesus did: know who you are, know what God said, and refuse to give your flesh the final vote.

You can. I've been there. Bring it into the light, cut off access, pray for self-control and deal with what's underneath.

A lot. Jesus talked about money more than heaven and hell combined, because how you handle money shows what you really love.

Yes, but… Drinking isn't always sinful, but getting drunk always is, and there are times a follower of Jesus shouldn't drink at all.

Because Jesus told us to, and because it's how you tell the world, "I'm following Jesus now."

Abilities the Holy Spirit gives every believer to build up the church and point people to Jesus. You find yours by stepping out in faith and using them.

It means the Spirit isn't just living in you; He's leading you, empowering you and overflowing out of you. Ask Him, and keep asking.

Because Jesus did. If the King of the universe picked up a towel and washed feet, none of us are too important to serve.

Start with your story. You don't need a seminary degree to tell people what God did for you.

Yes. In fact, that's the only way Jesus ever loved anyone, including you. Grace first, then truth.

I don't believe the New Testament requires it, but I'm pro-tithing. Giving 10% is a great goal for generosity, but it's not the finish line.

Start by realizing what you have isn't yours. God isn't after what's in your hand. He's after your heart.

First, settle who gets to decide. If God does, start with what He's clearly said, use biblical principles for the gray areas, and ask if it's pulling you toward Jesus or away from Him.

Sin is an archery word. It means to miss the mark, and the mark is Jesus. We've all missed it and that's why we need Jesus.

Learn contentment while praying for what's next. You can enjoy the season you're in while asking God to send you someone to marry.

No. Don't follow your heart. Guard it. Follow Jesus and wise counsel, and let your feelings follow.

Yes. More than you think. Often when God wants to change your life, He sends you a person, and often when Satan wants to destroy it, he does too.