Is looking at pornography adultery – whether it is everyday or occasionally?

Sincerely,
See No Evil

Dear See No Evil,

Viewing pornography is adultery in your heart.  Jesus makes it very clear that when you lust after a woman (or a man), you have committed adultery in your heart (Matt 5:27-28).  Though the actual sex act hasn’t occurred (physical adultery includes two becoming one flesh - 1 Cor 6:16), the attitude and character that would commit such an act exists.  Pornography is addictive, evil, and in direct opposition to all that God teaches and stands for.  Flee from it (1 Cor 6:18).

     I'm in a band with a group of guys, some of whom I worship with; others are co-workers.  We have a growing following, and we are considering taking our show on the road full-time.  It has been a true blessing to be a part of.  I'm thankful to God for this opportunity.  However, I'm conflicted.  I feel like this is a good way for me to provide for my family, and the fans love us.  But the message of the songs we sing is very neutral.  We play love songs and songs telling general life stories.  I feel that if we were able to encourage and strengthen faith through our songs, we could be an even greater blessing to our fans.  Without crossing the line into instrumental worship music, how encouraging can we be with a faith-centered focus in our music?  What words would be okay to use without crossing the line?

Sincerely,
Songwriter

Dear Songwriter,

The issue isn’t a matter of what specific words to use (after all, plenty of songs use the word ‘God’ but aren’t at all spiritual songs). The real question is: what makes a song a “worship” song?  Thankfully, the Bible defines that for us.  Eph 5:19 and Col 3:16 say that worship songs are three types: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  Though there is great overlap in these three types of songs, it also helps us to understand what types of songs should only be sung as acapella worship.

1. A ‘psalm’ is a song or form of pious poetry… in biblical context, this is most likely referring to the psalms found in the Old Testament.  It is common to find worship songs that directly or almost directly get their language from the Bible.
2. A ‘hymn’ is a song written in praise of a hero, a conqueror, or a god.  In the context of the Bible, a hymn is a song written specifically to praise the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit.  Though the language isn’t directly from the Bible like a psalm, the intent is clear – to give glory to our Creator.
3. A ‘spiritual’ song is exactly what it sounds like, a song that relates to the spiritual element.  This is the hardest type of song to pinpoint because almost every aspect of human life involves a spiritual element.  However, the general principle is that if a song’s main focus or message is on spiritual things like heaven, eternity, the relationship between man and God, salvation, etc. – it would be considered a spiritual song.

With these definitions in mind, we can see the principles behind worship songs.  Many songs can include words like ‘heaven’, ‘God’, or even ‘Jesus’ and not be considered a psalm, hymn, or spiritual song… while other songs can have none of those words and be very spiritual.  The key is to look at whatever songs your band composes and run them through the filter of “Is it a psalm or hymn or spiritual song?”

Just remember, even if your music is “neutral”… a band that is moral in its reputation and keeps the lyrics of music wholesome and pure is still a shining example in an industry that is often lacking in godliness.  We wish you the very best in your endeavors.

In Genesis 22, Abraham goes to sacrifice Isaac.  The "do not kill" commandment was not established until later, but there must have been a moral law in effect during Abraham's time.  How could Abraham think it was okay to sacrifice his son, Isaac?  How could God ask Abraham to, and by asking Abraham to, violate God's own moral law?  How was any of it okay?  Why should we esteem Abraham as someone who did what was right?  I have struggled with this issue for quite some time.  Thank you!

Sincerely,
Why Do That?

Dear Why Do That,

Abraham is held in honor because he did what God commanded even when it went against every desire of his heart and character.  “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17).  The most basic example of faith is to hear what God says and do it without wavering.  Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son is the epitome of faith.  That is why the Scriptures call Abraham the “father of the faithful” (Rom 4:16).

When Abraham took Isaac to be sacrificed, he trusted God completely.  God had promised Abraham that Isaac would be his legacy (Gen 17:19).  So when God told Abraham to kill Isaac… Abraham would have been very confused.  Rom 4:17-18 says that Abraham hoped and believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead.  Abraham trusted God to save his son’s life… he had total faith in God.  That is why Abraham is such a spectacular example of faith.

Abraham trusted that God would not command him to do anything that was sinful.  God knew that Abraham would never actually need to kill his son (God provided a alternative sacrifice at the last moment – Gen 22:11-13)… Abraham only knew that God wouldn’t lead him astray.

     At what point do we die to sin as Romans 6 says?  At what point are we said to have died with Christ?

Sincerely,
Killing Sin

Dear Killing Sin,

Romans 6 tells us when – baptism.  When we are baptized, we die with Christ (Rom 6:3). When we come out of the water, we have a new life with Christ (Rom 6:4).  There are plenty of other verses that also teach that baptism is the point where our sin goes away.  Acts 22:16 says that baptism washes away our sins.  1 Pet 3:21 says that baptism saves us, and Acts 2:38 says that baptism is so that your sins may be forgiven.  Baptism is the moment we crucify the old man of sin and the new man is born to live for Christ (Rom 6:5-7).

I am visiting family, and my sister-in-law invited an older child over to play with my daughter.  This child’s parents must use the phrase, "Oh, my God" often because the child said it a couple times.  My daughter has been taught not to say this, and at breakfast, she said, “(child’s name omitted) is using bad words.”

My reactionary reply was, "(child’s name omitted) is a bad-bad."  This made for an awkward moment with this boy sitting at the breakfast table with his aunt & uncle close by who were watching him for the day.

I missed a moment to teach why we do not say, "Oh, my God" to the child and his relatives.  However, I'm not sure I would have explained it sufficiently if I would have tried.

Where in the Bible does it state using this phrase flippantly is wrong?

Sincerely,
Catch Phrase

Dear Catch Phrase,

In the Old Testament, it says to “not take the Lord’s name in vain” (Ex 20:7); it is the third commandment.  In the New Testament, we are told to “let not the name of God and the doctrine be blasphemed” (1 Tim 6:1).  The New Testament also says to treat God with reverence (Heb 12:28).  When we have an attitude of reverence towards God, we won’t use His name as a cuss word.  You are doing well to teach your child to hold God’s name in reverence and honor.  You’ve been doing the right thing… the verses back you up.