Christian living

Today, there are many pressing issues that concern Christians. This should serve as a disambiguation page, providing quick issue-based links to in-depth articles about each issue.

Fruit of the Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit are fruits that come from those who have received the Spirit "by hearing with faith" (Galatians 3:2)

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." -Galatians 5:16-24

See main article: Fruit of the Spirit

Living by the Word

The word of God plays a central role in the life of a believer. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17) James wrote that we should "put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) David wrote that the one who delights in the law (referring to the word of God), the one who meditates on it day and night and does not walk in the counsel of the wicked--"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." (Psalm 1:3)

See main articles: Word and Spirit, Bible study

The Law

Controversy exists about what law, if any is applicable and obligatory towards Christians. Since Paul wrote Galatians, Christians have understood that the outward sign of circumcision is not required for salvation. Some believe that the law can be divided into moral, ceremonial, and civil categories. Many go on to say that the moral law within the larger books of the law is eternally binding upon Christians.

For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Matthew 5:18

Others claim any categorical divisions are irrelevant in the discussion of which law should be obeyed, and would even suggest the Ten Commandments are not binding on Christians. These people often argue based on Paul's writing in the book of Galatians.

if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18

The dispute is perhaps most evident in practices surrounding the Sabbath. Some Christians maintain that it's important that the Sabbath is respected as a day of rest and worship. Others insist that while the "Sabbath principle" of setting time aside for worship and rest is important for Christians, Christians are not bound to practice the principle on Sunday or even on any specific day of the week.

See main articles: Threefold use of the Law, Antinomianism, Legalism

The way of the cross

Paul said that "that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22) Jesus taught, "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." (John 12:25-26) "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23) John wrote, "By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:5-6) "Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21, cf; 1 Peter 2:18-25)

See main articles: Discipleship, Suffering, Persecution

Prayer

God loves to give, and he loves those who cast themselves on him in dependence. This is primarily expressed through prayer. It honors the Father, it expresses love, and it provides a way for us to glorify Christ as the great sympathizer.

See main article: Prayer

Worship

Worship is the giving of praise to God for the aspects of His character and things He has done. Paul wrote to the Romans, "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1)

See main article: Worship

Growth

Social/Personal

Family

Governmental

  • Civil government