Styles of Music - Some people believe that there is only one style of music that constitutes true worship and some even believe that music during praise and worship is evil. The Bible doesn’t support this and we do not read of a prohibition of certain musical instruments or styles in the Scriptures. But the true question to ask is what is the spirit behind the music?  (See Psalm 150)

Tithing - This practice actually did exist under the Old Testament Covenant and CLICK HERE for an article on what the practice actually was. While people can definitely use their freedom in Christ to tithe, it is not a practice that is required by Christians today. (See 2 Corinthians 9:7)

Required Weekly Church Service Attendance - First off, the way the congregations came together in the early church was more authentic and much different that what we call church services today. Secondly, Hebrews 10--the first section of scripture most used to convince people that they must always attend church services--Isn’t talking specifically about a church service. The point it is really making is for Christians to continue to fellowship together period. It could be a church service, it could be hang out at somebody’s home, it could be sharing a meal. (See Hebrews 10:24-25)

Speaking in Tongues as Proof of Salvation/Holy Spirit - Now, there were instances in Acts when people got saved and the gift of tongues was in effect. But was this the same for all people? No. What about the Ethiopian in Acts 8? And then regarding to the Holy Spirit, did the disciples speak in tongues when Jesus breathed on them the Holy Spirit in John 20? Check out the accounts and you will see that the Ethiopian never spoke in tongues but was saved and baptized and Jesus gave the disciples the Holy Spirit because they had seen Him resurrected and they believed. (See John 20: 19-23, Acts 8:26-39)

Sex - Some believe that sex is inherently bad and is only meant for procreation. Just because our society has twisted something sacred that God has made to be enjoyed between a husband and wife does not make it dirty. And while procreation is what sex can lead to, there are plenty of instances in the Bible where God blesses a husband and wife to have sex just for the enjoyment of it. (See Proverbs 5:15-19)

We could continue on and on but these are listed just as examples. Just because in our humanity we may feel strongly about something and may perceive something as being right or wrong doesn’t necessarily make it so.  Remember that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. While we think that changing things on the surface will solve most problems, the surface is only an indication of what is going on in the heart. And the heart is what God wants to change. Change the heart, you change the whole person. This is why Jesus pointed this out in Mark 7:

For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
(Mark 7:21-23 - ESV)

Now what we are told in the Scriptures is to use our freedom wisely and not as an opportunity to sin. That is why we need to use wisdom as we live out our freedom in Christ. When you are personally convicted about something, take heed to it. But understand that others may not have your personal conviction. And for those of us who may have more freedom than other believers in certain areas, be understanding to those believers. This is the heart of what Romans 14 is trying to get at:

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...

...Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
(Romans 14:13-16, 20-22 - ESV)

If you can handle your beer and your wine but another brother or sister can’t, do not drink your beer or wine around that person so that they won’t be tempted. If that person has a personal conviction about watching television or going on the Internet, do not do those things in front of that person. While we have freedom, we do not use our freedom at other people’s expense. Instead, we bear one another’s burdens and show love to our brothers and sisters who may be struggling in a certain area in their lives. That’s why I believe when a church gets together for an event, it is very wise for there to be no alcohol allowed. But if a person wants to have a glass of wine in his/her own house, the Bible does not forbid it.

Because it follows the same spirit of the Pharisees, Churchianity does not want believers to have freedom. Instead, it wants to create a uniform religion that puts people in bondage. And its religion is actually a departure from the true faith. Be careful to not get caught up in it or to allow people to persuade you of what is right or wrong by human reasoning. Instead, let’s go to the Bible for our answers.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ...

...Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
(Colossians 2:8, 16-23 - ESV)

Remember that Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Law for us and that is not what we are called to fulfill anymore. We are called to fulfill Christ’s Law under the new covenant. And instead of being a law that is spread out on tablets and scrolls, it is a law that God sews into our hearts and we find evidence for through His word. Let us keep away from Churchianity’s uniformity that seeks to make believers into clones but instead let us all experience true freedom in Jesus.

CLICK TO READ PT. I