TONIGHT @ 5pm: Friday, Nov 8
Two Week Series: Morality & Ethics
This Week: MORALITY by Tony DeLuca
plus Scriptures on this Theme
C3: COCKTAILS & CHRISTIAN CONVERSATIONS
- 5pm • Zoom link required.
- Option: Call in via touch-tone phone. Zoom info required. Contact church at jcchurch@jacksoncommunitychurch.org by 4pm on Friday in order to receive information to participate.
- This week we discuss the concept of morality. Bring your adult beverage and your curiosity for a conversation about this concept as reflected in our sacred texts.
- Text of Tony DeLuca’s framing thoughts about Morality as well as text of scriptural excerpts available below.
MORALITY by Tony DeLuca
Morality is the standard by which we as human beings are able to distinguish between what is right and wrong, between what is good and evil. It influences the decisions we make, the positions we take and the values we embrace. It requires us to define our priorities and measure the things we consider to be of value in our lives. It is fundamental to the formation and development of our character. It is very much a personal affair.
As members of a society, we need to extend these values and create a common code of conduct that will serve the interests of the entire community. That is the hardest part. It is also the most consequential. When people fail to create a shared system of values or start losing some or all of their moral values, society runs the risk of coming apart.
ISAIAH 30: 21
And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
PSALM 51: 10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
DEUTERONOMY 11: 18
You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead.
JOHN 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
MATTHEW 6: 24
“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
MATTHEW 22: 37-39a
He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
ROMANS 2:15
They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them.
1 CORINTHIANS 15: 33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
HEBREWS 13:18
Pray for us; we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things
ROMANS 12:1, 2b
… but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.