Archive for 2016
Did the priests have a rope tied to their ankles when entering the tabernacle?
Question: I have heard all my life that priests in the Old Testament when entering the tabernacle had a rope tied to their leg in case they were killed because of some sin in their life, they could be pulled out since no one else could enter the Tabernacle. Thank you. Answer: This is a…
Read MoreThanks for having such a wonderful website
Question: Thanks for having such a wonderful website. You bless many lives. May God bless you richly. Answer: Thank you for the encouragement.
Read MoreIs it right to offer food when teaching the gospel?
Question: Hi Jeff, The minister in my congregation proposed something in the area of evangelism to the church which i don’t think is scriptural. He said we should go with some food items to give to those we meet whenever we go for house-to-house evangelism. His belief is that it will boast or make the…
Read MoreShould a church pay for a member’s cremation or ask if his house is in order?
Question: On two separate occasions, the church paid for a member’s cremation. One member was asked if he had his house in order. Is this proper? Answer: The church is only involved in helping members with major disasters, such as a famine in the region (I Corinthians 8 and 9), or, in the longer-term, widows…
Read MoreThank you for your article on drug use
Question: Hi Brother, Please keep me in your prayers. I’m a brother, in my thirties, who is struggling with sin — marijuana use being one of them. I definitely am trying to rid myself of all sin and that is certainly one of them. I just read the article that was written on the website.…
Read MoreIf a person is divorced for fornication, does that mean he cannot reconcile with his former spouse?
Question: Hi Jeff, I talked about the subject of divorce and remarriage with a preacher. I listened to what he said carefully but couldn’t prove him wrong. I don’t want to let my biases get in the way, but we’re not in agreement. I told him I won’t preach on the subject in the pulpit…
Read MoreI appreciate the passion with which you tackle some really difficult questions
Question: Hello, Just a quick email to encourage a brother in Christ. I so appreciate your website and the passion with which you tackle the task of responding to some really difficult questions and accusations. Wanted you to know your website is a blessing. Happy New Year! Answer: Thank you for the kind encouragement.
Read MoreIs it normal to get depressed over the worldly-minded?
Question: Is it normal to get depressed because there are people in the world who hate God, and even more so because those who claim to be Christians have thought processes that are not much different than those out in the world? Answer: “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according…
Read MoreWho decided that some words are inappropriate?
Question: Good Evening, Regarding words like gosh, gee whiz, etc., does anyone know who and when was it decided that these were words that had meanings referring to God, Jesus, etc.? As a child, my mother didn’t like the word “gosh,” so it wasn’t said. As an adult and a Christian, I don’t use these…
Read MoreAll the Bible doesn’t prove anything. If it did, how could we walk by faith?
Question: All the Bible doesn’t prove anything. If it did, how could we walk by faith? Answer: It appears that you think faith is unreasoning and based on nothing. But you cannot have faith without knowledge of the Bible. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). If…
Read MoreWhen should I tell my future wife about my pornography addiction?
Question: Hi! I have been a porn addict since I was a teenager and I so far I have not managed to get rid of it. However, I admit that it is sin and am willing to deal with it when God wants to help me. Right now I have not managed to find a…
Read MoreYour website is such a blessing
Question: I have to say that your website is such a blessing. I belong to a very very small congregation in that still doesn’t have elders. We are working very hard to have a website and you have been a great inspiration. Answer: Thank you.
Read MoreWorry, Worry, Worry
by Joshua V. Best Everyone knows the signs: sleepless nights, sick stomachs, mental breakdowns, deep depression, hiding away, high blood pressure. turning to drugs and alcohol, etc… These are indicators an individual has fallen victim to his own worry. Worry eats people alive, and Christians are not immune. It touches the lives of virtually every…
Read MoreI always enjoy reading the question and answer section
Question: I want to say thank you for your website and your diligent work in providing sound doctrine for everyone in search of it. I found your website a couple of years ago and still look at the sermons and articles posted today. I always enjoy reading the question and answer section. It has helped…
Read MoreAm I lying if I tell someone “sorry” or “I love you” when I don’t feel it?
Question: I can be very detail-oriented. Sometimes I feel like my words aren’t inaccurate, and I wonder if I should look at it as lying. There are still certain things I don’t know if I should think of as lying. For example, is saying “sorry” as a polite gesture wrong if I don’t feel remorse…
Read MoreStrategies for Dealing with Problems
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/StrategiesForDealingWithProblems.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Mark 14:3-9 I. The world is filled with problems. Some caused by others. Many that I cause myself. A. How do you deal with them? II. Ignore them A. It is so tempting to pretend that the problems aren’t really there. B. Don’t forsake your friends – Proverbs 27:10 C. Example from the Good…
Read MoreGod doesn’t give up on me because I fell again, does He?
Question: Good Morning, I finally rededicated my life to the Lord. I was doing well. Then I felt strong enough to invite a friend over. Huge mistake! One thing led to another and we had sex. I feel awful. I don’t want to continue this or ever engage in this again. It’s to the point…
Read MoreHow do I return after committing fornication again?
Question: I wrote to you before regarding fornication and God’s forgiveness. I prayed and straightened my life back out — until about a month ago I stumbled again. I am writing to you for help. I’ve been praying for forgiveness and asking for the Lord’s help in overcoming this problem, but I didn’t know if…
Read MoreWhere Is Your Dad?
by Kevin Sutton During the interview, the young man confessed to a crime that no doubt would send him to prison. I turned the recorder off, interview over, case solved, I had done my job. Even though I was certain that I knew the answer, I ask the young man anyway. I ask, “Son, where’s…
Read MoreSix Questions About Baptism
by Matthew W. Bassford This lesson was prompted by a series of questions passed to me by one of the young people in the congregation. They are all very thoughtful, and they are all on the subject of baptism. I think publicly exploring the topic is important. Others may be grappling with the same questions,…
Read MoreReligious But Not Righteous
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ReligiousButNotRighteous.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreDangerous Preaching
by Sewell Hall A man who accepts the task of preaching the gospel accepts a dreadful responsibility. “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). Application of these words may not be limited to what we commonly term local preachers, but they apply in…
Read MoreAm I bad because I wasn’t with my mother when she died?
Question: I am a 22-year-old woman who is having a crisis. I have spoken and confessed to God my transgressions for my sins against Him and others; and yet, fear still takes hold of me. How can I cleanse both my mind, heart, and soul of this taint? I still feel guilt over what happened…
Read MoreIs it a sin not to go to a wedding or baby shower or graduation?
Question: Hi, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it” (I Corinthians 12:26). The latter part of this verse speaks of when a brother in the body of Christ rejoices, you are to rejoice with him. Take for example a wedding,…
Read MoreI want to help people, but it is hard when you are not appreciated
Question: I was baptized when I was 16 years old. I am now in my twenties. I’ve always had a heart for people, and I love helping people. I feel like I was put here to help others, but my problem is that I don’t like the feeling of people not giving and helping me…
Read MoreDespising His Name
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/DespisingHisName.mp3 by Alan Feaster
Read MoreWhy does Deuteronomy 25:11-12 make it sound like it is wrong for a wife to protect her husband?
Question: Hello. I am confused about Deuteronomy 25:11-12. Why is it wrong for a wife to protect her husband from an attacker? Is it because she grabs him by the testicles? But won’t that be a wise move, seeing that a “low blow” will be her best chance at overcoming a stronger opponent? I understand…
Read MoreHow should the table of the Lord be treated after services?
Question: I have a question about the Lord’s Supper. To be more specific, it concerns the Lord’s table itself. How should it be looked at? Is the table seen as just a table during and after the Lord’s Supper is conducted or services have ended? I attend a small church. I’m asking this question because…
Read MoreAre we married when he never divorced his wife?
Question: Hi, I have a question. My boyfriend and I were in love, we loved God and wanted to be married, but he was married before. He married this woman, she cheated on him, he wanted a divorce but could not find her. They had been separated for seven years, so we sat in our…
Read MoreMy boyfriend broke up with me because of a “deliverance ministry”
Question: My (ex)boyfriend, about a month ago, called an online live deliverance session. Basically what happened was that this pastor had delivered him from “sexual demons.” She also said that he should end our relationship because it was not from God. I also called in a couple of days after discovering his session because after…
Read MoreWhat do you say when someone comes out of the closet?
Question: Hello! What should a Christian do if someone they love comes out of the closet? I had a close friend whom we haven’t talked to in person in about a year, and she recently came out of the closet. What do I say? How can I help, other than prayer? Answer: I assume you…
Read MoreYour answer against a person questioning his core belief was inappropriate
Question: I’m not sure if you’re the person I’m supposed to send this to, but your email was at the bottom of the page. I’m a member of the church and in regards to one of the Questions and Answer posts on the La Vista Church of Christ website, the response to one of the…
Read MoreMy boyfriend and I sinned this afternoon. What do we do?
Question: My boyfriend regretted having sex with me after I cried because I allowed him to have sex with me. I cried because I prayed to God some years back that I was never going to engage in sex before marriage, but I was able to control myself these last few months with all the…
Read MoreWhy continue to ask for forgiveness if Jesus died for all our sins?
Question: A friend and I found a small church to attend, but their pastor prays at the beginning of their service asking for forgiveness of their sins. This made me wonder: Jesus died on the cross for us and he put the past, present, and future sins on that cross with him, so all of…
Read MoreHow Have You Loved Us?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/HowHaveYouLovedUs.mp3 by Alan Feaster
Read MoreI’m such a hypocrite. I fell into sexual immorality
Question: Hello, I really need help as I feel totally hopeless. I gave my life to Christ in college after God saved me from untimely death. I have been so hot for God, going about doing evangelism and, by the grace of God, many people have come to know Christ through me. However, recently I…
Read MoreCan I be forgiven if I sin after I was baptized?
Question: I was baptized a few months ago, and I turned myself into the name of the Lord. Everything has been going well. I feel alive and well again. I’ve been talking to a very special girl (she is baptized as well). The other day I met up with her, and we ended up kissing,…
Read MoreDoes the church curse an erring brother when withdrawing from him?
Question: Does the church curse an erring member in the cause of the withdrawal of fellowship, according to I Corinthians 16:22? Answer: “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!” (I Corinthians 16:22). The Greek anathema, translated here as “accursed,” is defined by the Vines Dictionary as: “Curse,…
Read MoreThe Fallacy of the “Phobia” Charge
by Doy Moyer Typically, by its very nature, a phobia is an irrational fear. Phobiasource tells us that real phobias are emotional or anxiety disorders causing one to experience intense irrational fear. The person’s reaction is automatic (uncontrollable), and may result in a rapid heartbeat, shaking and trembling, the feeling of need to flee, shortness…
Read MoreI don’t think I have sufficient faith
Question: Hello Brother, I came across your website over a year ago and have found it to be sound and very helpful. I am a member of the body of Christ, the church of Christ. I am 21 years old and have been a Christian for many years and have seen how the gospel of…
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