Archive for 2003
Raising Children
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. This generation is full of unusual ideas about how to raise children A. Many are leftovers of failed experiments that continue to hang around. 1. Don’t spank children a. It is a form of child abuse or could lead to it. b. It is unnatural to restrict children 2. Ignore children – you have your own…
Read MoreThe Promises to Abraham
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Genesis 12:1-3 I. Once in while I run across people who ask when God is going to fulfill the promises he made to Abraham. A. Here is a typical quote, “So if we are to believe God and his word, then all his promises, and all the prophecies must be fulfilled,…
Read MorePredetermined Destinies
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Many in the world believe in fates and destinies A. They believe there is a specific role they must play, which they cannot avoid. B. Calvanists call it Unconditional Election. Some people are predestined to become Christians and there is nothing they can do to avoid it. 1. They also claim the opposite. That…
Read MorePreaching the Crucified Christ
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Corinthians 1:17-31 I. What does it mean to “preach Christ crucified”? – I Corinthians 1:23 A. The message of the cross is the power of God – I Corinthians 1:18 B. The message of the cross is God’s means of salvation – I Corinthians 1:21 C. Therefore, it is the gospel (good…
Read MoreThe Authenticity of Mark 16:9-20
by Jim Snapps II “Does Mark 16:9-20 belong in the Bible?” The church has answered “Yes” for centuries. Many in the church still do. But in the 1800s, scholars questioned the originality of these 12 verses. Many scholars today take it for granted that the Gospel of Mark originally did not contain this passage. Its style and…
Read MoreIs Mark 16:9-20 Spurious or Genuine?
by Howard See Truth Magazine XIX: 29, pp. 454-455, May 29, 1975 In a recent, late-night television interview of a snake-handling preacher from East Tennessee, the text of Mark 16:9-20 was attacked as being spurious. This was an effort to try to offset the teaching in Mark 16:18, “‘They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly…
Read MoreIs Mark 16:9-20 genuine?
Question: Does Mark 16:9-20 really belong in our Bibles? Answer: “Is Mark 16:9-20 Spurious or Genuine?” by Howard See is an excellent review of the question. For details on the question, see The Authenticity of Mark 16:9-20 by Jim Snapp. “Some Bible scholars doubt the authenticity of 16:9-20, insisting that Mark did not write this portion. These verses are…
Read MoreDoesn’t Romans 5:1 teach we are saved by faith alone?
Question: Doesn’t Romans 5:1 teach that we are saved by faith alone? Answer: Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This proves that justification requires faith, but your stated goal was to prove that justification was by faith alone. There is no indication of exclusiveness in this…
Read MoreIf man must be baptized to be saved, why do so many passages only mention faith?
Question: The Bible teaches throughout the New Testament that faith and faith alone is necessary for salvation. John 1:12-13; John 3:15; John 3:16; John 3:18; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:35; John 6:40; John 6:47; John 7:38-39; John 11:25-26; John 20:31; Acts 2:21; Acts 10:43; Acts 11:17; Acts 13:38-39; Acts 15:11; Acts 16:31; Acts 20:21; Romans 1:16;…
Read MoreDoes the term “brother” indicate Saul was saved prior to baptism?
Question: Since Ananias calls Saul “Brother” prior to Saul’s baptism, doesn’t this prove that Saul was saved before he was baptized? Answer: The verse in question is Acts 22:13 which reads, “and he [Ananias] stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him.” As the conversation between Ananias and…
Read MoreMeditation
Text: Psalm 119:145-152 I. It is one of those minor points brought out by the Bible, a seemingly incidental detail that you almost overlook – Genesis 24:63 A. Isaac took a stroll in the evening in a field to meditate. 1. We are given a hint as to why in verse 67. The death of his mother…
Read MoreObedience Is Not Enough
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Ps. 110:3 – God’s people will be volunteers A. A reference to this age and to this people assembled here B. What does it mean that you are volunteers? 1. Today, we have a president interested in increasing volunteers 2. He is even willing to compensate them, but that is not what being a volunteer…
Read MoreNarrow-Minded Beliefs
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Micah 6:1-8 I. At times when I study with someone, I’m told that taking a firm stance on certain matters is legalism. People believe that religion is supposed to be about accepting other people, no matter what they believe (well, within reason). A. When you insist that only one way is…
Read MoreMen of Debase Minds
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Isaiah 5:18-24 I. Starting in Romans 1:18, Paul lays out the moral decay of the Gentile society A. All men at one time knew God, but there came a point in the Gentile society when the true God was rejected.- Romans 1:18-21 1. He was replaced with gods of man’s imagination, copied…
Read MoreCommand or Custom?
An Exposition Of I Corinthians 11:1-16 by Hiram O. Hutto The first sixteen verses of the eleventh chapter of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth has been the subject of much controversy. The verses themselves are not difficult to understand, and the controversy has not been so much over the meaning as it has…
Read MoreWhy do some women wear a cloth on their heads during worship?
Question: Why do some women wear a cloth on their heads during worship? Answer: The wearing of a head covering has been debated for numerous years. I doubt any single article will forever settle the question, but Hiram Hutto wrote probably one of the best articles I have read on the subject. Brother Hutto comes…
Read MoreIt’s Not What I Expected
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Isaiah 53:1-12 I. Perhaps you are wondering A. Where are the special Christmas displays and decorations? B. How come the bulletin doesn’t mention the Christ’s birth? C. This is not what I expected! II. Naaman – II Kings 5:1-19 A. Naaman was expecting Elisha to come out of his house, wave his arms and chant…
Read MoreIs There Salvation Outside of Christ?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 4:1-14 I. In the summer of 2002, Catholic theologians made the news. A. From an article by Alan Cooperman, Washington Post, August 18, 2002 A committee of the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops has negated the death of Christ, and invalidated his declaration, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:3-7).…
Read MoreIn Truth
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II John I. Truth is Jesus Christ – John 14:6 A. The book of II John expands on this idea B. The book is written by the Apostle, and Elder, John C. To whom it is addressed has been debated 1. Some see “elect lady” as a symbol of the church, but if so,…
Read MoreHow can the Old Covenant be everlasting and yet come to an end?
Question: Since the Old Testament in many places talks about the “everlasting covenant” with the Israelites, why is it no longer everlasting? Answer: The word “everlasting” does not necessarily mean “infinite.” The world is described as lasting forever, but we know from II Peter 3 that there is a terminating point. Instead, the correct definition…
Read MoreCan you explain “expediency”?
Question: Could you help me understand “expedients”? I have heard the term used for explaining why churches use money for certain things like a building or songbooks. Could you expand on this in light of what the work of the church is, what the collection is for, etc.? Answer: The Apostle Paul wrote, “All things…
Read MoreI Can Always Ask for Forgiveness Later
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 6 I. In pointing out some actions are sinful, it is not unusual to find people making excuses as to why they can continue in their sin A. I once pointed out that sex before marriage is sinful B. A girl objected. Oh, she and her boyfriend haven’t had sex per…
Read MoreHuman Sacrifices?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Judges 11:29-40 I. There are two stories that cause some concern because they involve the concept of sacrificing a human being to God. A. They cause concern because the Bible is very clear about God’s opinion on human sacrifices. B. The slaying of humans invokes a death sentence – Genesis 9:5 C. False…
Read MoreHomosexuality
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Discussions of homosexuality have been occupying prominent places in the news A. Many arguments that the rights of those practicing homosexual relationships need to be protected. B. Arguments that homosexual relationships are normal and should be taught in public schools as acceptable alternatives. C. Annoucements of new studies attempting to find the cause of…
Read MoreHalloween
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. What is your reputation like? A. As Christians, you are a city set on a hill, whose light cannot be hid – Mt. 5:14-16 1. We are to let our lights shine as our reputation reflects the Father and brings him glory. B. Phil. 2:15-16 – We hold out the light of the gospel…
Read MoreWhat happens to children when they die?
Question: What happens to children when they die? Answer: The Bible states that children go to heaven when they die. Take a look at this example: “So Nathan went to his house. Then the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. David therefore inquired of God…
Read MoreHow do we start biblical discipline when our children are already older?
Question: I have a question in relation to child discipline. I have a 13-year-old son and an 8-year-old son. My wife and I realized of late the problems we caused by following non-biblical consequences with our boys. My oldest son has been lying and my youngest has problems with obedience. I read your parenting articles and was…
Read MoreAre Christians commanded to physically labor?
Question: I know a Christian is required to work (I Thessalonians 4:11), but since it says “laboring with your hands” doesn’t that mean only manual labor? Answer: There are several passages which command Christians to labor. Ephesians 4:28 “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is…
Read MoreWho were the Nicolaitans?
Question: Who were the Nicolaitans? Answer: The work “Nicolaitan” is only mentioned in Revelation 2:6 and 2:15. It comes from the Greek word nikolaites which literally means “a follower of Nicolaus.” Nicholas was a name used by some. For instance, one of the early deacons mentioned in Acts 6:5 was called Nicholas (“nicolaus” in the Greek). Whether this is the same Nicholas…
Read MoreIndwelling
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I was asked if I could explain the concept of indwelling, specifically the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is an interesting question because what is asked is not necessarily what the questioner intended to ask. Most who ask this question have numerous misconceptions that interfere with a plain answer to…
Read MoreEmotionalism
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2003/07/Emotionalism.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 20:18-38 I. When we look at the various denominations around us, it is hard to miss their enthusiasm and the emotional quality to the things that they do. A. They really get involved in their worship. B. The bigger churches services are large productions. C. A friend once told me about a…
Read MoreBe on the Alert
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Colossians 2:1-5 I. It is our natural tendency to interpret the actions of others with our own views. A. It is hard for those who are good to understand why people will do evil. B. While thinking about how to lead in to this lesson, I received the following e-mail back before…
Read MoreBeginning a New Year
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. The people of Israel stood at the edge of the promised land. The hopes of this people were about to be fulfilled. A. Giving detailed instructions on where they should go and not go, Joshua added this comment, “For you have not passed this way before.” B. It is easy to lose your…
Read MoreDoes an adulterer have to leave his second marriage in order to repent?
Question: I have a friend and I am trying to teach my friend the truth. I found out that he is in an adulterous relationship. His wife was married before but for only one year. The marriage did not end because of fornication. She is now married to my friend. They have been married 25…
Read MoreAnswering the Sabbatarian
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Colossians 2:8-23 I. Though only a minority, there are several denominations who believe that worship should take place on the Sabbath – the seventh day of the week A. Those adhering to the ideas that the Sabbath day regulations of the Old Testament should be keep today are very vocal B. Let…
Read MoreTeaching Unpopular Doctrine
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Some questions are difficult to answer, not because the Bible is unclear on a matter, but because there is a strong bias against the correct answer within the culture. Today, we have no difficulty speaking against idolatry. Even non-Christians understand that worshiping an idol is a worthless effort, just as God…
Read MoreHow could Jesus be the son of David?
Question: I hear people say that the son of David was the “savior” Is this true? If this is so, please explain how Jesus could be the son of David. Answer: In the days when the Bible was written, the term “son” or “daughter” was used more loosely than we use it in today’s English.…
Read MoreI do not believe you can lose your salvation
Question: Well I do not believe you can lose salvation. There is too much teaching of it being eternal and If we could lose it that means we can also keep it right? If we can keep it that means it has something to do with us and not just of God. There is a…
Read MoreWhat is wrong with pre-marital sex?
Question: What is wrong with pre-marital sex? If your spouse finds out that you are bad at sex after you are married, won’t your spouse leave you for someone else? Answer: Here lies a classic argument of “Let us do evil that good may come” (Romans 3:8). You want to prevent your future spouse from…
Read MoreCan I lose my way to heaven?
Question: Can I lose my way to heaven? Answer: Obviously, Paul thought that it was possible. “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have…
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