Was the great commission only commanded to the apostles?
Question: Was the great commission only commanded to the apostles? Answer: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy…
Read MoreJehovah’s Witnesses Failed Prophecies
by Jefferson David Tant Jehovah’s Witnesses are known throughout much of the world. Their zeal in spreading their doctrines by sending out missionaries who go from door to door is well known. While we admire their commitment to their doctrines, we must acknowledge that their faith is not based on a solid foundation. This religion…
Read MoreHow do I be forgiven for eavesdropping?
Question: I had a problem with eavesdropping. Do I need to tell the people I’ve been eavesdropping on that I’ve done it or is it enough that I asked God for forgiveness and stopped eavesdropping? I’m kind of confused, in general, about when we’re required to tell someone about a sin that may have involved…
Read MoreWhat If the Lord’s Church Was up to You?
by Terry Wane Benton What if a local church of Christ in your area was totally up to you? What if the Lord was counting on you to make sure there is a sound, biblical and encouraging church that existed and continued to hold up the truth of the gospel? If it weakens or dies,…
Read MoreIdeal Versus the Real
by Jeff Wolverton Sentry Magazine, December 1999 As Christians, we are instructed to add the Christian graces to our life (II Peter 1:5-8). We are also told that if we love Christ we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). James tells us that if we stumble at one point we have become guilty of all…
Read MoreMy past makes me unworthy of God
Question: I have been doing well concerning abstaining from pornography. I suppose it has been over a year since I last involved myself in that mess. Prior to that, I had gone about three years without giving in to it. I certainly can’t say I have overcome that sin, but I guess I would say…
Read MoreThe Inspiration and Preservation of Scripture
by George P. Estes Sentry Magazine, December 1999 That Scripture is the word of God is accepted by all who believe in God and in Jesus. This includes the sixty-six books we call the Bible. ln this age, some nineteen hundred years from the apostles of Christ, we need proof of what we have. And…
Read MoreSin Synonyms
by Joan Rieber Sentry Magazine, December 1999 Sometimes reading the scripture in English is like eating diet food, you get volume, but the flavor and texture are lacking. Word studies in the original languages can supply what is missing. The Greek words for ‘sin’ are especially rich. I am not a scholar, so some of…
Read MoreWhen I Grow Up
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/When-I-Grow-Up.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Lamentations 3:19-38 I. Have you noticed how the world sets up different standards for children and adults? A. You can’t smoke until you’re a certain age B. You can’t drink until you have reached 21 C. In some ways it makes sense, we want to protect our children while they are young…
Read MoreYou Are Enough
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/You-Are-Enough.mp3 by Garry Floyd I want to communicate the importance of self-worth. Scripture Reading: Psalms 139:1-6 Forward Upon what should our self-worth be based? What gives us value as human beings? How can we focus on inner beauty in a culture seemingly obsessed with physical beauty? Is it possible to find our worth in God…
Read MoreI’m not sure I’m ready to explain to someone why I believe what I believe
Question: I do so much appreciate the work you have put into your website. I have consulted it regularly. I am in my late 60s. I obeyed the Gospel a few years ago and it has changed my life. I was re-reading I Peter 3:15 and it became clear to me that I am not…
Read MoreMy husband doesn’t know, but I committed fornication before we were married
Question: I found your website, and I’ve been reading it a lot. I’m overwhelmed with grief and shame. I’ve been married for over 10 years. I love my husband and children dearly. Before we were married I committed fornication. He doesn’t know and assumed I was a virgin. We never spoke about it. I’ve repented of my…
Read MoreThank you for your insights
Question: God has brought me to your insights to guide me down the path of God, and for this, I thank you. Answer: I’m glad you have found the website useful.
Read MoreThank you for sharing “Searching for My Friend”
Question: Just a note of thanks for sharing this post and the notes to your friend. I pray that he is still on the right path. There was much wisdom in your notes. I have a son who is headed down the same path that your friend was on. Your approach has given me hope,…
Read MoreDo I let go of my failing marriage?
Question: I’m sorry this is a bit long. My husband has cheated on me several times in our marriage. Each time, he would convince me he would change, and he would for a few years, but then it would happen again and again. I would take him back and just pray and hope he wouldn’t…
Read MoreCan you break a covenant with Satan and turn back to God?
Question: Hello sir, I have quite a few questions if that’s alright. Is it possible to make a covenant with Satan and break a covenant with God? Can you break the covenant with Satan and turn back to God? Does God ever lose hope in someone and cut them off completely? Does God love all…
Read MoreMeasuring Acceptability
by Whit Sasser In II Corinthians 8:12 we read, “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” This principle of God’s word is to be respected, as well as all others. Sadly, there seem to be many areas…
Read MoreAre You Discouraged?
by Jefferson David Tant Whit Sasser, a friend who preaches up in Appleton, Wisconsin, recently had a short piece in the church’s weekly bulletin titled “Measuring Acceptability.” His good comments have encouraged me to add some thoughts of my own, as well as to build on some writing I have done on the matter of…
Read MoreI Have Put My Trust in God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/I-Have-Put-My-Trust-in-God.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 56 I. It is far too easy to read the stories in the Bible and not think about the feelings of the people involved. A. Joshua was chosen to follow Moses as leader of Israel, but he must have been very nervous – Joshua 1:2,9 B. We think of the boldness…
Read MoreIs it compulsory to marry and have children?
Question: Is it compulsory to marry? Is it compulsory to bear children? If you don’t bear children are you sinning against God and Genesis 1:28? Answer: “But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. … I think then that this is good in view…
Read MoreThe American Dutch Reformed Chinese
by Ed Harrell Vanguard (Volume 5 No. 6), March 22, 1979, p. 339 Can you interpret that? The Reformed churches grew out of John Calvin’s teachings during the Reformation and, like most other churches of the period, quickly divided along national lines. When Dutch Reformed immigrants came to America they established an independent denomination, making…
Read MoreHow Noah Was Saved
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/How-Noah-Was-Saved.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 3:18-22 I. In our reading, Peter draws on the account of Noah’s salvation to illustrate how the Christian is saved. A. Many people object to the straight forward reading of I Peter 3:21 because it stands contrary to what they have accepted. 1. To many people, baptism is simply…
Read MoreOur Roles Are Not Shameful
by Jarrod M. Jacobs God created man and woman (Genesis 2:7, 18-25; Matthew 19:4). He also made them to fulfill specific roles on this earth. In Genesis 2:18-25, God states that man and woman have certain roles and responsibilities. These roles have transcended the years and the confines of countries and are with us to…
Read MoreWere the prayers in I Corinthians 11 referring to praying in an unknown tongue?
Question: Good day, Regarding I Corinthians 11:3-16, where women commanded to cover their heads while praying and prophesying. Some argue that the prayer mentioned in that verse was a miraculous activity connected with prophecy. God talked to man through the Spirit. In I Corinthians 14:14, Paul mentioned praying with an unknown tongue. “For if I…
Read MoreWhy would we need to work out our salvation when God is working in us?
Question: In Philippians 2:12, we are told to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. But verse 13 says “for it is God worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” I have never, to my knowledge, heard verse 13 quoted before. It seems most stop at verse…
Read MoreThere Are Three
by Jefferson David Tant In our Bible studies and teaching, we often refer to God the Father and Christ the Son. Obviously, this is good, as they are prominent figures in our creation, salvation, and daily living. We are also aware that there is a third being that is one of the God-head, and that…
Read MoreAre these points about Easter true?
Question: Is this true? Origin of Easter: Origin of word, “Easter”: Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring: “Eostre” In her honor sacrifices were offered at the vernal equinox or spring By 8th century church leaders applied “Eostre” to Christ’s resurrection In Acts 12:4, “Passover” in mistranslated “Easter” is in some Bibles Origin of symbols of Easter: Easter…
Read MoreI’m still confused why Matthew used “Eli” while Mark used “Eloi”
Question: Your explanation of the above subject is a bit confusing because we are told that the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew to English while the New Testament was translated from Greek to English. So, I expect them to pick the pronunciation of the same words uttered before translation into English or any other language. Thanks. Answer:…
Read MoreJonah – Wrath of Man / Mercy of God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jonah-Wrath-of-Man-Mercy-of-God.mp3 by Ross Ward We all know the story, but have we really gotten the point? Story The book is about Jonah Not gentile city Outline of book Ch 1 – Jonah runs from God Ch 2 – Jonah’s salvation Ch 3 – Nineveh’s salvation Ch 4 – God’s mercy on Jonah Jonah’s faults Wrath…
Read MoreDavid – A Man After God’s Own Heart
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/David-A-Man-After-Gods-Own-Heart.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: I Samuel 13:14 The Story II Samuel 11:2-5 – sin with Bathsheba A time when Kings go to war Bathsheba was very beautiful David inquires about her David summons her Has a relationship with her A child is conceived Progression of sin Saw Dwelt on her Inquired about her Summoned…
Read MoreFeeling Wanted and Needed
by Terry Wane Benton We were very young (24) when we first started preaching full time or “living of the gospel” (I Corinthians 9:7-14). God providentially put us in the right place (Berney Points in Birmingham, AL) for this early training ground. We needed to feel wanted and needed in this first attempt, and the…
Read MoreFreedom in Christ (Bassford)
by Matthew W. Bassford A few days ago, I posted a bulletin article about Galatians 3:23-25 and Paul’s proclamation that we are no longer under the Law of Moses. In particular, I applied this to the use of instrumental music in worship and explained that the use of the instrument in Psalms and elsewhere is…
Read MoreWhat If It Became a Crime to Assemble?
by Terry Wane Benton In China, it is reported that if you do not renounce your faith in Jesus you will be tortured till you do. If that is so, I wonder how many of us would renounce Christ? In parts of Nigeria, you will be killed for believing in Jesus. In some states here,…
Read MoreDavid – A Child’s Faith
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/David-A-Childs-Faith.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: I Samuel 17:32-37 David’s Faith David Overcame Vs. 33-35 – bear and lion 33 – a youth 34 – shepherding 34-35 – lion and bear take a lamb David caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him 37 – The Lord that delivered me… will deliver me…
Read MoreThe Guardian of the Law
by Matthew W. Bassford When visitors from denominational backgrounds come to our assemblies, they are often puzzled by our tradition of a-cappella singing. “Why don’t they use instruments?” they wonder. If we explain that the Scriptures do not authorize the use of instruments in worship, they may be Biblically savvy enough to point to passages,…
Read MoreRuth – A Woman of Virtue
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ruth-A-Woman-of-Virtue.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: Ruth 3:11 Defining Virtuous Brown Driver & Briggs – strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army Strong’s – probably a force; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength Army 56x Man of valor 37x Host 29x Forces 14x Valiant 13x Strength 12x Riches 11x Wealth 10x Power 9x Substance 8x Might 6x Strong…
Read MoreBarnabas – The Encourager
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Barnabas-The-Encourager.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: Acts 4:31-37 Barnabas’ work in Acts Acts 4:31-37 – gave of himself Acts 9:26-30 – advocated for Saul in Jerusalem Acts 11:19-24 – qualities as a servant Acts 11:25-26 – advocates for Saul Acts 15:35-41 – advocates for John Mark Being a Barnabas Barnabas sacrificed himself Giving of his property…
Read MoreThe Mind of a Servant
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Mind-of-a-Servant.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: I Timothy 6:15 We are to have a mind of a servant – Luke 22:24-30 Mind of a servant Desire for preeminence Jew’s culture Matthew 23:5-12 – Scribes and Pharisees Matthew 6:1-18 – rebuking works that are performed to be seen of men Apostles Luke 22:24-30 – arguing over who…
Read MoreJesus – Humble Servant King
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jesus-Humble-Servant-King.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: Mark 11:1-11 The king of the Jews enters Jerusalem Mark 11:7-11 – on a colt donkey Zechariah 9:9-10 – fulfilling prophecy Significance of Donkey Horse symbol of war Size Strength Speed Chariots – Zechariah 9:10 Donkey symbol of peace Jesus was not a conquering King taking his kingdom by force…
Read MoreKing Saul – An “I” Problem
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/King-Saul-An-I-Problem.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: I Samuel 9-15 Looks to himself – at Gilgal I Samuel 13:5-14 – Saul offers sacrifice Samuel delayed Philistines prepared to attack Saul’s soldiers ran scared King Saul’s ‘I’ problem I saw, I said to myself, I have not, I forced myself I Samuel 12:24-25 – Samuel’s instructions for Israel…
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