Can parents annul their daughter’s marriage?
Question: Please Minister, Can it be right for a parent to annul the marriage of their daughter based on disrespectful behavior shown toward them by their son-in-law? Can a married woman divorce her husband based on the same reason? Answer: A marriage covenant is between a husband and wife (Matthew 19:4-6). Parents are not a…
Read MoreShould we pray to cover ourselves with the blood of Jesus?
Question: Is it OK, while we pray, to cover ourselves with the blood of Jesus? For example, we cover ourselves with the blood of Jesus for protection. Do you remember the Passover when a lamb’s blood was used for protection against death? In that same way, better blood that speaks more than that of a…
Read MoreAbigail’s Example
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/AbigailsExample.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. There is much to learn from the pages of the Old Testament A. It is true that we no longer live under the Law of Moses. It passed out of existence when Jesus died upon the cross. However, it doesn’t mean than God meant for the Christian to discard its teachings.…
Read MoreJumping to Conclusions
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/JumpingToConclusions.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Joshua 22:9-34 I. While we all wish to do what is right, at times our actions or our statements may mislead others who see us. A. The 2 ½ tribes on the east side of the Jordan wanted a memorial to remind both their descendants and the descendants on the…
Read MoreWhy am I having financial struggles, even though I serve God through ministry?
Question: Why am I having financial struggles, even after I chose God first and serve Him through ministry rather than a secular job? Answer: True preaching has never been known to pay well. While there were times Paul received enough financial support to focus completely on the preaching of the Gospel, there were many times…
Read MoreEach time a friend visits money goes missing
Question: Each time a colleague visits, my money goes missing. Twice he has visited and twice my money has gone missing. What should I do? Answer: I would say there is a strong probability that your colleague is using drugs. First, put your money in a safer place. Second, stop inviting this person into your…
Read MoreWhy Do People Refuse to Come to Jesus?
by Wayne Jackson Jesus was in Jerusalem attending one of the annual Jewish feasts—probably the Passover. On this occasion, he encountered a disabled man who had been in his affliction for some thirty-eight years. The Lord asked the poor gentleman if he would like to be made whole. After a brief exchange, Christ instructed the…
Read MoreWhy did God tell Hezekiah to set his house in order before he died?
Question: I want to know why God asked Hezekiah to set his house in order for he will die? Second, did Hezekiah actually set his house in order before he died after God added more years for him to live? Answer: While most of us do not know when we might die, some of us…
Read MoreI have learned more reading your website than what l have learned in all the churches I have gone to
Question: I am writing to thank you for this great website. I have learned more reading your website than what l have learned in all the churches I have gone to. I thank God for this wonderful website and secondly you for creating such a wonderful learning tool. May God bless you and all your…
Read MoreDid Mary lead prayers? Did people receive all the gifts of the Spirit?
Question: Thank you for taking my questions. We were discussing the upper room Wednesday night. Acts 1:13-17 mentions that Mary, Jesus’ mother, and other women were present. We were trying to determine if Mary herself was praying while all the people were there. I know some women prophesied back then. My option is she was…
Read MoreDoes John 14:26 apply to Christians today?
Question: Hi Jeff, Does John 14:26 apply to Christians today? If not, why? Thanks. Answer: “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that…
Read MoreThe Faith of an Atheist
by William J. Stewart Some time ago, I had the opportunity to talk with a self-proclaimed Atheist. I found it to be a rather interesting conversation. He discussed several things which he found to be adequate evidence to discount the existence of God, none of which stood to any measure of inspection. Yet, he vehemently…
Read MoreIs it wrong to pray to die?
Question: I am a member of the Lord’s church, and I would like to know if it is wrong to pray to die. I have had a couple of incurable health problems for years, and I just can’t take it anymore. It has robbed me of any chance at a good life here, and I’m…
Read MoreI don’t trust my boyfriend anymore
Question: I started dating a guy, who I believed had a strong passion for Christ and teaching others about him. We’ve been dating for less than a year, but I have come to realize how lustful he is, and how much he thought about sex and mutual masturbation. A few days into dating he began…
Read MoreYour website was the first step for me to convert from atheism to Christianity
Question: Hello sir, I talked to you around three and a half years ago. I just want to thank you! I grew up an atheist and converted three and a half years ago. Your website was the first step for me to come to faith. I am now training to be a missionary. Without your…
Read MoreHow could Jesus’ baptism save before his death?
Question: I am a member of the Church of Christ. My son-in-law has decided to follow the Baptist teachings. I have done much study on baptism since his decision. I have studied many questions on your site. I am perplexed by your responses on one set of verses: John 4:1-2. You seem to say in…
Read MoreShould a man confess that he helped someone steal?
Question: Ten years ago a friend of mine committed a crime. He helped a homeless man carry a computer screen to sell it for drugs, even though he himself never broke in but helped carry it from the outside. No harm to anyone was done as it was empty and just after midnight. Anyway, he…
Read MoreTrapped in a Lie
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/TrappedInALie.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: James 3:8-14 I. I ran across an article titled, “The Philosophical Contradictions of the Transgender Worldview” by Ryan T. Anderson A. The transgender movement claims “that people are what they claim to be, regardless of contrary evidence.” B. The lengths the promoters of transgenderism go to deny the obvious is mind…
Read MoreTrip Report – 2018 (Bali)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TripReport2018.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Thessalonians 2:7-13 I. Reading from Isaiah 35:1-10 A. Vs 3 – Encourage, strengthen B. Vs 8 – A highway – an easier way to travel through life II. My trips to the South Asian islands started in 2013. A. I had been studying with a young man, named Minghui, in the National…
Read MoreAnalyzing Arguments in Favor of Instrumental Music
by Mark Mayberry via Guardian of Truth, January 18, 1990 Christianity is a religion of faith. To walk by faith means that we live in harmony with God’s Word. This has special application to our expression of worship: It must be according to God’s will! Our faith, practice, and worship must be grounded in the teachings…
Read MoreThe Pattern for Personal Apostasy
by Dee Bowman It seems to me that even evil follows a predictable pattern. I have seen one or two persons, on rare occasions, suddenly and unexpectedly bolt from the faith and forsake God – seemingly all in one motion. However, this has certainly been the exception and not the rule. Most people who leave…
Read MoreWhy was an unclean animal used to symbolize Jesus’ tribe?
Question: Greetings, According to Leviticus 11:27, the lion is an unclean animal because of its paw. Therefore, how is it that the lion (Lion of the Tribe of Judah) is chosen as a type of Christ? Thank you. Answer: Unclean animals are a classification in regard to food. “Nevertheless these you shall not eat among…
Read MoreWho Wants to Be Happy?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/WhoWantsToBeHappy.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreStrengthen Your Brethren
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/StrengthenYourBrethren.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreDoes a confession need to be taken before baptism?
Question: We are having a problem with words in our congregation. When you baptize someone should you say the words “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the remission of your sins?” Or should you just immerse them and say nothing? Also, our preacher does not…
Read MoreDo parents need to explain why they made their decision?
Question: Not too long ago, I asked you a question about honoring parents. You led me to some very helpful links. Thanks. My new question to you is: What if the parents abuse their power? For example, what if a child owns a car and wants to drive it, and the parents tell him not…
Read MoreBetter Than Our Unrighteousness
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/BetterThanOurUnrighteousness.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreI read your online lessons and got baptized
Question: Dear Elder, Thank you for everything. I read your online lessons and got baptized. God bless you. Regards. Answer: Wonderful news!
Read MoreI don’t understand, our granddaughter is absolutely defiant of authority, even as a small child
Question: Hello, Thank you for the time you take to answer so many questions. My story is long and my questions are many being new to the church of Christ, so I will ask for insight into just one specific situation that is leaving my husband and me not really having accurate knowledge in this…
Read MoreWhy can’t two women or two men marry and become one flesh?
Question: Hello, I am a Christian and I struggle with homosexual feelings. One thing I’m stuck on is the statement that homosexuality is wrong because only a man and woman can become one flesh. Then I ask what is one flesh? And I get the answers… One flesh is having the same values One flesh…
Read MoreDoes marriage bring forgiveness for fornication?
Question: I have read a number of things that you have written, and I find you to be very well-spoken, and you explain points very well in an understanding way. However, I’m still a little lost. I’m trying to find out if, when two people who have committed premarital sex are married, whether or not…
Read MoreThe Passing of Billy Graham
by Dan Gatlin Billy Graham passed away today. Some may not be familiar with what he taught. He said, “I believe baptism is important, and I have been baptized. But I think we violate the Scriptures when we make baptism the prime requirement for salvation … Paul’s central theme was Christ and His saving power.…
Read MoreHow close of a friend can I be to someone who uses drugs?
Question: Hello Jeffrey, I hope you are doing well today. I have a question that I’ve always wondered about but never really been able to settle in my mind. Should a Christian hang out with an unbeliever? Obviously, Christians are not completely separate from unbelievers, but where is the line drawn? I have an old…
Read MoreWill sinners physically burn in hell?
Question: The Bible says after the judgment we who have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior will see eternal life, but those who did not will go and burn forever. I want to know what is that going to burn. Is it the spirit or the flesh? Answer: I don’t know that I…
Read MoreWhat a wonderful explanation about Sabbath keeping
Question: Hello preacher Jeffrey, What a wonderful explanation about Sabbath keeping. Surely we have been fed hamburgers for a long time. Your website has made me fold my hands and keep quiet for a while, praying to God to make a way for me to meet with you, sit next to you, and receive this plain…
Read MoreGod Wants Me to Be Happy
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/GodWantsMeToBeHappy.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 128 I. The same plot repeats through the stories of people’s lives A. A woman finds a man who pays more attention to her than her husband, so she divorces her husband to marry this other man because “God wants me to be happy.” B. Andy Diestelkamp tells this story:…
Read MoreWhat is Hades?
Question: Do I understand correctly that there is one place called “Hell” and another place called “Hades”? And Hades is where the souls of the dead go until the final day of judgment? Answer: The term Hades is a general reference to “the realm of the dead”. By itself, it means nothing about what happens…
Read MoreHas God forgiven my friend who is living with a married man?
Question: Hello, I have a close relative who is in an illegal relationship. He was married, but he knew that the marriage was already broken. He was trying to fix the situation when he realized there was no more love in his heart for his wife. He then reunited with a long-time friend via social…
Read MoreWe are having a really hard time not having sex before our wedding
Question: Hello, I have a question concerning sex before marriage. My fiancé and I are getting married in about four months, and we are having a really hard time with not having sex. Here’s why we are struggling so much. We are so ready to commit fully to each other and bring our lives together…
Read MoreWhat should I do to have my prayers answered the way that I pray them?
Question: What should I do to have my prayers answered the way that I pray them? Answer: I think the hardest thing to remember about prayer is that sometimes the answer is “no”. We have the ability to ask for far too much and a father cannot always grant everything that a child could want.…
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