Did Baasha die in the 26th year of King Asa’s reign or was he still alive in the 36th year?
Question: Did Baasha, the king of Israel die in the 26th year of King Asa’s reign (I Kings 15:33), or was he still alive in the 36th year (II Chronicles 16:1)? Answer: “In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha the son of Ahijah became king over all Israel at Tirzah, and reigned…
Read MoreDid Solomon have 40,000 stalls for his horses or 4,000 stalls?
Question: Did Solomon have 40,000 stalls for his horses (I Kings 4:26), or 4,000 stalls (II Chronicles 9:25)? Answer: “Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen” (I Kings 4:26). “And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in…
Read MoreIs there still hope for me?
Question: I am 53 and received Christ as my Savior as a teenager. I have, since then – lied, stolen, committed adultery and committed many other sins. I repent of these sins and am very sorry for them. I am ashamed to ask God for forgiveness since Jesus already suffered for me on the cross.…
Read MoreWhat do I need to do to return to a congregation?
Question: Dear Sir, I have not been attending church services regularly for about two years. I’m a baptized believer and had been attending a church of Christ. My reasons for not going were due to a lot of different things, but these don’t excuse my absence. I’ve recently started going back but I am confused…
Read MoreDo we need to redo our confession before the church?
Question: Dear Preacher, I must thank you for the wonderful work you are doing to help the churches of Christ. I have an issue that I would like you to help me with. I fornicated with a lady in church, and she is pregnant. We spoke to church elders about our intentions to marry because…
Read MoreA Foolish Consistency
by Ken Green When I first began preaching, I was enamored by religious debates. They were declining in popularity, but there were still a few taking place. They are now extremely rare. Some debates were transcribed and published and I read all of them that I could find. I eventually participated in a number of…
Read MoreYour answer on the Azusa Street Revival was excellent
Question: Hello. God bless you. I read your excellent question and answer about the Azusa Street Revival. Most of the documentaries that I have been able to find on this cursed movement of Satan are apologies, speaking of it in glowing terms when they should be lamenting the error-prone and unbiblical elements of this “bad tree” that…
Read MoreInstruments of Music in Worship
by Matthew W. Bassford Photo by Chad Z on Unsplash I think the use of musical instruments in our assemblies is a worthwhile subject for a couple of different reasons. First, it’s something that stands out about our services as compared to church services elsewhere. Visitors to our assemblies are nearly guaranteed to notice that…
Read MoreWhy did my pet die?
Question: Hello! I’m an 18-year-old girl who is beginning to have doubts about my faith. The reason is that I recently had to put down my pet rat and I am taking it pretty rough. It is so rough that I’m doubting myself and my religion (Catholic). My questions are these: Is she in heaven right…
Read MoreCan I continue dating the girl I’ve been sinning with?
Question: Please people of God I really need your prayers, I am a youth of 26 years. I am a Christian. I am in deep sorrow, and I feel like this is the end for me. I feel like God can never forgive me for what I have been doing. I have been fornicating, masturbating,…
Read MoreNested Coding in DNA is Evidence of Design
Source: “BioEssays Editor: “‘Junk’ DNA… Full of Information!” Including Genome-Sized “Genomic Code”,” Evolution News & Science Today, 18 November 2019. “The paper finds that our DNA contains overlapping layered “’dual-function’ pieces of information,” including a “genomic code” that spans virtually the entire genome in order to “defin[e] the shape and compaction of DNA into the highly-condensed…
Read MoreI’m having trouble dealing with a murder-suicide
Question: Good morning brother, I am and have been conflicted with a serious and tragic event for about a month now. I would like some direction on how to deal with it if you could. Recently, a former elder of our congregation took the life of his wife and himself in what we commonly refer…
Read MoreWill I make God angry by my sins before marriage?
Question: There was a lady I was dating before I was born again. Both of our parents knew we were dating and they really supported it. Along the way, I was saved. Soon I took her to the church where I was attending and she was born again too. After we both were born again…
Read MoreWhy do I feel guilty about dating after my divorce?
Question: My ex-husband and I cheated on each other during the time we were married. Looking back I can see that we were lukewarm Christian. I cheated on him at the last because he came home and told me he loved this other girl and everything and he cheated on me a lot and I…
Read MoreWhere Do Sermon Ideas Come From?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Where-Do-Sermon-Ideas-Come-From.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 4:6-16 I. It is hard to come up with ideas to write about constantly. We speak of “writer’s block.” A. A preacher typically gives about 100 lessons per year plus teaches classes. B. But finding and selecting topics can be hard, even if all you need is an idea…
Read MoreWhich law is the law?
Question: I have a friend who has fallen into the World Mission Society Church of God which is an anti-Christian cult. I have been trying to witness to her and she had presented me with different beliefs that I’m having trouble answering in regards to the law. I was hoping you could help with a…
Read MoreGive Attention to Reading
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Give-Attention-to-Reading.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 4:1-16 I. Timothy was told to give attention to reading, exhortation, and teaching (I Timothy 4:13) A. You cannot teach without knowledge about the subject you are teaching B. You cannot encourage people to go the right direction if you don’t know where you are going. C. So let’s focus…
Read MoreWere there other animals in the garden beside the serpent?
Question: Were there animals in the garden of Eden apart from the snake that Satan used as his tool? Answer: On the sixth day, prior to Eve being created, we are told: “Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to…
Read MoreAre movies that depict Jesus violating the rule to make no image of God?
Question: Hello, I have a couple of questions. Does the movie “The Passion of Christ” violate Exodus 20:4-5? I understand that there is no idol worship here, but making images from that which is in heaven would apply, it seems. I read your article about the review of the movie and this issue was not…
Read MoreHow do we deal with homosexual family members?
Question: My husband’s sister is homosexual and is living with a partner. My son’s wife is best friends with a homosexual woman who is married to another woman. As a Christian who believes that everything Christ taught and everything the Bible says is true, I know this is wrong. My question is this, I love…
Read MoreI fell back into pornography after having left it for years
Question: I am very embarrassed to bring this up — embarrassed and very afraid. I am a Christian and have attended the church of Christ my entire life. As a teenager, I finally came forward in repentance and was immersed into Christ. I struggled for a long long time — over a decade — asking for…
Read MoreFrom Bad to Good
by Mike Johnson Text: Philippians 1:12-14 Paul Arrives in Rome in Chains Acts 28:15-16 Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in prison. His trial had probably already taken place, and he seemed to be waiting for the verdict. It appears he expected to be released but was uncertain about it. Paul, no doubt, did…
Read MoreWill we be judged regarding how much we know about the Bible?
Question: Will we be judged regarding how much we know about the Bible? Answer: Judgment Day is not like taking a final exam in school. “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I…
Read MoreWas I married without my consent?
Question: I will like to first thank you for the work you do. I have a problem that is bothering me, and I would like to seek answers. I met a lady while in my second year at university. We dated for a while, but we had many challenges as we disagree on a lot…
Read MoreWill everyone see God’s face?
Question: Hello. Will everyone see the face of God the Father on judgment day? I know that every eye will see Jesus, even those who pierced Him. Is seeing the face of God the Father only a privilege for the saved? I appreciate your time. Answer: I believe you are striving to make a distinction…
Read MoreWhere do prayers go?
Question: Where do all prayers go? Does God answer all prayers, even those of Muslims, Hindus, etc. although they pray to false gods? I heard from someone that the Bible says all prayers and praise reach God only. Is there scriptural evidence for this? Thanks. Answer: There is only one God. The gods of other…
Read MoreIs studying to get a good job unnecessary?
Question: Hello, There is this person who thinks that studying a lot to get good jobs is unnecessary. He feels that people go after good jobs in order to make money and hold a good position in society. I agree partially with this, but of course, there is a sense of commitment too. The argument…
Read MoreHow can a husband’s faith grow if his wife does not submit to his authority?
Question: I want to express my appreciation for those behind this website. You are doing great work for the Lord. Now my questions: The problem of submissiveness: How can the husband grow in faith when his wife does not submit to his authority? Divorce: Does forgiveness means that we must go back to where we…
Read MoreIs it wrong to date someone from the church you attend?
Question: I have a question regarding church discipline. I attend a congregation where a brother has dated several sisters in the same congregation. Also, some of them have left this congregation. Should I stay or look for another place of worship? Is this acceptable? Thanks for your cooperation. Answer: If I take your question exactly…
Read MoreHow Do You Show Love?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/How-Do-You-Show-Love.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Corinthians 5:6-21 I. It seems that today, showing another person love means never telling them they are wrong or criticizing them any way A. People claim to be offended if other person disagrees with them or points out a flaw in their behavior 1. Islamaphob! Homophob! Etc. 2. To take a…
Read MorePope Tells Christians Not to Evangelize
Source: Thomas D. Williams, PH.D., “Pope Francis Tells Christians Not to Try to Convert Nonbelievers,” Breitbart, 22 December 2019. Source: “Visit to the ‘Pilo Albertelli’ Classic High School in Rome: Dialogue of the Holy Father Francis with the Students”, Vatican Publishing House, 20 December 2019. “Pope Francis told Christian high school students this weekend they…
Read MoreHow could the Son of God grow in wisdom?
Question: I believe Jesus was omniscient while on Earth, but could you explain “grew in wisdom” as discussed in Luke 2:52? Answer: Interestingly we find: “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40). “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with…
Read MoreDoes God allow common-law marriages?
Question: Hello, I am a newborn Christian, baptized into Christ two years ago. I would like to ask: because fornication is a big deal for God, at what point is it considered marriage in the Bible? Forgive me please if I’m wrong, but it seems the Bible does not talk about standing before the preacher…
Read MoreThe commands regarding marriage and divorce are confusing if you use any in MMLJ
Question: The commands and patterns of marriage and divorce are confusing if you use any in MMLJ for today’s people. Answer: “For some people, if they are unable to understand something, then it must be wrong. In discussing false teachers, Jude warns, “But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they…
Read MoreAn Overview of the Old Testament Prophets
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/OverviewOfOldTestamentsProphets.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Hosea 14 I. The Old Testament is divided into three major sections: the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets – Luke 24:44 A. The Law refers to the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy B. The Prophets or teachings were divided by the Jews into two sets: 1. The…
Read MoreIs “Drink from it, all of you” an accurate translation of Matthew 26:27?
Question: Dear Brother, Thank you for your work. I appreciate it a lot. My question is this: in the NIV version, at Matthew 26:27, it says, “Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you.” And in the KJV version, it…
Read MoreThank you for your explanation on predestination
Question: I just wanted to thank you for your explanation of predestination. I can’t express to you the comfort that provided me. Thank you. Answer: I’m glad the material here is useful to your studies of the Bible.
Read MoreDear Neighbor
Adapted from a flier sent out by the Church of Christ at Appleton, Wisconsin Are you looking for a more genuine relationship with Jesus? Do you long for a deeper sense of peace and hope in your life? Perhaps the Christians at Elm Grove can help. We don’t claim to be perfect or have all…
Read MoreThank you for the breakdown of the books of the Bible
Question: First and foremost, thank you for publishing this valuable tool for studying the books of the Bible. I’ve been doing some study with my parents and wanted something as a guide to breakdown each chapter and this will be a great outlook. Pray for me please, I am a member of the body trying…
Read MoreIs the bread Jesus’ body or does it represent Jesus’ body?
Question: Good morning. I have looked at your site for many years and have found the devotion and the knowledge skill set to be very helpful, in my walk of life with God. Thank you. So often, in the Lord’s Supper, the men presiding will say, “which represents His body” and “which represents His blood”…
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