Listened Up to This Word
by Hugh DeLong Paul stood on the steps leading to the temple area and addressed the Jewish people. They had falsely accused him of bringing a gentile, Trophimus, into the temple area. The Roman army rescued him, and now he speaks to the angry mob. When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they…
Read MoreDid Paul offer forgiveness before or after the Corinthians?
Question: Good day, If Matthew 16:19; 18:18; and John 20:23 are future perfect participles, would the same logic not apply in II Corinthians 2:10? That is, does Paul offer his forgiveness before or after the Corinthians? What did Paul mean by “in the presence of Christ”? Does it mean that he was forgiving sins by…
Read MoreUnintentional Sin
by Zeke Flores “If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally … then he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without defect, for his sin which he has committed” (Leviticus 4:27-28). Leviticus 4 deals with unintentional sin. Not rebellion, not defiance, just the stuff we do without thinking. The careless words. The…
Read MoreWhen Someone is Your Friend
by Terry Wane Benton When someone is your friend, he doesn’t stab you in the back, hurt you, and hold you at a distance. He defends you and upholds your honor. He doesn’t join in the disparaging talk of those who, for no good reason, decided that they did not like you or want you…
Read MorePerfectly Good Conscience
by Hugh DeLong “Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, ‘Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day'” (Acts 23:1). Paul will say in Acts 24:16: “In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before…
Read MoreFighting the Good Fight Against Feminism
by Vance E. Trefethen via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 2, June 1995 The word “Feminism” carries strong connotations. It is distressing to see it thrown about so casually by many whenever disagreements arise over the role of men and women in the church. It is always easier to label someone who disagrees with you…
Read MoreWhy Does God Delay So Long in Bringing Justice?
by Paul Earnhart via Biblical Insights, Vol. 14 No. 8, August 2014 In Ecclesiastes 8, the Preacher concludes his wise counsels and observations with the frequently repeated warning that, however great may be the wisdom of men, it can never penetrate and explain God’s work “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17; cf. also Ecclesiastes 1:18; 3:11; 6:12;…
Read MoreHandling the Hurdles
by George Hutto via Biblical Insights, Vol. 14 No. 8, August 2014 “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” (Matthew 18:7) The in-laws had given us that peach-colored leather couch, and brother Jim Underwood went with me to…
Read MoreA Word Fitly Spoken – The Power of a Positive “No”
by Andrew G. Berendt via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 1, March 1995 As you know, there is a nationwide campaign underway, being touted by everyone from the former First Lady of the United States to local elementary school teachers. We are reminded by billboards, T.V. and radio ads, bumper stickers, and badges, to “Just Say…
Read MoreIs Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sinful?
Question: Greetings, Is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or using nicotine alone a sin? When I say nicotine, I’m not talking about cigarettes, vapes, or chewing tobacco. Though I understand why people associate those things with nicotine. I used to vape for years, most of the day, to the point it was embarrassing that I couldn’t…
Read MoreBaptism – Faith in the Powerful Working of God
by Edwin Crozier I honestly do not understand why there is so much debate surrounding baptism. To be clear, I get the doctrinal wranglings and how they have developed. I just don’t understand how they hold sway in light of what the Bible clearly says about baptism. I’m not even really sure why the issue…
Read MoreA Slave to His Appetite
by David Gibson Esau was so famished the day he sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup that he probably had no trouble eating all that Jacob gave him. His eyes were not bigger than his stomach, but his stomach was bigger than his soul. Esau’s problem Like so many today, Esau allowed…
Read MoreSimple Offerings
by Zeke Flores “Now when anyone presents a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour, and he shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it” (Leviticus 2:1). The grain offering was simple: no animal, no blood; just flour, oil, and frankincense. It was the everyday…
Read MoreWilling to Die
by Hugh DeLong “Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus'” (Acts 21:13). Paul, the last of the apostles selected by Jesus, was to join the rest of the…
Read MoreKoine Greek – Discovered as the New Testament Language in the 1890s
by Luther Martin via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 1, March 1995 It could be considered one of the most mysterious yet most important detective stories of ancient and modern times. The God of heaven had provided a collection of sixty-six separately written books, designed to instruct mankind in morally upright thought, speech, and action. This…
Read MoreThe Five Acts of Worship?
by Gardner Hall via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 1, March 1995 It seems that some have begun to treat what are commonly called the “five acts” as if they were a heavenly checklist that God has given to local churches. Occasionally, one hears someone announce with solemn tones, “We have now completed one act of…
Read MoreDebate: The Days of Genesis 1
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 1, March 1995 Point by Shane Scott The Bible teaches that God created the universe from nothing. Contrary to naturalistic evolution, it teaches that different kinds of animals were created distinctly. Contrary to theistic evolution, it teaches that man was created separately from all animals and made in God’s image.…
Read MoreDisciples Worship
by Hugh Delong Even a cursory search will provide these pictures of the Christians in the first and second centuries and their continuing worship on the first day of the Week (cp. Acts 20:7 in the New Testament). The New Testament Itself (A.D. 50s–90s) Before turning to external sources, the New Testament gives us several…
Read MoreWorks
by Terry Wane Benton Paul believed that there were two kinds of works: Works of the law of Moses, where you would have to earn a right standing with God (Romans 3:28; 4:2,4). Since all are condemned by sin, this will never happen (Romans 3:23; 6:23). This is the kind where he says “not of…
Read MoreThe Scriptures
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/The-Scriptures.mp3 Download Audio by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 24:33-49 I. How do you look at the Bible? A. I’ve talked to people with wide opinions concerning the things written 1. One person seems to take great pleasure in locating and pointing every apparent inconsistency he can find in God’s Word. a. It is obvious to all that…
Read MoreThe Wondrous Book of God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/The-Wondrous-Book-of-God.mp3 Download Audio by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalm 119:17-24 I. Eulogy of the Bible Many years ago, I entered the wonderful temple of God’s revelation. I entered the portico of Genesis and walked down through the Old Testament Art Gallery where the pictures of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, and…
Read MoreShould I take a position that may involve serving alcohol?
Question: Hi, I work at a grocery store and am about to begin my training for a promotion. This promotion will involve various new tasks, such as closing the store, opening and working in customer service, handling cash, and, my main concern, working in our coffee and alcohol section. I personally do not drink and…
Read MoreCan a woman lead a prayer in a virtual meeting where men are present?
Question: Good day, minister. I really enjoy going through the questions and answers on your website. May God continue to increase you in every way. Amen! I’ve gone through some materials regarding women praying in gatherings and even at home, especially when men are present. I’m sorry if I’m being a bit slow, but is…
Read MoreFear Your Mother
by Doy Moyer What the world generally knows as Mother’s Day is a tradition that has come down to us through many twists and turns through the centuries. We won’t go into that here. As we know it now, this day is a tradition that honors our mothers for all that they have done for…
Read MoreThe Same Mind
by Terry Wane Benton There is a command in I Corinthians 1:10 that deserves our attention. How do you get a group of people who are divided in their affections and interests and preferences to be of the “same mind and the same judgment”? And, by extension, how would we make sure that, as individual…
Read MoreIf God wants everyone saved, why does He harden some?
Question: Hi, Scripture says God wills all to be saved (I Timothy 2:4), yet Paul says that God hardens whom He wills, and that we are not to talk back to God or question why He hardens vessels of wrath such as Pharaoh (Romans 9:16-19) How can the two be reconciled, or is this an…
Read MoreThe Truth of Feelings and Faith
by Josh Creel What role should feelings play in faith? In a culture that loves to say “follow your heart,” there is a very real danger of letting our feelings become our source of truth. But are feelings always bad? In this video, we discuss: The danger of letting feelings define truth How to handle…
Read MorePaul’s Letter to Colosse
by Edwin Crozier Paul introduced his letter to the Colossians with a prayer for the disciples and a praise of their King. Then in Colossians 1:21-23, he outlines the plan for the rest of his letter, describing the relationship between the disciples and their king. However, he does so in reverse order, setting up an…
Read MoreAre people wrong to reject baptism?
Question: Dear Brother, I have a question regarding the plan of salvation. I ask this with the intent of seeking clarity rather than passing judgment on others. My question concerns the forgiveness of sins. Scripture clearly states that water baptism by immersion, rooted in faith and by grace, effects the forgiveness of sins and the…
Read MoreHow Can We Help Someone in a Time of Loss?
by David Gibson A woman has a miscarriage. A middle-aged man is laid off at work. A family’s house burns. Parents lose a teenage son to suicide. A child is diagnosed with cancer. A surviving spouse must now go on without the other. Responding to loss A common response to the suffering of people we…
Read MoreGod’s Son, the King
by Edwin Crozier I hope you are into memorizing Scripture. If not, I encourage you to get started. And a great place to start is Colossians 1:15-20. This passage answers the question, “Who is Jesus?” The description of Jesus falls naturally into two sections. Both sections explain Jesus as the firstborn (πρωτότοκος/prōtotokos). Psalm 89:26-27 describes…
Read MoreCan you remarry if your spouse abandons you?
Question: Good Day, Is it true that someone can remarry if it is for abandonment of the marriage? Some pastors are saying you can remarry. Answer: The general rule is, “But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband (but if she does leave,…
Read MoreWill heaven be here on Earth?
Question: Hello, I am very thankful for the many good articles I read on your website. I’ve recently been hearing some in the church teaching the idea that heaven will be on earth in the future. I know from many scriptures that this is not the case. I think one of the main verses used…
Read MoreTimothy Was Circumcised
by Hugh DeLong When you move from Acts of the Apostles 15 into chapter 16, the question naturally arises: has Paul just contradicted himself? In Acts 15, circumcision as a requirement tied to the law is clearly rejected. Yet in Acts 16:3, Paul the Apostle circumcises Timothy. The answer lies in a distinction that must…
Read MoreGrace and Truth
by Bill Boyd After his presidency, Jimmy Carter returned to his home in Plains, Georgia, and taught a Sunday School class at the Maranatha Baptist Church. His book, “Sources of Strength,” is a compilation of his Sunday School lessons. He did not condescend to the Bible’s contents as one might expect from a high worldly…
Read MoreFour Biblical Purposes of Marriage
by David Gibson “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22 NASB). Why marry? The Bible offers two options: 1) being married or 2) remaining single. Each has its own advantages (I Corinthians 7). Whether to marry is an individual decision. Peter, for example, was married;…
Read MoreQuiet Obedience
by Zeke Flores “Now Bazalel made the ark of acacia wood” (Exodus 37:1). This verse seems simple, but it marks the beginning of something sacred. Bezalel isn’t just building furniture; he’s building the place where God’s presence will rest. And he starts with obedience. Quiet, steady obedience. Sometimes the most meaningful things in your life…
Read MoreAtheists Ask About Murder
by Perry Hall Atheists pose this supposed conundrum: “Did God condemn murder because it is wrong?” Or “Is murder wrong because God condemns it?” This is the horns of the dilemma atheists are hoping Christians will be gored upon by selecting either choice. A philosophy of mine is, when offered two inadequate choices, don’t let…
Read MoreThe False Teaching “Jehovah Witnesses”
by Samuel A. Matthews “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15 KJV). Loved ones, the church which Christ established is the kingdom of God on the earth today. When Christ promised to build His church, He called it “the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew…
Read MoreSuch Were Some of You
by Heath Rogers “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you…
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