We just don’t feel connected with this church
Question: We have attended our current congregation for several years. Good sound teaching, but we don’t feel a connection with anyone. My wife has wanted to try other congregations, but I don’t like to change. Recently she has been ill and has not felt like attending for over a month, and no one even asked…
Read MoreCome on Over
by Emma Wyatt When I was newlywed, my husband asked if we could invite the visiting preacher over for supper one night. I panicked. I said no. I had just barely learned to cook. And everyone knows the only appropriate meal to feed a preacher is a pot roast, right? I didn’t know how to…
Read MoreIs a church secretary or treasurer a permanent position?
Question: I want to know whether a church secretary, treasurer, etc. once appointed or chosen to that post is permanent, or they can be rotated on a tenure basis. Answer: There is no such office in the church as a secretary or treasurer. Duties, such as these, are usually filled by deacons. If there is…
Read MoreIn regards to fellowship halls, it seems you gave two different answers
Question: I was reading through some of your questions and answers regarding fellowship halls. I’m a little confused. In one post about the subject, someone asked if they could still worship as long as they didn’t attend the meal. The answer was yes and Revelation 3:4 was cited. In a different question, someone asked about using the building…
Read MoreExcellent job in preaching the truth in love
Question: Greetings brother in Christ! Just wanted to let you know I stumbled upon your site while doing some Bible research. I appreciate your Q&A section and articles. Excellent job in preaching the truth in love. Answer: Thank you for the encouragement.
Read MoreNever Give Up
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton He first contacted me because he was struggling with sexual sins. Conversations were not the greatest because English was his second language and I could not speak his. There was also a cultural gap because he only knew the Orthodox church and its teachings. It was also frustrating because he would…
Read MoreBearing Sins
by Doy Moyer I was reading in Matthew and this caught my attention and my mind began to chase the rabbit down the hole. Maybe others have made this point: “That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who…
Read MoreI’ve suffered from OCD too
Question: I was searching for answers to my mental condition, and I came across your site. I read the story of a person who was worried about a certain problem. I’ve suffered the same thing since 2007. I’ve been on medication since then. The medication does help, but it’s not a cure for OCD thoughts,…
Read MoreHow far can you go with your girlfriend in regard to intimacy?
Question: Hi Jeff, How far can you go with your girlfriend in regard to intimacy? Answer: Let’s start with what most people would agree would be going too far: sexual intercourse or fornication. Sexual acts outside of marriage are sinful and are covered under the word “fornication.” In Greek, the word is porneia. It is…
Read MoreShould Christians take part in Muslim celebrations?
Question: Should Christians take part in the Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) celebration of Muslims as a way of building peace and unity in a country where the citizens are predominantly Christian and Muslim? How should Christians respond to an invitation by Muslims to eat their Sallah ram (food)? Answer: Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) is a holy day and a…
Read MoreShould I stop using social media that advertises abortions?
Question: I was on Instagram and saw an ad for Planned Parenthood. it made me so mad! I immediately reported it as offensive. But should I just stop using it altogether? Would it be wrong for me to make a post about why abortion is evil? I’m a woman and wouldn’t want to overstep my…
Read MoreIs Christianity a myth?
Question: Hey Mr. Jeffrey, I’m taking a philosophy class, and we are studying how the Greeks used mythology in the past to make sense of their world. I asked the professor to explain what a myth is and he said “a story you don’t believe.” I knew I could’ve picked that answer apart, but I…
Read MoreWhen Is a Baptism Valid?
by Matthew Bassford Seven or eight years ago, I got a call from a brother in St. Louis who asked me to study with his mother. I set up the study and began, as I usually do, by asking her questions about her religious background. She explained that she had been brought up in a…
Read MoreIf I committed adultery in the past, does that mean I can never marry?
Question: Hello brother, After studying the Bible more, I look back on my life and feel ashamed of the sinful acts I’ve committed. I’m now at the point where I’m ready to marry, but I wonder if I scripturally can. I’ve never been married, but in my past, I have been unpure as a single…
Read MoreAnd Then There Were None
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AndThenThereWereNone.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Amos 6:3-11 I. One of my favorite mystery writers was Agatha Christie. She would write books where you tried to figure out who did it before the end of the book, but in the process you were distracted by so many possibilities. A. One of my favorites was based on…
Read MoreWhat if I’m not good enough for God?
Question: I read something on your website about a statement made that says that if a person could not be trusted with things on earth, then why would God trust him with things in heaven? Does this mean if somebody is a complete failure, they have no hope of even getting to heaven? How does…
Read MoreShould the church ask its members to borrow money for its building project?
Question: Hi Jeff, Is right to borrow money for the sake of contributing to building a worship hall for the church? We are encouraged by our minister, as individual brethren, to do so since it is an important project of the church. Answer: The Bible teaches that being in debt is not a sin, but…
Read MoreGod never speaks to us in verbal language
Question: Peace be with you; We’re dealing with God’s word, not conversation between two people, so God never speak to us in verbal language. Best wishes. Answer: I left this note as it was sent. I have to admit, I’m puzzled because there are so many wrong concepts presented in so few words. The Bible…
Read MoreJesus’ Approach to Authority
by Terry W. Benton Here was Jesus’ approach to authority: The Son can do nothing of Himself (positive authority must allow the action). But what He sees the Father do (Divine precedent or example). The Father shows Him all things that He Himself does (John 5:19-20). Thus, Jesus placed a lot of emphasis upon example and the authority of…
Read MoreI get teased for being a Christian
Question: Hi there, I have many questions, and I need your help badly. I am the only Christian in my family and in my high school. Others tease me once I mention that I am a Christian in my country. Answer: You’ve come to the right place because I tend to have many answers. “Blessed…
Read MoreDo you know of good Inductive Study guides?
Question: Does anyone know a good Inductive Study Guide for study on how to learn the Scripture? I know there are items out there, but I was trying to locate one that members of the Church of Christ have reviewed and found to be of sound teaching. So many folks really do not know how…
Read MoreIs there a minimum level of faith needed to become a Christian?
Question: I have been a Christian for many years. When I was baptized I came up out of the water and began to doubt if I really believed in Christ. I was under much emotional stress at that time. I did not let this doubt stop me from worshiping, but I always seemed to feel…
Read MoreIs it wrong to attend events where people might be drinking or smoking?
Question: I have had some best friends since my school days, years ago. I am the only person among them who is baptized. We all meet twice a year and during that meeting they all drink and smoke. I don’t drink or smoke since I was baptized. They are all good, sincere people and don’t…
Read MoreDoes Jesus’ blood continually cleanse us from all sin?
Question: The Bible says we will give an account of our life and sin, but God washes away our sins at baptism and the blood of Christ continually cleanses. He forgives us and remembers no more, so is there judgment where our sin is remembered, or are we as white as snow because of Jesus’…
Read MoreWhat is meant by ruling with a rod of iron?
Question: What did the Apostle John mean, when he wrote that Christ, the child, “was to rule all nations with a rod of iron” in Revelation 12:5? Answer: We are given an image of the kingdom, the universal church, coming into being after Jesus was resurrected and went back up to the Father. Reading a…
Read MoreHow can we be confident that God will answer our prayers?
Question: Hello, I have a question regarding prayer, one which I have submitted to numerous places. I’ve tried to present it in the most concise and intellectually understandable language I can think of but have received in response almost an outright refusal to acknowledge what it is I am asking. Whether it is deliberate or…
Read MoreWere only Levites allowed to use instruments in worship?
Question: Dear sir, Please help me resolve a question regarding the use of instrumental music in worship by Christians. Although it is not prohibited specifically, the fact that God specified singing ought to warrant its prohibition through the principle of “silence of the Scriptures” as indicated by Hebrews 7:14. The problem is that, under the…
Read MoreOur Basis of Faith
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/OurBasisOfFaith1.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreIf I disagree with a brother or a leader, am I being rebellious?
Question: If a brother gives me a challenge do I have to take that challenge? If I choose not to, am I being rebellious? Or what if I disagree with a leader? Answer: It probably depends on what the brother is challenging you to do, but the general answer is “no.” We help each other…
Read MoreIs getting pregnant by artificial insemination when you are not married a sin?
Question: When I was in my thirties and no man would marry me, I had twins by sperm donation. There wasn’t any sexual sin involved in the conception, if that matters. I personally don’t think it does, but you would know better than me. Anyway, I know that isn’t what the Bible says is the…
Read MoreIf someone attends, but hasn’t become a member, and then stops coming, should you withdraw from him?
Question: Someone begins attending a congregation but does not ask to be a member there. He starts forsaking the assembly. Can you withdraw from him? He was baptized. Answer: Before I answer the question, I want to note that some congregations add people to their membership simply because they keep attending services at the local…
Read MoreMy son is no longer attending church, so is it wrong to pick up my grandchildren?
Question: If my son is baptized but not attending, and my daughter-in-law is not baptized, is it wrong to pick up my grandchildren? Answer: Be careful not to blame kids for their parents’ sins. You seem to be mixing your son’s disobedience as if it was also your grandchildren’s. Each person is responsible for his…
Read MoreThe Misunderstood Jesus
by Doy Moyer Understanding people is often difficult. What do they mean? How are they using phrases? Are they being literal or figurative, or both? In person, we can ask and clarify, but when we are reading what others said, we can easily misinterpret because we are not hearing the inflections or seeing their gestures.…
Read MoreThe Winepress of God’s Wrath
by Steve A. Hamilton “So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image” (Revelation 16:2). The date was 541 A.D. Roman Emperor Justinian was reigning in his 14th year…
Read MoreWhy Unleavened Bread?
by Doy Moyer Why do we use unleavened bread when we partake of the Lord’s Supper? At the first level of understanding, we recognize that Jesus used unleavened bread when giving instructions for the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26). We know this because it was on the occasion of the Passover that Jesus gave these instructions.…
Read MoreThe Dwelling Place of God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DwellingPlaceOfGod.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Kings 8:22-30 I. When the world was first created, mankind had direct access to God, but then sin entered the picture – Genesis 3:8 A. Sin becomes a barrier between us and God – Isaiah 59:1-3 II. God is everywhere – Psalms 139 A. There is no place we could hide…
Read MoreThe Law and the Commandments
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LawAndTheCommandments.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Deuteronomy 30:6-16 I. Seventh-Day Adventists insist that the only acceptable day of worship is the seventh day of the week, the Sabbath day. A. To get to that belief, they insist that the Ten Commandments are separate from the rest of the Law of Moses. B. While the “ceremonial laws” were…
Read MoreHow many are going to heaven?
Question: How many are going to heaven? Answer: We don’t know how many there will be. There is no upper limit on how many heaven could hold. Descriptions of heaven tell us that there will be a great multitude of all who followed God through the ages. “After these things I looked, and behold, a…
Read MoreAre the Ten Commandments separate from the Law of Moses?
Question: I am a member of the Lord’s church. I ask for your help in helping me answer the below response from two who believe that the Sabbath has not been abolished. The site they are referring to is your site on the subject of Answering the Sabbath Observance that I forwarded to them, hoping that would…
Read MoreDo you need a sign from God before you are able to date or marry someone?
Question: Hello, I am seeking godly advice on dating, but primarily on marriage. Advice about dating; and Do you need a sign from God to be able to marry, or can you choose your spouse yourself based upon biblical guidelines alone? To a 20-year-old guy who has never been in a relationship and never asked…
Read More