Is the saying, “everything happens for a reason,” biblical?
Question: The saying, “everything happens for a reason,” is it biblical? Answer: Sometimes things happen by chance. God said, “I returned and saw under the sun that — the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to…
Read MoreDoes God join all marriages or only some?
Question: “What God has joined together let no man put asunder.” Because of this scripture, I recently heard someone say that God doesn’t join all marriages. Is this true and under what circumstances will He not? (This excludes gay marriage or people remarrying) And if God doesn’t join a marriage does that mean the couple is…
Read MoreAre you saying people don’t get baptized in the Holy Spirit anymore?
Question: Are you saying that people don’t get baptized in the Holy Spirit anymore? If this is so, then what is it called when people are filled with the Holy Spirit? Like I have seen people get prayed for and they will shake and fall to the ground because of the power of God. What…
Read MoreI don’t like people touching my food. Is it biblically wrong?
Question: I would like to know how to deal with an issue of mine from a biblical point. I have a problem with people touching the food I’m eating and not having clean habits (by the way, it seems like a very silly “problem” now as I write it). It’s causing me all these thoughts…
Read MoreHow do I deal with my lesbian daughter?
Question: My daughter is in a lesbian relationship and recently became engaged. She is aware that I believe homosexuality is condemned in the Bible as a sin and also that, regardless of whether or not she chooses to live in sin, I will still love her. The problem is not whether or not she is…
Read MoreHandsome Is as Handsome Does
by Aubrey Belue Which “Handsome is as handsome does” means: “back up your words with your actions.” “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and…
Read MoreShouldn’t we emphasize a relationship with Jesus instead of rules?
Question: I just want to add that I looked around the site, but I never saw a topic about creating an intimate relationship with Jesus. One of the biggest misunderstandings is that people live according to do’s and don’ts. They don’t understand that Jesus wants a relationship with them and that Jesus is not just…
Read MoreAren’t you being rude in some of your answers?
Question: Hello, I was writing because I’ve read some of your articles and found them helpful and appreciate all that you do. There is one thing that is not a big problem, but I see when you write some of the answers to questions you come off rude to a couple of people, and I…
Read MoreGod Cannot Lie
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/GodCannotLie.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Kings 22:1-28 I. Heathen men molded their concept of their gods into their own image – Romans 1:22-23 A. We can read stories of the Greek gods and in their interaction with men they often lied and cheated to accomplish their goals. 1. The Greeks saw their gods as just…
Read MoreDoes the Higgs Boson’s existence prove the Big Bang theory?
Question: Okay, so my chemistry teacher told us today that the Higgs Boson or the God particle proves the big bang. What is this Higgs Boson thing? Every day I’m getting some weird information. It’s all so confusing. Answer: Science has been trying to figure out how the world works for a long time. Part…
Read MoreYour information on the New Testament not being originally written in Hebrew helped me defend the truth
Question: Thank you so much for your article on Yeshua Messianic groups regarding a Hebrew New Testament. Just yesterday I had an interaction with a person from such a group. I am very much blessed and found the answers to defend against these false Yeshua groups. Once again thank you so much. Answer: I’m glad you found the…
Read MoreIs it wrong to marry a non-believer?
Question: “While it is not generally advisable to marry someone who is not a Christian, it is not wrong either.” You mentioned this in your answer and this is the first time I heard a Christian advisor giving such advice. I came to know the Lord years ago. Several years ago I drifted away, and I was engaged…
Read MoreDoes the Holy Spirit come to us at our baptism?
Question: Jeffrey, Thank you for your wonderful work in teaching the Bible and for your web site. I have become much stronger in the faith as a result of your help. I have come upon a statement that I am not sure is correct: “At baptism God sends His Spirit to dwell in us. He…
Read MoreHow do I repent of something I enjoyed?
Question: Hello, I’m a Christian and I am a praise and worship leader and a Sunday school teacher in my church. For a while, I have been struggling with my fiance to not have sex, even though we started before but not completing it. However, today we did have sex, and I don’t know how…
Read MoreCan you remarry after a separation of seven years?
Question: I don’t doubt God’s forgiveness, but can a person remarry when he is separated from his spouse for over seven years? The marriage was not annulled nor have they divorced yet. Do both commit adultery if they have a new partner? Answer: “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual…
Read MoreMy God of Mercy
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MyGodOfMercy.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 I. Several years ago I taught High School math and science in a private school A. As happens occasionally, one student copied from another and turned in the assignment. 1. The school’s policy was to give zero grades to both the cheater and the one cheated from. a. It was…
Read MoreRuling with Love
by Irven Lee via Truth Magazine, January 1, 1981 An elder is to be “one that ruleth well his own family, having his children in subjection with all gravity; for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (I Timothy 3:4-5). The elder…
Read MoreDoesn’t John 6:65 teach predestination?
Question: I am still struggling a bit with the topic of predestination and, at least from the NIV translation I am reading, John 6:65 seems to point toward predestination. What do you think it means? Answer: “And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has…
Read MoreWhat does it mean that everyone has to give an account to God?
Question: What does it mean that everyone has to give an account to God (Christ)? Answer: See: What Will Happen on Judgment Day? “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I…
Read MoreI was amazed by the articles on tithing
Question: Two be quite honest, I was amazed seeing the articles on tithing for the first time! This teaching came without any selfish interest on the part of the preachers in the Lord’s church as they would have been on the receiving end. I am impressed and I pray that Christ continues to keep the church. Answer:…
Read MoreI failed to pray last night because I fell asleep. Should I offer two prayers tonight?
Question: Hello, I have a question. I ask you because I did not find any topic related to what I am curious about. Last night I was watching TV and in a moment I fell asleep. The problem is that I did not pray that night because I fell asleep. Will God forgive me or…
Read MoreDid Jesus have brothers?
Question: Hi Jeff! Did Jesus have brothers? How can we explain that a word such as “wine” has so many meanings depending on the context and root of the word in Greek, but that the word “brother” means just that? I ask because some denominational churches teach that when the Bible said “brother” it really…
Read MoreHow do I let go of my girlfriend’s past?
Question: I am 21 and have been a Christian since I was 8, I am a virgin and plan to stay that way until I get married. A while back I started dating a girl who I had met at church, she had only been a Christian for about a year and a half. I…
Read MoreWhat do you mean by “Ultimately, these sins will cause you to lose your salvation”?
Question: What do you mean by “Ultimately, these sins will cause you to lose your salvation”? Once saved, always saved. Answer: See: Once Saved, Always Saved. Question: Without eternal security then the whole concept of being a ‘born again’ Christian is meaningless. A person would never know if they are going to heaven or hell. I’m…
Read MoreHow can the church and the kingdom be the same when the Bible says flesh will not enter the kingdom?
Question: How you make the statement that the church and the kingdom are the same, while the Bible teaches that flesh will not enter the kingdom. Answer: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (I Corinthians 15:50). In this context, Paul is…
Read MoreI agree, we can’t rely on our feelings
Question: Thank you for this article on the church of Oprah. I’m a devout Christian. I agree 100 percent. God wants us not to rely on our own feelings but on His understanding! What happens when a new-ager feels like killing his child? How can you justify your whole self by feelings? Humans are so emotional,…
Read MoreYour article on entertainment in the church is well done
Question: Your article on entertainment in the church is well done. Answer: Thank you.
Read MoreI have a fiance, but I committed adultery against her. What can I do?
Question: Well, where do I start? I’m 21 years old. I have a child and a girlfriend whom I love so much! But recently, I committed a sin — I committed adultery! I feel really bad, so bad I cry myself to sleep sometimes. I feel awful! I feel disgusted with myself! I can’t sleep…
Read MoreIs it wrong to use the word “trinity” to describe God?
Question: Hello, I tried to reason with a Muslim concerning the fact that Christ is God and indeed the Son of God. In my discussion, I used the word ‘trinity’ (which I just know little about) to denote God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. However, I came to realize that this word ‘trinity’…
Read MoreI feel I don’t deserve anything. Should I give up on getting married?
Question: I am in my early twenties and had a godly life since childhood. I had sworn to remain a virgin until marriage, but last year I had this boyfriend who promised we would get married. We had sex. Later he broke up with me claiming I was unfaithful since he lived far away, but…
Read MoreRegarding God as Holy
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/HolyIsHisName2.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 1:13-19 I. Peter charges all Christians to conduct themselves in holiness – I Peter 1:15-16 A. We will not see God without holiness – Hebrews 12:14 B. And knowing that this world will end and we all must face God – II Peter 3:11 C. Holiness is the idea of…
Read MoreIs it a sin to be successful in your work? What constitutes overworking?
Question: What does the Bible mean by overworking? Is it a sin to want to be successful in terms of your job? And by that I mean, for example, I have a dream of starting a business and making it one of the most successful businesses with regard to the specific field. Is this a…
Read MoreWill I go wrong following Benny Hinn, Joel Olsteen, J.D. Jakes, or Joyce Meyer?
Question: Hi there, Three days ago I was browsing around YouTube and found Benny Hinn exposed, as well as Joel Osteen. This really scared me since many people follow them. Also, from time to time, some Christians watch them on TV. Do all these people who listen to them and watch them go to hell?…
Read MoreYour explanation of Psalms 51:5 was just what I was looking for
Question: Hello brothers and sisters, Just wanted to drop you a note of thanks and appreciation for the work you do with your website. I was looking for a concise explanation of the various translations of Psalm 51:5. Imagine my joy when I found a church of Christ on the first page of my Yahoo! search.…
Read MoreDo I need to “like” everything mentioning God on Facebook?
Question: I liked a page on Facebook that puts a lot of Christian-related pictures in my news feed. A lot of them say things like: share this if you love God, or like if you love God, etc. I know Matthew 10:33 says “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before…
Read MoreHow do I call prayer points?
Question: Hello Sir, I will be leading a prayer meeting (small group). The title is “Trusting God”, from Psalm 125:1. Please how do I go about it, especially calling the prayer points? I have led prayer meetings in the group in the past, but I want to do this right. My church, the teenage church,…
Read MoreCan a Christian who knowingly commits fornication be forgiven?
Question: Is the sin of having sex many times before marriage while being a Christian and knowing it was a sin forgivable? I have been raised up in a Christian family and I am a Christian myself and believe in Jesus. I believe I am saved. Even though I know this and I clearly know…
Read MoreI believe I am saved, but I haven’t been baptized yet. What happens if I die before I am baptized?
Question: I recently turned my life to God. I’m on your website all the time learning about what things to do and not do. I’m also reading the Bible. I don’t know everything in the Bible, so I’m currently educating myself. I’ve come to be a bit confused since I have a hard time understanding…
Read MoreI found out someone I trusted had lied to me. What do I do?
Question: Sir, I have a friend whom I trusted so much. I always told her the truth, and I was very open with her. But yesterday I found out that she was lying to me about something she told me before. I am so heartbroken presently, and I don’t know how to get over it.…
Read MoreCould children’s pretend marriage ceremonies be considered real?
Question: Hi, I can’t even believe I am asking this, but I’ve been anxious about doing the right thing lately and have been reading your page a lot. When my husband was a child, his parents held a joke wedding ceremony between him and another little girl. They were no more than 5 or 6…
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