When Was Cornelius Saved?
When Was Cornelius Saved? — His PastWhen Was Cornelius Saved? — A Man of PrayerWhen Was Cornelius Saved? — Cornelius Experienced MiraclesWhen Was Cornelius Saved? — Cornelius Received the Holy SpiritWhen Was Cornelius Saved — We are Saved in the Same Manner by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 11:5-18 I. Sometimes is it useful to…
Read MoreIs there no proof who really wrote the four gospels?
Question: What evidence do we have that the four gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? I hear a lot of people saying they were anonymous, and we have no proof they were written by the people whose names are given to them. Answer: To claim there is no evidence would require setting terms on…
Read MoreI have no friends and I’m depressed
Question: I’m 18. I don’t have a girlfriend or any friends. My parents are not religious. Should I tell them about the Bible? Is it fair that you have a great family who are Christians? What did I do to deserve this living hell? I’m depressed. How do I solve this issue about an existential…
Read MoreThe Church at Work in Benevolence
by Irvin Himmel via Guardian of Truth XXXIX:10 p. 6-8, May 18, 1995 There is no better way to teach the plan of salvation than examining the cases of conversion in the book of Acts. Such examples as the Jews on Pentecost, the Samaritans, the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul of Tarsus, Cornelius, Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and the…
Read MoreDo I have to make a public confession for sins that I mentioned to friends before I repented?
Question: Please help me. I have been living in fear of sin for so many years now, and the weight of it is becoming more than I can bear. I have nobody I can talk to about this, and you are really the only people I can ask about this issue. I have had premarital…
Read MoreIf you are no longer a virgin, do you have to abstain from sex before marriage?
Question: As the Bible says sex before marriage is a sin, is it necessary for a person who is no longer a virgin to abstain until she or he gets married? Answer: Sin doesn’t happen just the first time you do it. A person who steals is not a thief just the first time he…
Read MoreYour commentary on Joseph was extremely helpful
Question: Hello, I’m reading through the Bible and wanted to let you know I came across your website while looking for a commentary on Joseph. I found the insights listed on your page extremely helpful and wanted you to know. Have a good day! Answer: Thank you for taking the time to write and let me…
Read MoreDoes the Bible say we don’t deserve anything?
Question: I have a question: The Bible says that we don’t deserve anything. Then why do people say, ‘You deserve that achievement’ or ‘You deserve it’? Isn’t this wrong? Answer: First, I can’t recall any passage that says we don’t deserve anything. It is true that we cannot earn salvation (Titus 3:5-7), but that doesn’t…
Read MoreThe Silence Argument
by Wayne Jackson One of the strongest arguments against the use of instrumental music in Christian worship is the “silence” principle. This is the concept that when God is silent about a matter, man is not at liberty to “presume”, and so to act without divine authority. There is no New Testament authority for the…
Read MoreWhere Does the Bible Specifically Condemn That?
by Doy Moyer Here’s a question often asked, and it can be asked about many things. Besides misunderstanding the nature not only of biblical authority but of communication itself, the question is typically geared toward defending a practice that is likely questionable, to begin with. After all, we don’t ask this question if we know…
Read MoreYou seem to believe that the only way a person can grow is by attending church
Question: After reading your response to the question concerning Hebrews 10:25. It seemed as if you believe the only way a person can grow in God is by attending church. Which is contrary to His word: II Timothy 2:15; Philippians 2:12 Answer: It is wrong to assume an “only” where none is given. It is also…
Read MoreWhen Is a Person Lost?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/WhenIsAPersonLost.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Jude 3-10 I. I sometimes find myself in a quandary A. I will present the biblical evidence for salvation and then I’ll be asked “Do you think my mother is lost?” B. The first thing that comes to mind is that even Michael would not condemn Satan in Jude 9 1. The…
Read MoreI think you are more gentle than some people realize
Question: I have been looking over your website for about the past three weeks or so, and I can’t keep my comments to myself anymore. I have noticed quite a few complaints about your negativity, you being judgmental, stuff like that. I certainly would like to come to your defense. While you can be blunt,…
Read MoreYour articles helped me in a major way
Question: Thank you for your articles. They’ve really helped me in a major way. God bless you. Answer: You’re welcome.
Read MoreI was surprised that you accused a person of lying and why are sexual issues talked about so much?
Question: Hi brother Hamilton, I was on your website earlier and I was kind of shocked at a response. For the date of 7/8, you answered/addressed one question about spilling seed. You accused the author of lying in your response which I didn’t understand. Maybe you were having a bad day. It just seemed out…
Read MoreMy parents don’t want me to marry the woman I’ve chosen
Question: I am very sad and confused right now. Please, I need help. I have a lady I am in love with, and she is in love with me. I told my parent about her, and they decided to consult some prophets. Based on the prophets’ visions they said I should not marry. They are…
Read MoreI stole for many years, but now I have given up my sin. What do I do with the stolen goods?
Question: Good Morning, I was a big sinner in the past. I’ve asked God for forgiveness. I would like to be pure, holy, and ready for when He comes. But I still feel guilty about all the things I’ve stolen. There was a time in my life when I stole many things from people and…
Read MoreWhen is the right time to get baptized?
Question: It’s a long story with a question in it. But to answer the question, I think you should understand my journey from being a Muslim. I am a Muslim and I was in a relationship with a Christian girl for nearly seven years. In that seven years I know I have been cheating her…
Read MoreThe Law of Non-Contradiction
by Joshua Gurtler First published in Biblical Insights Magazine, May 2015 The Law of Non-Contradiction Argues for the God of the Bible and Against Atheism, Hinduism, and Buddhism There is an argument for God that I would like for you to consider. This argument says that without the Christian worldview (which is simply the comprehensive belief…
Read MoreDoes the Bible have any advice for hopeless addicts like me?
Question: I’ve been a member of the church of Christ for about a year now, I know I have a lot of desire to live for God. I love learning about Christ and trying to do what he wants of me, but my addiction to weed is bringing me down. I want to stop because…
Read MoreIs my marriage vow valid since I did not marry out of love but out of fear?
Question: I married my brother’s widow after God spoke to several pastors and the widow herself that I must marry her. She has four children. The problem with this marriage is that my wife has a lot of feelings and I don’t have any. When we want to have sex, I must think of anything that…
Read MoreIs the only way to have sex is if one is married?
Question: Good evening, I’m sure you get a lot of questions that are related to sexual intercourse and the like; however, it is difficult to fully grasp and understand the word of God when it doesn’t match the heart’s desires. What I’m asking is if the only way that one can have sexual intercourse is…
Read MoreHate the Sin, But Not the Sinner?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/HateTheSin.mp3 Text: II Peter 3 I. It is common to face criticism when a strong stand is taken A. I noticed in the papers many years ago , that the Methodists and Episcopals were in a quandary. 1. The majority wanted strong stands against homosexuality, but a large element objected 2. The objection was that if you take…
Read MoreI regret my sins, so why did my girlfriend dump me?
Question: Hello, I seem to have a very unique situation, as I cannot find anything like it other than on atheist websites and, well, that is advice I do not want. My girlfriend and I have only been together for a short amount of time (6 months) but due to my lease running up at my…
Read MoreDoesn’t the Bible say “It is better for you to plant your seed in the belly of a whore than to cast it upon the ground”?
Question: I was reading Does “sexual immorality” (porneia) include masturbation? and something I read in the Bible constantly came to mind. I don’t remember the exact book, chapter, or verse, but the Bible does say that it is better for you to plant your seed in the belly of a whore than to cast (or spill) it…
Read MoreDo I need to disclose my savings to my fiancee?
Question: Once again I come with a question that I hope you can assist me with. I’m on the verge of marriage, we have been going to counseling, and I wanted to know what advice you can give about the financial status of a married couple. I discussed with my fiancée about being open, and…
Read MoreWhat should Christians do about the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding gay marriage?
Question: The recent decision by the Supreme Court regarding gay marriage rights raises serious concerns; as Christians, we are to be peacemakers, kind, gentle, etc. Romans 12:9 says “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” If we don’t speak up against sin, who will? Politics puts a strain on the church (our…
Read MoreWe’ve been together for seven years and have a child together. Isn’t that as good as being married?
Question: Hi, I have a question about sex before marriage. My girlfriend and I have been together for seven years, and we have a child together. She has gone off and on for years to church and I never. We have had our share of problems and are working together to be better people. She…
Read MoreMy fiance got a girl pregnant, is on drugs, is in jail, and lies. What should I do?
Question: Hello, I need advice. My fiance and I have a son together. He went away to drug rehab but lied to people saying he was in school. He got a 17-year-old girl pregnant, but he doesn’t know that I know. He was dating her and once she told him she was pregnant he left…
Read MoreI found out months ago that my husband is having an affair, but I can’t bring myself to forgive him
Question: Hello, Almost two years ago I found out that my husband was having inappropriate conversations with women. I prayed for God to reveal to me what I needed to know. That’s when I spoke to one of the women that my husband was having an affair with last year. He insisted the affair stopped…
Read MoreThe Death of Stephen
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DeathOfStephen.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 7:51-60 I. The early church started in Jerusalem, during the Feast of Pentecost when many Jews were visiting from wide-spread nations. Acts 2:9-11 lists some of the representative nations. A. The church grew rapidly. Three thousand were added to the church on the first day – Acts 2:41 B. By…
Read MoreHate Speech
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/HateSpeech.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 5:10-16 I. One popular trend arising around the world is to criminalize talk that is branded as “hate speech.” A. Now we all know that “hate” isn’t good, so these laws passed quickly and easily B. But what exactly is “hate speech?” I found definitions, such as: 1. Speech that attacks…
Read MoreAm I ashamed of Christ because it is hard for me to invite strangers to Bible study?
Question: I was hoping to get some clarification on “shame” as far as one’s faith in Jesus goes. I was baptized last year and have been trying to obey Jesus’ teachings, but have fallen short on pretty much everything! In the beginning, I dealt with a lot of worldly sorrow, self-condemnation, and distrust of the…
Read MorePermitted Does Not Equate to Desired
by Doy Moyer There is a difference between what God permitted to happen subsequent to sin entering the world and what God desired from the beginning and ultimately makes right in Christ. Jesus illustrates this point: “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has…
Read MoreWas Christ’s body broken?
Question: I Corinthians 11:24 says, “And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Was his (Christ’s) body broken? Or is this referring to the bread? When leading the prayer for the Lord’s Supper I often…
Read MoreDid God cause Saul to commit suicide?
Question: There are two accounts of Saul’s death in the Old Testament. Both say he committed suicide (I Samuel 31:4-5 and I Chronicles 10:14) but the latter one also says that: “the LORD killed Saul because …” Why the difference? Answer: “So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, because…
Read MoreWhat is the biblical definition of marriage?
Question: What is the biblical definition of marriage according to both the Old and New Testaments? Answer: Marriage is a special covenant entered into between a man and a woman for the purpose of establishing a new family. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his…
Read MoreIf we get married in a church, does it mean we are not married until we get married again civilly?
Question: Hello, I’m from a different country than my boyfriend I will marry my boyfriend later this year. We are getting married with a fiance visa, but seems like the civil wedding has to be in his country first, so we are just going to get married in my country in a church wedding. Our…
Read MoreThe Conversion of Saul (Miller)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ConversionOfSaulMiller.mp3 by Rob Miller
Read MoreMy boyfriend isn’t a strong Christian leader, so I don’t know if I should marry him
Question: Hello, I enjoy reading your posts. You bring glory to God and you really seek to help people who are astray by giving godly advice. You speak the truth, and it’s not yours but God’s. I am quite sure He is pleased with you and your work. I pray that He blesses you and…
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