Is touching your girlfriend wrong in God’s eyes?
Question: My girlfriend and I have been dating each other for a while now. She’s a very serious Christian and she’s trying to keep herself as clean as possible, so every time I try to touch her she gets mad. I wonder if touching is a wrong thing in God’s eyes. Answer: You didn’t say where you…
Read MoreWhen I am Old, Then I’ll be Good
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/WhenIAmOldThenIllBeGood.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 25:1-13 I. In Jesus’ parable of the vineyard workers we learn that salvation is available to all who will come to the Lord, no matter when it is done – Matthew 20:1-16 A. Jesus in his mercy chooses to treat all alike. B. When an elderly man wrote to me,…
Read MoreA Tale of Two Women
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/TaleOfTwoWomen.mp3 Text: Proverbs 1:20-33 I. Solomon addresses the book of Proverbs to young men – Proverbs 1:8 A. And in the course of his advice on many subjects, he introduces us to two women: Wisdom and unnamed immoral woman B. These aren’t actual women but personifications of two ideas C. The question left hanging in the air is…
Read MoreHow does Jeremiah 1:10 relate to priests not being able to forgive sins?
Question: It is my understanding that according to Catholic teaching, it is not the priest who forgives sins in the sacrament of reconciliation. It is Jesus. Also, there are two aspects to confession, or reconciliation as it is called, and that is 1. When we sin, we offend God. 2. When we sin we also…
Read MoreHow can God have the knowledge of good and evil and not sin?
Question: I really liked the answer given regarding God keeping man from living forever since they now would choose to sin of which I found on your website. But I have two more questions: If the tree of life stops us from living forever in the flesh, what of our souls? I would think that…
Read MoreThanks for the resource in explaining the difference between birthrights and blessings
Question: Just wanted to say thanks for the resource in explaining the difference between birthrights and blessings. You have a very nice website. Answer: I’m glad you found the material useful.
Read MoreWe shouldn’t let society dictate what is the difference between male and female clothing
Question: First, I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve made towards trying to provide a Christian perspective to common issues many boys and girls, men and women have to deal with. It’s nice to see a more appropriate perspective on issues when more worrying views or lack of personal care is so…
Read MoreWhat Hinders Me From Being Baptized?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013Spring8WhatHindersMeFromBeingBaptized.mp3 by Lance Blackburn Lessons for Our Time
Read MoreIf all Scripture is profitable, why don’t we use the Old Law?
Question: Could you explain how II Timothy 3:16 relates to our not being under the Old Testament? I would like to know so I can better equip myself. Thank you. Answer: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man…
Read MoreIf the government took away guns, would Christians have to give their guns up?
Question: I have a question. In Romans 13:1-4 “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers…
Read MoreShould I speak at a denominational church?
Question: Hi brother Jeff, I was discussing the Bible with a man who happens to be a member of a denomination. He also occupies a high position in their church. After reasoning with him from the Scripture, he asked me to come and preach in their church. I told him to give me time to…
Read MoreMy boyfriend was convicted of statutory rape and in the trial, I learned he had sex with other women. Should I continue our relationship?
Question: My boyfriend of four years was convicted of statutory rape, a one-time incident. This is his only criminal record. In the course of the trial, I discovered that he committed infidelity with several women. Of course, this is devastating. He has repented and promised God that he will never have sex except with his…
Read MoreHow do I keep myself from wanting to have sex with my new boyfriend?
Question: Hi, My sister gave me this email because I am having a few problems. Actually, I have been having problems all of high school. One question I have for you is: What does being scared of God look like? How can you be scared of God? I am scared of what will happen to…
Read MoreWill We Do Right by Him?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013Spring7WillWeDoRightByHim.mp3 by Lance Blackburn Lessons for Our Time
Read MoreI’ll spend my youth enjoying sin and then turn to God when I am old
Question: Hello, I have been reading your website for a few days when someone introduced me to it. I read the below Question & Answer for: I am old and have been away from the Lord for a long time. Can I ever reach heaven now? I have always wondered about this for a long, long…
Read MoreReflections on the Daily News: Snake Handler Bitten; Dies Without Antidote
by Lewis Willis via Truth Magazine XXI: 17, pp. 264-265, April 28, 1977 DELBARTON, W. VA. (AP) – The snake that bit Curbs Mounts during a church ceremony was a big one. It lest fang marks an inch apart. Mounts’ arm swelled to twice its normal size, but he sought no medical attention before he died…
Read MoreInternet Dangers
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013Spring6InternetDangers.mp3 by Lance Blackburn Lessons for Our Time
Read MoreIs Australia’s unique wildlife evidence for evolution?
Question: This guy in my school is using Australia’s unique wildlife as evidence for evolution because they are separated from other continents, thus making them evolve into completely different animals. How do I explain that he is wrong? He insists on converting me into an atheist. Also, this is irrelevant to the prior topic, but…
Read MoreHow do I convince someone to be baptized again when they think their past baptism is good enough?
Question: Hi again, brother Jeffrey, I had asked for your help before regarding beverages. Thank you so much for the help because it gives me clarity on what to do. I moved out from the church where I used to worship because I heard from the leader of that church that it’s OK to drink…
Read MoreMy father won’t treat my wife kindly, so we parted ways. Was I wrong to do so?
Question: Hello, I recently had a falling-out with my Dad, and it was so bad that we have parted ways. It wasn’t just a one-time thing, it was after years of him treating my wife badly and disrespecting her. He wanted a relationship with me only but never bothered getting to know my wife, his…
Read MoreIs It Convenient?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013Spring5IsItConvenient.mp3 by Lance Blackburn Lessons for Our Time
Read MoreI’m interested in a woman, but she is worldly and I don’t know if I should discuss the Bible with her or not
Question: Hi Jeffrey, I have a question for you regarding a situation with a female co-worker of mine that I have taken interest in. I’m trying to seek your advice on what you think I should do regarding this situation. The situation is that I have an interest in this woman, but her values are…
Read MoreI want you to know the influence you have had on me
Question: Jeff, I want to take the time to let you know of the influence you have had on me. You have helped give me strength, hope, and wisdom. You have aided in giving me a chance at saving my marriage. Through your desire to share the word, and to do so in a straightforward…
Read MoreMy wife is abusive and I cannot live with her anymore. What do I do?
Question: My wife of over thirty years and I have been working on serious relational issues for a long time. She was physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive over most of those years, and counselors have suggested she has some light form of paranoia and other mental issues. I tend to think there is a stronger…
Read MoreA Savior Who Cares
by Steven Harper When was the last time you took a good look at the night sky and tried to count the stars? Can you still do that? If you live in the city, you most likely are not able to see the night lights as well because of the street lights or reflected light from…
Read MoreI’ve always heard about the three waves of the Babylonian captivity, but where is this found?
Question: I’ve always heard about the three waves of the Babylonian captivity, but where is this found? Answer: Three Captivities Jehoiakim, also called Eliakim, was put into power by Pharaoh Neco who had killed his brother. Babylon attacked Judah and Jehoiakim surrendered to Babylon for three years, but he rebelled and Judah suffered its first…
Read MoreI am old and have been away from the Lord for a long time. Can I ever reach heaven now?
Question: Hello, I am troubled and need advice. I am in my late seventies. I want to go to heaven when I die, but due to my past, I am not sure this will happen. I was raised and baptized in the church. I have always believed that God and Jesus were real but during…
Read MoreWhy did it feel as if demons were chasing me?
Question: Hello, I would like to start with my story. This would be my first year doing lent. On my list of things to give up were sex, cigarettes, soda, pork, and hard liquor. I have been dating this guy for almost a year now. I don’t know what it is about him, but it’s…
Read MoreDoesn’t God Want Me To Be Happy?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2013Spring4DoesntGodWantMeToBeHappy.mp3 by Lance Blackburn Lessons for Our Time
Read MoreHow do I handle a mean and sinful parent?
Question: Hello Mr. Hamilton, I just wanted to ask you something. I know God doesn’t like ugly. I believe what goes around comes around. I have had people try to do things to hurt me, not physically but in other ways. I can’t do anything but pray the God to protect me from them at…
Read MoreIf you constantly watch porn, will God give you up to vile affections?
Question: Hi, If you constantly watch porn will God give you up to vile affections? I’m constantly worried that when I watch porn and fail that God will give me up to vile affections and make me gay and stuff for punishment. Is this true? Answer: If you ignore any sinful thing that you are…
Read MoreIf I aim to preach or teach, what do I need to learn?
Question: It would seem that not many are even aiming to try and follow the truth, and as such, I would like to someday be a preacher and or teacher in hopes that some might be won over to Christ and the truth. I appreciate that you seem to do that as well. It seems…
Read MoreI Saw, I Desired, and I Took
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013Spring3ISawIDesiredAndITook.mp3 by Lance Blackburn Lessons for Our Time
Read MoreZealous or Lukewarm?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013Spring2ZealousOrLukewarm.mp3 by Lance Blackburn Lessons for Our Time
Read MoreLessons for Our Time
by Lance Blackburn of Sharpsburg, Georgia March 3-8, 2013 Giving and Taking a Rebuke (outline only) Zealous or Lukewarm? I Saw, I Desired, and I Took Doesn’t God Want Me To Be Happy? Is It Convenient? Internet Dangers Will We Do Right by Him? What Hinders Me from Being Baptized?
Read MoreI married a man, not realizing what he was like or what his past was. What do I do?
Question: I got married several years ago to someone that I really didn’t know. We met in the fall and married the following summer. It was one of the most foolish things that I have done, and have regretted it every single day. I believed he was a Christian. He lied about who he was…
Read MoreI was refreshed to know there are others who are focused on the message
Question: Hi, Studying in the book of Judges this morning, I did a search and Google included La Vista Church of Christ as one of the links. I was curious so I visited your site. I was very refreshed to read your declaration of fidelity to the Lord in your “Who We Are” comments. With…
Read MoreScholarly Perversions of the Word
by Eugene W. Clevenger via Preceptor, December 1951 “I know that is what the Bible says alright, but what do the scholars say about it?” I have heard that statement made many times, and it reflects an attitude. There is a widely prevalent idea that the final word to be said about the meaning of any…
Read MoreShould Churches of Christ Observe Passover?
by Mark W.White via Biblical Insights, Vol. 13, No. 1, January 2013 The Jewish Passover usually comes around each year in our month of April. Those who are familiar with Old Testament history understand the significance of this holy day for the Jewish nation. God delivered the children of Israel from their Egyptian bondage through a…
Read MoreAre women prohibited from ever teaching men in an assembly of any kind?
Question: Is there any verse, to your knowledge, that prohibits women from ever teaching men in an assembly of any kind? I know she can’t teach from a position of authority such as an elder, deacon, preacher, evangelist, etc. And, I know that she can’t usurp authority over a man, but can she teach men…
Read More