The Time Given Us
by John R. Gibson In his epic novel depicting a great struggle between good and evil, J.R. R. Tolkien narrates the following conversation about the evil threat of Sauron. ‘I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I, said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such…
Read MoreIf both are committing adultery, could either one remarry?
Question: Hello, I was wondering if you could help me with the following: How would you respond to a man who was married, and after four years of marriage his wife committed adultery. He decided to move out. The two remained legally married for another whopping 8 years, but both ended up living with other…
Read MoreWho had the most children in the Bible?
Question: Who in the Bible had the most children? Since there was no form of birth control in the Bible days, the only way for women not to get pregnant is for the man to “pull out” (other than not having sex), but did any man fathered a child he didn’t know about or leave…
Read MoreThe Christian and Social Media
by David Maxson “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27). Like it or not, social media is here to stay. While we shouldn’t overreact to the dangers of this new media, we must not ignore them either. There needs to be more…
Read MoreEverywhere Spoken Against
by Jeffery Kingry If you are doing anything right, you should have caught Satan’s attention by now (Ref. Job 1:6). One of our great blessings is that while our adversary is powerful, he is not God. Satan’s powers are intimidating enough as it is (Matthew 4). It appears that the deceiver goes after people who stand out…
Read MoreLearning from Philemon
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/LearningFromPhilemon.mp3 by Andrew Long
Read MoreAbsalom
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Absalom.mp3 by Andrew Long
Read MoreWho is responsible for a child born out of wedlock?
Question: What if a guy has a child outside of his marriage with another woman? Is he still responsible, such as for child support? What if his wife knows but disapproves of the child growing up with their children? What if he has a child that he knows is his but refuses to take care…
Read MoreShould I end our engagement even though we’ve sinned?
Question: Hello, I am a 25 years old woman. I met my fiance about five years ago as a friend. Eventually, the friendship turned out to be a much-committed relationship. He proposed to me for marriage. We have been engaged for several years. We have been postponing marriage due to other issues with our families.…
Read MoreIs it wrong to change your mind?
Question: Hello, If someone stated they were never going to do something that wasn’t wrong can they change their mind and not be in sin? For example, if I said I was never going to get married and then change my mind and get married is that a sin? I kind of think it is…
Read MoreShould Christians support the legalization of marijuana for medical use?
Question: Hello, I am a Christian, and I do not imbibe alcohol or any other drugs for recreational purposes. I have in the past (my youth) partaken in sinful inebriation, but have been sober for several years and have since been baptized. My question is whether or not you think that Christians can safely support…
Read MoreCan a man be faithful in marriage after having a promiscuous past?
Question: In my years, I have heard many little stories about men who have sex with as many women as possible before marriage, but when he is married, changes and remains faithful. Some men call it “getting it out your system.” However, I have never met a man who was faithful to his wife after…
Read MoreHow do I let go of the guilt of having committed adultery?
Question: I was friends with a married man. It was all very innocent until one day. I met his wife and children, and they were all so lovely. He dropped me off at home, and it just happened. I can’t believe that I allowed myself to accept a married man in my bed. I am…
Read MoreIs it a problem to marry a man of a different belief than your own?
Question: I’m 22 years old. The first time I was involved in sexual sin with a guy, I thought I would marry, but it didn’t work out. I have a different boyfriend now, and we have slept together a lot of times. But I decided I couldn’t continue this life of sin, and I decided…
Read MoreIf the other spouse refuses to reconcile, can he remarry?
Question: I have a question. If someone divorces their spouse and then tries to reconcile with them, and in the middle of reconciling, the other decides they wanted to be with someone else. Is the one who tried to reconcile able to remarry? Answer: The only reason given that allows for remarriage after a divorce…
Read MoreI really appreciate your work online
Question: Hello, I really just wanted to say I really appreciate your work online! I know many people need to read the information you provide! Please keep up this work! Answer: Thank you for the encouragement. I plan on continuing this effort as long as I’m able.
Read MoreStudents Decide Their Gender and Those Disagreeing Face Punishment
Source: “Guidance for Massachusetts Public Schools: Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity,” Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Source: Ryan Boehm and Lisa Barstow, “Transgender Access to Public School Bathrooms Now Required in MA by Commissioner,” Massachusetts Family Institute, 15 February 2013. Source: Todd Starnes, “Students Who Refuse to Affirm…
Read MoreAlcohol Consumption Linked to Cancer
Source: Lisa Chedekel, “Study Shows Alcohol Consumption Is a Leading Preventable Cause of Cancer Death in the U.S.” Boston University School of Public Health, 15 February 2013. A “new study finds that even low levels of alcohol consumption — just 1.5 drinks per day — is a major factor in cancer deaths, causing years of life…
Read MoreI want to do something bad to the people who cost me my job
Question: Good day, I have lost my job, and I can’t stop thinking about doing something bad to the people who cost me my job. This thing is always on my mind, but I want to move forward, forget about it, and have faith in God that everything happens for reason. This situation is making…
Read MoreThanks for encouraging me to stay in the word. I’m trying to help someone else who is going through a similar struggle
Question: Thank you, Jeffrey, for the writings that you have shared with me. It is uplifting to know that I still have hope. I frequently get discouraged and I try to stay in the word. It helps me stay firm when I hear someone speak the truth in a sensible way. I think Satan has…
Read MoreIf a child is taught properly, he won’t depart from it later, right?
Question: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Given the fact that this is the word of God, He knows all, I think we overlook how and in what a child should be well trained. We try to bring…
Read MoreWill I be condemned for running off with another man?
Question: I have been feeling very convicted. I find myself questioning my salvation. I have been married for over five years and have decided to leave my husband for a man I met playing an online game. I know I am in the wrong. I have no doubts. My husband claims he loves me, and…
Read MoreHow do I straighten out the mess I’m in?
Question: Hi, I have a big problem and I need some guidance, please. It’s a long story, so please bear with me. I grew up in a church of Christ and got baptized when I was younger. I did not really have a full understanding; I think I may need to redo it. I have…
Read MoreI was involved in fornication with my boyfriend who is a preacher. We broke up, but how do I straighten out this mess that I got involved in?
Question: My boyfriend of 17 months and I recently broke up. There are many factors that contributed to our decision to end the relationship, but one of the biggest concerns was the distance and the inability or unwillingness for one of us to move in the near future. We still talk and deeply care about…
Read MoreWas Achan’s family destroyed along with him?
Question: Was Achan’s family destroyed along with him? I have found through other commentaries, Henry; Clarke; Jamison, Faucett, and Brown, etc. both yes and no answers. I’d like to know before this Sunday morning’s Bible class. Thank you in advance. Answer: “Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the…
Read MoreJamaica Patois Wisdom – Pride
by Jefferson David Tant The Jamaican Patois dialect is colorful, unique, and humorous. It is my desire to share some of the philosophy shown in this mix of colorful phrases that are witty as well as thought-provoking. I hope the readers both profit and enjoy. In my quarter-century plus of teaching there, I have come…
Read MoreYour website kept me from sinning
Question: I was searching on Google and found this website. I was scared that if I did something with oral sex or that other touching stuff if I would be committing a sin. Your website gave the answer and stopped me from planning or doing that stuff before marriage. So thank you for answering my…
Read MoreYour articles are very helpful when I am sharing the gospel
Question: Good evening, As your sister in Christ, I wanted to thank you for your articles. They are very helpful when I am sharing the gospel and contending for the faith. I hope that this email serves to encourage you to keep up the good work. Answer: Oh, it definitely does gladden my day. Thank…
Read MoreDoes a former homosexual have to marry a woman to prove he is no longer a homosexual?
Question: I have heard you say that homosexuality is not genetic and that the behavior can be changed. Does this mean I must become a heterosexual and prove it by getting married to a woman before God will let me into heaven? Answer: No. Marriage is not required of anyone. It is only required if…
Read MoreWe Lost the Surprise Somewhere
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I remember watching Mayberry RFD and related shows most of my childhood. Poor ignorant Gomer Pyle who worked as an auto mechanic was a notable character. But I can still recall my shock when I found out that Jim Nabors, who played Gomer, could sing — not casually, but with a…
Read MoreI ruined my reputation, and now I can’t move past it. What am I to do?
Question: Six years ago I ruined my reputation and many burned bridges; irreparable damage. To this day I haven’t forgiven myself and neither have those who I’ve offended and hurt. No one will accept my apology; no one. The gossip has gotten so bad, that I’ve relocated several times in order to start fresh and…
Read MoreMy heart was full of joy visiting your website
Question: My heart was full of joy visiting your website, and I was blessed and encouraged so much. Thanks. Answer: Thank you for the kind encouragement.
Read MoreIf I know someone is abusing the welfare system, should I report it?
Question: I am very concerned about our national debt, and the abuse of the welfare system. I am a Christian and want to know if it is my place to report the welfare abuse of two individuals who live in my area or to just let it go. Answer: I wrote the Welfare Fraud Department…
Read MoreHow can I be 100% sure?
Question: I am starting to build more faith but I am still not 100% sure that God exists. I go to church and everything and I feel terrible to admit this. How can I be 100% sure? Are you 100% sure? Will I ever get there? I’m just scared that I never will be able…
Read MoreWhat was the Lord’s reasoning for showing Elijah the wind, earthquake, and fire?
Question: What was the Lord’s reasoning for showing Elijah the wind, earthquake, and fire in I Kings 19:11-12? Why does the text say the Lord was not in the wind? Answer: “Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong…
Read MoreDo you have to believe in Jesus to be saved from your sins?
Question: Do you have to believe in Jesus to be saved from your sins? I mean, what if you were really trying to love your neighbor and do your best but you just kept looking at Christianity (very open-mindedly) and just kept thinking it must not be true? Could an all fair, all-loving God really…
Read MoreMajor Problems in Moral Purity
by Leslie Diestelkamp Truth Magazine II:8, pp. 2-3, 21 May 1958 Truth Magazine II:7, pp. 2-3, 23 April 1958 Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in heaven.” By doing good the Christian bears fruit which, to the people of the world,…
Read MoreHow can I strengthen my faith?
Question: My faith is really low, and I feel empty. I pray as often as I can but I haven’t been going to church for quite some time, but I’m going to start going this coming Sunday. My questions are: How do I strengthen my faith and form a strong relationship with God? I have…
Read MoreMy husband says he wants to divorce me in order to have a polygamous marriage. What do I do?
Question: I am a Christian. I am writing because my husband wants a divorce. He has stated to me that he believes that he should be able to have more than one wife and live under one roof with them. I really think that he doesn’t believe that, but he just wants to be able…
Read MoreDo you have other studies for young adults?
Question: Hello Mr. Hamilton, I just wanted to personally thank you for loading your Bible studies and documents online so that young couples, such as me and my boyfriend, can access them. My boyfriend and I have really been on a strong track to strengthen both our relationship and our spiritual relationship with Christ. We…
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