Keep the Unity
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/KeepTheUnity.mp3 Text: Ephesians 4:1-6 I. The wedding day comes and a couple joins together in a covenant due to their love for each other. A. The two become one flesh. They are united and now see everything from the same point of view. 1. Some of you are smiling out there. No? It isn’t always perfect blissful…
Read MoreKidnapper Upset Being Seen as a Bad Guy
Source: The New York Times, “Iran bankrolling its own version of ‘Argo’,” Omaha World-Herald, 12 January 2013. The film Argo is “about the CIA’s extraction of six American diplomats from revolutionary Tehran.” Not surprisingly, the Iranian government doesn’t like the movie. “‘Argo’ was condemned by Iranian officials as anti-Iranian.” Imagine that! More amusing, however, was…
Read MoreI ruined my husband’s reputation with my family. How do I repair it?
Question: Good morning my brother, I’m a believer and married. I have a problem that does not allow me to sleep. For the past three years my husband cheated on me with a woman I forgave him because I love my husband. He is a good husband apart from his mistake. I believe it happened because…
Read MoreMy husband is into porn and I suspect seeing prostitutes. What do I do?
Question: Hello, I am in dire need of biblical advice concerning my marriage. I have been married for almost two years but we have been separated for most of that time. I found out that my husband was watching porn several months into our marriage. Of course, he said he had only done it a…
Read MoreYour article on head covering was the best-detailed explanation that I have read
Question: Hello Brother, Greetings in Jesus’ name. I recently read an article on women and head covering on your web page and I can say that this is the best-detailed explanation I have gotten on the subject matter. I am even happier that this is coming from an American congregation because, so far, every article written…
Read MoreIntolerance of Contrary Views
Source: The Tribune Washington Bureau, “Pastor drops out of inauguration,” Omaha World-Herald, 11 January 2013. The President invited a man to give a benediction at his inauguration, but when it was discovered that the man had stated in lessons back in the 1990s that homosexuality was contrary to the teachings of Christianity, which is true…
Read MoreState Court Recognizes Unborn Children as People
Source: John-Henry Westen, “Alabama Supreme Court: ‘unborn children are persons with rights that should be protected by law’,” Life Site News, 11 January 2013. “The ruling states, “The decision of this Court today is in keeping with the widespread legal recognition that unborn children are persons with rights that should be protected by law.” “Today,” the…
Read MoreDoes the second law of thermodynamics not apply to the earth since it is an open system?
Question: My friend converted to atheism. I told him what you said about the second law of thermodynamics, and he said, that only applies to a closed space. He seems to have a comeback for every defense I have. He’s always wanting to debate me, prove me wrong, it’s like a lion attacking a zebra.…
Read MoreCan a man who divorced his wife for witchcraft marry again?
Question: Sir, How do I advise my sister? A man from our town is proposing marriage to her, but here is the issue. The man had been married last year to a lady. The marriage only lasted six months or so. Under the power of God, the lady confessed to being a witch and responsible…
Read MoreOn the Silence of an Author
by Doy Moyer Silence is silence. It neither approves nor disapproves in itself. It is nothing. However, we cannot honestly quote an author on something he never said. If we cite an author as promoting and approving something, we better be able to show where and how he promotes or approves it. Otherwise, we have…
Read MoreWhat are Christians not allowed to drink?
Question: Are Christians allowed to drink coffee? Are Christians allowed to drink tea? I now know what Christians are allowed or not allowed to eat, but what are Christians not allowed to drink? Answer: There is nothing known to be harmful about coffee. The Bible doesn’t talk about coffee. Where it is generally applied is…
Read MoreHow do I be free from sexual sins?
Question: How do I be free from sexual sins? First, I thank God that I came across this website as I was browsing on the Internet. This site really gives me so much to learn. Well, straight to the main problem. I don’t know whether I’m a porn addict or not, but based on my…
Read MoreLove the article on the Salvation Army
Question: Hey Brother, Love the article on the Salvation Army. It really opened not only my mind but the mind of others. Thank you. Continue the work. God bless you. Answer: I’m glad you found the material useful in your studies.
Read MoreCan being attracted to a coworker be dangerous when you are married?
Question: I am married but attracted to a friend of mine at work. I do not have sexual feelings for her but care for her very much. Can this be a dangerous relationship to continue? Answer: Of course, it can be dangerous. Men desire to be the knight in shining armor to rescue the damsel…
Read MoreDealing with the Effects of Pre-Marital Sex
by David and Flora Tant This is an important subject — especially today. Young people (and older folks, too) are bombarded with the world’s (Satan’s) standards of morality, or immorality. The values and moral standards that were endorsed by most Americans in years past are now ridiculed and/or ignored by many. Teaching on sexual purity…
Read MoreDoes the exception clause work the same in both Matthew 19:9 and Matthew 5:32?
Question: This was purposed to me, and I was wondering your thoughts. The idea is the exception clause would have to work both ways since both are mentioned. I was wondering your thoughts about it. I am still studying the aspects of it, but it looks like a good challenge for me. Based on Matthew…
Read MoreMy boyfriend texted me to end our engagement on Christmas day
Question: Good day, My ex and I recently broke up. He ended it through text on Christmas day. He said things were not working out, even after I sacrificed to move down by him and live in his rented apartment. He was supposed to move out but said he will in January. I was uncomfortable…
Read MoreSpiritual Junk Food
Spiritual Junk Food – Part 1Spiritual Junk Food – Part 2 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Colossians 2:8-23 I. There are always those who will try to destroy the work of God, offering up human derived philosophies to override God given truth – Colossians 2:3-4, 8 A. While sounding plausible, they are in fact empty -…
Read MoreDo I have to tell everyone they are in sin?
Question: Should I be trying to correct every little act of unrighteousness? Perhaps “little” isn’t the right word. In my school, so many people are sinning and frequently too. How useful could I be trying to convert everyone that I see? I don’t see how I could teach and develop a relationship with everyone around…
Read MoreWhile we haven’t had sex, we’ve been sexually involved with each other. How do we stop?
Question: My boyfriend and I are very much in love, but I am afraid to say we have had sexual contact with each other. It is very sad because we both have grown up knowing the love, power, and grace of God. I feel lost. We didn’t actually have “sex” as the world defines it,…
Read MoreWould it be a sin to worship in a congregation where the elders are not correct?
Question: Would it be a sin to worship in a congregation where the elders are not correct (I Corinthians 5:11)? Answer: “Not correct” is too vague. Not correct by who’s standard? If anyone is in sin, then what have you done to rescue them? To point fingers but to seek no restoration is to hate…
Read MoreEver since I committed adultery and lost my marriage, it seems like I’ve been stuck
Question: I am in my late forties. I had cheated on my ex-wife, she asked me for a divorce, and I gave it to her. I regret what I’ve done, since then nothing has gone good for me. I’ve repented and asked God for forgiveness. I have had so many jobs and can’t find a…
Read MoreI’m trying to hold my marriage together, but my wife won’t stay at home
Question: My wife has been inconsistently living at home. It’s been one excuse after the other. We have been divorced once before because she committed adultery. I fear God’s judgment on my head and know that I am no perfect person myself. Although I have never physically committed adultery, I have in my heart. I…
Read MoreI didn’t want to start the year with lies so I told my husband about my past affair. How can I save my marriage?
Question: Hello, I committed adultery a few months ago, but I just told my husband because I didn’t want to bring the new year in with lies and deceit. My question is what can I do or say to make things work? I know I was wrong, but I want my marriage. I know it…
Read MoreThe Fingerprints of God
by Doug Cyrus via Think on These Things If a person’s fingerprints are found on an object you know the person has touched that object, you have detected their presence. It is interesting how God reveals His presence in the Bible by hiding information that obviously has His fingerprints all over it. Proverbs 25:2 says: “It…
Read MoreLearning to Think for Ourselves
by Rick Liggin via Think on These Things If you really want to grow up in Christ, then you’re going to have to learn to think for yourself! You’re going to have to come to understand the word of God … for yourself and develop your own faith, a faith that will motivate you to use…
Read MoreThe Poor Have the Gospel Preached to Them
by Andy Sochor The common perception by people – both within and outside of the religious world – is that churches are charitable organizations designed to help the poor. Denominational churches spend much time, energy, and money helping the poor. Those who are in need (or claim to be in need) often visit churches seeking…
Read MoreThank you for explaining where the other people came from in Genesis 4:14
Question: Hello, I just want to say thank you for your explanation of Genesis 4:14. I was reading today and thought, “What other people?” It was nice to see some proof as to what could have happened to cause Cain’s line of thinking. It is very hard to think people lived so long, but it must be. Answer:…
Read MoreIs it wrong for a child to correct his parents?
Question: Hi. Your website has been very helpful and I hope that you keep it up. Thank you for putting all the time into it as well. I am a 16-year-old male (I am saying this so you understand how I am thinking) and of late I have been taking Christianity much more seriously. As…
Read MoreThis site is giving me a better understanding
Question: I don’t know how I found this site, but it’s giving me a better understanding. I’m 24 years old and feel like I have been going through a lot. Mainly because I haven’t been following the right path and now I’m trying to. Answer: It means a lot to me that you are finding…
Read MoreCheating
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Cheating.mp3 by PJ Anderson
Read MoreDo Not Grow Weary
by Joel Moore It was 2007 and I was in a very rural part of the southernmost state of Mexico: Chiapas. My dad and I had been in the car all day (or, at least, what seemed like all day), had preached at two churches, and spent time with the Christians in each place. Finally,…
Read MoreCan the church rent a house on land it bought for future expansion?
Question: Hello, I was just wondering if maybe you could tell me if there is a biblical answer for this situation. A congregation of the Lord’s church just bought land adjoining the land the building where we meet sits on right now. It was purchased to expand at a later time (no time soon). If…
Read MoreIf Jesus’ work is completed, does that mean our salvation is assured?
Question: I stumbled upon your website while searching for answers to a lot of burning questions. I like your answers because they are biblical. May God richly bless you. I have some questions: When preachers teach about the completed work of Jesus or the finished work of Jesus, does this mean that once you repent…
Read MoreWhat makes marijuana work? Does it lead to using other drugs?
Question: I have some questions about marijuana. What are the ingredients in pot that produce that “high”, mind-altering feeling that users crave and the “munchies”? Does pot use eventually lead to the use of more hardcore drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, LSD, etc.? I would venture to guess that regular pot users would want bigger…
Read MoreWhat do I say to people who claim God told them to do something foolish?
Question: Greetings, I am a criminal defense lawyer. Often when I am discussing a plea deal with my clients they tell me that God will deliver them. They say that since they are innocent God wants them to go to trial and will not entertain plea offers. (This despite, in some instances, clear evidence to…
Read MoreHow do I find peace when I’m reminded that another woman stole my husband away?
Question: Every holiday season my former spouse’s wife sends holiday greeting cards to my daughter. I don’t understand why she feels the need to send photos of my former spouse and herself (along with their toddler) to her. I put the greeting cards up and display them, for it is my daughter’s father and her…
Read MoreCan a sin of ignorance keep us out of heaven?
Question: Hello! I was reading through the website again and came across a subject, which in short was discussing things that are sinful that we may do and don’t know or understand the teaching. You mentioned to me that you think that is where God’s mercy comes in. You stated: “There is only one way…
Read MoreDo you need to be baptized in order to go to heaven?
Question: Hello, I have a couple of questions, but I hope I am not bothering you in any way. Do you need to be baptized in order to go to heaven? If so, what other things must you do? Do you need to be baptized to be a Christian? Can you be a Christian if…
Read MoreWhat would you say to a young teenager who committed fornication and who came out for altar call?
Question: What would you say to a young teenager who committed fornication and who came out for altar call? Answer: There is no “altar call” in the Bible. But if a young person wished to become a Christian and was willing to give up his sins, then that is just what becoming a Christian is…
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