Reasons Why I Attend Every Service
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012Fall2ReasonsWhyIAttendEveryService.mp3 by Rob Speer God and I
Read MoreOur Attitude Toward God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012Fall1OurAttitudeTowardGod.mp3 by Rob Speer God and I
Read MoreWhat should I pray for?
Question: I am confused about praying. Say, for example, I really want to be signed up to a dance class, but I know the possibility of that happening is zero, or I want a job, do I pray to God and expect these things to happen eventually? I know you have to put effort into…
Read MoreIs disobeying my parents a sin?
Question: Is disobeying my parents a sin? What if I did something that’s not sinful (like daydreaming or not concentrating on school), but they told me not to do it. If I disobeyed them, did I sin? Answer: The commands are: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father…
Read MoreWhat is the proper way to distribute an inheritance?
Question: What are the biblical guidelines in regard to the proper way to distribute an inheritance? In regards to emphasis, should it be based on sex, capability, relationship, need, character, or other factors? For example, should inheritance be given more to a male, a wise person, or a close family, or a needy one? Ref:…
Read MoreI keep falling back into sin. Does it mean I’m not determined enough?
Question: Since I keep on falling back into sin further and further, repeatedly. Does that mean I don’t have a real determination to change? I want to change, yet I find myself just behaving worse than before. What should I do? Answer: There are a few possibilities. The most likely problem is a lack of…
Read MoreHow can the church exist without a succession of apostles?
Question: I happened upon your website today and you mention a few things I’ve been wondering about. I’ve studied Catholicism quite a bit, and am continually searching for Truth, and you seem to be headed there as well. Of course, Jesus is Truth, but how well has that Truth been handed down in 2000 years?…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to gird yourself with strength?
Question: Hello brother, My question is: would you explain Proverbs 31:17 to me? Thank you. Answer: “She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night” (Proverbs 31:17-18). “Girding” refers to the older style of clothing. If you had a…
Read MoreHow do I handle a husband with a drinking problem?
Question: Hi, I am a member of the Lord’s church, as well as my husband. We have been married for about five years with a couple of kids. When we first move to where we currently live, we both attended church; fast forward a year later, he started hanging out with friends who drank, and…
Read MoreWhat if I don’t know I’m sinning?
Question: Are you saying we are not judged based on our ignorance or things we don’t know are sin? If so that doesn’t apply to those outside of Christ does it? Can you give me some Scriptures so I can get a better grasp? Answer: “For there is no partiality with God. For as many…
Read MoreWill God condemn a new Christian who still has a lot to learn?
Question: Will God condemn a newborn babe in Christ who is striving with every fiber of his being to grow and mature as the Bible commands? This babe in Christ realizes the urgency of studying to rightly divide God’s word, and every time he learns he is guilty of sin, he repents. But because he…
Read MoreWhy I Believe in Jesus Christ
by Bobby Witherington via Truth Magazine Vol. XLIV: 7 p3, April 6, 2000 More Than Just A Historical Being The fact that a man called “Jesus of Nazareth” actually lived upon this earth and died upon a cross is a matter of historical record. If we can believe that such men as George Washington, Abraham…
Read MoreJesus Is God!
by Harry L. Lewis It seems rather superfluous for a gospel preacher to even have to make a statement like our headline, but if I am to believe what I read, there are those who profess to be Christians who do not believe it. This is even true, I am told, of some who are…
Read MoreJesus’ Deity While on Earth
by Richard Thetford The nature of Jesus Christ in the flesh has been debated since early times in the church. Varying ideas have been suggested. One of which is that Jesus, while on earth was just a man, an ordinary man like you and me. Such a unique thing as “God in the flesh” causes…
Read MoreSome questions about judgments
Question: Please forgive me for taking up your time, but I became so excited when I came across this site! I understand that ignorance is not an excuse, and that transgression of God’s laws is sin. However, this is my question: What if my brother who was just taught the gospel of Christ a few…
Read MoreYour lessons made me smile
Question: I have been attempting to find faith in God for some years now. I am off work today due to being very sick with a cold and started to research why some books were left out of the Bible when I came across your website, and I find I really feel good after reading…
Read MoreDoes John 14:15 mean we are under the Ten Commandments?
Question: I love your website! It has been very helpful to me in my studies. I have been studying with a friend of mine who still believes that we are under the ten commandments. He wants to use the verse John 14:15 “If you love me keep my commandments” as proof that we are still…
Read MoreI got a chance to teach some young adults. Any suggestions?
Question: I am going to host a Bible study in my home for my son’s friends who have indicated an interest (17 to 21-year-olds). Any pointers, subject, etc.? I plan on starting out with the reliability of the Bible. Answer: At this age range, the ability to reason has kicked in strongly, so it isn’t…
Read MoreI really messed up. How do I restore my relationship with my fiance?
Question: Hello, I am 24 years of age. I have been in a very serious relationship for over three years. We have had so many challenging times, but somehow we always pulled through. My boyfriend and I got engaged about a year ago. We are Christians, and he is such a good spiritual leader to…
Read MoreHow can the Law of Moses no longer be in effect when God doesn’t change?
Question: So when God said: “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah — not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead…
Read MoreI want to be baptized but my dad won’t let me
Question: In Spanish class, we had a test. This guy asked me for the answers; he is an upperclassman. I knew it was a sin, and I didn’t want to do it, but I did anyway. I feel stupid and hate this blasphemous sin I have committed. Only now did I realize I could have…
Read MoreDoes God have an ordained and permissive will?
Question: Like many times in the past few years, I was lost as to God’s will for my life. So I typed into Google: God what do you want me to do? Stay where I am or move? I have been out of work for several years and my money is running out. This time…
Read MoreIf I quote the early Christian writers on the necessity of baptism, does that make my argument better?
Question: I found a whole list of early church fathers, Ante Nicene fathers who said baptism is necessary for salvation and it’s a regeneration. I got Irenaeus, Tertullian, Ambrose, Justin Martyr, Clement, Cyprian, and the list goes on. Can I use these men and their quotes to back up the Bible and the apostles? Most…
Read MoreIs survival preparation sinful?
Question: First of all let me thank you, brother Hamilton, for maintaining such a wonderful, informative, godly website for these past years. I can personally attest to how your advice has helped me to understand, more clearly, the Word of our Lord and apply it to my life, not only for my benefit but for…
Read MoreI’m interested in a girl, but she isn’t a strong Christian. Should I take a chance on her or not?
Question: Hello, I really don’t even know why I am here asking this when I probably already know the answer. I guess I just need a second opinion. You see, I met this girl a while back. I am a Christian and she is also, but she doesn’t really live the way she should. She…
Read MoreIf a guy is drunk at his wedding, is he really married?
Question: My “soulmate” had gotten himself in a messy situation about ten years ago. We had been dating but had split due to distance. While I was gone he started seeing another girl (at the time he was 18) whom he slept with. When I returned, however, he told me that it was me he…
Read MoreWhy does a person have to leave his second marriage to become a Christian?
Question: I have a question about the question and answer article: Do I have to divorce my husband in order to be baptized? I am a member of a church of Christ, and we are currently struggling with our study on this subject. As I’m sure you are familiar with, this brings a bit of tension…
Read MoreDoes God give us our names?
Question: Does God give us our names? Answer: Depends on which name you are referring to. If you mean the designations like Christian, disciple, or child of God, then, yes, those come from God. If you mean your birth name then, no, that was the name your parents picked out for you. There are times…
Read MoreMy boyfriend and I have been living together for years. Now that I am a Christian, should I move out?
Question: Hi, I’ve been struggling with this question of cohabiting. My boyfriend and I have been living together for about five years. We have one child together who is four years old and I have a child who’s thirteen years old. I recently gave my life to the Lord back near the start of this…
Read MoreSometimes I feel Jesus when I pray and other times I don’t. Am I going in the right direction?
Question: Hello, I really need your help. Every day I go off and pray. Sometimes I feel Jesus and it feels great, but other times I don’t feel Him and I become worried. I’m confused about whether I am going on the right path or not. When I don’t feel him I think He is…
Read MoreIf God condemned something in the past does that mean the law remains?
Question: Hello! I came across a website today about Leviticus and homosexuality. At the bottom it said the following: “Now, if God never changes and never goes back on His word, what He says in Leviticus stands for all time. Thus, what He condemns in the Old Testament remains condemned into the New Testament and…
Read MoreWhat if, while I encourage Christians, I end up encouraging members of a false religion?
Question: I have recently finished another article about letting our acts and voices continue to confess Christ throughout our lives. I was wondering though, what if I end up encouraging someone from a false religion to do more for their denomination? My aim is to encourage Christians, but it’s always possible that this might happen. …
Read MoreWhen Communication Breaks Down
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/WhenCommunicationBreaksDown.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Genesis 11:1-9 I. After the flood, mankind feared to obey God’s command to spread once again across the world. A. They took it into their heads to build a great city and a tower that would make a name for themselves. B. Mankind was united, but they were united in sin.…
Read MoreShould I divorce my husband of less than a year?
Question: I came across your website by chance while searching for information on divorce and separation. Below is my question: I have been married since earlier this year and separated from my husband only a few months later. I am older than my husband, and unfortunately, we didn’t date as long as we should. I…
Read MoreWhy do the Jews teach different doctrines from the New Testament?
Question: I was wondering why the Jews think Satan isn’t evil and of God to test people. They think that hell isn’t eternal. And that the Messiah will be a normal man, not the Son of God, who will rebuild the church in Israel and bring people back to Judaism. If the New Testament doesn’t…
Read MoreHow does the Holy Spirit testify to people today?
Question: Hello, I was reading your page and I was wondering if you thought that the Holy Spirit testifies with people today. I can see what you mean by churches making a following off these emotional responses but are you saying that God doesn’t have a way of testifying with us to let us know…
Read MoreHow could I, as a Christian, have committed adultery when I knew it was wrong?
Question: I was baptized at 18. I know I honestly wanted to live for God and to commit myself to Him. Fast forward to age 25 when I got married and only shortly after getting married I found myself actively participating in an adulterous sexual relationship. I knew it was wrong I even told the…
Read MoreYour articles are enjoyable as well as a learning tool for me
Question: Greetings! I have been reading the articles consisting of different topics on your website. It has been an enjoyment as well as a learning tool for me personally. I greatly appreciate it for sharing with everyone the articles. Answer: I’m happy to be of service.
Read MoreCan Christians receive massages?
Question: Can Christians receive massages? Answer: It would depend on the purpose of the massage. There would be nothing wrong with a massage to loosen sore muscles, but a massage that arouses sexual feelings would be wrong. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each…
Read MoreDo I have to give up my girlfriend to become a Christian?
Question: Hello, I am a 19-year-old young man studying with a church. I have been studying for over a year and a half and now I am ready to get baptized. I have made it my effort to not only learn the word of God, but to also apply it to my life. I pray…
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