Can you be a Christian and have your own personality?
Question: Hello! I am a Christian with a big question. I know you probably hear that a lot, but still: Is being yourself a sin? I’m not talking about being gay, I’m straight. I’m talking, can I have true blue faith in God and still have my own personality and traits? Like have certain hobbies…
Read MoreCould blasphemy of the Holy Spirit be an exception to the rule that God will forgive anyone who repents?
Question: Greetings, I have read some of your articles on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit on your website and I know you don’t want to repeat the same topic over again, but I do have some questions about it if you don’t mind addressing them. I have held a similar conclusion as you in the past,…
Read MoreHow do I know if the thoughts I had are mine or from God?
Question: How do I know if the thoughts I had are mine or from God? How to know if God wants me to do something? Answer: “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except…
Read MoreIs repeating a false doctrine blasphemy?
Question: Dear Minister, When I was in college I took a Jewish mysticism course and the professor explained a theory about God to the class. The theory was basically that God had a very small portion of evil in Him and He despised that evil so He created humans and hell to purge the evil…
Read MoreHow can I teach when I am so unworthy?
Question: I am currently 21 years old. Every day I wake up and cannot get the sins I have committed in my past out of my head. They haunt me day in and day out. I want to get to know Christ better, but I feel like I can no longer be the Christian I…
Read MoreMy friends are not content with the church. What can I do?
Question: I read your questions and answers often, and find real, godly, and biblical solace in them. I trust your judgment and wanted to ask you several things. My family has been attending churches of Christ since before we are born, and I could not see myself anywhere else. I’m a teen in the youth…
Read MoreYour site was useful to me in preparing lessons for our ladies’ Bible class
Question: I just discovered your website while searching for information on Esau and Edomites. Our ladies’ Bible class is doing a study of the Bible called the Essence of Time in which we look at the Old Testament in 12 segments like a clock face to try and get a timeline of people, places, and…
Read MoreIs Salvation Assured?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IsSalvationAssured.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 2:15-25 I. During the Reformation, a man named John Calvin came up with a system of belief that has impacted a large portion of the denominational world. A. The ideas were not original with Calvin. He based his work on many that preceded him. B. What Calvin did was…
Read MoreWhy Do Some Depart?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/WhyDoSomeDepart.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 13:18-23 I. When teaching someone about the gospel, it is hard not to invest a bit of yourself into the one you are trying to reach. A. You know the importance of being a Christian, and you care about the one you are teaching. If not, why spend the…
Read MoreThe Church Is the Kingdom
by James R. Cope via The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 11, Sept. 1952. Within the past twenty years, much has been written and spoken about the “church phase of the kingdom” in connection with premillennialism. For the most part, the influence of those who would deny the “eternal purpose” of God in and through the church…
Read MoreIs it right to pay a church secretary?
Question: I am a member of a large, conservative church of Christ. The one thing that bothers me is that we have a lady, who I love dearly, who has been the “church secretary” for many years and is being paid a salary. I can’t find where this is scriptural. The other congregations in our…
Read MoreHow did Cain go to another land and take a wife after being cast out of the Garden?
Question: When Cain was cast out of the Garden. How did he go to another land and take a wife? Adam and Eve did have more children but not until after Cain was cast out. Were there people here before Adam and Eve? Answer: You are making assumptions that are not in the text. Cain…
Read MoreWhat can I do to find joy in Christ?
Question: Hi, I’m a young, desperate man (I am 15 years old). In my country most people are Catholic. I hold Protestant views and even though my father visits the Catholic service, I go to the Protestant service on Sunday. Since I have been saved last fall, there is a lot of struggle going on…
Read MoreI’ve had oral sex with several girls, but I’m thinking of breaking up with my girlfriend because she is not a virgin
Question: My girlfriend is not a virgin. I’m a virgin but had oral sex with eight girls. Should I leave her? I need a Christian point of view on this unique situation. My girlfriend is 18 and I am 17. She repented and regretted having intercourse with her ex-boyfriend and wants to wait until marriage.…
Read MoreThe Man of Sin
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ManOfSin.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Thessalonians 2:1-12 I. Have you noticed that when little is said on a particular topic that it generates more discussion than when much is said? A. Of course, when little is said the range of possibilities is wide open. B. It generates strong opinions (not truths, just opinions) which cannot…
Read MoreHow can I convince my mother that voodoo isn’t real?
Question: My mother has been calling a “spiritual adviser” for years now and it makes my sister and me very uncomfortable because we know very little to nothing about this adviser, though we jump to conclusions and assume this lady does voodoo. Even though we are not sure, my mother pays this lady 500 dollars…
Read MoreI really regret not being a virgin anymore
Question: I found your site a few weeks ago and quite frankly I wish I had come upon it sooner, especially regarding sexual purity. I was 18 when I “invited Jesus into my heart.” However, I was filled with lust, having no regard for fleeing sexual immorality. I didn’t seek to understand why God forbade…
Read MoreThe Truth About Marijuana
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I run into so many people who argue that there is nothing harmful about marijuana that I thought it best to share this video about the actual facts. Argument: You should have the right to do what you want with your own body The argument is applied inconsistently. The same people…
Read MoreDo I have to be perfect to go to heaven?
Question: So in order to go to heaven, I must not commit sin or else have repented of all sins I have committed. But doesn’t this require perfect behavior and a perfect understanding of the Scriptures? Where is freedom and liberty in this? Where is there room for growth in this? How is this not…
Read MoreAm I denying the Holy Spirit by questioning whether my pastor speaks in tongues?
Question: Hi, I was just reading your page on speaking in tongues. I’m trying to find an answer to my problem. I have been attending a church for the first time for the last eight weeks or so. The first time I attended at the end we praised Jesus and the pastor spoke in tongues.…
Read MoreDid Peter have the Jews baptized to make a public statement?
Question: Reading online the transcript of a sermon by a man named John MacArthur in which he preached on Peter’s sermon at Pentecost and the reaction to it, I was a little surprised to see how flimsy the argument put forth was regarding the role of baptism in salvation. With no reference to any other Scripture and…
Read MoreMy “Church” Membership
by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. I am not a member of a denomination called “Church of Christ” or “Churches of Christ” or a denomination with any other name. The local church where I regularly attend is not a congregation of the “Church of Christ” denomination. Yet, I have been a member of the church of…
Read MoreI’ve listened to the entire Bible during my day
Question: I read your article on Reading the Bible Cover to Cover. Permit me to share that I love listening to my audio Bible and have covered 50 to 100 chapters a day. I have since gone through the Good Book eleven times. By late Wednesday, March 5th, I’ll complete my 12th time through as…
Read MoreDidn’t Jesus fulfill the Old Testament when he came in the flesh?
Question: I have a question: Didn’t Jesus fulfill the Old Testament when he came in the flesh? Answer: When Jesus was born, the Mosaic law was still in effect. He was circumcised and presented to God as the firstborn male of Mary and Joseph as the old law prescribed: “And when eight days had passed,…
Read MoreI didn’t realize the consequences of my adultery
Question: I want to first say that I’m a Christian according to the Bible, and belong to the local church. My husband and I both are Christians according to the Bible. In the past I’ve committed adultery and, even though I have been forgiven, sin had to be atoned for. What I thought was hidden…
Read MoreI was a Muslim before I converted to Christianity. What do I do about my second wife?
Question: Shalom, Prior to becoming a Christian, I was a born Muslim and married two women. My question is what is the status of my second marriage and what shall I do with it? I have a child with my second marriage. I appreciate very much your biblical answer. Thank you and God blessed. Answer:…
Read MoreCan a man who is obese be a preacher?
Question: Our church of Christ congregation employs a minister who is morbidity obese. His wife is also obese but not to the degree of the minister. The minister claims that his weight is not related to his ministry. Does the Bible have any teachings on this matter? May God bless you and the wonderful work…
Read MoreHow can discipline be done when there is only one faithful man?
Question: Hello, I am a part-time minister of a small congregation of Christians made up mostly of female members. The few male members have dwindled down to three in number due to members relocating and deaths. Currently, the two other male members are unable to take part in the worship services due to certain aspects…
Read MoreMy girlfriend and I broke up because I don’t believe as she does
Question: My girlfriend is a strong Christian and whereas I am a Christian, I don’t exactly share the same beliefs as her. We recently broke up after three years because her parents wouldn’t allow it. I respect her beliefs, and I have been willing to hear more about it, but I know it would obviously…
Read MoreCould you explain Hebrews 10:26-28?
Question: Could you explain Hebrews 10:26-28? Answer: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another,…
Read MoreWhy are there random italic words in my Bible?
Question: So what is with these random italics in passages? Example: “And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.” It’s everywhere. Random words emphasized for what reason? This one: “Let their table become a snare before them:…
Read MoreWhy did the translators add “brother” to II Samuel 21:19?
Question: Nearly everyone is familiar with the account in I Samuel 17 and how David killed Goliath. The King James Version in II Samuel 21:19 says Elhanan killed Goliath’s brother, but the Hebrew text says it was Goliath who was slain. How did the translators deduce this was Goliath’s brother, or is there a better explanation…
Read MoreHe That is Without Sin Among You
by Bob Waldron One time the Pharisees brought a woman who had been taken in adultery to Jesus and asked Him what to do about her. Should she be stoned as the law said? They were not really interested in the law, nor right and wrong, nor the woman. They were trying Jesus “that they…
Read MoreIs Zion only the church here on earth?
Question: Can you comment on Zion, Zion, I long thy gates to see. Some say it is not scriptural because Zion is the church in every sense, and never heaven, as it seems in the song. Thanks for your consideration. I wish to be accurate when I sing a song, but I love this song!…
Read MoreWhy do I have a knack for noticing people’s emotions and helping them calm down?
Question: Hello! I read an answer to an “empath” question. This has sparked another question within me. I have been a Christian and a member of the church of Christ for several years; however, I have a dilemma. I have always been able to “read emotions” and when I am around people who are feeling these…
Read MoreIs it wrong to solicit funds from congregations that have different doctrinal views?
Question: Is a Christian allowed to solicit funds from a congregation with which his home congregation has no fellowship for evangelistic works? For example, one is a conservative church and the other a liberal church. Answer: Sending funds to support the preaching of the Gospel is a form of fellowship or sharing. It shows that…
Read MoreHow do I honor my dad when he won’t talk to me?
Question: My dad and I were always close when I was little. I was a daddy’s girl even though he lived in another state. I lived with my mom and only saw him during the summer. We drifted apart when he got married, and I stopped visiting him when I was 16. But we did…
Read MoreThe Work of Elders Is the “Critical” Matter
by Randy Blackaby Virtually any study or discussion of church “elders” immediately focuses on the qualifications for this office. Does the person have “believing children,” what does that entail, and must all his children be faithful? Is the person “apt or able to teach” and is he a good leader in the home? But when…
Read MoreShould my friend marry a girl who flirts with other men?
Question: Dear Minister, I really appreciate your website and the time you put in to answer all these questions. I have a friend who shared this dilemma with me. I wanted to get your opinion about it. My friend is in a long-distance relationship with this girl who is a praise and worship leader in…
Read MoreWould Jesus Bake a Cake for a Homosexual Marriage?
by Jonathan Perz Yes. Jesus ate with sinners (Luke 5:30). Jesus washed sinners’ feet (John 13:1-20). Jesus let His feet be anointed by a prostitute (Luke 7:36-50). Jesus chose twelve sinners to be His apostles, one of whom would betray Him (Matthew 10:2-4). Jesus even died for sinners (Romans 5:8). He lived His perfect life…
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