I know it’s wrong, but I do not know what happens when we are together
Question: I am writing this due to the guilt that I am having. I am born again and I minister in our church on the altar in one way or another, though I am not a preacher. I am 25 years old and last year I met with my boyfriend and we clicked. We fell…
Read MoreI just had to email you and express how excited I am over your website!
Question: Brother Hamilton, I just had to email you and express how excited I am over your website! It is a true blessing! I am 44 years old and many of the topics that you addressed, I can relate to. It is very refreshing to hear your answers are biblically based. There is no room…
Read MoreShould I stay with my fiance or go with the guy I recently met?
Question: Please bear with me as this is long. While searching for my answer I stumbled across one of your previous questions that were somewhat similar, so I decided to write you. I met my now fiance over five years ago when I was at a low point in my life. I was a drunk,…
Read MoreNotes on Alcohol
Based on a list by Dave Hart There is more Scripture condemning the use of alcoholic beverages than will be found on the subjects of lying, adultery, swearing, cheating, hypocrisy, pride, or even blasphemy. Genesis 9:20-27 – Noah became drunk; the result was immorality and family trouble. Genesis 19:30-38 – Lot was so drunk he…
Read MoreAre wedding receptions based on scripture, or is it traditional?
Question: Are wedding receptions based on scripture, or is it traditional? Answer: The Bible records the fact that wedding receptions, or marriage feasts, occurred (Genesis 29:22; Luke 14:8; John 2:1-10; Revelation 19:9). The reason for the meals likely goes back to covenants. When two parties made a covenant, they would sit down together for a…
Read MoreDid He Say That? John Calvin on Instrumental Music
by Doy Moyer Why is it that those who want to identify with Calvinism are quick to quote Calvin on matters like predestination, but don’t appear to want to quote Calvin on instrumental music in the assemblies? Here are a couple of pieces of Calvinism that modern Calvinists seem to have missed, so I’m just…
Read MoreIs the efficacy of baptism in our faith in God? Does that mean faith is more important than baptism?
Question: What is meant by Colossians 2:12, “in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead”? Is it teaching the efficacy of our baptism lies in our faith in God? If so then one of the faith only might say that “Faith…
Read MoreMy husband is living with another woman, should I divorce him?
Question: I am a member of the church of Christ. I am now battling with the decision to divorce my husband. I don’t know what to do. My husband and I have been married for about five years. He got baptized while we dated. I was born and raised in the church, but he never…
Read MoreCan you read about mythology if you don’t believe in it?
Question: Hi, Is reading Greek mythology allowed? For example, the Percy Jackson series? I think there are some verses of the Bible that talk about mythology (I Timothy 1:3-4;4:1-8; and II Timothy 4:2) But can you read about mythology if you don’t believe in it? I’m confused. Thanks! Answer: The myths condemned in the Bible…
Read MoreIs it possible to feel the presence of God when one worships Him?
Question: Is it possible to feel the presence of God when one worships Him? Answer: You ask the question in the wrong way because in the realm of possibility when dealing with God, almost anything is possible. But if you ask how God made His presence known in the past, then we find: Seen “And they…
Read MoreIs the saying, “everything happens for a reason,” biblical?
Question: The saying, “everything happens for a reason,” is it biblical? Answer: Sometimes things happen by chance. God said, “I returned and saw under the sun that — the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to…
Read MoreDoes God join all marriages or only some?
Question: “What God has joined together let no man put asunder.” Because of this scripture, I recently heard someone say that God doesn’t join all marriages. Is this true and under what circumstances will He not? (This excludes gay marriage or people remarrying) And if God doesn’t join a marriage does that mean the couple is…
Read MoreAre you saying people don’t get baptized in the Holy Spirit anymore?
Question: Are you saying that people don’t get baptized in the Holy Spirit anymore? If this is so, then what is it called when people are filled with the Holy Spirit? Like I have seen people get prayed for and they will shake and fall to the ground because of the power of God. What…
Read MoreI don’t like people touching my food. Is it biblically wrong?
Question: I would like to know how to deal with an issue of mine from a biblical point. I have a problem with people touching the food I’m eating and not having clean habits (by the way, it seems like a very silly “problem” now as I write it). It’s causing me all these thoughts…
Read MoreHow do I deal with my lesbian daughter?
Question: My daughter is in a lesbian relationship and recently became engaged. She is aware that I believe homosexuality is condemned in the Bible as a sin and also that, regardless of whether or not she chooses to live in sin, I will still love her. The problem is not whether or not she is…
Read MoreHandsome Is as Handsome Does
by Aubrey Belue Which “Handsome is as handsome does” means: “back up your words with your actions.” “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and…
Read MoreShouldn’t we emphasize a relationship with Jesus instead of rules?
Question: I just want to add that I looked around the site, but I never saw a topic about creating an intimate relationship with Jesus. One of the biggest misunderstandings is that people live according to do’s and don’ts. They don’t understand that Jesus wants a relationship with them and that Jesus is not just…
Read MoreAren’t you being rude in some of your answers?
Question: Hello, I was writing because I’ve read some of your articles and found them helpful and appreciate all that you do. There is one thing that is not a big problem, but I see when you write some of the answers to questions you come off rude to a couple of people, and I…
Read MoreGod Cannot Lie
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/GodCannotLie.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Kings 22:1-28 I. Heathen men molded their concept of their gods into their own image – Romans 1:22-23 A. We can read stories of the Greek gods and in their interaction with men they often lied and cheated to accomplish their goals. 1. The Greeks saw their gods as just…
Read MoreDoes the Higgs Boson’s existence prove the Big Bang theory?
Question: Okay, so my chemistry teacher told us today that the Higgs Boson or the God particle proves the big bang. What is this Higgs Boson thing? Every day I’m getting some weird information. It’s all so confusing. Answer: Science has been trying to figure out how the world works for a long time. Part…
Read MoreYour information on the New Testament not being originally written in Hebrew helped me defend the truth
Question: Thank you so much for your article on Yeshua Messianic groups regarding a Hebrew New Testament. Just yesterday I had an interaction with a person from such a group. I am very much blessed and found the answers to defend against these false Yeshua groups. Once again thank you so much. Answer: I’m glad you found the…
Read MoreIs it wrong to marry a non-believer?
Question: “While it is not generally advisable to marry someone who is not a Christian, it is not wrong either.” You mentioned this in your answer and this is the first time I heard a Christian advisor giving such advice. I came to know the Lord years ago. Several years ago I drifted away, and I was engaged…
Read MoreDoes the Holy Spirit come to us at our baptism?
Question: Jeffrey, Thank you for your wonderful work in teaching the Bible and for your web site. I have become much stronger in the faith as a result of your help. I have come upon a statement that I am not sure is correct: “At baptism God sends His Spirit to dwell in us. He…
Read MoreHow do I repent of something I enjoyed?
Question: Hello, I’m a Christian and I am a praise and worship leader and a Sunday school teacher in my church. For a while, I have been struggling with my fiance to not have sex, even though we started before but not completing it. However, today we did have sex, and I don’t know how…
Read MoreCan you remarry after a separation of seven years?
Question: I don’t doubt God’s forgiveness, but can a person remarry when he is separated from his spouse for over seven years? The marriage was not annulled nor have they divorced yet. Do both commit adultery if they have a new partner? Answer: “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual…
Read MoreMy God of Mercy
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MyGodOfMercy.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 I. Several years ago I taught High School math and science in a private school A. As happens occasionally, one student copied from another and turned in the assignment. 1. The school’s policy was to give zero grades to both the cheater and the one cheated from. a. It was…
Read MoreRuling with Love
by Irven Lee via Truth Magazine, January 1, 1981 An elder is to be “one that ruleth well his own family, having his children in subjection with all gravity; for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (I Timothy 3:4-5). The elder…
Read MoreDoesn’t John 6:65 teach predestination?
Question: I am still struggling a bit with the topic of predestination and, at least from the NIV translation I am reading, John 6:65 seems to point toward predestination. What do you think it means? Answer: “And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has…
Read MoreWhat does it mean that everyone has to give an account to God?
Question: What does it mean that everyone has to give an account to God (Christ)? Answer: See: What Will Happen on Judgment Day? “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I…
Read MoreI was amazed by the articles on tithing
Question: Two be quite honest, I was amazed seeing the articles on tithing for the first time! This teaching came without any selfish interest on the part of the preachers in the Lord’s church as they would have been on the receiving end. I am impressed and I pray that Christ continues to keep the church. Answer:…
Read MoreI failed to pray last night because I fell asleep. Should I offer two prayers tonight?
Question: Hello, I have a question. I ask you because I did not find any topic related to what I am curious about. Last night I was watching TV and in a moment I fell asleep. The problem is that I did not pray that night because I fell asleep. Will God forgive me or…
Read MoreDid Jesus have brothers?
Question: Hi Jeff! Did Jesus have brothers? How can we explain that a word such as “wine” has so many meanings depending on the context and root of the word in Greek, but that the word “brother” means just that? I ask because some denominational churches teach that when the Bible said “brother” it really…
Read MoreHow do I let go of my girlfriend’s past?
Question: I am 21 and have been a Christian since I was 8, I am a virgin and plan to stay that way until I get married. A while back I started dating a girl who I had met at church, she had only been a Christian for about a year and a half. I…
Read MoreWhat do you mean by “Ultimately, these sins will cause you to lose your salvation”?
Question: What do you mean by “Ultimately, these sins will cause you to lose your salvation”? Once saved, always saved. Answer: See: Once Saved, Always Saved. Question: Without eternal security then the whole concept of being a ‘born again’ Christian is meaningless. A person would never know if they are going to heaven or hell. I’m…
Read MoreHow can the church and the kingdom be the same when the Bible says flesh will not enter the kingdom?
Question: How you make the statement that the church and the kingdom are the same, while the Bible teaches that flesh will not enter the kingdom. Answer: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (I Corinthians 15:50). In this context, Paul is…
Read MoreI agree, we can’t rely on our feelings
Question: Thank you for this article on the church of Oprah. I’m a devout Christian. I agree 100 percent. God wants us not to rely on our own feelings but on His understanding! What happens when a new-ager feels like killing his child? How can you justify your whole self by feelings? Humans are so emotional,…
Read MoreYour article on entertainment in the church is well done
Question: Your article on entertainment in the church is well done. Answer: Thank you.
Read MoreI have a fiance, but I committed adultery against her. What can I do?
Question: Well, where do I start? I’m 21 years old. I have a child and a girlfriend whom I love so much! But recently, I committed a sin — I committed adultery! I feel really bad, so bad I cry myself to sleep sometimes. I feel awful! I feel disgusted with myself! I can’t sleep…
Read MoreIs it wrong to use the word “trinity” to describe God?
Question: Hello, I tried to reason with a Muslim concerning the fact that Christ is God and indeed the Son of God. In my discussion, I used the word ‘trinity’ (which I just know little about) to denote God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. However, I came to realize that this word ‘trinity’…
Read MoreI feel I don’t deserve anything. Should I give up on getting married?
Question: I am in my early twenties and had a godly life since childhood. I had sworn to remain a virgin until marriage, but last year I had this boyfriend who promised we would get married. We had sex. Later he broke up with me claiming I was unfaithful since he lived far away, but…
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