Since the Scriptures can be unclear, doesn’t it require an organization to state what is true?
Question: Scripture is unclear at times and at other times seems to be contradictory. With that in mind, there are many different interpretations from many different sources. So, my question is this; If what the Bible says is true, not according to personal interpretation, who or what organization is the true scriptural authority? It seems…
Read MoreWere Hezekiah’s sons punished for their father’s sins?
Question: It’s quite clear that the Bible says the fathers are not to be punished for the son’s sins and the sons not to be punished for the father’s sins. However, throughout the Old Testament, we see that when a king sinned, because either they repented or because of a prior promise to their fathers…
Read MoreHow do I decide what is acceptable? How do you deal with what you don’t know?
Question: Hello Brother Hamilton, I have two questions: As I grow as a Christian and as a musician, I’m having a hard time deciding what places are acceptable to visit to listen to music or play at. It seems like alcohol is served everywhere, now even at classical orchestra concerts during intermission. How do I…
Read MoreI keep getting fearful of thoughts about Islam
Question: I am 17 years old and I have OCD. I have been struggling with thoughts that are really affecting my life. This might sound weird but I have thoughts about the religion of Islam and things that are associated with it, including the way they look and words such as Muslim, Allah, Muhammad, etc.…
Read MoreAm I gambling with my soul by living with my girlfriend while waiting for her divorce to go through?
Question: I found Christ after being lost for almost 15 years. This is a real change, it’s not like the past. I really feel like the Holy Spirit is guiding me. I’m separating myself from all that is evil driven and it’s as if I see black and white now and have dropped all my…
Read MoreWe love each other and treat each other as husband and wife. Is this enough?
Question: My husband and I dated for over a year before we had sex. We were each other’s first. Now it has been over three years, and we are still happily standing together. Around the time that we first had sex we both made a commitment to each other and God that we would only…
Read MoreI came across your article while researching and preparing a response to India’s (and Hindu’s) caste system
Question: Thank you for the excellent article on your website responding to the question “Does the Bible support the idea that men are created equal?” I came across your article while researching and preparing a response to India’s (and Hindu’s) caste system. I found the article very, very helpful. Answer: I’m glad that you found…
Read MoreDoes a child leave his parent’s authority gradually or all at once?
Question: I guess my question is Genesis 2:24, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This seems to suggest this idea of leaving the household and the authority of your parents and establishing a new household. It seems similar to the…
Read MoreI so much appreciate your series of lessons entitled “Moral Principles for Young People”
Question: I so much appreciate your series of lessons entitled “Moral Principles for Young People”. The material is excellent. We are using the material as a study on Wednesday night for our teen class. The lessons are very practical and the kids enjoy them. Thanks for putting the series online! Answer: It is so good…
Read MoreHow can I stop worrying about my two children who are doing hard drugs?
Question: How can I stop worrying about my two adult kids doing hard drugs every day? I know a lot of kids died from this. We are all in the church of Christ and Christians. Answer: I’m sorry to hear that your children have fallen away and are caught up in the trap of drugs.…
Read MoreOver Diagnosis of ADHD Indicated
Source: “An ‘astronomical’ rise in ADHD diagnosis, The New York Times, published in Omaha World-Herald, 02 April 2013. I don’t know why this is so surprising. Common sense has indicated for decades that children were being drugged for no other reason than to keep classrooms calm and to allow parents to control their children with little effort.…
Read MoreYour strong position in your introduction gives me hope
Question: Thank you for your position. The challenge to stand firm on His Word and proclaim the Word without compromise is strong. Reading your introduction statement gives me hope. God bless. Answer: Thank you for the kind words.
Read MoreCan I remain in my marriage and be forgiven?
Question: I have a question. About 20 years ago, I was married to a guy I had met, dated, and had sex with beforehand. After about two years of marriage, I was very unhappy and depressed. One day my husband at that time brought one of his co-workers home to give us an animal. Basically,…
Read MoreWhy were the sexual laws not applied equally between men and women in the Old Testament?
Question: Why was purity asked more of women than men in the Old Testament? A woman who slept with a man before marriage was stoned, but a man who slept with an unmarried woman was not and instead had to marry her! Also, there had to be proof of a woman’s virginity but not of…
Read MoreMy boyfriend is worldly and using drugs, but I’m afraid to leave him as he might become worse
Question: Hello. I am a member of the church of Christ. How can I tell my boyfriend of two years that I’m aware he has a drug addiction without pushing him away or over the edge? I don’t fear being alone but fear that if I’m not in his life, he will really turn in…
Read MoreHow can I meet girls?
Question: How can I meet girls? Answer: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22). I’m amazed how many young men I’ve met who put no effort into finding a spouse and then wonder why they remain single. “He who finds a wife …” implies that the man…
Read MoreThere are so many parts of the Bible that don’t seem right to me
Question: Hello, Lately, I’ve been deciding to take Christianity more seriously, but not completely from the perspective of some scripture. I feel at a loss because so many people wish to just cling to the Bible like it’s the only thing God ever has and ever will try to use to communicate with us like…
Read MoreCan someone live in a giant fish for three days?
Question: Can someone live in a giant fish for three days? I’ve never understood that. I know it’s referencing Jesus’ situation, but it confuses me. When Jesus is getting baptized did God really shout from the sky? I probably seem really ignorant, but I thought it would be good to start reading the Word again,…
Read MoreThe Resurrection of Jesus (Hamilton)
The Resurrection of JesusThe Resurrection of Jesus – Part 2 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 13:16-41 I. Central to every Christian’s belief in his salvation is the resurrection of Jesus – I Corinthians 15:12-19 A. If Jesus was not raised, . . . 1. Then every preacher has been teaching falsehoods 2. Our faith in the Bible…
Read MoreI love coming to your site
Question: I love coming to your site to read the scriptures. The lesson about “Wisdom” was great reading and very understanding. Keep up the good work! I’m being more thankful and remembering good things. I’m trying to stay positive because I know Jesus has me. Answer: I’m happy to have been of service.
Read MoreYou’re in the Minority
by Wayne S. Walker One of the arguments often made by those who promote moral and social change away from God’s standards, for example in the matter of so-called “homosexual marriage,” is that “you conservative traditionalists are in the minority.” It is claimed that more and more people are “coming around” to support “homosexual marriage”…
Read MoreIs it wrong to talk about sexual things before we are married?
Question: My girlfriend and I have had a long-distance relationship for a while we really love each other. With God’s help and guidance, we plan on getting married in the future. But we occasionally like to talk about kissing and other related activities. We were feeling confident with each other and we even talked about…
Read MoreI’m having trouble not doing things I am unsure about
Question: I am having trouble not doing things that I am unsure about whether or not they are sinful, such as drinking soda, eating sweets, masturbation, and whether or not I should be playing certain card and video games. On the soda and sweets, I am wondering if I am harming my body by doing…
Read MoreNotes on Gambling
Quick wealth is dangerous Proverbs 20:11 “An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.” Proverbs 28:19-20 “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich…
Read MoreThe Truth About Jesus’ Birth
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. The world, at this time of year, turns its attention to the birth of Jesus A. The secular world sees opportunity to profit B. The denominations moan about how their holiday is being secularized C. And the real problem is that almost no one is interested in the truth II. From the beginning of the…
Read MoreHow do I teach my worldly family when I visit them?
Question: Hello, I am visiting my worldly family right now and plan to be here for the next few days. I would like to at least spread some seed while I am here. I feel as though I could explain the basics of Christianity well enough if someone were already seeking to be a Christian…
Read MoreHow do I prove that Jesus exists and the Bible is true?
Question: How do I prove to an atheist that Jesus exists and that every word in the Bible is true? He believes in “om” and the energy runs the world. That life is made of energy. Answer: This person is not an atheist. An atheist does not believe in any higher being or force. The…
Read MoreMore Children are Born Out of Wedlock
Source: Young Children and Their Complex Families: Facing Some Uncomfortable Facts, Child Trends, 25 March 2013. Source: Jason DeParle and Sabrina Tavernise, “For Women Under 30, Most Births Occur Outside Marriage,” New York Times, 17 February 2012. Source: “Knot Yet: The Benefits and Costs of Delayed Marriage in America”, 2013 “Today, more children than ever are born outside of…
Read MoreTraditional Marriage
by Doy Moyer What bothers me about “traditional” marriage is the terminology in the debate. There is nothing wrong with tradition. Tradition is something established that is handed down through time, and certainly, marriage is that. It is something that is customary, and marriage is surely that, too. But when we place something in the…
Read MoreDid my sins cause my pain? If I stop, will my disease go away?
Question: Dear preacher, I am 25 years old. For the past six years, I have been walking with severe heel pain in both legs. I have consulted many doctors, and I have taken many pain killers, steroids, and anti-inflammatory medications but I am unable to walk properly. I was once a district volleyball player, but…
Read MoreI am simply amazed learning about the churches of Christ and their strong Bible teaching
Question: I really appreciate your website! I have been reading so much on the Internet about the churches of Christ. I am simply amazed! The churches I grew up with, their way of doing things, are quickly being changed or given up on completely. Where have I been? Strong Bible teaching is the answer! Please keep up…
Read MoreDo I tell my fiance that I had homosexual sex in my past?
Question: I need your help regarding a situation I have. I am a male in my late twenties. I am going to get married in a few months to my girlfriend of three years. I had a secret, which I am confused about if I should share it with my future wife. I was addicted…
Read MoreI’m having a hard time studying because if I can’t be perfect, then what is the use?
Question: Now I know it sounds a bit strange but my worst problem is perfectionism. It’s only now that I have started realizing this and how it is the root cause of all my stress and anxiety. I set such tall, lofty standards for myself and feel that any less than that will fail and…
Read MoreWas Peter in Rome?
Question: Was Peter in Rome? Answer: The supposition that Peter was in Rome is based on “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son” (I Peter 5:13). Babylon is used as a representation of a city given over to sensuality and worldly pleasures (Isaiah 47:5-15). In…
Read MoreI just don’t know what I should do. How can you possibly know what God wants you to do?
Question: Hi, I saw that people posted questions about their lives on your website, so I decided to do the same because I don’t know what to do. I have been with my boyfriend for two years. We are happy and seemingly perfect together. But with one major flaw. We can’t stop the sex. He…
Read MoreIs the head covering a local custom because it is only mentioned once?
Question: Do you have anything regarding women covering that addresses the notion that it is only mentioned once and therefore cannot be anything of importance since prayer is mentioned several times by the Christ and the apostles spent a lot of time on the subject, but Jesus never says anything about it – just a letter…
Read MoreWhat can a wife do to improve her marriage?
Question: I have been asked to do a drama for the ladies! I have been researching your web site. I have read your notes on Solomon, the glue in a marriage, and lots of other things. Could I ask you to please give me some more information on how men truly desire to be treated in marriage?…
Read MoreA Good Testimony
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/GoodTestimony.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: III John I. The book of III John is not very long, but it teaches us many things concerning our example. A. There is the bad example of Diotrephes, but there is the excellent example of Demetrius – III John 11-12 B. People spoke well of him, but John mentions that…
Read MoreThe Willful Sin
by Foy E. Wallace, Jr. via Number One Gospel Sermons, pages 133-134. From a sermon, “The Meaning of Faith,” preached for the Nashville Road church, February 1967, brother Wallace was giving a synopsis of the book of Hebrews when he said… [Billy Moore] The following chapters of eight, nine, and ten are new covenant chapters. The…
Read MoreThe Remission of Sins
by J. W. McGarvey Sermons by McGarvey, p. 56-57. The same word in Greek is translated remission that is translated forgiveness. The two English words, remission and forgiveness, are used interchangeably, and they mean the same thing. So then, if you are ever again in any confusion of thought about that somewhat unusual expression, remission…
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