The Link Between Ungodly Entertainment and Fornication
by David Dann via Truth Magazine, Vol. 52, No. 2, Feb. 2008. The apostle Paul warned the young man, Timothy, saying, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (II Timothy 2:22). It is obvious from Paul’s instruction that in order to…
Read MoreHow do you know what Bible references to use?
Question: What is the best way in how to study my Bible? As you do when writing the articles, how do you know which specific references to use? Answer: The simple answer is whatever way that keeps you interested. As an example, I’ve never read my Bible from cover to cover. I’ve read the whole Bible many…
Read MoreWhat is meant by abstaining from things polluted by idols?
Question: Hello Jeff, After reading Acts 15:20,29; 21:25; Revelation 2:14, 20 it seems it was wrong for Christians to eat food sacrificed to idols but in I Corinthians 8 it seems OK. It seems to me after reading Revelation 2:14, 20 the churches in Pergamos and in Thyatira were told to repent of eating things…
Read MoreWhy is it so bad to disobey God?
Question: Hi, I have a question. I know sin means to disobey God or to break His law, but I was wondering, why is it so bad to disobey Him? And why was it so bad that Adam and Eve decided to disobey God? Couldn’t God have let it go and let them do what…
Read MoreThank you for all the work you did to produce the study on Drinking in the Old Testament
Question: Dear Brother, Thank you for all the work you did to produce the study on Drinking in the Old Testament. Answer: Thank you. You may be interested in the companion lesson: Drinking in the New Testament. Also, both of these lessons were written in article format and can be found at: Old Testament Beverages New Testament…
Read MoreWhat do you think of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Praise for the Lord, and Songs for Worship & Praise?
Question: I read your excellent review of the Jeffcoat Sacred Songs of the Church songbook. Our congregation is considering changing books and we are considering several of the more traditionally focused books. Have you had the opportunity to review and consider the Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs by Sumphonia? We are also considering the Praise for the Lord and Songs for Worship…
Read MoreMy son recently underwent puberty but has suddenly stopped
Question: My son has recently undergone puberty but his growth has suddenly stopped. He has both facial and body acne, hair on his upper lip, and a consistent deep voice. He is of Asian descent. What stage do you think he is at, based on those few details? I’m too embarrassed to ask for more…
Read MoreYour article on being born again and salvation really helped in a discussion with Jehovah’s Witnesses
Question: Hi, I find your website very biblically based and am happy to see it up here. I looked up to find an answer about being born again and being saved because I am discussing this issue with some Jehovah’s Witnesses and they believe that one needs to be saved but not born again. I…
Read MoreI want to serve the Lord, but my boyfriend doesn’t care to get married
Question: I live with my boyfriend. We have two kids. I love the Lord; my desire is to serve Him, but I know living together without being married is wrong. Repeatedly I’ve told him how I feel about the whole situation. He doesn’t care to get married, and I am tired of living in sin.…
Read MoreWhen is the time to make a righteous judgment versus a wrongful personal judgment?
Question: I have the hardest time separating righteous judgment versus personal. Not verbally but in my mind. Maybe it’s from growing up in the times that make it a struggle. I’m working on it. But what about those of the world? For instance homosexuals. Yes, we love them, but must we voice and say it’s…
Read MoreI have a Seventh Day Adventist claiming that Daniel’s vision of the statue is still being fulfilled
Question: Hello Jeffrey, I hope all is well with you and your family. As always I find your responses very insightful and logical. I have another question based on the book of Daniel. I know there are many who claim to understand the meaning and try to interpret what it is saying. I have a…
Read MoreGod and I
By Rob Speer, October 28-31, 2012 Our Attitude Toward God Reasons Why I Attend Every Service Personal Worship An Unconditional Faith Why I am a Predestinarian Knowledge: The Key to Security in Christ
Read MoreDo I need to tell the other woman that a man we were both unknowingly dating was two-timing?
Question: I greet you in the wonderful name of Jesus. I read the article about forgiveness and were to confess after sinning. I have a problem, which I hope you can help me with. I’m a Christian, and there was a time when I was interested in a brother at church, but I kept praying…
Read MoreShould a man be picked as a preacher who is pouting because he wasn’t picked?
Question: The preacher of a congregation developed some health problems and one of the men who served as song leader stood in during the preacher’s absence. He thought he would be chosen after the death of the long-time minister, but he wasn’t. He then has refused to do a talk, but still leads the singing.…
Read MoreMarijuana Use Linked to Testicular Cancer
Source: Bill Briggs, “Dude, it’s your junk! Pot linked to testicular cancer,” NBC News, 10 September 2012. “Scientists at the University of Southern California say they’ve detected a link between recreational marijuana use and a greater chance among males in their early teens through their mid-30s of contracting a particularly dangerous form of testicular cancer –…
Read MoreThe Other Sheep of John 10:16
by Matt Allen via The Jackson Drive Reporter, Sept. 6, 2009. John 10:16 has served as a major claim for the legitimacy of Mormon teaching for many years. Upon reading the passage of Scripture — by itself — it first appears that they (Mormons) could have a point. “And other sheep I have which are not…
Read MoreHow long do I try to make my marriage work?
Question: Hello, My husband and I have been separated off and on for over a year and a half now. We were still sexually involved, although he has been involved with other women during this time until I contracted a sexually transmitted disease from him. Each attempt to reconcile our marriage has been unsuccessful due…
Read MoreWhat do I do? My husband starting to use drugs again
Question: I have been married for over 30 years. We own our own business and work very hard. My husband and I have weathered many storms in our marriage. He has cheated on me, drinks a lot, does drugs, lied, and was verbally abusive to me. We have worked so many problems out with each…
Read MoreShould a man who committed the same sin many times and is still fighting against it be in a leadership position?
Question: Should a man who committed the same sin many times and is still fighting against it be in a leadership position? Answer: Preachers are involved in helping people out of their sins. Elders are involved in keeping people faithful to the gospel. Given that Jesus said, “And why do you look at the speck…
Read MoreMy husband has stopped having sex or being affectionate with me. What do I do?
Question: Good evening. My husband and I are in the Lord’s church but are suffering and I just don’t know what to do. He has a very strong addiction to his electronics, his cell phone, Xbox, and iPad. He spends all day every day on them for years now watching every sport known to man…
Read MoreIs masturbating okay if you are thinking about your husband only?
Question: Is masturbating okay if you are thinking about your husband only? Answer: I think he would enjoy it more if you shared sex with him. Question: True, but what if he is not available? Does the Bible speak against it? Answer: No. There is nothing stated against it in the Scriptures, so long as it is not…
Read MoreWhen you forgive someone are you required to continue talking to them?
Question: When you forgive a Christian brother or sister who hurt you are we required to continue to talk and be friends with them like old times, like nothing ever happened? Or can we forgive and move on? Answer: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). “And be kind to one another,…
Read MoreDeath of a Fig Tree
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/DeathOfAFigTree.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Matthew 21:18-22 A. I get uncomfortable reading this passage. 1. Here is a fig tree, that happens to lack figs when Jesus walks by. 2. Then Jesus kills it B. The disciples are caught up in amazement that by simply speaking, Jesus killed a fig tree. 1. But why destroy a tree to make this…
Read MoreI feel guilty that I didn’t tell my boyfriend that a year ago I kissed my ex-boyfriend
Question: I have been together with my current boyfriend for two years now. During our first six months together, there was one night I was out drinking with some friends when my ex, by surprise, was also there at the same place, and he sat at our table. We got to chat for a while…
Read MoreI refer my students to your website
Question: Good morning, Sir, Just a short email to say thank you for the well-researched, well-written scriptural articles on your website. I volunteer as a Bible instructor and, as such, I have referred many of my students for guidance in the Holy Word of God to the wonderful articles on your website. Thank you for…
Read MoreHow can I be sure I repented?
Question: Hi Jeff, Hope you are well. I wrote to you a few years back regarding repentance. I was reading some articles on your page tonight and came across another article “Should we refuse to study with someone who is in an adulterous marriage?” In your answer to the inquirer, you give an example of…
Read More“Why Blood?” is simple, clear, and concise. Thanks!
Question: Great outline: “Why Blood?” Simple, clear, and concise. Thanks! Answer: I’m glad you found it useful.
Read MoreYour website is helping me grow
Question: Hi minister, I feel blessed to write to you. Spiritually I will grow, and the church where I serve will grow as well. You will not believe this, but I have been using your notes and visiting your website for some time and it makes me happy. I wish I could develop to your…
Read MoreIs having kids marriage?
Question: Hello, Well, I have a question that really bothers my spirit. I am currently attending church weekly and am really trying to devote my life to Him. I am in a dilemma. Before I fully gave my life to God, I was with a woman whom I kind of loved but not all the…
Read MoreI find myself repeatedly committing fornication when I know it is wrong
Question: I am a baptized member of the church of Christ. I am in need of your advice. I am 25 years of age. I have been in a relationship for some months. Within a few months, we engaged in sinful physical activities (sex) afterward I felt bad. In each episode, I felt so ashamed…
Read MoreDoes burning sage release negative energy?
Question: Hello. Is it a sin to burn sage to get rid of negative energy? I have heard that it has been used for this purpose and is considered a “holy herb” in some Christian churches but even though they say it has been used for thousands of years it seems fishy to me like…
Read MoreWhen was the church in Smyrna established?
Question: Brother Hamilton, Our local fellowship of congregations has been impacted by the doctrine of Preterism, with a number of problems caused by one individual in particular who has garnered a small but aggressive group of followers holding to Max King’s teachings. In an article on your site, “70 A.D. ‘ism and the Date of…
Read MoreI’m haunted by the bad I’ve done. What should I do?
Question: So I have done some really bad things in the past that I feel bad about. Nobody knows I done these things. I asked for forgiveness but still felt really bad yesterday. I was listening to the Bible, and I started crying really bad. I want to move on with my life, but I…
Read MoreDo I need to turn myself in for crimes I did before I became a Christian?
Question: Hello, I have a question. In the past, I have broken laws like jaywalking and stealing when I was a kid. I have repented of this long ago, but now I am worried. Am I legally obligated to report myself? I know we are supposed to submit to laws. Also in the past, this…
Read MoreI want to convert to Christianity but I’m too young to leave my Muslim home
Question: Dear Sir, I’m convinced that Christianity is the true religion. Your website was really helpful and informative. I would like to convert to Christianity, but I’m just 15 years old and raised a Muslim. As you might know if a Muslim converts to another religion he has to face a lot of criticism from…
Read MoreIs changing your mind a sin?
Question: I was wondering if it’s counted as a lie when I change my mind. This has been a problem for me lately. Let’s say I tell my wife “I’m having an egg sandwich for lunch” and then make a hamburger, is that lying? If I tell myself that I will not drink coffee ever…
Read MoreIf Jesus is God, how come he doesn’t know when the world will end?
Question: If Jesus is completely God, then how come the Bible says that not the son, nor the angels in heaven, but only the Father knows of the second coming? I don’t remember the verse but you probably recognize which one I’m talking about. Answer: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not…
Read MoreShould a parent visit a child who is now unfaithful?
Question: A parent has a child who is unfaithful and living in another state. Is it wrong based on Ephesians 5:11 to visit that child and spend weeks or months in the same house? Answer: If the child is a fallen Christian, then “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named…
Read MoreI vowed to give up my sins, but I keep falling. Will God hold this against me?
Question: Good day minister, I greet you in the name of God. I have this issue bothering me. I have fasted, prayed, and asked for God’s mercy, but it still comes to my mind once in a while. It might sound foolish, but I am not going to lie to you, sir. Some time ago,…
Read MoreWhat is a church homecoming?
Question: What is a church homecoming? What can I say about it for a service? Answer: The Bible doesn’t talk about churches having “homecomings.” This is a man-made event and has no business being a part of a church’s activities. “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).
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