When was the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom?

Question: When the Lord referred to “the Son of Man coming in His kingdom” (NKJV) is he referring to coming in Judgment or His return? Answer: To fully understand what Jesus said, we need to examine all three records of this particular teaching: “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His…

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Could “Mighty God” in Isaiah 9:6 refer to a man?

Question: Can you look at these two websites for me and tell me your thoughts? Hopefully, you can refute them. http://muslim-responses.com/Isaiah_Prophecy/Isaiah_Prophecy_ http://www.jews-for-allah.org/Jews-and-Muslims-Agree/no-trinity.htm Answer: I generally don’t do reviews of other people’s writings. However, I will address a common point the two you selected brought up and show you how they are playing games. In both…

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I loved reading the short story about not playing the lottery

Question: I found your site by chance, playing on the computer at work. I loved reading the short story about not playing the lottery. That it’s about me is even better. A very good surprise. Answer: These days, you never know where your name will pop up. I loved the example, which is why it…

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Is it by grace or by law?

Question: My concern is to avoid a polluted and compromised gospel that turns people away from Christ or worse, inoculates them against the true gospel with cheap grace.  Your letter most likely triggered a reaction in me because I am right now driven to seek God for answers about some disturbing things around me in church…

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Is it wrong to say that a preacher isn’t teaching the truth?

Question: Hello, Like many, I have struggled with the issue of unforgivable sin. I know you have addressed this already in other questions, and I just have a quick question. You mentioned that someone who commits the unforgivable sin does so knowingly and purposely. A little while ago, I had listened to a preacher condemning…

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You didn’t tell the man in adultery how much God loves him

Question: Hello, I came across your letter from the man who was within a day of divorcing his wife when suddenly he got the idea to see what the Bible had to say about his choices. I was bothered by what you left out of your letter, if in fact what I read was all that was…

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We appreciate the sermon outlines

Question: I recently found your website while searching for articles on Divorce and Remarriage. I have been a member of the Church of Christ for almost 39 years now and have lived through the death of a church. We have tried to attend several congregations in the area and had to stop attending at one because…

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I ran across one of your articles at the perfect time

Question: My soon to be mother-in-law stumbled onto one of the articles on your web site that could not have come at a better time for us.  We are having some trouble in our home congregation and it was such a relief to know that there are other Christians out there that feel and believe…

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Why are you bashing the Roman Catholic Church?

Question: I just had a question for you. I was browsing your web site (which is very nicely made, I might add) and I saw a question and it was answered about what is wrong with the Catholic Church. It seemed to me that what was answered was mostly bashing the Catholic Church, more than just…

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Does a husband need to love his wife more than anyone on earth?

Question: Does a husband need to love his wife more than anyone on earth? Even his children? Answer: The question implies there is a set quantity of love that a person can give. It also assumes that love for, say children, is at odds with loving your wife. The greatest commandment is loving God, the…

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How can I love God when I fear hell?

Question: How does someone learn to love God? I know what the greatest commandment is, but I don’t think I love God. I fear going to hell. If I didn’t believe in hell, I don’t think I would have become a Christian. Could I have truly repented? Was my sorrow only of the world? I…

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How is war different from acts of retaliation?

Question: I read “Is there any biblical support for war?”  but I don’t understand how it fits with Matthew 5:38-42 and Luke 6:27-31. Answer: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you…

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Is it sinful for a woman to change her last name when getting married?

Question: I’m not sure if this relates to Christianity, but is it a sin to not get one’s last name legally changed after getting married, if you’re a woman? Answer: There is nothing unscriptural about the practice, which is cultural. There is nothing wrong with changing names. There are several Bible characters whose names were…

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Jabez’s Prayer

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/JabezsPrayer.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Chronicles 4:9-10   I.         In a long list of names, under the family of Judah is brief mention of a person named Jabez.             A.        We learn that his name means “he will cause pain.” Though what kind of pain he caused, outside of childbirth we do not know.             B.        He is…

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Why don’t a lot of Christians accept homosexuals?

Question: If the main Christianity rule is ‘Love thy neighbor,’ why don’t a lot of Christians accept homosexuals? Answer: For the same reason, we don’t accept murders, liars, thieves, and other sinners while they remain in their sins. Christians understand that sin is harmful to the sinner and those around them and we love our…

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What should I do when Judgment Day comes?

Question: When Judgment Day comes, what should I do? Answer: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are…

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What are blessings and curses?

Question: A student of mine asked this question and I’m not sure how to answer. I appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks. I want to know what are curses and what brings curses upon a person? And what is a blessing? How can a person be blessed? Answer: “But no man can tame…

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Why do people say God sends trials when they are really caused by Satan?

Question: My question is why do people always say when evil things happen, they believe God is using these evil events to strengthen the one who is being maliciously attacked by another, or who has no will or intent in serving or obeying God anymore? Why do Christians always say God uses tragedies and evil…

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How do you handle misunderstandings?

Question: Is there anything in the Bible that a person can apply to their lives as to how to best deal directly with misunderstandings and confusion? I notice this is can be a weakness with a lot of people. When they encounter something they don’t at first understand, and it’s still taking longer than ‘usual’…

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Are we wiser today than prior generations?

Question: I believe that I have wisdom that I have obtained from a society that has evolved. It is because of the Bible, and other resources similar to it, that we as humans have been able to communicate our thoughts and rationalize our actions, but we have only grown from it, not depended upon it. Therefore,…

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Is Mark 16:9-20 Inspired?

by Kyle Pope via Biblical Insights, Vol. 9, No. 8, August 2009 Many students of the New Testament have found themselves puzzled by notes encountered at the close of the Gospel of Mark, claiming, “The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9–20″[1]. Should we question the reliability or inspiration of…

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How do we know that the serpent was Satan?

Question: I have started reading my Bible consistently, and have a couple of questions: Why do people say that the serpent who tempted Eve was Satan? I don’t see that anywhere. Maybe I missed something? Also, someone once told me that Abram and Sarai were half-siblings, but I can’t seem to find that anywhere either.…

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Where can I find lyrics to some of James D. Vaughan’s songs?

Question: I’m looking to see if you have a link or know where I can find full songs so that I may write the lyrics down. I’m looking for James D. Vaughan’s songs. It’s so we can sing it at our church. Answer: James David Vaughan mostly wrote music to other people’s lyrics. He wrote…

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Mormonism and Marketing

by Wendi Capehart Almost five years ago my family accepted an invitation to study with Mormon missionaries. Our studies lasted almost a year, and of course, over time missionaries were transferred in and out (one rather quickly) and others brought in to ‘discuss’ things with us. There were several parts of this study that did…

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Since man is created in God’s image, how can he have a sinful nature?

Question: Since we were created by God and in His image, how is it possible that we have a sinful nature? Answer: The Bible doesn’t use the phrase “sinful nature.” It is the New International Version that substitutes “sinful nature” for the word “flesh” in many places. In doing so, it introduces a concept not…

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Is it a sin to call Child Protective Services on your dad?

Question: Is it a sin to call Child Protective Services on your dad? I had like one beer and got caught by my brother who’s a snitch. He took me home and my dad got mad and slapped me, but it wasn’t as if I was drunk. He didn’t have to hit me. Would it…

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Why Do We Continue in Sin?

Why Do We Continue In Sin Part 1Why Do We Continue In Sin Part 2Why Do We Continue In Sin Part 3Why Do We Continue In Sin Part 4 by PJ Anderson

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Does God already know who will be in heaven?

Question: Does God already know who will be in heaven? Based on Revelation 13:8, I think He does. Answer: There are two ways Revelation 13:8 can be translated: “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation…

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I’m shocked you would tell teenagers not to have sex!

Question: Wow, I’ve just read an answer to “Is it bad that I want to see my boyfriend naked” and was shocked, do you honestly want to ruin a relationship between two teenagers by saying they should end their relationship because they might end up having sex?  Do you really believe that God wouldn’t let his…

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Does Romans 9 support Calvinism?

Question: I have been worrying over Calvinism. Could you help me understand Romans 9:20-22 and Romans 9:11-16? In verse 13 you can read of Esau being hated which is after verse 12 where you can read about the older will serve the younger. Calvinist may use this to support their beliefs. What is meant in…

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