If God doesn’t tempt with evil, then why did He send Saul an evil spirit?
Question: Can you explain what the evil spirit is in I Samuel 16:14 that was from the Lord? I don’t understand what this could be in light of passages such as Romans 2:11, James 1:13, etc. Answer: “Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him”…
Read MoreHow do I handle a Christian on my campus team who is repeatedly intoxicated?
Question: At the college I attend, “team housing” is offered, meaning that students who are on an academic or athletic team are housed together in one house (with separate wings for male and female students). I am the president of the academic team I live with, and I am having a problem with one a…
Read MoreI found a few mistakes in your answer about Galatians 5:12
Question: Hi there, I was doing a little research into Galatians 5:12, where Paul wishes that those who unsettle the Galatians would emasculate themselves. I came across your article, “In Galatians 5:12, is Paul actually wishing that some would emasculate themselves?” Thank you for the article, I appreciate you taking the time to write it.…
Read MoreHow do you handle questions you can’t understand? Does it cause you to doubt that God exists?
Question: Have you ever doubted if God really exists? Have you ever been bothered about Eve coming from Adam’s rib or the apes theory? Or just anything science comes up with? Because I have. I don’t know how to get rid of it because I honestly don’t want to be an atheist. I think my Bible…
Read MoreI made a mess of my marriage, having a child out of wedlock. How do I go about repairing the damage?
Question: I am in some distress. I desire to go back to the Holy Eucharist, but I have messed up my marriage with an out of wedlock son. I have made my wife cry a lot, but she doesn’t know about the child. She does know about the child’s mother. I am hating myself and…
Read MoreIf someone catches me hurting myself, would God use that against me?
Question: What happens if I disobey Jesus right now? Like for example, if somebody catches me hurting myself would God use that against me? If somebody caught me hurting myself, would Jesus use that person to stick me under a suicide watch at a hospital? Answer: If you thought someone you loved was about to…
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Concerning One’s Knowledge Before Baptism . . .
How Much Is Enough?
by Jim King How much should a person know before being baptized into Christ? It’s a good question, and one we need to consider as we teach people the gospel. On the one hand, some accounts of conversions in Acts seem to imply a very introductory understanding of the facts about Jesus. Cornelius (Acts 10)…
Read MoreThe Sunday Supper
by Gary Eubanks It is a question of critical importance whether the Scriptures require members of a local church to assemble to partake of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week, or Sunday. If they do not, the frequency of church assemblies then becomes a discretionary matter and churches may arbitrarily choose…
Read MoreWhen It’s All About Me
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/WhenItsAllAboutMe.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 12:13-21 I. Peter once tried to hide the fact that he followed Jesus. A. Despite repeated accusations that he was seen with Jesus, he denied the truth. B. But one servant called his bluff, pointing out “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you” (Matthew 26:73).…
Read MoreDoes the baptism of the Holy Spirit give you the power to fight sin?
Question: Hi! Does the baptism of the Holy Spirit give you the power to fight sin? Does the baptism of the Holy Spirit give you the power to overcome sin? Answer: Peter was baptized with the Holy Spirit: “Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but…
Read MoreSelfish Christians
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/SelfishChristians.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 18:23-35 I. Some people are quick to tell you what you need to do, but they can’t see anything that needs improvement in their own lives at the moment. A. I had a phone call that had me thinking about this. 1. A woman was looking for a haircut for…
Read MoreIs all sarcasm sin?
Question: Is all sarcasm sin? Answer: Sarcasm is defined as “witty language used to convey insults or scorn.” Generally, sarcasm appears to be praise, often over the top, which actually conveys disapproval. Sarcasm, considered by itself, is not sinful. It is a language technique that can get a person to sit up and take notice…
Read MoreIs it possible to step back after you think you are going too far?
Question: I’ve been reading this site and you give such meaningful advice to people, so I wanted to ask a question of my own: Is it possible to take a leap backward after you feel like you and your boyfriend have gone too far physically? We haven’t had any sexual contact, but I’m afraid that…
Read MoreDidn’t Jesus say we should tithe?
Question: I’d advise you to change your stance toward tithing. I think there is a passage in the New Testament where Jesus says, you tithe your mint, rue, and spices but you don’t practice justice. You should as you do the latter and you shouldn’t forget the former. Be blessed, man of God, and if…
Read MoreAre you supposed to acknowledge that you are quoting from the NKJV?
Question: If you quote from the New King James Version aren’t you suppose to include a proper acknowledgment? I think it can be found near the preface if there is one in your NKJV. If you don’t include the proper acknowledgment they want is that not breaking copyright law? Answer: Thomas Nelson Publishers ask: The…
Read MoreWhen Jesus was dying on the cross and called out Father why have you forsaken me, how could Jesus be God at this time?
Question: I was given a question that I really don’t know how to answer or at least the young man doesn’t want to accept my answer. His question was: “When Jesus was dying on the cross and called out Father why have you forsaken me, how could Jesus be God at this time?” Please help…
Read MoreAm I married?
Question: OK. Well, let me provide some background information. I am a believer. I met a girl who is also a believer. We became boyfriend and girlfriend. During the relationship, we would talk about marriage and getting married and the intent of the relationship was to one day get married. We would say things like…
Read MoreI’m sorry for the adultery I’ve done, but my wife is leaving me and I don’t know what to do
Question: I have been married for a few years. My wife and I have several children. About two months ago she filed for divorce, and it’s destroying me. I’m searching for God. I spoke to the Lord now and prayed that He may give me a word. He did: Proverbs chapters 2 to 5. I…
Read MoreCan you help me understand more about the Free Methodist Church?
Question: Can you help me understand more about the Free Methodist Church? Is it a charismatic church? I know of a church that has been praised for all the good it does in the community and the world. Does it teach faith only? Does it teach that baptism is a command? I’m not planning to…
Read MoreCan you explain some of the prophecies about Christ?
Question: The Bible says that Jesus committed mistakes; it’s in II Samuel 7:12-17. I’m guessing it was like, in the day that Jesus, when he was 12, went to the place to discuss with the wise men. His parents noticed He was missing when they were going back home already. I think they corrected Him,…
Read MoreWhy is Solomon hearing ants absurd, but Jesus turning water into wine or Moses parting the Red Sea not?
Question: The Qur’an said Solomon talked with ants and Christians claim this is absurd. But didn’t Jesus turn water into wine, and didn’t Moses divide the Dead Sea? Doesn’t all this fall into the same category as Solomon’s issue? Answer: The Qur’an claims that Solomon communicated with ants through the great wisdom that God gave…
Read MoreCan you explain to me what willful sin is?
Question: How would you describe willful sin? Can you explain to me what willful sin is? Answer: Willful sin is a purposeful choice to sin, even though you know God is against it and that you should not do it. It means you are putting your will above God’s. Parents often see this in their…
Read MoreIs Jesus God or someone God sent to earth?
Question: So who exactly is Jesus Christ? Is he the God, or someone whom God had sent down to this earth? Answer: According to the Bible, the answer is both, which confuses a lot of people. Speaking of Jesus as “the Word” John said: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with…
Read MoreIt was good to read your message on your home page
Question: I wanted to drop you a line telling you “Thanks!” It was so good to read the message on your home page. In today’s society, it is so difficult to find congregations that believe as you do. I pray that God continues to bless you all. Answer: I appreciate the words of encouragement.
Read MoreWho will be held accountable for committing adultery? A single woman or a married man?
Question: Who will be held accountable for committing adultery? A single woman or a married man? Answer: Adultery is when a married person has sex with someone to whom he or she is not married. The act is called adultery, whether the married person is having sex with another married person or with a single…
Read MoreIs honoring another person’s request submission?
Question: Good morning. I was reading your web page on submission. I am trying to find out more about submission and I have a specific scenario and I am wondering if you can help me. My boyfriend and I had an argument this morning about submission. We are in a committed relationship and seeking God’s will…
Read MoreCan a widow remain unmarried but have sex with a married man?
Question: If a widow does not want to get married, can she fall in love with a married person who will take care of her sexual needs? In the past, this was the duty of the deceased siblings. How should they go about enjoying life? Answer: Having a relationship with a man married to someone…
Read MoreHelp me understand more about the flaws in the Church of the Nazarene
Question: I am a music minister, called preacher and leader. I currently serve with the church of the Nazarene. I am shocked by the truth you revealed. I have been looking for this, but I really need help to understand it more. I have been feeling deeply uncomfortable with some things in this denomination, and…
Read MoreMust a person formally place membership with a local church before they participate in the work?
Question: What are your thoughts regarding “placing membership” with a local congregation? I understand the biblical authority for someone working under the oversight of the elders of a congregation. If someone has been attending a congregation regularly for a period of time, can it be assumed they wish to work under the oversight of the…
Read MoreIs there any scientific evidence that Christianity is the true religion?
Question: I am not a Christian! But I have been thinking about that religion. I would like to know more about Christianity. Is there any scientific evidence that Christianity is the true religion? And didn’t the church oppose science some centuries back? Thanks. Answer: “Scientific evidence is the result of objective testing of a theory…
Read MoreWould constant exposure to nudity reduce lust?
Question: A link to your survey was sent to me by a girl in Nepal who has been reading the arguments we’ve made on our anti-porn-addiction website. This is what I’m wondering: What would the answers to those survey questions have looked like from teens growing up in a “naked people group” culture? I believe their…
Read MoreCan you tell me your source for your opening statement in “Social Drinking”?
Question: I’m an addictions counselor. Having recently read your article “Social Drinking,” (Dudley Ross Spears), I have a question: How did you come up (substantiation for) with your opening statement: “We live in a world where social drinking is accepted by over two-thirds of our entire population”? Answer: One of the sources I used when…
Read MoreWhat happens to burnt offerings?
Question: During the dedication of the temple, offerings were brought. What happens to burnt offerings? Are they consumed by the fire, does the high priest eat a portion, is any eaten, or is it all consumed by fire? Answer: The Mosaical Law contained a variety of offerings (Leviticus 7:37). Sin offerings were given when a…
Read MoreWhat is the point of Lamech’s statement in Genesis 4, and what is meant that people began calling upon the name of the Lord?
Question: In Genesis 4:23-24, Lamech said to his wives that “If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.” What is the point of this message? It is what Lamech said, instead of being from God. So should we understand the statement in Genesis 4:24 as having no authority at all? In Genesis…
Read MoreI found a woman whom I really like, but she says she isn’t interested in me. What do I do?
Question: Hi. I’m wondering if you can please help me with a struggle I’ve had regarding a desire for a particular woman. There is a young Christian woman who I really like, but she had told me a while ago that she doesn’t have a romantic interest in me. Since then we’ve remained friends, but…
Read MoreHow can I restrain myself from doing foreplay with my girlfriend?
Question: How can I restrain myself from doing foreplay with my girlfriend? Answer: “Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman” (I Corinthians 7:1). The simple answer is to keep your hands off of her body. Rather than thinking about your desire…
Read MoreWhom do I marry, my current girlfriend or my former girlfriend?
Question: I have just been reading most of the answers under the topic of marriage and I have to say first of all thank you for answering questions from a biblical perspective. It’s all we need. My question is as follows: I got an older woman pregnant who is in her thirties. I am five…
Read MoreAre prenuptial agreements biblical?
Question: What is or is not biblical regarding a pre-marital agreement for handling money and possessions in the event of a separation or divorce? Answer: “And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a…
Read MoreWhat is meant by “although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage”?
Question: In Esther 7:4, it reads: “For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.” What did Esther mean when she said “although the enemy could not…
Read MoreWhat are some proper activities for a divorced woman?
Question: I am a divorced Catholic. After 40 years of what I thought was a good marriage, my husband abandoned me for another woman. I stay within all the guidelines of the Catholic church and feel ‘safe’ with activities within the church. I still act in every way as married since I don’t have an annulment, and I…
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