Why do some believe you have to be a part of some building to enter heaven?
Question: This is the first that I have seen, but I am sure there more, Church of Christ site that actually says the Church of Christ is a “Way of Life” and not a particular building. Why do some believe it is the building you need to be a member of to enter Heaven? Answer:…
Read MoreDid I go about teaching my now Buddhist son correctly?
Question: I have a new situation that I am trying to deal with and would like to ask your advice as to how to proceed. Some time ago, I received an e-mail from my son. We have had an ‘on and off’ relationship for some time, as well as with his sister. This is all…
Read MoreCan thinking about a girl constantly be idolatry?
Question: Could you help me understand what idolatry is according to the Bible? I know it seems like a simple concept, but I have heard so much conflicting information on the subject. For example, I heard one preacher complaining that being devoted to American Idol constituted idolatry (how about that?). Another said that following celebrities…
Read MoreWhat Is the Difference?
by Irven Lee via The Graphic Evangelist, Vol. 21, No. 8, April 19, 1981. An instrument of music was introduced into the worship at Midway, Kentucky, in about 1858. This innovation moved slowly among churches in the North and finally came to the South in about 1900. Of course, the church support of the missionary society…
Read MoreWould it be wrong to use the church’s property for a garden?
Question: Is it OKfor a congregation to allow members to use the property to grow a garden if they are in need? One example may be a guy who is living in an apartment and has no property. Another may be a family who has a nice lawn and doesn’t want to bring down their…
Read MoreIf a Christian must file for bankruptcy, is he still obligated to pay off his debts?
Question: If one borrows money and they get behind the eight-ball, if you will, so they file bankruptcy, are they morally responsible to pay the borrowed amount back? I said if they did it with the intent of trying to rip someone off that was a sin, but I didn’t see how someone who innocently…
Read MoreMy ex-husband committed adultery, but I didn’t try to stop it. Do I need to leave my current husband in hopes of remarrying my ex-husband?
Question: I was married to my husband for over thirty years. We had both become unhappy, but I didn’t know that he planned to leave me the day after Christmas five years ago. I had not been thinking of leaving, I just wanted some problems resolved. He left for a week and we reconciled, so…
Read MoreDoesn’t masturbation require indecent thoughts to climax?
Question: I read your article. In regards to the definition of masturbation, which for years has been taught to me that was a sin. According to what you say, there is no proof of that in the Word. Now, if the motives are what sets the definition of when masturbation is a sin and when it is not, then…
Read MoreI’m so disappointed with the older people in my church. They oppose the use of RNB, hip-hop, and Reggaeton in church. What would you advise?
Question: I read your blogs and, I don’t know, maybe if you read this you could help me. My church is filled with elderly people (40+). This year the number of our youth has been growing. God has been good and has been blessing us with incredible services. But a lot of members criticize all…
Read MoreIs Acts 2:38 Heresy?
by Tommy Thornhill “Jesse L. Sewell was born in Overton County, TN in 1818. He grew up in a Baptist community and became a Baptist preacher of some note in his native county. In the course of time, he learned the truth about Acts 2:38 (i.e. that baptism was in order to obtain remission of…
Read MoreDo you think a movie with a good storyline but some immorality scattered in should be watched?
Question: I read your comment on a question about movies and video games. I believe you even referred to watching the Lord of the Rings movies if I’m not mistaken. I totally agree that there are movies that Christians should not watch. What do you think of movies, though, that have a very good story or…
Read MoreIs there a conflict over whether God tries men?
Question: The Bible says God tries men in Hebrews 11:17, but James 1:13 says God does not tempt us. Is there a contradiction? Answer: “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son” (Hebrews 11:17). “Let no one say when he…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be partakers of the divine nature?
Question: What does it mean to be partakers of the divine nature in II Peter 1:4-11? Answer: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him…
Read MoreHow can one be a good wife when it is obvious her husband doesn’t care?
Question: I beg your pardon for bothering you with this question, but I am at a complete loss as to who to ask. I have been studying and researching how to be a good or better Christian wife and none of the resources I have found really reflect my problem. My husband and I were…
Read MoreCan a woman give birth to her firstborn and remain a virgin?
Question: We recently went into an argument with a group of girls and boys on the topic: “Can a woman deliver a child and remain a virgin?” We took our separate ways and decided to contact others who may have knowledge better than we do. Now here is our chance because we trust there are…
Read MoreHow long did it take for Jacob’s children to be born?
Question: At our Wednesday evening class, the teacher said all of Leah and Rachael’s children were born within 7 years. Another man in the class, who is very intelligent, was puzzled by that and asked several questions for clarity. After about 5 minutes of discussion with the teacher, who is also very intelligent, was convinced,…
Read MoreWill just one sin, such as adultery, keep you out of heaven?
Question: A lady with a Baptist background asked me if I thought one sin would keep her from Heaven. She said “suppose a person was living in an adulterous marriage, but done everything else right such as attending church, studying the Bible, etc. Would this person go to Heaven?” Could you direct me to a…
Read MoreI’m carrying about so much guilt. I hide it from my parents, but am I wrong for doing so?
Question: For some time, I have carried guilt for many things; guilt which I am not often able to suppress. I am a fifteen-year-old girl and my life hasn’t exactly been a box of roses. Within the first three years of my life, I was fed lies by my aunt, by my mother, and I…
Read MoreThank you for that article about lust. It was very helpful
Question: I want to personally thank you for allowing the Lord to use you in writing that on-line article about lust. I’m currently dating a young woman, and I’m fighting my desires. Reading your article was very helpful in showing me what’s really going on behind the scenes. Thank you. Answer: You’re very much welcome. I…
Read MoreAre the twelve Jordan crossing stones still visible today at Gigal?
Question: Are the twelve Jordan crossing stones still visible today at Gigal? Answer: “And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and…
Read MoreHonoring Mothers
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/HonoringMothers.mp3 by Garry Floyd
Read MoreI’m not certain if this girl is the one for me. What do you do in such a situation?
Question: I attended a singing night at a congregation and I met a young woman. She is a member of the Lord’s church. Her mom attends when she is not working. Her grandmother is faithful in attendance. She became very interested in me and I was interested in her too because I finally found someone…
Read MoreIs it normal for a young child to connect their private parts to the idea of sex?
Question: Can you please tell me if children normally connect their private parts to the idea of sex or the reproductive parts of the opposite sex? I’m asking because I did so since around 7. Is it normal? Answer: A child, prior to puberty, has no built-in concept of what is sex. He will not…
Read MoreDid you borrow the lesson “The Three Chairs” from Bruce Wilkinson’s book?
Question: I saw “The Three Chairs” as copyrighted information on your web site. This information is copyrighted by Bruce Wilkinson for many years now. The Three Chairs book is on Amazon.com, if you are interested. Whoever is posting this information as copyrighted by La Vista Church of Christ is giving the appearance that your church or preacher condones…
Read MoreGod cannot be tempted, but Jesus was tempted; so, is Jesus not God?
Question: My friend, who is an Arian, gave me this puzzling logic: God can’t be tempted, but Jesus was tempted; therefore, Jesus is not God. Is this true? Answer: For a Christian, it would be easy to spot this line of reasoning as a falsehood because it ends with a statement that contradicts the Bible.…
Read MoreHow can I stop being so judgmental against my sisters who had abortions?
Question: I have been judgmental toward my sisters who have had abortions. I know it is wrong, but these horrible thoughts come into my head and when I am around them I get a very evil look on my face (opposite of smiling) and look stern and hateful. My sister was down from Boston about…
Read MoreIs saying “yes” enough to confess Christ before baptism?
Question: I enjoy reading your articles on your web site. I find your answers to questions biblically sound and with justification. I’m having trouble with confession, perhaps you can expound on it for me. Is simply answering “yes” when one is asked to confess Christ (before baptism) enough? Should the believer follow the quote by…
Read MoreThe Ten Commandments on How to Get Along with Each Other
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TenCommandmentsOnHowToGetAlong1.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Introduction A. No man is an island 1. We cannot exist alone. We are in constant need of contact with other people. 2. In order to get along in this world, we must get along with others. B. As Christians, our main purpose should be to bring more souls to Christ 1. How can we…
Read MoreMy sixteen-year-old is becoming violent and I don’t know what to do
Question: I have a sixteen-year-old son that has had trouble in school specifically with grades over the past couple of years. His mother and I were divorced when he was nine but still communicate on a regular basis. Lately, he has become more physical while with her. He has been punching and kicking things for…
Read MoreWhich is the better way to pronounce Jesus’ name: Yahsua or Yeshua?
Question: Thank you very much for your article on “Understanding the Tetragrammaton: How is it Pronounced.” I am in total agreement with your research and conclusion as to the Tetragrammaton yhwh being pronounced as yahweh. Can you share your thoughts and opinion as to the pronunciation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus? Which is more correct in your research and examination: yahsua or yeshua? Please…
Read MoreWhat kind of questions should I ask the elders before joining a church?
Question: I think that I have found a church where I would like to worship. But first, I think that I should have a meeting with the elders before I place my membership there. I was wondering what questions I should ask the elders to make sure that they and the church are following the pattern of a…
Read MoreIs God’s sovereignty absolute?
Question: I want to ask you about some verses a Baptist friend asked me. I hope you can help me understand these verses. Do these verses teach that God’s sovereignty is absolute and that He predestined all things which happen, either good or bad? Isaiah 45:6-7; Exodus 4:11; Deuteronomy 32:39; I Samuel 2:6-7; Ecclesiastes 7:13-14;…
Read MoreWhy is I Peter 3:18-22 so important?
Question: I do not understand the interpretation of I Peter 3:18-22. I read the web site but I still do not understand why this Scripture is so important. Please tell me. Answer: Since I don’t know what you don’t understand, I don’t know what more is needed beyond the explanation given in the lesson “How…
Read MoreWhen does the gift of the Holy Spirit come, after repentance or baptism?
Question: Does the gift of the Holy Spirit come to dwell within us after we repent of our sins, or does it take up home within us after the act of baptism? Answer: “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the…
Read MoreWhat are your recommendations for teaching teens about the dangers of sensuous literature?
Question: I’m currently trying to go through a series of lessons with the church’s youth over media and what kinds a Christian should let into their life. I’m currently using a focus on Ephesians and Colossians regarding verses that tell us to “put away” sinful things from ourselves. Specifically, the first will be over music…
Read MoreIf you judge atheists, then aren’t you contradicting your beliefs?
Question: If you judge atheists and you think that atheists judge you Christians, then you are pretty much contradicting yourself, which is a sin in God’s eyes because “all men are created equal.” I don’t judge Christians and their beliefs, so why do you? Thank you for listening to me. Answer: What I find amusing…
Read MoreNo “Gay” Gene According to the American Psychological Association
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Science in its ever-fickle way has come to the conclusion that Christians have known all along: There is no gene that causes homosexuality. The attempt to prove that homosexuality is determined biologically has been dealt a knockout punch. An American Psychological Association publication includes an admission that there’s no homosexual “gene”…
Read MoreI feel so guilty about my past sins. I just can’t get them off my mind. Why do I still not feel forgiven? Is forgiveness all about feelings?
Question: Years before my girlfriend, who is my wife right now, and I had committed fornication and I got her an abortion. I was so sorry, even now, and regretful I allowed these things to happen, but it happened. Prior to our planned marriage, I converted and become a Christian. I repented of my sins…
Read MoreCould you explain prophecy, tongue-speaking, and interpretation a bit more for me?
Question: I have a question. It has to do with I Corinthians 14. We are studying the various spiritual gifts bestowed upon the church members and how this gift was abused. The gifts we are focusing our study on is prophecy and tongues. My question, are there several versions of prophecy? Also, my understanding of…
Read MoreI had an affair and divorced my husband. Now I have married again. Is it wrong to stay married to this second man?
Question: I know divorce is wrong. I know adultery is wrong. I have committed adultery, got a divorce and I have remarried to a man that I had an affair with. He and I both go to church now and we both know we have sinned and have asked for forgiveness from God and our…
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