A Roman Catholic priest attempts to defend homosexuality
Question: I found your article concerning homosexuality and the Bible, under the title “Is homosexuality condemned in the Scriptures?” I would like to clarify something, and perhaps provide a new perspective. You stated that “the reason that the Bible doesn’t mention “gay love” is that such a thing does not exist.” You are incorrect. By…
Read MoreCan a Christian defend himself and others with deadly force, if necessary?
Question: Can a Christian get a concealed weapons permit and carry a hand gun regularly with the intention of using it to defend himself, his family of the public at large from an attacker? I guess the more general question is: can a Christian defend himself, his family or is neighbor to the point of…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between “happy” and “joy”?
Question: I can’t find a defined difference between happy or happiness and joy or joyfulness in the Bible. I was wondering about the difference. I remember learning about it one time, but I can’t find what I learned anywhere and my dictionaries are not that in-depth. Answer: “Joy” is the translation of the Greek word chara.…
Read MoreAs a non-believer, I found parts of two articles offensive
Question: I stumbled across your site whilst randomly browsing the Internet and I was very interested in it. Now I should first mention that I do not believe in God but was raised a Catholic and have many friends of many different faiths and have always thought that all sides can learn a little from…
Read MoreMy husband has become distant to me since the death of his daughter. Now he wants out of our marriage. What should I do?
Question: My husband and I married seven years ago. A year after we were married, my husband lost his 21-year-old daughter in a car wreck. She left behind a daughter (our granddaughter) who was 18 months old and she lives with her father. I was also very close to his daughter. We had a wonderful…
Read MoreCould Jesus and the apostle only do miracles after receiving the Holy Spirit?
Question: Do you think that Jesus was able to perform miracles after His baptism because the Holy Spirit came to Him and that Jesus was not able to perform miracles before this because He didn’t have the Holy Spirit? This was presented in class and my gut feeling is that something is wrong with this…
Read MoreCould you explain “foreknew” and “predestined” to me?
Question: I have struggled for years with the “foreknew” and “predestined” parts. I believe the Bible 100% and actually understand what is being said; however, there is something I can’t quite get. Maybe I can ask my question this way: I am blessed with two grandsons. God knew from the beginning everything about these children.…
Read MoreThe Armor of God
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ArmorOfGod.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 6:10-18 Rome was the mighty governing power in the days the New Testament was written. Its strength was in its military, which constantly was on guard Josephus, a Jewish historian, observed that Roman soldiers always carried their weapons with them, even in times of peace. “Every soldier is…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to contend for the faith?
Question: I am reading the book of Jude and he said in verse 3, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” What…
Read MoreThe Sum of God’s Word
by Frank Himmel via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 25, June 22, 2008. Do you remember math class? We were taught that in multiplication the answer is called the product; in division, it is called the quotient; in subtraction, it is the remainder; in addition, it is the sum. Psalm 119:160 says, “The sum of…
Read MoreHow do I improve my concentration and ability to memorize?
Question: My humble respect to you. I’m a student and I study a lot. Would you give me, please, some advice on how to enhance my concentration and ability to memorize? Answer: If you are like most young men whom I know, you have a strong ability to concentrate. Not all the time, but if…
Read MoreWho are you to decide which books belong in the Bible?
Question: I read your article on the internet and I think you need to re-read genisis concerning the giants and the fallen angels, sir. Angels were able to trnasform themselves into human beings just read the story of the two men( who were angels of God) who spoke to Lot and stayed in his home and…
Read MoreIs it ok to be a fan of a team that calls itself the Blue Devils?
Question: I am a huge Duke fan. Is it ok to be a fan of a team that calls itself the Blue Devils? Answer: Despite having graduated from North Carolina State University, I think we can let this one slide. The technical meaning of the word “devil” is an adversary, though it is usually used…
Read MoreAre there degrees of rewards and punishment?
Question: Are there degrees of punishment and rewards after the judgment? In II Peter 2:20-21 Peter states, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had…
Read MoreThe Spiritual Unity of Marriage
by Gary R. Beauchamp via The Sower, Vol. 53, No. 2, March/April 2008. The night I knew my wife and I were destined for a life together was when we sat alone in a car and solemnly vowed that the most important goal in our lives was first to go to Heaven, and secondly, to…
Read MoreWhat are the differences between Catholicism and Christianity in regards to sex, abortion, and stuff?
Question: Ok. The thing is, I was baptized Roman Catholic. The information on the Internet is kind of confusing on the views of sex, abortion, and stuff. Is there any difference in these topics between Christianity and Catholicism? Answer: There are differences between what the Roman Catholic church teaches and what you find in the…
Read MoreThe Works of the Flesh
by Sunday Ayandare via Words Of Life, Vol. 16, No. 1, Jan-Mar. 2009. We live in perilous times. Morals have degenerated to an abysmally low level. One could be tempted to say that the situation has reached its nadir. Reminiscent of the days of old, men are today calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah…
Read MoreWill the earth be destroyed?
Question: Will the earth be destroyed? Answer: “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of…
Read MoreWhy is America prosperous and the Philippines are not
Question: It seems that the recession has had little effect on the call centers here because a lot of companies are in need of manpower. A visiting preacher had announced the deferment of some of his benevolence because some of the brethren where he is from are getting laid off from their jobs. It is…
Read MoreWhat kind of oil should be used for anointing during fasts?
Question: Would you please explain Matthew 6:17? It says “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head and wash thy face” but many people say something like do not take this verse literally, anointing one’s head is not really important, what really matters is his/her attitude towards God. But I think since the Bible teaches…
Read MoreMajority Versus Elder Rule
by James R. Cope in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 5, March 1952. To Bible students and faithful Christians majority vote and rule in the church of Christ are as foreign to the Bible’s teaching on church government as Russia is foreign to a democracy. The majority vote always means an open division in the body…
Read MoreMajorities and Manners
by James R. Cope via The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 4, February 1952. All civilized countries recognize the necessity of government. Different forms of government hold sway in various lands but all admit the necessity of some final tribunal and ultimate authority. Chaos and confusion prevail where no rule obtains. Whether we study the civil,…
Read MoreGiven the state of the church today, of course, Christians are not required to attend services
Question: What you are saying about Christians who are not going to church are not saved is utter rubbish. It’s all one-sided. I Kings 18:21 tells us not to limp between two opinions. Amos 3:3 says how can two walk together except they be agreed. II Corinthians 6:14-17 says come out from unbelievers — those…
Read MoreAre Baptists Christians and where does the Bible speak against creeds?
Question: I have discussed with a lady the fact that one has not put on Christ until she has been baptized into Him. She is a Baptist but has been discussing the Bible with an open mind. She said her preacher told the congregation this weekend that they are “bought with His blood.” She wants…
Read MoreThe Historical Accuracy of the Bible (Sasser)
by Jim Sasser To be divinely inspired, a book must be historically accurate. For if its credibility cannot be established on the basis of known events, it certainly cannot be relied upon as an adequate guide in matters beyond our ability to check. On the other hand, if we can demonstrate that such a book…
Read MoreMy parents don’t think the girl I want to marry is good looking enough. What should I do?
Question: I’m 24 years old and a Christian by faith. I fell in love with a girl at my workplace. She, too, is a Christian. I thought my parents would accept her, but on the contrary, they did not. My parents have not even allowed me to speak my mind. I feel terrible within. After…
Read MoreWhen does repentance take place?
Question: I once doubted the death, burial, and resurrection part of my baptism. I have cleared my conscience on that part. I came to realize that I knew what I was doing on that part. For some reason, I have started doubting my repentance before baptism. I knew before I was immersed that I had…
Read MoreMy boyfriend has sickle cell anemia and I’m a carrier. Should we marry?
Question: I’m 19 this year and my boyfriend is 24. We’ve been together for almost a year now and are in a long-distance relationship. He has spoken to me about marriage, but we are in a difficult situation. He has sickle cell meaning his genotype is SS and my genotype is AS and because of…
Read MoreDid Jesus Make Alcoholic Wine?
by Greg Gwin It is discouraging, even disgusting, to hear some brethren continue to use the same old, worn-out arguments to defend “social drinking.” Is it not clear that their stubborn adherence to these discredited “proofs” is evidence of a rebellious heart? Jesus turns water to wine at a wedding feast – John 2:6-8 For…
Read MoreReview of Sacred Songs of the Church
by Wayne S. Walker The first new hymnbook among churches of Christ for the 21st century (notwithstanding the late Alton H. Howard’s Songs of the Church 21st Century Edition which actually came out in 1990) is now available. It is Sacred Songs of the Church, edited by William D. Jeffcoat, copyrighted in 2007 by Psallo Publications LLC (3642 Peachtree…
Read MoreA young man wants to attend church but his father is interfering. How do you handle the situation?
Question: In the youth Bible class, one of my students (an 18-year-old young woman) asked a question I wasn’t sure how to respond to. She has a boyfriend, who’s never been to the Church of Christ before and whom she’s been with for a couple of years now, I believe. During that time he’s shown…
Read MoreIs looking at photographs of partially clad women sinful?
Question: Is looking at photographs of partially clad women sinful? Why or why not? I saw that question on the site, but couldn’t really find an answer to it. Answer: The question is one I propose when I’m teaching the Growing Up in the Lord: A Study for Teenage Boys series. But since you asked, let’s discuss…
Read MoreThank you. I found information for a Bible study on your site.
Question: I really appreciate your home page. I was raised in north Alabama in a small church of Christ and now live in Florida. It is sometimes hard to find a congregation that teaches the Bible as you do on your home page. I still attend a Bible-teaching church of Christ and found your site…
Read MoreSeven Facts about God’s Providence
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/SevenFactsAboutGodsProvidence.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 6:10-20 I. There are questions we have regarding how God works in the world today for which we have no answers A. We cannot see the spiritual realm B. We cannot measure the influence the spiritual realm has on our thoughts C. God hasn’t told us everything 1. Job 5:8-15 – God…
Read MoreI’ve been living in fear for 11 years. I want to commit suicide, but I don’t know. Can you free me from my demons?
Question: I have been bound to fear for about 11 years now. I am originally from Africa but living in the Netherlands now. When I was in Africa, a woman threatened to deal with me spiritually. Since then, I have developed a fear for her and her family so I went into hiding. It seems…
Read MoreWhat do you know about Jack Van Impe?
Question: My grandma is always talking about Jack Van Impe and how he is the man to listen to on TV. I know that he talks about the rapture and he uses Scripture to back it like when Elijah was taken up. He talks about the tribulation period and whatnot. Also, he talks about Revelation…
Read MoreDoes the person with more sins love God greater?
Question: Hi. I have a question for you. Actually, a couple. I think this will be some pretty good ones to have on the site, but mainly I am writing for some clarification for my own personal understanding. Concerning the parable of the two debtors that Jesus told Simon Peter about. Simon Peter concluded that…
Read MoreThank you for your information on honoring your parents
Question: I was reading Proverbs and came across Proverbs 20:20. I wanted a more definitive explanation of the verse. Thank you, for your detailed information and the resources included in the text. I received so much more! Sometimes, we think this refers only to young children and teenagers. However, reading this text reminds us that God commands us to honor…
Read MoreHow do I get a more disciplined life?
Question: Hi, I am 17 years old and have been a Christian since I was 8. I have a problem and don’t feel comfortable enough to discuss it with anyone I know personally. Ok, so here is my problem: my parents never punish me for anything. I really am not a bad kid and I…
Read MoreThank you so much for your site
Question: Hey! I’d like to say thank you so much for your site. It is so easy to understand and explains a lot. You are really helpful and think this is a good source to learn about the Bible. Answer: Thank you for the kind encouragement.
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