Can a group (choir) sing if it is after the worship service?
Question: I am a member of the church of Christ and I want to know is group singing OK during a fellowship? Of course, the fellowship service is dismissed and then the group singing begins. Can you please help me with this? Answer: Your terminology is confusing to me because it is not how things…
Read MoreI’m finding myself attracted to a woman who is undergoing a divorce and I know the situation isn’t right. What do I do?
Question: God teaches us lessons in many ways. The new one He is teaching me is when I stand on something I need to be innocent in the situation myself. Such as the situation with the people who are married and living with someone other than their husband or wife. Recently I have been tempted…
Read MoreAre you familiar with Jerry Bassett’s teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage?
Question: I was talking to a preacher and he told me several things I had never heard before regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage. I would like to go into detail about this, but I am still studying what he told me. But I would like to ask you a question in relation to this. I…
Read MoreWas Paul married or a member of the Sanhedrin?
Question: Was Paul married? I believe to be a member of the Sanhedrin he was, but I understand the Bible does not indicate this. Answer: I know of no reference that indicates a member of the Sanhedrin had to be married. Just to be sure, I checked numerous references, including Jewish Encyclopedias, and found no…
Read MoreAre not pictures of Jesus and angels, or even wedding announcements, sinful because they are graven images?
Question: I have a question about some Scriptures. In Exodus 20:4-5 it tells us not to make any graven image or likeness to anything that is in heaven above. I Corinthians 10:14 tells us to flee idolatry and in John 5:18 and Philippians 2:6 that Jesus is a form of God and is equal to…
Read MoreEnvy
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/Envy.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Most of us understand that it is wrong to be envious. A. Though most of us have only a vague idea what envy means. B. Often we confuse it with jealousy. II. The meaning of envy A. “To look with ill-will, to look against.” B. “Chagrin or discontent at the excellence or good fortune of…
Read MoreWhat does “the unsearchable riches of God” mean?
Question: There is a phrase used that I’ve heard which I am not sure I understand. The unsearchable riches of God. Why do people say, “unsearchable riches?” By reading and study of the Bible, we can learn what God wants and learn what Jesus did, said, and taught. But “unsearchable riches” must mean more than…
Read MoreHow can I get my non-Christian husband interested in the church?
Question: First, I want to say I really enjoy this web site. I am a sister in Christ and have been most of my life. I happened to marry a non-Christian man. I would like to say to any of the sisters, or brothers, out there that are searching for a husband or wife, to…
Read MoreHow can I get the people at my congregation to sing parts?
Question: In the church I attend, they only sing the lead part. Do you know how I could get them to sing the other parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass? There are only two altos and one bass here, everyone else sings the lead. If you have any other web sites that would help that…
Read MoreWhen do you strive for unity and when do you leave?
Question: First, thank you so much for all that you’ve offered me with your advice and your use of God’s word. As a result, I have a long list of questions in response to your advice. Since I Corinthians 1:10 asks us to have no divisions among the church, and usually there are divisions and…
Read MoreCan a visiting Christian lead a congregation in song?
Question: I have been attending a local church for several months. During that time I began to stand up, come forward, and lead a song at the invitation of the congregation. Every first Wednesday of the month all men are invited to lead one song during services. I began the song and immediately the congregation…
Read MoreWhat does it mean for a husband to not honor his wife?
Question: “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (I Peter 3:7). I have some questions about this verse: If a husband is not honoring his wife, does that…
Read MoreIsn’t the one and only unpardonable sin the denial of Christ?
Question: Concerning your outline, “A Sin Leading to Death”: Jesus Christ died for our sins. He was God in the flesh; the only person who ever lived that was without sin. So, he died and was resurrected so that we may be free from sin. When we accept him as our Lord and Savior we are forgiven. There…
Read MoreI disagree with some at my congregation about divorce and remarriage, so how can I worship with them?
Question: I have a question regarding church issues. Some members, in the church I am part of, have what I believe to be an unscriptural view on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Unless I am misunderstanding what one of the elders I talked to about this said: They believe people can be remarried, even if they…
Read MoreIs it wrong to purchase items that help fund a denomination’s missionary efforts?
Question: Not long ago, my husband and I were driving past a Baptist church and noticed that they were having a garage sale. While driving past, I saw some signs that their young people were holding up stating that the sale’s profits would be used to send them on a mission trip. I felt like…
Read MoreWhere does the Bible mention Joseph providing for his father?
Question: I heard a preacher say that Joseph told his father when he was reunited with him in Egypt to not worry, that he would provide for him all the days of his life. I am unable to find that scripture. Do you know if he did say that and if so, where? I’m working on a…
Read MoreDoes the Bible say the spiritual world is more real than the physical world?
Question: I remember reading in the Bible that “the spiritual world is more real than the physical world.” I have tried to find it again and cannot. Do you know what the reference for this is? Answer: I recall reading a short book by C.S. Lewis that had this idea as its theme. I also…
Read MoreDoesn’t God want us to follow parts of the Old Testament?
Question: I appreciate the information you have on your page regarding the Old Testament. However, I am going to bring a challenge to you. Primarily for the purpose of learning myself. So please do not take any offense. It occurs to me that following the Old Testament was never intended for atoning permanently for our sins.…
Read MoreIs driving over the speed limit sinful?
Question: Is driving over the speed limit for any reason sinful? What if someone says that they can drive over the speed limit if it helps them to get to worship service on time. Or what if there’s an emergency and someone needs to speed to the hospital? I see that Romans 13 tells us…
Read MoreCan There Be More Than One Coming?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CanThereBeMoreThanOneComing1.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Peter 3:1-14 I. There is a movement that has gotten popular in various churches to state that all references to the Lord’s coming refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. A. It is frequently called preterism, the A.D. 70 movement, or realized eschatology 1. “Eschatology” means the doctrine of last things.…
Read MoreDid I love him too much?
Question: I just turned 21 years old and I have been through a lot. Life has not always been easy for me. I want to be saved and do the right things to make it in heaven. I am a Christian. Lately, I have been reading the bible on my own because I want to know and love God and Jesus better. However,…
Read MoreGreat sermon on the subject of lying!
Question: Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus. Great sermon on the subject of lying! May the Lord continue to bless you in the knowledge of His word, for the edification of the body of Christ. Answer: Thank you for your kind words.
Read MoreCan you give me information on the difference between Catholics and protestants?
Question: Hello, I am a fellow brother and believer in Christ. I thank you for your handy, useful resources, the table of when the Catholic doctrines came to be and the article that came with it. Upon reading the message on the home page of your church’s web site, I responded in fellow belief in these principles. As…
Read MoreHow could you possibly say baptism does not save?
Question: I enjoy going to your site and looking at your pictures, but today I was reading some of the off-the-wall comments made by Jeffrey Hamilton. He is out in left-field when it comes to salvation. In one comment he said e-mail me I could use a good laugh. Well, he better laugh now because if…
Read MoreWhat should our relationship be with our daughter who has just moved in with her boyfriend?
Question: Based on the article you wrote regarding cohabitation, what then should our relationship with our daughter be now that she has had her boyfriend move into her home in spite of hours of biblical counsel by her father? She had already made her decision and went ahead with her plans. We do not want to compromise our…
Read MoreWhere did my stillborn child go upon his death?
Question: I was five months pregnant and was happy to hear I was having a little boy. My son was so active in me and kicked all the time. One day I noticed that he hadn’t kicked me at all, so I rushed into the hospital to make sure everything was all right and I…
Read MoreWho were the wives who gave birth to David’s sons and in which order were they born?
Question: Who were the wives of King David who gave birth to Amnon, Absalom, Killiam, and Adonijah? I am guessing, but it seems as if Amnon was the first, Absalom second, Killiam, and then Adonijah. Adonijah being the last before Solomon because he had the right to the throne before Solomon. Answer: “Sons were born…
Read MoreDid David do some of the preparatory work for the Temple?
Question: I know Solomon built the temple; David couldn’t because of the wars he had been involved in (I Kings 5). But didn’t David prepare some of the material for the building of the temple? Or was he involved a little in the preparation? Answer: “Now it was in the heart of my father David to build…
Read MoreWhat can I tell a friend who is planning to have her baby aborted?
Question: I have a female friend that is contemplating having an abortion. She has said to me that the circumstances were not right since her ex-boyfriend is unconcerned and she is not in a position to have a child now. What advice can I give to her, if any? Based on her response, she is…
Read MoreWas the Law of Moses in effect while Melchizedek lived?
Question: Was the Law of Moses in effect while Melchizedek lived? Answer: Melchizedek was a contemporary of Abraham (Genesis 14:17-24). Moses was a descendant of Abraham who lived about 500 years after Abraham died. Therefore it would be impossible for someone to live under a law that was not given until hundreds of years later.…
Read MoreHow could Satan be a fallen angel when God did not put cherubim in the Garden until after Adam and Eve fell?
Question: Satan was in the garden in the form of a serpent (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 20:2). Since Satan is not God we know he was created and as all of creation, he was a part of the very good (Genesis 1:31). This one in the garden was a cherub. We know that in the garden…
Read MoreDo you think something drastic will happen this year? Do you think the rapture will happen in the next two years?
Question: To your knowledge, do you think something drastic will happen this year, 2008? And do you believe that the Rapture will possibly take place within the next year or two according to God’s Word? Thank you. Answer: Neither the term nor the concept that is commonly called “the rapture” appears in the Bible. See…
Read MoreThree Days and Three Nights
Text: Matthew 12:38-42 I. Jesus’ statement that he would spend three days and three nights in the grave has puzzled people through the ages. A. If Jesus died on Friday afternoon and was buried just before sundown and then arose before dawn on Sunday, that is only 36 hours. B. Some try to explain this by pointing…
Read MoreAre Christians to rebuke Satan or resist Satan?
Question: Hi. I love your exhaustive presentation of the literal days in Genesis! I am praying about how best to present this to our youth pastor, who is an old ager and teaches it privately to the youth. Thank you. My question involves prayer and whether we as God’s children ought to directly speak to or rebuke…
Read MoreWhat does “the day of visitation” mean?
Question: In Luke 19:44, what do you think is the “day of visitation”? What do you think the other references in the Bible mean in regards to this phrase? We are doing a chronological study and up to this time frame. I have asked you one other question and you are about in the same…
Read MoreWhere does it say that a person who approves of homosexuality is also condemned?
Question: I’m certain that the Bible tells us that he who approves of homosexuality is condemned also, I just can’t seem to find it anywhere. Can you help me with that? Answer: The passage you are looking for is in the last half of Romans 1 where Paul details the decay of the Gentile societies…
Read MoreHow do you seek first the kingdom of God?
Question: How do you seek first the kingdom of God? Answer: “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of…
Read MoreCan I have someone I know who is struggling with masturbation and guilt contact you?
Question: I would like to ask you for a favor. I have a lot of friends on the Internet with similar struggles that I am facing. Can I advise them to contact you? I am especially concerned about one friend who is struggling with masturbation and has a lot of guilt about it. He would…
Read MoreCan I tell you a bit about my past?
Question: You have given me insight into my life and that I appreciate it a lot. I would like to tell you more about my life’s story now that you know some things about me. I want to show how great God is — not me or how good I am, but God’s love for…
Read MoreIs withdrawing removing someone from a church’s membership role?
Question: I read your previous answer on a divorce and remarriage in a congregation involving an elder’s son. I have read through I Corinthians 5. I have never been in a situation where a particular member was withdrawn from. Whenever you withdraw from someone in a congregation, does that mean that you dismiss them from the membership…
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