Can two homosexuals truly love each other?
Question: I was wondering, can you explain loving someone as in I Corinthians 13? My friend I disagree regarding whether homosexuals love each other because the basis of their relationship is sin; there is nothing good about it. They might be nice to each other, get each other things, and be self-sacrificing in certain areas…
Read MoreDo you know of the baptism of fire?
Question: Do you know of the baptism of fire? Answer: See: Please explain the “baptism of fire.” Question: [unedited] So do you want to know how it is done? It has to do with following in the footsteps of Christ and the commitments you make along the way… for me I chose to take Jesus place…
Read MoreAre all sins equal? Is no sin greater or worse than another sin?
Question: I have heard sin is sin and no sin is greater, heavier, or worse than the other. Is this scriptural, if so where is this found, or is this old hearsay? Answer: If you are looking at it from the ultimate result of unrepented sin, all sins lead to the same consequence — an…
Read MoreIf God gives us talent, then can we not use that talent to worship God?
Question: I witness the following conversation between two brothers and it went like this: Brother A stated, “We are not to worship or praise God on this side of the cross with instrumental music.” Brother A went on to state “This applies to the first day of the week during corporate worship or praise and…
Read MoreIf a person is in an unscriptural marriage, must the person divorce before becoming a Christian?
Question: Do you agree it is scriptural if a non-Christian who was previously married but got divorced for unscriptural reasons and was re-married and wants to become a Christian has to get divorced before they can be baptized? Answer: Can a person become a Christian while remaining in their former sins? “Certainly not! How shall…
Read MoreIf the whole church makes decisions, how is it organized?
Question: I read the reply by Ney Rieber, to the question posed by one that was having a problem reconciling with a congregation that does not have elders. These questions come to mind and I hope you can help answer them when you have time or maybe point me toward a similar question you have answered.…
Read MoreWhy did John doubt?
Question: In Matthew 3:13-17, John the Baptist meets Jesus and is resistant to baptizing him because he “seemed” to know that he was the Messiah and he thought that Jesus should baptize him instead. Did John see the clouds open up and hear God’s voice? Later, in Matthew 11:2-6, when he was in prison he…
Read MoreWhy did Jesus die as he did? Is there significance to the separation of the body and the blood?
Question: Why did Jesus choose to be beaten in a Roman palace, to carry the cross all the way through Jerusalem and be crucified in Golgotha? Why, through this act, did Jesus emptied all his blood from his body and poured it all over the way to the cross? Why was this same action first…
Read MoreCongregational Independence (Moyer)
by Doy Moyer The Scriptures teach local congregational independence and autonomy. What does this mean? The body of Christ (universal terminology as in one body, Ephesians 4:1-3) is not some interconnected web of congregations; rather, the body is composed of individuals (see I Corinthians 12:12-27). Individual Christians ought to seek out other Christians in their…
Read MoreThe Church: Yours, Mine, or the Lord’s?
by Clem Thurman via Gospel Minutes, Feb. 6, 1976 Questions: Isn’t it true that the present-day church of Christ was begun in the early 1800s by Alexander and Thomas Campbell? Was there any organization of your church from the first to the 18th centuries? On what basis can your ministers claim that salvation can be obtained only through…
Read MoreI disagree with ‘Is Gambling Sinful?’
Question: I am a 16-year-old boy. I’ve grown up in the church and I hope to get a degree in Biblical and Religious Studies when I graduate college. I feel that I am more intelligent and mature than most boys my age. Having said this, I disagree with “Is Gambling Sinful?” on many points. Hopefully,…
Read MoreChurch Recreation
by Keith Camp Recently I received an invitation to a facility that provided “ping pong, walking track, concerts, basketball, weights, pool table, board games, banquets, refreshments, etc.” No, the invitation did not come from the local Boy’s club. It came from a local church. Increasingly churches have begun to take on the atmosphere of social…
Read MoreIt seems like I argue with my boyfriend every other day. How do I get peace in my life?
Question: I love my boyfriend so much, but lately, we’ve been arguing every other day. I know I say hurtful things but I just can’t control my anger. I feel as if he just doesn’t understand me. It seems as if he doesn’t care. Sometimes I get so angry at him, even if it’s just…
Read MoreThe Children of One’s Youth
by Bryan Matthew Dockens The name Jamie Lynn Spears was unknown to me until the sixteen-year-old actress and younger sister of Britney Spears recently announced that she is expecting a child. This news has predictably brought increased attention to the issue of teen pregnancy. Allow me to submit for your consideration, however, that the problem,…
Read MoreChanging the Revelations of Mormonism
by Dudley Ross Spears via Valley View Church of Christ Website Realizing the importance of having correct copies, the leaders of the Church determined to publish them. Because the originals contained spelling and grammar errors, a Church conference moved that Joseph Smith should make the necessary corrections. (Far West Record, p. 16) This was the beginning…
Read MoreI want to see a girl, but I think God wants me here. What should I do?
Question: I have liked, probably loved, a girl for going on seven years, and never really tried to pursue her. There is a problem, she is definitely a desire of my heart, I do desire her, not in a lustful way, I just want to be around her. The problem is she is two hours…
Read MoreBy Any Other Name
by Glenn Hamilton Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman told of a distinguished minister, Dr. Howard from Australia, who preached very strongly on the subject of sin. After the meeting, someone remarked “Dr. Howard, you shouldn’t talk as openly as you do about man’s guilt and corruption as it may offend someone. And if our boys and…
Read MoreShame on Christians who think God ordained that they should eat meat
Question: To consume animals that begged for mercy in their own tongue is not conducive to manifesting the fruits of the spirit “as found in Galatians” in fact it is impossible to harm man or beast and still manifest such fruit. Those who are not merciful will be denied mercy themselves Matthew 5 Also, it is…
Read MoreWhere in the Bible Is Instrumental Music Forbidden?
by Jerry Fite Nowhere in the Bible does God explicitly forbid the use of instrumental music in worship. Some find implicit condemnation in Amos 6:1-5, where the prophet writes, “they invent for themselves instruments of music, like David.” But upon a closer contextual examination, one must conclude that the self-indulgent and insensate idolator is condemned,…
Read MoreConstantine created the King James Bible
Question: Left unedited. I read “The Origin of the King James Version” and find it very interesting but you never say anything about the actual origin of the King James Bible. In short, this version was created by Emperor Constantine in the year 325AD. At this time, he was losing his hold on his empire…
Read MoreWhat questions should brethren ask of a man wanting to preach for them?
Question: We have a couple of other men here who fill in with the preaching service occasionally and have asked me for suggestions that might help them improve. One of them has expressed an interest in possibly looking for a preaching job. So, I believe a “preacher training class” would be in order. The question I want…
Read MoreWhen God Told David, “No”
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/WhenGodToldDavidNo.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Samuel 7:1-17 I. David had gained a measure of peace in his reign. The battles had settled down. Now was a time to think about other things. A. David was embarrassed that he lived in a fine, solidly built house while God’s “house” remained a tent. B. It was David’s…
Read MoreHannah’s Prayer
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/HannahsPrayer.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Samuel 1:9-18 I. I Thessalonians 5:17 A. It is a short passage, but it isn’t short on meaning. What is meant “without ceasing?” B. Paul isn’t talking about a 24-hour a day, non-stop prayer. There are other things which must be accomplished in life. C. He is talking about prayer where…
Read MoreInherited sin has been taught for so long, if you teach otherwise you’ll confuse people about the Christ
Question: I am a believer, but I think many, many believers cannot accept your point on the inheritance of sin. The original sin belief has gone on for so many centuries; this teaching is so common in almost every modern church that to teach otherwise might harm the effort of teaching Christ to the world.…
Read MoreDoes the use of parts justify the use of choirs and solos?
Question: Choirs and solo supporters say that the entire congregation must sing every word simultaneously. They say “If we can not have choirs and solos, you can not sing in four-part harmony.” How can I respond to them? Answer: Given the simple fact that men and women do not sing in the same range defeats…
Read MoreDid Amos curse those who introduced instrumental music into Hebrew worship?
Question: Is it true that Amos pronounced a curse upon those who, like David, introduced instrumental music into Hebrew worship? Answer: David did not introduce instrumental music into Israelite worship, God did. Long before David lived God commanded the Israelites to blow trumpets as part of their worship (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 10:10). Prophets used instrumental…
Read MoreDid Christians have similar religious freedoms under Rome as the Jews?
Question: During Jesus’ generation and the Roman Empire, how much freedom did a person have under the Roman law to worship, conduct business and personal affairs? And, can you give references? Some treat the Romans as bullies and dictators, and some Caesars were, but the Bible puts many in a good reference. Paul was able to travel…
Read MoreShould a mentally impaired person be baptized?
Question: Scripturally speaking should an adult who is: mentally impaired, mentally retarded, unable to articulate or demonstrate an understanding of who God is, what baptism is, or what it accomplishes be baptized? Answer: A person is held accountable for their sins when they are old enough to have a knowledge of good and evil. This is why the…
Read MoreDid Mary’s intercession advance the hour Jesus showed he was the Messiah?
Question: Catholics say that according to John 2:1-11, the mother of Jesus not only interceded but thanks to her intercession, Jesus Christ advanced the hour to show (to manifest) his glory and He was the Messiah. Please address the following concerns: Is that true that thanks to Mary intercession, Jesus advanced the hour to show…
Read MoreCan you explain what “beginning from the baptism of John” refers to?
Question: I had a study with a brother in Christ, concerning the qualifications for the apostleship in Acts 1:21-22. In verse 22 it says “beginning from the baptism of John”. My friend says he is referring to the beginning of Jesus’ baptism of John, and I said it refers to the beginning of John preaching…
Read MoreI really appreciate “The Historical Accuracy of the Bible” article
Question: I just want to say that I really appreciate “The Historical Accuracy of the Bible” link you have up. Answer: Glad to be of service.
Read MoreShould we separate a man from his deeds, hating his sins while loving his soul?
Question: Regarding the love of God for man: I believe that God can separate the man from sin. Therefore, God can love the man, but hate the sin. Do you agree with this? Are there scriptures that indicate this? Where Jesus tells us to love your enemies in Matthew 5, I believe the only way we can…
Read MoreWhat is God’s Will for Me? Part 5: Dealing with Uncertainty
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/What-Is-Gods-Will-for-Me-5-Dealing-with-Uncertainty.mp3 Text: Proverbs 3:1-18 I. While God has given us guidelines wherein to make decisions, He does not make decisions for us A. We are required to choose whether to follow God’s guidance or not B. We are expected to make choices even between two paths of morally correct decisions C. I can compare my decisions against the…
Read MoreWhat did Jesus mean when he said to take up his cross daily and follow him?
Question: What did Jesus mean when he said to take up his cross daily and follow him? I know that in Luke 9:23 it also says to deny himself. Answer: There are a number of similar passages: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves…
Read MoreWas Job a Gentile?
Question: Was Job a Gentile? Answer: The word Gentile means “belonging to a nation, tribe, or clan.” The Israelites used it to refer to people who were not Israelites, foreigners who belonged to other nations. Job is believed to be a contemporary of Abraham because of some of the references to the flood in the…
Read MoreI don’t know if I should remarry my ex-husband or another man who says he loves me
Question: I divorced my husband because he told me that I forced him to marry me and that he wanted to be free. He also committed adultery, which was the main reason I divorced him. We have two boys. We decided to get back together and save our family. We are now living together again.…
Read MoreHow do you answer people who try to use Jesus turning water to wine as proof for drinking alcohol?
Question: Regarding John 2 and Jesus turning water to wine: So many people refer to this story when trying to verify it’s OK to drink. They ignore all the other passages that it’s not OK. What should my response be to this when they do that? Answer: A good summary is found in “Did Jesus…
Read MoreCan I reach heaven with all this negativity in my life?
Question: I am a Christian and have been for some time now. My problem is I have trouble letting go of my guilt because of past sins. I feel extremely depressed and in deep remorse for past sins. I know that God forgives me if I repent, confess, and ask for forgiveness, but I still…
Read MoreIf a person isn’t baptized, does that mean they’ve never been forgiven of any sin?
Question: If a person isn’t baptized, does that mean that they’ve never been forgiven of any sin they’ve ever committed? Answer: “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy…
Read MoreDo angels have the choice to follow God or not?
Question: When God created the angels, were the angels given a choice to follow Him? Satan was once an angel, but he rebelled. Are angels still given a choice? I thought human beings were the only ones to have choices? Answer: “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down…
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