Have you studied the Bible from an academic point of view as a historical document of several communities making sense of God in their time of crisis?
Question: You give your answers in a canonical view; basically, using the Bible as a whole in its entirety to answer the questions. Yet, the core of what the questions address is why did the authors write the apparent contradictions if it was “inspired by God”? There was a time before a Bible, and that…
Read MoreWe enjoyed a visit to your web site
Question: I just wanted to let you know we enjoyed a visit to your web site. It appears you have a doctrinally sound body of Christians at La Vista; something that is getting harder and harder to find these days. You also have some excellent articles. If we’re ever near Omaha we will visit your…
Read MoreIf a couple in their second marriage has children, can the preacher make them get a divorce?
Question: If a man has two children from a previous marriage and marries a woman who has children from a previous marriage and they have two children in their marriage and the man later becomes a member of the church and several months later his wife becomes a member, does a preacher have the right…
Read MoreThe Harmony of the Scriptures
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Proverbs 30:2-9 I. The denominational world has long debated the relationship of faith, works, and grace in man’s salvation. A. Some argue that salvation is by faith alone while others argue the necessity of works. Some turn their attention to grace and argue that grace alone saves men. B. The problem has…
Read MoreWhat does “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem?” mean?
Question: I am teaching the book of Judges this evening and am not sure about one thing I read in 9:28 and hope you can help me. It is my understanding that Shechem is a city. This is a figure of speech called metonymy – where one thing represents another. Examples: I have 300 head…
Read MoreI would like to ask you about the book of Galatians and Paul
Question: I would like to ask you about the book of Galatians and Paul. I was reading this book for one of my Bible studies. I had not done so before in-depth, only certain verses. As I was studying and reading, it seemed to me that what Paul was saying here was to give us…
Read MoreI’ve had sex. I don’t believe in God. So you probably hate me, but that’s a sin too.
Question: Hi! I had sex and I’m only 14. I love having sex (but I’ve only had sex with one guy). It’s such an amazing experience. Does that mean I’m addicted? And even so, I have birth control, but is it possible to get pregnant even if you’re on it? I was also wondering if…
Read MoreIs it okay to leave the number of swats open-ended?
Question: He finally pushed it too far. Even though he is eleven and never had a spanking, he swore at his mother one too many times and I decided something had to change. My problem is that he struggled as I started to spank him. I told him that if he stayed still for two…
Read MoreWhat can I do about my wife’s friends telling her not to trust me?
Question: I wrote last week concerning my marriage relationship. I’ve just found something out that disturbs me greatly. I overheard my wife talking to a friend about being convinced that I have had a sexual relationship with the woman that I had an emotional relationship with. This could not be further from the truth. This never…
Read MoreWho is Gallio, mentioned in Acts 18:12?
Question: Tell me something about Gallio who is mentioned in Acts 18:12. Why don’t people care about what Christians have to say? Why don’t Christians care about the lost as they should? Answer: “But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment…
Read MoreShould you bleed more after sex?
Question: I just had sex with my boyfriend and I’m having my period, but afterward, it seemed like I bled a lot. Does this mean that he popped my cherry or is it standard? Answer: What it means is that you have sinned and placed your soul in jeopardy. By your own statement you had…
Read MoreSomeone said I wasn’t doing my duty as a preacher because I’m not always out on the street preaching. What do you think?
Question: A young man, who is about 30 years old, married, and has a couple of children, took a preacher training class. I was informed by the preacher teaching that class that this man had moved to this area several months ago. The preacher asked me to contact him, so I did so last evening and learned that he had tried out…
Read MoreOnce for All
by Billy Norris via Gospel Guide, Vol. 27, No. 12, December 1995 “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints…” (Jude 3). The original…
Read MoreLatter Day Revelations
by Johnny Ramsey Gospel Minutes, Vol. 55, No. 9, March 3, 2006. Nearly all the denominations that have sprung up since 1800 have as a basis “latter-day revelation.” That is, some religious leader (usually self-appointed) claimed to have received direct communication from God in which salvation for this modern age is revealed. The names of…
Read MoreDoes God Speak Directly to Mankind Today?
by Abraham Smith Earlier, we studied Scriptures that show we have an obligation to read the whole Bible. In order to do so, we must eliminate whatever might hinder our doing so. Even so, some of us have false beliefs that reject this obligation. There are those who believe that God still speaks directly to…
Read MoreIs it wrong to enter into a relationship at the age of 19?
Question: I want to know if it is wrong for a Christian girl to enter into a relationship at 19 years of age without having sex. Answer: Much depends on your definition of “relationship” and “sex.” These days these words are so loosely defined that just about anything goes. If you talking about dating a…
Read MoreJesus only followed Judaism because he was born in it. Doesn’t Jesus want his followers to remain in whatever religion they were born into?
Question: Jesus was born a Jew and he followed the rites of the Jewish community. Had he been born in a Brahmin family he would have worn a sacred thread and follow all their rites to the letter and spirit. He would also have reprimanded their priests for hypocrisy. He had not started a new…
Read MoreDo You Believe in Three Gods or One?
by Dudley Ross Spears Question: Our pastor says the Church of Christ believes in three Gods and he says the Bible teaches there is only one God. Why do you believe in three Gods? Don’t you believe the Bible? Answer: Thanks for the question. No offense intended but your “pastor” is wrong. Yes, indeed, we believe every…
Read MoreAre Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit three manifestations of the same one Spirit?
Question: I see that you believe in the water baptism and the necessity of that being the remission of the sins that are forgiven. I note that in the Book of Acts, and God showed me this at 16 years old, that the apostles always baptized in the name of Jesus. The power of heaven…
Read MoreDoes Christian love demand a willingness to lay down your life for a friend?
Question: While teaching the adult class I made the statement that a true characteristic of Christian love is that one would be willing to lay down his/her life for his/her friends. One lady stated that she could not do that. What are your thoughts? How would you answer this lady’s comment? Answer: “Greater love has…
Read MoreOne of the people you have counseled on the phone contacted me
Question: Greetings! Loved your web site: very, very impressive. One of the people you have counseled on the phone contacted me. He wanted help with a quadriplegic. After a long conversation, he told me he had spoken with you many times and that you had told him about our congregation. I invited him to come…
Read MoreIs looking at another person and noting they are beautiful a form of lust?
Question: I have a question about living a Christian life and following the rules of the Bible such as those regarding lust. I just got married a month ago and I love my wife with all my heart, but sometimes we as people see other people in the world and we might look at them…
Read MoreI have problems with my youth group. What should I do?
Question: Well, I am having some issues with some kids that I mentor. My group has both guys and girls in it, but I found a good woman mentor for the girls, so I will be handing off the girls soon.. The funny thing is I have little or no problems with the girls. It…
Read MoreAm I being selfish asking my wife for sex after having an emotional affair with another woman?
Question: Last year I became involved in an emotional affair with my ex-girlfriend. During that time I was very hurtful to my wife. The affair ended, I came to my senses and am in counseling right now. I know that I caused a lot of damage to our marriage and because of this, my wife…
Read MoreWhen and to whom was the Savior first promised?
Question: When and to whom was the Savior first promised? Answer: “So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust All the days of your…
Read MoreHow did Paul learn the gospel?
Question: I was wondering about Paul. I have heard the theory that he went out to a certain place and maybe had been mentored or so to say by Jesus himself or had been mentored by someone when he was converted. I know McGarvey speaks on the subject a tad bit, but I was wondering…
Read MoreI really appreciate your words on the Fear of the Lord
Question: I really appreciate your words on the Fear of the Lord. I have been researching this subject and your article is among the best I have discovered thus far. Thank you so much! Answer: You’re welcome. I glad you found Brother Blackaby’s article useful in your studies.
Read MoreWere only priests allowed to offer sacrifices?
Question: Were priests from the tribe of Levi the only ones who could lawfully offer sacrifices? If so, why did the Judges do them? Noticed that none of the Judges were from the tribe of Levi (using the information I have anyway). I am wondering about this in conjunction with Saul offering the sacrifice and…
Read MoreWhat does “seven times” mean in Daniel 4?
Question: I have a question that someone may be able to help with. Daniel 4:23 mentions that Nebuchadnezzar would graze with the beast of the field until seven times pass over him. We are studying Daniel on Wednesday evening and some seem to think that the 7 times are seasons, some think months, and a…
Read MoreYour series on “pride” has been very helpful
Question: I have been reading your sermon outlines for about a year now and using some of your topics for my own messages. Today I plan on teaching from Psalms 119:71 “It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes.” I will also be preaching about Job’s sin (if God…
Read MoreHow do you explain Matthew 24:27-31?
Question: Thanks for a great web site. You said… Too often, people mix the events from the destruction of Jerusalem with the events dealing with the end of the world. This leads people to believe they can predict the end of the world, even though Jesus clearly states that there will be no warning. You…
Read MoreWhat is pride?
Question: I was just wondering what pride really means. Checking the dictionary gave me too many definitions. I was wondering why it would be a sin. I mean, of course, you should love God with all your heart, but can’t you also have some self-esteem or self-confidence? Answer: Pride is the concept of putting yourself…
Read MoreHow did Saul actually die?
Question: I want to know how Saul died. In I Samuel 31:4 the Scripture says that Saul fell upon his own sword and in verse 6 it says Saul, his three sons, and his armorbearer died that same day. Then in II Samuel 1:10. the Scripture says an Amalekite stood upon him and killed him.…
Read MoreWhat was the significance of Samson killing the lion and eating honey from its carcass?
Question: What is the symbolism of Samson killing the lion and what was bad about Samson giving his parents the honey that the bees had made in the lion’s dead carcass? Answer: I don’t recall God stating that Samson killing the lion symbolized anything in particular. It did illustrate the strength of Samson since few men would…
Read MoreSince man was given dominion, does that justify dogfighting?
Question: With all of the recent events taking place with football player Michael Vick, there are people who are using Genesis 1:26, specifically the word “dominion,” to justify dogfighting. What is your thinking on this? Answer: “And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over…
Read MoreWhat were the duties of a king?
Question: What did kings do as they were king? Answer: A king was responsible to God for the welfare of the people in his nation. He was the leader of the army in times of war (I Samuel 8:20). He was the final judge or highest court of appeals in judicial matters (II Samuel 8:15;…
Read MoreI found the sermon on emotionalism uplifting
Question: I just got done reading the sermon on emotionalism. I found it very uplifting; not because of the language that was used, but because of the message. I am somewhat of an itinerant preacher but have settled down recently to work with a small congregation that is not more than 10 miles down the road…
Read MoreDid people normally tie a scarlet cord on a twin at birth?
Question: Why did midwife tie a scarlet thread around Zerah’s wrist? Was this a common action for twins? surely if it was custom to tie a ribbon surely this would have been done once the baby had been ‘birthed’. This whole procedure seems unlikely and extremely messy. Answer: “Now it came to pass, at the…
Read MoreThe spankings don’t seem to be working, what should I do?
Question: I wrote to you a few months ago about a couple of boys at church who’s mom had asked me to help enforce obeying the rules. Since their father is not in the picture, a few of us guys have helped by taking them out to trips and spending one-on-one time with them. Well…
Read MoreSince a sin offering was required, is masturbation a sin?
Question: I was wondering if masturbation was a sin even if one didn’t have any sinful thoughts when he does it. In Leviticus 15:14-15 it says that the person who had a discharged should offer two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and other for a burnt offering. Does this make masturbation a sin? Answer:…
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