Our Need for Guidance
Text: John 10:1-18 I. A disturbing trend has been commented upon time and again A. Children going astray, Christians leaving the church. B. It appears that the second law of thermodynamics applies to Christians as well. 1. Instead of a trend toward increasing entropy (randomness and disorder) 2. It is a trend toward increasing apathy C. While not the sole…
Read MoreHow Salvation Comes to Man
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 7:1-6 I. Matthew 7:6 A. We don’t often think about whom we talk to about the gospel, but not everyone will be receptive to the message. B. Jesus is basically saying don’t waste your time. Not only will the message be rejected but the messenger will also be attacked. C. But consider…
Read MoreThe Harm of Living Together Without Marriage
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalm 50 I. As Christianity spread through the Gentile world, it faced many challenges A. For thousands of years, the Gentiles gave little thought to God. Oh, they had their gods, but these were little more than extensions of their own desires. No, they lived in a world where men did…
Read MoreWhat was the purpose of John’s baptism?
Question: As part of our mid-week bible study, we have been discussing John the Baptist and how he prepared the way for Christ. I understand John’s mission and the importance of baptism, but was it also used to prepare the people for the conversion (burial) into Christ? What was the significance of baptism by John…
Read MoreQuick Reference for Personal Workers
Hear John 6:45 Must hear and learn Romans 10:14 Must hear to believe Romans 10:17 Must hear the words of Christ Revelation 1:3 A blessing in hearing and doing James 1:22 Be doers and not hearers only Hebrews 2:3 Salvation by the word I Cor. 15:1-2 Saved by the gospel, if held fast James 1:18…
Read MoreThe Story of the Churches of Christ in Central Europe
by H. Godwin Grimm January 1957 Mannheim, Germany The history of the churches of Christ is the story of a small group of men and women united to Christ in a bond of obedience and mutual love, guided and inspired by His spirit. They felt commissioned by the Lord to be His agent in the…
Read MoreShould all prophecies be seen as fulfilled in the past (preterism)?
Question: I appreciate your view, whatever it may be. I am not a “full preterist” at this point in time. I presume that you must have some interaction with others in your circle who do hold to the preterist view. At least we can say, that in this particular instance you would be considered to…
Read MoreWhat About All Those Mistakes in the Bible?
by Jon Quinn It is quite amazing to me that a common complaint made about the Bible is that it has so many contradictions and mistakes. It is not surprising that such a charge would be made by some unbelieving scholar who will investigate the Bible’s pages and turn logic on its ear in order…
Read MoreWhat is the proper punishment for mishandling funds and lying?
Question: Hello, I am 19 and a sophomore in college, but I still live at home. I have always strived to be a godly person and a hard worker. I was valedictorian of my high school class and captain of two sports teams and earned a college scholarship. I always try to do the “right”…
Read MoreCan small children commit morally wrong acts?
Question: Can small children actually commit morally wrong acts? Answer: It depends on the age and ability of the child, but in general, the answer is, unfortunately, “yes.” There are cases mentioned in the paper of children as young as eight or ten committing murder with guns. “They cited the example of Nathaniel Abrahams, a…
Read MoreWhere does the Bible state that Moses stoned a woman who committed adultery?
Question: In the new movie the Ten Commandments. Moses throws the first stone at a woman that committed adultery. Where is this stated in the book of Exodus? Answer: While I’m glad that Hollywood every once in a while decides to make a movie about decent subjects, I personally hate to watch them because I…
Read MoreAn Anecdote from “Raccoon” John Smith
by Louis Cochran In passing a Methodist camp meeting one day in September he stopped to watch a young Methodist preacher baptize a howling, rebellious infant by sprinkling water on the squirming body. When the service was concluded, he stepped to the front of the crowd and, identifying himself, took the preacher firmly by the…
Read MoreWhat does the Bible say about wearing pants low?
Question: What do the Scriptures say about guys and girls wearing pants below their backside? Answer: You won’t find a direct passage because the style of dress in biblical days is quite different from modern times. However, you can find numerous guidelines which help us understand what is and is not proper clothing for a…
Read MoreDoesn’t Ezekiel 37 speak of the restoration of Israel before Jesus’ return?
Question: I read your criticism of the article “Eight Compelling Reasons why Christ is Coming Very Soon” with somewhat amused interest since from the outset it was obvious where you were going. I understand why. However, you challenged the article on a point that I want to take up a little time on – the…
Read MoreNotes on the Bible
Authored by God Galatians 1:11-12 2 Peter 1:21 Complete Guide Leviticus 10:1-2 Deuteronomy 4:2 Deuteronomy 12:32 Numbers 20:7-12 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 Proverbs 30:5-6 Matthew 15:9 Acts 17:11 1 Corinthians 4:6 Galatians 1:6-10 Galatians 3:15 Colossians 2:18-23 1 Timothy 1:3 2 Timothy 3:16 Titus 1:14 2 Peter 1:3 1 John 4:1 2 John 9 Jude 3…
Read MoreCatholicism
I. Brief history A. Catholicism as we know it today gradually developed over many centuries. Its roots can be traced back to digressions from the original church. 1. As a result, Catholics will claim that their church started in A.D. 30 on the day of Pentecost. 2. Most scholars, however, date its beginning when some of its major…
Read MoreCunnilingus is injurious to health!
Question: Cunnilingus is injurious to health! Answer: It would be more proper to state that oral sex, whether done to a woman (cunnilingus) or done to a man (fellatio) can be injurious to health. All acts of sex between unmarried couples carry the risk of transmitting diseases between the partners because it is rare that…
Read MoreDoes God Make the Handicapped?
Text: Exodus 4:10-12 I. We desire explanations for the world and its events A. It is not enough that things happen, most of us are curious as to why they happen 1. Even the three-year-old will drive his parents to distraction asking “Why?” B. Hence, when disciples come across a blind man, it brought a question to their…
Read MoreThe Godhead in the Gospel of John
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: John 14:8-21 I. John 1:1-4 A. Of all the books of the Bible, the Gospel of John does the most to describe the nature of God B. We are introduced to the Word 1. The Word dwelt among mankind – John 1:14 2. The Word is distinct from the Father because he is from…
Read MoreIsn’t Ur in Syria?
Question: You said, “True, Ur was in what is today southern Iraq.” This is false! Try looking up the Ur of Khaldis, near Harran, which was in Northern Mesopotamia [Syria] [Sur] [Surie]. This is where Abram was from. Answer: I did find an article by an anthropologist at Utah State University who claims by elaborate…
Read MoreWhere does the Bible say facial hair is wrong?
Question: I am a Messianic Jew and I go to Church not a Messianic Congregation yet. Anyway, I have heard that having facial hair is wrong. They say they have biblical proof but they can’t remember where it is and so I am at a loss as to what to do. I have no conviction…
Read MoreWhat do I do about a lady who takes advantage of me?
Question: I have a question regarding a female friend. I have known this young lady for several years and at one time in college, we had a really special relationship. We occasionally talk, but our relationship has not been as strong since we came back from college (over 5 years ago). The only real-time she…
Read MoreHow can birds be an example of God’s care when they can suffer from droughts and famines?
Question: I have been trying to figure out Matthew 6:25-34 for five years now without success, but came across your website, and am quite curious about your perspective. Of particular interest is verse 26. How does God actually feed the birds, and how does such have an application to Christians since we must work for a living? And,…
Read MoreDo we have miracles from God today?
Question: Today, do we have miracles from God? Does God heal His believers if He so chooses, if it is His will or do we have what some call “through the natural order of things people are healed?” I realize we have no public healing today, but is the miraculous from God still in tact?…
Read MoreWhat do you think about the use of crosses in a building?
Question: I visited at a church of Christ nearby and was thinking about attending there on a permanent basis but I noticed they had a cross painted on a sign in front of the building and a clock in the shape of a cross with a picture of Jesus in the center on the wall.…
Read MoreShall We Dance?
Text: Romans 6:1-2 I. Dancing covers a broad range of action A. It can be rhythmic movement in time to music B. It can be movement that expresses feelings, such as joy or enthusiasm C. It can be complex movements designed to create emotions in another person II. Dancing in the Bible A. We can find approved examples of dancing…
Read MoreShould the church help a family that is constantly in financial difficulties?
Question: Now, one other problem that I sure would appreciate your help with: One family (husband, wife and four children) are new members here and seem to have an ongoing financial problem. A couple of weeks ago they needed money because of an $800 utility bill and were going to have them shut off. This…
Read MoreJephthah’s Daughter
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton The story of Jephthah recorded in Judges 11:29-40 has caused difficulties for Bible students. Jephthah, by the Lord’s leading, is about to wage a major battle against the Ammonites. Before going off to battle, Jephthah makes a vow to God. The first thing that greets him from his home when he…
Read MoreOversimplifying God
I. The American poet, John Godfrey Saxe, wrote a poem based on a fable told in India. A. It is an example of how limited perceptions can lead to misinterpretations. B. Oversimplification leads to misconceptions and misunderstandings The Blind Men and the Elephant by John Godfrey Saxe It was six men of Indostan To learning much inclined, Who…
Read MoreHow do I honor my parents when I’m constantly fighting with my mother?
Question: I have a question about the article on honoring your father and mother. I am a mom in my late twenties. My husband and I live too close to my parents and my mother and I are into it constantly. I was just wondering does all of the honor stuff that is in the…
Read MoreAren’t you dancing around the issue of racism?
Question: You surely did a huge dance around the “racism” issue. [See “The Broadening Definition of Racism.”] Since you condemned all of the other sins in other articles, why didn’t you condemn racism as a sin as well? Instead, you linked a religious body’s (the United Church of Christ’s) condoning of homosexuality to the “racism”…
Read MoreA thank you for publishing material on sexual purity
Question: I just wanted to take the time to cheer on your mission! I am a young woman going into my first year of college. I come from a religious family that believes in being pure until marriage. I just wanted to commend your church for putting this out on the internet, so young men…
Read MoreWouldn’t it be reasonable for Jesus to appoint a prime minister, thus establishing the papacy?
Question: If Jesus came as the son of David to reign upon the throne of David (St. Peter says as much in his pentecostal sermon in Acts of the Apostles with regard to the resurrection of Jesus), and if one of the key institutions of the Davidic Covenant Kingdom was that of the Prime Minister…
Read MoreIs it possible that early Christians added to the book of Enoch?
Question: Is it possible that early Christians added to the book of Enoch? or was it a work relying heavily upon the book of Daniel where the physical description of the throne and the Messiah are strikingly similar. i.e. “Hair on his head was like pure wool” (Daniel 7:9). I have been reading the book…
Read MoreThe Amazing History of Instrumental Music in Christian Worship
by Allen Webster “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (I Corinthians 14:15). In the average person’s mind, gospel singing and organ music go together like “rock” and “roll” or “blues” and “rhythm” or “hip” and “hop.” It is assumed, expected, even celebrated. Most would be genuinely surprised…
Read MoreAre children being baptized just to claim growth?
Question: I appreciate your words on the subject of “accountability.” I have met brother Al Diestelcamp at Sycamore and receive his paper “Think…….” While I am considered of the “traditional” camp, I am also searching to make sure that I am not just accepting the traditions of men. In the past year, I have been…
Read MoreSilence of the Scriptures
by Darrell Hamilton I was asked recently to put together a short document detailing the authority of the silence of the scriptures. I don’t mind saying that this has been much harder to do than I thought it would be. It is also a LOT longer. Part of me sees the topic as fairly easy…
Read MoreFathers Are Important
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Malachi 2:10-16 I. Just how important are dads in a family? A. When our country’s welfare system was being developed, a rule was issued that if the father resided with the mother, benefits would be reduced or cut off. 1. The impact was predictable, the number of children living in fatherless homes…
Read MoreIs the Church of Christ a Cult?
by David Diestelkamp via The Sower, Vol. 51, No. 4, July/August 2006 One man jokingly wrote that a cult was any group he didn’t like. He was pointing out the tendency to use prejudicial or inflammatory language to describe those with whom we disagree. People sometimes throw the word cult around out of fear of…
Read MoreThe Blessings of Being a Preacher’s Wife
by Barbara C. Adams Originally published in Truth Magazine, March 22, 1973, anonymously Republished in Searching the Scriptures, March 1978 Republished in an abridged form in Biblical Insights, October 2006 Tonight is the 23rd of December. In another week a new year will be upon us. It, naturally, is a time for reflection and a time to count…
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