How could Samuel offer a burnt offering when he was not a Levite?
Question: How could Samuel offer a burnt offering when he was not a Levite? Answer: Samuel was a descendant of Levi, his lineage being traced in I Chronicles 6:33-38. Samuel was born in the territory of Ephriam, where his family had lived for several generations. “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the…
Read MoreDid Onesimus later become an elder?
Question: I heard a preacher say one time that Onesimus ended up becoming an elder of the church. Is that not speculation and conjecture? Answer: Ignatius, a Christian who wrote at the beginning of the second century, to the church in Ephesus said, “Seeing, then, that we have become acquainted with your multitude in the…
Read MoreCould masters under the Old Testament law beat or kill their slaves?
Question: I know what the Scriptures teach about how we Christians today are to treat our fellow man and that it is a serious sin to murder, that being so, Is it true that during the Old Testament age the slave masters had the right to severely beat or to even kill their slaves? Answer: The slave laws…
Read MoreWas Rome a safe haven for runaway slaves?
Question: Was Rome at one time a safe haven for runaway slaves? Answer: Roman law in regard to slaves was quite severe. A Roman master could treat his slave as he pleased — sell him, beat him, or put him to death. However, morality and practical matters caused most masters to restrain their hands. After…
Read MoreCan we say for sure that Onesimus stole from his master?
Question: In regards to Philemon 18, can we say for sure that Onesimus stole from his master? Answer: Paul tells us in the book of Philemon that Onesimus was a slave (Philemon 16) who became a Christian after meeting Paul while Paul was in prison in Rome (Philemon 10). Paul makes it clear that Onesimus…
Read MoreDidn’t Jesus say some are born homosexual?
Question: Didn’t Jesus agree that some were born homosexual? You can see his thoughts on the matter if you read Matthew 19:10-12. If you know the history of the words saris or eunouchos, you would know this. Answer: After explaining to his audience that marriage was a lifetime commitment between a man and a woman (Matthew 19:4-6) and that it…
Read MoreI need help handling teenage dress and language problems
Question: I need another outlook about fashion statements of today in the church. Young ladies are exposing themselves and young men are out of control with their dress and their mouth. I have covered I Corinthians and Deuteronomy 22 and a few other chapters. Can you help me put this in perspective? Answer: I…
Read MoreEli and Being Soft on Sin
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. There are many things to admire about the man Eli A. He judged Israel for 40 years; during which time he was God’s spokesman. B. We find no record of any outward evil or sin in his life. C. When Eli learns that Samuel will take his place, Eli does not rebel, grow bitter,…
Read MoreHow old does a person need to be to become an elder?
Question: How old does a person need to be to become an elder? Answer: The word translated as “elders” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word presbuteros, which refers to an older person. No set age is implied by the word and it is sometimes used to denote relative age. For example, in the…
Read MoreWhat should a teenager do to guard against pride?
Question: The Bible tells us that “Pride comes before destruction.” What are the things a teenager should guard against in order to be respectful and humble? Answer: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). The problem of pride is not unique to teenagers. All people struggle with it since…
Read MoreThe Disease of Sin and Its Cures
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Ever since Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, sin has been a big problem for mankind. A. We just can’t seem to get away from it. You could almost look at it as a disease — a spiritual disease of the heart. B. Like any disease, it has characteristics which allow…
Read MoreThe Corruption of Money
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 6:3-10 I. In any discussion of false teachers you have to address the issue of money. Money is often the motivation for compromising the truth – I Timothy 6:10-11 A. Teaching for the money they can make – Titus 1:10-11 B. II Peter 2:3 – Some make merchandise of the…
Read MoreWho were the judges and kings of Israel?
Question: What were the names of the kings of Israel? How many judges were there that ruled over Israel? Answer: The judges of Israel were: Othniel Ehud Shamgar Deborah Gideon Abimelech (Not a true judge. He was merely a corrupt ruler during the period of the Judges. Judges 9:22) Tola Jair Jephthah Ibzan Elon Abdon Samson…
Read MoreWhy ten commandments and not another number?
Question: Why did God give us 10 commandments and not any other number? Answer: I suppose one could claim that ten commandments were all that God needed to express His summary of the Law given to Moses. It was short enough to fit on two stone tablets (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 4:13), but still expressed enough…
Read MoreCareful What You Say (Article)
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Have you paid close attention to your speech recently? Many of us say things that should embarrass us if we truly understood what we said. The words that we chose to express ourselves are important. According to Matthew 12:32-37, we will give an account to God for every idle word that we…
Read MoreIf homosexuality isn’t genetic, then is heterosexuality genetic?
Question: Please explain that if homosexuals are not born that way, then there is no evidence heterosexuals are born that way either. So when did you choose to be a heterosexual? Can heterosexuals also be converted into homosexuals? Can a heterosexual fall in love with someone of the same sex? Can a heterosexual be made…
Read MoreThe Broadening Definition of Racism
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton During the week leading up to the observance of the government’s Martin Luther King Day, the local paper heralded the formation of a new group called Churches Uniting in Christ. Nine denominations joined to campaign against racism. The very development of these organizations which tie denominations together is fascinating, especially when…
Read MoreThe Book of Enoch
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2005/08/BookOfEnoch.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 4:1-3 I. I received a letter that objected to a lesson in one of the workbooks posted on our website. A. There was an explanation of Genesis 6:4 that this person found objectionable. 1. “Sons of God” can refer to angels (Job 1:6) or to the righteous (Hosea 1:10)…
Read MoreSaving Our Own
by Connie W. Adams Over the years brethren have asked me a question which has always amazed me. Upon returning from a gospel meeting and reporting that so many obeyed the gospel, someone has been sure to ask “Were they just all young people?” Or “Were they just children of Christians?” Just young people? Just…
Read MoreCan a baptism be annulled?
Question: When a person has been baptized once in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and then receives baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, has the first baptism become annulled? I have a friend who told me that I wasn’t baptized because I wasn’t baptized in the name of Jesus…
Read MoreI believe Jesus was a vegetarian
Question: I don’t follow PETA but believe that Jesus was a vegetarian. As a Jew, Jesus would have followed the Old Testament or Torah faithfully. In Genesis, a vegetarian diet is laid out for us all. Genesis 1:29, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of…
Read MoreWhat is God’s plan of salvation and eternal life?
Question: What is God’s plan of salvation and eternal life? Answer: This is similar to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” Clicking on that question will give you a good introduction to the subject. For further details, see the Notes on Salvation. This gives numerous verses dealing with God’s plan for saving…
Read MoreWho were Lot’s descendants?
Question: Who were Lot’s descendants? Answer: Lot lost most of his family during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. “And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside…
Read MoreIs homosexuality condemned in the Scriptures?
Question: This was received in response to the answer “What kinds of homosexuality does the Bible mention?” Malokos just meant soft as in weak in faith and arsen is male or man and homosexual means male and female gay people, so arsenokotie only meant a gay male temple prostitute. Levitical law is now dead so I don’t think it matters…
Read MoreThe Living Redeemer (Hamilton)
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton When we find ourselves in difficult situations, most of us turn to our families to help extract us out of our tight spot. Such aid between family members is expected by God. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied…
Read MoreThe Conscience as a Guide
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 22:22-23:5 I. Teaching the difference between right and wrong A. Young children have no knowledge of good and evil – Deuteronomy 1:39 1. As a result, they are not very concerned with matters of right and wrong. 2. Mom and Dad handle those issues and let you know. B. But somewhere along the…
Read MoreClothed with Christ
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Galatians 3:26-29 I. Certain phrases are used so often that we forget the meaning of them. A. Not until someone asks does it take us back and then we have a hard time expressing what we know B. That is why young children’s questions of “why is the sky blue” or “how…
Read MoreCan Christians celebrate birthdays?
Questions: Do you guys celebrate birthdays? Why or why not? Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses not celebrate birthdays? Answer: The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that birthday celebrations originated in pagan customs, such as blowing out of the candles on a birthday cake. They reject anything connected, however remotely, to pagan practices. They also believe that birthdays give…
Read MoreWhat musical instruments were used in ancient Greece?
Question: What musical instruments were used in ancient Greek times? Answer: The Greeks had a variety of instruments, such as the flute, the lyre, the harp, drums, cymbals, and castanets. There were also several horns (wind instruments). A detailed list can be found at: The Musical Instruments of Ancient Greeks Ancient Greek Music. It was…
Read MoreWhere does the Bible say homosexuality is a sin?
Question: I saw your email in a Christian site which was also on homosexuality, I decided to write. I wondered if you believe it is a sin as I can’t find any passages on gay love to show that it’s a sin anywhere. Answer: A previous question, “What kinds of homosexuality does the Bible mention?”…
Read MoreThe Deification of Mary
Text: Luke 11:27-28 I. Many of the world’s denominations share common beliefs. They do not accept all beliefs; each has its own unique mix, but there are many common threads found in the denominational world. A. The Roman Catholics, largest of the world’s denominations, does have a belief that is unique to itself – the glory…
Read MoreChristianity by Force
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. We live in a country where the choice of one’s religion is freely made. A. It is not that way in all countries, nor has it always been like this II. The Catholic church had a long history of compelling membership A. In his book, WHAT LOVE IS THIS, Dave Hunt writes and quotes:…
Read MoreMust a Preacher Move?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Over the years, I have heard various individuals argue against preachers being located in a particular area and working with one congregation. Typically, they will point out that Paul, and those with him, worked with many congregations, moving from city to city. In their view, elders should do the bulk of…
Read MoreWho was the angel that Jacob wrestled with at Jabbok?
Question: Who was the angel that Jacob wrestled with at Jabbok? Answer: “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of…
Read MoreWere the Colossians being told not to worry about being condemned for keeping the Sabbath?
Question: Colossians 2:16 is a famous verse that people use to justify eating unclean meats and not keeping the holy days and the Sabbath. What most do not think about is: the people of Colosse were new Gentile converts and they were concerned about those around them judging them for doing these things. This is positive proof that…
Read MoreWhy did God command circumcision?
Question: Why did God command Abraham to cut off the foreskin? Answer: Many of the commands that God gave man early on appeared to be meaningless at the time it was given. Only later did God reveal the meaning of the practice. As an example, God commanded that the Israelites offer up incense during the…
Read MoreHow can a wife be her husband’s companion when he is the head of the household?
Question: I was reading through some of the questions and came across the one which says, “Does a husband have the right to spank a wife?” While I do agree that there is no evidence or instruction regarding this subject in the Bible, I do have a problem with the word choice toward the end…
Read MoreHow many swats is proper in a spanking?
Question: Thank you very much for the counsel. I am always glad to have it, especially when it is backed up with Scripture. I talked it over with my son. He keeps back-talking his mom, being disrespectful when she asks him to do things around the house, and not being at home when she needed…
Read MoreThe Kingdom: Past, Present, and Future
Text: Hebrews 11:8-16 I. God had foretold the coming of a kingdom like no other A. It was a kingdom that would not end – Daniel 2:44 1. Every kingdom of the world has ended at some point 2. Mighty kingdoms, such as Assyria 3. Ancient kingdoms, such as Egypt 4. The world has never seen an invincible kingdom B. Its…
Read MoreNotes on Being Born Again
By Jesus’ Resurrection I Peter 1:3 By the Word of God John 1:13 I Peter 1:22-25 By Love I John 4:7 By Faith I John 5:1 By the Water (Baptism) John 3:5 Romans 6:4 (new life) Titus 3:5 (regeneration means born again) By the Spirit John 3:5 Galatians 4:29 Titus 3:5 Through Promise Galatians 4:23…
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