How long were the priests’ breeches?
Question: In one of your articles, you mentioned that Exodus 28:42 means from the waist to and including the thighs. What is your source for this interpretation? Answer: “And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs” (Exodus 28:42). This verse was discussed in the…
Read MoreCan I get pregnant while having a period?
Question: I am in my period. My boyfriend let his sperm inside of me. He said if I’m in my period, I won’t get pregnant. Can I get pregnant or not? Answer: Anytime a couple engages in sex, there is a possibility of pregnancy. After all, one of the purposes of sex is to produce…
Read MoreWe may disagree, but it doesn’t matter, so long as we get to heaven
Question: I disagree with some of your answers, but it doesn’t matter. You have your own beliefs. Some people believe music and dancing is a sin. Who am I to argue with them? Whatever gets them to heaven. Answer: Your statement indicates that you don’t believe there is a right or wrong, except as each…
Read MoreIsn’t there at least one sin worse than other sins?
Question: You said that sin is sin in the eyes of God, but Mark 3:22-30 says there is an unforgivable sin. Isn’t that a sin worse than forgivable sins? Answer: “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the…
Read MoreLove Is … (Article)
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton In learning the craft of needlepoint, a person will sometimes work on a sampler. The sampler typically features a notable quotation and a variety of images and scrollwork to showcase the different stitches mastered. Bible verses are often selected for the basic text, and one of the most popular selections is…
Read MoreIs divorce a sin?
Question: I have been a Christian and a member of the church for ten years. I have been studying and I have some Bible questions: In Matthew 19:18 Jesus gives direct commands concerning murder, adultery, stealing and giving false testimony. Since Jesus gives us a direct command not to do these things, then failing to follow those…
Read MoreShouldn’t you teach about principles instead of pointing out people’s sins?
Question: I feel the golden rule is being ignored by the church these days: the laws that say “love thy neighbor and your enemies and love God with all your heart.” Maybe if you teach these principles instead of pointing fingers, people will follow you. Sure, you teach that homosexuality, pre-marital sex, and the rest…
Read MoreI don’t need a piece of paper to say I’m married
Question: I could argue that God doesn’t recognize a piece of paper saying if you’re married. I believe in His eyes my girlfriend and I are married, and if we left each other we would commit the sin of divorce. If living in sin with my girlfriend is my worst sin, I’ll gladly take it.…
Read MoreIs there a time limit on seeking a divorce?
Question: My wife had an affair about a year ago. She said she wanted to stay married and we should work on our marriage. I signed us up for counseling; she went to one session and has not gone back. She also seems to be doing some of the same things she was doing before…
Read MoreWhy isn’t more time spent on spreading the golden rule?
Question: Yes, I did generalize your views when I inferred that the church goes after sins of the “flesh” and homophobic is one of the words I used to describe your stance. After reading your response it turned out that I was right in your case. It seems that the church (I know that’s a…
Read MoreHow can Solomon say that having multiple sexual partners is bad when he had hundreds of wives?
Question: You stated, “Solomon explains why having multiple sex partners is unhealthy by comparing sexual desire and intercourse to thirst and having a drink of water. ‘Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be only…
Read MoreCould I get pregnant from spilled semen?
Question: As my boyfriend took out the condom he was using some of his sperm fell near my vagina. I washed my vagina with water and soap. Can I get pregnant? Please send me your answer as soon as possible. I am afraid. Thank you. Answer: I’m a bit curious. If you are afraid of…
Read MoreDoes Acts 2:13-15 infer that Christians drank fermented wine?
Question: There are lots of inferences in the Bible that Christians used fermented wine. Acts 2:13-15 is a case in point. Answer: “Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be…
Read MoreDoes Romans 14 give the liberty to drinking alcoholic beverages?
Question: If a person wants to have a glass of wine privately in their home, then don’t they have the liberty to do so by Romans 14? Answer: “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is…
Read MoreShould the Lord’s Supper be served with one cup?
Question: The texts in the gospels concerning the Lord’s Supper all say “and when he took the cup … ” denoting one cup. Does this bind one cup? Why or why not? Thank you for your help. I met a one cup brother and sister at a gospel meeting and we plan to study it soon.…
Read MoreCan a bake sale be held at a church?
Question: I wanted to have a bake sale at our church to raise money for my pastor’s anniversary. One of the deacons told me that I was wrong about this. I was told about how Jesus got angry at the people for using the temple for a den of thieves. I do not see that…
Read MoreDoes Acts 2:17-18 prove women can be preachers?
Question: I’ve been talking with a person who says Acts 2:17-18 gives women the right to be preachers. I showed him I Corinthians 14:34-37 and I Timothy 2:11-12. I said woman have divinely been given a place, but that place is not to be in authority over a man. Answer: “But this is what was…
Read MoreCan a church consist of just one person?
Question: Can a church consist of just one person? Answer: A church is an entity separate and distinguishable from a single individual Christian. This can be seen in the separation of responsibility seen in I Timothy 5:16, “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be…
Read MoreWhat happened to Ishmael’s descendants?
Question: What happened to Ishmael’s descendants? Answer: God promised Abraham, “And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation” (Genesis 17:20). Ishmael’s initial descendants are recorded for us…
Read MoreWhy are the New Testament quotes of the Old Testament different?
Question: How would you punctuate Isaiah 40:3? How do the authors of the New Testament get Isaiah 40:3 wrong? Answer: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God'” (Isaiah 40:3). “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,…
Read MoreThat’s More Than I Am Supposed to Do
by Harry E. Rice Practically all progress in the world has been made by those who did more than their share, “more than they were supposed to do.” Our independence was won by George Washington and his men who “did more than they were supposed to do” as they suffered privation at Valley Forge while…
Read MoreTen Little Christians
Author Unknown Ten little Christians standing in line. One disliked the preacher, then there were nine. Nine little Christians stayed up very late. One overslept Sunday, then there were eight. Eight little Christians on their way to Heaven. One took the low road, then there were seven. Seven little Christians chirping like chicks. One disliked…
Read MoreTalking to Others About the Lord
Author Unknown We tend to talk with others about those things that are of the greatest interest to us. Golfers like to talk about golf, musicians about music, and hunters about hunting. The point here is this: Do Christians like to talk about Christ, the church, and the Bible? How committed are we to who…
Read MoreAre Sunday morning Bible classes an unauthorized innovation?
Question: I’m studying with a friend who objects to Sunday schools. I don’t know how to approach her objection. She says that where she worships the service is very simple. They don’t have choirs, musical instruments, or Sunday Schools or classes. She said they try not to incorporate anything in worship that they don’t see…
Read MoreWhat is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
Question: In Mark 3 it talks about the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and we do not understand what that means. Maybe you can explain that so we can understand. Answer: The passage you are referring to says: “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies…
Read MoreIs divorce only acknowledged when it is done for fornication?
Question: What do you think about this situation: Bob divorces Mary not for fornication (she gets fat, or ugly, or burns the cornbread). Bob and Mary have three children and she has always been a housewife with limited education. She begs Bob not to leave her, He leaves her and their children anyway. Two years…
Read MoreAre you “anti” or “liberal”?
Question: Wow! I am so happy to see a site that holds to sound doctrine. There is only one thing that I don’t see much written on Institutionalism. I do see the article on church spending which is correct. I was wondering though if you all were “anti” or “liberal” as many like to say…
Read MoreWhere have you studied?
Question: I just wanted to say thank you for all of your help. Your knowledge has been very helpful to me. May I ask where you have studied? Answer: I and the churches I associate with strictly adhere to the teachings of the Bible. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.…
Read MoreWhat is your stand on marriage, divorce, and remarriage?
Question: What is your stance on marriage, divorce, and remarriage as taught by Ron Halbrook, Tim Haile, and others? Answer: I find the current controversy on marriage, divorce, and remarriage sounding much like what Paul warned against. “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia — remain in Ephesus that you may charge some…
Read MoreWhy is YWHW translated LORD?
Question: I know the New World Translation is not a reliable translation, but why have the other Bible translations changed the original YHWH to LORD? Answer: When a translator encounters a word, he is faced with two choices: he can translate the word or he can transliterate the word. To translate requires finding a word…
Read MoreMust a woman wear a skirt to worship?
Question: I was wondering what is appropriate attire for women? I find the Scriptures that others have used to support the skirt argument are somewhat unclear and haven’t felt that they demand skirt wearing as a godly or correct choice. Please help me see the truth about skirts. Answer: The Scriptures do set forth basic…
Read MoreSons of Jacob (Children’s Class Song)
by Jeanie Pratt Please feel free to use the following lyrics which I wrote many years ago. I could not remember the usual version and wanted the order of birth. I sing this to the tune of Jesus Loves Me. I have a poster board with the song. I color code the boys’ names by…
Read MoreThe Songs That We Sing
by Wayne S. Walker As I was growing up, I loved to join in the singing of hymns and gospel songs during church services and other occasions where people gathered together to praise God in song, and through the years with my general love of music I have maintained an active interest in the songs…
Read MoreSomeone Writes Asking About Christmas
by Wayne Goforth Hello Becky! I appreciate your good thoughts here, and certainly, I am not trying to encourage you to go against your conscience (Romans 14) or to observe Christmas in any type of way. I simply want to explain why I believe, as a Christian, we have the liberty of celebrating a national holiday on December…
Read MoreWhat is Wrong with Mixed Swimming?
Text: Ephesians 4:17-24 I. Let’s first define the issue. 1. It is not whether boys and girls can participate in the same activity. a. There are plenty of sports and other activities where both men and women participate. b. Often, as adolescence is reached, boys and girls will separate, mostly because men and women have different levels of…
Read MoreDo the words “carousing” or “reveling” condemn social drinking?
Question: My preacher said that the words “carousing” and “reveling” are often misused today. Some have associated these words with social drinking. However, carousing and reveling refer to parties where drunkenness is either the goal or by-product of the party. I tried to discuss I Peter 4:3 with him, suggesting that “tippling” means drinking in any amount,…
Read MoreShould a preacher do weddings?
Question: I was recently asked to perform a wedding. I really prefer to let others attend to weddings. What are your thoughts? Answer: Weddings are not a function of the church, but I consider them an opportunity to teach the gospel. Marriages are sanctioned by God (Matthew 19: 4-6), so I am willing to encourage…
Read MoreWhat happens when you lie?
Question: What are some of the consequences of lying? What can it do to a friendship, to a marriage, or to a family? What will happen if you lie? Answer: Imagine for a moment a world where everyone lied constantly. In such a world, you would never be able to trust anything that anyone said…
Read MoreIsn’t a moderate drinker still sober?
Question: To say that taking a drink of alcohol means you are not completely sober (I Thessalonians 5:6-8) is wrong. By this reasoning, a moderate eater would be condemned as a glutton (Proverbs 23:20-21). Answer: The fault in this line of reasoning is that two different things are being paralleled. Gluttony is a sin of…
Read MoreHow many monuments were raised in Joshua 4?
Question: I’m a bit confused. How many monuments were raised in Joshua 4? I thought there were two, but my husband says there was only one. Answer: Perhaps outlining the events in chapter 4 will make things clearer: The people of Israel finished crossing the Jordan (Joshua 4:1) Joshua picked twelve men, one from each…
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