What Is God to You?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/What-Is-God-to-You.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreInstrumental Music
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Instrumental-Music.mp3 by Raymond Warfel
Read MoreDoes the type of water matter in baptism?
Question: Dear Minister, Thank you for your website. It has a lot of good stuff. It is really awesome. Thanks. And thanks for being willing to answer questions by email. Is any water type (fresh, chlorinated, salt, a bit muddy, etc) acceptable before God for baptism? As far as I know, no one but me…
Read MoreIs saying “in the precious name of Jesus” at the end of a prayer wrong?
Question: Dear brother, Recently, a brother in the congregation insisted that it is wrong and unscriptural to end one’s prayer with the phrase “in the precious name of Jesus.” He insisted that adding the adjective “precious” is tantamount to adding to the word of God. He has quoted a La Vista Church of Christ article…
Read MoreJesus, the Good Shepherd
by Doy Moyer One of the great figures for the Messiah is that of the Good Shepherd. Jesus refers to Himself as the “door of the sheep,” but He is more than that. “I am the good shepherd,” He claimed (John 10:11). We will consider more in that context, but let’s back up a little.…
Read MoreIs Matthew 5 only for the Jews?
Question: Hello, A friend of mine who is against divorce and remarriage says that Matthew 5 has a “Jewish element,” that is, the word “council” in Matthew 5:22, so it is a chapter only for Jews and not for Christians. What do you think about that? Thank you. Answer: This is a variation of an…
Read MoreAre the churches of Christ the only correct church?
Question: Hi Jeffery, In the article “Wasn’t Babel the city of Eridu?” you mentioned, “You will not find any claim that the churches of Christ are the only correct church on this site.” Do you no longer believe in the one true church? I understand that not every church with the name “church of Christ”…
Read MoreRejoice in the Lord Always
by Terry Wane Benton It is noteworthy that Paul had been in prison for two years in Caesarea, then had a terrible shipping mishap from Caesarea to Rome, and was under house arrest in Rome for two more years, but writes to the Philippian brethren to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). He did…
Read MoreComplaints About God’s People
by Doy Moyer I grew up in California. I have worked and lived in several states across the U.S. over several decades. And I have found this consistent pattern: Christians are good people. They are loving, giving, and striving to do what is right. None that I know claim perfection. But they want to please…
Read MoreDoes a Christian have to believe in a young earth?
Question: Good day!I hope you are well. I have a rather strange question. I do believe the Bible literally without question where it needs to be, but I’ve never really even thought of asking this question before, even though it seems to be an obvious question. The question is this: Does a Christian have to…
Read MoreI liked the way you handled a heckler
Question: I just read something that the minister wrote about a question where somebody asked about masturbation and prostitution. The guy got mad at being corrected and chastised the minister. He said that he was judging him and called him a liar, but he didn’t say that. Meanwhile, the minister highlighted the man’s own quote…
Read MoreCalling Attention to the Heart
by Doy Moyer One can work and not have faith, but one cannot have a living faith and not work. One can do for others and not have love, but one cannot love and not do for others. We may be prone to evaluating the outward works, the visible doing, “but the LORD looks on…
Read MoreAn Honorable Man: Mordecai
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/An-Honorable-Man-Mordecai.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Corinthians 13:1-10 I. Because of Paul’s late arrival on the scene, his apostleship was at times questioned. A. In Corinth, though established by Paul, the church struggled with many sins. 1. There were some among the Corinthians less inclined to correct their problems or to heed Paul’s rebukes 2. Paul warned…
Read MoreCan I Know for Sure?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Can-I-Know-For-Sure.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 5 I. Salvation means forgiveness of sins, but it also means a better life on earth and spending eternity with our God in heaven – Luke 18:29-30 A. Such a gift is immeasurably valuable – Matthew 13:44-46 B. We should not be anxious – Philippians 4:6-7 C. See the confidence…
Read MoreWhen Miracles Ceased
by Jefferson David Tant Miraculous events were commonplace in the Old and New Testaments, beginning with Creation, when God “spoke” and the heavens and the earth came into existence. A true miracle is basically the suspension of or overriding the laws of nature. The word is used rather loosely today, as people refer to the…
Read MoreIs wasting food a sin?
Question: Hello, Brother in Christ! I recently got into a discussion about the usage of food in certain parlor games and advertisement tactics. In these situations, people would buy food and use it as paraphernalia to perform the game mechanics or as a way to advertise a product. The result of this is that the…
Read MoreHow can you discount near-death experiences?
Question: Hello, I have a few comments about near-death experiences. First, you answered “No” to Job’s question: “If a man dies, shall he live again?” To me, your answer is not biblical unless I misunderstand you. Jesus Christ promised eternal life for those who repent while on Earth and believe in him. So if one…
Read MoreConvict the World of Sin
by Terry Wane Benton The Holy Spirit used the revelation He gave to Peter to “convict the world of sin” (John 16:8; Acts 2:22-37). When they heard the convicting truth, they felt a need to be saved. Without telling the world of sin, no one feels a need to be saved. Everyone thinks they are…
Read MoreHow can the King of Moab sacrificing his son cause great wrath against Israel?
Question: Can you also explain II Kings 3:26-27 for me? I’m confused as to how the King of Moab sacrificing his son would cause great wrath against Israel and then cause (what it sounds like to be) the servants of Israel (or Moab?) to withdraw and return back to their country. Answer: II Kings 3:27…
Read MoreHow do you teach in an area that holds strong prejudice?
Question: Good day, I wanted to ask: What can I do in my local community to get the word of God out, not just about salvation, but the natural progression of the conversation about the right church? For context, I am in South Africa. This is rather significant because most churches in my local area…
Read MoreWill we reach heaven if some commands are broken?
Question: Good day,I have a rather important question that’s been bothering me. In James 2:10, it is stated that all sins are equal. Breaking one means breaking all. It is trying to get the idea across that we shouldn’t excuse sins because that might lead us to accept some sins into our lives and not…
Read MoreJustified by God
by Doy Moyer Justification is not due to a mere man making an offering to God. Justification is due to God incarnate making an offering as both the reconciler and the One with whom reconciliation must be made. That is, through Christ, God was reconciling all things to Himself and making peace by the blood…
Read MoreJoel: A Leader Who Knew What to Do Next
by Max Dawson “So, what are we supposed to do now?” I have heard that question so many times over the years. Leaders may be faced with a moral issue within the church, or maybe a budget shortfall, or possibly a disaster (like a hurricane?) has come upon them. What to do next? Joel was…
Read MoreSaving Faith Is Obedient Faith
by Dennis Abernathy Many passages could be cited to show that one must believe (have faith) to be saved. However, believing is more involved than the sole mental act. Ultimately, believing in the Lord is to do what He says, and refusing to obey His will is an expression of disbelief! The thought of “obedience” and “works”…
Read MoreJesus, the Righteous Judge
by Doy Moyer Jesus is the Creator to whom all are accountable. He has all authority, and He has all the right to judge. The Father “has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father” (John 5:22-23). He has “authority to execute judgment, because he…
Read MoreWrong Is Always Wrong
by Richard Thetford In a period of loose and sagging morals, Satan provides many rationalizations for improper behavior. Those who would live faithful Christian lives must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. Paul said, “…Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Wrong is always wrong despite our…
Read MoreNot By Faith Only
by Terry Wane Benton When the Bible says, “not by faith only” (James 2:14-24), why is it that you hear major denominations claiming that salvation is “by faith alone”? I would be embarrassed to hold to a doctrine that directly contradicts the word of God. If the Bible actually taught both things, it would be…
Read MoreLife’s Necessary Thing
by Jon W. Quinn Jesus had three friends who lived in Bethany. He would occasionally stay in their home when He was in Judea. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha were brothers and sisters. They lived together in the same house. Bethany was located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives on the road linking…
Read MoreWorks, Grace, and Faith
by Doy Moyer Works won’t save us, but failure to engage in them can condemn us. Likewise, being moral won’t save us, but being immoral will condemn us (I Corinthians 6:9-10). This is a consistent message throughout Scripture. Salvation is “by grace through faith,” and faith means that we will trust God and seek to…
Read MoreThe Will of My Father
by Jefferson David Tant The words of the title of this article are taken from a familiar Biblical passage found in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say…
Read MoreHosea: A Leader Who Made an Astounding Sacrifice!
by Max Dawson One of the things I have learned about leadership is that sometimes, the best leaders are those who were reluctant to be leaders. Witness the case of Moses (Exodus 3:7-4:17). I have known men who were reluctant to serve as an overseer of the church, as a deacon, or even as a…
Read MoreCharacter Matters
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CharacterMatters.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 5:1-5 I. Suppose you needed to hire someone for a job. What would you look for? A. You probably need someone with the skills to do the job, but what other things would you look for? Given several candidates with equivalent skills, what would set one person out above…
Read MoreBlessed Assurance
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/BlessedAssurance.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Hebrews 10:19-26 I. If you died at this very moment, would the Lord place you in Heaven or Hell? A. Most would answer, “I hope it would be in Heaven.” B. Yet the answer lacks confidence. They are not certain. C. But why not? Who else would know of your standing before…
Read MoreThe Cross Was an Ugly Torture Device
by Terry Wane Benton That is true, but men meant evil, while God used it for our good. How can a torture device be made for our good and bless us with forgiveness of sins? It is not the device itself, as if the physical item holds some mystical magic. It is the event of…
Read MoreWhat is your understanding of Jeremiah 4:10?
Question: I just wanted to get your understanding of Jeremiah 4:10. Answer: “Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Surely You have utterly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, “You will have peace”; whereas a sword touches the throat'” (Jeremiah 4:10). Imagine a robber has grabbed you, and he has a knife against your throat. He…
Read MoreThe Song “Blessed Assurance”
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. This song declares the praises of our Savior A. What is meant by saying this is my story? B. The foundation of this song is II Corinthians 3:1-6 1. The Christians in Corinth were the living proof of the work of the apostle Paul. 2. They have confidence towards God, not from themselves, but from…
Read MoreWhat If I Want to Eat the Cake I Have?
by Perry Hall “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” Well, you can’t eat your cake unless you have it in the first place, so duh! Then again, to “have” can mean to “eat” as a synonym. Why would one have a cake if they didn’t want to eat it? This would all…
Read MoreThe Need for Distinctive Preaching
by Jim Deason Biblical Insights, September 2014 In the shadow of the cross, Jesus prayed, “I do not ask on behalf of these alone (the apostles – jhd), but for those also who believe in Me through their word (me and you – jhd); that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are…
Read MoreDid My Generation Neglect the Grace of God?
by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. I cannot understand how so many of the younger generation of preachers (sometimes encouraged by a few older ones) can talk about how woefully the generation before them neglected to tell people about the grace of God. They boldly speak about it as though it was a settled fact of…
Read MoreThe Shield
by Terry W. Benton In all the armor of God, there is a piece of protection called “the shield of faith” with which “you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:15). That is a powerful thing to have and use. Another way of saying that is, “nothing Satan tries to…
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