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You didn’t show compassion
Question: Hello, The post titled “I grew up in a family that didn’t love or want me. How do I learn to love?” is not compassionate. Many verses are thrown out there, but I don’t see the truth being spoken in love. You are lambasting a broken man. At best, I find this article not…
Read MoreIs Exodus 22:29 talking about child sacrifice?
Question: In Exodus 22:29, is God allowing child sacrifice? I’m sure that’s not what’s present here, and I’m taking it as them becoming a part of the priesthood. If correct, are there other verses that can cover this idea? Answer: Human communication relies heavily on implications. We don’t say everything. We expect the other person…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between the Greek words “moros” and “anoetos?”
Question: What is the difference between the Greek words “moros” and “ancestors?” Answer: Moros is an adjective that describes someone acting foolishly or without thinking, especially about moral decisions or righteous behavior; thus, it implies godless behavior, but not always. It can also refer to someone with relatively less intelligence or a lack of wisdom. In…
Read MoreWhy does a member of the church go to hell if he commits suicide?
Question: I have lost a friend by suicide. Why does a member of the church go to hell if he commits suicide? For many people, you can’t know for sure, but I think you should. Answer: I’m sorry to hear that you lost a friend. Such events leave everyone with many questions. Suicide is a…
Read MoreIs it wrong to call someone foolish?
Question: I have a question. If Raca means foolish or moron, why Paul said to the Galatians, “O foolish Galatians”? But Jesus said not to call your brother Raca. Answer: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But…
Read MoreThank you for your stand for the truth
Question: To the saints at La Vista, Thank you for your stand for the truth. Many times over the past several years, I have come to read and consider items you have posted on your website. It has been very helpful as I am searching for a biblical topic and need guidance. Most recently, I…
Read MoreSaints
by Terry Wane Benton The term “saint” has been hijacked to mean something different from the way the Bible uses the term. Today, you can hear churches exalt a “Christian” after death to the status of a “saint.” This is not according to scriptural usage. Sometimes, we may hear someone say something like, “I’m a…
Read MoreWhat workbooks did you use this year that were particularly good?
Question: Hello, I usually check in near the end of the year to say I appreciate your website. It’s very helpful to me. I’ve been teaching the adult Bible class for nearly 50 years now, so thanks so much. I was wondering if you are studying a good workbook that you like or something you…
Read MoreWhat Do You Believe About Your Worth?
by Terry Wane Benton How you feel about yourself is related to what you truly believe, but there is an underlying premise that determines the direction of thought, and that premise is crucial. If you do not firmly believe that you were made by the King of kings and Lord of lords, then you may…
Read MoreI only suspect that my ex-husband committed adultery
Question: Hi, I married this guy 5 years ago. We both came from Christian homes, but neither of us had a real relationship with God. At first, I didn’t want to marry him. We just started dating, and we already had intimacy, but he told me that it was illegal in this country and asked…
Read MoreDid Paul imply that he could only marry a Christian?
Question: Hello, What is the meaning of I Corinthians 9:5? Is Paul implicitly stating he can only take a fellow believer as a wife? I know there are other verses for circumstances that touch situations where believers are married to non-believers. Answer: Here is something I wrote about the context in Paul’s Restraint in Exercising…
Read MoreIs it wrong to get married when the bride-to-be is pregnant?
Question: Good day, preacher, I have a question for you and need your help. I met a lady I love, and we plan to get married next month. The date is set, and flyers are distributed. Unfortunately, we found out that she is pregnant. Should we proceed with the marriage, or is it wrong to…
Read MoreIs it a problem that the divorce papers don’t mention adultery?
Question: Hello sir, I have a question for you regarding my brother. Right out of high school, my brother was married at a young age, with no children for 2 years. His wife allegedly began having an affair. At the time, there were many signs of cheating but no admission from her or proof that…
Read MoreI’m tired of sinning sexually
Question: Good evening, I write to you because I am tired of sinning sexually. When I think I have overcome it, I fall again, and I sin with prostitutes when I know that I am a minister. I have a relationship with the Lord, yet I continue to sin and look for someone to sin…
Read MoreIs Baptism a Symbol?
by Terry Wane Benton “Jesus’s blood saves us. It has nothing to do with baptism. Water baptism is symbolic of what happens to us when our sins are washed away by His blood.” Answer: Why do we need a symbol? If the real thing happened, it happened. How does baptism have any value if it…
Read MoreWhy didn’t Jesus mention baptism to Nicodemus?
Question: Why didn’t Jesus mention baptism to Nicodemus in the gospel of John when he asked? Answer: Great question. I love Nicodemus’s story, and I believe it can help us understand the need for water baptism. Firstly, I would like to say we don’t see the whole story of Nicodemus played out. All we see…
Read MoreDoes I Corinthians 7:5 mean masturbation is a sin?
Question: Hi Pastor, Paul says that married couples should not deprive one another, but they should rather come together for intimacy. How does his reasoning work if masturbation is not a sin? Wouldn’t the man and woman simply meet their own needs individually? I may be missing a way to harmonize these two ideas. Thanks…
Read MoreIs abortion acceptable for married women?
Question: Hi Minister, good day. I am a child of God and would like to know if abortion is a sin for a married woman to do. I have four young children, and recently, I got pregnant. We are done having children, and this one came in. We are considering removing it since it’s barely…
Read MoreWas I wrong to withhold my blessing?
Question: Dear Sir, My adult daughter is living with a guy twice her age. They want to get married, and it appears he wants my blessing. However, he doesn’t have a vehicle, can’t keep a job thus far and just started a new job a couple of weeks ago, doesn’t have a credit card, which…
Read MoreIs it right to be paid to clean a church building?
Question: Hello! I have a question regarding the church treasury and its use. I’ve been going to an institutional church of Christ with my family, as I don’t have a driver’s license to attend the non-institutional church the next town over. I clean for the church. Is it proper for me to accept payment for…
Read MoreWas there a second covenant with Israel?
Question: How will you reconcile Deuteronomy 29:1, the additional covenant God made through Moses with Isreal at the land of Moab, and Exodus 19, the covenant on Mount Siani? Are they two different covenants? Answer: “These are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the sons of Israel in…
Read MoreWhy were the Ten Commandments placed in the Ark but the Law was placed beside the Ark?
Question: Hi sir, I would like you to help me on this matter: Why were the Ten Commandments only placed in the Ark of the Covenant? Again, why was the Law in Deuteronomy 31:26 placed beside the ark of the covenant and not inside the ark of the covenant? I hope to hear from you…
Read MoreHow can the families of the earth be blessed through Abraham?
Question: Hi there! I hope you’re well! Romans 2:24, “Because of you, the Gentiles blaspheme My name.” Does this contradict Genesis 12:3? How could the blasphemers be not cursed if they are excused by Romans 2:24? Thank you so much. Answer: “And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you…
Read MoreCan a congregation of only women worship God?
Question: Dear Brethren, I hope this message finds you well. I have a question regarding worship gatherings and would appreciate your guidance. There is one congregation in which only female members remain, as the sole male member who served with them had to (compelled) relocate for economic reasons. Given that there are now no men…
Read MoreI’m feeling guilty about cheating on my girlfriend
Question: Hello, I’ve been in a relationship with my girlfriend for three years now. When we met, she hadn’t been with anyone before, while I had multiple past relationships. Over time, I pressured her into being intimate before marriage—something she agreed to, perhaps out of love or other reasons. Recently, I was unfaithful to her…
Read MoreIs it a command to seek forgiveness of sin from a brother before worshiping God?
Question: Good day, brother Hamilton, I have a question. Does Matthew 5:21-24 always mean or dictate one must go to their brother whom they have sinned against before they can ask God to forgive them? Answer: “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be…
Read MoreCould the Galatians repent of their sins?
Question: Hi Mr. Hamilton, I have been reading your website for quite some time. I struggle with the unpardonable sin and have read your articles dozens of times. My question is: Could the Galatians repent of their sin of mixing the old and new covenant and return to Christ, or was there no hope for…
Read MoreWas I truly born again?
Question: Hello, I had a question regarding baptism. I was baptized a few years ago when I was around 20 years old; however, I struggled with sexual immorality and lust with my girlfriend for a long time. Eventually, we got married. After this, I started to think baptism wasn’t necessary for the forgiveness of sins,…
Read MoreIs it wrong for a Christian to be interested in cultural myths?
Question: I’m interested in Greek, Norse, and Egyptian Mythology. Is it wrong for me, as a Christian, to be into those mythologies? Answer: “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and…
Read MoreIs Ephesians 5:17-18 a not…but ellipses?
Question: Hello, I enjoyed reading your sermon on figures of speech, especially not-but ellipses. My question is: how does the not-but ellipsis apply to Ephesians 5:17-18: “Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit.” It…
Read MoreDid Paul contradict himself regarding division in the church?
Question: Hi. I’m seeking clarification on why, in I Corinthians 1:10, Paul condemns division and pleads them to “speak the same thing” and be of the “same mind and the same judgment.” But ten chapters later, in I Corinthians 11:18-19, Paul seems to say that divisions are a “must” since they show who is approved…
Read MoreDoes God make some lose faith?
Question: Hello there! How are you? Does Romans 11:19 mean that God makes some lose faith or be blinded so that others gain faith? Doesn’t that contradict His desire to save all? Why cannot both believe? Thanks. Answer: “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted…
Read MoreWhy weren’t the Israelites allowed to eat fat?
Question: First, I wanted to say thank you for all that you do! Your articles are very helpful in learning the truth of God’s word. I am contacting you today because I saw a discussion for which I did not have an answer. It concerns Leviticus 3:17, “It shall be a statute forever throughout your…
Read MoreIf animals were not used for food until after the flood, where did the skins come for Adam and Eve’s clothing?
Question: Hi. I was researching a topic when I came upon your website. Before I ask the question, I just wanted you to know that I am not asking this to discredit the Bible or God. I understand that it can be challenging to understand some of the Scripture after thousands of years. My question…
Read MoreIs the phrase “God forbid” irreverent?
Question: Could using the phrase “God forbid” generally be considered irreverent and vain? Answer: “Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You'” (Matthew 16:22 NASB). This translator chose “God forbid” for a Greek phrase that literally means “not not shall be.” “But God…
Read MoreIs it a Christian’s job to make people mad?
Question: I was told that it is “our job as Christians to make people mad.” Is that true? Is it the job of a preacher to “make people mad”? Answer: “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man…
Read MoreDid I vow not to make promises?
Question: I’m worried that I vowed to God not to make promises. Now I was talking to God, and then in the heat of the moment, I said, “I do not want to make vows,” only I didn’t say that fully, and I’m pretty sure I cut myself off halfway and said, “No vow.” I…
Read MoreIs marrying without community of property wrong?
Question: Good day, Minister, I trust that you are well. Could you please clarify the following? Is marrying without a community of property wrong since when two come together and marry, they are considered one? The purpose would be to protect the inheritance of children born before that marriage. Would it be wrong to expect…
Read MoreCan eldership censor preaching?
Question: Hello, I understand elders make decisions to run the day-to-day operations of the congregation. If they cannot show a scriptural reason for not allowing a male member to preach, can they prohibit him from preaching? While it can always be said, “Not enough knowledge,” how does that not become a way of “censoring” certain…
Read MoreWhat does the Bible say about wishful thinking?
Question: What does the Bible say about wishful thinking? Answer: Wishful thinking is the act of forming beliefs based on what is pleasing to the person instead of on evidence or reality. I might wish to believe there is no school tomorrow, but that doesn’t change the facts. The problem with wishful thinking is that…
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