I 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…

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Is 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…

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How 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…

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How 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…

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Will 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…

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What 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…

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The new Topics section is very helpful

Question: Hello Mr. Hamilton,I have been meaning to tell you that I really appreciate your efforts with the website. The new “Topics” category is very, very helpful.Sincerely. Answer: I’m glad you found the addition useful.

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Do marriages really end at death?

Question: Marriage vows say, “Until death, do we part,” is this the truth? If so, I am so sad about this. I need to understand. Though, I cannot find a definite answer. I know there are things that we are not to know. Also, I understand that I am human. I am searching for a…

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Can one congregation withdraw from another congregation?

Question: Can a church withdraw from Christians who are not members of the local congregation? 1.         Mark those who cause division and hindrances – Romans 16:17 2.         Philippians 3:17 – Mark those who are good examples 3.         Galatians 5:15 – Don’t bite and devour each other. C.        Can a church withdraw from another church? Hey Brother Hamilton! God bless. I’ve read almost…

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One article was an answer to my prayer

Question: I have turned to your website many times to find specific answers, but today was not for that reason. However, it turned out to be very helpful at this particular time. The article written by Doy Moyer, ‘Beyond Our Strength,” was the answer to a prayer.My husband of 55 years passed away recently and…

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What if a withdrawn from brother continues to attend services?

Question: Greetings Brother Hamilton, I am concerned about the withdrawal of membership from a brother in sin. I read through your notes on fellowship and understood them, but I want to be precise. When a brother is withdrawn from fellowship with other Christians, can he still come to worship but is prevented from partaking in…

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Can salvation be lost?

Question: Hi, I was hoping you could shed some light on an issue that only seems to get more confused as I try to look into things from a biblical perspective. That issue is whether or not it is possible to lose your salvation following baptism. My understanding and belief is that baptism is a…

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A sad and complex situation

Question: This is sad and complicated. Katie married Joe, and neither were previously married. It is unknown if they were believers. Katie and Joe divorced. The reason is unknown, but it is rumored to be because Joe didn’t want kids. Katie had a child with Ken before her divorce from Joe was final. Katie later married…

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My wife wants a divorce

Question: Hello Brother, I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. My wife has decided that she wants to separate and sell our home. She has also discussed divorce, saying that she’s unhappy. First off, I acknowledge that while by worldly standards I was a good husband, by Christian standards, I failed…

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Do commentaries contain God’s words?

Question: In these dark days of political upheaval, financial uncertainty, and more, Christians and non-Christians alike have been asking many questions! Deep spiritual questions. I have questions, and I am not the only one in our Bible study groups! l think you will agree that men of God have written Bible commentary and claim that…

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Who should pay for a date?

Question: I am dating my boyfriend. He always pays, and I always express how grateful I am. Last month, his card was stolen, and his bank account was frozen. During that month, I would pay for our outings. I never paid intending to have to. In my heart, I knew it was the right thing…

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What is an alien believer or an alien sinner?

Question: Hello, I was reading somewhere in an article mentioning the “alien believer.” I am not sure what it actually means. I have noticed there are two different persons: “alien sinner” and “alien believer.” My question is: Cornelius, in Acts 10:2, was godly and had a fear of God in his heart, but he was…

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Why are there multiple churches near each other?

Question: I hope you are well. I’m writing to you to ask a question about unity. The Bible speaks about unity and that his people should be united, but why are there so many churches of Christ in one city? I live in a small town with a population of 4,000 people, and there are…

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Do I need to break up with my boyfriend?

Question: Good day, I am writing to seek advice concerning my relationship with my boyfriend. We met two years ago and started as friends. We grew closer but made the decision not to take things further because he had the intention to relocate to the country. Unfortunately, we started having sexual relations without a label…

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If the damages caused by a sin are corrected, does the sin need to be confessed?

Question: I used my employer’s equipment and electricity to mine cryptocurrency without their permission. I didn’t realize the full implications of what I was doing until some time had passed. When it finally struck me that what I was doing was unequivocally theft, I immediately stopped. My employer never realized (or suspected) that I was doing this,…

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What happens if someone makes a mistake during worship?

Question: Thank you so much. May God bless you for the amazing work that you do. I find it hard to switch from one act of worship to another, especially when I believe the one leading has made a mistake. For example, one Sunday, during the Lord’s Supper, the one leading us in the Lord’s…

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Is it wrong to teach in a denomination?

Question: Is teaching specific subjects, such as apologetics, wrong in a denominational church? Thanks. Answer: Throughout Acts, we find the apostle Paul teaching in Jewish synagogues (Acts 9:20; 13:5,14; 14:1; 17:10; etc.). Paul did that because he had an audience interested in God, though they did not follow God correctly. Paul often focused on proving…

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Should a head covering be worn while singing?

Question: I have a question regarding the head covering. My current practice is to cover my head whenever praying, in or out of the worship. And I generally wear it throughout the worship period. But I do not normally cover it for singing outside of the worship. However, the question arises, “Are we praying when…

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Wasn’t Babel the city of Eridu

Question: Hi there. I used to be a member of the Church and a devout Christian. I recently found something on your website that deeply disappointed me. I am specifically referring to the following answer you gave to “Where is the Tower of Babel?” In that answer, you state that Babel is most likely Babylon,…

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What is “federal headship”?

Question: I really enjoy the content you put out. Very straight and to the point. What do Calvinists mean when they talk about “federal headship?” I’ve heard someone mention this in a podcast in an episode on Calvinism. I had not heard the expression until listening to the podcast. Answer: Calvinists believe that Adam’s sin…

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I need some advice on my position with Christ

Question: I have some questions about marriage and my position in Christ that I would like you to help me with. I was married, I believe. Although it was a Christian marriage, it was like we came together and stayed. It has been three years so far in this kind of marriage. As a couple,…

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We can’t afford to get married

Question: I feel awful because I was reading a post from 2010 titled, “Should we marry now or when we are in a better financial situation? I feel the same way. The thing is, we are both 20. My boyfriend doesn’t have much money, and we have been together for over two years. What’s worse…

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I have been blessed much by your teaching

Question: Mr. Hamilton, I have so many questions. May I ask of you? I’ve been trying to understand the Scriptures on my own, but I believe in the blessing and command of the church and teachers. I have been so blessed by many of your letters and teachings, and I long for solid ground. Also, my…

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Is not taking God’s name in vain just about swearing?

Question: I also would like to ask if you think this commandment refers only to oaths or if it may refer to saying the name of God without purpose, like “God willing…” without God in mind. Thanks in advance! God bless your work. Answer: This particular commandment is focused on men treating God with honor…

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Did any woman perform a miracle in the Old Testament?

Question: Are there any Bible references to women performing miracles in the Old Testament? Answer: If you include the gift of prophecy, then several women are mentioned in the Old Testament as being prophetesses: Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (II Kings 22:14; II Chronicles 34:22), and Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:3). If you are…

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Is it proper for a church to pray together silently?

Question: Good day, brother Jeffery, Thanks for always answering questions. They’ve been helpful to me and the people around me. I want to ask you a question about the orderliness of prayer in the church. Can the church pray such that a time is given during worship, such as 10 to 20 minutes where prayers…

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I don’t feel good enough to pray

Question: Hi! I got a woman I was dating pregnant. We married a few months later. We now have a son, and we love each other, but the problem is my walk with Christ. I feel spiritually down. I want to be back on my feet, but it’s hard. I love my family. I want…

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Are the plagues in Revelation literal?

Question: While much is figurative in Revelation, are the plagues that John sees in his visions literal? Did those things actually happen at some point? Answer: A better question is why select the plagues to be literal in a book filled with symbolism and figurative language? What indications are there that these should be treated…

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Do I need to tell my parents about my sins?

Question: Hello! I’m writing out for advice on what to do. I am a female in my twenties. I have a boyfriend and we had sinned sexually previously. We felt so much guilt and knew it was wrong. We went with our pastor and he gave us advice. He told us to talk it out…

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I’ve been breaking the Sabbath

Question: I’m kind of in a tough situation and I need some help with this. I have a bad sin. It’s the breaking of the Sabbath. “Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all. For the same one who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Even if you…

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Do I need to be baptized again after finally quitting alcohol?

Question: I searched for an answer to a question and happily ran into a church of Christ site. I saw your question and answer section, and I need more specific information. As briefly as possible I will explain. I was baptized at the age of 12. I went way off course in my life. and…

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