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Can a congregation ask its preacher to step down?
Question: Dear Sir, I greet you in the name of Christ, and thanks for all that you do for the church. I would like to ask a great question that has been bothering me. Can a congregation tell a preacher to step down from his role because of old age? This would be the congregation’s decision…
Read MoreDid Jesus feel shame?
Question: Hi brother Jeffrey, A friend of mine from our congregation wrote a short article in which he stated Jesus felt shame. He used Matthew 23:37-39, where Jesus laments over Jerusalem. He said Jesus was ashamed of Jerusalem. I don’t believe this to be true. My friend also stated that Jesus felt the guilt of…
Read MoreWhy do so many myths of gods’ births involve stars?
Question: Why do stories of many gods’ births have a star at their births, such as Krishna? Answer: Mankind has long toyed with the idea that the stars controlled events. Astrology is “The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their supposed influence on human affairs.” It is a belief that…
Read MoreYour Q&A section is a wonderful teaching tool
Question: The Q&A section of your website is a wonderful teaching tool and a great ministry! I would like to say “thank you” for providing this service. I have asked our eldership to follow suit with what you have done. In large congregations with large classes, people are sometimes reluctant to ask important questions. This…
Read MoreAre thoughts of promises binding?
Question: Good morning! I have a question regarding OCD and false promises to God. I have thoughts pop up (even intentionally about things I don’t actually want to swear, I will do, like giving up on things) with a sentence like “If I ever use it” or “If I ever read about it again” with…
Read MoreDoes forgiving one another only apply to fellow Christians?
Question: Hi brother! I have a friend who is not a Christian. We talk about spiritual things. She has family members who have treated her badly. She said she needs to forgive them because of passages that say we are to forgive our enemies and that if we don’t forgive others, we won’t be forgiven,…
Read MoreMy sister left the church to become a Catholic. Should I attend her wedding?
Question: Howdy, You do such a thorough job answering practical questions, so I thought I’d pose this issue to you that I’m struggling with: I grew up in a strong Christian home, but my sister recently converted to Catholicism and is now engaged to her Catholic boyfriend. I’m struggling to determine whether I can attend…
Read MoreHow should Christians deal with difficult topics, such as sex?
Question: Hello Brother in Christ! I have recently been studying Christian perspectives on sex, and I would like to know your thoughts on the matter. How should Christians talk and discuss sex? How do we, as teachers, open up such topics? And how do we start such conversations so we can teach Christians more effectively…
Read MoreIn a disaster, should congregations help a congregation rebuild?
Question: Brother Hamilton, I have already read several of your articles on benevolence, and they are quite useful. I was hoping that you could provide some answers to the following. A church is hit by a natural disaster, and brethren have damage to their homes and vehicles. There is also damage to several church buildings. A…
Read MoreHow should a preacher ask for a raise?
Question: Hello! I have a question regarding a pay raise as a preacher. I love the congregation I am with. I have been here for 3 years. I am the full-time minister. There is a part-time one as well. How do you approach the eldership with this? I understand talking about money can be awkward.…
Read MoreAre church owned schools and hospitals good works?
Question: Good day, minister. In a Bible study, we were talking about Christianity and good works. The teacher emphasized that good works do not leave out the church building, schools, and hospitals. I’ve heard a contrasting teaching elsewhere. But the way the teacher put it just offers a new perspective. He mentions that the church…
Read MoreDoes a polygamist need to divorce his extra wives?
Question: If you’re married to more than one wife before you became a Christian, can you divorce your second and third wives and be only married to your first wife when you become a Christian? Answer: In God’s teaching, one man is to marry one woman. “And He answered and said, “Have you not read…
Read MoreAre we saved by faith or through faith?
Question: Good day, Is it correct to say we are saved through personal faith and by faith? Thanks. Answer: The problem is that “by” and “through” are similar enough words in English that they are often used interchangeably. In Acts 15:9, Peter said God “made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by…
Read MoreI refer to the La Vista webpages often
Question: Hello, I am just writing to thank you for your efforts in the vineyard. I refer to La Vista’s webpage often. It has so often answered questions, provided ideas for talks, classes, or sermons, and just provided disciples and those interested with a reliable, sound resource. Thank you very much. Blessings to you. Godspeed.…
Read MoreIs the body in Ephesians the same as the church started in Acts 2?
Question: Good day, When Ephesians 3:6 says, “… gentiles are fellow heirs of the same body, does “same body” refer to the church that was started in Acts 2? I’m debating a millennialist who insists on using the KJV. The NIV puts it differently, and I agree with it. Answer: “And He put all things…
Read MoreI’m moving on
Question: Mr. Hamilton, I am finally ready to move on with my life. I have made the commitment to keep fighting the good fight until I am with the Lord and to be fully present for my family as I raise my children. I have spent so many years drowning in guilt and fear that…
Read MoreI agree
Question: Hello, brother Hamilton, I have read at least a thousand of your posts, and I agree with each one. Please keep up the great work. Your brother in Christ. Answer: While I’m not after popularity, I’m glad you are finding the website useful.
Read MoreWill God condemn us for marrying in a Hindu temple?
Question: Hello sir Will God forgive me if I was married in a Hindu temple? I have already been married in a Hindu temple due to certain circumstances. My wife suddenly left her house against her parents’ wishes. According to the law here, we would have had to wait 30 days for a court marriage,…
Read MoreAre Biblical Names Literary Devices?
Question: Some biblical figures seem to have names with very negative meanings (e.g., ‘Destruction,’ ‘Dog,’ or similar terms), and they do fit the narrative. How should we understand these—were these their actual historical personal names, or are they symbolic/literary names or later interpretive labels used by the biblical text? Answer: During biblical times, it was…
Read MoreHow do we deal with my wife’s verbally abusive family?
Question: Hello sir, I am a born Hindu; later I learned about Jesus, and now I’m following him. Now I’m nearly 30 years old. I’m working in the government sector. Here I got to know one of my colleagues, and we got married. She also believes in Jesus Christ, but her family does not. We…
Read MoreShould a person be rebaptized?
Question: Dear minister, If a Child is baptized without initial conviction, should this person be rebaptized if he is now convinced? God bless you. Answer: If a person has no conviction, then you are saying they had no faith. Baptism without faith is merely an immersion in water. It does nothing for the person. Understanding…
Read MoreWhat is the condemnation in I Timothy 5:11-12?
Question: Mr. Hamilton, Do you by chance know what I Timothy 5:11-12 fully means in its context? I was wondering because it has something to do with promises. I was talking to someone about these verses, though, and we weren’t sure what is meant by “incurring condemnation” in this instance. Would it have been wrong…
Read MoreDid Paul offer forgiveness before or after the Corinthians?
Question: Good day, If Matthew 16:19; 18:18; and John 20:23 are future perfect participles, would the same logic not apply in II Corinthians 2:10? That is, does Paul offer his forgiveness before or after the Corinthians? What did Paul mean by “in the presence of Christ”? Does it mean that he was forgiving sins by…
Read MoreIs Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sinful?
Question: Greetings, Is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or using nicotine alone a sin? When I say nicotine, I’m not talking about cigarettes, vapes, or chewing tobacco. Though I understand why people associate those things with nicotine. I used to vape for years, most of the day, to the point it was embarrassing that I couldn’t…
Read MoreShould I take a position that may involve serving alcohol?
Question: Hi, I work at a grocery store and am about to begin my training for a promotion. This promotion will involve various new tasks, such as closing the store, opening and working in customer service, handling cash, and, my main concern, working in our coffee and alcohol section. I personally do not drink and…
Read MoreCan a woman lead a prayer in a virtual meeting where men are present?
Question: Good day, minister. I really enjoy going through the questions and answers on your website. May God continue to increase you in every way. Amen! I’ve gone through some materials regarding women praying in gatherings and even at home, especially when men are present. I’m sorry if I’m being a bit slow, but is…
Read MoreIf God wants everyone saved, why does He harden some?
Question: Hi, Scripture says God wills all to be saved (I Timothy 2:4), yet Paul says that God hardens whom He wills, and that we are not to talk back to God or question why He hardens vessels of wrath such as Pharaoh (Romans 9:16-19) How can the two be reconciled, or is this an…
Read MoreAre people wrong to reject baptism?
Question: Dear Brother, I have a question regarding the plan of salvation. I ask this with the intent of seeking clarity rather than passing judgment on others. My question concerns the forgiveness of sins. Scripture clearly states that water baptism by immersion, rooted in faith and by grace, effects the forgiveness of sins and the…
Read MoreCan you remarry if your spouse abandons you?
Question: Good Day, Is it true that someone can remarry if it is for abandonment of the marriage? Some pastors are saying you can remarry. Answer: The general rule is, “But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband (but if she does leave,…
Read MoreWill heaven be here on Earth?
Question: Hello, I am very thankful for the many good articles I read on your website. I’ve recently been hearing some in the church teaching the idea that heaven will be on earth in the future. I know from many scriptures that this is not the case. I think one of the main verses used…
Read MoreHow can someone like me make it to Heaven?
Question: I wonder how someone like me could make it to heaven. I see real Christians, and I’m not really anything like them. I always fall. I repeat the same sins over and over and over. My thoughts are not pure; I’m easily enticed. My faith is knowing that every word of God is true,…
Read MoreWhy did Paul wait a week to teach the Gentiles?
Question: Regarding Acts 13:42, why would Paul have the Gentiles wait a week to hear the word of God? Why would he not simply tell them that the church is meeting tomorrow (the first day of the week) as we are commanded? Thank you Answer: “But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch,…
Read MoreCan a man remarry in this situation?
Question: Please give me the biblical answer to the following situation: A man and woman get married (neither one is a Christian). It is his first marriage and her second marriage. They started dating (and having a sexual relationship) while she was still married to her first husband. They eventually married but later divorced. Is…
Read MoreWhat does it take to start a congregation?
Question: Greetings, Hope this email finds you well. I have some questions about the organization and definition of a local church. My first question is: What are the necessary requirements for a group of Christians to form or constitute a local church in the biblical sense? I understand that an agreement to work together (worship,…
Read MoreHow can there be church autonomy when the church in Jerusalem oversaw many house churches?
Question: Hello brother, I have a question about the autonomy of the local church. I understand that there were many house congregations in the first century. So, if there were many house congregations in Jerusalem, how can they be considered the church in Jerusalem? Also, if there were many congregations in one city, it means…
Read MoreWhat does James 4:5 mean?
Question: Dear Sir, What does it mean that the Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously (James 4:5)? Answer: “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that…
Read MoreWhat is meant by “word of mouth” in II Thessalonians 2:15?
Question: In II Thessalonians 2:15, Paul states that the brethren must “stand firm and hold fast to the traditions” that they were taught, under the criteria that they were either given by “word of mouth” or by the Apostles. I’m having some trouble trying to understand what “word of mouth” means, because if we’re taking…
Read MoreYour article on the Sabbath has all the hallmarks of false teaching
Question: I stumbled on your article about Sabbath and was left speechless. The article “Was Paul a Sabbath Keeper?” had all the hallmarks of a person more determined to twist the Scriptures in a classic example of “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mathew 15:9). I have…
Read MoreWere Cornelius and his household saved before baptism?
Question: I’ve been studying the Holy Spirit and have been reading some of the articles on your website. I’m a little confused. The article says that it’s obvious that the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38 is salvation. If it’s salvation, then the people in (Acts 10:45) received salvation before they were baptized,…
Read MoreDon’t you know that the language of God is understandable to those needing to understand?
Question: [I left this one unedited since the author believes he is being led by the Spirit.] I don’t know who you’ve met, what you’ve read, or who you’ve talked to. But what I do know is that the blood is dripping from your hands and all that you led astray you will have to…
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