Answer
Is 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…
Read MoreHow can I help my brother save his marriage?
Question: Hello, My brother and his wife are having problems in their marriage. I don’t know what else to do or tell them, and talking to my brother can sometimes feel like talking to a child. My brother is nearly 30, and his wife is about the same age. They have two little children and…
Read MoreDid I steal?
Question: Last year, I went to Goodwill to buy books about dinosaurs and dragons because they are cool. It was seven books. I went up to the cashier to purchase the books. The cashier was someone I know. He scanned the books I wanted to purchase, but I noticed that only three were scanned. I…
Read MoreHow do we protect our children from unsafe relatives?
Question: Hello, My husband and I recently found out we are expecting our first child, and with that comes great responsibility, as we want to raise our children to love the Lord. We have been talking about a couple of individuals on my husband’s side who cause us a great deal of stress (because of…
Read MoreCan a preacher pray over oil and sanctify it?
Question: Is it scriptural to have a minister pray over olive oil today, and when someone uses it, they act like you have used something sacred? Answer: In the Old Testament, objects and people dedicated to God were anointed with oil (Exodus 29:7; 40:9). There was a special recipe for the anointing oil (Exodus 25:6;…
Read MoreThanks again!
Question: Jeffrey, I found myself using your page again and decided to drop you a note thanking you for it. The articles are well-researched, scriptural, and logical. Thanks. Answer: Thank you! It is always good to hear that the efforts are appreciated.
Read MoreWas Genesis originally written in cuneiform?
Question: I had come across a document about Genesis being in Cuneiform. It is an interesting hypothesis. The idea is that if Genesis was written in cuneiform, it might be one of the oldest written accounts. This means that when atheists like to say ancient mythology influenced the Bible, it would be refuted. Would you…
Read MoreDo I not have enough faith?
Question: Hello Mr. Hamilton, I have a question in one of your articles titled: Does true faith mean the command to be baptized does not save a person? You said that: “A person who does not obey demonstrates by his actions that he doesn’t really believe.” I have OCD, and I end up doubting Jesus…
Read MoreIs a “debt of gratitude” biblical?
Question: Dear Minister, In our country, there has been a recent conversation on social media regarding the concept of “Utang na Loob” – translated into English as “Debt of Gratitude or Goodwill.” What place does this virtue or moral have in the life of a Christian, or what are its ethical implications? What could be…
Read MoreWill my boyfriend kill me after we marry?
Question: Good day, It is about my relationship with my boyfriend. I have been dating him for seven months, and he has raised a topic about getting married and proposing to me any time. I do love him a lot, and he also loves me. But recently I was told by a prophet that I…
Read MoreDoes cohabitation create a marriage?
Question: Does cohabitation with sex make a marriage? A lot of Christians think so. They say that when you go live with someone and have sex, that’s a marriage according to the Bible because, in the Old Testament, that’s how marriages were made. They give the case of Isaac and Rebecca. They say the Bible doesn’t…
Read MoreDid Jesus lie about the sun being darkened and the moon not giving its light?
Question: Hello I have a question regarding a conflict that I see people bring up. People argue that Jesus is lying because Matthew 24:34 did not happen. The same thing is mentioned in Luke 21 as well, and also in Mark 13:30. Matthew 24:29-34 says, “Immediately after the distress of those days ‘the sun will be…
Read MoreDo you have to figure out all your sins before becoming a Christian?
Question: I have a few questions. If you don’t mind. Do you have to figure out all your sins right away, or is this a lifelong process of seeing sin and repenting? I read What Repentance Is Not. It gave the example of someone who quit drinking because it was affecting their health. My question…
Read MoreOf Daniel, Of Dreams and Nightmares
by Terry Wane Benton Daniel, the prophet, is probably one of the most hated and attacked men of God to have written in the divine collection. This is because he defies the atheists and skeptics with proof of God, which is very unusual. When a robust case for God and the divine inspiration of the…
Read MoreI lost a good friend for my views on homosexuality
Question: Please say a prayer for me. I’ve lost a good friend for my views on the sins of homosexuality. Pray that God will comfort me and give me His love and compassion to comfort me. Answer: I find it interesting that those who claim to want tolerance for their decisions to sin have no…
Read MoreWould God punish people who lost their virginity through no fault of their own.
Question: I would like to know if God will not punish people who have lost their virginity through no fault of their own. Answer: The act of sex is not accidental, so what you are describing would be an act of rape. If an adult seduces a minor into agreeing to an act of sex,…
Read MoreDon’t you realize that the Torah is the way, the truth, and the life?
Question: Hello, I noticed your article on polygyny using I Corinthians 7:2. Do you understand that the Torah is the way, the truth, and life? Just like Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the Word of God. The Word made flesh. It’s written to add or take away from the…
Read MoreCan women teach classes with teenage boys since Bible classes are not a part of the assembly?
Hello, Where I attend church, we recently have had enough teens move up to where we can have a high school class. Men were willing to teach this class. We don’t have elders. The men met because one of the young women volunteered to teach the high school class. The men voted and decided it…
Read MoreJeremiah didn’t know the Sabbaths would be canceled
Question: You cite Jeremiah 31, indicating that Sabbath feasts and kosher diets are no longer connected to sin in the New Covenant. I don’t think Jeremiah knew that when he referred to “my laws.” The law anticipated that circumcision would be of the heart, and the sacrifice presented to God was our own bodies in…
Read MoreIs loving God a process over time?
Question: I understand that the process of one becoming a Christian isn’t an overnight decision many times. Of course, it can happen that way, but many begin learning about God at an early age, and as they learn more, they will be baptized into Christ at a teenage year or even older. For some, it…
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