Answer
What is “the hope of His calling”?
Question: Dear brother, Thank you for your web site. It has been most helpful to me as I struggle to share with a person who believes in “Once Saved Always Saved.” Can you enlighten me as to what it means in Ephesians: “the hope of His calling”? Does it refer to heaven? Our resurrection on…
Read MoreWhat is “the hope of His calling?”
Question: Dear brother, Thank you for your web site. It has been most helpful to me as I struggle to share with a person who believes in “Once Saved Always Saved.” Can you enlighten me as to what it means in Ephesians: “the hope of His calling”? Does it refer to heaven? Our resurrection on…
Read MoreIs it wrong to read books like Fifty Shades of Grey?
Question: Hello. I have a question about books like Fifty Shades of Grey. Though I have no interest in reading them, I have a few friends and family members who do. I was wondering if reading things like that would be wrong? and if so how could I tell them that it is wrong? Are…
Read MoreHow can I check my own understanding if I misunderstand the Bible?
Question: How can I check my own understanding in comparison to the Bible, if I misunderstand the Bible itself? Answer: “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). The first point to realize is that the Bible is understandable. Yes, people do twist the teachings of God,…
Read MoreDo I talk to my former daughter-in-law about her sins, even if it may mean I’ll lose access to my grandchildren?
Question: My former daughter-in-law divorced my son after affairs with other men. Both my son and she are members of the church. The man she is currently involved with lives in another state, as does my son. She recently told me she has him stay in her home when he visits her. This past weekend,…
Read MoreI just found out my husband committed adultery while he was overseas
Question: I’ve been married for about five years. My husband just returned from another country after being there for a year. We had rough spots, and while he was there, he started drinking and partying a lot, which he said he did to pass the time. I stayed in my country with our kids and…
Read MoreShould homosexuals adopt children?
Question: What does the Bible teach on gays adopting and raising children? Answer: The question, knowingly or not, attempts to balance sin with righteousness. Homosexuality is a sin, see Notes on Homosexuality for a list of verses proving this point. An adoption is a righteous act. Our relationship, as a Christian, with God is described…
Read MoreI keep going back into my old sins. Do I need to be baptized again?
Question: Hi, I was recently baptized for a second time because I felt that my first baptism was invalid because I wasn’t truly converted and turned back to my old ways too quickly. But with this baptism, I feel that I didn’t repent before I was baptized because I went back to my old ways…
Read MoreI can’t accept that my girlfriend is not a virgin. What can I do?
Question: I can’t accept my girlfriend because she isn’t a virgin. I know her past because she told me everything. I have also done sexual things. it is not fair that I can’t accept her. I am also addicted to pornography. I have tried so much to get out. Each time I fall I get…
Read MoreYou all have done marvelous work with your website and have excellent material
Question: Hello, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, You all have done marvelous work with your website and have excellent material. It’s always good to see a church of Christ being steadfast in delivering the true word of God. There are many churches of Christ that have fallen away from the Gospel. I have…
Read MoreCould I have gotten my girlfriend pregnant when my penis touched her vagina?
Question: Yesterday I just touch my penis against my girlfriend’s vagina. I don’t think there was any sperm out from my penis, and I did not try to put it into her vagina. So, I want to know: is there any possibility of her becoming pregnant? Answer: The problem is that when a man is…
Read MoreCan you have sex before marriage if you are in a committed relationship?
Question: Some Christians, such as myself, do believe in sex before marriage if in a committed relationship. Answer: Jesus asked, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Here you are directly violating the Lord’s command, and pretending that you are following Christ. “Do you…
Read MoreWhere is a passage that says the innocent can remarry?
Question: Hello, I have a serious unanswered question that’s been bugging me since I was asked to seek the truth. I used to work for a company where there was a man. We had a few talks and pleasant conversations when we had time. I tried to help out when I could. Not long before…
Read MoreHow do I get freedom from a spanking fetish?
Question: Dear Sir, I realize that spanking children during childhood establish a spanking fetish in them. I have this problem. On the Internet, I know many girls and boys who masturbate after being spanked by their parents. They also masturbate when they see their parents spank their brothers. I know a teacher who satisfies herself…
Read MoreI want to repent. Can you tell me what I need to do?
Question: I am a sinner. I have suffered too much in this life. I have committed too many sins. The reason why I am writing to you is that I want to give my life to God. I love my boyfriend so much, and I told him my darkest secret, but I am scared that…
Read MoreMy boyfriend and I can’t stop sleeping together.
Question: I have my ex. He is a strong believer. He was actually called to be a minister of God’s word. I also want to be a minister of God’s word. The thing is we had sex, got a baby and I aborted it. Now we can’t stop sleeping together. I love God most and…
Read MoreWho raised Obed?
Question: I just finished Ruth. In Ruth 4:16, it states, “Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her lap, and became his nurse”. There is a footnote in the NASB that says the term, “laid in her lap” is an example of taking “as her own”. So, did Naomi or Ruth raise Obed? Answer:…
Read MoreIs it wrong to divorce my wife if she moves out?
Question: I found out less than six months ago that my wife of two years was seeing another man. My wife and I had been together for over five years before I asked her to marry me. Before we were married she was in a short relationship with her boss who is married with kids. …
Read MoreCan I overcome pornography by myself?
Question: Hi, I’m 20. You are the first to know what I’m about to say here: When I was in high school, I used to be teased for being very naive. This was because I often didn’t understand those dirty jokes my friends were talking about, sexual terms, etc. So one day I decided to…
Read MoreI’m dating a non-Christian, but what if she never becomes a Christian?
Question: All right, I am in a relationship with a non-Christian who I am trying to reach out to. She loves me, and I love her. We have a lot in common. Her parents love me. I am pursuing possibly going into youth ministry. Right now I’m taking general classes. The problem I am having…
Read MoreI recently caught my son masturbating. What advice can I give him?
Question: Hello, I recently caught my son masturbating. I wasn’t aware that he had begun to do something like that. I talked with him about it, and he does feel it’s wrong to do it. He feels he is doing it too much and has difficulty resisting it. He has also looked at pornographic material…
Read MoreA man got me pregnant and now won’t marry me or support the child. What do I do?
Question: Good day sir, I am a single lady, in my late twenties, who was impregnated by a man in his early thirties. Initially, when he found out I was pregnant, he accepted responsibility and promised to marry me. But shortly afterward he changed his mind saying he never planned to marry me. However, my…
Read MoreHow many times do you have to have a baby?
Question: How many times do you have to have a baby? Answer: There has never been a requirement for having children beyond God’s general command to mankind to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:7).
Read MoreAm I an exception to the rule? Has God forgiven me?
Question: I needed some guidance for a particular situation I have put myself in. To be blunt, it is on the hot topic of adultery. Now before anyone judges me for my horrible sin, let me give you some background. I have been raised in an amazing Christian family and grew up in a wonderful…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to commit your plans to God?
Question: What does it mean to commit your plans to God? Does it simply mean just tell God what you plan in prayer and, of course, making sure your plan is in accordance with His will? Since God directs our steps, then whatever good we do benefits the whole church. What does that mean exactly?…
Read MoreIs Paul talking only about unequal yoking in II Corinthians 6:14?
Question: I must question slightly your discourse about II Corinthians and marriage. I am pleased that you do not recommend anyone marry an unbeliever. And you are correct that many will ignore that advice. The part I question is that you read something into the scripture that isn’t there and have overlooked your own quote of…
Read MoreWhat should I pray for?
Question: I am confused about praying. Say, for example, I really want to be signed up to a dance class, but I know the possibility of that happening is zero, or I want a job, do I pray to God and expect these things to happen eventually? I know you have to put effort into…
Read MoreIs disobeying my parents a sin?
Question: Is disobeying my parents a sin? What if I did something that’s not sinful (like daydreaming or not concentrating on school), but they told me not to do it. If I disobeyed them, did I sin? Answer: The commands are: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father…
Read MoreWhat is the proper way to distribute an inheritance?
Question: What are the biblical guidelines in regard to the proper way to distribute an inheritance? In regards to emphasis, should it be based on sex, capability, relationship, need, character, or other factors? For example, should inheritance be given more to a male, a wise person, or a close family, or a needy one? Ref:…
Read MoreI keep falling back into sin. Does it mean I’m not determined enough?
Question: Since I keep on falling back into sin further and further, repeatedly. Does that mean I don’t have a real determination to change? I want to change, yet I find myself just behaving worse than before. What should I do? Answer: There are a few possibilities. The most likely problem is a lack of…
Read MoreHow can the church exist without a succession of apostles?
Question: I happened upon your website today and you mention a few things I’ve been wondering about. I’ve studied Catholicism quite a bit, and am continually searching for Truth, and you seem to be headed there as well. Of course, Jesus is Truth, but how well has that Truth been handed down in 2000 years?…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to gird yourself with strength?
Question: Hello brother, My question is: would you explain Proverbs 31:17 to me? Thank you. Answer: “She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night” (Proverbs 31:17-18). “Girding” refers to the older style of clothing. If you had a…
Read MoreHow do I handle a husband with a drinking problem?
Question: Hi, I am a member of the Lord’s church, as well as my husband. We have been married for about five years with a couple of kids. When we first move to where we currently live, we both attended church; fast forward a year later, he started hanging out with friends who drank, and…
Read MoreWhat if I don’t know I’m sinning?
Question: Are you saying we are not judged based on our ignorance or things we don’t know are sin? If so that doesn’t apply to those outside of Christ does it? Can you give me some Scriptures so I can get a better grasp? Answer: “For there is no partiality with God. For as many…
Read MoreWill God condemn a new Christian who still has a lot to learn?
Question: Will God condemn a newborn babe in Christ who is striving with every fiber of his being to grow and mature as the Bible commands? This babe in Christ realizes the urgency of studying to rightly divide God’s word, and every time he learns he is guilty of sin, he repents. But because he…
Read MoreSome questions about judgments
Question: Please forgive me for taking up your time, but I became so excited when I came across this site! I understand that ignorance is not an excuse, and that transgression of God’s laws is sin. However, this is my question: What if my brother who was just taught the gospel of Christ a few…
Read MoreYour lessons made me smile
Question: I have been attempting to find faith in God for some years now. I am off work today due to being very sick with a cold and started to research why some books were left out of the Bible when I came across your website, and I find I really feel good after reading…
Read MoreDoes John 14:15 mean we are under the Ten Commandments?
Question: I love your website! It has been very helpful to me in my studies. I have been studying with a friend of mine who still believes that we are under the ten commandments. He wants to use the verse John 14:15 “If you love me keep my commandments” as proof that we are still…
Read MoreI got a chance to teach some young adults. Any suggestions?
Question: I am going to host a Bible study in my home for my son’s friends who have indicated an interest (17 to 21-year-olds). Any pointers, subject, etc.? I plan on starting out with the reliability of the Bible. Answer: At this age range, the ability to reason has kicked in strongly, so it isn’t…
Read MoreI really messed up. How do I restore my relationship with my fiance?
Question: Hello, I am 24 years of age. I have been in a very serious relationship for over three years. We have had so many challenging times, but somehow we always pulled through. My boyfriend and I got engaged about a year ago. We are Christians, and he is such a good spiritual leader to…
Read More