Answer
Should I marry the man I’ve already had sex with?
Question: Hello there! I am emailing because I’ve been in turmoil this past month. Recently, I’ve felt that the Lord has strengthened my conviction to follow him. I plan on hopefully being baptized by the end of the year. My church is very Protestant; they believe in purity, and I’ve heard many stories of those…
Read MoreYou should reword your home page
Question: My wife just happened upon your cover page and read the “Who We Are” statement. I have used your website for a couple of decades. Many times, when I want detailed information about the church of Christ’s viewpoint on a topic, I will add the words “la vista church of Christ” since I know…
Read MoreMy life is a ruin
Question: My friend, I don’t know where to begin. I have prayed to the Lord for wisdom. I don’t know where, but I’ll just begin. As a child, I grew up very lonely. I later found out I have autism, though I am high-functioning. As I got older, I had to go to preschool, where…
Read MoreDoes it matter how well we sing?
Question: Hello Jeffrey, I hope you’re doing well by the grace of God. You have been of tremendous help to me. God richly bless you. Please, I have some questions that I want your help with. What I know: God is the audience of our worship. But when we teach as an act of worship,…
Read MoreWho was the greatest king?
Question: Good day, brother Jeffrey! About Hezekiah, we read in II Kings 18:5-6: Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the…
Read MoreCan a non-Christian serve in worship?
Question: I have a great deal of respect for your website and the articles on it. However, I don’t agree 100% with everything. I have worshipped in congregations that have and don’t have a fellowship hall; neither bothers me. The congregation installed elders and deacons, which has caused some problems. I have a question about…
Read MoreI don’t think I’ll ever be perfect
Question: I struggle to keep my heart and thoughts on God through the day. I’ll be doing good for a while, then doubts creep in, saying you won’t ever amount up to God by trying to be perfect, even though Jesus said to be perfect like the Father. I feel as though He’s grown tired…
Read MoreWhy does the Bible talk of other gods?
Question: Good evening! I have been wondering about certain things in the Bible, specifically the “Divine Council.” There are many different verses I can use, but I want to focus on three: The first being Psalm 82:1: “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.” I generally don’t accept that…
Read MoreI’m grateful for your article on tent-making ministers
Question: Peace to you sir, I’m very grateful for your article on tent-making ministers. I’m enlightened by it. I look forward to try implementing it in my context. Be blessed indeed. In the Master’s Royal Service, Answer: I’m glad the article is helpful.
Read MoreCan you explain Leviticus 19:20 more?
Question: Does Leviticus 19:20 imply that if the slave woman was not betrothed, it was not a sin to sleep with her? What punishment would it have been? Is the primary sin harm of the owner’s property or sexual sin in itself? Why is no monetary compensation paid, unlike Deuteronomy 22? Thank you! Answer: “Now…
Read MoreIs it wrong to link to WVBS or GBN?
Question: Is it wrong for a church to link to WVBS or GBN on its website? I’m unsure if it’s right or wrong, but I’d at least like your thoughts, if you don’t mind. Thanks. Answers: World Video Bible School (WVBS) and Gospel Broadcasting Network (GBN) solicit funding from individuals and churches. “WVBS is organized…
Read MoreThis one really hit home
Question: Thank you. “Thankful for the No-Names” really hit home for me. Most of my preaching years were spent in smaller churches, just as you described. There are many who serve in such a capacity. More that we know. Thank you. I appreciate your articles. Answer: You’re welcome. Like you, I’ve spent all my life…
Read MoreDoes Leviticus 20:10 permit adultery with the wife of a Gentile?
Question: Maimonides says that the repeated clause in Leviticus 20:10 is written this way to permit adultery with the wife of a Gentile. Is there any truth to that? And why is it written in such an ambiguous way? Is it to reveal human evils? Answer: The text of Leviticus 20:10 literally reads: “and a…
Read MoreAm I being unrepentant?
Question: Hello, I am a fellow disciple of Christ who recently has had his faith attacked from seemingly every possible angle. The foremost attack is self-inflicted in the form of a sin I committed. I want to preface this with two things: First, I need to hear the truth, no matter how painful. Second, I…
Read MoreHow do I get over this woman?
Question: I need some guidance. I was going to church and celebrating recovery, also serving at church, but I never felt connected to people or God. I felt like a loner like every other time I attempted to go to church. I started talking to this girl, my mom’s co-worker, whom I’ve always thought was…
Read MoreWe can’t find a good congregation
Question: Hello, I’m facing a dilemma and seek guidance to do the right thing. My husband and I used to attend the only church in our area that lacks a kitchen. We stopped going because the preacher left, there are no elders, and the men currently leading the church are not biblically sound in their…
Read MoreWhat can I say to someone who frequently says, “I swear to God”?
Question: What can I say to someone who says “I swear to God”? Thanks Answer: The goal should be to get the person to think about what they are saying. Often, people use catchphrases without much thought. Thus, I would ask, “Do you think so little of the truth of your own words that you…
Read MoreCan a woman conduct marriages?
Question: Good day, sir, Can a woman conduct marriages? Answer: Marriages are not a function of the church. God established them when the world started (Genesis 2:24), long before Christ established the church. Now, in a marriage ceremony, it is typical to teach a bit about what God says about marriage. This then runs into…
Read MoreMy husband left me, claiming I was violent
Question: Hi! Please share your wisdom with me. I am standing in need of spiritual guidance and prayer. I have been married for over a year. Half the time I was together with my husband at home and half the time we’ve been separated. My husband did the unimaginable and betrayed me. I was raised…
Read MoreIs it a sin for a woman to cut her hair?
Question: Is it a sin for a woman to cut her hair? Answer: “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a…
Read MoreI found out that the woman I’m dating had a fake marriage when she was younger
Question: I have a question, as my head has been scrambled these past few days, though I have been praying. I have been talking to this lady for some time now, and everything has been going well. Still, while discussing things with her recently, I realized that she got her immigration papers using a sham…
Read MoreDid God give my friend a new car?
Question: Good day, A friend of mine bought a new car, so he said God blessed him with the car. This made me think. I know God gave us in a general sense because we live in God’s framework. He set the boundaries, but in a specific sense, God did not give him the car.…
Read MoreHow do we resolve a conflict between two brethren?
Question: Greetings sir. I trust you have been doing well. I have a matter that needs your advice on dealing with conflict resolution. I have these two brethren who had a misunderstanding over a report on the church building project. They belong to the team overseeing the project. One is the leader, and the other…
Read MoreI suggested a plan for overcoming sexual sin, but my girlfriend wants to take a break
Question: Hey, My girlfriend and I have been struggling with sexual sin. We’ve been praying for God to help us. I suggested a plan for us to get better: We should both ask God and each other for forgiveness individually. Read Psalm 38 together, thinking about each verse and writing down our thoughts. List all…
Read MoreHow sorry do you have to be to repent?
Question: How sorry do you have to be for your sins to repent? I am sorry, but I don’t think I’m sad enough or something because I’m not in tears over my sins, even though I want to be. I worry about my salvation every day. It’s been over ten years, and I’m miserable. I…
Read MoreWas she married?
Question: Greetings in Jesus’ name, I was searching for an answer to a particular question that affected me, and I came across a similar question and answer on your website. I’m not yet married. I fell in love with a girl in my locality. I was born and raised there before immigrating to another country…
Read MoreShould I divorce my husband? (2)
Question: Hello, My husband and I have recently separated. He lives in a different spot. It’s been hard for me to decide whether or not I should stand for my marriage or just file for divorce. There was infidelity on my part 7 years ago, and I had carried the guilt with me for a…
Read MoreDo I have grounds for a divorce?
Question: Greetings from the Philippines! I support your website and have been reading the posts and questions of other readers. I came to you because you answer the questions carefully and evaluate each scenario. I have been a Christian all my life by religion but just recently surrendered my life to Christ. My husband and…
Read MoreDoes God save people who develop Alzheimer’s?
Question: Dear Brother Hamilton, My sister has a friend who has been a lesbian all her adult life. This friend now has Alzheimer’s. Will she now be saved because she can no longer decide to follow Christ? I’m wondering who qualifies as the mentally ill who will be saved. Answer: You are ignoring the fact…
Read MoreCan a wife disagree with her husband?
Question: Good day, Minister, I trust this finds you well. Could you please shed light on and give guidance on the following questions? I have been dating my boyfriend for several years now. In the second year of our relationship, he mentioned wanting to come to my home to start the lobola proceedings. I told…
Read MoreIs “Once a cheat, always a cheat” true?
Question: I do have another question regarding infidelity. There is a phrase that goes, “Once a cheat, always a cheat”. I guess that also applies to abusers, convicts, etc. Anyway, it has been going around, and I am sure it has been for a long time. In fact, I have also seen Christians using this…
Read MoreIs it proper for a Christian to be sexy?
Question: Is it okay for a Christian to be sexy (both male and female)? How do you define the word “sexy”? Answer: The Oxford Dictionary defines “sexy” as “sexually attractive or exciting” when applied to others or “sexually aroused” when applied to yourself. Therefore, by definition, “sexy” is referring to sexual lust. “Likewise, I want…
Read MoreCan an elder step down from the position?
Question: A thing of concern is that elders are not allowed to step down from their positions. The only time an elder can step down is when his wife passes away. What if the elder and his family relocate to a different area or country, or when that elder goes to preach the gospel in…
Read MoreAre elders called by God?
Question: Hello Brother, I hope you are well. I am a member of the Lord’s church. I have a question: Are Elders called by God to serve as Elders? If so, why did God give us the qualifications in scripture? I don’t believe this is true, but some congregations teach this in their pulpits. I…
Read MoreAm I appropriately spending time with God?
Question: Good day, sir! I have a question about whether I am appropriately spending time with God. Every morning, I set my alarm to 5 a.m. to wake up and spend time with God before doing anything else. I wake up, turn off my alarm, turn my phone over to avoid being distracted, grab a…
Read MoreDo I leave my alcoholic husband?
Question: Hello, I have been reading and following your website for several years and found it very helpful and edifying. I am writing to you for some scriptural guidance on my marriage. I have been married to my husband for many years. I am a member of the church, but he is not. As with…
Read MoreI think I might have read something inappropriate in church
Question: Back a few months ago, I think I read something sexual while in church, maybe a fanfic? I don’t really quite remember. I don’t know if I continued reading it or not. The memory has been completely wiped off my head. I don’t know if I read it at church or if I even…
Read MoreWe took a break in our relationship, but I don’t know if I want to get back together
Question: Dear Mr Hamilton, I hope this finds you well. I read an article from your website titled “Can a couple who committed fornication manage to have a good marriage?” It was wonderful and answered many of my questions because my scenario is similar to the one narrated in the article. The difference is in…
Read MoreDo I have enough faith?
Question: Hello Mr. Hamilton, I am writing to you because I have been researching OCD a lot, and I see that you address a lot of OCD-related issues. I know I have OCD, although I have never been formally diagnosed. I deal with unwanted thoughts, thoughts I feel like I want, urges, sensations, and feelings,…
Read MoreCan my father lay a curse on me?
Question: Good evening, sir, I have a question. I have obeyed my father, which is my responsibility as his son. He usually cared for the house, providing everything when my mum was alive. Now that my mum is dead, he no longer takes care of the family; two 17-year-old children are now far away from the…
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