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Is it wrong to sell food, books, candy, drinks, etc. in God’s house to raise money?
Question: Is it wrong to sell food, books, candy, drinks, etc. in God’s house to raise money to go on trips or to help buy the things the church needs? Answer: Your question is actually backward. You should be asking if it is right to do those things. Since God told us that “as His…
Read MoreThank you for explaining controversial issues
Question: I am full of praise for your web site that explains controversial issues for people to understand and remove the burden of misinterpretation from their minds. In fact I only got to know of your site about two days ago, but on going through some of the answers that you have provided for the…
Read MoreWhy did Paul have Timothy circumcised after the council in Jerusalem?
Question: I was scanning the questions and found the Jewish lineage one. Timothy was counted as Jewish because of his mother. Paul circumcised him and we know that Timothy’s father was a Gentile while his mother and grandmother were Jewish. Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised after the council at Jerusalem? As stated in, “Was Hebrew…
Read MoreShould an absent father be invited to graduation?
Question: My neighbor has a son who is confused about whether to invite his father to his 8th-grade graduation. The parents are divorced and his dad has only called twice in the last two years. His father has only visited a handful of times over the past twelve years. The father feels that the son…
Read MoreWould the Exodus have been a two-week walk?
Question: Also, in Deuteronomy 8:2, I heard that same preacher say that it should have been a two-week walk for their travel from Egypt, but it took them 40 years instead. A two-week walk? Answer: For one person or a nation? It took three months to get from Egypt to Sinai (Exodus 19:1-2). And then…
Read MoreWere the disciples rowing the boat for seven hours?
Question: In Mark 6:45, were the disciples rowing that boat for 7 hours? I know it says the “fourth watch” but is that equivalent to 7 hours like I heard a preacher say? Answer: In the days before timepieces, people tended to divide the days and nights into three-hour segments. While you might not know…
Read MoreWhy didn’t Lot turn down his daughters’ advances?
Question: Why did Lot in Genesis 19, get drunk, have sex with his daughters, and get them pregnant? I wondered what was the purpose? Couldn’t he have just said no to his daughters? Answer: A major problem with all drugs, including alcohol, is that they impair a person’s judgment. Things that normally would be rejected somehow become “reasonable” to…
Read MoreIs Paul talking about destroying the body with food or sin in I Corinthians 3:16-17?
Question: In I Corinthians 3:16,17, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye.” Paul talks about the temple of God, which I…
Read MoreYou shouldn’t condemn those who believe baptism is unnecessary for salvation
Question: I am a Christian, a part of the Church of the Nazarene. I myself have been baptized, but it becomes a concern to me when many others find it absolutely necessary to be baptized with water to be saved. I am very open to the consideration of the doctrines of men that find their…
Read MoreIf we had committed fornication, would God judge us and force us to divorce?
Question: Of late, I have been pouring over the articles on the La Vista church website. I came across a number of articles that have left me a bit confused. I wonder if my girlfriend and I can still get married even though we committed fornication. According to “Why Sex Outside of Marriage is Wrong,”…
Read MoreMy girlfriend and I fear we will lose each other, even though we aren’t fighting. What are we doing wrong?
Question: I hope you don’t consider me a whiner, but I know you are one person who gives me straight answers. My girlfriend and I are engulfed with this fear of losing one another or breaking up. We are not fighting, but the fear is there. Is this normal? What are we doing wrong? Kindly…
Read MoreHow do I know which church is the right one?
Question: Hello, I am a struggling 24-year-old who has been struggling with what church to go to and what kind it should be. The reason for this is because I have been to four different churches and everyone claims that their church or religion is the right one. How would I know what is the…
Read MoreI’m using your pictures in a study with senior citizens
Question: Thank you for these wonderful old Bible story pictures from my childhood. I am using then in a study with senior citizens! Blessings! Answer: You are welcome.
Read MoreThank you for a web site that pulls no punches
Question: Thank you for your boldness in creating a web site that pulls no punches. I have read “How to Misunderstand the Bible” and “Sons of Thunder” a great blessing to me. And please continue doing what you are doing Thank you! Answer: I appreciate the encouragement.
Read MoreDo you need to be thinking about remission of sin when being baptized for it to be valid?
Question: I am a member of the church but have become paranoid recently about an issue relating to baptism. I read something recently by a member of the church who wrote that if you were not “thinking” about remission of sins specifically when you were baptized, then your baptism was basically no good. My story is…
Read MoreIn regards to Acts 2:38, Satan certainly has you fooled!
Question: Just read your article on Acts 2:38. Satan certainly has you fooled! Answer: I assume you are referring to “Is Acts 2:38 Heresy?” Given that you offer only an empty opinion, not answering according to scripture as God commands (I Peter 4:11), the evidence in regards to foolishness doesn’t point in the direction you think.…
Read MoreCan my girlfriend and I get married after committing fornication?
Question: I have some issues I want to share with you so you can pray with me and give me some advice. I was searching the web for some answers on some Christian web sites when I came across your answer to a question that I had, and I am in a similar situation. My…
Read MoreHow do I teach my girlfriend the truth?
Question: You have helped me in the past, and I’m very happy to be asking you a question on much better and different terms. I am a Christian and attend a church of Christ. I believe in what the Bible teaches and like to think the church I worship at does as well. I have been…
Read MoreWhat is godly sorrow and how can a wheelchair-bound person be baptized?
Question: I plan to be baptized as soon as I feel that I have properly obeyed the prerequisite commands to baptism: Hear the gospel, believe the gospel, repent of past sins, confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and after being baptized remaining faithful until death. Which brings me to my questions,…
Read MoreWho are those who love and practice a lie?
Question: In Revelation 22:15, John seems to be saying one last time who will enter the kingdom and who will not. All the other things I understand, but the last part when he says those who love and practice a lie is somewhat unclear to me. I understand the general meaning and how that relates…
Read MoreWas the Hebrew lineage ever determined through the females in history?
Question: Regarding biblical lineage: Was there ever a time in the course of history when Hebrew lineage was recorded through the female? Answer: Lineage was traced through the males throughout the Bible. The only exception is in the case of Jesus because his father was God. You can see this in all the lineages where the…
Read MoreAre small group meetings in place of the Sunday evening assembly or midweek study scriptural?
Question: Hello. I appreciate your work and respect your knowledge of the Word. I have a question concerning the small group phenomenon in the Lord’s church. Is there a scriptural basis for the small group to not assemble at the appointed times (mostly Sunday evening worship and Wednesday Bible study) though the elders approved it?…
Read MoreCan a person understand the Bible without the Holy Spirit’s help?
Question: Regarding the Ten Commandments: Hi there. My advice is that you take and read the Bible. Do not put your ideas into it. There are other people who do understand the Bible. Therefore, read Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32. This is exactly what you do on your web site. I am sorry. I do not try…
Read MoreThank you for your lesson on the greatest commandment
Question: Matthew 22:37 to me is the reason we are here. Deuteronomy 6:5-8 gives me the assurance of God’s love for us. We are to love Him at all time regardless of our situation. Sometimes it scares me that the love of God is so powerful yet so gentle. Romans 11:27-36 finalizes Jesus and Holy…
Read MoreWhy was Jesus born of a virgin?
Question: Some people try to explain that Jesus was born to a virgin because if he born like us he would become sinful. They then conclude that men are born sinful. I know that men are not born sinful. But I cannot able to explain to them the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Please explain…
Read MoreHow do you handle a rebellious 17-year-old who plans to move out and marry his girlfriend?
Question: I have a rebellious 17-year-old son living at home. Recently he received a speeding ticket. For punishment, he is grounded. He will turn 18 shortly and is threatening to move out. He also wants to marry his girlfriend of several months. I have tried everything to help him serve the Lord and do what…
Read MoreWhat do I do? My boyfriend doesn’t want to get married and I do
Question: My boyfriend and I live together. We’ve been living together for two years. He doesn’t want to get married. I do. Also, I am Christian, he is agnostic. I have tried to talk to him about God, but he wants proof. I don’t know what to do. When we first got together, I was…
Read MoreWhen is a divorce final?
Question: When is a divorce final? If a man or a woman discontinues the marriage, is the divorce final in God’s eyes? Or is it not final until the courts decide the outcome? Answer: God didn’t establish details for what constitutes a marriage beyond the fact that a covenant creates it (Malachi 2:14). The terms…
Read MoreDoes “sexual immorality” (porneia) include masturbation?
Question: I would like to just say in some previous answers you have said that masturbation is not mentioned as a sin, but it is. We are told in Acts 15:20 to flee from sexual immorality. Today, most of the world sees masturbation as sexual immorality, and it has always been considered that. Because the term isn’t…
Read MoreHow could Adam name all those animals in one day?
Question: I have a question regarding making sense of the six days of creation and 24 hour days. How long did it take Adam to name the animals? Did he name all those animals within one literal 24 hour period on day six of the creation week? Answer: “Out of the ground the LORD God…
Read MoreMy husband of a few months thinks he married too young and wants a divorce. What should I do?
Question: My husband is much younger than I am. We’ve been married now for just a few months. Our relationship took off kind of fast. He is deployed now to another country and since has been going back and forth with the thought of divorce. I have kids, none of them are his by blood.…
Read MoreI’m not certain if I could spank a child I’m watching
Question: I’m a young Christian lady (27 years old) who watches an 11-year-old boy on a regular basis. His parents will go on a two-month trip and have asked me to move into their home and take care of him while they are gone. I will be happy to do so, but I have a…
Read MoreWe can’t get married right now, but we can’t keep from engaging in sexual acts. What do we do?
Question: My girlfriend and I have a very serious problem. But first, a little history. When we met, I was not a Christian. She has been one for her entire life. In meeting her, she showed me the way to God, and I was baptized a few months ago. Together we have grown immensely in…
Read MoreIf it was taught that the Old Covenant was abolished, why was the conference in Jerusalem necessary?
Question: In Acts 15, we have the elders, apostles, missionaries, prophets, and the Holy Spirit coming together to decide if the Gentile Christians were to keep the Old Covenant Law and circumcision. Most Christians teach that the Old Covenant was abolished at the cross. If this is true, then why was the conference needed? Why…
Read MoreCan a Christian eat anything?
Question: Everything documented fine until your statement that a Christian can eat anything. This contradicts the statement of Jesus that He did not come to change the Law but to complete it. The dietary laws of Deuteronomy are still in effect. And for very good reason. Look carefully at the forbidden animals. The list is…
Read MoreCan a person, ashamed over their living condition, be too proud to ask for help?
Question: This was asked of me by a friend. I don’t know the answer. I told her I don’t think shame can turn to pride. Can being ashamed of something be misinterpreted? Such as having a house that has become unliveable, and being overhelmed by it? I am ashamed because I let it get that…
Read MoreIs it good in a relationship to express our true feelings so we can know each other better?
Question: Your advice is really solid. One thing we’ve decided to do in our relationship is to give each other the freedom to express our true feelings and reaction so we can know each other better. Sometimes things get too bad, and we end up emotionally hurt. But we don’t let it sleep with us.…
Read MoreWhy did Peter follow Jesus in Matthew 26:28?
Question: Why did Peter follow Jesus in Matthew 26:28? Is your understanding that the “reason” that he followed Jesus was only because he wanted to see what was going to happen? Not to stand up for Jesus? Perhaps I should have explained that I am working on a lesson for Sunday morning and the point that I want…
Read MoreIs it wrong to question your pastor about what is in the Bible?
Question: If your pastor is wrong about what’s in the Bible, is it wrong to question him about it or openly disagree with him? Answer: A part of the answer to this question must be how you approach the disagreement. “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on…
Read MoreWas faith an absolute requirement for Jesus’ healing people?
Question: Was faith the absolute requirement for Jesus’ healing people? Answer: “Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to…
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